Chef
Justin Large

Chicago

My Venues

Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL

Accolades

"Chicago's Great Culinary Middle Ground"
The New York Times
Best New Restaurants
Chicago magazine

"Where to Eat, Drink, and Sleep in Chicago"
Food & Wine
America's Best Taco Spots
Food & Wine
Consulting chef
Violet Hour
ChefsFeed Winner
One of the Best Things to Eat in Chicago

View all accolades ▾

Where I Go Out

The Cowboy cookie

Publican Quality Meats

$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Deli / Bodega, Butcher, Fulton Market

"Made by Publican's pastry chef Anna Shovers, the cowboy cookie hits on all levels. How can you not love a cookie that's made with chocolate chunks and potato chips."

$$, Pizza, Reservations, West Loop

"This is the best pizza in Chicago, hands down."

$$, Bbq, Old Irving Park

"Redolent of smoke, the chopped brisket is my go-to every time I'm here. No one does brisket in Chicago better."

Chef

Justin Large

Big Star

Lula '99 turkey sandwich

Lula Café

$$, American, Breakfast, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Café, Logan Square

"I order this café menu standby almost every time I have lunch at Lula. It's comfort food from way back: avocado, sprouts, and chili aioli—a classic."

$$, Chinese, Reservations, Full Bar, Bbq, Uptown

"So simple and so unbelievably good. The meat is flavorful and juicy, the skin is crisp, and the rice is the perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious juices."

$$, Diner, Near West Side

"At this old-school dinner in the heart of the West Loop, the patty melt literally melts in your mouth. Tip: Make sure you order a side of pickles."

Chef

Justin Large

Big Star

At My Venues

Taco de pescado

Big Star

$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park

"This taco comes with crispy fried fish, cabbage, and chipotle mayo. I'm usually drunk when I'm at Big Star, and it hits the spot perfectly. Make sure to get a Michelada on the side."

$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park

"The fish taco at Big Star is fresh, crispy, and hot. It reminds me of California."

$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park

"The trifecta: meaty tacos, crisp beer, and salted grilled jalapeños. Utter satisfaction."

Chef

Gilbert Langlois

Carbon Arc Bar & Board

Taco de pescado

Big Star

$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park

"I always order fish tacos and a margarita on the rocks with a salty rim."

$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park

"Sitting on the patio at Big Star on a beautiful sunny day with a La Paloma and some queso fundido is one of my favorite things to do in Chicago in the summer! The dish has just the right amount of chorizo to poblano to cheese ratio."