Bullhead Cantina Owner Opening American Gastropub This Summer

Bullhead Cantina was just the beginning for Francisco "Paco" Ruiz. The owner of the bustling Humboldt Park tapas spot is branching out to a second location with a different cuisine in hopes of becoming a "pioneer of Humboldt Park." And he's already looking to open a third restaurant after that.

The second, named Hunter & Tails (meaning "to hunt for food" and "to tell tales of what they had" as well as after Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales), will be an upscale American gastropub. The menu will features upscale comfort food in the form of 15 dishes, rotating weekend specials, seasonal menus, local craft beers (20 draft) like Half Acre and Great Lakes, as well as a full bar. Ruiz (Four Seasons, Pump Room) mentions antelope, mussels with sausage, and vegetarian options like eggplant with gouda in tomato sauce.

The space has two floors: An upstairs bar (20 seats) and dining room (70 seats) and a sunken floor with a cocktail lounge and private event space. A 100-seat patio will open during warmer months. He describes the rooms as well-lit through plenty of glass, including full front windows and doors that open onto the sidewalk. He's bringing on a chef to run the kitchen soon.

Paco just closed on the space yesterday after months of negotiations. "I think I'm coming (to Humboldt Park) at the right time," he says. "There are so many people here who appreciate good food and good beer." Anticipate an August opening for Hunter & Tales, and be on the lookout for his next restaurant.