Lively Mexican spot with creative twists, strong cocktails, and standout pozole and flautas; service can be uneven and pricing skews high for portions.
Estrella Negra delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by standout pozole and flautas, but inconsistent execution on secondary items and variable portions prevent a higher grade. The vibrant Dia de los Muertos aesthetic and art-forward energy create genuine destination appeal within Chicago, while creative cocktails and warm service during normal hours make it worth a visit—though busy nights expose service slowdowns and noise challenges that temper the experience.
One caveat: Pricing leans high for modest portions; expect mains in the high teens to mid twenties