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Cerdito Muerto is a contemporary cocktail bar & Mexican-American kitchen in Pilsen. It’s the brainchild of a first-generation Mexican-American kid who grew up on this very street, in this very space. It’s the second iteration of a family business & beloved community gathering spot (formally known as The Poolhall & Tacos Palacio). The building pre-dates the Chicago Fire (~1853) & has been Mexican-owned for three generations. This place means a lot to us & we hope you can feel it when you’re here.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1700 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (312) 933-9168
Website: http://cerditomuerto.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
Related Web Results
CERDITO MUERTO
We are now on RESY! We are no longer taking reservations via our request form. Visit our RESERVE page for details. Remember, walk-ins are always welcome!
Cerdito Muerto is an old-soul Pilsen tavern with great Mexican food.
Cerdito Muerto is a charming tavern perfect for excellent Mexican cocktails, tacos, and a little Pilsen history. The building it’s in used …
Book Your Cerdito Muerto Reservation Now on Resy
It’s the second iteration of a family business & beloved community gather… Read more. Cerdito Muerto. 1700 S Halsted St. Chicago, IL …
Reviews
Alexis Chernow
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!
… moreThe 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!
Denise Estrada
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!
… moreSergio Gonzalez
25 years of living 25 years of being Mexican. Best birria tacos I have ever had. The atmosphere is so smooth and warm. Espresso Martinez is a must.
Happy I found a new favorite spot.
… moreHappy I found a new favorite spot.
Jacob Diaz
Great and intimate spot! My friend and I had a 6:00 reservation to celebrate her birthday. Things started off well – we were showed our table and Addison (our server) was excellent- she knew her tequilas/mezcals and had incredibly thoughtful suggestions.
Our experience took a turn toward the end of our meal. I’m dense with these things, but my friend (the birthday girl) noticed a lot of eyes and gesturing from the host and some of the adjoining staff. It became clear that after only an hour and 30 minutes we had overstayed the allotted time for a table and were being pressured to shove off. I’ve worked in service before and so understand the need for turnover, but this really soured our experience and we felt rushed to leave.
THE FOOD was cooked perfectly and had some notes of authentic Mexican cuisine. I’ve never had a birria taco with such nuanced and clever usage of traditional Mexican spices and savored every bite – seriously, how did yall make cinnamon DO THAT in a taco?? The only feedback we had was that the spice wasn’t really there and I got the impression my palate wasn’t the target audience.
I’ll come back, but I’m not exactly rushing and maybe just for the tequila/mezcal selection vs the hospitality.
3 Stars.
… moreOur experience took a turn toward the end of our meal. I’m dense with these things, but my friend (the birthday girl) noticed a lot of eyes and gesturing from the host and some of the adjoining staff. It became clear that after only an hour and 30 minutes we had overstayed the allotted time for a table and were being pressured to shove off. I’ve worked in service before and so understand the need for turnover, but this really soured our experience and we felt rushed to leave.
THE FOOD was cooked perfectly and had some notes of authentic Mexican cuisine. I’ve never had a birria taco with such nuanced and clever usage of traditional Mexican spices and savored every bite – seriously, how did yall make cinnamon DO THAT in a taco?? The only feedback we had was that the spice wasn’t really there and I got the impression my palate wasn’t the target audience.
I’ll come back, but I’m not exactly rushing and maybe just for the tequila/mezcal selection vs the hospitality.
3 Stars.
Leo Peña
Overall good experience. Host and bartender took very good care of us. Drinks were on the pricier side but definitely packed a punch. My only complaint would be the food portions. This is a limited menu and servings are more like tapas. Also I didnt see any salsa options? Maybe I missed it but I definitely wasnt offered any. Other than that this place has a moody art deco ambiance✨️
… moreLinnie B
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.
… moreEstela Sorensen
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!
… moreThe 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!
Nick Coonce
Cerdito Muerto is absolutely worth a visit. I stopped in on my own and felt taken care of from the moment I walked through the door. The husband-and-wife team has built a place that feels relaxed and understated, but the food and service are anything but ordinary.
Everything we had was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor, and the cocktail program really stands out. The milk punch was a highlight. There’s something especially cool about seeing a concept like this brought to life in a childhood home—it adds a layer of authenticity you can’t manufacture. I’ll be back, and I won’t hesitate to recommend it.
… moreEverything we had was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor, and the cocktail program really stands out. The milk punch was a highlight. There’s something especially cool about seeing a concept like this brought to life in a childhood home—it adds a layer of authenticity you can’t manufacture. I’ll be back, and I won’t hesitate to recommend it.
Deana G
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.
… moreNaz
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.
… more