Mercadito opens second location in Lincoln Park

One of River North’s most popular destinations for Mexican cuisine, Mercadito, is officially branching out after 17 years with a new location debuting in Lincoln Park.

The restaurant, which opened its doors on Friday, June 5, is located at 2423 N. Lincoln Ave., in the heart of Chicago's North Side, just minutes from the DePaul Campus, Lincoln Street nightlife, and much more.

Mercadito has been family-run in River North for the better part of two decades, serving up elevated Hispanic food and handcrafted cocktails that have turned it into an institution in its neighborhood with both locals and tourists alike.

Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

The new location marks the first time the organization has expanded in Chicago, with the project being helmed by one of the restaurant group's managing partners, William McDavid. McDavid said that “Lincoln Park was the natural next chapter for Mercadito…the location allows us to evolve the Mercadito experience while staying true to what guests have always loved about the brand.”

The culinary program is led by executive chef Alexander Quintero, who joins the Mercadito team after stints at top-rated Chicago establishments, including Toro and Aikana. Quintero and Mercadito strive to deliver a menu that feels both vibrant and approachable while staying true to Latin American culinary traditions. 

The menu offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes from fan-favorite classics to bold, innovative creations. Highlights include appetizers like the Queso Fundido and Ahi Tuna Tostada, large-format entrees like the Chili Relleno and Argentinian Steak Frites, and a popular taco bar headlined by the short rib Quesabirria.

Read more on Chicago Star:

• Gibson's night of presidents, power players and Hollywood legends

• A star-studded celebration for the Obama Presidential Center opening

• Chicago Hounds make rugby history as Chef Art Smith adds star power

The Lincoln Park location will also offer some exclusive menu items, including the Quessibiria Pizza, a savory appetizer loaded with slow-roasted meat and melted cheese, and the Sangrita, a house-crafted sip offering a playful spin on the classic Sangria.

The new restaurant will also offer a happy hour featuring $10 margaritas, $5 Tecates and $10 app/taco deals on weekdays from 4-5:30 p.m., as well as a 15% discount across the menu for all active DePaul students from Sunday to Thursday.

The space itself is expertly designed to deliver an upscale yet welcoming experience that remains perfect for both a classy night out on the town or just a casual drink after a long day of work. Guests are greeted by an inviting front bar located next to a spacious main dining room lit up by retractable windows opening up onto Lincoln Avenue. In the summertime, the front sidewalk will be set up for outdoor dining, while an indoor back dining space is open to the public but also available to rent for private events.

Currently, the Lincoln Park Mercadito is only open for dinner hours starting at 4 p.m.; however, the plan is to launch brunch operations this summer that will mirror the popular specials at the River North Flagship. This includes the brand's signature bottomless brunch, which offers unlimited margaritas, mimosas, Amiga Sandias, hard Topo Chicos, Bloody Marys, and Tecates for $35 per person.

So whether you're a Chicago regular or just passing through, Mercadito’s new location continues to cultivate the welcoming environment and exciting flavors that have cemented the brand as one of the best Latin American cuisine experiences in the city.

For more information on Mercaditos locations, deals, menu items, or to schedule a reservation, visit the restaurant's website at Mercaditoresturantgroup.com.