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Big Star - Wrigleyville
Master Critic Reviews (10 Lists)
Big Star - Wrigleyville
8.4
A big, high-energy Wrigleyville taqueria built for patio hangs, bourbon-and-tequila rhythms, and fast-moving tacos before or after a game. The best experience comes from staying in the street-food lane—tacos, hot chips, and one drink order—so everything hits hot and crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot chips (fresh-fried nachos), Tacos al pastor, Carne asada taco
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Big patio energy with a focused taco-and-bourbon playbook.
Who should go: Groups chasing tacos before games
When to visit: Weekdays pre-dinner for easier seating
What to order: Hot chips, al pastor tacos, one margarita lane
Insider tip: Order tacos first, then hot chips—keeps timing crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and competitive around game times. Ride-share or public transit is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual and sporty—jeans, sneakers, and team gear are common. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud and energetic, especially evenings and weekends—conversation can be challenging during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game days.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of game-day crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, sides, and chips make it easy to build a meal.
Vegan options: Limited—possible to piece together tacos without dairy, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are standard for tacos; cross-contamination is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure first dates than intimate ones—the energy is fun but loud and fast-paced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during peak times. Arrive early or off-hours for the best shot, especially if you want patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Early in the day, yes—kids are common before games. Evenings skew adult, louder, and more bar-forward.
Best For
Better for: Large patios, group hangs, and pre- or post-game tacos with strong drink energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down Mexican meal or refined regional cooking—this is about vibe and speed, not nuance.
Big Star - Wrigleyville
8.3
A high-volume Wrigleyville taco-and-margarita destination that runs on patio energy and a crowd-friendly menu. It hits best when you treat it like a two-lane order—signature tacos plus one shareable—so the food stays crisp and the pacing stays easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Pork belly tacos, Nachos (hot chips)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume tacos-and-margaritas spot built for Wrigleyville crowds.
Who should go: Friends doing tacos, pitchers, and patio time
When to visit: Weeknights or non-game days for smoother pacing
What to order: Al pastor taco, pork belly tacos, nachos
Insider tip: Avoid peak game windows; quality and waits both improve.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; expect difficulty after 5pm and on game days. Rideshare or walking from nearby areas is often easier.
Dress code: Casual and patio-ready — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed summer wear fit right in.
Noise level: Loud — conversation is possible but expect music, crowd noise, and patio buzz, especially at night.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game days
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait outside peak noon hour
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable-based tacos and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard for tacos, but cross-contamination is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, high-energy dates than intimate conversation — great if drinks and vibe matter more than quiet talking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during evenings and weekends; arriving early or on non-game days improves your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime hours, but evenings skew loud and adult-focused; not ideal for young kids at night.
Best For
Better for: Patio drinking, group taco orders, and margarita-driven hangs in a lively Wrigleyville setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet taco-focused meal, deep regional Mexican cooking, or a relaxed pace during peak hours.
Big Star - Wrigleyville
8.3
A Wrigleyville taco-and-margarita room where the fries are a legit move—built as a loaded-style side rather than an afterthought. The play is Pastor French Fries plus a tight taco order so the fries stay crisp and the meal doesn’t sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Side Pastor French Fries, Smash Burger, Al Pastor Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Pastor French fries that turn a side into a shareable anchor.
Who should go: Taco-and-cocktail crews near Wrigley.
When to visit: Non-game days for smoother pacing.
What to order: Pastor french fries, 2–3 tacos, one margarita lane.
Insider tip: Keep tacos tight—let the fries be the shared ‘extra.’
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited near Clark/Addison and tight during evenings or any Cubs-related traffic. Rideshare or CTA is the easiest move.
Dress code: Casual-trendy. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but expect a polished Wrigleyville crowd—especially on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; easy conversation earlier, more energetic and buzzy at night.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer on warm patio days
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait to 15 minutes outside of Cubs events
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several taco options and sides can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated strength.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly taco fillings available, but shared kitchen limits strict guarantees.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want casual energy and shared plates. The fries are an easy icebreaker, but it’s more lively than intimate—better for relaxed conversation than quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on non-game weekdays or earlier in the evening. Weekends and patio weather make walk-ins unpredictable—arrive early or expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—especially for tacos and fries. Evenings skew adult-focused and louder, making it less ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Loaded, shareable fries paired with margaritas and a social patio vibe—this is a side-driven hangout more than a pure taco crawl stop.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, ultra-crispy solo fries, or a fries-only destination—simpler pubs or dedicated fry-focused kitchens will suit you better.
Big Star - Wrigleyville
7.7
A Wrigleyville taco-and-tequila stop where the outdoor seating turns it into a casual, high-energy hang. Keep it simple—two or three tacos plus one shareable—and treat the drink program as the main event.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Queso Fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Tacos-and-tequila energy with outdoor seating near the ballpark.
Who should go: Friends doing drinks and quick bites
When to visit: Late afternoon into happy hour
What to order: Fish taco, al pastor taco, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order tacos first, then add queso only if you’re hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and very competitive near Wrigley, especially on game days. Expect circling or plan on rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and trendy — jeans, sneakers, and game-day fits all work.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but expect bar-level energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min during peak patio hours; longer on Cubs game days
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of game-day traffic
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie taco options and sides
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a core strength
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and several naturally gluten-free tacos
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than intimate ones — the vibe is fun and social, but it’s loud and fast-paced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are standard, but arrive early or off-peak to avoid long patio waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes — tacos are approachable and seating is flexible, but evenings skew adult and energetic.
Best For
Better for: Tequila-forward hangouts, group-friendly patios, and pre- or post-game energy
Skip if: You want a relaxed meal, deep taco exploration, or a quiet dinner experience
Big Star - Wrigleyville
7.9
A tacos-and-margaritas stop that’s best treated as a fast, patio-first session near Wrigley. Order two or three tacos, add one shareable, and let the dog-friendly outdoor setup do the work while you keep expectations firmly in the quick-bite lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Fish taco, Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Dog-friendly patio tacos with a strong margarita-driven hang.
Who should go: Friends doing drinks and quick tacos
When to visit: Late afternoon into happy hour
What to order: Al pastor taco, fish taco, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order tacos first, then decide if you actually need queso.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark and side streets; fills quickly on game days and after 6pm, rideshare is often easier.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, Cubs gear all fit in fine.
Noise level: Loud — conversation is possible outside, but expect high energy and crowd noise.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, longer on Cubs game days
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait or no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and sides available
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a focus
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas help, but cross-contact is likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime or early-evening date — the vibe is fun but loud, and it’s more about quick tacos and drinks than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most seating is walk-in; arrive early or aim for off-peak hours to minimize the wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine during daytime hours, but it skews adult and gets crowded and loud later in the day.
Best For
Better for: Fast patio tacos, margaritas, and a dog-friendly hang near Wrigley
Skip if: You want a relaxed, sit-down Mexican meal or a quieter, conversation-focused dinner
Big Star - Wrigleyville
7.9
A tacos-and-margaritas stop where the scene does as much work as the food—especially when Wrigleyville is humming. Treat it as a quick-bite session: a couple tacos per person, one shareable, and drinks as the main event. It’s loud, social, and built for a fashionable pregame cadence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Fish taco, Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Buzzy tacos-and-margaritas energy built for Wrigleyville hangs.
Who should go: Friends doing drinks and quick tacos
When to visit: Late afternoon into happy hour
What to order: Al pastor taco, fish taco, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order tacos first, then decide if you actually need queso.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited near Clark Street and difficult during games or after 6pm. Rideshare or public transit is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Trendy casual—jeans are fine, but lean stylish. Sneakers okay; dressier tops and jackets fit the scene.
Noise level: Loud—conversation requires leaning in, especially during happy hour and pregame rush.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs game days
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos and sides are available, though the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Some options available using corn tortillas, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or social first meet than an intimate date—the energy is fun but loud and fast-paced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during peak hours. Arriving early or going off-peak dramatically improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—while kids are allowed, the noise level and bar-driven vibe skew adult and social.
Best For
Better for: High-energy tacos, margaritas, and a fashionable Wrigleyville pregame scene.
Skip if: You want a relaxed meal, deep conversation, or a food-first taco experience.
Big Star - Wrigleyville
8.2
A two-floor Wrigleyville taco-and-margarita stop that works best as a game-day anchor: order quickly, share a couple of taco styles, and keep the table moving. The menu mixes classic options with a few playful crowd-pleasers, so it’s strongest when you treat it like a loud, social taco session—not a deep-dive taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Fish taco (taco de pescado), Walking taco (Fritos bag taco)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Game-day tacos and drinks with high-capacity, social energy.
Who should go: Groups heading to or from Wrigley
When to visit: Pre-game or post-game, especially weekends
What to order: Quesabirria tacos, fish taco, walking taco
Insider tip: Order a mix of one classic + one “fun” taco style for the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited on game days and weekends. Plan to walk or rideshare if you’re coming during peak Wrigley traffic.
Dress code: Casual and sporty—jeans, sneakers, team gear all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud—conversation is possible but expect to raise your voice, especially during games and late-night hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes during game days or late-night peak without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of Cubs home games
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and sides are easy to build into an order.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a core strength of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible during high-volume service.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, social first dates than intimate ones—the energy is fun and loose, but it’s loud and fast-paced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters—arrive early or off-peak, especially on game days, or expect a real wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—later at night it skews adult, crowded, and bar-forward.
Best For
Better for: Group energy, game-day tacos, margaritas, and high-capacity social dining near Wrigley.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, traditional taqueria depth, or a focused late-night taco crawl.
Big Star - Wrigleyville
8.2
A tequila-and-tacos stop that’s most useful as a quick, high-flavor happy hour where you split one or two starters and keep the rest simple. The kitchen shines when you let the core menu do the work instead of stacking add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso Fundido, Big Star Nachos, Ceviche Mixto
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Tequila-forward happy hour energy paired with snackable Tex-Mex starters.
Who should go: Friends who want cocktails and shareable plates
When to visit: Weekdays before the Clark Street rush
What to order: Queso fundido; Big Star nachos; ceviche mixto
Insider tip: Split one starter per two people—avoid ordering three starches at once.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and very competitive near Clark Street, especially after 5pm. Rideshare or CTA is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual-trendy. Jeans, sneakers, and casual tops are fine; no need to dress up, but athleisure can feel slightly out of place at peak hours.
Noise level: Loud and energetic during happy hour; conversation is possible but requires raised voices when the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, often longer on game days
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 minutes on average
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie tacos, sides, and chips-and-dips options work well.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but requires ordering carefully.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas and naturally gluten-free tacos are available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, high-energy first meet than an intimate conversation. Great if drinks and shared plates matter more than quiet talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Arrive early on weekdays or be prepared to stand or wait during peak happy hour windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes earlier in the day. Kids are common at lunch and early dinner, but the bar-forward crowd takes over in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Fast-moving happy hours with strong margaritas, shareable starters, and a lively crowd.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down taco dinner or a quiet space to talk—this is more about energy than comfort.
Big Star - Wrigleyville
8.4
A tequila-and-tacos happy hour built for fast, high-flavor decisions: split one starter, keep the tacos focused, and let the bar do the heavy lifting. It shines when you treat it like a tight two-round stop rather than a full, sprawling meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Star Nachos, Queso Fundido, Chips & Salsa
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Happy-hour-ready Tex-Mex starters and tacos with a bar-first rhythm.
Who should go: Friends who want tacos and drinks fast
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for the smoothest flow
What to order: Big Star nachos; queso fundido; chips and salsa
Insider tip: Pick one starter for the table, then keep tacos to two styles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive near Clark Street; plan on circling or using nearby paid garages if arriving after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual and trendy — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed going-out attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Lively to loud during happy hour — conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, longer on Cubs game days.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian tacos, sides, and starters are easy to assemble.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — chips, salsa, guacamole, and select taco modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas and some starters work, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, high-energy first dates than quiet ones — great if drinks and shared plates matter more than deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays — bar seating turns quickly, and small groups usually get in with a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes — tacos and chips work for kids, but evenings skew adult and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Fast-moving happy hour tacos, tequila-forward drinks, and social group energy.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down Mexican dinner or a quiet conversation-focused meal.
Big Star - Wrigleyville
8.4
A high-energy Wrigleyville taco-and-margarita room that works best for happy hour when you keep the order tight and stick to their most-requested tacos. The move is a couple of taco styles plus one shareable, then let the bar pacing do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos, Al pastor tacos, Big Star nachos (full size)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Wrigleyville tacos-and-margaritas energy built for fast rounds.
Who should go: Groups who want tacos with drinks
When to visit: Weekday happy hour before game crowds
What to order: Fish tacos, al pastor tacos, Big Star nachos
Insider tip: Pick two taco styles and repeat—timing stays cleaner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially near Wrigley Field; plan for metered street spots or nearby paid garages. Rideshare or CTA is often easier.
Dress code: Casual-trendy. Jeans, sneakers, and casual tops fit right in; no need to dress up, but game-day gear is common.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—conversation is possible but raised voices are often needed, especially during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on game days
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait outside peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and sides are available and easy to order.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with simple taco builds or sides, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are standard for tacos, but cross-contamination is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, high-energy first date than a quiet one—great if you want drinks, tacos, and lively vibes, less ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but expect a wait during happy hour or before games; going early improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes earlier in the day, but the bar-forward atmosphere and noise level make it better suited for adults, especially in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Fast-paced happy hour tacos, margaritas, and group-friendly energy near Wrigley.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down taco meal or a relaxed, conversation-focused dinner.