The food was absolutely delicious and this restaurant certainly lives up to the hype. We got the egg rolls, funky monkey fries, beef rice bowl and bacos. We were well taken care of by the lovely staff who provided some recommendations and continued to check in to ensure we had everything we needed. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for good food and a lovely wholesome atmosphere. The food was delicious and the service was top notch. Cannot wait to return!
I'd give this place a 10/10 if I could, I have only been to this location once, but the service and atmosphere here is by far the best out of all the locations. (I've been to all) I will happily come back.Dietary restrictions: Has something for me as gluten free, and the person taking my order was very aware of my limitations and would let me know what foods to avoid.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice Bowls
Miriam W.
Yum! This little place is serving up some very tasty grub. The Shrimp Po' Mi, a kind of fusiony po boy, was calling my name; I chose the grilled shrimp and, with the Asian slaw and chipotle mayo, it all came together nicely. I would get that sammie again. We shared the sweet potato fries, and those were great too. I don't usually like stuff on my fries, but the sauce, cheese and scallions really did enhance these crispy morsels. I tried a bite of my husband's guajillo pork bahn mi, and that is something I would order. Everything I ate was really good, maybe cravably so. This place has a great menu, with soups, rice bowls, sandwiches and salads to choose from. I'll most definitely return.
Paul
Ok… wow, I’m a HUGE pho fan, so coming to a fusion restaurant like this I wasn’t setting the bar high, but their Mexi Pho is KILLER! Absolutely was not expecting
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mona Tong
Saucy Porka is a solid lunch / takeout spot in the Loop for creative Vietnamese & Latin American fusion. Though overall, it’s a bit pricey for the portions (which aren’t that large), it offers pretty fair and standard prices for the Loop area.As for Banh mis, so far I’ve tried the Ropa Vieja Beef Banh Mi, Cheesy Buddha Banh Mi, Soy Ginger Tofu Banh Mi. The banh mis are creative and unique, but tasted pretty average overall. The Ropa Vieja Beef was very flavorful with the meat seasoning and kimchi flavor combo, but the beef was a little dry and the sandwich itself was really soggy. The Cheesy Buddha and Soy Ginger Tofu banh mis were both pretty solid, but neither really stood out for me.I also tried the Tofu, Duck, and Grilled Shrimp Bacos. The tofu baco tasted pretty standard. The duck baco was good, but a bit lacking in flavor, unfortunately. The grilled shrimp taco was my favorite, pairing very well with the sauce and corn toppings for a nice tangy flavor.I’ve both gotten takeout and dined in here. It’s very casual and you sit wherever there’s space. The takeout orders are usually filled pretty fast and wrapped nicely.—Price (relative to peers): 4.1/5Food: 4.1/5Ambience: N/AService: N/AOverall Value: 4.1/5
Caleb J.
Had a team lunch with this brought in today. I thought it would be a great choice as everyone is a fan of Thai food here. I was very surprised with the spicy rice, and the jalapeño aioli! Very delicious, and it paired well with the chicken egg rolls. Next time I would like to try more from the menu, and even try some more meals besides primarily the sides. Tons of flavor, and it seemed like a nice, cozy restaurant. We got our order fairly fast as well.
Jessica Williamson
I can’t say enough good things about this gem! Beautiful place. Quick ordering and super friendly people. Fantastic food that you absolutely cannot get anywhere else. I would go every day if I could!
Mona T.
Saucy Porka is a solid lunch / takeout spot in the Loop for creative Vietnamese & Latin American fusion. Though overall, it's a bit pricey for the portions (which aren't that large), it offers pretty fair and standard prices for the Loop area. As for Banh mis, so far I've tried the Ropa Vieja Beef Banh Mi, Cheesy Buddha Banh Mi, Soy Ginger Tofu Banh Mi. The banh mis are creative and unique, but tasted pretty average overall. The Ropa Vieja Beef was very flavorful with the meat seasoning and kimchi flavor combo, but the beef was a little dry and the sandwich itself was really soggy. The Cheesy Buddha and Soy Ginger Tofu banh mis were both pretty solid, but neither really stood out for me. I also tried the Tofu, Duck, and Grilled Shrimp Bacos. The tofu baco tasted pretty standard. The duck baco was good, but a bit lacking in flavor, unfortunately. The grilled shrimp taco was my favorite, pairing very well with the sauce and corn toppings for a nice tangy flavor. I've both gotten takeout and dined in here. It's very casual and you sit wherever there's space. The takeout orders are usually filled pretty fast and wrapped nicely.-- Price (relative to peers): 4.1/5Food: 4.1/5Ambience: N/AService: N/AOverall Value: 4.1/5
Amber Lenstrom
Hole in the wall with great, unique food.We had the shrimp bahn mi and chorizo egg rolls which were both fantastic. I LOVED the green dipping sauce and would pour it on all my food next visit ?I want to go back and try more menu items.Fast, friendly service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allyson U.
We had a craving and searched because we were craving Jibaritos. In our search, saw somewhere (I forgot and cannot recall) that this place came recommended and it suggested they had fusion-y Jibaritos. When we read about this place and it sounded great; however, at this time, there were no Jibaritos. We order the Puerto Rican Rice Bowl and the Cubahn Mi. Both items were tasty; however, we didn't like them enough to be super enthusiastic about this place. Both items had flavor and a mixture of textures; however, they both felt heavy and one-note. I think both dishes could have benefited from something pickled/some acid. While the food was ok, the service was friendly and prices are reasonable. The interior was clean and there were cute decorative touches.
Came in after visiting the Skydeck Chicago. Best food we’ve had in a looooong time. You have to get the curry sweet potato fries (pictured) amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curry Sweet Potato Fries
Ella Lin
stopped in here for a team lunch at noon and was super impressed with the food and service! they were very busy but somehow food came out very quickly and was DELICIOUS (waited < 10 mins for 7 distinct orders). i had the puerto rican rice with beef + egg and highly recommend the combo! i devoured the entire bowl in one sitting. my colleagues did the same with their respective orders, and we all ordered different items so it seems you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. will definitely be coming back here again for lunch!
Pepa Rodriquez
Good prices, good quality, good music.Overall great experience, feedback, the music in my opinion should beautiful slightly on lower volume.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marguerite CLARK
$17 for the Puerto Rican rice with six shrimp, and the rice was so dry no other sauces were offered not what I expected at all very
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cherie C.
I've been coming here for lunch ever since they were still called Spotted Monkey a few years back. Their food is consistently good and always quick service for pick up. I don't recall ever waiting longer than 15 mins for my order. Such a convenient and affordable spot in the Loop. My favorites are their shrimp bacos and the picadillo roll (that chipotle aioli sauce is perfection). I've tried their Nutella mini donuts for the first time today and they're such a delightful treat.
The food was absolutely delicious and this restaurant certainly lives up to the hype. We got the egg rolls, funky monkey fries, beef rice bowl and bacos. We were well taken care of by the lovely staff who provided some recommendations and continued to check in to ensure we had everything we needed. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for good food and a lovely wholesome atmosphere. The food was delicious and the service was top notch. Cannot wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chorizo Egg Roll, Puerto Rican Rice with Pork, Pork Carnitas, Loaded Fries, Funky Monkey Fries, Monkey Fries, Chorizo Egg
I'd give this place a 10/10 if I could, I have only been to this location once, but the service and atmosphere here is by far the best out of all the locations. (I've been to all) I will happily come back.Dietary restrictions: Has something for me as gluten free, and the person taking my order was very aware of my limitations and would let me know what foods to avoid.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice Bowls
Yum! This little place is serving up some very tasty grub. The Shrimp Po' Mi, a kind of fusiony po boy, was calling my name; I chose the grilled shrimp and, with the Asian slaw and chipotle mayo, it all came together nicely. I would get that sammie again. We shared the sweet potato fries, and those were great too. I don't usually like stuff on my fries, but the sauce, cheese and scallions really did enhance these crispy morsels. I tried a bite of my husband's guajillo pork bahn mi, and that is something I would order. Everything I ate was really good, maybe cravably so. This place has a great menu, with soups, rice bowls, sandwiches and salads to choose from. I'll most definitely return.
Ok… wow, I’m a HUGE pho fan, so coming to a fusion restaurant like this I wasn’t setting the bar high, but their Mexi Pho is KILLER! Absolutely was not expecting
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Saucy Porka is a solid lunch / takeout spot in the Loop for creative Vietnamese & Latin American fusion. Though overall, it’s a bit pricey for the portions (which aren’t that large), it offers pretty fair and standard prices for the Loop area.As for Banh mis, so far I’ve tried the Ropa Vieja Beef Banh Mi, Cheesy Buddha Banh Mi, Soy Ginger Tofu Banh Mi. The banh mis are creative and unique, but tasted pretty average overall. The Ropa Vieja Beef was very flavorful with the meat seasoning and kimchi flavor combo, but the beef was a little dry and the sandwich itself was really soggy. The Cheesy Buddha and Soy Ginger Tofu banh mis were both pretty solid, but neither really stood out for me.I also tried the Tofu, Duck, and Grilled Shrimp Bacos. The tofu baco tasted pretty standard. The duck baco was good, but a bit lacking in flavor, unfortunately. The grilled shrimp taco was my favorite, pairing very well with the sauce and corn toppings for a nice tangy flavor.I’ve both gotten takeout and dined in here. It’s very casual and you sit wherever there’s space. The takeout orders are usually filled pretty fast and wrapped nicely.—Price (relative to peers): 4.1/5Food: 4.1/5Ambience: N/AService: N/AOverall Value: 4.1/5
Had a team lunch with this brought in today. I thought it would be a great choice as everyone is a fan of Thai food here. I was very surprised with the spicy rice, and the jalapeño aioli! Very delicious, and it paired well with the chicken egg rolls. Next time I would like to try more from the menu, and even try some more meals besides primarily the sides. Tons of flavor, and it seemed like a nice, cozy restaurant. We got our order fairly fast as well.
I can’t say enough good things about this gem! Beautiful place. Quick ordering and super friendly people. Fantastic food that you absolutely cannot get anywhere else. I would go every day if I could!
Saucy Porka is a solid lunch / takeout spot in the Loop for creative Vietnamese & Latin American fusion. Though overall, it's a bit pricey for the portions (which aren't that large), it offers pretty fair and standard prices for the Loop area. As for Banh mis, so far I've tried the Ropa Vieja Beef Banh Mi, Cheesy Buddha Banh Mi, Soy Ginger Tofu Banh Mi. The banh mis are creative and unique, but tasted pretty average overall. The Ropa Vieja Beef was very flavorful with the meat seasoning and kimchi flavor combo, but the beef was a little dry and the sandwich itself was really soggy. The Cheesy Buddha and Soy Ginger Tofu banh mis were both pretty solid, but neither really stood out for me. I also tried the Tofu, Duck, and Grilled Shrimp Bacos. The tofu baco tasted pretty standard. The duck baco was good, but a bit lacking in flavor, unfortunately. The grilled shrimp taco was my favorite, pairing very well with the sauce and corn toppings for a nice tangy flavor. I've both gotten takeout and dined in here. It's very casual and you sit wherever there's space. The takeout orders are usually filled pretty fast and wrapped nicely.-- Price (relative to peers): 4.1/5Food: 4.1/5Ambience: N/AService: N/AOverall Value: 4.1/5
Hole in the wall with great, unique food.We had the shrimp bahn mi and chorizo egg rolls which were both fantastic. I LOVED the green dipping sauce and would pour it on all my food next visit ?I want to go back and try more menu items.Fast, friendly service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a craving and searched because we were craving Jibaritos. In our search, saw somewhere (I forgot and cannot recall) that this place came recommended and it suggested they had fusion-y Jibaritos. When we read about this place and it sounded great; however, at this time, there were no Jibaritos. We order the Puerto Rican Rice Bowl and the Cubahn Mi. Both items were tasty; however, we didn't like them enough to be super enthusiastic about this place. Both items had flavor and a mixture of textures; however, they both felt heavy and one-note. I think both dishes could have benefited from something pickled/some acid. While the food was ok, the service was friendly and prices are reasonable. The interior was clean and there were cute decorative touches.
Restaurantji Recommends
Came in after visiting the Skydeck Chicago. Best food we’ve had in a looooong time. You have to get the curry sweet potato fries (pictured) amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curry Sweet Potato Fries
stopped in here for a team lunch at noon and was super impressed with the food and service! they were very busy but somehow food came out very quickly and was DELICIOUS (waited < 10 mins for 7 distinct orders). i had the puerto rican rice with beef + egg and highly recommend the combo! i devoured the entire bowl in one sitting. my colleagues did the same with their respective orders, and we all ordered different items so it seems you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. will definitely be coming back here again for lunch!
Good prices, good quality, good music.Overall great experience, feedback, the music in my opinion should beautiful slightly on lower volume.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
$17 for the Puerto Rican rice with six shrimp, and the rice was so dry no other sauces were offered not what I expected at all very
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
I've been coming here for lunch ever since they were still called Spotted Monkey a few years back. Their food is consistently good and always quick service for pick up. I don't recall ever waiting longer than 15 mins for my order. Such a convenient and affordable spot in the Loop. My favorites are their shrimp bacos and the picadillo roll (that chipotle aioli sauce is perfection). I've tried their Nutella mini donuts for the first time today and they're such a delightful treat.