ChefJustin Large
Chicago
Accolades
- "Chicago's Great Culinary Middle Ground"The New York Times
- Best New RestaurantsChicago magazine
- "Where to Eat, Drink, and Sleep in Chicago"Food & Wine
- America's Best Taco SpotsFood & Wine
- Consulting chefViolet Hour
- ChefsFeed WinnerOne of the Best Things to Eat in Chicago
Where I Go Out
Brisket
$$, Bbq, Old Irving Park
"Redolent of smoke, the chopped brisket is my go-to every time I'm here. No one does brisket in Chicago better."
Roasted duck
$$, 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."
Lula '99 turkey sandwich
$$, Outdoor Seating, Café, Reservations, Modern, Full Bar, American, Breakfast, Logan Square
"I order this café menu standby almost every time I have lunch at Lula. It's comfort food from way back: avocado, sprouts, and chili aioli—a classic."
Patty melt
$$, 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."
House-ground Meyer Ranch beef burger
$$, Pub, Gastropub, Logan Square
"Owen & Engine doesn't like a lot of nonsense on their burger, and neither do I. Freshly ground Meyer Ranch beef, caramelized onions, and a housemade roll—awesome! If you want to get crazy, you can add cheese."
At My Venues
Taco de pescado
$$, 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."
Taco de pescado
$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park
"The fish taco at Big Star is fresh, crispy, and hot. It reminds me of California."
Tacos al pastor
$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park
"The trifecta: meaty tacos, crisp beer, and salted grilled jalapeños. Utter satisfaction."
Taco de pescado
$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Tacos, Whisky Bar, Wicker Park
"I always order fish tacos and a margarita on the rocks with a salty rim."
Queso fundido
$$, 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."
