Most taco joints stick to traditional Mexican flavors, but this Gold Coast spot liberates tacos with international ingredients creating cross-cultural sensations.
Velvet Taco serves premium food with fresh ingredients in a funky fast-casual setting where anything goes meets the art of the possible.
The casual trendy atmosphere with late-night hours until 4 AM on weekends makes this a bastion of affordable eats in an expensive neighborhood.
What Makes Velvet Taco Special
The restaurant creates everything from scratch including slow-roasted chicken, roasted corn, and boozy margaritas with lots of tequila throughout preparation.
Spicy Tikka Chicken taco with crisp tenders, tikka sauce, and basmati rice earns 208 reviews as the fan-favorite that surpasses expectations.
Weekly Taco Feature called “WTF” brings bold new tacos every week, creating excitement that keeps regulars coming back throughout ongoing visits.
The Story Behind the Tacos
Velvet Taco founded on the idea that tacos don’t need Tex-Mex associations and can match fine dining quality with care.
The Gold Coast location at 1110 N State Street provides quick bites with counter service where they call your name throughout efficient ordering.
The concept explores multi-cultural boundaries with tacos like Buffalo Chicken, Nashville Hot Tofu, and Fish & Chips proving global flavors work.
Chicago’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Spicy Tikka Chicken: Crisp tenders with spicy tikka sauce, buttered cilantro basmati rice, raita crema, and Thai basil at 420 calories creates the fan favorite. The 208 reviews prove this cross-cultural sensation makes people do a little dance when they bite in, especially after midnight. 🍛
- Chicken Tikka: Rotisserie chicken version delivers 258 reviews worth of raving friends recommending this Indian-Mexican fusion throughout the menu. The tender chicken with all the flavors punches straight in the mouth creating 10/10 taste throughout execution. 🐔
- Buffalo Chicken: Crisp tenders with house buffalo sauce, carrots, blue cheese, and ranch crema at 390 calories brings familiar flavors. The 159 reviews prove traditional American bar food translates perfectly to taco format throughout creative preparations. 🍗
- Rotisserie Chicken: Queso blanco, roasted corn pico, and charred tomato poblano salsa at 330 calories showcase slow-roasted quality throughout simple preparation. The 145 reviews show straightforward execution with fresh ingredients creates tender chicken that impresses consistently. 🌮
- Fried Paneer Taco: Tomato chutney, tikka sauce, raita crema, and Thai basil at 320 calories creates vegetarian Indian fusion. The 124 reviews prove this delicious option surpasses expectations for those seeking meatless tacos throughout diverse menu. 🧀
- Shrimp and Grits Tacos: Southern comfort food translated to taco format creates unique combinations throughout seafood offerings. The 59 reviews show this creative fusion brings regional American flavors to liberated taco concept. 🦐
- Fish and Chips: Beer-battered cod with curry aioli, french fries, malt vinegar, and napa slaw at 350 calories transforms British pub food. The off-the-charts delicious execution proves international flavors belong on flour tortillas throughout innovative menu. 🐟
- Nashville Hot Tofu: Crispy tofu with napa slaw, ranch crema, and house-brined pickles at 400 calories delivers vegetarian heat. The 61 reviews show Nashville hot chicken trend works perfectly with plant-based protein throughout spicy offerings. 🌶️
- Mexi-Cali Shrimp: Blackened shrimp with napa slaw, sriracha aioli, avocado, and roasted corn pico at 280 calories creates the fan-favorite seafood option. The bowl version delivers 460-870 calories of fresh coastal flavors throughout lighter taco choices. 🦐
- Quesa Birria Pork Duo: Slow-roasted pulled pork with gruyere, queso listo, pickled red onion, and birria consomé for dipping creates the fan favorite. The griddled corn tortillas with cheese blend transform traditional birria into shareable perfection throughout Mexican-inspired offerings. 🥩
Atmosphere
The Gold Coast location sits at 1110 N State Street with plenty of upstairs seating and clean bathrooms throughout the space.
Inside, casual trendy vibes with nice artwork create a chill ambiance where counter service keeps things moving fast.
The funky fast-casual setting welcomes dogs and kids while late-night hours until 4 AM Friday-Saturday serve post-midnight cravings perfectly.
Bottom Line
Visit Velvet Taco for liberated tacos featuring spicy tikka chicken, buffalo chicken, and weekly WTF specials worth the Gold Coast trip.
The scratch kitchen with slow-roasted proteins and fresh ingredients proves affordability doesn’t mean compromising quality throughout international flavors.
Late-night hours until 4 AM on weekends with Say What combos make this funky taco temple a neighborhood favorite. 🌟
Address: Velvet Taco
1110 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (Gold Coast, Near North Side)
📞 (312) 763-2654
🕐 Sun-Wed: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Thu: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Weekly Taco Features (WTF) | Dog-friendly | Say What Combo deals | Catering available | Late-night hours