Buzz Bait Taqueria

Best Fish Tacos I’ve ever had! You won’t find tacos like this anywhere else in Chicago. I recommend the BBQ Glazed Salmon and the Sapporo Battered Alaskan Cod. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Get the salmon tacos they’re incredible. Same with the guac and chips, both a must try!

These tacos are so fresh and amazing! My favorite is the tuna taco. I highly recommend this place.

You are not allowed to individually order tacos… makes 0 sense. I’m not quite sure what is so difficult about charging someone half the price of the combo and allowing them to order 1 taco? The cashier made it clear that wasn’t humanly possible to order 3 total. So the minimum you can pay for 4 tacos is $ 20. I think they should consider adding individually price tacos, seems fairly simple to do.

While a bit overpriced for fish tacos, this place is a definite spot to try.
Atmosphere:
Relaxed while still maintaining a trendy vibe, this is a perfect combo for anyone that loves a good beach taco shack without the sunburn and screaming children. I love the bar stool counter tops where you can watch them preparing the food — it makes for a more intimate setting.
Food:
Crispy shrimp tacos. I don’t even like shrimp and I would probably order this one ten thousand times again. Really flavorful, fresh and filling. Two of these is enough to fuel your night as you lower your standards at the bars nearby. The avo tacos are also a great option if you’re vegetarian!
Side note: don’t be a fool and just order the blueberry mint margarita. If you don’t you will regret your evening.
Would absolutely go back, and am slightly petrified of what damage I could do to my wallet if I came here with a buzz on. They knew exactly what they were doing when they named this place.

Buzz Bait is a great addition to Wells St./Old Town. The service was great each time I’ve been there; they were efficient and friendly. The prices are a little high ($ 9 – 10 for two tacos), but it’s worth it because: a) the tacos are both pretty big/​full of the main protein; and b) the ingredients all seem very fresh (and they have a stated commitment to using sustainably-​caught fish).
For tacos, check out the sweet and spicy ahi tuna poke and the bbq glazed salmon. The Santa Monica salmon bowl is also pretty good (and a bit more filling than just ordering two tacos). As far as sides, get the smoked beans.
5 stars – will return and recommend to friends

So, I was really looking forward to trying this place as it was started by the Malnati family and the owners of Kamehachi. I came in on tonight with my friend for dinner and I was a little disappointed. We noticed they had Elote as a side and we were so excited. But, of course they were out of it. My friend is a vegetarian, so she ordered the Avocado tacos and chips with Avocado Salsa for us to share. I had a hard time ordering because I’m trying to watch my carb intake. The cashier seemed confused when I asked if I could substitute something for the rice in one of the fish «bowls.» This was not allowed apparently. So, I ordered the Mahi Mahi bowl and the Blueberry Margarita. The Marg and the fish bowl were excellent, although there wasn’t much fish to be seen. Also, the bowl costs $ 11 and is probably half the size of a Chipotle burrito bowl.
I was really disappointed that I couldn’t substitute the rice in the fish bowl. Having been a customer of Lou Malnati’s for years, I know they offer all kinds of substitutions and gluten free options. When I asked the cashier at Buzz Bait, what they do for people who are gluten free, she said «I don’t know, I guess they don’t come here.» What the hell? I will probably not be back here any time soon. I prefer Velvet Taco as a better value for the money, anyways.

I’ve walked by this place and normally it’s closed because they have such a late opening, which makes no sense to me why they aren’t open for lunch?
Anyhow, I ordered the Cod and and the Avocado Tacos. I wasn’t paying attention and didn’t realize I ordered a vegetarian dish, the guy who was working noticed I look confused and offered to replace the mistake I made (super sweet of him) I normally have no problem returning something if I didn’t like it, but damn, that Avocado Taco was delish! After I scarfed the first taco down I was pretty stuffed, only took small bite out of the Cod. It was good, but I liked the vegetarian one better!
In addition to my 2 tacos, I ordered the Avocado Salsa. Wasn’t a huge fan, the dish was mostly whole petite tomatoes, I told the guy working, and he replaced it with more guacamole.
My bill was $ 14, in which I find to be fairly expensive for 2 tacos and salsa, but the food was good. I would definitely return just for the Tacos and next time try a Margarita. It’s a cute lil restaurant with a nice patio. And kudos on customer service.
Need to give a heads up to the management of this place, on a Friday late afternoon, you should staff more than one person to be making tacos, or have the girl taking orders help with the food! Not happy! Waited over 10 minutes for 2 tacos and they still weren’t being made! Had to get a refund bc it took too long!

Had the ahi tuna poke taco and the glazed salmon taco. The tuna had way more sauces than it needed. Simplify and it will be better. Glazed salmon was just about right. You can mix and match your tacos — good option. Strip back the ahi taco and I’ll give it 4 stars!

Nice size tacos! I wish they added habaneros or green chilis to the salsa! Otherwise decent place n nice quantity.

Came here at noon on a Sunday and we were the only ones. I had been wanting to try this place since it opened and saw the menu looked great! It’s a pretty cute and cool establishment. I would say a beachy feel until you hear the random country music… lol
The gentleman that took our order was very nice and helpful so it was great service. We got the ahi tuna, the cod, the shrimp and the avocado tacos. Let’s just say this place has a lot of potential. The tortilla to these tacos really killed any of the filling. They are too thick and doughy for tortillas. It overpowers the filling in all of them. They were all good exempt the avocado. I would not recommend fried avocado at all. Overall they’ve got great potential just change the tortilla to corn or even much smaller ones without so much dough in them. 2 tacos dor $ 10 seems a bit steep too (Perhaps…Check out oscars tacos in San Diego for references ;)

The reason my friend and I came here was to test the ahi tuna taco. We were walking lazily through the city and went to get a refreshing ahi tuna taco at Velvet taco with a lettuce wrap. Once we were done, we walked further and I remembered Buzz Bait. So we decided to try their ahi tuna taco too.
The taco did not come with a lettuce wrap at Buzz Bait unfortunately. the flavor profile was initially overpowering with the teriyaki. it’s a filling taco and needs the flour tortilla to carry all the toppings. It was still enjoyable in a different way.
It is a great casual addition to old town with seafood options. I still stand by Velvet taco for a refreshing ahi tuna bite.

Something new to try on Wells street, great! Wells now has it’s own fish /​taqueria, similar places have popped up all over Chicago. We were a bit confused on how to order. We figured it out, enter, walk to the register, order and take your number. They will bring it out. Also, not clearly specified on the menu is that you get two tacos per order, but you can also mix and match. So go for it! Seating is limited. You might need to get cozy with others at the bar or just carry out.
We ordered four tacos between the two of us, it was enough to satisfy. The tacos are full, which is great but also makes for some messy fingers so grab some paper towel and a fork to get the leftovers.
We went with the Battered Alaskan Cod, Blackened Mahi Mahi and Tuna Poke. I wanted the Salmon but it was not ready or sold out. Of our choices, we had favorites but there was not a bad one in the bunch. In order of liking: Tune Poke, Cod, Mahi Mahi. Gotta go back and try the Salmon!
We also tried to order the Elotes, but it is out of season. So we went with the Cheese Quesadilla. Absolutely nothing special about it. Maybe order it for a really picky kid or something. It is a half tortilla with bland cheese. Also for a side we had the Salsa and Chips. Way better value for your $ 3 and yummy, both the chips with the oil and seasoning and the salsa.
We will be back to try some other options, for a quick low-​key dinner.

So I totally want another one of these taco’s right now. On my first visit I went with the Sweet & Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke. I was curious the size of the taco’s since it’s 2/​$ 10. I’ve grown accustom to high price taco’s now, but they better taste good and these did! Totally gourmet style taco’s from the taste to the way it was served. The portion on of the tuna was good and the flavor was awesome. I actually was full off the taco’s but I had to try the dessert. I got the Chocolate Cherry Tamale. It’s basically a warm cake/​brownie with vanilla bean gelato on top. It was soooo good! I would say should be more like $ 4 versus $ 5 for the portion size, but at least it was good! I plan to go back to try more items on the limited menu.

Really happy to see this place open for lunch on weekends now. We (me, my wife and daughter) stopped as we were headed to a different restaurant since we noticed it was open now for lunch. It sounded so promising from the menu and right up our alley for type of foods we like.
I tried the bbq salmon taco, and avocado taco. Both are fantastic. Each order comes with two tacos and you can mix your selection. Nice way to try different tacos. We also tried the avocado salsa and we all couldn’t get enough. The chips are fantastic. Had to go back and get a second order of it ($ 3).
My wife and daughter also tried different types of fish with their taco choices and we all really liked our choices. Decent quantity of food, maybe a tad bit pricey, but not too bad. Music was too loud for sitting inside, so it was a bit hard to hear each other talk, but the food was great. We’ll be back for sure.
Second visit… Food just as good as the first… excellent service. Had the Cod taco and Salmon, wife had the Ahi tuna, daughter had a rice bowl with Salmon. We all shared and everything was wonderful. We noticed the music wasn’t as loud this time too :) Did they read my review and respond, not sure, but it was great and we’ll be back often.

Went here for the first time last weekend with my mother and brother, both of whom enjoy fish tacos. I was pleasantly surprised that they had non-​fish options and got the chicken tacos and avocado salsa. You have the option to mix and match your tacos and the tacos are stuffed to overflowing, which makes them somewhat troublesome to eat but means you get a good value for your money which I appreciate. My dinner mates enjoyed their tacos even despite the jet lag.
Not too many places to sit, but they do to take out.

Where does one hear about restaurants, and how does one trust those sources? My trip to Buzz Bait was to answer an angle of that question, «how should one react to restaurants they see on the TV in the back of a taxicab at 2am, coming home from one of Chicago’s, shall we say, ‘bearier’ establishments?».
Fast-​forward to lunch the next… er…same day. I stopped into Buzz Bait, ordered at the counter, and claimed a seat on the patio. A delivery truck outside seemed to be keeping people away, but I enjoyed the fresh air and good view of the edge of Old Town immensely. Less enjoyable was the lack of any napkins outside.
Chips and salsa arrived first — the chips were clearly homemade and well-​seasoned, and I thought the dish was a good deal for $ 3.
Several minutes later, my two cod tacos arrived. The rest of the taco was good, but I was disappointed by the cod itself. While each taco had generous pieces (to the point where they were difficult to fold and eat), they were thickly-​breaded and greasy. I’d reconsider breading the cod altogether, as they significantly detracted from what was an otherwise good taco. Portion size was good for the price, but I will definitely try other proteins if I make a return trip.
All things considered, I don’t think taking food advice from a taxicab TV at 2am was that bad of a choice.

This place gave me taco amnesia!
I loved Velvet when they opened up,
but Buzz Bait made me forget that name after a visit last night. Half way through my first taco I was all «Mmmmm this place is way better than uuhhh Flash Taco errr Flannel Taco errr whatever the f*** that place in the Viagra Triangle is called.» Verbatim what I said.
They don’t have the variety of other spots. Almost everything on the menu swims except for the chicken, but if you’re solid on seafood their food is better, cheaper, and you get more of it. Along with a bomb-​ass blueberry margarita and it’s a fantastic fast-​casual at a fair price.
It should also be noted that the seating is slim to none, but that definitely doesn’t factor into this overall experience. Their sign DOES read «Taqueria» which for those who don’t speak restaurant common sense translates to «take your complaints about the lack of tables and shove ‘em where the sun don’t shine.»
Overall I loved this place and think Mark Malnati needs to send Trevor Noah one of those poke tacos. New host… new Malnati concept… you see what I’m getting at. Make it happen!

Super cute Mexican joint in the Old Town area. I love the super simple menu. We got the salmon salad and the ahi tuna coconut rice bowl — both were delicious.
The salads definitely could use more greens and larger portions. I understand that this is a fairly new restaurant, but the staff should nonetheless be familiar with their software ordering system and the menu choices. The girl taking our order literally too foreverrrr to get our orders in right, after us repeating it 5 times over. Practice makes perfect, so hopefully they have that operations bump smoothed out soon.
Other than slow service, the price and food are awesome here. The recipes and pairings of different ingredients is really unique and clever. It has a great ambience of trendy causal. I’m a fan of the high ceilings, large open front windows, and spacious feel. The presentation of the dishes is beautiful too.
Definitely check this place out if you’re looking for a quick and yummy meal. It’s becoming a local’s favorite hot spot for sure!

Buzz Bait is a great addition to the Old Town dining scene where there is already a good assortment of nice sit down joints and sports bars but few fast casual eateries.
Went with a group of friends and we tried the salmon, ahi tuna, and shrimp tacos. Each was great but my favorite was the salmon. It had a really nice salty sweet flavor profile from the teriyaki glaze combined with the bourbon bacon crumbles.
Each order comes with two fairly large tacos and the fish tasted super fresh. Will definitely be back for more soon.