WEST LOOP — The tacos, tequila and Tex-Mex are coming.
Federales, a barbacoa-style tacos and tequila restaurant, opens Monday night at 180 N. Morgan St. in the West Loop.
A partnership between Four Corners Tavern Group and Brendan Sodikoff's Hogsalt Hospitality, the Mexican watering hole will serve up a variety of slow-cooked meats straight from a cast steel smoker. Tacos include the crispy pork belly al pastor, carne asada and shredded beef brisket.
“With Federales, we’ve created a concept that’s all about having fun,” said Matt Menna, co-founder of Four Corners. “We hope everything about this place feels new and refreshing for the neighborhood."
Tacos at Federales are served in platters of four ($16) or a la carte ($4) and dressed simply with shredded cabbage, thinly sliced radishes and lime wedges, and choice of warm flour or corn tortillas. Other menu items include a rotating selection of ceviches ($12), Baja-style shrimp cocktail ($12), a big nachos plate ($14) and queso fundido ($10).
The restaurant will also feature shaken and frozen house-made margaritas in a variety of flavors ($12), cocktails, including the Iceberg (a Corona Light draft topped with a frozen margarita) and Mexican beers. Guests can also shoot tequila from chilled shot glasses made of ice, according to a news release.
Federales, a new tacos and tequila restaurant, opens Monday at 180 N. Morgan St. in the West Loop.. [Marcin Cymmer]
Federales will also serve Tex-Mex fare aboard a custom trolley that will shuttle patrons to and from concerts and games at the United Center, much like WestEnd's shuttle.
Designed by Karen Herold of West Loop-based Studio K, the laid-back space is inspired by Mexico's road-side taco joints. With a fully retractable roof and traditional Mexican accents, the open air space seats 176 guests next to a patio and tequila garden with fire pit that seats 154 people.
A floor-to-ceiling mural in the space by artist Jason Botkin of EN MASSE features subtle nods to Four Corners' Chicago roots.
Federales will be open Monday-Thursday 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Friday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-3 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
The patio and tequila garden at Federales, opening Monday in the West Loop. [Marcin Cymmer]
Federales features a floor-to-ceiling mural by artist Jason Botkin of EN MASSE. [Marcin Cymmer]
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