Fort Wayne Foodie Finds Flavor Gold at Solbird Kitchen & Tap

Last weekend, I finally made the pilgrimage to Solbird Kitchen & Tap at 1824 W Dupont Rd, and spoiler alert: it is everything you’ve been daydreaming of. With an aesthetic that’s part polished food truck charm, part urban warmth, the place feels like a warmly lit stage where each taco dances under soft pendant lighting.

 

The Korean Shrimp Taco arrives as a masterpiece:  grilled shrimp bathed in bold Korean-style sauces, hugged by a corn tortilla with just the right char. Think succulent shrimp where sweet-spicy layers of gochujang and sesame greet your tongue, while tangy kimchi-style slaw cuts through with refreshing zing.

 

The Baja Shrimp Taco is a tropical getaway on a plate: ancho-grilled shrimp that’s smoky and slightly sweet, paired with bursts of orange bell pepper and pineapple, all bound together by creamy chipotle’s smoky warmth. It’s that blissful sweet-heat sunshine on your tongue moment.

 

Chips & Salsa Duo? Crunchy, house-fried chips that are impossibly fresh; seriously, you can taste the golden oil’s glow. Paired with two vivid, Cantina-style salsas, one rojo with deep tomato warmth and the other verde bright and herbal with a lively kick. Together, they’re more than an appetizer—they’re a full-on flavor fiesta.

 

"Dollar for dollar, the best value and food … One of the best experiences I’ve had in forever. 10/10 will be back. Often." "Pork carnitas taco and Korean BBQ shrimp taco, loved both of them."

 

Solbird’s menu is a palette of global comfort and local goodness. The Korean Beef Taco features tender beef with tangy coleslaw and savory kimchi-leaning layers. The Ancho Fries are crispy wedges kissed with smoky ancho chili, perfect for dipping or sharing. The Shrimp Ceviche brings a bright citrusy pop that’s crisp and refreshing. The Grilled ’Shroom Quesadilla is cheesy, satisfying, and vegetarian-friendly.

 

This isn’t just any taco joint.  it’s the heart-and-soul of two local visionaries. Jerry Perez, the culinary maestro behind Sol Kitchen, launched what became one of Fort Wayne’s first beloved food trucks in 2012. His recipes curated bold Tex-Mex bites with Asian fusion, inspired by family feasts and heritage, the smell of tamales, weekend steaks, those communal, memory-rich meals. His dreams eventually merged with Ben Thompson, the founder of Birdboy Brewing Co., bringing local craft beer into the mix. Together, they launched Solbird Kitchen & Tap in 2018, a casual brick-and-mortar born from that mobile kitchen spirit and a shared love of bold flavors.

 

Perez is refreshingly authentic. “The ingredients … have to be fresh … my freezer … isn’t even plugged in.” He sources organic meats from Woods Farms in Indiana; traceable, local, and two days from butchering. Solbird is simply where street-food dreams and integrity meet.

 

"Tacos and bowls … delicious, not greasy, fresh and with flavor." "Delicious and different tacos, great guacamole and chips ... every taco … wonderful: Korean beef, the Texican, Baja shrimp, and pork carnitas." "The place is a vibe … vibrant art on the walls, sculptures, amazing music … working owner who greets you like family … Korean BBQ taco was by far my favorite."

 

Fort Wayne food lovers, meet your new obsession. Nestled on Dupont Road, Solbird Kitchen & Tap takes the familiar street-taco vibes and turns them into something magical. Their Korean Shrimp Taco makes your mouth sing with its flip-flop of gochujang heat and tangy slaw. The Baja Shrimp Taco is a mini vacation: ancho-grilled shrimp, pineapple joy, and smoky chipotle all in one bright bite. Paired with perfectly crisp chips and a vibrant rojo & verde salsa duo, it’s not just a meal. it’s an experience.

 

What began as Jerry Perez’s ‘Sol Kitchen’ food truck blossomed into this intimate, locally rooted gem in 2018, thanks to his partnership with Birdboy Brewing’s Ben Thompson. Every flavor here; from corn tortilla to cilantro sprig, carries stories of farmers, fresh ingredients, and the bold heart of Fort Wayne food culture.

 

So what are you waiting for? Head to Solbird, order those tacos, and let the flavors take you somewhere unforgettable.