"For a Hot Time on a Saturday Night..."

April 17, 2012

• Sunday Funday

• Food: Fast, and fresh at the bar
• Decor: Casual, Sunday Funday
• Service: Fast and friendly
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great margaritas and whiskey

Overview:

… 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.

Recommended Dishes:

Sonoran hot dog, Queso fundido, chelada, tacos

"Sunday Funday"

March 13, 2012

• Outdoor dining

• Food: Tacos
• Decor: Very casual and very loud
• Service: Great
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Margaritas and beer

Overview:

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.

Recommended Dishes:

Pork belly tacos, fish tacos, queso, Sonoran hot dog

"Great place for a Sunday"

March 12, 2012

• Food: Tacos
• Decor:
• Service: Good
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Good

Overview:

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.

Recommended Dishes:

Pork belly tacos, fish tacos, queso

"Yum"

January 16, 2012

• Food: Tacos
• Decor: Funky fresh.
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Whiskey! Great margaritas.

Overview:

It's crowded, it's loud, it's funky, it's fun. I enjoyed myself at Big Star, the energy was great, and the tacos really good! The margaritas are great, too- heavy on the tequila! The taco flight is the way to go and then pick which are your favorites and go back for more! The tacos al pastor were definitely my favorite, the pork and pineapple is a perfect combo! The Sonoran Dog is a monster as well, really spicy and really good!

Can't wait to check this place out in the summer when the patio is open. Even more fun and tacos to be had!

Recommended Dishes:

Tacos al pastor.

"Tacos"

November 9, 2011

• Food: Taco's, Whiskey
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Favorite dish - Taco's Al Pastor

Recommended Dishes:

Taco's Al Pastor

"Holy Cojones, Estrella Grande!"

May 22, 2011

• Food: Beer, Whiskey, and TACOS!
• Decor: Gas station with a bar in it.
• Service: Casual, nice.
• Cost: $
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Despite the noise, the hype, and the hipsters, I'm totally smitten. After a beer, a $3 shot of whiskey, and splitting a Sonoran hot dog four-ways, I was all a-glow. Upon polishing off a "taco flight" (one of each of the 4) I had a full belly and big stars in my eyes. Solid, good, fresh, and tasty food - all at a great price.

Recommended Dishes:

Sonoran Hot Dog, Tacos: Pastor, Panza, Ejotes, Pescado, and the guac.

"Tacos. Whiskey. Repeat."

April 28, 2011

• Outdoor dining

• Food: Tacos, Mexican
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Jonesing for a taco? Get over to Big Star, stat. Paul Kahan delivers huge flavors in small tortillas. Though we're seriously disturbed he took the poblano taco off the menu, the pork belly and pork shoulder tacos make us forgive him (we're big like that). And at $3 for most offerings -- including whiskey shots to wash all the deliciousness down -- we don't know how the place makes any money. Oh wait, it's packed every night.

Recommended Dishes:

pork belly and pork shoulder tacos

"Great Food, OK atmosphere"

March 29, 2011

• Tacos
• large outdoor area

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

I had VERY high hopes for Big Star, as tons of my friends swear by it.

The tacos were great, but I would stick to JUST the tacos. The hotdog is a fan favorite but I just didn't see the appeal. There was to many condiments on it to even enjoy the dog.

The atmosphere was laid back but very stiff. The bar has large sky lights which is nice to let some sun in, but half of the table had to wear their sunglasses the whole meal bc it was glaring through. The music was BLASTING in our ears as well.

The tacos were very good though. They change their menu often so hopefully there is more to come.

I will say that their outdoor area is HUGE so once the summer hits, I will have to try this place on more time.

Recommended Dishes:

Try all of the daily tacos.