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Review Tue Feb 18 2014
Bullhead Cantina Comes to Rogers Park
If you live anywhere near Rogers Park, then you know how important it is when a new restaurant moves into the neighborhood. For many years your friends and neighbors living on the way far North Side have subsisted with very few restaurant options. Taking a walk through the hood lately, though, it's easy to see that's changing.
The latest addition to Rogers Park's growing culinary selections is the highly anticipated Bullhead Cantina. The whiskey and taco bar, owned by Francisco "Paco" Ruiz, opened its first location in 2012 in Humboldt Park. The Cantina, revered for its atypical taco selection, opened its second location at 1406 W. Morse Avenue on Valentine's Day.
When I visited the restaurant over the weekend I'll admit that I was a little nervous. What would set the Bullhead Cantina a part from the rest? The taco menu is definitely not your typical taco selection. There is, of course, the familiar Carnitas, Chicken and Pastor tacos but then you see choices like Grits & Kale, Southern Fried Chicken and even a Roasted Beet taco. There's a taco for everyone, which I found exciting. Don't worry if tacos aren't your thing (what's wrong with you) there are other menu options including burgers, sandwiches and salads.
The tacos are very reasonable at $3 each, this allows you to mix and match and explore new and unexpected flavors. I tried the roasted beet, sweet potato and brisket tacos. I was not disappointed, though I would recommend going the meat rout. While the veggie tacos were delicious they lacked the depth of flavor that I got from the brisket. Bullhead is also a great place to have a drink. The bar menu has a decent list of craft beers and a huge whiskey selection.
The night I visited there were a few kinks in the service that I hope get worked out quickly. It is hard to judge a new restaurant's service in the beginning when it's trying to get its footing. Overall I had a wonderful experience and I really hope the Rogers Park location works. The RP is in desperate need of a good restaurant/bar with great food and I think the Bullhead Cantina might just be the answer to our dreams.
