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Have the time of your life at this boozy taqueria.
Once a gas station back in the 1940's, this bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, late-night honky-tonk serves up endless good times in the heart Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.
The Lowdown
Type
Restaurant / Private Dining
Views
Cityscape
Style
Casual
Best type of Celebrations

Venue Setting

Big Star is a whiskey, tequila, cocktail, and beer-focused venue located at 1531 N. Damen in the heart of Wicker Park, Chicago. Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Julie Warpinski have crafted an eclectic menu inspired by Mexican street food in a space reminiscent of a California honky tonk.

The food, liquor and cocktail programs change continuously to complement the seasons, and always features six beers on tap, and an ever-growing selection of our house-selected single barrel bourbons and whiskeys, picked by staff members at distilleries in Kentucky.

All events at Big Star are priced based on the day of the week and space required for your group size. Our packages are customizable to assist you in reaching your food & beverage minimum, however, events that do not meet the minimum will be subject to a room rental fee in the amount of the difference. We are available for seated or reception style events, but do not offer plated dinners. For semi-private events we use our whiskey barrels to create a more intimate space within the atrium portion of our dining room. This area is covered and can be enclosed during cooler months or open to the lively patio in the summertime.

Capacity

Seated
200
Buffet
N/A
Standing
300
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

Yes

Additional charges

For semi-private events, the minimum food & beverage prices do not include tax, 2% processing fee, 20% service charge, and staffing fee. For buyouts, the minimum does not include tax, 2% processing fee, or 20% service charge. 

Insurance

Additional Insurance Is Not Required To Host An Event Here

Connect
Call Venue
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
2009
Curfew
12 AM
Venue spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Non-smoking Venue
Amenities
  • Street Parking
  • Wifi
  • Dining Chairs
  • Onsite Restrooms
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