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Big & Little's Seafood

Big & Little's Seafood
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  • Post #181 - January 15th, 2012, 7:48 am
    Post #181 - January 15th, 2012, 7:48 am Post #181 - January 15th, 2012, 7:48 am
    yea it seems like it is at least 20 bucks ea.
    but the food is very good :mrgreen:
    philw bbq cbj for kcbs &M.I.M. carolina pit masters
  • Post #182 - January 15th, 2012, 4:13 pm
    Post #182 - January 15th, 2012, 4:13 pm Post #182 - January 15th, 2012, 4:13 pm
    ronnie_suburban wrote:
    Lerdawg wrote:I meant south of the current location, my bad.

    I'm thrilled these guys have had enough success to expand and I hope it continues. Being in Niles, I don't get down there as often as I would like but I'll make a point of doing so soon enough.

    =R=


    You're in Niles now, Ronnie? Mama Fresser and I lived there for ten years--mostly during my eGullet era.

    Now we've moved to the shtetl of Buffalo Grove and I've upgraded the Fressermobile: now I drive a shiny black Dodge Challenger. Wanna go for a spin over to Chicago & Orleans?
  • Post #183 - January 16th, 2012, 1:14 pm
    Post #183 - January 16th, 2012, 1:14 pm Post #183 - January 16th, 2012, 1:14 pm
    I grabbed a couple of tacos to go for lunch today from BIG & Little's and while yes the prices have changed--perhaps now more in line with the still-high quality of the food they serve--I have another "this place has changed" arrow to put in your quivers. While I was there, I heard The Police and Duran Duran over the speakers, instead of the nonstop dub reggae they used to play. I don't know if this has been the case since they moved (I don't recall noticing the last couple of times I've been) or is a more recent change or perhaps was a one-off aberration today but it sounded more like Jack FM than rasta radio in there today.

    This has been a hard-hitting but poorly researched investigative report by JimTheBeerGuy

    btw the tacos were great.

    pairs4life wrote: and I love the 80's hits they've played both night.


    ...scooped! oh well.
    Ronnie said I should probably tell you guys about my website so

    Hey I have a website.
    http://www.sandwichtribunal.com
  • Post #184 - January 28th, 2012, 12:05 pm
    Post #184 - January 28th, 2012, 12:05 pm Post #184 - January 28th, 2012, 12:05 pm
    Big & Little's batting 1000 on the fish and chips front!

    Fish and Chips at Big & Little (1.27.12)

    Image

    Big & Little's, count me a fan!
    Last edited by G Wiv on January 28th, 2012, 12:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #185 - January 28th, 2012, 12:08 pm
    Post #185 - January 28th, 2012, 12:08 pm Post #185 - January 28th, 2012, 12:08 pm
    After another visit, it really is clear that while the prices are high, they also seem to have increased portion size to match. I wish they would have taken the opposite tack, personally, and shrunk a few of the items and reduced the price accordingly.

    The samurai whitefish taco is $4.75 and enormous, equivalent to maybe 2.5-3 fish tacos from big star, where they run $3 each. But I don't want to eat 3 fish tacos in one sitting, I want to eat 1 or 1.5. Price it at $3, reduce it to a reasonable portion, and then let me sample more of your menu!

    Food's still great, of course.
    Ed Fisher
    my chicago food photos

    RIP LTH.
  • Post #186 - June 21st, 2012, 12:15 pm
    Post #186 - June 21st, 2012, 12:15 pm Post #186 - June 21st, 2012, 12:15 pm
    "Athen Poutine"--fries topped with feta, tzatziki, and gyros meat

    Image
    Ronnie said I should probably tell you guys about my website so

    Hey I have a website.
    http://www.sandwichtribunal.com
  • Post #187 - August 31st, 2012, 10:34 am
    Post #187 - August 31st, 2012, 10:34 am Post #187 - August 31st, 2012, 10:34 am
    Finally made it to the new location for an early bite on a perfect, late summer evening. Chose two special fish tacos - thai fried fish, and a poke taco. The thai was basically a baja taco with thai seasoning replacing the normal garnish. A bit underseasoned for my taste. The poke was killer good.

    Big, fresh, tasty. Yes, prices are up a little, but the idea that I could get that much fish in a couple of taco shells for that price - great. I need to go back soon.
    d
    Feeling (south) loopy
  • Post #188 - September 25th, 2012, 9:14 pm
    Post #188 - September 25th, 2012, 9:14 pm Post #188 - September 25th, 2012, 9:14 pm
    Last night was my first visit to Big & Little's. The soft shell crab Po-Boy was gigantic and absolutely outstanding! I washed it down with my first blood orange San Pellegrino. I'll be back!
    Mark A Reitman, PhD
    Professor of Hot Dogs
    Hot Dog University/Vienna Beef
  • Post #189 - May 28th, 2013, 3:26 pm
    Post #189 - May 28th, 2013, 3:26 pm Post #189 - May 28th, 2013, 3:26 pm
    Finally made a trip to Big and Little's this past weekend. It was Friday evening, but there were open tables, and we didn't have to wait long for our food. Everything was great! I had the soft shell crab po boy and my husband had the fish and chips. Soft shell crab was meaty and tasty, not overwhelmed by the bread or sauce. The fish's breading was really crispy, but the portion was gigantic. We also shared a salad. I was nervous because it doesn't really seem like a salad kind of place, but it was also a large portion and everything was very fresh. Can't wait to go back!
  • Post #190 - September 10th, 2013, 5:51 pm
    Post #190 - September 10th, 2013, 5:51 pm Post #190 - September 10th, 2013, 5:51 pm
    A group of us paid a visit to Big N Little's today for lunch. As always, B & L was running like a well oiled machine, cranking out the food during a busy lunch rush without missing a beat. Though the line was out the door when we got there, it moved quickly and we had no problem finding a table. I liked everything we had, some things a bit more than others.

    On this visit, no one in our party ordered a burger, so we were able to explore quite a bit on the seafood side of things.

    Big N Little's Salmon Poke
    Image

    I think everyone at our table agreed that this was one of the best bites of the day.

    Big N Little's Soft Shell Crab PoBoy
    Image

    Big N Little's Samurai Taco
    Image

    Big N Little's Short Rib Taco
    Image

    Big N Little's Oyster Taco
    Image

    The oysters got a little overwhelmed by the lettuce in this taco.

    Big N Little's Fish 'N Chips
    Image

    After enjoying Boston Fish Market's & New England Seafood's fish & chips a lot this year, B&L's batter suffers a bit by comparison, though it was still tasty and the cod was perfectly cooked.

    Big N Little's Cucumber/Cilantro Taco
    Image

    Big N Little's Shrimp & Choriso PoBoy
    Image

    Sometimes I wish I still worked closer to downtown so I could make it to Big N Little's more often. It's nice to see that they are as good as ever and still deserving of their GNR status.
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #191 - September 11th, 2013, 1:57 pm
    Post #191 - September 11th, 2013, 1:57 pm Post #191 - September 11th, 2013, 1:57 pm
    eat here about 3 times a month. always great stuff
    philw bbq cbj for kcbs &M.I.M. carolina pit masters
  • Post #192 - September 11th, 2013, 8:27 pm
  • Post #193 - September 12th, 2013, 11:06 am
    Post #193 - September 12th, 2013, 11:06 am Post #193 - September 12th, 2013, 11:06 am
    Wow, they went the route of fake reality show huh? Almost all of those reality shows are staged and fake.

    My uncle was contacted by Pawn Stars to bring in a guitar he owns that is not exactly a genuine name brand, but a Chinese made fake. He was told to act like it was the real thing while the owners of the store were unsure. Then they would call in an expert and my uncle would be let down because he thought it was the real thing. I can't watch any of those reality shows knowing this.
  • Post #194 - September 12th, 2013, 11:32 am
    Post #194 - September 12th, 2013, 11:32 am Post #194 - September 12th, 2013, 11:32 am
    I want to see the show about the junior producer at Pawn Stars and how she or he knew to call your uncle. That stuff has fascinated me since I proctored a Maury-type show (legal stuff) and observed pods of fresh, bright, but possibly misguided Ivy grads hustling to find "entertaining" misanthropes to appear as recurring, rowdy "audience members" willing to lob "irreverent" observations at the "guests" appearing to contest paternity and such....

    I've never been to B&L's when those guys weren't both there doing everything. Unclear what a fake show geared at finding workers spitting in the chili would do there. Really not sure why a very successful operation would let the crew in the door, either.

    Next week: Bar Rescue visits The Mutiny...
    Last edited by JeffB on September 12th, 2013, 11:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
  • Post #195 - September 12th, 2013, 11:37 am
    Post #195 - September 12th, 2013, 11:37 am Post #195 - September 12th, 2013, 11:37 am
    The operation has expanded and there are quite a few workers there these days, but on our visit both B & l were in the house running a tight ship. I don't really understand the need for them to appear on a reality show of that sort, but as they say, there no such thing as bad publicity, just spell the name correctly
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #196 - September 12th, 2013, 6:24 pm
    Post #196 - September 12th, 2013, 6:24 pm Post #196 - September 12th, 2013, 6:24 pm
    I saw the B&L episode of that show (honest - it's the only time I've watched that show :oops: ) - and the main focus of the episode was how the manager on duty was pocketing a fake "cork" fee for their BYOB policy.
    It was really pretty dumb and, to me, obviously quite fake. I couldn't figure out why B&L would go on this show other than maybe they get $$$ for doing it?

    edit: oh yeah, there was also a guy out front in a mini van that was selling people alcohol that they could bring in for their meal.
  • Post #197 - September 12th, 2013, 9:49 pm
    Post #197 - September 12th, 2013, 9:49 pm Post #197 - September 12th, 2013, 9:49 pm
    spanky wrote:I saw the B&L episode of that show (honest - it's the only time I've watched that show :oops: ) - and the main focus of the episode was how the manager on duty was pocketing a fake "cork" fee for their BYOB policy.
    It was really pretty dumb and, to me, obviously quite fake. I couldn't figure out why B&L would go on this show other than maybe they get $$$ for doing it?

    edit: oh yeah, there was also a guy out front in a mini van that was selling people alcohol that they could bring in for their meal.


    I watched that episode..."Little" was obviously faking being very upset. To me, it came off pretty much like a bad Rick Moranis imitation!
    If you aren't tasting, you aren't cooking.
  • Post #198 - September 24th, 2013, 10:12 am
    Post #198 - September 24th, 2013, 10:12 am Post #198 - September 24th, 2013, 10:12 am
    Had some guests in town and stopped at B&L for lunch. Oyster po boy, Zeus burger, and foie fries (the perfectly-seared foie more than the soggy, limp fries) were all very good. Pastor tacos were forgettable. 4-year old LOVED the deep fried grilled cheese sandwich. This place, though not perfect, is definitely worthy of GNR renewal IMO.

    --Rich
    I don't know what you think about dinner, but there must be a relation between the breakfast and the happiness. --Cemal Süreyya
  • Post #199 - November 9th, 2013, 1:35 pm
    Post #199 - November 9th, 2013, 1:35 pm Post #199 - November 9th, 2013, 1:35 pm
    I am excited to say that I walked past the old indie burger @ 1034 w. Belmont, which has recently closed, and signs are up stating that Big & Little's is coming soon!
  • Post #200 - November 9th, 2013, 2:07 pm
    Post #200 - November 9th, 2013, 2:07 pm Post #200 - November 9th, 2013, 2:07 pm
    Upe wrote:I am excited to say that I walked past the old indie burger @ 1034 w. Belmont, which has recently closed, and signs are up stating that Big & Little's is coming soon!


    Here's the news on their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/BIG-littles/245140276651
    Ava-"If you get down and out, just get in the kitchen and bake a cake."- Jean Strickland

    Horto In Urbs- Falling in love with Urban Vegetable Gardening
  • Post #201 - February 14th, 2014, 9:00 pm
    Post #201 - February 14th, 2014, 9:00 pm Post #201 - February 14th, 2014, 9:00 pm
    The second location of Big & little's officially opened today in Lakeview.

    Located at 1034 W. Belmont, it will be open late night and also deliver!
  • Post #202 - February 15th, 2014, 7:05 pm
    Post #202 - February 15th, 2014, 7:05 pm Post #202 - February 15th, 2014, 7:05 pm
    Thanks Lerdawg! This was definitely an anticipated opening for me since it's in my neighborhood. I got a little more information today that I couldn't find on the internet yet, so I thought I'd share. The new location's phone number is 773-857-6677. They accept credit and are BYOB. Delivery hasn't happened yet, but I for one am counting down the days until they offer it!
  • Post #203 - March 10th, 2014, 10:45 am
    Post #203 - March 10th, 2014, 10:45 am Post #203 - March 10th, 2014, 10:45 am
    Anyone know if the menu at the Lakeview location directly mirrors the original? I'm going to be ordering pickup from there tonight and can't find an official menu - their website hasn't worked for me for quite some time. The original location has menus on Yelp and Menupages and I'm just wondering if those would be accurate. Thanks!
  • Post #204 - March 10th, 2014, 1:15 pm
    Post #204 - March 10th, 2014, 1:15 pm Post #204 - March 10th, 2014, 1:15 pm
    claypoolfan wrote:Anyone know if the menu at the Lakeview location directly mirrors the original?
    No it does not. Portions and prices are less than Orleans and there are a few items, Fish and Chips, Salmon Poke taco for example, that are not available on Belmont.

    Friendliness, commitment to quality and outright deliciousness remain the same.

    Big & Little's (both locations), Count me a Fan!
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #205 - March 21st, 2014, 4:27 pm
    Post #205 - March 21st, 2014, 4:27 pm Post #205 - March 21st, 2014, 4:27 pm
    My 3rd visit at the Lakeview location, so I thought I'd weigh in. Admittedly, I haven't made much headway through the menu and have mostly had various fish tacos. Today, I had 3. A Samurai, a Bahn Mi, and a Big and Little's

    First off, the fried fish in each taco was great, pretty much perfect. I also had the fish and chips at my last visit, and though I'm more of a cod man I guess, I've found the mahi mahi to always be excellent.

    However, this time it seemed like they nuked the tortillas. I definitely like my tortillas to spend a little time on the griddle, but I prefer them more on the flimsy side. These are big tacos with an assortment of sauces, so perhaps that's why they feel they have to firm them up, but I really did not enjoy them. They were just overdone and almost difficult the eat. The tacos themselves are often a little hard to eat. I think the overloaded tacos and in-your-face image is on purpose, but I still haven't quite figured out the right way to eat these things.

    Samurai - Had this before. Definitely my favorite of their tacos for now. The samurai sauce (teriyaki I"m pretty sure) is great. It just hit me today, but a good teriyaki sauce is really like a good barbecue sauce. It's sweet (but not cloyingly so) and it has that little bit of smoke and acid flavor too. I think pairing the Samurai sauce with the creamy Chili Mayo? sauce and the pickled jalapenos is really smart. The richness and heat really balance the taco and make it sing.

    Bahn Mi - I love Bahn Mis and so wanted to try it. Okay, but I feel like it's still missing something. The cucumber and pickled onion are great. Giving it some crunch and a shot of Bahn Mi-like freshness to the taco, but I was left thinking the taco needed one more thing to tie it all together. Maybe a better sauce? Or more pickled carrots? I don't know.

    Big and Little's - Good but kind of boring. If I remember right, it's fried fish with lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, and chili mayo. I should have known it wouldn't knock my socks off based on those flavors alone, but the fish was really the only part of it that I liked.

    All in all, super glad they are in the neighborhood. Service has been excellent. I don't know if the man behind the counter recognizes me each time, but he sure does a good job of making me feel like he does. I just wish they didn't nuke the tortillas.
  • Post #206 - March 21st, 2014, 10:22 pm
    Post #206 - March 21st, 2014, 10:22 pm Post #206 - March 21st, 2014, 10:22 pm
    Fish and Chips, Salmon Poke taco for example, that are not available on Belmont.


    They are on the menu now if they weren't before. Nice people and good food. Goes a long way.
  • Post #207 - May 8th, 2014, 5:37 pm
    Post #207 - May 8th, 2014, 5:37 pm Post #207 - May 8th, 2014, 5:37 pm
    I finally got over to the Belmont location and found it to be just as good as the original. So far I've had the little's fish taco and the burger, both of which were terrific. They really know how to fry fish, my taco was a thing of beauty.
    For what we choose is what we are. He should not miss this second opportunity to re-create himself with food. Jim Crace "The Devil's Larder"
  • Post #208 - May 11th, 2014, 8:56 pm
    Post #208 - May 11th, 2014, 8:56 pm Post #208 - May 11th, 2014, 8:56 pm
    Made it to the Belmont location for the first time today. Definitely just as good as the original. The manager, Omar, is very gregarious and eagerly seeking feedback about the operation. He says they're looking to open "many" more locations in the future.
  • Post #209 - May 14th, 2014, 2:36 pm
    Post #209 - May 14th, 2014, 2:36 pm Post #209 - May 14th, 2014, 2:36 pm
    friend wants to meet there at noon on a Tuesday, I'm concerned about lunch rush. Anyone comment on average wait during lunch time? thanks
    I did absolutely nothing and it was everything I thought it could be.
  • Post #210 - May 14th, 2014, 9:31 pm
    Post #210 - May 14th, 2014, 9:31 pm Post #210 - May 14th, 2014, 9:31 pm
    Willie, I was there yesterday (Tuesday), arrived early-ish (just before noon) and no wait at all. And when I left 20 minutes later it was still not very crowded.

    I really liked the people and the space, but honestly, both my po boy and my taco had flaws. The po boy had a bun that broke almost immediately -- the bottom split lengthwise and spilled contents all over the basket. More than that, like the taco, I found there to be so much sauce that I didn't really taste the fish in the taco or the crab in the po boy.

    But, they were so nice, the reviews so overwhelmingly positive, and the menu so enticing that I'll be back.

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