Restaurant Review: Dining Outdoors in Winter? It’s easy at Barcocina locations in Lakeview and West Town
“You will feel the warmth of relaxing on a sunny beach and the coziness of a mountain cabin in the comfort of Chicago”
Barcocina website
During the pandemic, restaurant-sponsored Igloos became the go-to for families to dine together in a safe, socially distanced setting.
The concept proved so popular that some restaurants in Chicago have continued the tradition, where families can gather in a warm, cozy, elegantly appointed Igloo and enjoy a delicious brunch or dinner together.
One place that continues the tradition to this day is Barcocina, with locations in West Town and Lakeview. Barcocina fuses traditional Mexican cuisine and various multicultural cooking techniques into modern Mexican fare and a great experience for the entire family.
Igloos offer a family-friendly experience for groups of up to 15. For $75 per person, groups can sample four brunch, dinner, and drink items from their menus.
Choose from such items as Barcocina Guacamole, with cotija cheese and pasilla balsamic reduction, Elotes Corn Salsa, with crema, cojita cheese, and arbol chili. Street Corn Taco Salad has “grilled & chilled” corn, kale, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cotija cheese, with chili powder and santa fe dressing, served with tortilla. Mexican Onion Soup has melted pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, and pico de gallo, served in a taco bowl skillet.
Tacos are the draw at Barcocina, and the chefs have some fun with incorporating other specialties into tacos. For example, Cheeseburger Tacos are made with gound beef, smoked cheddar, and spicy pickles, served with mango ketchup, lettuce and tomato. Chicken Tinga has a fiery Jalapeno lime slaw and pickled onions. Greek Chicken has an herb marinade, feta cheese, and cucumbers. Bang Bang Shrimp is tempura-battered, with togarashi and sweet chili sauce. Pineapple Pork is made with raised pork shoulder, crema, and charred pineapple salsa. Tuna Poke has chilies, soy, and avocado, served in a wonton shell.
Brunch options include their own Hangover Omelette, with your choice of chorizo or cactus, tomato and onion, jalapeno, and chihuahua cheese, topped with crema drizzle and pico de gallo. Sunny Side Toast has egg, avocado, capers, scallions and tomatillo. For something sweeter, their S’mores French Toast isstuffed with nutella, and topped with graham crackers and torched marshmallows. Cornbread Benedict has a poached egg, smoked short rib, and covered with a spinach hollandaise.
Barcocina Chicago – West Town is located at 1814 W. Chicago Avenue, and Barcocina Chicago – Lakeview is at 2901 N. Sheffield Avenue.
Lakeview’s hours are Monday – Thursday, 12pm -12am; Friday is 12pm -Close; Saturday from 11am – Close; and Sunday from 11am – 12am.
Barcocino’s West Town hours are Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 12am; Friday from 12pm-Close; Saturday from 11am – Close, and Sunday from 11am – 12am. For information and reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
