Restaurant Review – Big & Little’s

I kept hearing about Big & Little’s- a colorful restaurant splashed on the corner of Belmont and Kenmore. As I was walking through Lakeview earlier this week, I decided it was finally time to try this spot I’ve heard so much about. I stopped in on a Wednesday evening, around 7 pm. The restaurant is counter service and there were only a few other diners in the restaurant, so I had no problem finding a cozy table by the window. The space is small, so I can see how on a busy weekend night, it would be packed. When I first went up to look at the menu, I was shocked by how low the prices are: $1.99 for a breakfast taco, $2.99 for a carnitas taco, $6.49 for a burger. I asked how large the tacos were and the server told me they recommend 2-4 tacos per person, depending on how hungry you are. I had come with an appetite, so I decided to order 3 tacos. I chose the Mahi, the Spicy Beef Short Rib, the Hawaiian Pork, and the Truffle Fries (I couldn’t resist). The Truffle Fries were absolutely delicious- crisped to perfection. I ordered them with a side of chili aioli, which perfectly complemented the richness of the truffle oil. The Mahi taco was piled with a generous amount of fried mahi (you can also order it grilled), lettuce, cabbage, “special sauce” (the chili aioli), Asian sesame sauce, and lime juice. I love fish tacos and this did not disappoint. The sauces were flavorful without being overpowering and the vegetables were bright and crunchy. Next, I dug into the Spicy Beef Short Rib: seared shredded short rib, onions, and cilantro topped with a spicy Thai sauce (the menu describes it as a sweet and spicy chili sauce). The short rib was perfectly seasoned and had a nice crisp on the beef. And finally, the Hawaiian Pork: seared shredded pork, pineapple, chipotle peppers, queso fresco, and samurai sauce (a soy based sweet sauce). I wasn’t expecting the pork to be spicy, but it had a really nice bite to it. I loved it with the sweetness of the pineapple. I can’t wait to come back and try more things on the menu!

Big & Little’s Lakeview location is at 1034 W Belmont Ave. Their hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 am to 10 pm, Fridays from 8:30 am to 12 am, Saturdays from 11 am to 12 am, and Sundays from 11 am to 10 pm. They also have a location in River North at 860 N Orleans St. and one in Wicker Park at 1310 N Milwaukee Ave. You can find hours and other location information on their website. Big & Little’s is also available for online ordering.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO