Mercadito, the River North Mexican spot known for its elevated tacos and bright margaritas, is heading up the brown line. Owners are planning a new Lincoln Park outpost at 2421 N Lincoln Avenue, at the corner of Lincoln and Halsted, with a spring opening in their sights. Early filings and the brand’s online "coming soon" materials point to a menu that sticks with hits like empanadas and pollo tacos.
License filing locks in the address
According to What Now, the Mercadito team has submitted a liquor license application for 2421 N Lincoln Avenue and plans to take the space next to Galit, across from 3 Asian Sisters and Firefly Burger. The outlet reports that the same ownership group behind the River North restaurant is aiming to open sometime this spring. What Now also notes that the original Mercadito opened in River North in 2008 at 108 W Kinzie Street and was launched by Will and Derrell McDavid.
Owners promise familiar flavors
Per Mercadito's official site, the Lincoln Park page says the new location will keep many of the original restaurant's authentic dishes while working to become a neighborhood staple. The page does not offer a firm opening date yet and instead directs people to the brand's social channels for updates. The site's imagery and language suggest the team wants to bring the River North vibe to a more residential setting without losing the original feel.
Neighborhood foothold
The Lincoln Park Chamber lists Mercadito among participants for its Savor Lincoln Park 2026 event, signaling that the restaurant is already plugging into local dining programming ahead of its official opening. That kind of community-level exposure could help a downtown transplant build a regular customer base in a dense, competitive dining corridor. Local diners can expect a mix of familiar menu items and an elevated dining-room experience at a heavily trafficked neighborhood corner.
When What Now reached out, the owners were not available for comment, and Mercadito currently lists no formal opening date on its coming-soon page. We will keep an eye on city licensing records and the restaurant's channels for a confirmed timeline and will update this item once an opening date is announced.
