Mexico City’s El Califa de León — The Only Taco Stand With A Michelin Star — Pops-Up In Chicago

Taquería El Califa de León is staging a pop-up at Tacombi's Wicker Park location Wednesday. Select tacos will be available through Nov. 28 there and at the restaurant's West Loop outpost.

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WICKER PARK — A Michelin-starred Mexico City taqueria is popping up in Chicago this month. El Califa de León has partnered with American taqueria chain Tacombi to offer its signature tacos Wednesday at the restaurant’s Wicker Park location, 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Several options will be available there through Nov. 28, as well as at Tacombi’s West Loop restaurant , 126 N. Peoria St.



El Califa de León has been in business for more than five decades in Mexico City, where it offers just a handful of taco options to eager customers. It was awarded a Michelin star earlier this year , becoming the first Mexican taco stand to get the prestigious nod. The Wicker Park pop-up Wednesday will feature El Califa owner Mario Hernandez Alonso serving his taqueria’s four signature tacos, plus two salsas and tortillas made in-house.

The event runs 5-8 p.m. and is walk-in only .

El Califa’s signature taco menu includes bistec (beef steak), costilla (beef rib), gaonera (beef filet) and chuleta (pork chop), according to the Michelin Guide . A post shared by Tacombi (@tacombi) Tacombi opened its Wicker Park location in May , following its first foray into the Chicago market with its West Loop restaurant last year. Since launching in 2006 out of a Volkswagen bus in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, the chain has become known for its tacos and quesadillas, while offering other dishes such as corn esquites and avocado tostadas.

There are currently around 20 Tacombi locations nationwide, according to the company’s website. “We are honored to partner with El Califa de León and share [its] tradition with our guests across Tacombi,” founder Dario Wolos said in a statement. Support Local News! All tax-deductible donations made to Block Club today will be doubled as part of the annual NewsMatch program to support independent, nonprofit newsrooms.

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