Big Star West Town
A vibrant Mexican street food taqueria known for its tacos, margaritas, and impressive whiskey selection in a lively honky-tonk atmosphere.
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Big Star West Town
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Mexican street food taqueria known for its tacos, margaritas, and impressive whiskey selection in a lively honky-tonk atmosphere.
"Dine on authentic tacos and sip on margaritas in a fun, energetic atmosphere with an amazing whiskey selection."
Make event reservations
Book ahead for popular events like Funky Pappy nights to guarantee your spot.
Monday Whiskey Discount
Enjoy 20% off all whiskey pours on Mondays, alongside a special Smash Burger deal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(312) 521-5169
Address
551 N Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Tacos & Lively Patio
Savor authentic Mexican street food, especially their famous tacos, on a spacious, vibrant patio with great music.
Rare Whiskey Pours
Explore a diverse whiskey selection, including discounted rare pours during special 'Funky Pappy' events.
Creative Brunch Experience
Indulge in a unique weekend brunch featuring Mexican-inspired dishes with a Big Star twist.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make event reservations
Book ahead for popular events like Funky Pappy nights to guarantee your spot.
Monday Whiskey Discount
Enjoy 20% off all whiskey pours on Mondays, alongside a special Smash Burger deal.
Dietary Accommodation
Inquire about customizing orders for dietary restrictions; they are accommodating.
Order chips and salsa
Chips and salsa are not automatically provided; you'll need to order them separately.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make event reservations
Book ahead for popular events like Funky Pappy nights to guarantee your spot.
Monday Whiskey Discount
Enjoy 20% off all whiskey pours on Mondays, alongside a special Smash Burger deal.
Dietary Accommodation
Inquire about customizing orders for dietary restrictions; they are accommodating.
Order chips and salsa
Chips and salsa are not automatically provided; you'll need to order them separately.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Big Star West Town is praised for its lively atmosphere, delicious tacos, and extensive whiskey selection. Many enjoy the spacious patio and friendly service, though some find the music too loud and the margaritas pricey. While some miss the original seafood focus, the current menu offers satisfying Mexican street food and creative brunch options.
"I have been a customer of Big Star Mariscos since they opened. I appreciate being called a 'regular'. While there are many things to positively recognize for why I continue to return, the highlights are the food, the whiskey selection, the whiskey prices and the great people I have met who mostly provide consistent service. Mariscos used to have many seafood-based dishes which differentiated itself from the other Big Star locations. This does not mean the food at the other Big Star locations is not excellent - it's just Mariscos used to have some stellar dishes like their Camarones Borrachos (drunken shrimp), Ceviche Verde Mixto and Quesabirria tecos (2 tacos with consume) - just divine. They've since standardized their menu to align to the other Big Star locations to my disappointment and the driver for the 1 star knock on food. These seafood-based dishes where part of my recommendations to family and friends to patronize this location, especially before any event at the United Center. Mariscos is now called West Town and I do not care the name has changed; I care the menu has changed. I missed these delicious options. Please bring them back, even if as a periodic special or a permanent part of the menu. I appreciate the consideration!
Check out their Funky Pappy random offering - discounted Pappy 15, Van Winkle 12 and Old Rip 10 pours, along with Weller 12 shots for $6. They also offer a special Sonoran hot dog. I've been to each Funky Pappy offered here - the most recent one was packed, so best to now make a reso - the word is out!
I was there last night for their new special of 20% off all whiskeys on Monday, as well as to eat some food. There was a guy at the bar who had a jar holding a salsa he made himself, using various chilis he grows. I was intrigued as I thought it was a new menu item. He came over and offered me a taste - wow, excellent! I hope to run into him again.
Additionally, I got to meet Meredith behind the bar - solid service with warmth and friendliness. She guided me to the Monday smash burger and an order of fries - both outstanding!
Keep up the great work Big Star West Town but please reconsider returning the seafood options to the menu. Thank you!"
P BB
"this location is a lot bigger but definitely more chill. the servers were really kind as well. i wish they would give chips and salsa automatically but you’ll need to order and pay if you want that.
i got the hongos al pastor and sprout tostada. i’m gluten, dairy, soy, sesame, and oat free and they were accommodating to make sure the food i ordered didn’t have any of those items! they also have hella hot sauce if you need it on the side!
the food was yummy and the prices are medium priced."
Diana Kim
"Walked in and sat at the bar on a busy night, although we did wait a while in line for the host stand. Servers seemed a bit understaffed, however everyone was very friendly and happy to help. The food and drinks were great, everything was fresh and very tasty. I’d highly recommend coming when their patio is open too!"
Claire Hess
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the restaurant is quite spacious and accommodating for larger groups, with a nice outdoor area.
Tacos are highly recommended, with specific mentions of carnitas, al pastor, and the smash burger.
Yes, they offer a unique weekend brunch menu featuring items like Horchata French Toast and Migas Tacos.
Reservations are recommended, especially for popular events like Funky Pappy nights, as it can get crowded.
Happy hour is Monday-Thursday from 4-6pm, featuring half-off nachos and ranch waters.
Yes, they have a diverse whiskey selection and offer discounted rare pours during special events.
Yes, they are accommodating and can customize orders to ensure they meet dietary needs like gluten-free or soy-free.
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The second the sun peeks out each spring, locals make a beeline for the 250-seat patio at Big Star because the tacos and margaritas are some of the best in the city. Most of this honky-tonk taqueria's star power comes from executive chef/partner Paul Kahan and chef de cuisine Chris Miller, who serve a small menu of tasty Mexican classics—if it's a taco emergency, skip the wait for a table and head to the take-out window or try the larger Wrigleyville location.
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Big Star is first and foremost a bar with whiskey shots, cheap beer and quick cocktails. Of course, 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)…or his queso fundido…you have more restraint than we do.
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You won't mumble, "another taco joint" when you get a load of the 6,000 square foot honkey-tonk inspired Big Star Mariscos. The spacious blue and white dining area whisks you to the Mexican coast while the tunes are purely American with platters of Americana, country, soul, folk, R & B, rock 'n' roll and a smattering of punk in the queue. Seafood offerings bring the ocean to the Midwest: start with drunken shrimp (camarones borrachos) Mexican white shrimp, chipotle-mezcal salsa, garlic rice, green oion, cilantro or bright ceviches, scallop and surf clam cocktail or crunchy tostadas topped with Yellowfin tuna, chile mayo, salsa, and pepitas.
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With a menu that includes tacos, including the Walking Taco and frijoles charros, Big Star has become a popular restaurant in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Beer, whiskey, cocktails and plenty of tequila are also on the menu. Big Star has shared a recipe for the appetizer queso fundido from chef Tom Van Lente, a native to the Chicago area who has previously worked in a number of restaurants in the Windy City.
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🍽️ Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (773) 235-4039 (Wicker Park location) | Neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Wrigleyville, West Town. Big Star is the perfect place to go for a fun, casual meal with friends. Although Big Star has Wicker Park and Wrigleyville locations, the Wicker Park location is trendy and a go-to for its patio dining at the center of the neighborhood.
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Big Star in Chicago is a vibrant, bourbon and beer-focused taqueria that serves up authentic Mexican street food with a modern twist. Enjoy tacos, burritos, and other flavorful dishes in a lively, honky-tonk atmosphere. The menu offers a range of options, including vegan and vegetarian choices, all at an affordable price point that makes it a great value.
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Big Star is a bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, late-night honky-tonk in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park. Famous amongst tourists and locals, the patio is almost always full - so the earlier you get there, the better. The Wicker Park taqueria and it’s highly sought-after patio has been a neighborhood staple for 10 years.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (431 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern- Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-1906- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest paying jobs in Chicago that require a bachelor's degree
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Firstly, the outdoor patio was a lovely spot to enjoy the sunny weather while sipping on my margarita. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, perfect for a casual evening out with friends. Now let's talk about the queso.
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– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (433 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Price: $– Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-1906– Read more on Tripadvisor
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A restaurant and bar specializing in Mexican street food, bourbon, and beer with a soundtrack of country and rock & roll.
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