Another Mexican Powerhouse Comes to Randolph Street

There are a lot of places to eat in the West Loop. 

Specifically, there are a lot of places to eat tacos in the West Loop. 

But there’s only place to eat tacos and drink mezcal Old Fashioneds on a roof in the West Loop.

That’s La Josie. It’s open now, and it looks like this.

As you and a few friends join them, you’ll find its abundant high-tops and leather banquettes packed with other curious diners scoping out the latest Randolph Street establishment. An open kitchen with lacquered Oaxaca pottery offers a glimpse of the action while open accordion windows offer a whiff of the West Loop’s familiar chocolate-scented breeze.

Or maybe that’s the mole.

The man behind this new kid on the block is José Barajas, who you might know if you’ve visited his South Side spot, El Solazo. He throws down with family recipes for mole-covered enchiladas, red snapper ceviche and al pastor just like mom used to make.

Three sleek, black bars—one in the front dining room, one in the back dining room and one coming soon to that rooftop—mean there’s no shortage of tequila and mezcal. Drink them straight or drink them with lime, ginger, raspberries and cilantro in a La Luchador cocktail.

Just, you know… drink them.