Big Star

Panza taco (pork belly)

Al pastor taco

We went to lunch at Big Star in Wicker Park.  We had heard about it on Chicago's Best and have passed it several times while driving through Wicker Park and Bucktown.  Big Star has a small food menu consisting of some tacos and they were on Chicago's Best for their Sonoran hot dog - but that was just too large of a dish for us to order.

Fish Taco

Veggie taco with potatoes

We opted for some tacos and chips.  We tried 4 different tacos. They are each pretty small so we ordered a few to start with and then ordered a couple more.  We liked the pork belly and the al pastor (also pork) tacos the best. The al pastor taco also has grilled pineapple and onions with it - the pineapple really is a fun twist on a traditional taste. The pork belly (the taco is called taco de panza) was nice and tender and came with queso fresco, onion and cilantro.  We also tried the taco de papas - potato - and the fish taco.  The potato taco was super spicy because it came with a chipotle sauce; a bit too spicy for Natalie.  The fish taco was good but the fish was fried which isn't necessary for being in a taco - it dried the fish out.

Chips

Final thoughts on Big Star:
Food - tasty but can get similar fare for less at traditional Mexican restaurants
Service - friendly, ok with us ordering a little at a time; we sat at the bar but it seems like you would get the same experience at the tables
Atmosphere - From other reviews it sounds like Big Star can get really busy at night for dinner, especially in the summer.  It looks like there is an outdoor eating area in the summer as well as a walk up take out window. Seems like a good neighborhood hangout spot. Also keep in mind, the place is cash only - the food isn't expensive individually but several tacos could add up.

Horchata and ginger beer