Fat Rosie’s restaurant grows bigger in Rosemont

Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar is busting at the seams and expanding to new locations in Illinois and beyond. The Mas Mex team's latest development is in Rosemont at 5433 Park Place in the entertainment district. Plopped into the action of Parkway Bank Park, this massive 7,000 square foot space is put to good use with an open dining room and place for private events.

Witness a patio along the side of the building for outdoor dining and plenty of room for live music performances. The decor continues a festive vibe with hand-painted Mexican folk art and memorabilia from the other side of the Rio Grande.

The group has curated a very active environment in the restaurant to accompany the decorations with employees singing songs and clown antics from the staff pretending to spill drinks on diners. Throughout the experience expect pyrotechnics accompanied by tequila shots for celebrations instead of a quiet night out on the town.

No, the organization is not body-shaming someone named Rosie. It is a title referring to a female burro that was found on an agave farm by the original proprietor of the business. Humor along with history runs rampant in this establishment and patrons have much to take in.

Start by strapping on a sombrero provided by the workers on site and sip on a margarita. There's a special tequila concoction daily and guests may take home a souvenir glass afterward. The Pepino will quench that blue agave thirst with a cucumber puree mixed with tequila and a Tajin seasoning rim on the glass. Drinks can be made alcohol-free for those who choose not to partake or are legally underage. Traditional beer imports are offered such as Bohemia, Corona and Tecate along with a craft beer Chingona Mexican Lager brewed in Chicago.

Stir up the appetite with a Plato Surtido of guacamole, tostadas, sopes and quesadillas. The guacamole is light and fresh while avoiding over-seasoning. Mix in the Mexican Street Corn “Esquites” into a bowl with guajillo chile and mayonnaise to tranquilize the spice.

The elevated Pozole hits all the right notes with chicken and hominy floating in a soup broth providing a warmup for the main event.

It's taco time every day with chipotle-marinated grilled chicken, fish, steak or pork options. Don't sleep on the enchilada plate bathed in a rich and thick Oaxacan mole sauce or pair a single enchilada roja with the skirt steak for the Tampiquena dish.

The flavorful Cochinita Pibil is a marinated pork shoulder wrapped in banana leaves.

Prepare to feel Fat while finishing Rosie's Churro Sundae piled high with whipped cream over vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Luckily there's plenty to explore while burning off the calories in the surrounding area including a seasonal ice skating rink and a nearby outlet mall.

More of Fat Rosie's hot spots are on the way with an upcoming site in Oak Brook slated for next year plus many more endeavors in the works. Visit fatrosies.com to plan your fiesta today!

Previous coverage of Fat Rosie's Lincolnshire, Illinois location: https://chicago.gopride.com/entertainment/column/index.cfm/col/3008