A critical eye: Taco Joint

1969 N. Halsted {Halsted + Armitage}
(312) 951-2457

When it comes to big taste in tiny tacos, congratulations Big Star, you reign supreme. Taco Joint just doesn't cut it. The service was attentive but nothing to be wowed by, as you'd expect from a casual Mexican-Cantina restaurant. Unlike Zocalo (Taco Joint was developed by the same business group and chefs) which I thoroughly enjoyed for its rustic, smoky flavors, and authentic Dia de los Muertos-esque space, the Mexican fare at taco joint was mediocre at best.
Moving my uncertain opinion (I was optimistic that Taco Joint would be a fantastic Zocalo mini-me) into an assertive "no thanks" is the atmosphere at Taco Joint. It cannot compete with the minimalistic, cool vibe and insane outdoor seating you get at Big Star. It's unfortunate the way this restaurant space was conceived, it's totally disjointed and feels like you're eating in a dark, single-lane bowling alley. The hot pink and green logo had to be a tacky oversight- it reminds me of something you'd see on a sign at a cheesy theme park like Disney World. Or worse yet, Great America.
The house margarita was generic and the salted rim was not properly done, what bartender at a self-proclaimed TEQUILA bar doesn't know how to salt the rim? Two steps: line glass edge with lime and dip in salt. The only taco I would recommend was the "Tinga" the house "guac-salsa" in the taco was bold and added some much needed zing.
Price and portions were minimal- succinct with the food and drink end result. Go to the bigger, better Taqueria in town, Big Star.