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Desert Hawk

2049 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
American

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Master Critic Review

Desert Hawk 7.9
West Town
Desert Hawk’s Division Street cocktail bar hosts Smash Jibarito, a kitchen residency turning out creative smash burgers and plantain “jibarito” builds alongside drinks. Guests treat it as a burger-and-cocktails hangout, where options like the Ogilla and Estilo Animal Jibarito Burger bring Puerto Rican flavors into the smash burger lane.
Must-Try Dishes: Ogilla Burger, Estilo Animal Jibarito Burger, Handcut Chips
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 6.5 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A cocktail bar–burger residency mashup where smash burgers meet jibarito-style builds in a desert-inspired room.
Who should go: Friends wanting inventive burgers with cocktails and music late.
When to visit: Evenings for happy hour into late-night when Division Street is buzzing.
What to order: Ogilla burger, Estilo Animal Jibarito Burger, handcut chips.
Insider tip: Order at the bar, settle into a booth, and plan to linger—burgers pair well with their margarita and ranch water happy hour deals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Division and nearby side streets; can be tight on weekends so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual-cool bar vibes; jeans, sneakers, and relaxed streetwear all fine.
Noise level: Loud to very loud during peak evening hours; conversation is possible but expect bar energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on the hour and crowd flow.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily an evening and late-night spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — most menu stars are beef-based, but occasional non-meat builds or sides exist.
Vegan options: Very limited — this is a burger-first residency with few plant-based substitutes.
Gluten-free options: Possible with jibarito-style builds (plantain instead of bun), though cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys lively bar scenes, cocktails, and creative burgers; less ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on weekends to avoid the late-night rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — it functions primarily as a cocktail bar with late-night energy, best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Creative burger builds with Puerto Rican jibarito flair paired with cocktails in a buzzy nighttime setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad family-friendly options, or an all-vegan or strictly gluten-free experience.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 12am
Wednesday5pm - 12am
Thursday5pm - 12am
Friday5pm - 1am
Saturday5pm - 1am
Sunday5pm - 12am