Chicago’s 2025 Eater Award Winners | Eater Chicago

"After bolstering Hyde Park’s dining landscape with Virtue and Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern , Erick Williams turned his attention to cocktails with the opening of Cantina Rosa . The bar is both a love letter to family — named for Williams’ grandmother, Rose — and a celebration of his staff’s heritage, many of whom have roots in Mexico. In the dim, cozy space, agave and sugarcane spirits lay the foundation for tropical cocktails that captivate from the first sip. A house favorite, the Jushu balances smoky mezcal with acacia honey, lime, and mango for a drink that’s equal parts refreshing and comforting. The Desert Spoon Swizzle pairs sotol — a cousin of tequila and mezcal — with rum, sorrel, lime, and mint, delivering a bright, herbal kick, while frozen drink lovers can cool off with the guava colada. The food menu may be small, but it’s thoughtfully composed, with mushroom-stuffed empanadas and chicken tinga tostadas making ideal companions to the beverages. More than a cocktail destination, Cantina Rosa offers a vibrant escape from city life, where every sip feels like its own small adventure." - Jeffy Mai