Contemporary taqueria serves upscale Mexican street food in stylish surroundings.

The Scene
Old Mexico meets Randolph Street in this stylish, uncluttered space, where rustic pine furniture and tortilla-colored walls blend comfortably with industrial-metal accents and deep-blue stained floors. West Loop loft dwellers and local business diners fill tables in the main dining room or linger at the bar for a specialty margarita, like peach chamomile or raspberry cilantro. Service is fast and friendly.

The Food
This isn't a typical taco stand--de cero's modern Mexican fare includes upscale options like duck nachos, shrimp fajitas and tacos filled with seared marlin, battered catfish and tomatillo pork. Seviche with rock shrimp and baby scallops is a fresh, zingy start; guacamole is good, chunky and served with warm tortilla chips. Crunchy battered shrimp with avocado crema makes for a taco favorite. Tamales are excellent--moist, fall-apart tender and rolled around chipotle chicken, cilantro pulled pork, or fresh corn. Desserts include a firm, fab flan with ripe berries.