Just announced: Kahan's Big Star to open Nov. 9th in former Pontiac Cafe location

October 28, 1:46 PMChicago Dining ExaminerEmily Szopa

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Chicago Dining Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

At long last, the newest venture in Paul Kahan's resto repertoire, Big Star, has an official opening date: November 9th.

Located in the space formerly occupied by people-watching, patio-loving hipster fave Pontiac Cafe, the new bar/taqueria aims to ply Wicker Park locals with offerings from the three food groups best known to them: whiskey, tequila and tacos.

"A dive bar. A small taqueria. A honky-tonk in the middle of Wicker Park, inspired by the Depression-era Bakersfield scene. Inexpensive, approachable and committed to excellence in food, spirits and service. Turntables and country music." -Big Star, self-described

The menu is composed mainly of tacos (al pastor, fish, veggie and a weekly special), beans and salads, simple street fare that's likely to transcend such modest description, given that the kitchen is led by James Beard award-winning chef Paul Kahan (of Blackbird, The Publican and avec).

And then there's the drink list curated by the Violet Hour's Michael Rubel, which is truly a sight to behold. Inspired by the honkey tonks of 1930s' Bakersfield as well as the taquerias of Mexico, the list ranges from nightly $3 American whiskey shots to Cervasitas (Mexican beers accompanied by housemade sangrita, tequila, or salsa), with a whole lotta bourbon and tequila in between.

Cocktails such as the "Bakersfield Buck" (Old Heaven Hill bottled in bond, lime, AJ Stephans ginger beer), the "Berrien County Youth Fair" (Elmer T. Lee single barrel, Michigan peaches, lemon, mint) and the "San Antonio Sling" (Herradura Plata, St-Germain, grapefruit) evoke a nostalgia for both the past and present, the distant and the close-at-hand, all for a reasonable $7.

Tacos and whiskey accompanied by a soundtrack crafted by DJs from Danny’s Tavern and Reckless Records? I think even those still mourning the loss of Pontiac Cafe will find their wounds licked clean Nov. 9th.

Big Star
Executive Chef Paul Kahan
Chef de Cuisine Justin Large
Bar Director Michael Rubel
1531 N. Damen Ave.