WICKER PARK — Picante Taqueria is no longer just a tiny taco stand.
The popular restaurant in Wicker Park has taken over the shuttered Delish Diner next door, and now offers an expansive taco and tamale-based menu, plus beer, and "baile," or dancing, a sign in the window says.
Handwritten signs on the taco hut that's been a staple for at least 14 years have big arrows pointed west, to 2018 W. Division St.
"Same great taste now next door" and "Don't worry we're next door," the signs say.
On Sunday, Owner Felipe Caro, who owned the closed Delish Diner as well as Picante, said that Picante had a soft opening about a week ago and so far, business has been good.
"We were packed on Saturday," Caro said.
Delish Diner closed about two years ago and had a liquor license, which means that at the new and larger Picante, patrons can order a beer — and have a seat. Picante's original location offered no indoor seats but had a very large patio popular in the summer.
Fans of Caro's Authentaco, a recently shuttered spot near Ashland and Division, will recognize items made with huitlacoche, or "corn smut," a fungus which is a delicacy in Mexico and adds a smoky mushroom-like flavor, on the menu.
And regulars at Picante might be happy to see the long-running "White Boy Tacos" made with ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese, still on the menu.
Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thurs.; 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday and 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Ph: 773-328-8800.
Picante Taqueria new menu.
