CERDITO MUERTO

You can't make a reso online here, so when I sent an email asking about a table 24 hours ahead, I wasn't optimistic about our chances of getting in. To my surprise I got an email back that night that they'd had a cancellation and could accommodate us the next day! The mood of the place is cozy, intimate, with bits of fanciful and cultural art and decor, as well as some reminders of the pool hall that the owner's grandmother used to run in the space. The staff was great, the hostess (and I think the owner's wife?) was very sweet, our server was attentive but laid back and helpful with explaining the menu, and even the owner, who was moving with alacrity stopped to thank us for coming in as we were getting up to leave. The food and drinks were also on point! I was skeptical that a taco with heirloom carrots, pepidos, pomegranate seeds, and queso fresco was going to work. But those flavors dazzled my taste buds as they came together in each bite. I was also skeptical about the clear drink I was brought after ordering a milk punch (great story about this happening to a friend in Nashville, with a less than ideal outcome). But it was delightful, I didn't even notice it wasn't creamy after my first sip. Go with friends so you can get a bunch of things to share, and be open to some interesting flavor combinations, you won't be disappointed!

I loved this place! I submitted a last minute reservation request on their website and they were quick to reply and due to a last minute cancellation, I was able to get a reservation. We got the old fashioned, Paloma, quesadilla and burger. Everything was delicious but the burger was my favorite, one of a kind chorizo burger. Service was amazing, everyone was so friendly and attentive. Can’t wait to come back!

I didn't get any food. The drinks are expensive but you get your money worth. I got the old fashioned and another drink I forgot the name. Its a speakeasy definitely a laid back vibe.

I visited Cerdito Muerto last night with three of my girlfriends, and we had such a fantastic experience! From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the beautiful ambiance — it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner date or a fun night out with friends. The food and drinks were absolutely phenomenal. Every dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented, and the cocktails were creative and delicious. The service was equally impressive — warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. We’re already talking about when we’ll be back. Highly recommend Cerdito Muerto to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Pilsen!

Dark and narrow with a long bar and one unisex bathroom. Lots of two people tables. Date night atmosphere. Beautiful decor. Music was a bit loud for conversation. Didn't try much food but enjoyed the Potato Flautas. Drinks were excellent.

The wait was very long - plan ahead. The staff was friendly. The drinks were very good, the chicken tinga tostada was phenomenal. Small space, it can get pretty loud which was the downside for me. Overall good experience. Was not able to do separate checks.

The food was great. Branzino was probably the highlight. The flautas were top notch. I want to go back to try the birria. The experience was even better. I felt taken care of every step of the way from making the reservation, to telling them we were running late, to having them give us a hamburger bun for my toddler, because we came unprepared. Sarah was extremely helpful, responsive and kind. It is an intimate ambiance, which I always like. You will be treated well here.

From the moment we sat down at the bar, Alex treated us like royalty. The cocktails were artfully created, the food was delicious (we had pozole and the branzino). The owner, Emiddio is such a gracious host, this place has such a great vibe, very welcoming and cozy. We’ll definitely be back.

I've been here twice now since they opened up this summer in Pilsen and have to see the vibes here are wonderful. Our most recent experience we had an amazing bartender who was super friendly and whipped out some amazing drinks for us. I expect this place to get busier and more difficult to get into as it gets more popular overtime, so go now while you can! It's very unassuming from the outside on frankly a quiet street (business-wise) but once you're inside, it's a whole different vibe! Have not gotten food here so I cannot speak for the bites offered!

Enjoyed an early dinner this evening at Cerdito Muerto. The space is comfortable and intimate, with a late-night vibe even at 6 pm. We were greeted warmly and seated immediately. The drinks were interesting. I had Choby's Kryptonite--tequila forward and a bit smoky. My friend tried the Espresso Martinez--awesome name, but the drink featured a banana flavor that didn't mesh well with the coffee taste. We requested a couple of other drink options during our visit and none were available--a carajillo, coffee (hot) or an affogato. For a restaurant that looks like it has a full bar, this was a bit of a letdown. The potato flautas were my favorite--more plump than traditional flautas, crispy outside and tender inside. Arguably the best part was the contrast between the warm potatoes and crisp tortilla outside vs. the fresh avocado and tasty salsa toppings. The al pastor tacos were quite spicy, so be prepared! Overall a pleasant experience.

What a lovely neighborhood spot! I saw this place on social media and thought I'd give it a try since I live in the area. It's easy to miss on Halsted, but there is a menu posted on the wall outside so you can see it's a restaurant. Coming in I was enamored by the sage scent, it reminded me of something I had smelled on a vacation in Mexico last year (Flamingo Estates Adriatic Muscatel Sage). There is a long ramp headed by the hostess at the end. We tried a little bit of a variety of the menu based on our server's recommendations. The paloma with house made squirt, piña colada (not at all what you imagine and delicious), flautas, al pastor and squash tacos, skirt steak tostada (the sear on the steak was perfection), and duck carnitas. I always appreciate when a place helps course out the meal, and they did this to a degree for sure. Presentation was lovely, prices are what you'd expect if not reasonable. The bathroom is cute and clean. The noise level is great for conversation and intimate groups / dates. Looking forward to coming back soon and trying more of the menu. It won't surprise me if this ends up on the Bib Gourmand list at some point.

All I can say is, this place is a hidden gem!!! OMG, the food, I'm speechless. The menu fits the atmosphere, very quaint and sexy atmosphere. The staff, ABSOLUTELY professional and friendly! We saw the restaurant on the nightly news and decided we'd drive from Gurnee to, Chicago and it was worth the trip!!! They have the BEST Duck carnitas and the hamburger, OMG it's SOOOO GOOD!!!! We really enjoyed the restaurant and its staff, they were great!!! You won't be disappointed!!!!

We had an incredible experience. It is beautiful and refined but really comfortable for the casual diner like myself. The drinks were terrific, I recommend the fire starter and the Paloma with house made squirt. The best for last is the food! Everything is tapas style so we tried about couple things. I truly enjoyed everything we had. Don't snooze on dessert... it was a perfect end to the meal.

Amazing hospitality, service and menu! We saw it online and were skeptical about trying it. 5/5 AMAZING! The branzino was like no other highly recommended we also tried the ceviche which was very unique. We each tried about 2 cocktails the favorite was the piña colada. A must try in Pilsen, the server Abby was great and attentive