This place was so nice/mellow to hang out and watch a Chicago Fire game. Adorable bar. Warm.. Spotless. The bartender took such great care of us. Had Spicy Red Margaritas for $13 and Turkey Cubano Taquitos ro accompany the Watch Party. Will definitely be back. read more

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Great kind of hidden place on Addison. It's far away from all that Wrigley crap. Kite String is in a little more quieter area with still a lot going on. Has amazing drinks. The food is not to be missed, and even though it's prepackaged to go, you can still eat here. As the name of it says, it's a cantina. It therefore has lots of drinks. There's quite a few to choose from. It's about $12 for the cheapest cocktails. Paloma was the best of these. It's made with Corazon. The food was all in the reach in cooler, in to go containers but it's made on site. It's about $10 for the taquitos, of which you get a few. The Butternut Al Pastor is one of the ones okay for vegans. Soft and spicy on the inside. These are filled with the butternut squash along with adobo, onions, and pineapple. Come for the drinks and might as well try some of the food. It's made to go but you can still eat here. There's many options including nachos and taquitos that are good for vegans and vegetarians. read more

Kite String Cantina - Paloma And Butternut Al Pastor Taquitos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have celiac and this place is perfect for a quick bite or drinks and appetizers with friends. The drinks are phenomenal and after trying all of the food options, you really cannot go wrong. Sometimes the bartenders have a bit of a strange vibe but otherwise it's very trendy and cozy in there, great gluten free option! read more

The quintessential neighborhood bar reimagined for 2024 - loved everything about it. Our friends live in the area so first, the idea of walking over was appealing enough. Then the freshly prepared snack options were enticing even though we had had dinner. I wish I had room to try more items because the ones we did, were delicious. And finally, gluten-free beer! How can this place get any better than this! read more

Honestly this should be a five star place. The food is great and the drinks are fun (they aren't superb but I like their selection) plus they have a great selection of local beers. The place is really aesthetically pleasing - equal parts divey and hipster, without feeling inauthentic. And the service is good too! Been here twice and both times the bartenders were kind, informed, and attentive. Unfortunately the only downside of this place is the crowd. The first time I went, I was alone and the only person in there. It was fine but it almost felt like they were closed. The second time was for Metal Horror Bingo. First of all, the people who showed up for that were totally boring, and secondly the event itself moved sooooo slow. It was just not the vibe. read more

My friend and I came in here on a Saturday around 2pm and it was warm out so they had the windows open which is my favorite time in Chicago as it is so I was in a good mood. The bartender working was SO friendly so we really vibes out here. We also loved our Paloma drinks. I had been eyeing this place since moving to Chicago so I'm glad I finaaaally got to try it. We also ordered chips and this vegan avocado dip and it was pretty good considered it wasn't actually made back in the kitchen (already prepared in containers and bags for orders). Will be back at some point! read more

Great neighborhood spot! Staff is always friendly and conversational, the taquitos are the PERFECT bar snack, and they have a decent selection of drinks! read more

Kite String Cantina - Taquitos - The image shows a wooden table with two drinks, a candle, and a black tray of vegan-friendly taquitos, along with condiment packets. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kite String has been one of our favorite warm weather places to visit since it's been open, that little northwest facing patio the site of many drinks, chips, and taquitos consumed. The staff here are wonderful, very friendly people who are always happy to make a drink to your liking, or to chat about whatever's on the television, the radio, or being discussed at the bar. The drinks are always very well made, consistent with the cost. Honestly, it's the food that somehow always catches me by surprise - for some reason I never expect it to be as great as it is, yet, I'm always impressed. Even something as simple as chips and salsa is done to damn near perfection. A really cool neighborhood spot that you should never sleep on. I'm not a regular, but I definitely want to become one! read more

Kite String Cantina - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Live close by and have recently made two visits and really enjoyed myself. Clean well designed interior and super friendly bar staff. Had a tasty and spicy pineapple drink out of their bubbler that was perfect. I had the Tortilla Chips with a Tomatillo Avocado Salsa and the Poblano Pork Taquitos. Well prepared and really flavorful. Fun spot with a casual vibe. Will be back. read more

Kite String Cantina - a plastic container of taquios - A clear plastic container labeled 'Kite String Taquitos' with Poblano pork taquitos inside, placed on a metal surface near a drain. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What a cute unique find! This place is a whole vibe. Super fresh eats/drinks, nice bartenders, and fun space. We grabbed a seat at the bar and started off first round of beers because they have $5 beers before 5pm. We were told to grab food from the little marketplace that consist of freshly made prepackaged foods. Salsas, crema, vegan cheese bottles, chips, meats, crackers etc. The taquitos are sold in a 6 pack. They will heat up a couple or all of them or you can take them to go. One may be overwhelmed by thinking of eating 6 taquitos- don't be. They are amazing!!! So fresh, crispy, flaky, deliciousness!! The salsas were on point, crema was yummy, chips were good. We ended up getting some cocktails and bubblers- all were fantastic. I highly recommend stopping by if you see this place or at least grab some taquitos to go. They say the cook up just as great at home! And the flavors are rotating. read more

Kite String Cantina - Taquitos-herb cheese potato, crema, salsa and chips. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just a casual corner bar with excellent food and quiet ambience. Bartender is good, but he sticks to the bar. So if you sit at a table you need to go up for anything you need. read more

Kite String Cantina - Mocktail with avocado, salsa and chips - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Casual place with great drinks and tasty taquitos to snack on! We will definite return. read more

Kite String Cantina - Spicy Red Margarita - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Killer drinks + great attitude & perfect Roscoe neighborhood vibe. Don't shy away from the taquitos & salsa.

This has been one of my GO TO places at least once a week. I drool immediately when I start talking about the taquitos here. The staff here is so incredibly friendly and knowledgable. The owner/bartender is such an incredibly nice guy with a smile on his face always. The chef making the taquitos is insanely talented and needs more recognition. On top of all that the patrons here look like they're always having a good time and are friendly. This cantina has some of the best chips and side sauces. The guac is good, but I prefer the Tomatillo or the Sikl Pak. Nothing beats the Pork Tinga in my mind. But the Turkey Cuban is a hard second. Be sure to look around for a little something special hidden on a wall. ;) You'll have to ask the staff what i'm talking about. To get the whole menu is $20. You can't beat it. The bubblers are super tasty but my main drink is always the marg. My only complaint is the prices are a little high for draft cocktails but i'm happy to pay it because everything is so delicious. Kite string is a hidden gem and i'm telling all my friends/clients. read more

Kite String Cantina - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The deals here are great! We especially enjoyed the bubbler premade drinks at a great price point.

I always hesitate sharing places I love on Yelp because they either end up getting really popular or closing down soon after. But like seriously, this place is legit. They're no frills and I love that. You have four taquito options, and three dips to choose from if you want chips. We came with a group of six and had at least one of everything on the food menu and there was nothing anybody didn't like. PLUS they have a vegan option. Fuck. Yes. We didn't try their cocktails, but they look fantastic. I write this sitting here in bliss after devouring my taquitos and already can't wait to come back. read more

Kite String Cantina - Vegan carrot and cauliflower taquito. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this place. Chill vibe with fun music playing. They have a pac man machine. Large beer/cocktail selection to choose from. Their. Taquitos. Are. Amazing. They're only $2.50 each. My fav is the 'pork tinga' read more

Kite String Cantina - Taquitos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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great options for people with celiac disease, the nacho sauce they are known for making is legendary even if you're not vegan

Great drinks, food, service, and ambiance. Lucas was the best. Highly recommend to anyone in the area

They broke my heart TWICE! They substituted the Passion Fruit Punch with Mango - and even though the mango was okay, the passion fruit was SO MUCH BETTER. They also took the Pork and Pineapple Taquitos off the menu and substituted to Beef Chorizo and Cheese which was good, but not great - the Chicken nowadays is the best one. Overall it is still a fun place to start your night. I just wish they hadn't changed the Passion Fruit; it really was one of the highlights of the bar! So tropical and fresh! The chips and dips were good but the Taquitos had never been more fresh than today. Let's #putthepassionfruitback! read more

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Super cute little place. I love having this in my neighborhood. It's simple and not overwhelming. when everything is available, you can get the whole menu for super cheap. I was so sad the last time I went though because they dont have the pepita salsa which is THE BEST. and they dont have food hot any more. You can buy food to get reheated though. read more

Great addition to the neighborhood! The bubbler cocktails are all tasty and poured generously...you get your money's worth. I love the simplicity of the menu. Come here to drink great cocktails and have small bites. Perfect for happy hour. Down to earth staff and crowd ! read more

What a gluten-free goldmine! Such great taquitos, chips, salsas, cherry bomb sauce. The Defloured desserts are also a happy surprise! Drinks were great, want to come by for the Metal bingo night!!! Love it! read more

This is at a prime spot right off the brown line Addison stop in Lakeview. It does not have a flashy sign but most people area neon pink kite light flashing through one of the windows looking in. I think this is a great place if you want small bites and casual spot for a date or catch up with friends. You can eat the whole menu if you want to since there aren't big entrees just small bites from taquitos to dips. They have interesting mixed drinks and a small bar with hard liquor. The mixed drinks are tasty but they weren't very strong. The one tip I heard from another yelper is that on the way back out from the bathroom if you are facing the bar you will see a blackboard with a secret menu item. It was a tasty different filling taquito that night but it changes so make sure you take a look for what it says. read more

This Cantina is a perfect place for light snack and drinks! Their corn chips and beets with three different dips are perfect for beer. My favorite is SILPAK dip, though guajillo ranch looks interesting too. They have signature cocktails , draft beers and wine too. read more

Kite String Cantina - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Come in for taquitos, tasty drinks, and a great vibe. Great selection of taquitos to eat in or take out. Nice selection of premixed cocktails. Full bar with a wicked smart staff. Love this place read more

Andrew & Renee have really nailed it, together with their bar team, for this space on the corner of Addison & Wolcott. I LOVE this as a neighborhood cantina, especially on the North side, where Mexican food can struggle to be authentic. They have brilliantly found a way to use the small kitchen to turn out flavorful and exciting bites. I have wonderful daydreams about the sikil pak & beet chips when I'm not there. :) Mary is delightful behind the bar. Everyone is so welcoming. I remember my first visit there, I already felt the level of welcome that makes so many of us glow--the feeling of comfort, being recognized, feeling welcomed with open arms to stay and chat and sip. Love the vibe here. Also, for my fellow agave-aficionados: their tequila and mezcal backbar is steadily growing. They recently added all the age-levels of Tequila Ocho, one of the most well-respected single estate tequilas I've learned about to date. And, fairly-priced, I will add. Keep it up, Kite String. Can't wait for the patio seats in a few weeks!! read more

Kite String is the kind of laid back neighborhood bar that even people who aren't from the area will feel comfortable frequenting. It's definitely not one of those neighborhood joints where everyone will stare, or the bartender will ignore you if you aren't a regular. The beer menu is relatively small, but there is usually plenty of good option. For me, all take quality over quantity any day. All the taquitos I've had there are excellent. They even have special ones sometimes - like the corn beef cabbage taquitos for St. Patrick's day. Anyone who says the food is comparable to convince stores must have some high-end 7-Elevens in their hood. Moreover, the food is insanely cheap for the area. Most of the menu items are around $2. I disagree with some of the other reviewers that want more food options. If they start adding fish tacos and burgers, it will kill the vibe and become just another Roscoe Village kiddie bar. There are plenty of places in the area where parents can drink while ignoring their kids who are doing wind sprints up and down the bar - we don't need more. Good beer, good food, good service and reasonably priced - Keep it up, Kite String. read more

So I was in this training all day, see? For some ungodly reason they chose to skip a lunch break and forged on as our eyes all glazed over from hypoglycemia. At long last, as I was making my way back to the hovel, I thought I remembered this place being on my way home. What do you know? It was. I forced open the sashes and went in. It was a strange time, being 4 in the afternoon and of course, during a global pandemic. There were several friendly faces who simultaneously looked over and all seemed to have a level of interest about me, the mysterious stranger . They were clearly there for day drinking. I don't know , is happy hour really considered day drinking? I would categorize it as it's own category. Anyway, was a social scene of sorts. On the downside, they only had strangely flavored refrigerated taquitos. So, if you're stopping by, perhaps go for a drink . read more

Ahh I love this little gem!!!! Kitchen never closes and they usually have some good drink deals. Service can be a little on and off but I've been here about 6 times and only 2 of those were inattentive. Granted it was pretty busy, so you just got be a little patient. Also, the bartender won't immediately bring up food, so if you're hungry you've got to ask! I always like waiting for them to bring it up because I don't want to seem impatient but at this little place it's okay to just mention it. Food options are limited and the bartenders run the kitchen as well (lol, yes a little confusing) but food's still very good. read more

Killer taquitos & drinks. Great hang out spot! Renee and Andrew know how to make their guests feel welcome and fed! Beef chorizo and cheese taquito and the Paloma. Amazing. read more

Lucas is a great dude, PVO only! The drinks are great, the old fashioned and Paloma. Try it. Coffee shop vibes for a great night.

Love this place. Down to earth bartenders, amazing unique cocktails, and great vibes to chat it up if you're feeling up for that. So glad I discovered this quaint gem. read more

I will definitely come back if I want to grab a quick drink somewhere near home. However, this place just does not check off all the boxes for me to come here regularly. Having two kids with limited free time, a bar/restaurant either has to be kid friendly, or somewhere I can go out to and have adult conversations, good drinks and tasty food. This place doesn't seem to be either. The food here is very limited, albeit what we had was good - and we had the entire food menu for $20. Overall, I liked the paloma I ordered and the food. I just wish they had a full menu. read more

I don't want to post this, because it's my favorite secret, but the owner is too great of a guy and I need him to do well so this place stays around forever. Every cocktail is thoughtful, and legit and properly priced. The food is great, yet simple. It's the perfect, off the Brown Line spot for great drinks and a small bite. Best characterized as a "neon cantina" (you'll get it when you see it). A+ across the board, they crushed it. P.s. you can do the whole menu for a $20, and its worth a go around to try their offerings read more

The service from Mary & Ashton was impeccable. They're welcoming, laid back and know their shit! Stopped here to check out the happy hour specials on a Thursday evening and sat at the bar. My bf and I tried all the taquitos, 2 dips, chips and the margarita and gin bubbler (which were perfectly priced for happy hour). The bubblers are pre-made and are tasty. However, when I wanted to change it up, Ashton made us her version of a gin paloma. Her drink hit the mark and was super refreshing! The taquitos were good, not great. They need to be crispier and the chicken mole needed more chicken. The pork & pineapple was our favorite along with the green avocado salsa dip. The tortilla chips were meh. I get REALLY excited when a bar/restaurant made freshly fried tortilla chips. I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area. You can't beat these prices and the great service. read more

Great neighborhood spot with a large local beer selection and fresh, creative taquitos! The chips and dips are delicious, and pair well with the draft margs and bubblers! read more

LOVE a place where you can order the whole food menu for $20. It's such a fun concept and you get to feel like a baller. It's also totally gluten free except for the cookies which are packaged and brought in from elsewhere. I'm also usually very anti-draft cocktails but these were AMAZING. Not too sweet and definitely packed a punch. This is the perfect place to grab a drink and snacks, or order the whole dang menu and make a meal out of it. Hiiiighly recommend! read more

Happy hour Monday-Friday 3-6pm bubblers are $5; so premade cocktails out of the machine (margaritas, gin drinks, vodka, etc) read more

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Giving them another 5 stars for having a completely Gluten Free menu!! Very safe choice for those of us with Celiac disease with the risk of cross contamination being zero. They do offer a cookie that has gluten, but it's made off-site. So much love for Kite String! read more