Big Star Reviews

This place was packed but to our surprise that did not have any negative influence on service. We sat at the bar & ordered a plate of four tacos. They are served "family style" with share plates. The pork shoulder and the fish tacos were both very good. The guacamole was also nice. They have margarita mix on tap to execute service - which is a very smart move in such a busy location. The patio is huge, an open-air vibe inside & neat little private bathrooms.

Creative specialty tacos. My husband loves to try new things so he loved it. I'm a bit more reserved but found a couple things I really liked. We've had better margaritas elsewhere, but that didn't ruin our visit.

Ordered the Taco de Pollo, Taco Carne, and Taco de Zanahorias. Didn't think anything special of the chicken or beef tacos. The carrot taco stood out though. That's the only one I would get again. Long wait. Service is on the slower side. Overall, thought it was the same level as the dozen other taco spots in Wicker.

We showed up at 11 o’clock on Sunday. They have changed their hours since last year, and they don’t open till 1130. So we went to the farmers market. It is only half a block away. It was spectacular. A really really nice place to be and you should add to your list. I think now that they have three locations the demand for this location is diminished. Food was great; service was great; margaritas are great and as expected we left the nice buzz! Our overall thoughts were that it wasn’t quite as fun as the last time we were there. Still an awesome place!

Great vegan options and very fast service. We were in town for a few days and we randomly came upon this and it was so good!

I had some friends come to town and they were looking for a great taco place. There are lots of taco places these days, but you still need to find a good one. Big Star is just that. If you make it on a night that has great weather you can sit outside. The place is on the small side with a very large bar in the middle, but doubles in size if you go in the warm weather months you can also sit outside. It was raining when we went so we sat inside. Weekends are crazy with long waits. But if you go on a weeknight it's a great way to try out this fun place. The menu is all tacos. They could use a better fish taco; they only have a tilapia taco. Not a great fish for tacos. Drinks are a mix of local Chicago Craft beers and cocktail libations. We order a collection of tacos - chicken, chorizo-bacon, carne asada, tostada, walking taco, guacamole and chips. The food was so good. My friend that ordered the walking taco wasn't impressed but I liked it. Our food came out very quickly. Service was great. The one thing, I almost lost my voice trying to have a conversation with my friends. It is so loud in there and you can barely hear the person next to you. But also makes for a fun night to enjoy tacos and drink some beer.

I heard about this place on tv and I thought to myself, next time I'm in town I should check it out. And it didn't disappoint. The restaurant had a big outdoor area and then a sitting inside and then a large bar area. I got carded to sit in the bar area :) . Decor was great, service was quick and the tacos were delicious. I had 4 and it was just the right amount.

Even if it isn't Tuesday, if you've got a taco itch you need to scratch, you could do worse than pop down to Big Star. Great range of great tacos and a great vibe. The Taco de Pescado is a menu highlight.

Not only do they have great, authentic tacos, the place has a really cool vibe. A great place for friends to gather late at night and share a meal and some drinks..

Best tacos ever! Although our wait was 90 minutes, it was worth the wait - try the margaritas too, you won’t be disappointed 😁

This place has the cutest (and quite large) patio with both covered and non-covered seating! The guac and salsa are both delicious, but where they shine is the tacos and margaritas! One couple in our party had some other cocktails, but I stuck to the spicy margarita. We all got an assortment of tacos which were served to us on a giant, family-style platter. 3 or 4 tacos + the guac should do you just fine. Nothing was left and we departed with full bellies. If you are in this area of Chicago, I highly suggest visiting. They do have indoor seating if the weather doesn't permit for sitting outside. Reservations HIGHLY recommended as this place was packed when we arrived.

I've been to this bar 3 times , have had to wait for a table every time but every time it's been worth it. The food range is limited but really tasty and the fish tacos are a standout. If the bar is too busy there is a hatch off to the side for takeaway. But it's the atmosphere & signature margaritas that make this a really fun bar to spend time in. Judging by its popularity I'm not the only one that thinks so. There's a good range of beer too & service is very fast once you're in. If you're in Wicker Park I really recommend you spend some time here, it's a really buzzing bar.

Early lunch with girlfriends. Everything was fantastic ambience service drinks food. Recommend the fish taco!

Big Star's service is top-notch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff eager to offer personalized recommendations. The outdoor patio is a sunny and inviting spot for dining. In short, Big Star is a culinary gem in Illinois, offering delectable food, a vibrant atmosphere, and unwavering dedication to quality, ensuring a memorable dining experience that stays with you.

Trendy hip place with a nice vibe but the tacos are nothing special. There are quite a variety but I found them heavy and they didn't seem fresh.

Very first time in Chi Town. Had a blast! Heard good things from a local in response to my quest for great Mexican. What I got was so much more special. On the menu was a once a month special entre: chicken fried chicken! Meaty, tender thighs atop a green mole sauce. Outstanding. My companions had 2 or 3 special tacos each, reportedly delicious. The Margarita pitchers were also good. Food came super fast! Servers were smart, sweet, and knowledgeable. Hipsters paradise, trendy neighborhood. Five Stars.

On the menu, a 'V' was listed as indicating a vegetarian option. However, when the server was asked whether or not the bean contained Lard. She went to the kitchen to ask. Yes, they do contain Lard was her reply. This was for their Pinto beans. They would not switch them out for Black beans. I suppose the Black beans may have also contained Lard. However, it didn't matter since they would not make a switch. Don't need to return to this restaurant.

This place is packed even after 1 pm on a Sunday afternoon. Honestly, im not sure what the draw is. Don't get me wrong, the tacos are not bad but I really had better. We tried the fish, chorizo/lamb, pork, steak and nothing really wowed me, the cost range from 2.5 to 4 per taco. The chips and guac is $8, I make better guac. Im glad I tried this place but not a return customer. I still enjoy the tacos at Takito much better than here. If you have some refined taste in taco then this place is not for you, otherwise this place is good enough. I expect more when you charge this much for a taco.

The big winning traits of Big Star are their fun atmosphere and their service, which is astoundingly good - with drinks coming out less than a minute after ordering them (and the place was completely packed) Overall, the food was nice, but certainly not the best Tacos we've ever had. We tried 6 different types. I would go back to sit outside and enjoy some drinks and chips, but would probably skip the tacos.

Sorry, but this place was totally not worth the hype or the money they charge. Their margaritas are made with cheap tequila and it shows. It has a nasty "Cuervo" like smell that does not want to make you drink it. When you taste it you know why, cuz it's gross! Their tacos were a total miss. People mention their Al Pastor tacos as being the best, really? Go to any of the hundreds of "Authentic" Mexican Restaurants or Taquerias in the city and you'll taste more authentic tacos than those. Do yourself a favor try "Real" tacos somewhere else! The atmosphere was cool, but didn't make up for the lack of attention from our waitress, who pretty much took our order and disappeared! Never came back to see if we wanted another drink or if our food had come out ok. Just came back with tablet in hand to swipe our credit card and send us on our disappointed way, no bueno!

A great stop , i have friends in from Colombia, sc. So you hit the good spots and this place is always on the list . Each item was great . Do not hesitate, go and enjoy. #porkmafia inda house

I liked the fish taco’s , margaritas would be nicer if they are less sweet or more alcohol in them at least. Service was not really attent, I had to ask them for their attention -it seemed like they kept forgetting ro offer more drinks etc

By far our favourite taco place. Visited from the UK in August. Love the selection of vegetarian food. Super fast service and great prices. Would always come back!

Wow! What a great fun taco place! Our food came out in under 5 minutes. Great atmosphere. The tacos were fantastic and well as the house salad. Would come back in the summer and eat outside.

As my title says, I was very satisfied with this restaurant. We came upon the place on a wonderful sunny day, which Big Star is perfectly set up for. There is a very large patio for outdoor eating, a bar area inside, and a take out window on the side for a quick grab 'n' go..We chose the outdoor seating and were attended to to immediately. We decided on tacos and salads, with sides of guacamole and spicy-brined veggies. Our tacos (pastor and fish) were wonderful, and the salads were creative and delicious. We enjoyed experience in every way! Highly recommended!

Tacos, tacos, tacos...go here and buy them all. We had multiple different kinds and they were all great. Big Star margarita was delicious. Coming back here every time I go to Chicago from now on.

Definitely plan on a decent wait for a table in the evening, but have a drink at the bar while you wait and enjoy the energy of the place! I would highly recommend the Taco Al Pastor, and the fresh cilantro on the tacos— so good!!

Chicago is loaded with good eats and Big Star is no exception. Located right on the border of bucktown and wicker park in Chicago, this place is always full of people, always has a good vibe and serves up some excellent tacos and booze. While all of the entries on the menu are fantastic, my favorites are the fish tacos with queso fundido (which is basically melted cheese with chorizo, peppers and onions blended in). The old fashioned that they mix up here is also hard to beat. 2 and you're done. You can't go wrong here and you will leave happy and full with a nice buzz if that's your thing. If you are visiting Chicago, this is a MUST STOP!!

The potato taco was great for someone looking for a veggie option, yet a bit spicy. I was extremely disappointed they couldn't make something not on the menu even though they had all the ingredients. (guacamole, taco, lettuce, and cheese) Too bad, they lost that part of the sale. Sat with my friend while they ate. Most things on the list have meat or are spicy.

My girlfriend and I stopped here early on a sunny Friday afternoon when we happened to be in Wicker Park. We were trying to find a spot for a late lunch and saw some good reviews on Tripadvisor. It turned out to be the perfect choice. We both usually drink wine, which isn't on the menu, but this was no problem as I enjoyed a couple of Mexican beers while my girlfriend had a margarita which she also enjoyed. The food was great: We shared chips with nice red and green salsas, a very fresh-tasting guacamole and Vegetables in Escabeche. I had a Taco Panza and a Taco Carne con Chile Colorado; both were excellent. There were so many vegetarian options that my girlfriend had a bit of a challenge deciding. She went with a Taco de Papas con Rajas and a Taco de Zanahorias: Both were reportedly delicious. We were seated in the cozy outside dining area where the people- and dog-watching were great. A very efficient and friendly staff and a relaxed, happy atmosphere made this a quite pleasurable experience overall. Highly recommended.

Having lived in Chicago for 20 years I have been to just about every taco place in Chicago. Zocco, Fronterra, Las Palmas, and the list goes on and on. If you want the absolute best taco go to Big Star. The place has "it". "It" being defined as great ambiance, the best food, killer margaritas and eclectic music. Get their early and stay late. People watching is fantastic but in the end the food is the real "star"

Tortilla chips. They are everyone's kryptonite, right? Well, Big Star serves up the literal best tortilla chips I've ever eaten. Seriously. No joke. They are fresh. They have the perfect amount of salt with a hint of lime. They are absolutely, divinely perfect. Oh, and the margaritas and tacos and service are great, too. But those tortilla chips...

The best tacos ever and the spicy marg was on point! 5 out of 5 🌟. Such a fun atmosphere and the staff was fantastic! Get outside the city and experience this!

One of the summer's best patio's for people watching, sipping margs, and eating tacos. Always get the guac.

We enjoyed a quick dinner after Second City show. In our mid 40s we felt a bit old there. The tacos were good and the nachos and guacamole were amazing. The whiskey selection was impressive. Cool vibe.

Food was great and so were their margaritas. If you like spice … order the spicy margarita! If you don’t, stick with the basic.

Came here early on a Saturday afternoon. There was a line of people waiting for tables but the two of us waited for less than 20 minutes. (Just enough time for a run to Stan's Donuts a block away.) In spite of the hectic pace and the crowd, service was excellent; friendly, helpful and unrushed. Tacos were great. The guacamole was tasty and there was plenty of chips and salsa. Big Star is easy to get to. On public transportation use #9 bus or the Blue line.

Love this place! The salad is really good and every taco rocks! The people are so much fun! And they spin vinyl!

Very cool vibe at this place. Great tacos and chips at a reasonable price. Margaritas are strong and good. They specialize in tacos - there's only a few other menu items like a salad and chips and guacamole. Each taco is around $4. We each had 2 and it was plenty. Flavor abounds at this cute place - outside dining was an added plus! Highly recommend!

A great place for friens to meet. It’s two stories, so there’s soace to accommodate everyone. Tacos are a great choice. Got queso for an app and was pleasantly surprised. Would definitely recommend.

Our tacos were tasty and served quickly. The waiter was really friendly and attentive despite the place being packed out. We had to leave our name and number and got a text when a table came free. We sat outside and enjoyed the food. They were late in bringing out the starter after the main course tacos but they apologised and with this sort of food it didn't really matter. An enjoyable evening and the waiter gave us loads of tips on other neighbourhoods to visit the following day.

Amazing taco's that you can choose from. It was once a garage and they made this into a restaurant. They had a DJ playing and it was nice to hear some old music from the past. The place was clean, lively and just great fun. The tacos were pretty quick coming to the table. I had the fish taco and it was crispy and had plenty of great flavor. I would recommend this place for friends or just a couple. Enjoy.....

Great menu choices although we didn’t order cocktails they have plenty to choose from. Our order came out extremely fast. The tacos were flavorful and filling. Service was fantastic.

Fresh made corn tortillas, queso fundido and the pastor tacos were spot on, and margaritas perfect. It has gotten better since our last visit two years ago, also more crowded -- go at an off time or eat at the bar or do carry out, at 9 pm on Friday there were 49 parties ahead of us, so we opted to hang at the bar where two seats opened up in ten minutes. Gluten-free friendly, no problems here!

I have not been here for over a year and it was a huge disappointment. It all started out with the manager on Sunday, January 19 at 3 PM, when my daughter and wife asked for a table with half of the tables in the entire restaurant empty, and she refused to sit them until I got out of my car and was present inside of the restaurant before seating. I can understand that if the restaurant is full, or there’s reservations ahead of you, but not with the restaurant half empty. She really had a poor attitude. When were then seated and a nice and helpful waiter came. These were some of the best tacos in Chicago and they have really have come down significantly in their quality. The tacos “al pastor” were over cooked and over spiced, in Mexico they would be unacceptable (and now with a single tortilla which used to be double), the “steak” was a stew which again in Mexico would be unacceptable, and the tortilla soup was terrible with uncooked vegetables and simply un-edible and did not have more than Teo spoonfuls. It was a huge disappointment. I probably have come here at least 10 times in the past, waited for an hour for a table, and happily waited given the great food, but it’s been over a year since the last time we came. I asked to speak to the manager, who would not give us the light of day and refused to come and see us at our table. Even the people who worked there serving and cleaning tables agreed in private. With that kind of an attitude how would you go back to a restaurant. If I was the owner I would have a serious discussion about her attitude. Unfortunately this will be my last time here considering that Chicago is a city full of Mexican restaurants and Taquerias which provide much cheaper and better food than big star these days. I sincerely hope that they take this review seriously and really go back to the basics that made this restaurant so good in the past.

Stopped in for lunch on a hot sunny afternoon in April. This spot didn't disappoint! My wife and I had a selection of tacos which were all fantastic. I really enjoyed the taco de chorizo cadero. My wife really enjoyed the taco de panza as well as the taco de pescado. We also washed all this down with margaritas because what else would you have with tacos right?

This little "dive" was completely packed as we arrived for supper. Don't be fooled by the outdoor appearance. The food and drinks are amazing! Exquisite and appealing to all taste buds! The staff were attentive. Our food and drinks were served promptly! PS the guacamole is amazing as many reviews suggest!

Some of the best tacos and margaritas in Chicago and the wicker park neighborhood. My favorite is the al pastor taco and the chips and quac can’t be missed!

After spending the day meandering through Chicago, it was late and we were hungry. We had smelt the corn tortillas earlier in the day , and the patio was busy. We were not disappointed. Carne Asana, chorizo and pastor tacos hit the spot. Cool vibe, right by Wicker Park. Would definitely recommend!

Have been coming here for awhile- always a good vibe, always some delicious food. Plus who'd have thunk that whiskey and taco's would be a good combo. I love the Al Pastor from them. Also the chorizo ones! What a great whiskey selection they have- and at some very fair prices.

Great dining are with really good quick service. But if you are in the mood for carry out then the walk up window is where you want to go

This place is always packed on a nice day, which always shows that a resturant either has good drinks or great food. The staff is super nice and friendly and has a great turn around time if you want to get in and out. Sitting at the bar we ordered a beer and a few tacos for a snack. The fish tacos were delicious! More than the other 3 we had. Overall though it was alittle underwhelming for all of the hype I've heard around this place.

Tacos are excellent. Service is fast and friendly. Location is great and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Highly recommend.

This is a pretty cool place, with bartenders spinning wax on the old school turntable and suggesting drink selections. They have an awesome bourbon selection, and plenty of tequilas. The tacos are pretty good also.

Who would have thought my favorite taco would be mole-seasoned carrots!?!? Very unique little tacos in a funky Wicker Park setting. Just missed five stars because the beers were a bit small for the price and the tacos could have used more sauce (the pork was a bit dry).

Fast service and nice Wrigleyville location... wish there were more menu items but a fun place to check out. Loved the shot of the day feature.

I visited on a Monday night so it wasn’t too crowded. Great dining area considering COVID restrictions. Guac/salsa/chips were nothing to write home about but satisfied the craving. Tacos were great. Food came quickly and was pleasantly hot and ready to eat. Great food for good price.

A nice selection of tacos. Of the three I tried the Taco de Zanahorias was the clear winner. My group stopped in for an early dinner (6ish) on a week night in early spring. Within 30 minutes the place was packed. It would be amazing on a sunny summer day eating tacos on their patio.

The vibe in this place oozes out on to the street which is just as well given there's a bit of waiting due to its popularity . Wait at the bar and enjoy excellent craft beers and cocktails and a retro playlist - Talking Heads for us . Really good tacos followed upon seating . The fish and pork belly were the hits among our crew. Given the business of the place , the cheery efficiency of the staff is great service in action .

What a day to end our trip in Chicago. Great food (applause to the kitchen staff), warm service, cool people and ambiance, good choices of music & not too pricey. Highly recommended and will come back again.

a goldmine of great tacos in here! It gets full for a good reason. We sat in a nice patio they had upfront and ordered an avocado dip with chips that was amazingly good. I had the fish tacos that just hit the spot too. Loved this place and the service was great.

There are better taco's out there but the food is pretty good. The main thing about this place is their atmosphere! They have a very huge patio, with music playing and they open late. Its great for dinner and drinks whether on a date or with a big group of friends. I was there with about 8 people and we all ordered taco's. They took a little long with our order, there was some kind of system glitch. We hadn't really noticed how long it was taking because it was a big group so we never even said anything. Anyway once they realized this and apologized and said all the taco's were on the house. That really helped, it shows they want to give you the best service possible. I would recommend this place for sure.

There's a neighborhood competition and Big Star doesn't need accolades. Host to many, second to none. Chicago works. Tacos are authentic to our neighborhood. I would love to see an elote on the menu... bring in a cart :)

An attractive beacon in Wicker Park, Big Star will hit the spot for a great drink and good food. The stars here are the bartenders who are very attentive and conscientious while curating a wonderful cocktail menu and tequila list. The house spirit, the small batch Lunazul is a real winner at a bargain price.

This was our first visit to Big Star Taco. A great first visit. We came for lunch. Sat outside. We liked the neighborhood. Our waiter was Manny who is a good waiter We have the chips and guacamole. Some of the best guac we have ever had. Sampled a few tacos on the menu. The pros shoulder , steak , fish and vegetable. All were very good. Margaritas are great. All in all a great visit and we will return.

We had a great time at Big Star. They have a large selection of whiskey and bourbon which I found strange for a taco place. They also have margaritas on tap! The Al Pastor was very good as well as the fish taco. Not the healthy grilled kind, the batter fried kind. Service was fast and friendly. Our waitress made a mistake on our bill and charged me for a fourth taco. I didn't see it until I got home so that was the only downside to dinner.

Stopped here for dinner and we were not disappointed! I had three different tacos and the were all delicious! The chips were super tasty too! Would definitely recommend for a casual tasty place to grab a meal.

Went on a Saturday night expecting it to be crowded. It was. Our wait was probably around an hour, but we grabbed a couple of things from the "To-Go" window for our kids while we waited. Once we were seated, we were inside and the noise level was way over the top. My wife and I were seated across a table from one another and couldn't talk without shouting. I thought the noise was a little over-kill. One other problem with the noise was that the waitress messed up our order because I know she couldn't hear us when we were ordering. The food was good/really good, but not great. Price-wise, I thought it was about right. I ordered an old fashion, and it was just ok. Seems like it would be a really great place to go with friends and hang out outside during the day to day-drink, but not the greatest family place on a weekend.

We were in town for work and we had been eyeing the food at this place since before we left on Instagram. We arrived dropped at bags up at our hotel and headed to Big Star. We sat on the patio, the server came over right away with water and got us started with some drink ordered! We had Palomas and they were amazing. We had some chips guacamole and salsas and the salsas are to die for. We each ordered 3 tacos which was plenty as they have tons on meat on them! I had Taco al pastor, Taco de panza and Taco de Chorizo the only one I didn't like was chorizo as I felt it had way to many spices (personally) but everything was amazing.

This is perfection if you love al fresco dining, Mexican food, margaritas and guacamole! We had a mini family reunion with relatives we had not seen in a couple of years. It was September so we could sit outside with our drinks, chips, salsa and guacamole while waiting for our tacos. We just hung out for hours eating and drinking. Great, friendly service with amazing taco combinations!

Honestly, there are better tacos elsewhere in Chicago (but I won't be rude and list them here). It seems like most people go here for drinks and to "be seen", especially on weekends.

Enjoyed dinner here with a friend. It seems like a very popular place in Wicker Park. The drinks were great, and the staff was extremely attentive. The tacos were decent, but the meat seemed a little over cooked. However, I would still try this place out again because of the friendly staff. It was too cold to sit outside, but it looks like a great place to go in the summer due to their outdoor seating.

Great gathering space indoors & out! Extensive beverage menu & fabulous food menu!!my favorite was the cauliflower tostado! Service is always fabulous!

Great food and atmosphere! We did walk up and had to wait on a table, but the wait was not bad considering it was a Saturday night

My girlfriend turned me on to this hotspot. The chicken with green mole and the pastor were my faves. The patio is especially cute.

I was walking on my way to a different restaurant when I passed this place. It was packed, but the atmosphere was appealing and I ended up going inside. It's a bit cramped on the inside but I was able to get a nice spot at the bar. I had tilapia tacos and the queso fundido. I would recommend trying those if you find yourself eating here.

Awesome place to hang out, have seriously good tacos and share a pitcher of margaritas. We will definitely be back anytime we're in town!

I was looking for a beer on a wander around the Damon area and Big Star was recommended. Two hours and four beers later and I had enjoyed 3 small plates of tacos and a great atmosphere with staff and customers sharing shots of tequila. Try the Walking Taco and be surprised.

Eat where the "locals" eat proves true again! Had dinner in this renovated gas station. Location was great. Inside was a little loud - the speakers were a bit "hot" where we were sitting. If seated outdoors, they had standing heaters. I had one of the best margarita's I have ever had. We had guacamole and Queso Fundido as our appetizers. Both were delicious, fresh, and well presented. Our taco selections were delicious - our table favorite was probably the Taco Al Pastor. I would love to visit this place again next time I am in Chicago, if time allows!

I tried 2 tacos and it was so good. The one with pineapple is amazing. The only flaws is that this place is so noisy

Maybe I shouldn't have come here two days after trying La Josie. The guacamole at Big Star was pretty tasteless and the tacos are really just fair. Nothing very creative or different about them--well, except "The Walking Taco" which was, um...a bit strange. I don't know if I like the fact that it comes in a frito bag. It's super super super salty and I love salty but this was too much even for me. On the bright side, everything is completely edible. It is very loud even during the day...we were a group of five and the music prevents you from hearing everyone at the table. But the service is excellent. I wouldn't make a special trip there but if I was right there and looking for somewhere to go, I might give it another shot.

Friends in Chicago suggested this place. The best tacos I ever had! Drinks are good too. I would go back soon.

Funky and hip place in Wicker Park, great for tacos, drinks and hanging out with friends. Large patio area. Open late night. Good service. Live DJ added to the lively atmosphere

There is always a reason that places like Big Star do so well. It is in a great location and has great food. It is a cool spot to be seen. Very casual and with a menu that you just never get tired of. So many cool things to get. They have expansive outdoor seating and really is a pretty good value for what you get. They are crazy busy most of the time, so you've gotta be ready to deal with that and be aggressive. We had tacos (again) and opted for steak, al Pastor, chicken. I have had every possible option for tacos and they are all good. These are my favorites. We also had chips and guacamole which are perfect way to start. Their limeade is a great alternative to beers, if you are so inclined. Big Star rocks for a reason... it's awesome!!!'

Decided to try Big Star for a light lunch (early dinner plans) after reading reviews here. Great atmosphere & wait staff and even better food. Easy to find, just steps away from the Damon station. My wife get one each of the taco al Pastor & potato. She's very particular, but she enjoyed so much she wouldn't even let me have a bite. I had two of the fish tacos. Great flavor, perfect balance of slaw, onion and chipotle mayo. Added just a touch of the red salsa the waitress brought to the table for extra kick. Already looking forward to our next trip to Chicago. Next time we'll be sure to stop in on a day we can indulge on some nachos or additional tacos.

After a full day riding my bike around the city without stopping for food, I was absolutely starving. A friend recommended Big Star and I can see why! Vibrant atmosphere, outstanding food, friendly staff – select a size meals with tacos and well-made cocktails means you can go as big or small as you want, all at a very reasonable price! I'd highly recommend it :) Thanks!

It's a hipster mexican joint. Go for the Tilapia fish tacos, tacos al pastor, their fresh house made guac.

Best tacos in all the lands (including Mexico). MUST have the chorizo taco and steak taco, fresh, fast and furiously good. Friendly service, well made cocktails, extensive beer list.... What more do you need? Sit at the bar for banter with locals and staff. Top tip, keep your tab open as you will want to keep ordering more. We had 6 tacos between two and a bowl of chips and fresh guac + salsa. YUM!!

Pretty hip place with awesome Tex mex. It's definitely a neighborhood staple and a great place to go for tacos

My best friend graduated from the University of Chicago and while visiting him he introduced me to Big Star. The Taco De Panza is all I want to eat all day every day. The pitchers of Margaritas are strong and delicious and better yet hand made fresh in front of you if you sit at the bar. Service is fast as heck and they now accept cards due to high demand (used to be cash only since the start!) At night on weekends you will see a line 20 deep for the take out window (Which has a limit of 20 tacos per person that can be ordered at a time) To go orders are only for people there you can't call ahead. Overall a wonderful experience and will always come back here for the food and service.

Enjoyed a sunny summer lunch with a buddy on the patio yesterday. Had the pulled pork and fish tacos, absolutely loved them. Chips and salsa were also very good, plus a good selection of beers on tap. This place has great location, happening vibe, and reasonable prices. I'm definitely coming back here.

Perfect for happy hour tacos and margaritas! Loved it and service was great! Cute place, great outdoor seating. Great fun neighborhood.

This is a great place. The tacos are very tasty with plenty of good choices. They have a full bar with a nice beer menu.

If you live nearby then I guess no harm in going. Otherwise not worth the trouble! We were a group of six so we ordered almost all of the tacos and hot chips. The food was average but then again not that expensive so I guess you get what you've paid for. The service was not good.

Don’t mistake this place as a restaurant, especially as a cheap place to eat at. I loved the environment but I came in thinking it would be somewhat authentic Mexican food. In addition, their selection of food is very small and not cheap. It’s $4 for one taco, not a pair of tacos, just one taco (and the tacos are really small portions). Other than that, I did think their tacos were good and the bar was really cute. Trip advisor should change their price range to: $$

It is a very popular, crowded and loud place.We had a great time, slurping on our margaritas. The tacos and salsas were very good.

An upscale TexMex joint with honkytonk music. Grab a Texas beer and eat some amazing tacos. One of my personal faves in Chicago in a cool neighborhood.

If you get there at the right time, and there is no wait, it's awesome! Cheap yummy tacos. The beans were also good - served with 4 little corn tortillas.

We live nearby and come here from time to time. It's a really fabulous, high energy place and perfect for either a summer afternoon out on the patio or a winter evening sitting inside. There's always a wait. But part of the fun is having cocktails at the bar or walking around the "hood" while you wait for a table. We typically start with a pitcher of margaritas (Best in Chicago!) and an order of chips and guacamole. Then, later on, we eat some tacos and possibly a Big Star salad or a greasy and yummy queso fondido. You have to be in the mood for a fun, very loud and high energy spot to enjoy your time here. And for tourists. It's a great spot to try if you want to get away from the more touristy Mich Ave.

My husband and I came here on a gorgeous day hoping to sit outside, eat some tacos and drink some margs. Mission accomplished! We arrived at about 1:15 on a Sunday and had to wait about 15 minutes as a party of 2. We were seated outside and though we requested a table in the shade, half of the table was in the sun. Our drinks were good (not great, though), as were the tacos we ordered (pork belly, al pastor, fish and chicken). Highly recommend that you enjoy this on a day when you'd like to be outside!

This place had seating available but some items on menu were not available cause they were out and service was slow. Food was ok. Overpriced for amount.

If you never tried Pork Belly Tacos now is the time and this is the place. Best I have ever had. Service is great food is to.

Big Star was our last stop before calling it a night and what a lively place! Lots of activity, lots of loud conversation, lots of fun being had. I had heard about their tacos, so I was laser-focused. They came out fast, and tasty, full of fillings. The Al Pastor and the Walking taco hit just the right spot.

Love the queso fundido. Unlike anywhere else. The could use a few more non-alcoholic selections for drinks. We made due and had no problems. But a few more items would be cool. As always love the tacos. Tried the pastore, pork belly, and the fish one. All were nice but as far as I am concerned you can put pineapple on anything and make it better. Took some friends from out of town and they loved it too.

Went here on a whim and loved it!!! Sat outside and chatted with all our neighbors while enjoying margaritas. My fav tacos were al pastor and pork belly. Great atmosphere.

We found this place recommended online and decided to try it out. It was delicious and the atmosphere was cool. We shared the carne asada taco and the dish with chihuahua cheese, poblano peppers and chorizo, whose name escapes me. It was served with fresh tortillas that were so good. Definitely worth checking out!

We came here on a Saturday afternoon and it was pretty packed but we were able to get some seats at the bar. The music was super LOUD making conversation impossible. It took a while before anybody acknowledged us but once we were finally brought menus the service was on point. We ordered chips and salsa, a few of their $6 tacos and a pitcher of margaritas. The tacos were good but worth $6 and after drinking 4 of the margaritas I didn't have a hint of a buzz.

Conveniently located off of the blue line and just around the corner from Wicker Park. I had the pork belly, fish, and potato tacos which were all delicious. The guacamole and dipping sauces and margs were also great. Our waiter was super nice and also asked at the beginning of the meal about food allergies which is a great idea as I have a dairy allergy. Also their ordering and paying system at great, they have an iPad or similar and just run your cards right there. Would return and recommend.

Fun, friendly atmosphere, great cocktails and delicious tacos and salads. No problem accommodating gluten and dairy allergies. We loved it all and will go back again.

the tastiest tacos I've ever had deserve a lot of recognition and a thousand respects to Chet and his fabulous customer service

Fun, hip place! Great bar with lots of options. They make a delicious old fashioned! Fresh food. Highly recommend the guacamole and the Taco al Pastor!

Had read somewhere that Big Star was going to have Sonoran style hot dogs for a day. If you've ever been to Tucson AZ, the Sonoran dogs served there are sublime. So I was excited to see a Sonoran dog in the Chicago area. Big Star's version wasn't close to the Sonoran dogs of Tucson, (bun was too big, far too much mayo/mustard, not enough beans). That said I did finish it and was pleased. Side note, really loud music, most of it was stuff I really like but would be really difficult to have a conversation.

I like the fact that you can order various different small tacos instead of a single dish. The place is casual with a beautiful patio and the music is great. Excellent service. Get a margarita pitcher.

Big Star is hopping all day and all night! It's a perfect place to sit in the sun, eat some chips and guac, and polish off a pitcher of margaritas. It's also a great place to get some great bourbon and party at night.

Swung by for sum fish tacos - noisy outdoor furniture /chairs/ - fish tacos just doesn't taste the same as it used to- but contestant #2 fantastic - contestant number # not so bad - whiskey is good on the flip sill all aside great outdoor area!!!

Came in for lunch at friend's request. I'm from LA and can have great tacos anytime, so I wasn't expecting much. Wow, tacos were amazing but the queso was out of this world. Cool place too, modern, bright, airy. Didn't get to try the alcohol, but hope to next time.

Top chef recommended this place specifically for the Gringas (al pastor) tacos. I had them once before in Cozumel at Tacos and Tequila and they were amazingly delicious. I tried them here at Big Star along with carne asada, fish tacos, and walking taco. Al pastor far better than any of the others but nothing that would draw me back again. The atmosphere is great and I imagine when the weather is nice that the outdoor area makes this a lot of fun. It was rainy so we were inside and it was incredibly loud. I’m used to bar/restaurant noice but this was ridiculous. We sat in the front and it was packed. Everything was fine but nothing special.

I'm sure there are many wonderful tacos at Big Star, but I started with the Taco de Panza - crispy, braised pork belly - and it was so good, I ordered seconds. And thirds. And, I never tried any other varieties. The guacamole was also delicious. Tasted really fresh and bright. Definitely will eat here again next time I'm in Chicago.

Be prepared to wait over an hour for a table on the patio, but if you are just looking for a quick meal, their take out service next door has the same menu (except for alcohol) and has a large outdoor seating area as well. The guacamole was fresh, but the tacos were quite plain, and soaked through the tortilla quickly.

Great place for some Mexican fare. Margaritas are solid. Tacos pastor & potatoes excellent. A must try!

Came here on a Sunday evening when everything else seemed to be closed to have some tacos. We were in a group of 5 and were promptly attended. I ordered 2 tacos Al Pastor that were exactly what I was in the mood for. I was pleasantly surprised with how good they were. Definitely recommend these tacos especially for those late night munchies. Bon appetit!

Can only add to the previous positive comments. The food here is incredible - sharp, vibrant and the real deal. The jalapeños are stupidly hot. Fish Tacos are unreal.

a hopping place on a friday night, but well worth the visit. tacos are great, the crowd is vibrant, and its right in the heart of many other great drinking establishments. make it the end of the night, or stop by in middle of a bar hop for some tacos...you won't be disappointed

Get there early and grab a spot on the patio. Big Star is a great place for groups but that means there are usually 2 tops available even if there's a long wait for larger tables.

Ate outdoors with several adults and small children. We tried 3 kinds of breakfast tacos and they were all absolutely delicious. Fresh ingredients, warm and yummy.

There are a lot of parts about this place that are top notch, but the food is slightly above average. Not bad in any way, but also not memorable. With that being said, the music vibe is always on point with the season and crowd. Fantastic location and sunny patio and breezy bar lend them selves well for the equally good drink menu. The tequila and whiskey selections are spot on.

We visited on St. Patrick’s Day weekend and it was very busy in a good way. Service was amazing and we got our food quick even tho there was a full house. It was very cold out so I’m sure with the patio open in the summer there is a lot more space. The Tacos and Margaritas were worth every penny will have to stop by again the next time we visit Chicago!

A large work group descended upon Big Star around 4:30 on a gorgeous September day. Service was great and accommodated the comings and goings of our large group. Pitchers of margaritas were delicious and flowing. The meat based tacos were flavorful yet no frills. The cauliflower tacos were not that tasty. Chips, queso fondido and guacamole went very well with the drinks. The outdoor space is funky and fun. I am not sure I would come here in the winter because the outdoor space is what sets this restaurant apart.

We ate here the weekend of the world series and every table was full. Within a couple minutes we had water and drink orders in, but the time the pitcher of margarita came our food was less then 2 minutes behind. The tacos were amazing, each one was unique with it's own flavors. I would highly recommend!

Big Star cooks up authentic Mexican tacos on corn tortillas. They offer various meat options as well as vegetarian options and some breakfast options. At night, the place is really busy, but they have a To-Go spot right next to the main restaurant. The To-Go spot has tables and chairs to sit at so it is almost like eating out without a waiter. They don't sell alcoholic beverages though at the To-Go spot. The meats were delicious - seasoned really well, excellent ingredients, and authentic flavors. The margaritas are amazing - definitely get one. The prices are $3 per taco so it is fairly easy to have a great, cheap meal at Big Star. Additionally, the location of Big Star is a really cool neighborhood. Damen Ave. has tons of shops, restaurants, and a hoppin' atmosphere.

Big Star is one of my favorite places to get tacos in Chicago (Wicker Park). The papas tacos is a hidden gem & the salsa & guacamole is worth it for an appetizer. They have a great beer selection.

I really loved the concept of that open garage style place with a big terrace, delicious tacos and beer, great energy & vibe. Don’t go if you expect to sit down for a quiet dinner but this place is perfect for inexpensive beer, good atmosphere and yummy tacos. I loved how uncomplicated and immédiate it is!

Great atmosphere and drink menu. Love their outdoor seating and bar area. Great place to grab some drinks and Mexican food with friends!

Best tacos around not to mention great margaritas. They truly know how to throw a party. There is a 100 character minimum.

My wife and I came here for the tacos and so we ate 6 tacos to share. They were terrific!!! Tasty and enough spicy but not too much, really balanced. We arrived late in the evening in a midweek day and it was pretty full. It's a pretty dark and loud place, this is the only cons (if it's is a cons).

Walked by and decided to stop in for a drink. Didn't try the food but it looked good. They have a tremendous tequila selection and great beer list. We really enjoyed the ambiance here and the bar was big and spacious. Really friendly staff - would return and definitely try dinner.

It's tough to get a good Mexican fix in Chicago. But Big Star almost fits the bill. The guacamole is topped with radishes and is just like what we get in the Yucatán. The tacos are soft shell and stuffed with some yummy protein. Extra points for how their chips are light and topped with the perfect amount of sea salt. Nice outdoor seating on the right day!

Summer night. Table outside, table inside......take your choice. I'd have to think hard to remember if I've had better tacos. Had Taco Al Pastor and Taco de Panza. Top notch! Delicious! Think I'd have to give the Al Pastor the #1 rating as I love the taste of the pineapple in it. And.....the margaritas were excellent. Staff was friendly. Good service. Just an overall awesome place.

Big Star is a must when in Chicago. We always took friends from out of town here because the scene/people watching is great, patio is fun (they have heat lamps when the weather gets a bit cold), the food is amazing and the margaritas are on point. Be prepared for a wait, but it's never been as long as they've quoted us.

Small perfect selection of Street taco and the best guacamole in town, fast service, to die for cocktail. They do it well!

Was told by many people to visit this spot in Wicker park. It did not disappoint. The neighbourhood is so trendy and fun, so obviously that would be reflected on the spot. The margaritas are amazing and you definitely need to order 1... or 5. The tacos are rather small in portion and are so good that you probably want to order a bunch of those too. Could have returned here over and over again!

We stopped here for lunch and the place is always packed! We only had a 10 min wait so not bad at all. We sat outside and it was great. The atmosphere, the people , & especially the food were fantastic. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive to us. I had a margarita yes only 1 and it was very yummy! I decided to have the Al pastor taco & chicken taco. Both were very good and would order them again. My husband had the pork belly tacos and he wasn't sure how it would taste but said he had to try it...he really liked them. The chips & guac were really good, nice & fresh. Service was very fast but not in a way that they wanted to out. Would def eat here again.

This place is amazing and you can tell by the constant crowd. Everyone I've ever known to go here loves it and it does not disappoint. I got the fish tacos and steak and they were so good! Will be returning for sure.

Good tacos, Check. Good beans, Check. Good queso, Check. Good atmosphere. Attentive staff. Great place to visit in Chicago no matter if it’s lunch or dinner!

Tacos are fab! It's the first time I tried fish tacos...they were so good. Staff are very nice. Best thing though...outside seating option as I went on a beautiful sunny day! Pretty cheap too.

This is a mexican restaurant. You can sit innside and outside. The menu have typical mexican food. The prices Are low. We had a good time and eat good food. The service was ok.

This place had been recommended by two people and I was craving some good old fashioned tacos. I was having lunch with a good friend who had been here before. After ordering, she said the last time she had been in the food was just so-so and didn't see why everybody was raving about the restaurant. When we left she said she'd never be back. Me neither. This is a place if you like pretentious food sprinkled with pumpkin seeds. I mean who the heck eats tacos filled with mushrooms?! It felt like the menu was trying too hard to be the "it" place. Crazy ingredient combinations seemed to by the preferred choice. For instance, I ordered a salad and added chicken. Expecting grilled chicken, I was surprised with a big plop of some sort of creamy BBQ chicken that had a flavor I couldn't quite pin-point. And it was so horrible I sent it back. We also ordered guacamole, which was drenched in lime juice. Yuck. But the chips were delicious. On the upside, they have a generous outdoor area and the waitstaff were pleasant and helpful.

Big Star has wonderful margaritas and tacos. Super crowded and loud but that just goes to show how popular it is!

Yummy tacos and margaritas with a very local vibe in Wicker Park area. Loads of outdoor seating and a large circular bar.

My wife and I were in the industrial corridor and we decided to stop here due to nice reviews on the app. Awesome atmosphere, nice selection of craft beers, awesome tacos!! I especially enjoyed the fish taco.

The margaritas are to die for! The tacos are delicious and fun patio!!!! It was my first time here and I will def. recommend!!!

we went there with couple of colleagues and we enjoyed couple of Margaritas, nachos with guacamole and tacos. Oh boy, those tacos are so good. Nothing fancy, but pure quality.

Nine kinds of tacos. Tried six of them. All were great. Full bar. Great service. Fun place to enjoy with loved ones.

This is my 3rd review of Big Star in Wicker Park, the first was 7 years ago. Food and drinks have always been solid but the staff and the people watching was always the best part. The drinks remain solid and the tacos are still good but portions have shrunk, so now everything just seems expensive for the size/quality. The queso is probably half the size it used to be and the guacamole is the size of perhaps one avocado. Since covid the entire staff (except one greeter) seems to have changed, which happens but its sad not to recognize/be recognized by anyone. And the people watching? Boring, it has become a sea of backwards baseball caps and college or sports team clothing. I guess all the interesting artsy crowd has finally left the neighborhood, now it looks just like the generic Wrigleyville crowd. For great tacos with an interesting twist I would highly recommend 2 new places in the neighborhood, Taqueria Chingon and TaKorea Cocina, both are on Western Ave. We will probably still eat at Big Star occasionally but Taqeria Chingon is our new go to place and TaKorea Cocina for take out.

So, I think I haven't reviewed this place yet. So this, tripadvisor, is for you. I started crawling over to this place right as they opened. Paul Kahan, co-owner and chef is kind of a celebrity in these hills.* (* let me just say, there are really no hills here in Chicago. So that's a little insider info for you). I had actually read about the concept for this place prior to it's opening, because I am married to a gargantuan food nerd. So, let's get on with it, shall we? They had a Honky-ish Tonk theme for the first couple of years, but I think the bartenders may have gotten sick of that. Now they play a little of everything. The tacos are small but mighty. The queso fundido will change your life. The beer choices are pretty good but, caution!, they are served in like a 10 oz glass. Anywho, I continue to crawl over here after work sometimes. It has a fun undertone for some reason and the food and drinks are super reasonable. I like it.

Best tacos ever eaten, flavor sensation. Service was great with engaging staff despite being really busy. Was load but thats because it was packed on a Tuesday night.

Great option for tacos if in the area. I’m the 300th person to tell you to go here, so let me remind you they have one of the best whiskey(bourbon specifically) selections in the City. World class Barrel picks and plenty of bottles you just don’t find in shelves around town. The tacos are great. The Zanahoras(so?) “the carrot taco” is my all time favorite. Never seen it anywhere else. Non drinkers, as for the Limeade.

Quite a surprise! Very informal - street tacos with a twist and more small bites (which you can put together for a meal) But what a bourbon selection. Who would have thought??? Good service, unique, good food.

Busy place , yes it is . Usually crowded, yes it is . But you do need to try these tacos . I was early for a event downtown, didn't to loose my parking spot so ubered over . In and out in about 20 minutes, sat at bar , there was no wait . I will be back for more #porkmafia

I have never been so insulted my entire life. And it happened by a bartender. The manager could not handle a complaint either.

Really fun Wicker Park taco "shack." Pretty tight menu of creative and well-prepared tacos. They also have an incredibly deep selection of bourbon which seems a bit incongruous, but it works. We tried 5 or 6 of the tacos. The Chicken was the standout for me. The tortillas they're served on are first rate. I didn't really care that much for the guacamole as it had julienned radishes in it which made it too bitter and took away from the creaminess that I like, but the chips were great as was the salsa verde served with it. Service was very friendly and efficient.

I have to admit, this place's vibe is awesome. Just amazing, it gets fun at night. But the food, is just too expensive for the small portions you will get. The tacos are very small, don't go there if you are quite hungry.

Best tacos I’ve ever had, specifically the chicken, chorizo, and pork tacos. Local beers on tap and the bartender was super friendly. Very busy area and tough to find a parking spot but definitely worth it.

Visiting Chicago to see a friend meant we were lucky enough to visit this place, which might pass many tourists by. The sun was shining and the terrace was packed, although we were lucky enough to get a table immediately. We came for beer, margaritas and guacamole, although it wasn't long until I had taco envy and had to order a couple. The fish taco in particular was amazing. We spent 2-3 hours in the sun, with attentive but relaxed service throughout. The place just got busier and busier and we were lucky to get in when we did. One of the highlights of my trip to the city, I'd recommend it to anyone and wouldn't hesitate to visit again.

Stumbled across this place by accident. Great food, chilled vibe, friendly staff. I'm sure things would have livened up even more as the afternoon went on. Would recommend for sure.