Looking for the best tacos in Wicker Park? Here's a quick comparison of two local favorites: Antique Taco and Big Star.
- Antique Taco: Midwest-inspired Mexican dishes with seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients. Cozy, vintage decor for a relaxed vibe.
- Big Star: Classic tacos with bold flavors. Lively outdoor patio and social atmosphere.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Feature | Antique Taco | Big Star |
|---|---|---|
| Menu Focus | Seasonal, creative tacos | Traditional, bold-flavored tacos |
| Atmosphere | Cozy, vintage-inspired indoor space | Lively outdoor patio |
| Price Range | Seasonal pricing based on ingredients | $3.95–$6.95 per taco |
Both spots offer something unique - Antique Taco for a relaxed, homey meal and Big Star for a fun, vibrant gathering. Which taco experience are you craving today?
Taco Selection and Menu Options
Antique Taco's Main Dishes
Antique Taco brings a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Partnering with farms like Catalpa, Slagel, Iron Creek, and Nichols, their menu highlights a farm-to-table experience.
One standout is the Sweet & Spicy Chicken taco, which combines tender chicken with pickled vegetables, honey yogurt, and pickled red onions. It’s a mix of Mexican-inspired flavors and Midwestern flair. Another favorite is the Pork Carnitas taco, featuring shredded pork with an adobo rub, bacon, wilted spinach, onions, avocado, and queso fresco. The adobo rub gives the pork a bold, rich flavor.
Their dedication to using seasonal ingredients is clear in their rotating taco options, inspired by what's fresh and available at local farmers markets.
Big Star's Top Offerings
Big Star, a Wicker Park favorite, takes a more traditional approach to its tacos. While specific taco details aren't emphasized, their guacamole is a must-try, known for its spicy kick that sets it apart.
Up next, let’s dive into how these culinary styles influence the vibe of each spot.
Restaurant Environment
Antique Taco's Setting
Antique Taco blends a vintage-inspired design with modern comfort. Ashley Ortiz, the restaurant's Creative Director, describes their vision:
"Antique Taco is a combination of everything we love: flavorful food, antique style, and the comfort of home" [1].
The interior is thoughtfully designed with reclaimed wood tables and antique classroom chairs, giving the space a nostalgic charm [2]. Large windows and an open layout provide a bright, airy feel while keeping diners slightly removed from the bustle of Milwaukee Avenue [3]. The warm, welcoming staff and carefully curated ambiance make it an inviting spot for a relaxed meal [3].
In contrast, Big Star offers a more vibrant, outdoor-focused experience.
Big Star's Atmosphere
Big Star is best known for its lively outdoor patio [3]. This setup encourages a social, upbeat vibe, offering a stark contrast to the cozy, home-like atmosphere of Antique Taco.
Each restaurant provides a unique dining experience: Antique Taco's indoor setting is ideal for a family-friendly outing, while Big Star's open-air patio is perfect for lively social gatherings.
| Feature | Antique Taco | Big Star |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Space | Indoor with vintage decor | Outdoor patio |
| Style | Nostalgic furnishings | Casual, open-air |
| Atmosphere | Cozy and relaxed | Lively and social |
Cost Comparison
Antique Taco Prices
Antique Taco adjusts its pricing based on the season, aligning costs with the availability of local ingredients.
Big Star Prices
Big Star offers a range of taco options with the following prices:
| Taco Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Papas Con Rajas (Vegetarian) | $3.95 |
| Pollo | $5.95 |
| Camarones Fritos | $5.95 |
| Panza | $5.95 |
| Al Pastor | $6.45 |
| Carne Asada | $6.95 |
| Pescado | $6.95 |
Each restaurant's pricing reflects its distinct take on the Wicker Park taco scene.
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Antique Taco's Sweet 'n Spicy Chicago Tacos Food Review ...
Final Verdict
Each restaurant brings something special to the table.
Antique Taco combines Midwestern charm with Mexican flavors, using seasonal ingredients and a menu that’s always evolving. The vintage-inspired decor adds a cozy vibe that pairs perfectly with their creative take on tacos.
On the other hand, Big Star offers a more modern twist. Known for its bold pork belly tacos, the restaurant delivers a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that’s hard to beat [4].
Antique Taco:
- Focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Unique fusion of flavors
- Warm, vintage-inspired setting
Big Star:
- Contemporary taco creations
- Famous pork belly tacos
- Energetic, lively ambiance
It all comes down to what kind of taco experience you’re craving.
FAQs
What sets Antique Taco's menu apart from other taco spots in Wicker Park?
Antique Taco stands out with its creative flavor combinations and unique approach to tacos. Their menu blends Mexican-inspired flavors with modern twists, offering options like Garlic Shrimp Tacos topped with kale chips and basil avocado salsa, or Pork Carnitas Tacos paired with wilted spinach.
This fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors makes Antique Taco a go-to spot for taco enthusiasts looking for something distinct and memorable in Wicker Park.
What makes the atmosphere at Big Star stand out for diners?
Big Star offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Their expanded patio features lush greenery, cobblestone pavers, and comfortable benches, creating a cozy and inviting outdoor space. The addition of more seating and a second takeout window ensures guests can enjoy their tacos with ease, whether dining in or grabbing food to go.
The lively ambiance, combined with thoughtful design elements like the shaded trees and spacious layout, makes Big Star a favorite spot for taco lovers looking to relax and soak up the Wicker Park vibe.
Why does Antique Taco change its prices based on the season?
Antique Taco adjusts its prices seasonally to reflect changes in ingredient availability and quality. By sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients, they ensure their dishes maintain the highest flavor and quality standards. This approach also supports local farmers and suppliers, aligning with their commitment to sustainability and fresh, farm-to-table dining.
