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Published November 10, 2009 A Big Star Is Born
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Now we could get rhapsodic about Paul Kahan hashing out tacos, but this place is mostly just a bar—with a stunning collection of bourbon, tequila and superb taste in country music…okay, we're getting rhapsodic. Let's get more objective: a by-the numbers report of opening night at Big Star. People waiting outside at 8pm: 7 Number of leggy young women who bypassed said line: 5 Estimated days until walk-up taqueria window opens: 5 People spotted staring longingly into the taqueria window at 8pm: 1 Time we were let in: 8:12pm Stools at the bar: 34 Available bar stools at 8:12pm: 0 Time we find a stool at the bar, flag down a bartender and order: 9pm Estimated Wicker Park Hipster to Wicker Park foodie ratio*: 1:4 Number of tacos on menu: 3 Number available since the Tacos al Pastor (spit-roasted pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, grilled onion) was sold out: 2 Number of fancy-ish, Violet Hour-style cocktails like the Whiskey Cobbler (Woodford Reserve, Amaro CioCiaro, muddled orange): 12 Cost of cocktails: $7 Number of bourbons, ryes and other whiskeys: 59 Number of tequilas and mezcals: 25 Number of scotches: 0 Number of beers on tap: 5 Number of beer in bottles: 21 Cost of a 7-ounce Schlitz: $1 Total bill for 3 tacos, 1 tostada, 1 bag of chips and salsa, 1 Wild Turkey, 2 Green Flash IPAs, 2 Lone Stars, 1 guacamole, 1 order of Frijoles Charros: $46 Number of Twitter foodie fights inspired by reviews of opening night: 1 too many *using our proprietary flannel shirt vs. designer eyeglass frame measuring system |
VITALSBig Star |
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