Tallboy Taco opens in Streeterville

A taco joint inspired by the flavors of California street food debuts Wednesday, Sept. 2, at its new Streeterville location.

Tallboy Taco, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, originally launched in October 2014 in River North. The new version of the restaurant, located at 676 N. St. Clair St., features a brand-new menu and includes both patio and dining room seating, as well as carryout, delivery and customizable catering options.

Diners are invited to celebrate the opening this week with a free taco with their purchase, available with in-restaurant dining and carry-out. The offer lasts all day from Sept. 2-4.

Amarit Dulyapaibul, a partner with Lettuce Entertain You and Tallboy Taco, said the re-imagined restaurant represents "a complete evolution of the brand." One of the major changes is bringing in fresh masa each day and hand-pressing the tortillas in-house, he said.

"Every single one of our tacos is made out of a homemade, warm, heirloom tortilla," he explained. "And I would say it all starts there for us."

The restaurant's taco offerings include varieties such as grilled chicken chimichurri, crispy fish and masa-crusted avocado, as well as an assortment of breakfast tacos served all day. The drink menu features homemade aguas frescas, frozen cocktails and coffees, including an horchata black and tan.

Dulyapaibul said Streeterville was an ideal location for the restaurant because of the company's strong relationship with Northwestern University, as well as the generous sidewalk space in the area. In a post-COVID world, he said, he anticipates Tallboy Taco featuring a "really inviting patio that's open for as long as we can."

"I think now, more than ever, people are looking for a distraction and something approachable and something comforting," he said. "And I can't think of anything that's more craveable or more comforting than just a great, great taco. An ice-cold frozen margarita, a beer and a great handmade taco. We're hoping it just provides that distraction and that moment of comfort right now."