Big Star

I love this place (when I can get a seat)! The margaritas are good but the food offers some amazing selections. The queso fundido, pork belly tacos, and sonoran hot dog are all my favorites. I feel like the service is hit or miss, sometimes they are really friendly and sometimes not so much. The seat situation and service usually determine if it is a 1 hour visit or an all day visit! As a reminder because I always forget - cash only.

Nothing makes me happier than sitting outside at Big Star on a hot Summer day with a Modelo and a couple tacos...ok more than a couple! It's been around for a few years now, and I am still as loyal a customer as I was that first summer. Their Pork Taco, the El Pastor, was written up in Food and Wine Magazine and I have to agree with them: it's top notch. So is the fish taco, and I am a big fan of the Big Star Salad and their guacamole is also delicious. I usually stick with a Modelo, but have also been known to enjoy a Margarita or two. Make sure to wear sunscreen, and be prepared to wait for a table! The secret got out awhile ago, and people come by the masses to see what the buzz is all about.

… Big Star is the place to be. I recommend: The Sonoran Hot Dog. Yes, it’s wrapped in crispy, bacon, with lime mayo, mustard, onions, hot sauce, on a bolillo roll. Tacos. The Queso Fundido: Melted Chihuahua, rajas poblano, housemade chorizo, fresh tortillas. And a chelada to wash it all down. Or many cheladas.

I went to Big Star a while back expecting a sit down restaurant and that is NOT what I got. I went back again knowing what to expect this time and had a BLAST! In general, it is primarily a bar where you can walk up and get tacos to go. It is loud, feels outside even when inside (I had to wear my sunglasses while we ate it was so sunny) but I loved the environment. Packed all day with a fun summer vibe in March. Different than anything else in Chicago. The queso, fish tacos, and Sonoran hot dog were my favorites. I am now obsessed with the Sonoran hot dog, and I dont usually order hot dogs! The margaritas and beers were also good. Overall, a bar / street vendor type place with amazing food. I want to go here every Sunday! The booth situation inside is a little iffy. Easier to get one if you have a larger group.

Big Star is a great place to grab good drinks and good food. We went on a Sunday and spent all day trying the different items on the drink and food menus. Highlights were the pork belly tacos, fish tacos, and the queso. I would order all of those again. The patio is great for a nice day. The booths inside are large but typically require a larger party.