Here comes Moe's Cantina

Look for a rainbow of lights to find Moe's Cantina or just follow the grilled steak smell wafting through the air while walking toward the new 155 West Kinzie Street location. This popular River North restaurant greets guests with a massive Here Comes Santa Claus pop-up while Moe's Wrigley shows How the Grinch Stole Christmas both with various photograph opportunities for everyone.

After opening this year, this casual venue flexed plenty of room to grow with two spacious areas, a Cava Room starting the party at 9 p.m. and Encanto, complete with special tequila tastings. These artfully decorated cocktail lounges can be reserved for private parties both big and small and check out the website calendar for late-night Latin club nights featuring reggaeton music.

This creative culinary crew draws inspiration from the northern region of Mexico in terms of both style and cuisine. The massive artwork, cozy booths and active sports bar add to the overall experience to the place.

Head over to that long bartop to order a seasonal drink such as a Frostini with Candy Cane Infused Effen Vodka and Indigo Blue Wine accompanied by a crushed candy cane rim on the glass.

Appetizers to snack on include smooth made-to-order guacamole with chips, an elote, a street corn dish or a plate of lime-marinated ceviche among others.

Their signature tacos are made to order and are served individually so stock up on a few selections. The shrimp tacos are bathed in a delicious chipotle mayo dressing and for vegetarians try the Taco de Mushroom al Pastor with chopped pineapple or a squash taco that was bursting with flavor.

Don't miss out on the shredded beef quesabirria plate or sample the mole sauce poured over shredded chicken enchiladas. Remember that skirt steak smell outside? This is your chance to taste it by adding-on the prime steak arrachera, chicken bites wrapped in bacon. grilled shrimp or mixed vegetable skewer.

For dessert, the mango cake had a unique, rich flavor surrounded by blueberries and graham cracker crust. Wash it down with a shot of Patron Reposed Tequila in the Santa's Nightcap. Abuelita's hot chocolate mix topped with whipped cream and marshmallows was like receiving a big hug from your grandma!

Moe's makes the perfect place to wind down after a long day of shopping in the bustling area of Downtown Chicago. Take time out refuel with well-executed cuisine and eye-popping decor thanks to the people at Third Coast Hospitality.

Tickets are still available for their New Year's Eve celebration. Find information about the festivities plus much more at MoesCantina.com. Felicidades y Feliz Ano Nuevo, Moe!