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After 10 years in Wicker Park, Big Star — the honky tonk taqueria and whisky bar with the perpetually crowded patio — is adding weekend brunch. Perhaps that says more about the neighborhood, which in recent years has become more family friendly during the day versus its former identity as primarily a late-night bar destination. Service kicks off Saturday morning at 1531 N. Damen Avenue with breakfast tacos and more from chef/partner Paul Kahan and One Off Hospitality Group.
Big Star had already started weekend brunch at it location across the street from Wrigley Field inside the Hotel Zachary. Items include panza con huevos (potatoes, rajas chipotle, queso cotija, onion, cilantro, egg), chorizo discado con huevos (chorizo with bacon, beef, and pork, plus salsa borracha — a.k.a. “drunk salsa” — pinto beans, poblano, queso fresca, cilantro, egg).
A pro move has always been to eschew the crowds in the main bar and order from the pick-up window where breakfast tacos were available. Now diners can order them at the restaurant and eat them on the patio with a bloody Maria or mimosa. Brunch service is from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday starting this week.
