Chikatana is a playful cantina with menus that reflect both the vibrancy of Mexico's cuisine, as well as the Midwestern seasonal harvest. The restaurant’s open-air setting welcomes the revitalized, modern takes on timeless dishes that have blossomed from the culture’s fare — drawing from street carts, fine dining restaurants and everything in between.
A mix of mexican flare and midwestern seasonal harvest, the menu features refreshing dishes and vegetarian options such as cauliflower chorizo tacos. All dishes showcase Executive Chef Guillermo Reyes and his philosophy of paying homage to culinary traditions of specific regions and his Oaxacan-inspired perspective. Chikatana’s cocktail program, led by Blaze LaRoe, intermingles with each dish from agave focused cocktails to wine pairings curated by General Manager Laine Peterson. LaRoe transports our guests to a vacation-like experience.
Chikatana will feature a 64 guest patio to create an open and airy atmosphere. Chikatana will offer a late-night-tlayuda focused menu with flautas until 1:00 a.m. Chikatana will soon open in Fulton Market District in June 2021. Read below to learn more about Chikatana!
"When describing Chikatana's bar program, Laine stresses "agave as the backbone of the bar" -- highlighting that cocktails will be crafted with Mexico's most prized plant in mind: the agave.’"— Laine Peterson, General Manager of Chikatana
Who is answering these questions?
Laine Peterson, General Manager of Chikatana
How old is your business?
Our restaurant will come to life in early June 2021
How long have you been in the neighborhood?
Starting June 2021
Why the West Loop?
We’re excited to bring true Oaxaca regional cuisine to Fulton Market! Although we’ll be neighbors with some awesome Mexican-focused concepts, we believe our spin on the “authentic” Mexican classics will bring a brand new perspective about the culture and cuisine to Fulton Market District’s lively food-driven destination.
What are your top challenges in growing your business?
Pre-opening, one of our major challenges (like most other restaurants right now) is hiring a full staff of dedicated, experienced team members. It’s tough to build an opening staff from scratch.
Why did you join the West Central Association?
To fully “join” the West Loop neighborhood, we wanted to ensure we’re part of West Central Association’s community of over 300 businesses. We look forward to sharing our cuisine and hospitality with our West Loop neighbors, fueled by their incredible support. Plus, we’re excited to meet and engage with our fellow business owners nearby.
What makes your business unique?
Chikatana will be vibrant and lively, yet upscale, providing our guests with a cantina-like experience in an elegant, earthy, Mexican-inspired setting. Plus, we’ll be one of the only restaurants in Chicago serving Sotol… mezcal and tequila’s avage-centric cousin!
What gets you up in the morning?
The drive and motivation to learn, grow, and serve our guests their most memorable experience -- through cuisine, spirits, and superior hospitality.
What’s your favorite part of the West Loop?
What’s not to love about West Loop? The countless phenomenal restaurants, coffee shops on each corner, new developments popping up left and right, vibrant nightlife, and incredible people.
What does the future look like?
As we’re just kicking off here on Fulton Market, we’re taking in this present moment with so much gratitude and eagerness. We hope to make our mark on this iconic street, landing the title as a “must-hit dining destination” in Chicago.
Describe your business in 140 characters or less
Chikatana is your one-way ticket to Mexico, right from Chicago's Fulton Market.
Bonus Question: Tell us a fun fact about you or your business!
The name Chikatana was inspired by the winged ant native to Central and Southern Mexico that migrates each year during the rainy season of spring. The ant is a delicacy in Mexican cuisine, often foraged to be roasted and savored.