Seafood-focused taco joint makes a big splash
Big Star Mariscos, from One Off Hospitality, is off to a great start with all sorts of tasty offerings in River West.
I distinctly remember when Big Star first opened in Wicker Park. It was in 2009, and Chicago had never seen anything like it before. Tacos from a chef known best for fine-dining fare, an impressive selection of bourbons, rowdy honky tonk tunes, and one of the best patios around packed in the crowds every night and late into the night.
The formula worked so well that One Off Hospitality decided to do it again, several years later in Wrigleyville, and yet again most recently with the arrival of Big Star Mariscos in River West.
The latter is seafood focused—to my delight—and while you’ll find Big Star staples on the menu like queso fundido and carne asada tacos, it’s clear that fish and shellfish rule.
But in true Big Star style, culinary director Chris Miller and executive chef Paul Kahan focus on the unconventional. Their seafood offerings, including ceviche, cócteles, aguachiles, and whole roasted sea bass, are inspired by the ingredient-driven flavors of the coastal regions of Mexico. Think ceviche amped up with the heat of green chile avocado salsa or achiote-marinated tilapia tacos or Cascabel chile shrimp atop a crispy tortilla with jack cheese and salsa molcajete.
What really sets off the tacos are the killer tortillas. For these masterpieces, One Off collaborates with local family-owned El Popocatepetl TortillerÃa for a variety of handmade tortillas. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.
As always, check out the photos below. When the weather warms up again, the spacious patio will definitely be a huge attraction.
So excited for Chef Paul and the entire One Off Hospitality family on the brand new Big Star Mariscos right around the corner from my office!!! Great article again, Audarshia!!!
All of their dishes are absolutely delicious!