On one of the last warm nights in November, I was in¬vited to dine at a hot-newly-opened restaurant between the Bucktown and Logan Square border. (2 blocks west of the Kennedy, Fullerton exit). Estrella Negra definitely catches the attention of the passerby with its vibrant “Dia de los Muertos” motif. A gorgeous mural and sugar skull sign (created by Beto Muñoz) garnishes the outside while the wide glass windows show off Estrella Negra’s animated interior.

The entire restaurant is covered in artwork from local artist which owner Otoniel Michel jr. says is part of the reason for the restaurant. “I wanted a place where food lovers, artists and art lovers can come together to connect, relax, listen to music, display their artwork and have a great time.” Born and raised in Chicago, Otoniel received his BA with honors from Columbia College and might be more recognizable as the singer/songwriter, guitarist from local band StankStar, aka “Estrella Ne¬gra”. You may have seen them recently performing live in Grant Park at Chicago’s Latin Music Festival, “Viva Fest”.

Estrella Negra carries contemporary Latin cuisine which features dishes such as spinach artichoke tamales, guacamole with pomegranate seeds, and even some carb-friendly green leaf tacos. All of these incredible dishes are listed in a menu that in and of itself is an impressive piece of art. The menu was essentially a large “loteria” card with smaller versions of the “loteria” cards to represent each dish. For example there were “Los Diablitos Camarones”, “La Sirenita Ceviche”, “El Mundo Guacamole”, and more.

 

I personally tried “los Apache Tamales”, a killer vegetarian dish in which tamales are stuffed with spinach and artichoke. The dish was so artfully presented I thought the plate could be hung on the wall as an art piece itself. Having eaten many tamales in my life, these where right up there with my “abuelitas” in rich moistness and intense flavor. Ditto for the green leaf tacos, a carb-friendly taco con¬sisting of chorizo, elote, and jalapeños on top of a green leaf instead of a traditional tortilla. It was juicy, not too spicy and something I would definitely order again.

In addition to the amazing art, great food, and chill ambience, the serving staff was quick to seat, attentive, and easy on the eyes. Estrella Negra is a great place to go for a budget friendly night, it’s BYOB and the prices range from $5-$10.

And, if you’re looking for a healthier late night snack, Estrella Negra will be the place for you with their carb-friendly and vegetarian options.

 

Hours of operation
Mon.- Fri. 5pm-2am (closed Tues.), open for brunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday.
This hot spot is also available for private events.

 

Estrella Negra
2346 w. Fullerton
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-5993
 

 

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment