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Big Star

Taco Restaurant and Whisky Bar$$$$

Wicker Park, Chicago

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Big Star

9.0^/10

2,098

ratings

Ranked #7 for seafood in Chicago
The experts at CNN and Time Out Chicago recommend this place
"Fish and pork belly tacos coupled with the margs are a must."(29 Tips)
"al pastor tacos and the fish tostadas are great."(16 Tips)
"The tacos de panza and micheladas are delish!!"(7 Tips)
"Try the tostada de hongos and the michelada verde."(19 Tips)

552 Tips and reviews

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tacos
margaritas
outdoor seating
micheladas
casual
de panza
horchata
good for groups
tequila
hipster
hot dogs
good for a quick meal
great value
spicy food
mezcal
happy hour
tortas
chicken
milkshakes
crowded
(15 more)

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Adrian PhillipsOctober 12, 2017
If you’re looking to day drink then a pitcher of mezcal margarita is the way forward. Served with real ice so it doesn’t get watered down too fast, great with the Al Pastor and Steak & cheese tacos.
CNNAugust 6, 2014
Half taco hut, half whiskey joint, Big Star is the place for al fresco meet-ups in Chicago. When the weather is warm, the doors of this former garage are raised and open tables disappear in a flash. Read more
Mayoor RaiMay 26, 2013
I only went to their take out window so I only ordered 3 tacos and a horchata. Their chicken tacos are amazing in my opinion. Don't be afraid of the pickle they put in!
JenKuduJune 13, 2014
$40 for a pitcher of margaritas and I stumbled away very happy! Queso fundido, Baja taco and guacamole are outstanding. Go drink at the bar, the hostess will text you when your table is ready.
ElisaSeptember 2, 2018
Pescado (fish) tacos are delicious here. Al pastor tacos have pineapple adding sweetness flavor, which was interesting. Great margs as well albeit a bit salty, ask for no salt!
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
Everyone knows Big Star is famous for its cheap and tasty tacos but it's the queso fundido that really wowed my tastebuds. Melted queso Chihuahua cheese compliments the peppers and meaty chorizo. Read more
C ReyJuly 14, 2016
Everything you've heard is true; this is the place you want to be on a sunny afternoon. Delectable tacos and excellent Mexican/summer themed beers and drinks. You MUST order the queso fundido!
William QuiñonesJanuary 29, 2016
I went for the first time this past weekend and I tried fish tacos, and beef taco, taco al pastor. All of them very good. The horchata wasn't spectacular for me, but the recommendation I got was 👍
VAugust 5, 2015
Tacos de pescado + fish tacos are sooooo good , definitely a must to try. Guacamole is amazing as well. If you are a taco lover definitely check this place out.
Jen Marquez GinnFebruary 23, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Super crowded. Cash only. That said, all the tacos are great. Favorite is the chicken taco. Tostada is awesome too. Very trendy. Good place to go with friends. Hit up the window outside in a hurry.
Bradley KayApril 22, 2017
Good-to-great tacos at a fair price with an amazing patio and atmosphere. For years it's been the best place to enjoy a lazy afternoon with as many friends as can drop by
EaterAugust 18, 2016
It's difficult to beat a classic. We're talking about the classic margarita, made with tequila Lunazul tequila, lime, and orange curacao. Read more
AdleyFebruary 26, 2018
Pretty yummie! Great nachos and guacamole and the tacos are really super tasty! 3 pieces per person are just the prefect meal size ;)
Rafa GSeptember 15, 2014
I came from de taco's country and this are most expensive tacos in my life, but they are great, have sowl, style, great service, delicious michelads and the "dulce de leche licuado" is pure sweetness.
Michelle StarkeyFebruary 19, 2016
Amazing first experience, although I admittedly didn't know what many menu items were (the menu is a mix of bilingual terms), everything I and my boyfriend picked was delicious. Cannot wait to go back
Spoon UniversityJune 2, 2016
While it may lack variety — it has a small, one-page menu of primarily tacos — you can count on each dish to pack a serious punch. One of the main appeals of Big Star is its huge patio. Read more
Chris SteeleSeptember 4, 2016
Been here 10+ times
On a nice night, skip the long line to be seated and get your tacos from the takeout window to the left. There are too many good things to do in Wicker Park to waste your time in a 2 hr queue.
Serious EatsAugust 19, 2011
Tacos al pastor, which is spit-roasted pork cooked with pineapple and onion; a crunchy fried fish taco; and best of all, pork belly with tomato guajillo sauce, queso fresco, onion, and cilantro. Read more
Derek FlanzraichOctober 4, 2016
If this were in NYC, you'd never be able to get a table. Tacos were dope (especially the chicken + fish), drinks are cheap!
Abdul HakkimDecember 31, 2013
Depending on how adventurous you feel, you can get a taco stuffed with anything from pork belly to beef hearts. And, every day there’s a $3 whiskey shot special. - © 2013 BuzzFeed, Inc
Miroslav LysyukJuly 8, 2012
Get the $30 margarita pitcher, some tacos, and sit back and relax with a friend and people gaze. FYI seats at the bar are a little hard to get, but easier than a table. Once you're in though, u good
Serious EatsMay 21, 2013
Getting a table to sip margaritas can take awhile, but if you just need a taco fix, head straight for the takeout window where you can usually get served in minutes.
Thomas BeckmanJune 1, 2021
Very solid tacos. Got the al pastor, panza, and hongos. Would recommend all of them. Outdoor seating is fantastic, and they play physical vinyls. Ambience was top notch
Krista marie ImusJuly 26, 2017
Listen. Order the Chicken and fish tacos (everything is delicious but those are the best ones) with a side pitcher of margarita and you're set. 👌
Josh SciannaOctober 3, 2017
Wicker Park staple - great for groups of people looking to split pitchers of potent margs and delicious street tacos. No reservations, be ready to wait for awhile.
Autumn ChoiFebruary 28, 2020
The al pastor and pescado never fail to please. Small but focused menu with awesome margarita pitchers too. A Chicago staple/favorite for sure
Michael SNovember 10, 2012
Panza taco: get that and then add whatever else looks good. It all rocks. Queso Fundido is awesome. Great craft draft selection: only 6 or 7 on tap but all world class.
Johnny LeeApril 22, 2013
If you find yourself waiting in line for the pork belly tacos, pastor, queso fundido, etc, run across the street and check out Moon Voyage. On pierce st around the corner from pennys
Serious EatsMay 13, 2013
Papas can Rajas Taco: This taco uses chipotles, which lend a smoky complexity to each bite. Though moderately spicy, they are tempered by cubes of potatoes.
Rachel MazzaJuly 30, 2016
Love big star! A bit noisy but $3 whiskey menu is excellent. So fun, but same tacos are half price at authentic Mexican places nearby.
MoonchildSeptember 15, 2014
This place is completely packed on the weekends and has great drinks and mexican food :) Love going there for a snack and drinks on a Friday or Saturday.
Time Out ChicagoJuly 7, 2014
The bar that took over the Pontiac space is just that: A bar. With whiskey shots, cheap beer, and quick cocktails. Read more
Time Out ChicagoFebruary 28, 2012
Beat the brutal weekend crowds by dropping by the takeout window to grab a couple of tacos or plant yourself at the wall-length counter for a few beers or quality cocktails. Read more
Marcello MansoSeptember 12, 2014
Imagine the world has been taken by zombies and the society as we know it is about to collapse. Make sure you stop here first and get Queso Fundido and porkbelly tacos.
PureWowMay 3, 2017
Wicker Park: What did we do with our Saturday afternoons before Big Star existed? We can’t remember—might have something to do with all those pitchers of margaritas…oops. Read more
Time Out ChicagoDecember 6, 2011
Try the michelada from our 100 Best list: We know it contains Tecate, Cholula and Valentina hot sauces, and Maggi. Oh, and we’re certain it's delicious, alleviates hangovers & might just cure cancer.
Danny CaccioppoJune 26, 2012
Hands down the best tacos I've ever had. They don't have steak tacos and thats normally my taco preference but I tried the pork belly tacos and I fell in love. Cash only too.
cami j.July 28, 2017
if you want to scope out the chicago hipster scene while eating delicious tacos, this is your place. the carrot taco was fabulous.
Ben PierceOctober 31, 2013
LAWDY those al pastors. Get a bunch of em, wash down with limeade, enjoy the outdoor seating. I've met some pretty amazing people on those picnic tables.
EaterJanuary 12, 2011
Where else can you get a beer, a taco and a shot of whisky for under $10? Leave it to Blackbird exec chef Paul Kahan to make it happen. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
The FeastJune 9, 2011
Four for four: Paul Kahan strikes again with a taqueria that draws hour-long waits for al pastor and signature cocktails. Everyone raves about the pork belly, but our rec is to opt for the fish tacos.
Time Out ChicagoMay 25, 2012
If you can just drink and not partake in Paul Kahan’s tacos al pastor…or his fish tacos…or his housemade salsas…or his sonoran hot dog (wrapped in bacon)…you have more restraint than we do. -JK Read more
Paul MoriniDecember 15, 2015
Everything is very well prepared and delicious. An inventive bar/restaurant that is a great place to end up for drinks and a snack
Time Out Chicago KidsJanuary 10, 2012
Foodies citywide rejoiced when this Bucktown taqueria opened its patio. More chances for us to partake in Paul Kahan’s tacos also means little foodies to sip dulce de leche milkshakes and lick paletas Read more
Ene Emilie DinesenAugust 18, 2014
Really good pizzas. There is a lot of noise because the train is running just next to it, but still a cool place. Would definitely go there again
Sarah WallerJuly 20, 2014
Been here 25+ times
Rajas, Panza, Pollo & Michelada to drink. I love this place but I hate that they will not give you a large container for chips & salsa to-go. Six small containers is really annoying. Is it that hard?
M Ben-DavidApril 4, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Big Star is a Fun & Hip place located in Wicker Park Bucktown Area, It also helps that all the food & drinks are delicious as well. A Big Huge Star for Big Star...
Anthony JonesAugust 7, 2018
Amazing vibes, quick service, a menu that is to the point but with quality items and drinks that you'll want to keep ordering.
Cole KennedyApril 4, 2016
Do you like day drinking and tacos? Of course you do. Come here and let the DJ spin real vinyl while you get messed up.
Marnie CoeneSeptember 6, 2013
The Tacos Al Pastor were delish! Also tried the bacon wrapped hot dog without the spicy sauce. It was so yummy. Just remember it's cash only.

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