CLOSED - Bullhead Cantina: Like a Bull in a China Shop
Hangar steak, al pastor, & carnitas tacos @ Bullhead Cantina
[this is an archived post from my old blog. I will be slowly migrating, and editing, these posts]
EDIT 5/28/19: I have just been informed that Bullhead Cantina has closed.... I'm literally so upset. But I really should blame myself... I only went the one time...
Bullhead Cantina
Recommended by: my buddy Ben
Location: 1143 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
Category: Hybrid
Bullhead Cantina felt like an oasis when we walked in to it's dark confines - it was a warm contrast to the frigid temperatures outside. Additionally, they actually had a Taco Tuesday special! (Seriously, when we started this in November, this was the first place to actually have a Taco Tuesday special. I KNOW! It's like these taco places don't understand how special Tuesdays are.)
Bullhead Cantina doesn't necessarily stand out in it's decor - I mean, it presents as a standard Chicago bar, but, like a good bar. One that doesn't make you question how old you are or feel sticky before you even order a drink, but one you wouldn't mind living above and having access to booze and tacos whenever you felt like it. I also noticed that they had a good beer selection (including my fav Three Floyd's Gumballhead), but we were in a hurry so I couldn't partake.
To the point: tacos.
Oh.
Mah.
Gah.
They were utterly fantastic. Blew Big Star out of the park - enough so that I wanted to dock Big Star a half star for trying to fool me into being complacent in what they try to pass off as tacos.
Bullhead Cantina is on PAR with my favorite taco place (La Pasadita) but a much more social environment. (La Pasadita doesn't serve alcohol, ja feel?)
We ordered the hangar steak tacos, pastor tacos, & carnitas tacos .... with cheese, because duh. I probably need to stop ordering anything but steak tacos because that's what I enjoy the most, but I'm trying to try more things for you! Appreciate my sacrifices!
That being said, all of the tacos were flavorful, but not overwhelming - which is a distinction muy importante if you ask me. More taco places could learn from this. I could have used more cheese but I'll just ask for a side of cheese next time and add it myself.
I am definitely coming back to this hidden gem. I didn't even have anything clever to say when I posted it on Insta - just a W. O. W.
Recommend? Absolutely.