Big Star Named Second-Best Bar in Chicago

The bar culture is alive and well in Bucktown and Wicker Park, as 10 local watering holes were named to Chicago Magazine’s best bars in the city. 

The magazine’s 11 reporters went to more than 1,200 bars across Chicago, rating them on quality, selection, service and atmosphere.

The magazine separated their findings into 12 categories, ranging from best cocktails to LGBT and neighborhood spots.

Like us on Facebook! 

Big Star ranked second as the Best of the Best in the city. 

"Maybe it’s the whiskey shots talking, but there’s nothing better than a Saturday night spent gorging on pork belly tacos, guac, and margaritas—especially when the team behind standout restaurants Avec and Publican makes them," Chicago Magazine reported. 

Small Bar on Division earned one of the top spots for its food. This comes as no surprise with Chef Justin White—formerly of The Bristol—at the helm. 

Three bars also landed mention as 'Best Neighborhood Spots.'

See all of the bars mentioned in Chicago Magazine:

Best Craft Beer Havens
Quenchers Saloon, 2401 N. Western Ave
Map Room, 1949 N. Hoyne Ave. 

Best Neighborhood Spots
Charleston, 2076 N. Hoyne
Danny's Tavern, 1951 W. Dickens Ave.
Floyd's Pub, 1944 N. Oakley Ave. 

Best Wine Bars
The Bluebird, 1749 N. Damen

Best Cocktail Spots
The Violet Hour, 1520 N. Damen

Best of the Best
Big Star, 1531 N. Damen Ave. 

Best Bars for Grub
Small Bar, 2049 W. Division St. 

Best Dives
Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.