There is certainly no shortage of places to enjoy a solid margarita while feasting on some finely-made tacos in the Windy City. Few taquerias in Chicago, however, have such a notorious reputation for merrymaking as West Loop’s Federales.
The open-air tequila and taco concept in Fulton Market has built a reputation as a lively bar party bar with a wide variety of margaritas, tacos, and the chance to throw ice shot glasses at a bell after downing the tequila within.
Now the restaurant from Four Corners Tavern Group has branched out from West Loop with a second Chicago outpost taking over an 8,500-square-foot venue in Logan Square.
The space, previously occupied by Marcello’s Father and Son Restaurant for 72 years, is situated at Milwaukee and Sacramento avenues and was under construction for some months before it opened Wednesday, September 13.
It is now only the second establishment with a retractable roof after the Asian Brewpub Beyond Bixi Beer at 2515 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
8,500 square feet inside and 2790 square feet outside offer a modern industrial hideout with a retractable roof that transforms it into an urban oasis.
Iconic Federales murals covering both indoor and outdoor spaces have been created by Jason Botkin in collaboration with local artists Erik Lundquist and David Alvarado.
The Logan Square outpost features a very similar menu to its sister spot with a wide selection of tacos made with homemade tortillas and a variety of different margaritas and drinks specials.
According to an official release, the menu at Federales Logan Square “spotlights margaritas – both frozen and classic – including a spicy watermelon version and a frozen tequila rosé, alongside a robust list of craft cocktails, many tequila-based and all with twists.”
To complement the beverage offerings, there are “house-made tortillas, taquitos, guacamole, and more, but the real stars of the show are the signature tacos, including the lamb quesabirria with consommé, wood-grilled shrimp with mango, crispy potato, and pork and pineapple, among others.”
This is the fourth Federales location in the United States, with the original West Loop outpost first debuting in 2016, followed by locations in Dallas and Denver opening in the last few years.
“Since opening in Chicago’s West Loop in 2016, Federales has continued to be a fan-favorite tequila and taco spot beloved in the City and beyond as we also expanded the concept to locations in Dallas and Denver,” said managing director Matt Doherty.
“We wanted to bring another taste of our popular concept to Chicago, expanding with a second Federales location in Logan Square, and we’re excited to offer the same great authentic drinks, creative tacos, and industrial vibe to continue building memorable experiences for our guests in 2023.”
Hours of operation are 4 pm “until close” Monday through Thursday and 11 am “until close” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
More information can be found at federaleschicago.com.
[Featured image courtesy of Federales]