"Northwest Side storefront Barca Birrieria y Restaurant, a cozy family-owned spot specializing in birria tatemada, could be a strong contender for one of the best spots for the succulent Mexican goat stew in all of Illinois, according to Tribune dining critic Nick Kindelsperger. A pandemic pivot from owner Margarita Nunez, who previously operated Sabor a Jalisco in Avondale, and her son, Osvaldo (Three Legged Tacos), the restaurant at 4754 W. Belmont Avenue features birria topped with “deeply savory consommé” that eschews tomato in favor of a “deeply meaty profile spiked with various spices,” alongside tacos and crispy quesabirria." - aimee.levitt