ŧaĸo
t ä k ō C H R O N I C L E : FA L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N 2 0 1 5 / P I T T S B U R G H , P E N N SY LVA N I A
ŧhe
FALL/WINTER: EDITION 2015
50
Chronicle PITTSBURGH,
PESOS
PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARDDESHANTZ.COM
WAVE
SURGING HITS THE THREE RIVERS
call toðay
412.471.tako
KITCHEN HOURS Sunday: 3pm–9pm Monday–Thursday: 5pm–11pm Friday–Saturday: 5pm–12am
takopgh.com @takopgh tako _ pgh
Three gringos and an 8-legged culinary muse, who goes by the street name täkō, have brought the so-cal surf vibe to the Steel City with southofthe border force and fierce margaritas. Pittsburghers are reporting getting knocked on their asses on the not-so-sandy shores of the Cultural District, consistently citing killer handmade tacos of an asian persuasion and deliciously dizzying Yellow Jackets as the cause. An onlooker waiting for his turn to ride the wave was recently quoted as saying, “The raw fish, the raw sounds (by house DJs) and the raw bohemian vibe are worth any wait.” The arrival of täkō in Pittsburgh signals a new high point in the changing tides
Kourtney Crawfish / Surf Beat Reporter
of the local restaurant scene. Hot off the heels of Meat & Potatoes and Butcher and the Rye, the founding gringos Rick Deshantz, Tolga Sevdik and Kevin Kelley – opened the coolest (and only) surf shack in town on April 28th, 2015. It may be a day that goes down in local lore as the day the biggest tequila drinking sea creature landed here. With the Japanese namesake for “octopus,” täkō is quickly becoming known for its unmatched farm to street menu, lively space and endless tequila and rum list.
BOARDS DOWN. BOTTOMS UP.
t ä k ō C H R O N I C L E : FA L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N 2 0 1 5 / P I T T S B U R G H , P E N N SY LVA N I A
t ä k ō C H R O N I C L E : FA L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N 2 0 1 5 / P I T T S B U R G H , P E N N SY LVA N I A
TOP QUALITY
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED NO HIDDEN FEES
DIRECT TO YOU
ştarŧerş CHIPS AND SALSA salsa de arbol / roasted tomatillo / tomato poblano
BEET TOSTADA
$8
fried tortilla / avocado / citrus vinaigrette / goat cheese / orange puree
$6
sriracha mayo / chili / lime / cotija cheese
$12
carmelized onions / roasted poblano / romesco / fried egg / queso fresco / arbol hot sauce / cilantro
KOREAN
$14
MUSHROOM
$12
$12
avocado / radish / pickled peppers / mustard greens / sesame / miso vinaigrette
CHOPPED
$12
$8
THRICE COOKED WINGS fish sauce caramel / pickled carrots / cucumber / mint / chili / cilantro
BISTEC
$10
BAJA
$12
tempura white fish / jalapeno lime aioli / white cabbage slaw / cilantro
AL PASTOR
$12 $9
fried potatoes / spicy tomato sauce / garlic aioli / oregano butter
DUCK CONFIT
$14
Rum, Mango, Orgeat (almond syrup), Lime, Blue Curacao / A tart refreshing version of the original.
Sauza Blanco, Passionfruit, Lime , Bauchant Orange Liquor, Habanero Shrub / It will give you the afterglow.
Corralejo Reposado Tequila, Mezcal, Agave, Angostura / Thanks, Phil Ward for this modern classic.
Green Tea infused Tanqueray, Avocado, Lemon, Lime, Cream, Rose Water, Mandarin Jarritos / Avocado? Really? In a drink?
HUMMINGBIRD’S GARDEN
Drambuie, Rhum Barbancourt, Galliano, Angostura Bitters / A smoky & herbaceous version of a classic Old Fashioned.
Negra Modelo, Mexico $5
Bohemia German Pilsner, Mexico $4
Dos Equis Lager, Mexico $4
Sol Lager, Mexico $4
Xingu Black, Brazil $6.5
Estrella Damm Lager, Spain $5.5
Hitachino Nest White, Japan $12
Estrella Damm Daura Pale Lager, Spain (Gluten Free) $5.5
Corona Light, Mexico $5
Presidente Lager, Dominican Republic $5 Tiger Pale Lager, Singapore $5.5
Modelo Especial, Mexico $5 Tecate Lager, Mexico $4 Lagunitas IPA, U.S. $6 Odoul’s NA, U.S. $4
Oculto, U.S. $5
SANGRIA Red: Brandy, Orange, Citrus $8 White: Mango, Pineapple, Peach $8
RED WINE Arido Malbec, Argentina $9/$33 Snap Dragon Red Blend, California $8/$30 Tomaresca Primitivo, Italy $13/$48 Terrazas Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina $10/$40
WHITE WINE
Ask your server for the daily frozen features.
Septima Chardonnay, Argentina $12/$44 Comtempo Riesling, Germany $9/$33 Finca Hispana Xarel-lo, Spain $10/$40
$75
Ensemble White Blend, California $8/$30
Fanta Orange $3
Jarritos Lime $3
Fred Water $3
SPARKLING
Jarritos Pineapple $3
Jamaica’s Finest Hot Hot Hot Ginger Beer $3
Coke / Diet Coke $3
Stellina di Notte Prosecco, Italy $12/$48
Sprite $3
Veuve Clicquot, France $110
Jarritos Mango $3
Topo Chico Mineral Water $3
* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. * Please let your server know if you have any restrictions or allergies. Menu may be subject to change.
Pacifico Lager, Mexico $5
frozen $10 N/A BEVERAGES
pick any six pairs of tacos
Victoria Vienna Lager, Mexico $5
OAXACA OLD FASHIONED
hoisin / scallions / cucumbers / pickled peppers / mint / cilantro
TACO BIG BOARD
BEER
Hennessy, Grapefruit, Pamplemousse, Lime, Green Chartreuse / Smooth, herbaceous & refreshing.
RAMON’S GIN FIZZ
SPICY PASSION FRUIT
Sauza Blanco, Lime, Ginger, Soda, & Cassis / A classic from the 1940’s.
grilled pork shoulder / roasted pineapple / white onion / avocado salsa / cilantro
chihuahua cheese / house-made chorizo / shishito peppers / warm flour tortillas
GRAPEFRUIT & SAGE
EL DIABLO
$12
Appleton Rum, Mezcal, Pimm's, Blood Orange, Pisco / A Pittsburgh twist on the classic party drink.
GRAPEFRUIT SIDECAR
Mezcal, Lychee, Bauchant, Lime / Refreshing with a kick of spice.
Corralejo Blanco, Strawberry, Yuzu, Prosecco / Light, refreshing, & bubbly.
wagyu skirt steak / salsa roja / gem lettuce / queso fresco / fried shishito / cilantro
Tecate, Lime, Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Tomato, & Spices / Let’s be honest you can tell your boss it’s an iced tea, we’ll back you up.
BLUE MANGO MAI TAI
STRAWBERRY YUZU
$15
MICHELADA
LYCHEE & PEPPER
Espolon Blanco Tequila, Cucumber, Serrano, Lime, Grand Marnier / Cool off, heat up.
$12
cocĸtailş $10 NEVILLE ISLAND TEA
SPICY CUCUMBER
grilled chicken / avocado / white onion / salsa verde / queso fresco / crema / serrano / cilantro
romaine hearts / jicama / house cured bacon / tomato / peas / feta cheese / hazelnut / green goddess dressing
PAPA BRAVAS
POLLO ASADO
Espolon Blanco, Lemon, Yellow Chartreuse, & Charred Yellow Pepper / Savory, refreshing & yellow.
Sauza Blanco, Grapefruit, Sage, Agave, Lime, Bitters / Savory, tart, & a little bitter
braised pork butt / guacamole / salsa verde / chicharrones / cilantro
$8
YELLOW JACKET
Espolon Blanco, Aloe, St. Germain Elderflower, Lemon / Floral, sweet & crisp.
$18
CARNITAS
margariŧaş $10 ALOE & ELDERFLOWER
grilled octopus / harissa aioli / preserved lemons / mizuna greens & herbs / pickled red onion
cobia / citrus cucumber juice / tomato / red onion / tortilla chips
QUESO FUNDIDO
CHORIZO
TAKO
big eye tuna / seaweed / spicy soy dressing / whipped lime / rice crackers
KALE
+
roasted maitake / garlic aioli / truffle huitlacoche salsa / brussel sprout salad
$14
CEVICHE
PER ORDER
wagyu short rib / peanuts / fermented cucumber / napa cabbage / cilantro
STREET CORN POKE
$7
2
t ä k ō C H R O N I C L E : FA L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N 2 0 1 5 / P I T T S B U R G H , P E N N SY LVA N I A
t ä k ō C H R O N I C L E : FA L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N 2 0 1 5 / P I T T S B U R G H , P E N N SY LVA N I A
TOP QUALITY
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED NO HIDDEN FEES
DIRECT TO YOU
ştarŧerş CHIPS AND SALSA salsa de arbol / roasted tomatillo / tomato poblano
BEET TOSTADA
$8
fried tortilla / avocado / citrus vinaigrette / goat cheese / orange puree
$6
sriracha mayo / chili / lime / cotija cheese
$12
carmelized onions / roasted poblano / romesco / fried egg / queso fresco / arbol hot sauce / cilantro
KOREAN
$14
MUSHROOM
$12
$12
avocado / radish / pickled peppers / mustard greens / sesame / miso vinaigrette
CHOPPED
$12
$8
THRICE COOKED WINGS fish sauce caramel / pickled carrots / cucumber / mint / chili / cilantro
BISTEC
$10
BAJA
$12
tempura white fish / jalapeno lime aioli / white cabbage slaw / cilantro
AL PASTOR
$12 $9
fried potatoes / spicy tomato sauce / garlic aioli / oregano butter
DUCK CONFIT
$14
Rum, Mango, Orgeat (almond syrup), Lime, Blue Curacao / A tart refreshing version of the original.
Sauza Blanco, Passionfruit, Lime , Bauchant Orange Liquor, Habanero Shrub / It will give you the afterglow.
Corralejo Reposado Tequila, Mezcal, Agave, Angostura / Thanks, Phil Ward for this modern classic.
Green Tea infused Tanqueray, Avocado, Lemon, Lime, Cream, Rose Water, Mandarin Jarritos / Avocado? Really? In a drink?
HUMMINGBIRD’S GARDEN
Drambuie, Rhum Barbancourt, Galliano, Angostura Bitters / A smoky & herbaceous version of a classic Old Fashioned.
Negra Modelo, Mexico $5
Bohemia German Pilsner, Mexico $4
Dos Equis Lager, Mexico $4
Sol Lager, Mexico $4
Xingu Black, Brazil $6.5
Estrella Damm Lager, Spain $5.5
Hitachino Nest White, Japan $12
Estrella Damm Daura Pale Lager, Spain (Gluten Free) $5.5
Corona Light, Mexico $5
Presidente Lager, Dominican Republic $5 Tiger Pale Lager, Singapore $5.5
Modelo Especial, Mexico $5 Tecate Lager, Mexico $4 Lagunitas IPA, U.S. $6 Odoul’s NA, U.S. $4
Oculto, U.S. $5
SANGRIA Red: Brandy, Orange, Citrus $8 White: Mango, Pineapple, Peach $8
RED WINE Arido Malbec, Argentina $9/$33 Snap Dragon Red Blend, California $8/$30 Tomaresca Primitivo, Italy $13/$48 Terrazas Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina $10/$40
WHITE WINE
Ask your server for the daily frozen features.
Septima Chardonnay, Argentina $12/$44 Comtempo Riesling, Germany $9/$33 Finca Hispana Xarel-lo, Spain $10/$40
$75
Ensemble White Blend, California $8/$30
Fanta Orange $3
Jarritos Lime $3
Fred Water $3
SPARKLING
Jarritos Pineapple $3
Jamaica’s Finest Hot Hot Hot Ginger Beer $3
Coke / Diet Coke $3
Stellina di Notte Prosecco, Italy $12/$48
Sprite $3
Veuve Clicquot, France $110
Jarritos Mango $3
Topo Chico Mineral Water $3
* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. * Please let your server know if you have any restrictions or allergies. Menu may be subject to change.
Pacifico Lager, Mexico $5
frozen $10 N/A BEVERAGES
pick any six pairs of tacos
Victoria Vienna Lager, Mexico $5
OAXACA OLD FASHIONED
hoisin / scallions / cucumbers / pickled peppers / mint / cilantro
TACO BIG BOARD
BEER
Hennessy, Grapefruit, Pamplemousse, Lime, Green Chartreuse / Smooth, herbaceous & refreshing.
RAMON’S GIN FIZZ
SPICY PASSION FRUIT
Sauza Blanco, Lime, Ginger, Soda, & Cassis / A classic from the 1940’s.
grilled pork shoulder / roasted pineapple / white onion / avocado salsa / cilantro
chihuahua cheese / house-made chorizo / shishito peppers / warm flour tortillas
GRAPEFRUIT & SAGE
EL DIABLO
$12
Appleton Rum, Mezcal, Pimm's, Blood Orange, Pisco / A Pittsburgh twist on the classic party drink.
GRAPEFRUIT SIDECAR
Mezcal, Lychee, Bauchant, Lime / Refreshing with a kick of spice.
Corralejo Blanco, Strawberry, Yuzu, Prosecco / Light, refreshing, & bubbly.
wagyu skirt steak / salsa roja / gem lettuce / queso fresco / fried shishito / cilantro
Tecate, Lime, Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Tomato, & Spices / Let’s be honest you can tell your boss it’s an iced tea, we’ll back you up.
BLUE MANGO MAI TAI
STRAWBERRY YUZU
$15
MICHELADA
LYCHEE & PEPPER
Espolon Blanco Tequila, Cucumber, Serrano, Lime, Grand Marnier / Cool off, heat up.
$12
cocĸtailş $10 NEVILLE ISLAND TEA
SPICY CUCUMBER
grilled chicken / avocado / white onion / salsa verde / queso fresco / crema / serrano / cilantro
romaine hearts / jicama / house cured bacon / tomato / peas / feta cheese / hazelnut / green goddess dressing
PAPA BRAVAS
POLLO ASADO
Espolon Blanco, Lemon, Yellow Chartreuse, & Charred Yellow Pepper / Savory, refreshing & yellow.
Sauza Blanco, Grapefruit, Sage, Agave, Lime, Bitters / Savory, tart, & a little bitter
braised pork butt / guacamole / salsa verde / chicharrones / cilantro
$8
YELLOW JACKET
Espolon Blanco, Aloe, St. Germain Elderflower, Lemon / Floral, sweet & crisp.
$18
CARNITAS
margariŧaş $10 ALOE & ELDERFLOWER
grilled octopus / harissa aioli / preserved lemons / mizuna greens & herbs / pickled red onion
cobia / citrus cucumber juice / tomato / red onion / tortilla chips
QUESO FUNDIDO
CHORIZO
TAKO
big eye tuna / seaweed / spicy soy dressing / whipped lime / rice crackers
KALE
+
roasted maitake / garlic aioli / truffle huitlacoche salsa / brussel sprout salad
$14
CEVICHE
PER ORDER
wagyu short rib / peanuts / fermented cucumber / napa cabbage / cilantro
STREET CORN POKE
$7
2
ŧaĸo
t ä k ō C H R O N I C L E : FA L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N 2 0 1 5 / P I T T S B U R G H , P E N N SY LVA N I A
ŧhe
FALL/WINTER: EDITION 2015
50
Chronicle PITTSBURGH,
PESOS
PENNSYLVANIA
RICHARDDESHANTZ.COM
WAVE
SURGING HITS THE THREE RIVERS
call toðay
412.471.tako
KITCHEN HOURS Sunday: 3pm–9pm Monday–Thursday: 5pm–11pm Friday–Saturday: 5pm–12am
takopgh.com @takopgh tako _ pgh
Three gringos and an 8-legged culinary muse, who goes by the street name täkō, have brought the so-cal surf vibe to the Steel City with southofthe border force and fierce margaritas. Pittsburghers are reporting getting knocked on their asses on the not-so-sandy shores of the Cultural District, consistently citing killer handmade tacos of an asian persuasion and deliciously dizzying Yellow Jackets as the cause. An onlooker waiting for his turn to ride the wave was recently quoted as saying, “The raw fish, the raw sounds (by house DJs) and the raw bohemian vibe are worth any wait.” The arrival of täkō in Pittsburgh signals a new high point in the changing tides
Kourtney Crawfish / Surf Beat Reporter
of the local restaurant scene. Hot off the heels of Meat & Potatoes and Butcher and the Rye, the founding gringos Rick Deshantz, Tolga Sevdik and Kevin Kelley – opened the coolest (and only) surf shack in town on April 28th, 2015. It may be a day that goes down in local lore as the day the biggest tequila drinking sea creature landed here. With the Japanese namesake for “octopus,” täkō is quickly becoming known for its unmatched farm to street menu, lively space and endless tequila and rum list.
BOARDS DOWN. BOTTOMS UP.
