Flaco's Tacos

HERE’S THE SKINNY What do a bunch of Irish-American boys who inherited the Hackney’s legacy know about Mexican food? Nada. But they know enough to let one of the Hackney’s cooks, Mexico native Genaro Villa, run their new South Loop taqueria Flaco’s Tacos (Flaco is a common nickname meaning Skinny). Villa has been known to throw together a mean comida, the staff meal eaten before the dinner shift, and now the Hebson family hopes he’ll translate that skill to hungry Columbia students and Loop lunchers. The casual space, counter service, just-fried chips, Mexican beers and ’ritas suggest an indie Chipotle, but Villa’s adding a twist with specialties like fish tacos, al pastor (spit-roasted pork) tortas, poblano and Chihuahua-cheese quesadillas and housemade sangria that the Hebsons promise will be “awesome.” We can just see those Columbia kids hard at work on fake IDs as we speak. 725 S Dearborn St (312-922-8226).