Big Star

1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA

Everyone knows Big Star is famous for its cheap and tasty tacos but it’s the queso fundido that really wowed my tastebuds. Melted queso Chihuahua cheese compliments the peppers and meaty chorizo in this dish. I didn’t even use the tortillas. It’s the second best thing I had in the city. Coupled with the fish taco and a margarita and the bill came out to $22. Incredible value. I was lucky to not have to wait to get in here. Big Star is located right across the street from Damen station on the blue line. Super convenient and a great lunch option after shopping in Wicker Park.

More Recommendations

Queso Fundido at Big Star

Everyone knows Big Star is famous for its cheap and tasty tacos but it’s the queso fundido that really wowed my tastebuds. Melted queso Chihuahua cheese compliments the peppers and meaty chorizo in this dish. I didn’t even use the tortillas. It’s the second best thing I had in the city. Coupled with the fish taco and a margarita and the bill came out to $22. Incredible value. I was lucky to not have to wait to get in here. Big Star is located right across the street from Damen station on the blue line. Super convenient and a great lunch option after shopping in Wicker Park.

Wicker Park's Big Star

A mere twenty-minute ride on the ‘L’ from downtown Chicago, the neighbourhood of Wicker Park is just the right amount of eccentric. With an artsy edge that comes across as creative rather than copy-cat, Wicker Park is great for people-watching – and the food is equally as interesting as the inhabitants. First up in the food stakes here is Big Star, whose ‘big’ reputation lives up to its name (and the long lines outside the doors). Located just past the bustling intersection that serves as the beating heart of the neighbourhood, the mechanics garage turned honky-tonk run by James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Kahan serves tacos, beer, and tequila (not to mention those $3 whiskey shots). There’s often a two hour wait at the busy bar, a wait made more than bearable by chips, guacamole, and good company. Once seated, order a large selection of the tiny tacos to share - they’re filled with everything from potatoes and tilapia to roasted cactus. The best of the bunch is the Taco Al Pastor: marinated, spit-roasted pork shoulder paired with some sweet, juicy pineapple. Whichever taco you choose though, the offerings (and atmosphere) at this Damen Avenue dining spot will not disappoint.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR