Mercadito, a longstanding River North restaurant, has expanded with a second Chicago location. The restaurant brings its signature Mexican cuisine and cocktail program to Lincoln Park.
Mercadito Expands with a Second Chicago Location
The second Mercadito location opened at 2423 N. Lincoln Ave. on June 5. The restaurant offers Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. The new space is introduced following the success of Mercadito’s flagship restaurant, which has operated in River North for 17 years.
Alexander Quintero, Executive Chef, leads the culinary program. He has extensive culinary experience at Chicago restaurants, including Toro Chicago and Aikana Chicago. Quintero was born in Miami and raised in Costa Rica and Colombia. His background is rooted in Latin American culinary traditions with a focus on bold flavors.
The restaurant has established a loyal customer base for its tacos, guacamole, and cocktail menu. It is a place for people to gather for casual meals, weekend brunches, and special events.
“We’ve built an incredible community in River North over the years, and we’re excited to bring that same energy and experience to a neighborhood that feels equally dynamic and welcoming. This location allows us to evolve the Mercadito experience while staying true to what guests have always loved about the brand”, McDavid said.
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Inside the Mexican Restaurant
The Lincoln Park restaurant is designed to accommodate a range of dining occasions. A bar area near the front entrance welcomes guests. The interior includes a large dining room, a private dining area with glass windows and trellis details.
The restaurant has custom tilework throughout the space. There are also outdoor seating areas, providing extra capacity in the summer season.
The new location carries on with Mercadito’s “Tacos 4 Strength” program. The monthly program allows the restaurant to collaborate with community partners for specialty taco menus. These are then available on the restaurant’s menu every first Wednesday of the month.
What’s On Mercadito’s Menu
The restaurant’s menu features many of its signature dishes along with some items created specifically for the new location. One of the unique specialties is the Quesabirria Pizza, layered with beef birria, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, and Gouda cheeses.
Guests can also enjoy the Sangrita cocktail, which will be available only in Lincoln Park. A new dessert menu has been rolled out throughout both Chicago locations.
Signature items include queso fundido, handmade guacamole, and fresh ceviches. The taco menu includes butter-poached langosta, mushroom-based hongos, ancho-rubbed pastor, and beer-battered baja.
A wide selection of tequila and mezcal is also available. The Lincoln Park location is currently open for dinner service and plans to introduce brunch later in June.
The restaurant’s bottomless brunch, for $35 per person, will feature unlimited margaritas, mimosas, amiga sandias, Bloody Marys, hard Topo Chicos, and Tecates. Guests can expect happy hour specials featuring select food and drink offerings available for $10.
