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    Desert Hawk

    4.6 (46 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Desert Hawk Photos

    DESERT HAWK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Desert Hawk

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    Smashburger
    David M.

    Desert hawk is a great dive bar with a great relaxing vibe to the place. They serve your favorite cocktails with happy hour special's everyday. A great little patio for you to enjoy on a nice day warm day in Chicago. You can also get great smash burgers inside. A pop up vendor by the name of shortys is serving up burgers and wings. You can find this place active on any given night as they have karaoke and pool tables inside as well.

    Sherwin C.

    Nice cozy bar to to enjoy some unique Filipino-Mexico cuisine (as of the time of this writing, though the resident kitchen is subject to change), with a strong California Desert decor and friendly service. For me this has more of a casual feel due to the seating arrangement (tables all on the walls, but easy to access bar and pool for the remainder of the space). The menu covers quite a bit of tequila and mezcal options within the cocktails and margaritas, and a good number of beers available as well. Pricing is fair and in-line with what you'd expect in this area of the city.

    Smoke Signal
    Joneice B.

    Finally made it to Desert Hawk to try their collaboration for Jibarito Smash Burger. The bar is located in the heart of wicker park bar scene on Division Street. We came after hitting happy hour nearby. On this occasion the whole table got plantain smashed burgers. I got the Ogilla x 2 patties which came with Sweet aioli, House pickles caramelized onions, American cheese. We also got the house chips. My father-in-law got the loaded chips which were a special treat. We enjoyed our burgers. The plantain buns were soft but sturdy. The beef was hearty and flavored well. The bar scene is nice with plenty of booths and tables. Bathroom were decent. Hands down I would recommend checking out this establishment.

    Gissell P.

    I came to Desert Hawk for their Desert Hawk x Smash Jibarito collab, and loved it so much! The ambiance was a chill speakeasy type of vibe which I love! The drinks were also delicious and refreshing and the jibarito to die for! Perfect for date night or girls night out!

    Megan F.

    Came here after a long session tufting a rug at Pop Craft, and we were both pretty hungry. Service took quite a while -- it seems you have to order at the bar, and a few groups who arrived after us got their foods first. The food was okay. We got the Ogilla 2 patty burger and the Estilo Animal Jibarito Burger, and Handcut Chips. The Jibarito Burger was good but not very filling if you're only getting one. On the plus side, they have set of trivia cards in the booths, which is a fun touch

    Walking into the bar
    Candy N.

    Who doesn't love and Agave bar?! Add in craft cocktails, tacos, pool and an outdoor street vibe. This bar is located in a great area for foot traffic and the drinks match the vibe. Lots of different tequilas and Mezcals to choose from. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures of the drinks. We were having a good time talking to the bartender and playing dice. But he made us the Island Time which was a fantastic coconut and tequila beverage. We ended the visit with shots of Fernet. I'll definitely be back.

    Ali M.

    This bar is great and super low key. Everyone was really friendly and it wasn't super crowded. They have a pool table which is also really fun. The restaurant currently in the space is SO good. Honestly some of the best burgers I've had in Chicago. Definitely recommend it animal style.

    Marlene S.

    Very mid experience. We star at the bar and started off with some beer which states a bit stale/flat. We ordered the jibaritos, they were out of fries so we got the fried plantains. As a Dominican, I know a good plantain and this was not it. The plantains were a bit soggy and not crunchy at all. I was expecting more based on the reviews.

    Brian W.

    Just found out about this place through friends and I heard it's been here almost a year? No sign out front except BAR. Which I love! That's a pretty badass neon sign. Good bar on Division in the neighborhood! Love the local vibes and all the exposed brick inside. Clean place. Nice Xmas tree! Good music and just so happened to be there on karaoke night (Wednesdays) that was super fun too! Now for the best part... Smash Jibarito is doing their smash burgers and food here and I had one with a side of plantains. We all loved them it was epic! Met the guy and he was really nice. I feel like I've had these smash burgers before on one of our motorcycle rides. I think they do pop-ups. However, this is their home spot now. Glad I can walk to his place! Good to know. Cheers & Happy Thanksgiving~

    Smashburger Jibarito
    Jessica W.

    Highly recommend this wicker park bar, which serves fantastic food. It's a nice space inside with plenty of booths and a good size bar. The bartender was friendly and made an excellent cocktail. For food I tried the aye amor jibarito, it was fantastic. This is a splurge and bit something I could order regularly, but the patties were so well seasoned, with a good cheese sauce and grilled onions, and maintains were fresh and crisp. It was really rich, but all came together so well. Come have a good drink and try some delish eats!

    Burger with bacon
    Paige K.

    Good new spot! Cute vibes and they have trivia cards at the table which was fun. Saw their tacos on Instagram and had to try and let me say... my fav so far for street tacos in wicker park and possibly in the city. That crispy cheese is the move. The shrimp specifically was amazing 5/5. Steak was also good but needed the hot sauce (homemade and tasty!). They seem pricey but they are stacked with meat so I would prefer that over smaller tacos with less meat personally. We also got the burger. It was good but I would opt for just the tacos next time. Decent but nothing to write home about. I liked the fries though, nice and crispy. Service was friendly but you do have to order and check out at the bar. We were able to order quickly but by the time we left, there were several people waiting for drinks and we had to wait in line with bartender just to cash out. I would suggest the QR/phone checkout option if they don't add servers. But would still come again for tacos and to try drinks next time!

    Pickled jalapeño and grilled onion burger
    Izabella P.

    First came here in May 2024 and they had some of the best smash burgers in the city. The smashburger melted in your mouth with every bite. Came with fries and a sesame bun. Couldn't ask for anything else! The long lasting impression of the burger made you vow to visit again. 5/5 Came back October 2024 and they changed. No more fries with your order, and no more sesame bun. The $13 burger was pretty good (had the pickled jalapeño and grilled onion one) but it doesn't match up. Staff recommended the jibarito $17 burger. Maybe next time. We ordered the loaded chips as well. They were tasty. But different. Nice change? Still good, but the previous version can't be beat. Solid 3/5.

    Ogilla
    Samir K.

    Hands down the best smash burger in Chicago. Shoutout to smash jibarito for taking residency here. Tried two of the burgers here and both were delicious. The ogilla was your typical burger with pickles and caramelized onions but had a very tasty sweet aioli. The other burger was the aye el amor which was a spicier version. The pickled jalapeños added a nice kick with sautéed onions for extra flavor. Coated with a cheese sauce as well as an animal sauce which were great. Beef was well seasoned and the plantains were excellent. They elevated the burgers giving a differing texture and sweetness. While almost all smash burgers taste the same, the unique plantain buns make this so much better than the rest.

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    3 years ago

    Amazing date spot during the week. Food and service is top notch. Great weekend spot for a large friend group

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Service was amazing and the vibe is unbeatable. Also you can't beat their spicy marg. Definitely will be back!

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    Au Cheval

    Au Cheval

    4.4(9.5k reviews)
    2.1 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$

    so glad we tried this place! we actually only waited about 15 mins to get seated at the bar on a…read morewednesday night around 7pm. we came here for my boyfriends birthday and we were so happy we chose to celebrate here. the two people that helped us was antonio and issa and they made the experience 10x better. they were very attentive and friendly and just easy to talk to. gave us good recommendations and good vibes. we both really liked our drinks and were happy with the spread the food came out. we got to eat the bone marrow first which also came with this really good sauce it was almost like a meat jam but was so good on the bread and then put some of the bone marrow on for the perfect bite. now the burger, you just have to try it because it really is that good. the sauce in it was so good and it just had a really good flavor. it was just an elevated burger. we got fries as well and we shared the burger so it we were really full after. the server brought out ice cream with a candle and some sort of chocolate sauce too which just made the overall experience. we were really happy with the service and food and it just made my bfs bday that much more special and memorable.

    No good vegan options :(…read more I got the green salad and added avocado (paid extra just for 30% of an avocado) and extra dressing. Overpriced salad for sure. Also the outdoor seating was horrible. No umbrellas so we were melting under the hot sun the whole time. My friends enjoyed the fries but said the burger lacked veggies.

    Photos
    Au Cheval - The cooks were very attentive!

    The cooks were very attentive!

    Au Cheval - Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

    Au Cheval - Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)

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    Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)

    Trivoli Tavern - Corn bread

    Trivoli Tavern

    4.5(974 reviews)
    2.0 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$

    Finally made it Trivoli Tavern to catch up with a friend. Luckily we snagged a reservation for an…read moreearly Friday dinner because it was fairly packed. Everything we ate was great and would could out with impeccable timing. The butter with the rolls was not as truffle-y than what I read about. The spicy tuna roll was in point and the drinks strong but hitting the spot. We tried the pork chop and while great we would opt for something more savory next time. The vodka rigatoni was great but again I have other items on the menu to try. We closed out with sticky date cake which was a bit sweet. I took a few bites and ended up sharing the rest. The service was amazing and the restaurant itself gave off old school meets modern vibes.

    Had such a great night out with my daughter at Trivoli Tavern. From start to finish, everything was…read moreoutstanding. We started with the artichoke gratin and the salmon Caesar salad, and both were absolutely unreal. The flavors and quality were next level. My ribeye was cooked perfectly -- an incredible char on the outside, medium rare inside exactly as ordered, and seasoned unbelievably well. The mushroom casserole may have honestly been the best mushrooms I've ever had. My daughter's vodka rigatoni was top notch and packed with flavor. We finished with the sticky cake for dessert, which was the perfect ending to an amazing meal. On top of all that, our server Jenna was a total pro -- attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. One of the best dinners we've had in a long time. Can't wait to come back.

    Photos
    Trivoli Tavern - Gelato & sticky date cake

    Gelato & sticky date cake

    Trivoli Tavern - Butterfinger pie

    Butterfinger pie

    Trivoli Tavern - Chicken pot pie

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    Chicken pot pie

    Gretel - elevated! butter chicken curry soup with cilantro + crispy paratha

    Gretel

    4.5(465 reviews)
    1.4 miLogan Square
    $$

    Stopped here after dinner for some drinks in their downstairs lounge. I've never gone downstairs…read moreand when I entered it gave speakeasy vibes, I loved it. I had one of the best espresso martinis here and enjoyed sitting on their cozy couches while chatting to my friends. The atmosphere downstairs was really calm and relaxing. Service was quick and our server was very polite.

    My friends and I have started a burger crawl throughout the city, and we had to have Gretel on the…read morelist! First time here for all of us, but definitely will not be our last! We started with a bunch of cocktails (I wish I remember the names.. but they were all so good!). Food to start, we ordered the Charcuterie, and the House Made Pretzel. We were obsessed with both! The charcuterie did not skimp out like some cheese/meat plates do.. it was a satisfying amount that we kept going back for more. The pretzel was outstanding, twisted and hot, perfectly soft and salty. To eat, I split the Gretel Griddle Burger and the Fried Chicken Sandwich with my friend because although we were there for the burger, I kept reading about the chicken sandwich being fantastic. Booyy they were not wrong!! As much as I loved the burger, the chicken sandwich was my favorite! Perfectly crispy, with this sweet and spicy glaze and the crunchy Asian pear slaw... OMG. I'm still dreaming about this! One thing we were excited about were the Elote Riblettes.. but I wouldn't order these again. I accidentally bit the whole thing and didn't realize they kept the core in, and I had to spit it out. And even after eating it properly it didn't feel like I got enough of it from those little bites. Loved the fries though! We didn't see a dessert menu but we would have definitely been interested in that. After all the drinks apps and the chicken sandwich I was feeling so full so I couldn't finish the burger so I got it wrapped to go. But let me tell you even when I reheated that burger the next day.. it was fantastic!! Overall we may have been the loudest and most obnoxious group (we get a bit excited haha) our waiter and the vibe were all matched! Genuinely loved this place, and looking forward to coming back soon.

    Photos
    Gretel - Flowers

    Flowers

    Gretel - Outstanding butter & brine oysters from portsmouth maine

    Outstanding butter & brine oysters from portsmouth maine

    Gretel - Beautiful italian orange wine with great minerality

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    Beautiful italian orange wine with great minerality

    No Vacancy

    No Vacancy

    4.6(167 reviews)
    2.5 miRiver North, Near North Side
    $$

    Really loved this little bar! Great food! We didn't realize we were there for Happy Hour or we…read morewould've honestly ordered way more. I loved the cider I ordered and I would go back just for that. We loved the other people we talked to there. The ambiance was incredible. The only outlier was the bartender seemed to be having an off night, she just wasn't super attentive with guests. But it wasn't so terrible that it tainted an otherwise great experience. I would definitely return to this place!

    We stopped in for a night cap and a snack on a Friday evening! We sat at the bar and I liked how…read morebig and comfy the chairs are. We also had front row seats to watch March madness, and more importantly the beer filling mechanism that fills glasses from the bottom! Kinda fun to watch. The bar also has purse hooks, which I am always grateful for. The food came out pretty quickly and was super fresh and delicious. The bartender was sooo sweet, very attentive and quick, and made sure my soda was always topped off. I loved the vibe and the moody lighting! The menu is definitely River North prices -- nothing terribly surprising bht on par for the neighborhood. At the time of our visit, cocktails were $15+ and the fry basket was $10. Again, not terrible but definitely paying to be in River North. If you're in the neighborhood, definitely worth it!

    Photos
    No Vacancy
    No Vacancy - Blackened Fresh Florida Grouper Sandwich

    Blackened Fresh Florida Grouper Sandwich

    No Vacancy - Pigs in a Blanket

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    Pigs in a Blanket

    Little Bad Wolf - Bad Burger and a side of mac and cheese

    Little Bad Wolf

    4.4(2.6k reviews)
    5.6 miAndersonville, Edgewater
    $$

    There's just something about a burger that actually lives up to the hype--and Little Bad Wolf does…read moreexactly that. Stacked unapologetically high, this burger is everything you want and more: juicy, perfectly seared patties layered with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and those golden, crunchy fried onions that take it completely over the top. Every bite is rich, savory, and just messy enough to remind you you're eating something seriously good. The toasted bun somehow holds it all together (barely), soaking up every bit of flavor without getting lost in the chaos. And then... the shoestring fries. Thin, crispy, golden perfection--light but addictive, with that ideal crunch that makes it impossible to stop at just one (or ten). They're the kind of fries you keep reaching for without even realizing it, especially dipped in that creamy, tangy sauce on the side. And let's not forget the drinks--just as good as the food. Refreshing, perfectly balanced, and the kind you sip slow while taking it all in (but somehow they disappear way too fast). It's not just a burger--it's one of Chicago's most iconic bites for a reason. Bold, indulgent, and absolutely worth every single napkin you'll need after. The ambiance inside is GORGEOUS!

    My husband and I walked in on a Sunday evening for dinner and were able to be seated right away…read more The atmosphere is dark and moody, and it made sense once I realized it was the same owners as Gretel. Loved the 90s female R&B playlist they had going! Little Bad Wolf has been on my list FOR YEARS to try the burger! My husband got the burger with fried onions and I got some Bao because those also looked delicious and were a popular menu item. Honestly the 3 stars are only that high because of the service. Our server was friendly and attentive + the food came out hot and quick. Unfortunately, the food was pretty disappointing. The burger was swimming in a puddle of grease and just picking it up made your hands greasy + was dripping grease. The fries that came with it were floppy, soggy, and sad...but at least warm? I personally wouldn't order this again. The Bao were better, but small for the price and honestly were just okay? It was nice they gave you sauces you could add, but I found the Bao's to already have enough sauce so I didn't need them. Overall I left feeling confused and disappointed. I don't feel the need to come back here - Little Bad Will was a one and done experience for me.

    Photos
    Little Bad Wolf - Fresh flowers

    Fresh flowers

    Little Bad Wolf - Shrimp Tacos

    Shrimp Tacos

    Little Bad Wolf - Bad Burger with fried onion strings

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    Bad Burger with fried onion strings

    Desert Hawk - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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