There is a very sad ending to this story- I mean... review. It makes me feel guilty, but for the greater good of the Yelping community I must keep it real, ya hear me? I was excited tocatch up with a friend over drinks and a snack. My friend recommended DS Tequila Company. Which turned out we had once been there before (it wasn't memorable the first time probably a bad sign...mediocre sign(?)). As many others have mentioned they ID everyone, all day, ev'ry day. We were seated quite quickly. Were greeted by many a waiter but no one seemed to really want to wait on us. We received two glasses of water by a flustered tall handsome man and he gave a quick apology and a promise of return. We were greeted again by another waiter with two glasses of water, who also apologized for the wait, then realized we had already been courted and he replied 'oh, looks like you are being helped- have a good meal then.' Then we waited. There was a lot of waiting. This was my main issue. ACTUALLY this was my only real concern. I felt ignored. I want to be wine, dined, and treated like a lady!! We ordered some drinks and some Texas Trash Can Nachos. The drinks came quick enough, my friend got a Tecate, I got a frozen regular $8 margarita (I like my margarita a little more festive with the alcohols if you catch my drift, like at least $8 worth). But the nachos seemed to take forever. Long enough for us to make fun of AT LEAST 5 songs.... all of which dated back from 2005 (which also seemed to be where our food was traveling from). When they did arrive they were good. Cheese. Chicken. They remembered to put the sour cream on the side. I thought there could have been more guacamole. But I'm ca-ray-zay like that. We had to steal plates from a vacant table rather than wait for someone to catch our eye or to wait in general. The nachos were good, but seemed cool... as in not hot, maybe waiting to be picked up? We ordered another round of drinks when the sad thing happened. A waiter fell!!!! Hard. I am positive he has a bruise. It looked like it hurt. Luckily some nachos broke his fall. They also landed on my friend. I'm not talking NACHOS all in her face but it was a little sour cream on her pants. Our waiter (not the one who fell- he disappeared... probably to go to the hospital) rushed to get us seltzer and a rag. It was no big deal, really. Another waitress lady informed us she took both of my margaritas off the bill. WHICH IS THE SAD THING. This was really nice and, yeah. she didn't need to do it- it made DS Tequila look good and probably because the service was bad she should have done so. That act alone would have gotten them 3 stars from me (I LOVE FREE STUFF). But the service up until then, and waiting for the check after, just really bummed me out. In conclusion the atmosphere: fine, average. the food: fine, average. the service: below average, needs improvement the free margaritas: AWESOME POSSUM ten stars.
(1)
Zorin D.
One might think that $4 for a taco is outrageous. The coffee rubbed steak taco is well worth it. I haven't tried much of anything else there so I can't really vouch for anything else. I was disappointed by the guacamole which was overwhelmed by way too much raw onion. My margarita was good as well so all and all it was a win. The music is loud and pretty annoying though.
(4)
Drew B.
The owners of MiniBar bring us D.S., a tequila bar with only two varieties of tequila? Oh well, onto the rest. I stopped in around 5 o'clock and got a nice seat at the bar. The interior was very industrial, lots of exposed concrete and steel--I like that sort of thing. The bartender came over and was very personable and knowledgeable on the menu and mixology in general. Mark (the bartender) asked me what I like and he created this amazing watermelon margarita with a sugar/salt rim. It was amazing! Props to him and his barback, Paul, they both did a great job! The burgers on the menu looked amazing, but after finishing with the gym I peered over and stayed on the taco side (just as bad I know). I ordered the: grilled fish, roasted chicken, tequila grilled shrimp, fried chicken, and coffee spiced skirt steak tacos. And I enjoyed every single one except the last one, I tasted no coffee spice and the flavor was almost bland. The food lacked a 'wow' factor but still managed to hold my attention and appetite. I will most likely return and enjoy more of Mark's margaritas. Welcome to the neighborhood D.S.
(3)
Desmond L.
Food is just "ok". Drinks are just "ok". Our bartender Heather was AWESOME! Can you please get WIFI for customers though, it's 2013!
(3)
Victoria R.
food was pretty good
(3)
Nicole W.
Gross. Usually this place smells like vomit and rotten citrus. Last night we decided to stop in for the first time in almost a year and upon entering we're hit with a wall of straight up rotting corpse stench. Seriously. Did something die in there? Absolutely disgusting.
(1)
Parker K.
I was served by a friendly an prompt server named John. He was attentive and very friendly. The host happily put on my teams opening season game! All in all great food, great atmosphere and, above all else, great service.
(4)
Elliott F.
Fun, casual place. Good (and unusual) tacos and burgers. Great beer and mixed drinks. The patio is relaxing in good weather. Same owners as minibar. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago if you remember that you are in a big city and you don't walk down the street in the wee hours after drinking while fixating on your I-phone. I have always found the staff welcoming. Yes, they do get busy, so you may have to wait more than a nanosecond to get a drink.
(4)
Renee E.
I reserve a special place of hatred in my heart for places like Cracker Barrel and I just added another little section for D.S. Tequila Company. I'm actually still angry that I was there and it's been over 12 hours. After a 2nd failed Groupon attempt at Tapas Gitana down the street, and after paying for parking, we walked around the hood looking for some sort of edibles. Chicago Diner literally had a line of people waiting halfway down the block and I wasn't in the mood for HB or Nookies and we were sort of freezing, so we thought...hmmm...tacos? Couldn't be too bad, from the descriptions on the menu. My first tipoff at ultimate restaurant fail was the beer pong table just off the entrance and I still don't understand how I didn't just turn around at that point, but that's what cold and hunger will do to a gal... We were seated at some communal table in some of THE most spine-rippingly uncomfortable jagged metal chair contraptions. At this point, the all-encompassing THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of the pop dance music bass section was knocking my brain senseless and we couldn't even hold a conversation without every statement or question being responded to with a "WHAT????" So, onto the "food." Hubs got the $9.99 all you can eat taco special, which actually ended up being a deal, because I could cradle one of those tacos in the palm of my wee-freakishly small baby palms. I decided to get 2 tacos (before I'd seen them), one bbq pork, one mushroom queso and a side of sauteed vegetables. The bbq pork wasn't a total hideous disaster, but on a scale of 1-10, it was probably a 5. The mushroom was just sort of gross and tangy, but not in a good way. The side of "sauteed vegetables" was a tea cup size portion of mixed frozen veg, sauteed in a good cup of butter and Tbsp. of salt. It took about a century for the server to come back and every second that passed in that place made me angrier and angrier. I guess all I can say is, the patio's got to be an improvement, but for god's sake, don't go for the food or the atmosphere inside. Or maybe just drink enough tequila to not care.
(1)
Amy H.
I'm not going to let the obnoxious group of faux-hipster trixies at the table next to us {talking loudly and incorrectly about all the fashion designers they know, own, and love} ruin my review. It was probably a fluke...a bad overflow from the nearby Wrigleyville neighborhood...a bunch of suburban trusties in town for Pitchfork... But the thing is...they were clearly overserved. One guy was smoking at his table and then started to pass out (or...uhm..."fall asleep") but the staff kept bringing them drinks. I guess that was their decision to make, but the entire patio was clearly annoyed by these people and they should have been asked to leave or tone it down or STOP SMOKING. Even still, my experience was average. The staff was nice. The Miami Vice drinks were refreshing, albeit weak. I liked the selection of food on the menu and the queso and guacamole were delicious. I just wasn't wowed.
(3)
Matt V.
Food was fine. Loaded fries were pretty good, although I'm not sure if that was cheese melted on top or if it was goo. Our server, although beefy and hot had the personality of a toilet seat. He wasn't capable of smiling or being nice until he was saying good bye...probably in hopes of a good tip.
(3)
Diane H.
One summer I made it my personal quest to find the best margarita. (Side note: that summer was awesome.) If this restaurant was open then, it would have ranked similarly as the Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix...noone really wants to drink it, but it's doable in a pinch. After four hours of fun with friends, despite drinking many margaritas, I left wondering if there was any tequila in any of the drinks. Two friends joined in for a drink towards the end of the evening, but since that bumped the party up to 6, it meant an automatic 20% tip added to the bill. Granted, that is what I typically tip, but it seemed an excessive requirement, especially when the bill had numerous errors and service was only ok. Menu is basically a variety of tacos and a variety of hamburgers. It's as odd as it sounds.
(2)
Vanessa M.
Came here with a reservation for a birthday party. To our surprise they'd set up birthday hats, bubbles, and party poppers which was a super thoughtful, unexpected surprise. Our server was really sweet too, I wish I could give him a shoutout by remembering his name (blonde guy). The four of us girls ordered fishbowls and our friend ordered a beer. We got the chipotle pineapple marg and it was EXCELLENT (our server helped us decide on that). We later ordered the guava marg and it was a bit too sweet for my taste, but not bad. Food was not my favorite but I was not coming here for a fine dining experience. Atmosphere, service, venue were great! Would definitely recommend to a friend.
(4)
Andrey R.
I always thought it was a cool place to catch up with friends and have some drinks. Last time I went there with my friends, food was gross, service was pretty bad and my friend found hair in his drink! Pretty bad experience. Definitely not coming back there, nor my friends.
(1)
Matthew J.
By far my fav establishment in Boystown!!!! Can't beat the cocktails, the service is incredible and the food amazing!!!! Make sure you stop by when Adam is working and have him make you a cocktail... Best bartender on Halsted!!!
(4)
Kara E.
I wandered over to DS Tequila on a Sunday afternoon in hopes of finidng a great place to sit outside for lunch. We were seated right away on the patio, which is pretty decent sized and were met right away by our server. Service was attentive without being annoying. I went with a traditional margariate and my bf went withe chipotle pineapple marg. Drinks were great! For lunch, I went with a combo of 4 diffrent tacos- pulled pork, grilled tilapia, shrimp, and steak. My bf went with the Turkey Stack, which were 2 massive turkey burger patties which came w/ a side of fries. Our food was great! I'll be back for another time to enjoy the patio!
(4)
Asper K.
Word on the street is that the D.S. in "D.S. Tequila Company" stands for dirty sanchez. (In case you don't know..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Sanchez_%Â28sexual_act%29). Supposedly this is on purpose as some sort of inside joke by the owners. Nice job jagoffs. You are the funniest motherfckers that ever lived. Okay, first things first. There is no such thing as D.S. Tequila brand tequila. I went to the trouble of going to their website to verify this. dstequila.com/aboutus.ht… . On their website, they say that "D.S. Tequila is serious tequila.." (but doesn't exist) .. and for "the time being we have selected don modesto." In other words, they might buy some tequila wholesale and slap their label on it sometime in the future. But so far, this seems like a bad idea because nobody wants it. Insofar as this being a "company" store..again..what a bunch of posers.I associate a "company" store with a retail outlet that's opened AFTER a product develops a reputation and customers want the real deal direct from the producer. This "dirty sanchez" tequila doesn't even exist. Perhaps they should open a D.S Microbrew Company store too..and serve bud light (for the time being of course). As for the food: they have tacos, burgers, fries, caesar salad etc. With the exception of the tacos, very very cookie cutter wriggleyville bar style. There are about 10-15 different "tacos" ..they have fried chicken, bbq shredded pork, and other 7-11 style fillings. Yummy bar food yes..modern mexican cuisine mos def not. As for drinks, I had the lemon lime margarita and she had the carmel apple margarita. These are dispensed from huge 7-11 style slurpee machines behind the bar. Tasty, but very sugary. Also, one was a lot stronger than the other. While we were there a guy re-filled one of the machines by sloshing in a bunch of syrup from a huge white bucket. No doubt this process is the end result of years of trial and error on the Agave plantation in Mexico. Or maybe the owners used to work at 7-11. As for the service..it's sort of odd. They're all dudes in tight shirts serving what seemed like a very ordinary crowd. I don't know why the owners decided women shouldn't work as waitresses or behind the bar. Our tight shirted waiter was nice but seemed very A.D.D. He asked if we were ready for the bill even before our tacos arrived. I mean..really?? Being sat nite it was busy. But for fcks sake, can't we try to enjoy our 50 bucks worth of spiked slurppes and 7-11 tacos without someone rushing us out the door? For the record, I don't mind a cookie cutter Wriggleyville bar. That's fine. But I don't like being sold a bunch of 7-11 food and being told it's premium quality. I hate to admit it, but the dude who got the dirty sanchez might be me.
(2)
Andrew Evans U.
Food is great! Our waiter is friendly! And they open until 2 am on Sundays! Queso dip and chips are a must try. The burgers are amazing. Music is great
(5)
Rock Star R.
one of the worst meals. ordered 3 tacos. it took 45 minutes. the place was dead. finally, the meal arrives. it's wrong. the waiter blamed it on the kitchen. it took 10 more minutes to correct, one of the wrong tacos. clearly, they put the other items under a heat lamp or something because, by the time the plate came back, everything was soggy, cold and covered in oil. truly, a horrible experience.
(1)
loren a.
Terrible. This review is based solely on the service and NOT the food because I had the honor of not trying it thanks to a god awful service experience. We went to this place and when we first got here we were greeted by a male server. He was very informative about the menu and appeared to be very friendly. He came back and he asked us if we were ready, we said we werent ready yet and asked for a COUPLE more minutes. About 10 minutes later he brought us our drinks and sat them on the table and walked away. I saw him come to the front of the restaurant several times and he never even looked over at us. He went to about 4 other tables and dilly dallied and also took his time at the computer putting in orders. (I used to be a server).About 15 minutes later we finally asked someone else if they could take our order. They took about another 7 minutes before they even got our server to come up to us. We told the host we wanted to pay for our drinks and leave. The server came up to us with an ATTITUDE and opened his book and said are you ready. We told him we were going somewhere else because it took 30 minutes to be acknowledged. He walks away with an attitude and gets the manager. The manager apologized and took our credit card to pay for the drinks. We complained again about the server and THEN she gave us a gift card for $20 for our next visit. The thing is I live in California. Realistically, she shouldnt have made us pay for the drink. Even fr her to charge us for the drink took an additional 10 minutes. We were there for an hour total and got two drinks, one terrible the other good, and god awful service. I wouldnt recommend this place to a homeless person who had a free $20 gift card. Also, it was expensive. Even the appetizers were $11.95 and up.
(1)
Fernando V.
The service is awful and slow there drinks where good if poured; don't order the nasty slushy margaritas. I think the food was bland there is nothing I would say I need to come back to eat this. most of the staff can be attractive but that is all they cant do there job.
(1)
Ashlee A.
I can't speak on the food but I can say without question that I had one of the tastiest Margaritas of all time last nigh around 130am. And for a Sunday night it was a pretty lively crowd. I also had a couple of shot of the tequila straight up and it was very clean. I dare say we found a winner ;-)
(4)
Jen K.
I first ate here when they opened last year. The food was ok, nothing great, sort of sloppy presentation. Service was AWFUL, so slow, forgot our drinks. I just assumed that it was because they had just recently opened, so I wasn't against trying them again. This time I ordered for pick-up. Even the service was slow for me to simply pick up food that was sitting there in a bag, ready. Got the cheese dip appetizer, asked for chorizo in it, and was charge for chorizo- but there was no chorizo in my damn cheese. I also got a battered fish taco and the shrimp taco. Both were way smaller than I had remembered. The jalepenos on the fish tacos looked limp and old/gross. Not good, will not be going back.
(1)
James G.
You ever have a really bad experience at a place, and decide to give it another try, but the second time is even worse? Welcome to DS Tequila... Last week my husband and I were in DS Tequila for an event. I got there first, and I started a tab with the bartender, grabbing a beer for myself. When my husband got there, we ended up sitting at a booth with friends. I decided to keep ordering our drinks from the bartender, while my husband ended up ordering tacos at the table with the server. After waiting forever for the tacos, they were just terrible. I could tell as the server set them down that they were going to be gross. Having worked in a restaurant that served tacos, they looked like the ones that had been sitting in the back for hours. My husband, who was starving, choked them down anyway. As the event ended, I decided to go closed my drink tab with the bartender. As she hands me my credit card, and the slip for me to sign, I noticed that the bill was about $25 more than it should be. As I flagged her down again, I asked her with an itemized receipt, which for some reason she said she could not do. So, I told her that since we only had two margaritas and three beers, our tab could not have been as much as it was. She got immediately got incredibly rude telling me that we actually had four margaritas, and that I was wrong. After arguing for a couple minutes, she fixed the tab, still rudely telling me I was wrong. In her defense, we had to send the two margaritas we did have back, because each time they did not come with salt, even though each time she asked if we wanted salt and we say yes. This week, we decided to give DS Tequila another try. After some confusion with the credit card and the incorrect tab from last week, my husband decided to email the owner to let him know what happened. The owner graciously invited us to come back and have dinner on him, which was very kind. Of course, there was another event going on at DS Tequila this week, so we decided to go back yesterday. By request of the owner, we made a reservation, so that he knew when we'd be coming. We were seated in a booth in the back, with a server named Chris. You could just tell immediately upon sitting down that it wasn't Chris's day, and that DS Tequila was the last place he wanted to be. I used to be a server, I get that. However, Chris was beyond rude. He never introduced himself, or welcomed us to the bar. When he did ask you something, it was rude questions like "you ready yet?" with an eye roll, or a testy "what do you want?!" When a friend we knew came to sing at our booth for a while, he was like, "what are there three of you now?!" If I dared ask him for a refill, or a new ketchup since the one are our table was empty, he would loudly scoff at us. Not to mention, he never came to check on us ever, we had to track him down. Of course, when the food came (we ordered burgers this time), they were gross and cold. Clearly, they need to look into hiring food runners on busy nights so hot food goes out hot. We thought about sending it back, but with how rude Chris was, I could only imagine his reaction. The entire time we figured he was being such a jerk because he saw our reservation and knew we were eating for free, however, as he slammed down our check we noticed we were being charged. We waiting a while for Chris to come back, but finally we had to track down a manager ourselves, Apparently, our reservation had not been marked by the owner, however, even though they couldn't get a hold of the owner, they said not to worry about it. Another employee had remembered the owner mentioning something about it, so they believed us. In the end, we very quickly left, not bothering to tip Chris for what had to be the rudest service we ever had. As a server for many years, we believe in tipping at least 50% of what the meal would have cost us when it's comped, and up to 100% when the service is awesome. His loss. In the end, I don't even know where to begin with this place. The food's quality simply is not on par with the price point they are going for. If you are going to charge about $15 for a burger, it better be one of the best burgers in Chicago. Maybe they are though, and the problem is that the staff doesn't know how to get the food out to the tables when it's hot and ready, so what the guests get are cold food that has laid out too long. Maybe it can all be zeroed in on the staff though. The management I have met at DS Tequila has been nothing but nice, but the bartenders and servers have been just terrible, and downright rude. Clearly, they aren't trying to have one of those restaurants where everyone is just rude to you, and that's the fun. Honestly, I get the impression that the staff was all hired to have that certain "look," rather than give the best service. This clearly is what you get when that happens...
(1)
Christina G.
I headed here for dinner with two friends on a Thursday night. The place was busy, but not packed. We sat down and our waiter came by to ask out drink order. I ordered a seasonal beer, and was told they were out of it. Oh well, I just ordered something else. Two of us decided to go with the $9.99 all you can eat tacos. I'll admit, I definitely ate enough to make it worth it. You order the tacos in batches of three, though it doesn't need to be the same kind of taco. They also have another all you can eat taco special for a higher price, and you get to pick from more kinds of tacos. The $9.99 special suit me just fine. I'd say they were all pretty tasty, but my favorite was the Po' Boy. I found the pulled pork one to be a little strange, but that could just be due to the fact that pulled pork was on a taco instead of on a bun. Service was a little slow. My friends and I weren't in any sort of a hurry (except that we were hungry), so it didn't bother us too much. The part that was a bit annoying was that when you'd finish your three tacos, you'd have to wait until your waiter noticed you, then you ordered three more tacos, and then you'd have to wait for them to be made. The experience was OK enough, but I don't think I'll be back when so many better restaurants/bars are nearby.
(3)
Mark L.
I was there with a party of 10 and the place was packed. Our reservations had been messed up but the manager was able to accommodate and provided free appetizers. The atmosphere was great the the wait staff was attentive. The food was excellent and very flavorful. I had the 3 taco meal which came with your choice of tacos, and had rice and refried beans as sides. I had a grilled chicken taco, a grill fish taco, and a steak taco. I'm on weight watchers and it was easy to work into the points plan, which is always a challenge when eating at a restaurant for the first time. I have already recommended to friends and I will be back.
(5)
Laura C.
Going here on New Year's Day was a huge mistake. We got there around 2PM and after waiting an hour and fifteen minutes for our food - a few measly tacos and a burger, we found the tacos cold and mediocre. We tried the grilled fish, beer battered fish, coffee rubbed skirt steak, tequila grilled shrimp, BBQ pulled pork, and mushroom tacos. Besides being cold, the fillings were less than satisfying. The fish had a funny fish taste (a clear sign that it was not fresh), and the shrimp were popcorn sized. The steak and pork were overcooked and chewy - a far cry from the descriptions. Very disappointing - maybe these guys can take a lesson from the Del Seoul crew. The burger was unevenly cooked (medium on one half, well done on the other), when we were told all burgers were cooked medium. Eventually someone (not out server) told us that one of the cooks had called off, and he brought us some chips and cheese saying that he knew we were waiting a long time and must be hungry. This would have been a nice gesture, if it weren't for the fact that immediately after our chips arrived, so did our tacos and burger. I won't be back and suggest you don't go either.
(1)
Teresa H.
This spot is definitely one of my favorites in Boystown! I live right across the street so I tend to frequent D.S. often and I fall in love with this place all over again. Starters first: They have AWESOME queso, hint: get it with ground beef. Their tortilla chips are thin, and have just the right amount of salt. Ask for a side of jalapeno ranch to dip your chips in too, you won't regret it. The cheddar, bacon, and ranch loaded fries are to-die for as well. Not for people who don't like a lot of cheese though. Moving onto the tacos: The steak taco is BY FAR my favorite one. I get it whenever I go there. It is always cooked to perfection and the seasoning is amazing. I typically like the chicken fajita taco, but it can be hit or miss. Other great choices are battered fish, and crispy fried chicken. Beverages: You can't go wrong with a margarita here, plus D.S. makes it own tequila. (Hence D.S. Tequila Co.) Very smooth, and I'm not even a tequila lover! Overall, you can't go wrong with this restaurant. It's a fun environment, and the staff is very friendly.
(4)
Susan P.
All you can eat tacos on Thursdays. $9.99 for 5 different options, $12.99 for those options + more 'premium' fillings. Got the $9.99 deal (valid only if you get a drink as well.) Also comes with beans and rice with your first three tacos. Tacos are ordered 3 at a time. Thought it was a pretty good deal, and the tacos weren't bad! I'm a more adventurous eater, but the chicken ended up being my favorite. Also had the BBQ pork, veggie, battered fish and 'white boy' - ground beef, sour cream, etc. aka your standard taco. The veggie was my least favorite - sauce was okay, but the sauteed vegetables were pretty limp. Adding fresh avocado would make it better. My Victoria draft was a little flat, but they had plenty of Cholula hot sauce. Would definitely return. One complaint: my boyfriend ordered a Crispin Hard Cider (which was on the menu), but they came back with an angry orchard... far inferior to Crispin! They should definitely switch back.
(3)
Ali L.
Whoa, really surprised the overall rating is THAT low. Stopped here on a random Tuesday evening...$5 burger night, but of course with the necessary extras (cheese and bacon, of course) everything came out to like $7-$8. AMAZING burger for $5. Not lying. Fries were super good. Margaritas were super good. Three dip chips or whatever appetizer we got was pretty good--although two of the dips were a bit spicy for me, but I'm admittedly a huge wuss. Otherwise, food on the menu looked to be a bit expensive... The highlight of our night, though, was Walter. He was our server and he was amazing. Super quick, attentive and hilarious, really made our night. My boyfriend and I stepped out for an evening stroll, decided we were hungry, and Walter was a perfect addition to the night.
(4)
Lauren H.
Came here on a soft opening Sat with some friends. I was so happy to find out they had a Miami Vice (half strawberry dacquiri, half Pina Colada--also known in Hawaii as a Lava Flow) for $7 bucks (I think reasonable). It was pretty darn tasty. I was also pleasantly surprised that the $2.69 fish taco and shrimp taco were pretty good as well. They still have a bunch of kinks to work out, but our server (who I note was cute to boot) seemed genuinely interested in our comments which he solicited (the manager not so much. I hope they give that server more power around the place, I think he could run it better). Nice patio, I hope this place lives up to its potential, but only time will tell.
(4)
Matt T.
Bad service. Terrible, actually. Terrible service as defined by an 18 minute wait for drinks at the bar on a "Sunday Fun-day". Mediocre pricey drinks. I don't understand how the folks who run minibar can't translate that success to this place. Simple fix: they need to hire skilled servers, and have more of them. Deserves zero stars. The actual bar itself is OK and not too crowded but the service STINKS.
(1)
Christine L.
Everyone should come and participate on their Trivia Night on Wednesdays! Teams can hold up to 10 people, and there needs to be ~$10 minimum per person. Spending $10 really isn't that hard considering their margaritas are $8, and AMAZING. You can't go to DS Tequila without trying it! The margaritas are served in a large beer mug and you can mix two flavors together if you'd like. Mm...Pink Lemonade + Strawberry Trivia night is awesome because 1. questions are reasonable and fun 2. it wasn't too crowded 3. great atmosphere and 4. they raffle off a bunch of prizes at the end The service at DS Tequila rocked. The waiter was excellent at making sure we had enough to drink and even brought out more chips for us when we ran out for our chips + trio of salsa dish. I can't really comment on the food because all we had were the appetizers. Perhaps I'll try something on their menu at next weeks trivia!
(4)
Win M.
Went in early on a Monday. Saw fliers posted in window of restaurant about half off food on Monday. No other qualifier. {Drinks at full price, seems reasonable.} After meal tabbed up, no half off food since it was before 5 pm. (4:35 p.m.) Not good when business posts deceptive come-ons. While food/drink was good, experience leaves a bad taste.
(2)
Kailey M.
Tequilas is a super fun, chill environment to hang out and grab a few drinks with friends. The staff is friendly, they have a decent beer selection (not much for dark beer at all, mostly Belgian and domestic), and a few veggie options! Have to take a star away for the menu set up though. I was here with a friend and we saw what appeared to be $8 daiquiri pitchers, which is clearly too good to be true. So of course we thought to inquire. The server confirmed that the pitchers were $8 so we ordered 2. When our bill came the pitchers were over $30 a piece. So needless to say that was a bit of a surprise. Other then the one mishap, I have been happy with Tequila's every time I've been here!!
(4)
Jeffrey C.
My partner and I went here for a late Sunday lunch (2pm) since it is so close to our home. We've eaten here before in the past year, once on a busy Saturday night and another time on an early Sunday afternoon. Both times were just OK. On this day, it wasn't bustling busy but there were a number of customers to keep things moving comfortably. Nothing out of the ordinary. We ordered an appetizer to share and a burger each. The waitress got our non-alcoholic drink orders, and all was fine. About 30-40 minutes went by, and we were still waiting for our appetizer. Our waitress had not stopped by once to refill our drinks or to even explain the lateness of our appetizer. Hoping that it would not come with our actual meal, we asked a staff member to find our appetizer order and our waitress. He immediately went to look for her, as well as refilled our drinks. Another staff member stopped by and said she would find out about our appetizer order. A couple of minutes later, our waitress finally came and told us that our appetizer is being made immediately and ready in 5 minutes. She also asked what the rest of our order was. She did mention that our meal would be complimentary. She did NOT mention what happened to our order and why she did not know the rest of our order (the burgers). There was no apology either from anybody for the poor service. For all we know, OUR ORDER WAS LOST which would explain why the food order wasn't started at all, why our waitress did not recall what we ordered, and why no one attended to us for 30-40 minutes (i.e. we did not "exist"). We understand that it could get very busy, but it was not busy. What we don't understand is why the waitress did not, on her own, attend to us after getting our first drink order and why there was no explanation from anybody about why our food was being started 30-40 minutes after placing the order. Despite the offer for a free meal, we declined and left, and we found much better service at a burger place on Broadway. Would think twice about returning for a meal. Better options are around.
(1)
Carrie C.
Best tacos EVER! They also have de-licious beergaritas. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for yummy yummy tacos.
(4)
Jon S.
As many reviews have suggested, the food is generally very good, but the service is often horrible. A friend and I stopped by for brunch today and the service from Walter was outstanding. He took the time to check up on us every ten minutes and anticipated our requests and answered them before we had to ask. He should be paid as the key trainer for all other wait staff at the restaurant and should be appointed director of customer service!
(5)
Dana B.
I've always passed this restaurant//bar and had always wanted to try it out. I just really liked the decor and outside seating. So yesterday the boyfriend and I walked on over for some lunch. Immediately we were carded at 1pm on a saturday which was strange I thought because I saw some younger teens in there. The host tried to sit us next to a party of 12 which did not fly with me. I don't understand why someone would sit a table of two next to a large party when theres plenty of seats throughout the restaurant.... We waited over 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us meanwhile the host and two other servers are hanging out by the host stand... really? Finally our server came by and apologized and tried to explain that they don't have sections so he didn't know who's table was who.. thats a good idea said no one ever.. I ordered the Paloma and it was horrible, very watered down and I couldn't even drink it. I expected it to be a lot better.. ugh gross. Food was pretty good tho I'm not going to lie. I've seen reviews about it being cold but we didn't have that problem thankfully. I got the XXX burger which had jalapeno poppers and bacon on it.. yum and my boyfriend got the curizo tacos that he seemed to enjoy. Probably wont go back based on the lack of service. Get it together DS you have an awesome restaurant in one of the best neighborhoods in chicago.
(2)
Joseph F.
I do not understand how anyone could really like this place unless they are paid to say so or just escaped from a North Korean prison. It's like an Ed Hardy store closed in Santa Monica and someone got a steal on all the old fixtures. The food is a joke. If it's not supposed to be a joke, then they need a new chef immediately. It is by far the worst food on Halsted street. The greasy, creepy hot dog joint down the street actually has better tasting food than this place. Tacos? Methinks no. The drinks are also substandard. It's called DS Tequila. I should come in here and have a margarita that knocks my socks off. Instead, they seem to be competing for the most sugar in a cocktail award. So sweet! Premium tequila and a half gallon of syrup? I don't understand. If poor food and bad drinks were not enough then add in the smug service and the shade being thrown all over the place and you have a really dreadful evening. I get it. You have biceps and abs. (side note- how do guys who drink such sweet stuff look like that?!?!? I eat lettuce and pea gravel all week, have 4 drinks and I bloat like whale!) I gave DS two stars for it's best feature...the patio. It is the ONLY reason you should bother coming in here at all. Have a beer. Have a seat. People watch. I might try it again. I might not.
(2)
William Wesley M.
Nice outdoor patio space with ample seating. Great for people watching in boystown. The food was average and service was slow.
(3)
Adrian G.
Terrible. The food was cold, fish tasted like it Gorton fish sticks, service was lousy, drinks were over priced, and the music was too loud; it is a gay bar that serves "fusion" tacos.
(1)
James K.
This place has the best specials! ten dollars all you can eat tacos, trivia w/ prizes. honestly, i would go here and gladly pay retail bc the staff is great. Decor is industrial and everything is very clean. better still, they have an outdoor patio w/ retractable roof. no pretense, great service, and great cantina style tacos.
(5)
Emily M.
The three stars is only the result of a snafu in the kitchen that let us food-less during brunch for about 45 minutes. Apparently our entire ticket was lost. But the service totally made up for it. Our server Tracy was so attentive and got us complimentary chips and salsa to munch on, and the manager comped the food that got lost. And that brings me to the food-- so tasty! I've had their tacos before-- very fresh with cool combinations. This time around I had a HUGE BBQ chicken salad, which really fresh and good. We also had onion rings-- clearly also delicious. My friend had the most AMAZING brunch item -- chicken and biscuits with gravy. It was so good. The ktichen goofed up on her order yet again-- she asked for the gravy on the side. But the manager took care of that right away, and made it clear that this was not the norm. So, all in all, I will absolutely be going back for brunch. People were having a great time, really enjoying both their food and the vibe. If they can't get their act together in the kitchen, though, it's not something I'll go back for.
(3)
Rodell R.
PART 1 of 3: My experience My friends and I went to DS Tequila. There was karaoke so we decided to sign up. I signed up for a song by Tom Jones. The host asked if it were a slow song, so I said yes. He said slow or suicide songs (verbatim) are not allowed, only fast songs, he said "Nobody knows Tom Jones." I insisted that I sing the song, as I know I always entertain the audience with my voice and singing capacity, not just the song. He shot down the idea regardless of my plea. When I said I was gonna sing a Lady Gaga's You & I, he said YES to it, since it was more current, I would assume. I went back to my table and I told this incident to my friends and they were appalled at the rules. I went back to the host, and tried for the second time to see if I can sing the Tom Jones and he said NO. When I got back to the table, the host started speaking on the microphone saying, "People, no slow or suicide songs. Nobody hear wants to hear that shit." Offended by the host's rant on stage, my friend, out of anger, shouted some B words towards the host, though no F, S or C words. The manager, Sarah, came to our table, asking us not to exchange foul language towards the host, and she reiterated that it is policy at DS Tequila not to play slow songs during Thu karaoke. She did this very nicely. Then I saw the host come up to the manager, and I overheard him saying, "Oh my God, I'm being bullied." This was something I couldn't let go, as I believe that the passive-aggressiveness that the host announce over the mic was a form of bullying towards me and my friends: there's no difference in that. So I tried to approach the manager, hoping to tell her that the host was showing some bullying himself. I couldn't get her attention because she wouldn't let me get a word in, AND she was holding a bottle of beer, drinking. (If she were a manager on duty, should she be drinking?) So out of options, I very lightly, touched her arms on both sides, trying to get her attentions, and she immediately accused me of physically assaulting her, and IMMEDIATELY, she kicked me out of the bar. There have been faults on both sides here, and I gave all of them. I am an honest person, and if I did something wrong, I admit to it, and not omit it for the sake of getting justice. Sara, the manager, acted very abruptly and didn't manage the situation very well. Now if she weren't drinking, wouldn't have she handled it much better? I will never know. This is the first bar I've experienced being asked to leave because an employee refuses to listen to my reasoning. I was very coherent during the whole ordeal. I don't know how you would respond to this, but any response is better than none.
(1)
Lee L.
Me and my party came to D.S. Tequila Company after getting a tweet from them to come on by. This is going to be a review on an overall concept and not specific to its food, not that there was anything bad about it, but it wasn't mexican by any standard in the industry. With that said, we had been out and about in Boystown on a Saturday night and I decided we needed to put some food into our bellies before getting too crazy over at Roscoes or anywhere else where we might imbibe further. It was a very busy spot so its obviously a favored location among locals. I had two small tacos one fish and one steak and it was pretty decent. Nothing to brag about but it suited my needs, my partner had a cheeseburger which looked awesome. He indicated that it was very good while our friend ordered a turkey burger. Again the menu is not mexican but more like a burger joint with great bar music and a very good selection on beers, tequila and other spirits. The space was a little tight and the restaurant may want to consider fortifying their booths so that one table doesn't disturb another by the slightest movements. The service was excellent. I had a fussy baby with us, and by that I mean a 6 ft 8 in, temperamental queen who was in no mood to be bothered, but our server won him over with a great smile, attitude and persistence to ensuring we were okay. He even brought extra chips to our table when he thought all the noise was bothering us (it was not). We will definitely go back when we visit Chicago again, and kudos to them for using Twitter the way they did, otherwise I would have gone to a chinese restaurant down the street.
(3)
Emily G.
My higher-than-average review compared to other yelpers may be due to the fact that I did not eat here, however, as a place to grab a free drinks late night DS Tequila Company is great. It is a has a very unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere unlike some of the other bars in the general area. The bartenders are always very friendly, it's never too crowded but not empty either, and there are always tasty drink specials. Spent a good portion of the Sunday during Pride Weekend watching the Parade from the porch while drinking pitchers of frozen margaritas with friends and it was one of the most fun days I have had in Chicago!
(4)
Kelly H.
Stopped in to use a groupon on a Thursday night. Reservation required, but the place was pretty empty. Food is pretty good. Never tried a margarita, but I love the cobb salad. I had been here once before and sat outside-much better experience. We sat inside at a high-top table right in the middle of the bar. I could've reached out and grabbed something from my neighbor's plate if I wanted to. Will go back, but most likely in the summer to sit on the nice patio.
(3)
Amanda R.
I love this place! Best margaritas I have ever had, and I would also recommend the loaded fries. The food is hit or miss, though. Service is not very attentive, but usually this place is packed.
(4)
G A.
Weak/pricey drinks combined with crappy Mexican food that makes Chipolte feel like a gourmet experience. Couple that with a sever who stopped back by the table three times in less than 10 minutes to ask if there would be anything else then have the check suddenly appear on the table in a clear message for us to move on (while the place isn't even remotely busy). Rude and classless.
(1)
Tim S.
Oh, D.S. ... I love you. So, where else in the world do you get a mostly gay hybrid of a sports bar, Mexican restaurant, and a burger joint with an amazing outdoor patio providing some of the best people-watching in Boystown? D.S. of course. While I could pick apart nitty-gritty details, overall, I absolutely LOVE this place. The service, the drinks, the food... it's all great. It's a wonderful alternative to the other bars and restaurants on the strip on Halsted and has a Wrigleyville-esque vibe that makes it a safe place to bring out-of-town guests who want to tip-toe into Boystown. I've been a faithful customer since it opened and will keep going back. On service... Tommy and Victor are the best. I mean, the entire staff is great, but those two shine. All of the servers are super-friendly, attentive, and the management is always around, smiling and quick to ask how things are. On food... again, a Mexican place that has great burgers. It took them awhile to get their menu right, but I think they've found a good spot now. Their tacos are OK, but being part Mexican a "real" taco comes with a corn tortilla, not flour. Order the chips and salsa trio or the nachos for an app. I'd skip over the tacos and go straight for the burgers. They are all great. If you want a great conversation piece, get the Dead Texan. It's a burger topped with onion rings that uses 2 grilled cheese sandwiches as buns. Yes, it's a heart attack on a plate. On drinks... margaritas are the way to go. I've had nearly all of them and the Gringo is my favorite. If you're with a group, definitely get a pitcher. If you're going solo or can't agree on pitcher, get a fishbowl over a mug. For a few extra bucks you'll get the equivalent of about 2.5 mugs. On dessert... yes, they have dessert. The s'mores sundae is a work of art. It's a towering goblet overflowing with ice cream, hot fudge, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows. The first time I saw it I thought, "who wants to be seen eating something like that in Boystown?" But it's worth it. Totally worth it. On atmosphere... my only complaint is that the music is entirely too loud. If you want to avoid conversation, sit inside... otherwise, opt for the outdoor patio [when it's open] for conversation. The outdoor patio does have 2 tables that have a fire pit. On multiple occasions, though, they've been short propane for them. Overall, though, I love the vibe. Just turn the music down please. They offer some great deals throughout the week and are good with Facebook and twitter... so follow or Fan them to keep up-to-date with their specials. They also have trivia night, beer pong and other craziness. So all in all, if you want a great time, enjoy people-watching, want a good burger, an amazing margarita and service that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, definitely check out D.S.
(5)
christina r.
DS Tequila is a really fun place to go, whether it's the weekday, weekend or for Sunday brunch! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is a blast! I really like that they actually have their own brand of tequila! I have never been a tequila drinker by any means, but this stuff went down so smooth, I think that I officially am now! We're going back just for the shots this weekend! The party atmosphere, stellar menu and friendly staff makes this my new favorite neighborhood spot! I'll be back....soon.
(5)
kat m.
I stopped by with some friends on a Wednesday(TRIVIA NIGHT) night and although this hasn't been my first time to D's it was y first time Yelping it. If your coming for trivia my advice is to come early the inside was packed. Luckily it was a great night to sit outside. The margaritas here are yummy and addictive. Before you know it we spent 3 hours and I drank 3 margaritas! Our server was Jose he was great super friendly and had a good sense of humor. We didn't order food but definitely didn't feel rushed. My only advice is to make it a one Margarita spot if your in the area.
(4)
Jerry T.
Not worth the calories! Flat drinks, weak Guiness drafts, and nachos that made me miss the Taco and Burrito Palace across the street. I couldn't even taste the tequila in my Palomar...which for a tequila bar...kind of a problem. Won't be back.
(1)
Ruby C.
Friendly staff. We went there during the Market days, they have the best dj. Awesome music. Loved it.
(4)
Lisa Z.
I personally love this place. I always take my friends from out of town here. It's fun, got great music, and the tacos are awesome. The drinks are strong and I love the "Sanchez Slammers". The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because for as long as I've gone, I'd like to consider myself a "regular," but, and this is just a guess, maybe because I'm a girl and not flamboyantly gay, the waiters and bartenders I've had over and over again never seem to know me. Just seems like I get treated like one of the crowd and I go there all the time. Eh, it's not enough to keep me away for sure.
(4)
Toby M.
The service was horrible, food was cold, took over an hour to get our food and once we recieved our food it was cold. Not sure I will be going back even though it is in my hood.
(1)
Bradley S.
Partner and I had visited once on a neighborhood bar crawl. It was fine. Living Social offered a deal. I bought. We redeemed the deal recently and were both happy with the experience. The place wasn't terribly crowed that Saturday afternoon; we received prompt, friendly, and attentive service. They have a nice beer selection and know how to mix a drink. The burgers were fresh and ample with very good flavor. We weren't hungry enough for an appetizer but a couple were intriguing. We'll not hesitate to return.
(4)
Val S - K.
I was in the mood for a margarita, so I asked my wife if she wanted to finally try this place. As many of our friends had been here and liked it, we thought it was time to try it out. The D.S. margarita on the rocks my wife had was very weak, and my Miami Vice was so frozen, I had to wait about 15 minutes for it to thaw a bit so I could stir it together to mix the flavors before beginning to drink it. She then ordered the Cadillac Margarita, and while that was better, it was still unmemorable. We got the salsas and queso dip to start. The pico was... well, pico. The D.S. salsa was ok, but the jalapeno ranch salsa was exactly like dipping your chip in ranch dressing with a *slight* hint of jalapeno. Our search for the perfect queso dip continues, unfortunately... it looked good, but had an odd and grainy consistency. We got 4 tacos: I got the fried chicken and the skirt steak, and she got the shredded chicken and the veggie. The tortillas were incredible greasy and not very palatable. The fried chicken lacked flavor, and the skirt steak was way overpowered with the coffee spiced rub. When I asked Lin how her tacos were, she shrugged her shoulders and say "ehh...." Enough said, I suppose. The service was good, but very slow. There were (maybe) three other tables seated, and about 15 employees standing around looking pretty, or huddled around a laptop in the front watching (what, I don't know). It seemed odd to the both of us to wait as long as we did for our drinks and our food when there was hardly anyone in there. I think we would come back here to grab a cocktail in passing, but this won't be on our list of destinations we need to go back and to when we're hungry.
(2)
Anthony M.
If you think the servers are bad, trying getting any service from the managers. Waited 45 min for a drink from the managers, then the forgot us again. The food was so bad, it tasted funny and I actually got nausea and vomited when I returned home after this horrible experience.
(1)
Michael S.
What do you get when you cross Bennigans with Houilihans? Houligans. And that's what this place should be renamed. Plus, it's just stupid, empty and overpriced. Stupid: Walking home from the Cub game last Monday night, and it was nice outside. Finally. I was almost home, and I passed this relatively new place in my hood, so I decided to stop in for a beer. Empty: The place was empty at 9:50 p.m. on a gorgeous summer night. Now THAT is a bad sign. Overpriced: I ordered a Newcastle. The barkeep popped the top. That'll be $7.00. "What'll be $7.00?", I asked. The beer. The Newcastle is $7.00. He really said that. They really charge that. $7.00 for a sort-of-okay-pretty good enough beer. Stupid is as Stupid Does. Greed grows in proportion as it is fed. Overpriced in a bad economy; now, that's a houligan's recipe for success.
(1)
Joseph W.
Went with a group of six people for dinner. Two of us never got our orders. When the bill came there was an automatic 20% added for tip because of a table of six. I asked to see the manager because two of us never got our order, the only accommodation that would be given to us was that we wouldn't be charged for the food that we never got. I hardly consider that an accommodation. But we still were charged 20% for the tip for the waiter even though actually only four people got served. Service is terrible, management is worse.
(1)
Doug v.
Wow! It's been a long time since my partner & I've eaten anywhere that's just downright BAD! But let's start with what was good. The service was fine. Attentive but not overbearing and willing to let us set the pace for the evening. Suggestions were made and food was delivered promptly. The pitcher of margaritas was passable, not great, and overpriced. I have to say we did not experience the server attitude with our server, but the air was THICK with it from all the other milling about...starting with the manager. We ordered a single app: the "pulled" pork & cheese quesadilla. Oy. Nasty. Besides not really finding the queso in the quesadilla, the pork was ground and mixed with a sweet sauce making for bad texture with flavor hinting of BBQ sauce & skunky beer. The tortilla was so soggy it was transparent & didn't even hold it's shape. We didn't finish the plate it was so bad. I suppose we should've gotten up and left when we asked the server what was good on the entree menu. He recommended 2 burgers and 3 tacos. Then he started to say, "I'd stay away from..." then stopped. When I pressed him to finish the sentence HE DID!! Talk about a no-no. For a server to actually disparage any menu item? Bad news. After the quesadilla fiasco, we decided not to commit to anything too involved. We told the server we wanted 6 tacos and to select what he thought the best tacos were. He brought back the mushroom, 2 of the steaks, the crispy chicken, the pulled pork (actually pulled this time) and the chorizo. While these were soft tacos, once again, they were sog-gy! The only decent item was the steak. Good flavor, but too chewy. The batter-dipped, deep-fried "crispy" chicken strip sagged in half when we picked it up. Look out for the coleslaw on the pulled pork taco. We had high hopes walking in to this new bar/restaurant for a super-cazh dinner on their big, two-tiered deck, complete with fire pits. Halsted needs a joint like this to succeed. Unfortunately, this ain't it! Once we found out that the restaurant is owned by the folks over at Minibar, it all made sense. D.S. Tequila Company, just like Minibar, is long on glossy looks, but with substance that's puddle deep. Some advice to the Minifolks: get your first venue down first before you go for seconds. Then, hire a restaurant consultant to iron out the kinks. After being seated I was ready to ask what the "D.S." stands for...but after the meal, it's clear it's short for "disgusting" and "soggy". Don't waste your time or money.
(1)
Lindsay S.
Pretty much my review should say "what my wife Miz S-K said..." but I have a few more things to add. The first margarita was totally weak. But bonus for using lime juice instead of that gross mixture people like to use. The Cadillac margarita you could taste the "premium tequila" but I doubt it was actually a premium one. So weird to have flavorless tacos. The grilled chicken that was suppose to come with rainbow peppers was flavorless and there was one tiny red flek of pepper on there. The veggie taco was okay. A lot of corn and not so much of the rest of the toppings. And seriously, don't walk by my table after laughing at a video on the laptop up front, look at my water glass no less than 4 times and let it still go empty. Your crappy tacos make me thirsty. This place will succeed because of its gorgeous patio, decent enough drinks and pretty wait staff. I might come here in my Cubs gear to get a free plate of Rockin' Tacos (some coupon you get with your bill for Cub game days). But I don't think I'll actually buy food here again. I'll stick with the drinks until they get their act together.
(2)
Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing!
(1)
megan s.
Eh. This place is about looks and atmosphere. Maybe someday the food or drinks will be at the same level. I had the mango margarita on the rocks, it was the "fresh" fruit margarita of the day. There was one chunk of kind of icky mango in the drink and a lot of mango juice that anyone can buy at trader joe's. not "fresh" and really lacking on the booze. I've had better mango margaritas at applebee's. I had pulled pork tacos that were decent. There is not much pork I don't like, but I felt like this pork was being billed as super special. It didn't come with any sauce on it, like the menu said, and the "jalapeno" slaw was basically just regular coleslaw. I liked the tortilla, but other people thought it was undercooked. They are not lying about the jalapeno poppers being "triple x" hot. WAY too hot, like uncomfortably hot. They tasted really good, but turn down the heat....unnecessary. Also, the appearance was pretty gross...even the server agreed and laughed.
(2)
Jen B.
Pretty sure the food isn't the main draw here. But as far as B-Town bars go, DS has a lot to offer. The patio is awesome, the servers are attentive and pleasant, and everything came out quickly. We also scored (totally unnecessary for a Weds night) multiple free shots of SoCo. If you do order food, steer clear of the chip/salsa/guac. They are just not up to par and you will be sad. The shrimp tacos are much better but be aware that they come loaded with onions (not mentioned on the menu). Weds night is trivia night, and the draw is not overwhelming (putting it nicely) so you stand a decent chance of winning some buckage.
(4)
Waylon D.
First things first, I have always been able to get a table right away! There's a star right there for that! Next, bottoms up! My girlfriends always opt for a Margarita, but I myself enjoy a selection from the rather extensive beer list. I would say drink prices are right on point, if not on the lower end for the neighborhood. Now, time to speak my main language...TACOS! Yum! I have tried many of their tacos and they are always delish! A+ and Yeehaw to these TexMex style creations. My fav: The steak! I just really enjoy the setting. I feel like it is a place that breaks out of the "boystown" stereotype and creates an environment where anyone can feel comfortable. I will certainly be back!
I was soooo excited to see a taco and tequila place opening down the street! I love tacos! They are my Lifesource. I love margaritas! They inject Liquid Joy into my veins. My soul was saddened the day I went to DS Tequila. Worse, I brought two others along and now their opinion of me is much lower. The tacos were mediocre and hardly inventive or, well, good. Turkey burger was fine, but so is the kind I make at home with frozen Jennie-O patties. The margarita was unfortunately dismal. Not terrible, but definitely not good. Two stars for the really nice outdoor patio with excellent Halsted-watching capabilities and the lovely, attentive guy who helped us that day. When I see this place every day, it makes me more sad Big Star is so far away. Each day, it's like I watch the last unicorn dying. Seriously, go to Big Star instead.
(2)
Lance K.
Dirty Sanchez... Yes folks, that's what the D.S. stands for. Who names a bar for that? Gross. This place is such a disappointment. I expected more from the owners of MiniBar. Bar looks like the set of MadMax-Beyond Thunderdome! No Mel Gibson reminders, please! All of these 5-star reviews here must have been posted by employees and/or friends of the owners. The food was lousy (and several people I've talked to agree). Service is slower than molasses in January. Fries are a la carte with a $9.00 burger?? Please. And, when a burger says "Buffalo Bacon Blue Cheese," those things should be present on the burger, and it should have some spice. Don't tell me it's blended into the meat and it's the new "cool" thing. Lame is what it is. I don't care if your meat is from Allen Brothers... If I were them, I wouldn't let you use my name. And what's with the "coming soon" all over the menu? Nachos coming soon? Did they get held up at the border in Arizona? What the...? It's nachos!! For the love of Ricky Martin!! If you don't have it, don't put it on your menu. C'mon guys... get it together!! Boystown deserves better, and you're capable of better. Don't let that great patio go to waste! And find a way to dim that harsh street lamp. It's not flattering at night! OK, I'm done for now... Skip it until they get their act together and live up to the MiniBar "brand."
(1)
Aaron S.
I've been three times basically because of the patio and I really like margaritas. So I was pretty primed to learn about this place & try it. I've only had the chips and about 4 different kinds of tacos, but I would like to try the turkey burger. The house margarita was the most disappointing. It wasnt terribly strong and while there was fresh lime involved, it tasted like they used a lot of orange juice or other citrus flavor in the mix. It was just odd and not really tasty. The Cadillac Margarita was an improvement, but by no means the best I've had. I tried a combo of their frozen Margaritas, regular and a raspberry special. Skip them. Bland and watery, just like a Slurpee. None of the margaritas were very strong either, so skip them if altogether if you're looking for a tequila buzz.. Chips and Salsa appetizer just so-so. Quacamole was very lackluster and a small portion, but with big unripened chunks of avacado. Wierd. Tacos were good, I liked the grilled shrimp and the salmon. All were pretty tasty, just not terribly remarkable. More of a quick snack then anything else. Once the weather turns, I doubt I'll be back since the patio is the real draw. The place really needs to amp up the portions or the booze or diversify the menu, because it just feels lacking overall. There's so many other more satisfying bar/restaurant combos in the area, I dont know how this place will endure without substantial improvements.
(2)
Lauren J.
Love this place! We went for margaritas and no food. The food smelled delicious though! Such a fun atmosphere and one of the best margaritas I've had in Chicago. Definitely going back.
(5)
Lisa M.
Yummy drinks, awesome shrimp tacos and great patio! The service is good too :)
(5)
Michael T.
I have pretty gross friends. We laugh at farts and poop jokes and generally act like 12 yr old boys at camp. But OMG, naming a restaurant after (and bragging about it) nosepoo? Srsly? I actually disagree with some of the reviewers about the looks of the inside bar - I think it's kinda cool. But why do so many of the 'restaurants' on Halsted think that they have to blare crappy music when you're trying to eat and talk with your friends? The food is decent, but again, it's really hard to think about eating the food when every table around you is talking about how disgusting it is that the name is derived from aforementioned poo-to-nose Dirty Sanchez'ing. I hope they decide to change their minds and say it stands for "Deep South" or something related to the food when it's MADE vs. what you can do with it several hours later.
(2)
Jesse B.
Always fun, whether there for dinner, dancing, or just drinks. Staff is awesome too.
(3)
Vanessa B.
Rang in 2013 here and my night sure started off with a boom, a big one...my brand new iphone fell into the back port-o-potty. Yeah, that sucked but the staff was beyond EXCEPTIONAL! some guy ran over with a trash bag and gloves for me to yank it out of there...gross, I know, then one of the bartenders at the front (didn't catch his name but I'll describe him a skinny short blonde and gay if that helps) Kept my phone behind th bar all night in a pitcher of rice which he offered to get for me while I danced the night away, needless to say that kind of bartender, especially in boystown is hard to come by so he was most certainly thanked for his kindness with some dolla dolla bills! The food they passed out was sparse but delish, one of the waiters was hella sassy however saying that we couldn't get any food unless he got a tip. um hello?!?1 I paid to come to this event with food included so I'll eat what I want and tip you if I feel like it. The coat check was lackluster, he lost my ticket but that problem was quickly solved after I searched through the pile of coats and at last found mine! Overall review: BESTEST staff, except that overly sassy waiter (I do feel his pain though, he was passing out sliders on new years) I def want to go back to this place and indulge in a plateful of tacos and a margarita
(5)
Phil F.
As much as I wanted to like this place, I haven't come around to like. I have tried it out twice and both times were just not good. The place looks great and by no doubt there was a lot of money dumped into the place. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience needs a similar attention to detail as the decor had. Food is marginal. And the tacos only come in flour? Definitely counter to trend and clearly someone who owns this place just doesn't like corn tortillas, but I am pretty sure that a lot people do! Get em! Drinks are meh. Margs are syrupy and clearly don't use fresh lime juice like the menu says. Staff is smug and typical of Halsted street, but it doesn't need to be that way. After two times there, I don't plan on actively walking back in there. Maybe after a night of drunkeness I would stumble in, but prob not.
(2)
Sarah P.
Pretty good as a bar - would probably go again to start the night out with 1 cool blended drink (like the Miami Vice). The blended margaritas had plenty of alcohol, but more than one would be overkill on the sugar. The margaritas on the rocks were like drinking straight tequila - blech. And that was supposedly their higher-end tequila. Wouldn't go back for the food though. First of all - what restaurant, even if they're just opened - lists out all the items on their menu that sound good but are "coming soon". Apparently, nachos and quesadillas are REALLY complicated to make so they are on hold until further notice. Fail. Then - the tacos are served "family style" which basically means that no matter what tacos you order, you'll inevitably end up with just whatever is left when you are in a group of 5 or more people. I ordered a burger just to stay away from that mess - which did end up happening to 2 of the 8 people in our group. Burger was ok, nothing to write home about. Restaurants have to compete with lots of good options in this city - DS Tequila better shape up quick.
(2)
Nick P.
Eh...I wish I could like this place better. It's an interesting space and idea, but the food and service really don't pull through. The menu looked promising with lots of interesting tacos and an array of burgers. But like a lot of things in Boystown, once you scratch the surface...you don't find a lot underneath. Ha! Jk. Couldn't resist. - We ordered a pitcher of margaritas. Server brings it back to table, pours a little liquid in each glass - but no ice. Sets pitcher on table and says "I'll let you guys pour the ice in; it's too hard for me to do." Maybe he was being funny? But any server knows how to pour from a pitcher with ice - from the side, of course. - Time to order. The burgers and tacos all have numbers next to them. My friend orders a few tacos by number. "Which ones are those?" the server asks bluntly. Look, I know this is a minor annoyance, but it's indicative of all the problems we had with this place. In such a competitive marketplace, your service can't be this lackluster. - Food shows up. I had ordered a turkey burger. As I assemble my burger, I realize something isn't right. The turkey burger itself was missing! I had a condiment sandwich. We flag down the server, share a laugh, and he returns a few minutes later with a complete sandwich. Again, not a big deal, problem solved quickly, but...these things add up. - And now we eat. My friend had a couple tacos - I had a bite of the pulled pork one. It was decent. Nice flavor, kind of tiny though. The fries that came with my burger were advertised with a couple menu-ese adjectives, but they were pretty plain and not crisp. The turkey burger was also exceptionally bland. I'd rather have a smaller, better seasoned patty. So bottom line - you're paying inflated prices for below-average food and service. Want a better $12 burger? Go to Kuma's. Or get a $8 at DMK. Better tacos? Big Star, or even Chipotle. Better service? Ha, go anywhere.
(2)
Lochin S.
Did not eat here so not sure my five stars are fair. but the nachos at the next table looked fantastic. Regardless, our server made sure we were taken care of even tho we just had drinks. our mixed drinks were great as well as the one beer. good people watching and the outside sitting area was perfect to kick off summer!
(5)
Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing.
(1)
Katie P.
Meh, this place is just ok. Went here last night with a girlfriend and got a beer and burger w/ blue cheese. The food was ok, nothing special. I'd go back in the summer for the patio or for one of their days with a good special. Mondays are 1/2 off all food and Wednesdays are trivia night. We left about 30 minutes into the trivia session yesterday but that looked like fun with a lot of questions about pop culture and travel and less about sports (which is good for me). If you're in the area, it's ok but don't go out of your way.
(3)
Adam M.
Walked by this place today and saw a very welcoming patio so my friend and I stopped in not knowing when and how this place popped up so quickly. We sat on the very spacious patio and the service was good. The three salsas & chips are definitely worth a try. The chips are very light and crispy and that jalepeno ranch was tasty. Each of us tried a taco - both the coffee steak and the pineapple shrimp tacos were tasty. There is also an abundance of drinks available. Stop in if you would like to enjoy a frozen margarita (my friend tried the Miami Vice). Good for now, not incredible....we will see what happens next for D.S.
(4)
Kevin R.
I'll echo a few things I've read here from others - the service was pretty horrible (it took about an hour to get 6 tacos). However, the thing that really annoys me about the Tequila Company is the severe lack of good margaritas and a various choices in tequila!!! Ambiance - 2 stars: Inside, the music is super loud; seems as though they have loud music to get people in off the street, but drive people away since you can't hear your company. Ambiance - 4 stars: Outside is quite nice. We went on a temperate Monday night and the patio was great. Drinks - 2 stars: See above, this really surprised me. Furthermore, if you want a margarita that is healthy (i.e. not made with Sweet and Sour mix), you'll have to look elsewhere. There are no fresh-lime juice margaritas here... for a place that has no-carb, jicama 'tortillas', you would think a healthier margarita would be available. Food - 3 stars: About $2.67 per taco and lots of different options. Watch out though, they are small!! It also took forever to get them... Service - 1 star: Our waiter apologized for "issues going on in the kitchen" twice. This was my friend's 3rd visit there, there have been service problems every time at D.S. They did try to make up for it, but they did so by bringing out a cold bowl of chili that we didn't touch. The waiter was fine, but whatever was holding him back is dragging the whole place down with it.
(2)
Ben K.
The service was good, the food was solid, and the patio was fantastic. What an awesome outdoor seating area. On to the food: we got the nachos for an appetizer, which was a huge serving of chips piled high with toppings for only $5. This is an excellent deal. Then we shared a turkey burger and a couple tacos. The turkey burger may have been frozen at some point in the past, but that didn't stop it from being pretty delicious. It's definitely rosemary infused, as advertised, and the pickled onions served on top of it were also very nice. Finally, the tacos. Good stuff. At $3 a piece they better be. I got to try the steak and the chorizo, both were definitely worthwhile. Apparently if you come in with your cubs ticket (on gameday? not quite sure) you get a free platter of 3 tacos. Do it!
(4)
Jose E.
Compared to the other bars in the area it's a pleasant surprise to find a place were you can have great food and drinks and have a good time. What other place lets you dance on the bar! It's great for big groups and the staff are always willing to bend over backwards for you. It does get busy sometimes but that just adds to the atmosphere of the place. The Sanchez slammer is a great fun to do shot with your friends to. And if your wanting a good premium burger then there is no better place then Ds. The buffalo blue cheese burger is fantastic! Blue cheese buffalo sauce bacon and guacamole make this burger by far the beat I have ever had! And don't worry there full bar and experienced bar tenders are amazing as well. Try having one of the margaritas with a flavoured vodka if your not into tequila. All and all it's a fun time. This is the place to let your hair down and party.
(5)
Jim B.
The girl working at the host stand on 2/6/13 was a bitch. We left. Never again.
(1)
Brett M.
Every time I come here, I am so pleased. I think the tacos (specifically the chorizo and fried chicken) are unique and fantastic. The wait staff is super friendly and passionate about the menu. But it's the frozen peach margaritas that keep me coming back. The wild berry and coco loco are good too but the peach! Gah! My husband had a special drink the night we went, a watermelon margarita on the rocks. It was soooo gooood! Plus, we had the tres leches cupcake (I hope I have that right) for a desert. Get it. Whatever you do. Get it. All things considered, I love this place. My only gripe is the soundtrack. C'mon boys. I'm not playing Guitar Hero. Reflect the 'hood a little better or get more modern :-)
(4)
Jason H.
Had a nice time out on the patio! Beers and apps! The loaded french fries were "Heart Attack Heaven"! The service was prompt and friendly! Anthony (server) was exceptionally friendly and attentive! Looking forward to visiting over Market Days weekend!
(4)
Danyelle D.
Stopped in for dinner on a Wednesday at 7pm with my girlfriend and another guy friend. He had been here before for drinks and we had wanted to try out the new place. Loved the decor, music, especially the patio. Very nice, everything looked clean and peaceful for a weekday. Looking at the menu I was a bit discouraged, a hand full of apps, then your choice between a specialty burger or a variety of tacos. We ordered the XXX jalapeno poppers. They will not get any award for their plating at this place. 5 fried jalapenos on a wet plate with a cup of dip, nothing fancy about it. I even laughed when the waiter brought it out. I looked like it was a joke. They actually didn't taste bad at all, they were very spicy, and the dip was good. Nothing to go crazy about though. For our main course I ordered 3 Corona battered tacos & my G.F. ordered the pulled pork tacos. The "family style" plating seemed a little bit pointless, but since it was just us 2 it was fine. In a big group, I would probably end up mixing them up. The fish tacos, we not bad, very small though. For $2.67 or so a piece, over $8.00 for 3 little tacos, seemed expensive. It's not like there was any crazy fancy slaw or sauces, just descent fish tacos. The tortilla, was very soggy and almost hard to bite through because they were so undercooked. The pulled pork tacos were a big disappointment, they said they came with a BBQ sauce, however none present. Just bland pork and tortilla? I would come again to drink, although I thought the prices on those are high too. But eat somewhere else. Maybe if I was drunk at 2am and needed a quick taco boost to keep me going all night, but not for a meal I want to enjoy and taste. Maybe when they get their branded tequila manufactured, they will put some fine tuning on their menu and kitchen. Too bad that patio was very nice place to have dinner.
(2)
Nick A.
Come here for the drinks, appetizers, and the atmosphere. The margarita selection is fairly extensive and the the frozen drinks are very good, definitely on par with the legendary slushies across the street at Sidetrack. The outdoor patio is probably the best on Halsted, perfect for peoplewatching. The clientele is usually easy on the eyes as are the bartenders and waitstaff. I've never had a bad experience with service. The decor and sports bar feel is certainly different than anything else on the Boystown strip. Food is so-so. It's tasty enough and by no means terrible but it's nothing amazing either. Appetizers are much better than the entrees, this would be a great place to stop for a few drinks before going to dinner elsewhere. If you do eat here, the chorizo tacos are probably the best of the group. Don't expect huge portions; the tacos are about average size and you get a small scoop of beans and rice if you order the dinner. Perhaps this is a function of catering to a gay clientele but they could still drop the price to below $10 for the meal. As others have mentioned, there are better options in the area if food is what you're after. Otherwise, D.S. Tequila is a worthwhile addition to the Halsted bar scene.
(3)
Kim R.
Great burgers and tacos. Higher quality bar food. Try the S'mores sundae dessert. Drinks a little pricey but very good. The outdoor porch is great when the weather cooperates (which it did a lot this summer.) Too bad it's in what has become such a dangerous neighborhood. It's just not safe to go there after dark. Too many thugs out there after your wallets and cell phones. Stick to lunchtime. It's worth it.
(3)
John W.
I'm not sure why I like this place more than the average yelper. Maybe I'm just a sucker for creative tacos. Maybe I drink too much there to be objective (my first draft only said "mix the steak and mushroom, f*** yeah"), but I love this place. And yeah, mix the steak and the mushroom into some sort of chophouse taco...it's amazing.
(5)
Kristin J.
I love: the elote hash, the tequila shrimp tacos, and the coffee rubbed skirt steak tacos. Other friends have raved about the chorizo tacos, fried fish tacos, fried chicken tacos, and mushroom tacos. Decent prices, and 1/2 off on Mondays. True, their margaritas are sub-par, but there are plenty of other drink options. The waitstaff can get a little frazzled when they are busy, but are generally very kind and attentive.
(3)
Stephanie B.
Eh. Meh. I came here with BIG hopes. I was underwhelmed. Staff was SUPER friendly, so I give 'em an A+ for that. But the food was just meh: -Our queso was like a cold hard block of cheese. We asked our waiter if he'd mind heating it up, and he was SUPER nice and apologetic, but when he brought it back out, it was just a hot block of hard cheese. -Tacos: Love that you can mix and match and get 'em a la carte. Liked the grilled fish one... the chorizo was decent... the fried chicken one (perhaps I should've known better?) was literally a chicken finger from a Wendy's 3-piece meal, shoved in a taco. Er? -Quesadillas: HUH? These were filled with a block of cheese, and not much else. And $10. We didn't even eat them, unfortunately. -Drinks: I did love the creative concoctions. I tried some funky margarita that was tequila + grapefruit + lime. There was another "margarita" made with Vodka, for people who don't like tequila. I appreciated the effort there. -Atmosphere: If you're sitting in a booth - yay. If you're at one of the rinky dink tables - boooooo. I'd give it another chance, I suppose. I did wish it was a true Mexican place with more Mexican on the menu than just guac, quesadillas and tacos though.
(3)
Heather M.
D.S. Tequila is a triple threat! Great food, great service and a great atmosphere. We found this spot by accident one day and decided to give it a try. The selection and service was way beyond our expectations. And the margaritas! Oh the margaritas! I highly recommend The Miami Vice (strawberry/coconut blend). As I mentioned is staff is super friendly and very helpful with recommendations. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are on point. Chris, Erin, Matt, Ryan it doesn't matter who first served you because they'll all take care of you. Last Friday we checked into Facebook and received FREE loaded fries. Sweet! Don't miss out on this yummy opportunity. And now friends and coworkers want us to bring them here to find out what we're always raving about. Check their website for specials. For example, $1 shots on Fridays & Saturdays. All you have to do is stop by and give it a try.
(5)
Heather M.
It's true, the service is a little slow, but this is definitely a place to go and have a few pitchers of margs, so timely service isn't really the point. The tacos are great! I tried the shrimp, steak, and green chili pork - all delicious. Fries were also really good - some sort of awesome spices on them. The queso was a little gloopy, and the guac was unspectacular. They also didn't have a homemade hot sauce, which I thought was strange for a taco place. Either way, they mix a good margarita, the tacos are delicious, and if you're lucky you can dance on the bar with your waiter.
(4)
Jonathan J.
Went on a Tuesday night with a friend around 9pm for the burger deal. It was pretty great--the food was awesome and the atmosphere was pretty chill. Lots of lesbians and gay guys, which is always a plus, but not a club type scene or anything. Just a burger and booze joint. Pretty decent menu.
(4)
James R.
Great find! Our bartender Jared was awesome, kitchen was closed and I was starving so he managed to find some food for me to munch on. Drinks were great, and we all had a great time. I will definitely be back in the future when I travel up north.
(5)
Greg M.
Get the classic! Simple and strong! Great atmosphere and the bartender is awesome! She even offered to give my friend a friend mini corona! Another great thing is that if it is too loud, they give you free earplugs :p
(5)
Nathan G.
Came to Chicago to do a tequila tour of the city. Finding this place by name was pretty easy. Asking the bartender for a tequila list, he promptly replies he has 2 tequilas. Two?! TWO freaking tequila's for a joint with Tequila in big bold neon lite letters? Pfft. Good luck.
(1)
C A.
im updating my review and keeping still only 3 stars. Its an ok place, im not much of fan of the food but its decent, the chips are crispy and if you stay away from the weak margs and just drink beer you can get a buzz. The staff is a little friendlier and we weren't treated like absolute crap or ignore like we were on my previous post so thats a perk. Its decent bar food if your just looking for something quick before you go out to the bar scene. One little thing that has always irritated me and maybe its just me is that when we order our taco's that they place everyones entire order onto one plate, we have a friend allergic to poultry so the chicken tacos were up against his steak and i dont eat read meat so his steak was touching my chicken! BAH! LOL!
(3)
Green T.
Busy, but not swamped on a Thursday night. The coveted patio was great for fresh air and people-watching to a dizzying degree. The staff is incredibly nice but a little wet behind the ears. Our server wanted to seat myself and a date at a table for 8. When our tab came to $13 he swooped up our 20, never to return. (Really man, a 52% tip?) We had to request the change. Awkward. There seem to be about 25 servers on hand - all clean-cut, young, queer men. Indoors is dark, over air-conditioned, and blaring. After reading these reviews, we sat outside, as far from the speakers as possible. Our margaritas were great. The special was strong and even the obscure Beergarita was tasty. The cactus garden is a unique touch. Drink here to see and be seen. But be careful, the patio shuts down at 11:00 sharp.
(3)
William F.
If your primary focus is watching sports, drinking beer and enjoying Mexican munchies then you'll probably like D. S. Tequila Company. If you're looking to enjoy good Mexican food, keep Yelping because D.S. Tequila Company isn't the place for you.
(2)
tiffany k.
This place has been opened for only a little over 4 weeks, so I know that a lot of the bad reviews are due to this. I dropped in on a Saturday afternoon. My fiance and I wanted a small snack and something to drink. The place is pretty cool inside, and has a nice patio seating area in the back. The list of their specialty mixed drinks is nice and for a regular margarita, it's only $6! Pretty good. The special of the day was a margarita with muddled blue berries. Soooo delicious. I had 2. The beer list is pretty decent too, with some typical domestics and imports and some Belgians as well. I ordered the beer battered fish taco with the jicama tortilla (0 carbs) instead of the regular tortilla - just to try it. My fiance had some steak taco. We also ordered the roasted corn wheels - or something like that. It was all very tasty and the perfect amount of food for a snack and tasty enough to not be a boring snack. I will say, though, that I didn't love the jicama tortilla a lot. I mean, it was fine, but nothing beats a taco on a corn tortilla. I'll definitely be back here again to try some of their other drinks. Once we were ready to leave it did take quite awhile for us to get our check but I'm pretty patient and they're still relatively new. Please also note that the margarita I had was the special of the day and it was an extra dollar (which we didn't find out until the check came) but that being said, this place does not pour the tequila lightly, so that sort of makes up for it.
(4)
Katie H.
I visited DS Tequila Company on one of their "soft opening" days. It was cash only and they were only offering a limited menu, but if this is a sign of what's to come, I think they're on to something good. Our server was great. He took the time to go through each of the slushie drink options - margarita (excellent), strawberry (also great), banana, peach, wild berry, and blue Hawaiian (which he let me have a small sample of; it was a bit too sweet for me). He then moved on to explaining the menu. For now, they have a limited selection of apps (jalepeno poppers, chips with trio of drips, and corn on the cob wheels) and 6-7 taco varieties, which are all $3 each. Because I am a very picky eater, I wanted to make some subtractions to the taco but the server said that since it was a soft opening, he wasn't supposed to, but he would ask. The manager came over and was super nice and said to make any changes I needed (just taking the tomato and lettuce off the chicken taco, and the pico de gallo off the chorizo one). Out came our food and it was delicious. The steak had a great flavor (though I wish it had been a bit more tender, I had to cut a few pieces) and the fried chicken taco was awesome; the chicken was so juicy and tender and perfectly crispy.
(4)
Monika P.
I tried the blackberry margarita, it was really good! My friend got the beergarita, nothing special. I absolutely love their fresh vegi tacos!!! Plus the outside seating is really nice. Definitely coming back!
(4)
Jennifer Q.
My boyfriend came here on a Sunday afternoon after running a few miles in the Chicago Marathon to support a friend who embarked on the entire journey. We only ran 5 miles but, nevertheless, were pretty hungry. We were actually on our way to another restaurant when I saw D.S. Tequila and remembered having read about it in Time Out Chicago. It looked like a cool place so I wanted to try it out. It was one of the last nice days of the fall so we sat outside. Jose was our server and he was totally adorable. Very personable and attentive. He chit chatted with us and helped us pass the time until our yummy tacos arrived. The coolest part is they have a "you pick three" taco platter so you can pick any three of numerous cool choices of tacos. They also serve good micheladas -which is like a beer meets a bloody mary. MMMMM. The coolest part about the patio was the little built in bon fire pit ON THE TABLE! That really made my day. I like to have little moments of escapism ambiance where I can sit back and eat and pretend I'm a million miles from my regular life. I recommend D.S. Tequila and we will for sure be back for some tacos and micheladas!!
(4)
Kim Z.
After receiving my Time Out in the mail, I had a craving for a nice, hearty margarita and some good Mexican food. D.S. Tequila was on the list of 'go here instead of here' for Mexican places with patios and good margs. So we went. When we walked in the door, the very first thing I NOTICED was the very large number of waitstaff verses the number of customers. I assumed new...still don't even know if that's the case, but I got that feeling. However, I am going to say that with two servers per every customer you'd expect some AMAZING service. Lots of milling around, chit chatting, etc etc...something JUST enough to annoy the living shit out of me. So I made a quick escape to the bar. How bad could that be? Well, it went like this... I ordered the high octane marg made with Everclear, and hubby ordered a listed cocktail. I got the mug. I'd guess it was to be about 12 ounces..in theory. I watched the bartender make it, he short poured my $9 marg by I'd guess about 4 ounces, and just kept adding and adding ice. I asked him if he was going to charge me extra for all of that ice and he gave me a smart assed 23 year old glaring sneer and handed over my drink. Now as a former .....well, let's just say I know my stuff .... I'd have poured my precious customer four more little ounces of crap, and call it a night. And a tip. But no, didn't even come close. After that, I was so pissed we got up and went all the way to Big Star, my FAVE!! I'll never go back. Oh, and the food? Well, obviously I didn't order any, but the man next to us at the bar had some over cooked steak thingy with what looked to be undercooked shrimp. Bleahhhh! Eff that place. It's only hope for survival in my kinda humble opinion is to go straight up gay bar. And get rid of that piece of caca bartender, would ya?
(1)
lucky r.
ok if you like waiting an hour for your food, please come here. It's ridiculous. I'm not sure why the managers are walking around saying hi instead of helping in the kitchen with one cook. Making a customer wait for almost an hour for some pre-made tortilla soup and french fries is asking a lot. And it's bad customer service. If you're just wanting to get wasted, please come here. You're get your drinks a lot faster!!! Waitstaff is super nice but that's about it.
(2)
Shantell B.
I have no idea what people are talking about! Everyone is so cute and friendly...and the food, sweet jesus the food is amazing! adam t. is so cute and exuberant. I felt like I was hanging out with a friend! Music is fun and the managers are always close by and friendly which is reassuring.
(5)
Leanna S.
Cool place, decent food. The tacos were small - even smaller than what you get at the authentic Mexican places. Additionally, their Mexican rice, which I like, comes with a garnish-type thingy of tomatoes on top. Ew. I like the bar/restaurant itself, but as a restaurant on it's own.....it's so-so.
(3)
Justin S.
I was tossing between a one and two star rating on this one but when it comes down to it the caption for the one star was the most accurate, Methinks not. So the blizzard of '11 was in town meaning places open were limited. My friend and I hopped in and decided we'd give it a shot. Now I don't know about you but glass fragments don't go well beer as my friend will tell you. After that incident we waited for ever for service though considering the blizzard and how packed the place was I'd let this slide. When the food finally arrived it was sheer disappointment. The portion sizes were so tiny they forced us to order chips and queso again such a small cheese portion. If you want tacos at a gay bar at a great price head to Crew Bar in Uptown for Taco Tuesday, where all Tacos are a dollar. I know gay people don't eat so that must be the reason for the small portions but that doesn't warrant to the near 4 bucks a taco. The final nail in this awful place's coffin was on this wednesday it was quiz night. This was so unorganized and host was terrible. The attitude during his MC work was surly at best. Oh how lucky all us customer were to just be in his presence. Bottom line, there are much better places to spend less money for a better experience. Don't get caught up by the mini bar crowd.
(1)
Mark M.
I wanted to like this place due to its location and outdoor patio but in my two visits there the food was literally unedible and the service very poor. The first time my partner and I tried to eat there the burger was cold and extremely undercooked- they took it back to the kitchen and it came back still unable to be eaten. We ended up leaving and eating elsewhere. I wanted to give the place another try and the second time we BOTH were unable to eat our meals they were so awful. My tacos contained nothing but lettuce and breading with NO chicken even though they were supposed to be chicken tacos. The waitstaff seemed unphased both times and I am done giving them chances. I'm surprised they are still in business.
(1)
Alex P.
Yep, service is still horrible here. Cocktail waiter with the tats coming out from under his shirt needs to learn some server etiquette. Very rude, wow. Managers need to fire at least half of their staff. Zero stars.
(1)
Mat M.
DS Tequila Company is a good spot located in Boystown, Chicago. The service is generally really attentive - and their deck area is superb. The food and drinks always meet my expectation too. Good spot, worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood.
(3)
Cooper R.
Our experience at DS was amazing. ASHLEY the BEST server! I have been in town for years and have never met a better person. Ashley is the epitome of what service should be - very professional, personal, and fun! Love her and only met her! She was informative and attentive. DS is the uncovered jewel in town. We'll be returning and requesting her alone!
(5)
Troy M.
It's unfortunate the prices are so high and the food is less then favorable because most of the servers are quite good. The drinks are way over priced and the food is bland, under seasoned, and ill prepared. Don't let the $5 burger night fool you.... add cheese or anything else and your $5 burger becomes $10. I'm surprised they don't charge you extra for a bun. Have your ID ready because they card everyone.
(1)
Jes G.
Met a friend here for a late lunch a few weeks ago. Nice atmosphere and our waiter was awesome. I had tacos...I am a huge taco fan and I was not impressed but they were okay and they have many different types of tacos to choose from. The drink were really good! If I go back, I'd probably try a burger next time or iust go for drinks.
(3)
Will T.
I was in Boystown with friends enjoying drinks and we decided to drop in for dinner. We totally loved the patio and it opens to the outside. It turns out there's a retractable roof, too, but it was closed that night because of rain. The casual bar food menu offers a variety of items and I ordered a couple of tacos, the fried chicken taco and a tequila shrimp taco. They were tasty (the tequila shrimp had a little heat on it) but they were also miniature in size, more suited as an appetizer. I ordered a margarita that was too sweet for my taste and they graciously swapped it for a house margarita. Tacos are super affordable, in the $3 - 4 range while burgers run $13 -15. When we got our bill it reflected a 50% Monday food discount. Wow! We didn't see that coming. It made for a cheap night out.
(3)
Estragon M.
I come here for the food. Taco Dinner is what I always get ;3 Veggie is so yum, fish and chicken too. I've had Sangria here before which is really good. :)
(5)
Richie D.
I'm afraid Wrigleyville is attempting to take over Boystown. No worries, I won't complain too much, however, the bridesmaid parties do get annoying. Tortillas are made fresh daily by hand--Brava! Tacos priced at $2.69 is reasonable, especially compared to places like De Cero. Their margaritas are made from 100% organic agave tequila. A plus. And if you go for their Gulp of Mexico 40 ounce fishbowl, they give $1 from every purchase to cleaning up the Gulf. That's a pleasant nice gesture. Their outdoor patio is a good size with fire pits to keep warm, yet it still doesn't feel like the Mexican sun. OK I take back not complaining. When they used an image of me on their Facebook page without permission, not so cool ( yelp.com/biz_photos/ds-t… ). No response when I wrote them requesting for them to take it down. Not even a gift certificate! Bite me!
(2)
Jacob B.
The food is great. The drinks are over priced to balance out the great deals they offer. But this place gets one star because the manager needs to be put on blast. She does not know how to treat her staff. I felt bad for my server and offended by her at the same time. I'm gonna try and keep this short by just giving one example that I observed that urged me to write this review. It was my first tuesday wing night, and my friend after receiving his wings said "hey I want some fuckin ranch with these wings why not I'm already having a cheat meal" and asked one of the servers if he could get a cup of ranch. So we get the ranch and it was good (Im guessing). GREAT. Now the problem comes when we get the bill. On our check is two charges for "ranch"@$1 dollar each. My friend says that is nuts im gonna say something. Our server handles it well and explains to us that they charge for the ranch but he would see if he could get them removed. Now I have already spotted the manager because she has been awkwardly "managing" while not doing anything herself. At the time he goes to her about the ranch charges she is directly across from me on her phone posted up texting in clear view of me. Her initial reaction to him asking about her approving the charge removal was "really it's a dollar" but it takes character to understand doing things because the principle... So to her I guess we are just cheap. After the faces she made in view of me she came to her solution. It was his fault for not telling us so he could split it with us and take the money out of his tips. My server didn't need to tell me anything about what had just happened. But I called him Out soon as he came back.... He had a smile on his face when I asked him if his manager really just told him to pay for the ranch out of his tips. His smile fades as he figured out in his head how to dodge my question, "oh it's cool it's taken care of he told me" lol smart move on his part, but bull shit none the less I know exactly what was said to him. People do not deserve to be treated like that I told him. The fact that she is so out of touch with the reality of her job, that she called us cheap, nickel and dimed her staff, and texted all In plain view of patrons says enough to me to repeat this story. So my message to the owner or to this manager "you never know whose listening". I have my own business and it's very personal with my patrons, we share a lot of stories, and a lot of them will hear about the mistreatment of staff at ds tequila. Some may not be so concerned but many will remember this story, and out of principle will go elsewhere to the other resteraunts in our community.
(1)
Kara O.
Confusing time at this place yesterday. Met a friend for some drinks at 5:00. We each had two rounds and were contemplating chips and more drinks when the server came by and dropped off our check without asking. We were confused and weirded out entirely and she left before we could even ask what was up. We tried to get her attention several times over 30-45 minutes while she was serving other people since we were unsure of the situation. Finally, we went up to the front and I approached the waiter who was nearest the to the cash register and asked if we could pay. He rolled his eyes at me, and said, "Your server had to leave, she got REALLY sick." Ok that's unfortunate, but why didn't she say anything while she was roaming around the patio for 30 minutes after dropping off our check and avoiding us? Also if he knew she left why didn't any other server come by to take over her tables? A server had come by to take our extra silverware and left before we could say anything! The patio wasn't full or slammed at all. They dropped the ball and then basically were like "what's your problem??" Nope. I didn't get into it with him because clearly there would have been a huge lack of understanding and I didn't want to waste my breath. Anyways we went to Townhall a few doors down which didn't have a nice patio like Ds but at least the bartenders were minimally friendly. The bitchiness in boystown was palpable last night, but maybe it's my fault for expecting a minimum standard of service.
(1)
Andy S.
Nice outdoor space included as part of the bar/restaurant. Food was good - had the chicken, steak, and grilled fish tacos and enjoyed all of them. Negatives were that it was a bit crazy service wise. I think our server was pretty good, just seemed like a whole lot of craziness - took a while to bring out food and when they did there was mass confusion about who had what. Not everyone got what they ordered. To their credit they took care of us and made it right so I would have no issues coming back here. Oh and the margaritas were delish, especially the blackberry margarita.
(3)
Nick B.
Nice place - arrived during a pubcrawl, I don't remember what I had to drink but it was the nachos I remember... So well done.
(4)
Kate M.
I like DS Tequila. I've been here a few times and the staff is always friendly, the food and drinks are good, and the atmosphere is fun. I'm not usually a frozen drink fan, but I do like trying different drinks before I dive into the hard stuff. Strawberry frozen margarita and banana frozen margarita side by side in the same glass as an appetizer was perfect, especially followed by a serious margarita on the rocks. Their tequila menu is fairly extensive, as you'd expect from a place called "DS Tequila Company". The nachos are ridiculous and delicious. It's a huge pile of nacho fantasticness. The staff is always friendly and the service is always good. Looking for tequila or just a burger and beer? Go here.
(4)
Ronald B.
I used to be a fan, until I had GLASS in my margarita. And the owner seemed to handle the issue with very little care. His response was to give $20 off my next meal. Really? I was kinda surprised especially given how frequently I visited the place...so now my friends and I just steer clear of this place.
(2)
Jennifer A.
If you want an awesome brunch with "all of the mimosas" come here. The servers are AMAZING! Specifically Beth. I want her to follow me around and serve me at every restaurant I go to. Scratch that, I want to name my first born Beth.
(5)
Brock F.
Tuesday $5.00 build your own burgers!! Need I say more? Yes, they charge more for every little thing but it's still a grt deal AND they aren't tiny burgers either! Service has always been good from the friendly host to kind waitstaff. I recommend going for the basic burger of theirs which comes with bacon, cheddar, tequila onions all on a pretzel bun! Hmm, think I want one now..... Also their tacos & chili are fantastic as well! They have a daily specials every weekday and are open late. Go for it!
(4)
Claire B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!!!! The brunch deal with mimosas and bloody Mary's is just about as good as it gets in town! Their menu is fantastic (I order the same thing every time LOL)-taco salad with fried chicken as well as the fried chicken taco. Lucky for me they're both available on their brunch and dinner menu. Most recently we had Bennett as a server and he was great! Super attentive and very friendly. I've also been there when he serves mimosas during brunch and have had great experiences! I have only had phenomenal service and even better food at DS tequila and I recommend it to everyone!
(5)
Ann Marie B.
Great tacos for the price! Thursday nights are all you can eat tacos as well as bingo! the atmosphere is very fun and upbeat. The margaritas are really good for the most part. Only suggestion I would give is that the service is a little slow and the servers/bartenders sometimes seem like they are giving attitude. Really good place to go with a big group of friends!
(4)
Dv V.
I haven't tried but a few or true dishes and mimosas. Crispy fried chicken tacos are great, since that's the last item I had. Mimosas are ok and the atmosphere is the typical loud hungover crowd mostly which I don't mind after a mimosa of course.
(4)
John S.
I went with here with a couple of friends and my fiance for brunch on a Saturday morning. They said there menu had a bunch of new items and from the ones I tried both myself and off other's plates everything was extremely tasty. They have brunch packages either including bottomless mimosa's or with 2 bloody mary's and a mimosa. I would recommend this to anyone to try if they are looking for a different brunch place then you are used to. I can't speak for the other reviews but if your looking for a brunch place give them a try.. Oh and get the Monkey Bread !
(5)
Sara C.
I've been here before and enjoyed myself. A friend and I stopped in last night and they were showing movies with $5 burgers! How fun is that? And they were smart enough to play a horror/thriller since it's Halloween season. When the manager stopped by, she mentioned that they'd probably show a horror movie each week through October. We'll definitely be there. It's a great date night for a colder night.
(5)
Christine R.
Warning this is a review of the beautiful people, beautiful servers and bartenders, drinks and overall daytime party vibe - food? what food? This was the place to be after the parade. Gorgeous people, uh hello I got to violate and dance with Shane from Road Rules haha. What a cutie. Large open patio for dancing and socializing among other things. We all had a blast here. Heavy pours, little to no wait for the bathroom, friendly employees and fishbowl drinks if that's your thing. Plus if you wanted to be weird and not socialize you had a great patio/balcony view of the rukus going on in the streets. Fabulous place, but aren't all mexican places?
(4)
Nisey M.
I really enjoyed my first visit to D.S and with the summer right around the corner I am looking forward to enjoying the outdoor patio again. The margaritas were tasty(and potent) the burgers that we ordered were much better than expected. Our server (Justin) was attentive, he made sure to check with us during our meal to make sure we had everything we needed. I also had a staff member notice me shaking the ketchup bottle because it was almost empty and brought one over to me. We went back to the bar for another drink after our meal because the energy was high and the music was good...not bad for a Sunday afternoon!
(4)
matty z.
How disappointing. Stopped by here last night, around 10 p.m. and sat on the patio, which looked so inviting. There weren't all that many people for a restaurant that seemed to have lots o' servers around. I'm trying to be nice in writing this review, so I'll begin by saying our server was apparently new. Unfortunately, what management at DS Tequila obviously fails to recognize is that throwing new folks to the wolves, or failing to help them as they go results in new customers never wanting to return-- as in this case. I had Miller Lite. I had chips and the salsa trio, and guacamole. They were fine. All of them came incredibly late to the table. End of food and drinks review. Back to service. I was glad that another employee did help the new guy out, but then we were also helped by a myriad of others. I didn't know who to tip! Long story short, the place looked cute, and I wish this experience would have been different. But I see no reason to return. Judging from other reviews here, it seems to be a pattern.
(1)
J J.
Although my gf and I come here 1 to 2 times a week, I must give this establishment 2 stars due to complete shadiness. There have been numerous times that the servers and bartenders have overcharged, underchanged, and attempted to overtip themselves. The drinks are ok, depending on what you order, Vodka and cranberries are weak, rum and cokes are weakish, margaritas can be ok. The mimosa mugs on Sundays are good and fishbowls can be as well. Servers are friendly and attentive for the most part, but the crookedness overshadows that. The food is good though and the patio is nice :)
(2)
Elise P.
We had a very strange experience here. We arrived at about 11:30pm and sat at the bar. The bartenders ignored us for a while, which was only odd because it wasn't packed inside (since it was the 4th of July, I guess). Once we finally got acknowledged, I got a coco loco frozen margarita (out of the big icee machine) and it was really good! No complaints on that. The really huge downside was that the staff seemed extremely focused on doing a deep clean of the bar area while we were there, using copious amounts of bleach. As in, pouring straight bleach into the trap part under the beer taps, about 6 inches from my face. So needless to further explain, that was horrifying and disgusting. On top of that, they were all polishing and covering bottles, and covering and putting away all their garnishes. I have worked in bars, I know that unless it's close to close and/or really dead, this doesn't/ shouldn't happen while many people are at the bar. We even asked the bartender if they close at midnight (worrying we'd be the rude customers that keep them open, since it was a holiday and all), but they did not- close at 2am. It was a friday night, hours before close, with a full bar rail. What was that all about? All I can recommend is the tasty margarita. But honestly, I doubt I'd go back for crap service and bleach fumes with my margarita.
(2)
Suzie N.
Great food and drinks. Guac is delish. Our server Bennett was so helpful and recommended the California wildfire to drink. It was great and so was our night. Will definitely be back. Thanks!
(5)
O R.
Wow...we ordered our food (scrambled egg skillet) at 2:30. At 3:15 we get free shots because it's taking a little longer than usual. At 3:45 my friend had to bring it to the staffs attention that he's diabetic and needs to eat fairly soon please. We're told that our ticket got "bumped" because of the shift change. I understand these things might happen but in my friends case, this was extremely preposterous. Have as many excuses as you want but this goes beyond just feeding your guests. Let's work closer together to alleviate this situations from taking place in the future. Teamwork and communication is key and they simply do not have it.
(1)
Nikki D.
Went here for taco night! For 12.99 you get all you can eat tacos! The tacos have a great flour tortilla and great fillings. My favorite ones were the encrusted steak and the fried chicken. You can easily get your money's worth! We also got the alcoholic root beer which is delicious and goes down very easy! The service was great as well!
(5)
Timothy L.
Drinks were ok and on the super sweet side. Food was good - make sure you get fried fish tacos and the coffee-rubbed steak. The fish was battered and fried perfectly and the steak tasted like a "real" grilled steak and not just some stir-fried beef. Friday half-off appetizers makes a visit well worth it. While the tacos were good, DS Tequila still misses in the drinks and execution.
(2)
SOBE ER D.
DS Tequila is a good local haunt in Boystown. It's technically a bar that serves food so be prepared to show your ID at the door. The energy in the place is high and there are a couple of theme nights such as movie night and trivia night. The food is basic: tacos and burgers with salads and a few side items. Chips and salsa are not complimentary. Margaritas are by the class, fishbowl or pitcher - fairly good. Full bar is also available. There is a huge covered outdoor space that makes for great people watching on Halsted Street. All in all, a good, reliable place to go for a quick bite.
(4)
Jonathan H.
This place is awful. Been there 3 times and never again. Last night was the worst by far. I will say that their drinks are good and tacos can be good. Everything else leaves a lot to be desired. My friends and I arrived at 7PM. We had a reservation and they seated us immediately. At 7:15 our server arrived to greet us and take drink orders. At 7:30 our drinks arrived. 2 of our friends drinks were completely wrong. At 7:45 the corrected drinks showed up. Our dinners, all taco plates, began showing up in shifts: 4 meals at 8:00, 4 meals at 8:15, the final two didn't show up until 8:30 and not until after we had to hunt down the manager. The manager, Denny, is a nice kid. Seemed a bit inexperienced and not prepared to handle the chaos that was on his hands. He offered us a round of drinks to compensate. An hour and a half for everyone to get their food and he offers a round of drinks? No. All of this said I think the place has real potential. The owners, however, need to get a clue into how to run a successful restaurant. If you're going to be a bar - then be one. Thus far the owners have not quite gotten the hang of what it takes to be a great place. Sure, they have traffic from a clientele that may not know any better and spend their money anyway and if that's what the owners want then that's fine. From where I stand, as well as my friends, we won't be going back and will spend our money elsewhere. We live in the neighborhood and want nothing more than for the local places to do well. @DS Tequila owners: get it together. Hire managers with experience and restructure the entire experience and you'll be awesome.
(1)
Tracy G.
I freaking love this place. I would say I have gone here at least 10-20 times in the past 2 years or so since living in the city at all different times of the day (brunch, a lunch, dinner etc.) I have consistently received great service each time I have gone. Big shout out to the waiter Corey who I usually see working Saturday brunch. Guy remembered me from a previous visit and made me actually feel like a regular which is a great way to treat customers. I think I love this place the most because it instantly makes me feel like I am supposed to be back in undergrad and wasted again. Not saying that is the greatest reason to love a place, but it feels nostalgic and I feel like they are going for that. They have succeeded. I can see why people think the food is a tad pricey, but they offset that with some great deals during the week. The burgers are great but I usually just end up getting a small order of the Trash Can Nachos which despite my abundant appetite usually provides me a second meal the next day. The beer selection is great especially for Boystown, and their mixed drinks are fun as well. I am shocked by the amount of negative reviews given my positive experiences there. I swear they didn't pay me to write this. But if they did I would accept nachos or beer as payment.
(5)
Amanda H.
I was with a party of 20 people and we decided to go here. Big mistake. A guy was cleaning a long table that would easily seat all of us. We were told by the host that if we weren't ordering food that we couldn't sit there. It was 11:30pm. Dinner is over and the only thing people might want is a snack at that point. There were three booths in the back that were also empty, so we sat down because there were so many places for people to sit. Plus, we were 20 people who wanted to get drunk. We waited for almost a half hour and were completely ignored by the wait staff AND the bartenders. Finally we were asked to move from the booths. So we get up and continue trying to order a drink. Only two out of the twenty managed to get a drink. Then they rudely told us that we were in the way because we were standing. Ummmm....so we can't sit, stand, or order any drinks? I'm sorry. I thought this was a bar. So we go outside to figure out where to go instead and then we were asked to move away from outside the front of the bar. We weren't blocking the door or bothering anyone. It's all cool though. We went down the street and spent hundreds of dollars elsewhere.
(1)
Patrick L.
Good place, good food, friendly people! They've got a great outdoor patio, probably one of the best around. With the fire pits and what not it's great even when the weather starts to cool off. Plenty of good food and plenty of drink options too!
(4)
Christina M.
$5 for a Lonestar...you're joking right?
(2)
Heidi R.
I got a recommendation to come here from my hair stylist who works right down the street. I saw the groupon deal and then read the reviews so decided to not buy it. This is one time I wish I would have taken the recommendation and nixed the yelp reviews... This place rocks. My boyfriend and I came here because we were just down the street at FFC looking for some major grub very quickly! This was exactly what we had in mind. We sat down immediately and saw first thing "All you can eat Tacos" YUM! These are not your ordinary tacos either. For $9.99 you get about 5 options of tacos or for $12.99 you get 10 options and they must be ordered in 3s. They are sounded so good. We ordered the steak taco (fave), hamburger taco, white boy taco, crispy chicken taco, pulled pork taco, grilled fish taco and the chicken fajita taco. I loved the hamburger and steak taco the most. They also had a veggie taco and fried fish taco which we didn't try. Your first order comes with rice and beans. They had a house chardonnay for $5 which I was sold on. Love this place and I plan on returning for sure. The rest of the menu looked awesome and they have great daily specials!
(4)
Lindsey A.
The only reason I've been to this place twice is because the first time we visited they wouldn't let us use our Living Social deal because we had done the 'all-you-can-eat' taco deal which vetoes the L.S. Grumble. Sooooooo we went back. The tacos were all right but it skeeves me out to go to a place that serves two main entrees: Burgers or Tacos. Don't ask me why, it just does. On top of feeling queasy about the menu, I literally felt queasy after the meal - and this lasted for more than 24 hours with more than just stomach rumblings. Service is pretentious and clientele cray.... the only reasons I'd venture back to this Boystown Shit Show are the blackberry margaritas and lovely patio.
(2)
Gary D.
Generally I give 3 and 4 stars very commonly but the service was so bad here that I can't do that in good conscience. It took a long time for the server to come over when we first sat down and it was downhill from there. We had to ask other servers to send ours over on 2 occasions. It was a Sat. night but our guy didn't seem to have too many tables. We could see him at the bar talking with others but just seemed to ignore us. My daughter wanted a margarita and there were several flavors so she asked him which one he thought was best and just said I like whiskey drinks instead of saying something like this one is the most popular. The food is fair at best, the atmosphere was more of a dance club with loud music than a restaurant. There are many more Mexican restaurants in town that I'd recommend over this one.
(2)
Katie D.
I tried D S tequila for the first time for a dinner out with friends. The food was really great, we all picked our own selection of tacos. Our server, Bennett, was extremely helpful in recommending his favorite tacos and also suggested the frozen Arnold Palmer to drink which we all loved!! We are all looking forward to coming back and will be sure to ask for Bennett's section!
(4)
Sunni M.
Great margaritas, great tacos but horrible service. Every time I've been there the waiters have always disappeared for a few minutes at a time. That, plus the crazy crowds and atmosphere make me not too much of a fan. In the summer the patio is really nice though.
(2)
Rick A.
Just re-read my original review for DS Tequila and I decided I must write an update. Because three years later, they have greatly improved their service and food quality, and it must be mentioned. They figured out the taco situation, stopped making the homemade shells (which were not all that good at all), and simplified the ordering process. In short, they fixed all the problems that plagued them before, and now have a really nice, tightly run business. The food is always delicious (especially the coffee-rubbed steak taco... MEGA yum!), and the drinks are great and delicious. The service is fast and friendly, and the crowd is dessert for the eyes. I am now a fan of DS Tequila!
(4)
Kimberly M.
I went around 930pm on a Saturday night with a group of 5 people. The place was busy but we got sat immediately. The service was grea tand had friendly staff. The had no problems with splitting our check 4 ways... I ordered the chips and guacamole, which was fresh and yummy, a Sangria, and shared the classics burger. Everything was tasty.
(3)
Sean B.
They wrecked their unlimited tacos. They downgraded it to 10 choices for the more expensive option, taking out the Chorizo and others that must have been low margin for them, and they added rice and beans without asking. I sent my beans back, as they would wreck the taste of the rest of the meal for me. They prodded about whether I was allergic or not, and I said it doesn't matter - it wasn't listed on the menu. When we came in, they had a technology glitch. The waiter couldn't get the iPod touch to load the order, so then he brought out an iPad, which crashed numerous times. It crashed again later in the meal. Then a busboy/server brought out food to us not once but twice that was not ours. Probably because the iPads were broken. They switched the tortillas to corn tortillas. Eh. Ew. Then our waiter was stripping on the bar in some kind of fundraiser, which meant he was like 10 minutes late in taking our order for more tacos. He also didn't notice our pitcher was dry. I also don't really appreciate being upsold raffle tickets as a captive audience at a restaurant table. While he was hot stripping, I would have liked water or a drink more than watching him gyrate on the bar then touch our food baskets without a bathroom hand-wash in-between. He was probably just doing his job, so I think this is management's fault. The music was on about 30 dB too loud tonight. I couldn't hear my friends and it made the conversation awkward. The nail in the coffin was we were a group of 6 and they added 20% gratuity. AFTER THE TAX WAS ADDED IN. Are you kidding me? We left less and wrote as such on the receipt. Maybe if everything wasn't wrong. Not sure I'll be bringing my expansive posse back on Thursdays anymore. Maybe if they fix a bunch of this stuff.
(2)
Mike D.
How can anyone negatively remark on this place? Reading some of these reviews: You knocked them points because they didn't say goodbye to you? You knocked them points because you want to be "wined and dined like a lady"? This is a bar with food. That's all this place is - a bar.. with food. Not a Michelin star winning restaurant. Let me say this again: A bar.. with food. Now the food? I actually thought it was fantastic and worthy of four stars certainly. I had the 3 taco special and my buddy had a turkey sandwich. I thought both were fantastic. The chips/guac/salsa was amazing as well. I highly suggest trying this place out!
(4)
Rebecca I.
$2.50 per gourmet taco that comes on a freshly made tortilla and to wash in down their margaritas are the best I have had inside the States. They defiantly have a generous pour but also doesn't overwhelm or take away from the natural margarita taste. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I would defiantly recommend this place and will be going back! It couldn't of been a better first time experience!!!
(5)
Nathan R.
After my review posting...one of the owners has contacted me and started to resolve the situation!
(4)
Tracy S.
!
(5)
Michael V.
It's a bar that happens to serve a limited menu. It's crazy loud and the food is completely forgettable. If you're just there to drink and have tortilla chips and salsa, it may be worth a visit.
(2)
Julie L.
We stopped coming about a year or so ago after several bad food/drink experiences. But, we were in the neighborhood, we were hungry and we decided to take a chance. And we are very glad we did! Saturday, around 1:30 p.m. Nice crowd, great music and comfortable temperature, even out on the patio. A pretty, friendly server, Beth, came to take our order. We both wanted margaritas, and Beth highly recommended the "Cadillac." I was skeptical since, before, the margaritas were always way too sweet. "I promise," she said. "You will like these." We were persuaded, but I suspected I'd be sending the drink back for a "regular." Beth brought the drinks and took our order. I got the 7 Layer dip without meat, and my husband ordered the jalapeno poppers, a steak taco and a short rib taco. Beth described the 7 Layer dip as "unconstructed nachos." We toasted and tasted our drinks. WOW. They were delicious! Not too sweet, not too tart ... smooth and well worth the extra $2. As we enjoyed our drinks, we enjoyed the sounds. The music was an excellent mix - something for everyone - and not too loud. Perfect for conversation, but not too quiet either. Football played on screens above, but the sound of the game was down (thank you.) Our food arrived at the table hot and well-made. One bite told us the poppers were fresh and expertly prepared. The 7 Layer dip also tasted fresh and it was wonderfully cheesy. My husband said the tacos were amazing. We ate way too much. DS Tequila is BACK. We were very impressed. After discussing how many stars to give it (for the type of place it is), my husband said four. I asked him to tell me what was not perfect ... food, ambiance, drinks, price, service? He was stumped. "I can't think of one thing I'd improve." So, five stars it is. Thanks Beth. While we've never had a complaint about the service (Hi Adam! We miss you!), you helped us fall back in love with DS Tequila. See you again soon!
(5)
Jamar T.
The food here is pretty good and I LOVE Bingo/Taco night every Thursday. For $12.99 it's all you can eat so try them all! The service here is usually pretty mediocre (probably bc most of the guys here are more focused on singing and dancing along to the music and less focused on their paying customers) but there are a few really good ones. I came here for Saturday brunch and saw an entire table leave after waiting for about 15 minutes while the host was twirling around the floor instead of informing the server of the group seated in his section... The burgers are just ok and the salads are pretty big but pretty standard.They also have a bottomless mimosas brunch special for $25 which includes an entree. I had the Western Skillet which was really good! They have someone who walks around with tubes full of mimosa to top you off which is very convenient. Nothing worse than waiting around for your server for refills.
(3)
Geo O.
Since my review, I have been contacted by the owner and am very impressed by the follow up that he made to my experience. Clearly they do care about what the customers think and want to make it right!! Thank you John for hearing my voice and reacting to my concerns!
(3)
Noelle M.
Came in on a whim late evening on the 4th of July because the place we originally planned to go to was closed. Has a nice atmosphere both inside and out on the patio and the prices are reasonable. We were seated immediately. The staff was very attentive, with the manager and even other waiters stopping by to check on us. We started off with the frozen Arnold Palmer made with sweet tea vodka, which was incredibly delicious and you can barely taste the alcohol, though it packs a bit of a punch that slowly catches up with you. I ordered the classic burger, which had nothing classic or boring about it. The tequila onions and soft, buttery pretzel bun elevated what seemed like a normal burger to amazing. The meat had some sort of marinade or glaze which was also a nice touch. Even the fries were seasoned perfectly. My friend had tacos, which you can get a la carte and they seemed pretty decadent. Very satisfying experience all around and I definitely plan to return, just for the drinks alone.
(5)
Ramone B.
I stopped here after being grabbed by one of the workers while out walking to participate in a Halloween costume contest! I was Freddy Kreugar, and it was pretty cool they asked me to participate! I had a great time mingling with the bartenders, and staff, plus the crowds energy was pretty awesome! I didn't get to eat anything, but I definitely would love to go back and use the gift card I won! I will be back! Until next time!!!
(5)
Jen K.
Yes! Great place! I walked by it so often, as it's in my neighborhood but I've just never made it in. Shame on me for missing out for so long. I was with a large group at another taco place and we had such an awful experience that we left before eating. We still had a Mexican craving so one of my friend's recommended this place. We went and were seated immediately, even though there was 8 of us. It's a large place and very accommodating for large groups. Throughout the night, we kept adding to our numbers and the waiter never seemed bothered. We ordered the trash can nachos (which were freaking HUGE). Then we all ordered different tacos. Every order no matter how confusing were perfect. Our waiter was amazing. He was smart to split all the bills without us even asking and had every person in order. I liked all the food I tried and will definitely be going back to enjoy the outdoor seating all summer.
(4)
Anna B.
I just had to write a 1 star review, even though I love this place, simply because of the "boy" you have as a manager. Rude, disrespectful, pompous, and unprofessional. Get rid of him and I bet this place would be a 5 star establishment. See my Meat review for his first actions, before shouldering my friends here and not apologizing.
(1)
Shanon H.
Good for three hours of great food and service ---- only to be ruined by the fact you can not sit outside in odd numbers!!!! The policy here is fricking ridiculous!!! Our server Savannah was amazing though. The management not so much.
(3)
Dawon H.
Food is really good. The taco selection is killer...and tasty. Drinks are well poured and appropriately priced. The service is mostly mediocre. Here's an example: Last Thursday, I met a friend at the bar for drinks. He had already ordered a margarita and I ordered the same. After we were both drinking, the "hostess" walked by and carded us both. Mind you, we already were drinking. Smooth move Ferguson. Another friend met us and we decided to get a table and eat. Somehow the "hostess" had disappeared and we wanted to eat on the patio, so we walked over and asked one of the servers who told us we had to check in with the "hostess". We walked back to the main entrance, no hostess. Waited, waited, waited, finally I asked another server to help us and she found the hostess somewhere in the back and we were finally seated, mind you - no apology or acknowledgement that we had to track him down (yes him) to be seated when the place was practically empty and we could have very well seated ourselves. Our waitress arrives, we place an order for a pitcher of margaritas and nachos to start. She brings the booze and nachos - which split between the 3 of us went fast. A little later, she comes back and takes our food order and we ask for more nachos. Food arrives (TASTY and DELICIOUS)... we all order tacos...but no nachos. She forgot. She apologizes and disappears for what seems like forever. By now, we need a refill of our pitcher and still no nachos. Honestly not the biggest deal in the world because we were enjoying our tacos - but still. Long story short, this is a classic example of almost every dining experience I've had here. Drinks = great. Food = great. Experience/Service = meh.
(3)
Jordan N.
I thought the food was a bit pricey for a weekday lunch - and I don't think I was alone in thinking that since this place was practically empty. Also, I thought it was weird that I was carded to see if I was 21 and up before even getting to a table with the intention of only ordering food and not drinks - but this seems to be customary for this place. That being said, the marmalade burger I got ($13.89) with a salad substitution ($2) was very mediocre. with the patty being overcooked than what I had ordered it to be. The Tex-Mex portion of the menu didn't seem to be very appetizing as well as practically everything in the menu was spicy in one way or another, which I dislike. That being said, it became pretty obvious that this is more of a bar than a restaurant - and it'll unfortunately stay that way, keeping the crowd at its minimum during daylight.
(1)
Esbo B.
The food was ok. The manager came to our table but was pretty rude. I'm not sure why she even came to our table, we didn't ask to speak to her. I don't think I would go back. Overall: ok food and bad service.
(1)
Michelle K.
Unfortunately the wait staff was extremely rude. After the hostess telling us we could take an area on the patio everyone denied it and the server was rude. It seemed like she didn't want the business, we had a larger group that would have all ordered through her however after the poor attitude straight to the bar for everyone in our group. They claimed they had a private event in and hour however continued to seat tables around ours, if you have a private event why would you seat new tables. All in all it seemed everyone was lazy and over the "service" portion of the evening. I would give zero after everyone's attitude.
(1)
Valerie Z.
Went here a few months ago.....service sucked. Our server checked on us once every hour. Had to go to the bar for drinks. When w asked for the bill thank god we had cash because even though it wasn't busy our server never came back so we threw down and left rather then stiffing even though we could have. Tried this place again because of the patio today. Savanah....I don't know if she's new but we saw her once every 45 min. Made it hard to order. I had the picture that's attached with this review for my glass. It had nasty lipstick all over it.... I don't wear lipstick....soooo.... She finally came to the table and I showed her the glass.....her reaction was "oh"...does this happen often? No apology or even shock on her face. Then we closed out and had put in a previous order. The food wasn't on the bill so we were like....uhhhhh....She made a weak excuse....I used to serve too, if I ever forgot anything I'd know what to say.....which is what she did. She started they put beef rather than chicken.....30 min for nachos on a not crazy busy day??? She still charged me for my nasty drink with the dirty cup. #nevercomingback #dirty #dontwasteyourmoney #horribleservice. There are too many other places to go. We just had a couple behind us leave because they were never greeted at their table after being sat. Table of 4 lost. #fail #retrainyourstaff
(1)
Andy H.
Yes, it gets busy here. ( really busy ) Yes, parking sucks. ( it does everywhere ) True, the kitchen can slip up from time to time..... BUT, you wont find better tacos anyplace, end of story! The steak tacos are perfect every time as are the very epic seafood tacos. I am a big fan of the burgers as well, and will stack them up to the very over rated Kumas any day of the week! I am not sure why some reviews rip on the staff here, as I have dined here dozens of times and have been treated extra special each time. The servers are polite, and ready to bring you anything you ask for with no attitude problem. Its a tad pricey, but the quality is here.
(5)
John B.
Not even a descent Margarita which i find ironic. For some reason this place is popular. I went in on a Sunday evening and was seated immediately. After waiting a few minutes our order was taken an drinks were delivered. The margarita tasted that it was a pre-mixed that was poured on ice and served. There was nothing fresh or tasty about the drink. It was overly sweet and over priced. 20 minutes later dinner arrived. My steak tacos has a coffee rub. Ugh, it was like someone dumped starbucks compost on it. It gave it a burnt taste that was so off putting. The Fish tacos were better (grilled or fried) and the chicken taco was tasty. Service was abysmal. 5 minutes in I asked for napkins,,, 20 minutes later when I reminded him I still needed a napkin did he finally get some. Service was slow, drinks were mediocre at best. Sadly I would have been happier at a Chevy's which says a lot. Finally, CLEAN UP THE PLACE there are loose wires and crap everywhere.
(2)
Chelsey F.
Mimosas cannons are such a great start to my weekend. Amazing staff, always willing to make your brunch memorable! Thank you for making my Fourth of July fun! As a server/ bartender I was very impressed with Savanna.
(5)
Krsna V.
Severe identity crisis and mediocre food do not belong in Boystown. Leave the identity crisis issues to the myriad of gays who look alike with their two sizes too small t-shirts and similar hair style. What is this place trying to be anyway? Between showing football and hunting on some tv screens, I was confused if it is trying to be a sports bar or a hillbilly bar. And then the name suggests it is a Mexican joint. Talk about serious identity crisis. Who plays hunting shows on tv anyway? The food: our waitress says they are out of guacamole. Mind you this is on a weekend at 8:30pm. What kind of a place that is trying to be a Mexican joint runs out of guacamole on a Sunday night? Needless to say, one of our friends said it out loud "you are a mexican restaurant and you run out of guacamole on a sunday night?". She apologized, took out or order, and left. Miraculously, after 10 minutes she brought us some guac and said it is on the house. Hmmm...did someone make a quick run to the Jewel nearby? In any case, we appreciate having guac. The rest of the food was pretty average. My barnyard burger was okay. The drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the gringo margaritas. They were okay, nothing to rave about. I have had better margaritas at Cesars on Broadway and Tecalitlan in Ukrainian village. The crowd: where did these people come from? We had a group of loud people playing beer pong nearby. Again, what is this place trying to be? Beer pong? Really?Between butch lesbians and dude bros, this place seems to have a serious identity crisis. The music: holy crap! Where did they find this shitty music? Not only is it shitty, it is deafeningly loud. We ate, finished our pitcher of margaritas, and wowed to never return again. Perhaps their patio is nice in the summer, but the mediocre food and dude bro crowd does not warrant a repeat visit. Also, why is there no option for "shitty" in the ambience section of the review?
(2)
Tiva T.
I'm not going to lie, we had very low expectations of this place but needed something to eat before heading to the airport. DS Tequila was a pleasant surprise! Chips & queso: on point. Three taco meal: really good variety and the beans and rice were really tasty; not the usual dry, flavorless mess you typically get at a "Mexican" restaurant. Best food we had on our trip. Service was pretty good too.
(5)
Asenath N.
Love this place especially on Thursdays for $12 all you can eat tacos and is Bingo night! That is about the only night I enjoy this place. The rest of the time it gets really crowded. The food is your typical bar food, is nothing special.
(4)
Robert L.
We just wanted to say I has the best server experience today from a server named Neki. To be completely honest I love the energy of the place, but have never experienced good service, until today, and I wanted to take the time to write about it. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm smile, professional demeanor, and great knowledge of the menu. Neki, took the time to answer all of our questions, and came to check on us frequently, when she clearly had a lot of other tables to tend to. Please pass this message on to the manager/owner, and let him know he ought to promote Neki, or at least give her a raise!!
(4)
Sean B.
This is another fine example of going to a place because my friends chose it, and not because it was Yelp'ed highly... only to discover afterwards that it has a low rating when I do an ex post facto look at the ranking. However, this was pleasantly one of those scenarios where I was surprised it was low, as I had a great experience there. The servers were all friendly (including the very handsome "Chase" who seated us), the vibe was chill, the food was cheap and tasty, the drinks large. A great way to start out our Pride Saturday. Maybe this place turned itself around since the poor reviews from others? I thought it was quite cool.
(4)
Shannon K.
Don't get me wrong - this is a very solid 3 stars and DS is becoming a go to spot for me in Boystown. The food is consistent and I appreciate that fact. I would give them 4 stars if the drinks were better, but I generally stick to beer or margaritas at DS. It gets 4+ stars for atmosphere and fun! The patio is fan-freaking-tastic and looks out over Halsted. It's one of my favorite spots to pull up, eat some chips (with a great trio of salsas), drink some beer, chow on some creative and delicious tacos and hang out with friends. It's centrally located and they serve food pretty late. The staff and bartenders are always super friendly and the service has always been efficient, even when it gets crazy....and it does get crazy. This is not really a take-your-folks-when-they-are-in-town sort of a place, mainly because of the noise level and air of debauchery....but it is a fab place to chill out and have a gay day! Try all of the tacos, you can't lose. Yep, yep I dig you DS!
(3)
Brooke F.
We've lived in the neighborhood for a few months now and decided to try DS for the first time last night. Server (can't remember his name!) was very accommodating and friendly. Food was WONDERFUL! I'm gonna be in trouble from now on, getting fat off the Tequila Shrimp Tacos (try them). We had the Chips & Queso Dip, Texas Tenders, Tequila Shrimp Tacos, BBQ Pork Tacos, and House Margaritas. Everything was excellent!
(5)
Marie M.
The only reason why it gets even one star is because the server was nice. We went on Tuesday which is build your own burger night and movie night. The food was average. I felt like I was having dinner with children having spiderman on every speaker of every TV in the restaurant. I don't know if they were trying to be a restaurant or a bar but they failed at both miserably. The manager was very rude. We complained about the volume and she spun her keys in our faces. The whole thing was a very and in in miserable experience and she was a big part of that. It felt like they had turned up the volume of the commercials after the movie. The manager truly does not know how to do her job.
(1)
Bill K.
The spicy mango margarita was excellent, the tacos were very good, and the nachos were some of the best I've ever had. Service was marvelous. Our server, Alex, had great recommendations, not only about the food but also about things to do in the area. Had a great time!
(5)
Brittany K.
DS Tequila on a Thursday was so fun! Bingo night is a great way to break up a normal week. And the free prizes don't hurt. Our server ASHLEY was great! Kept the margaritas coming. That server is fantastic!
(4)
Angela C.
A friend of mine and I came here on a Monday afternoon, as most restaurants on Halsted were closed on Monday. It was pretty empty, and we were seated on the patio immediately. Our server was very attentive. He ordered the California burger (avocado, veggies but with chicken), and I ordered the Classic (bacon, tequila onions, cheese) with chicken. We both opted to get sweet potato fries. The food was fresh and tasty. The fries were thickly cut and crisp. They served this interesting marshmallow fluff/cinnamon dipping sauce which was awesome! I've never been here when it's busy, but for a quick bite on a slow weekday afternoon, this is a good place to go!
(4)
Megan S.
My coworkers and I went out after a work event. My phone was dead and the bartender was sooooo sweet to charge it for me. The margarita and music were great. I didn't even know they had food. After living in Texas for 2 years, this girl loves Tex-Mex and tequila. I WILL BE BACK! And thank you again to the sweet bartender :)
(4)
Patty K.
I had heard great things about DS Tequila Company and decided to try it out with my sisters. We were seated in a heated patio area. In December, even with the heaters I still needed my winter coat to be comfortable. The tables were wobbly and not especially comfortable. I ordered the taco dinner and it was ok. The pulled pork taco was my favorite and the smoked chicken one wasn't bad either. I didn't care for the short rib one. One of my sisters tried the chili and loved it! Out waitress was knowledgable about the menu and checked in on us as needed. Overall, the service here is great, the food is ok and the atmosphere could be improved (At least in the patio area). I would come back to eat here but wouldn't go out of my way to make any special trips.
(3)
Kristina I.
Made a reservation on Saturday evening for 6 people for my works little outing for around 7 pm. Everyone was a little late but the host still took care of us with no problems, the waitress we had was so super awesome and efficient it made me so happy. We even had an additional person join and she switched us to a larger section with no issues or attitude like most servers I have experienced that take on larger parties. She never once got confused or overwhelmed, I really wish I could remember her name but those High Octane Margs go straight to your brain I swear lol. Having worked in the serving industry personally for a many years, great service is always appreciated and noticed ( so she was definitely well tipped :)) Anyway I always love DS, great margs , music, menu , and vibes.
(5)
Katie S.
I have been to DS Tequila on multiple occasions and have loved it each time. Try the house margarita and coffee-rubbed steak tacos! You will not be disappointed. It's also a great brunch spot. I wasn't very impressed with the monkey bread, but the skillets and chicken and biscuits are wonderful! (The chicken and biscuits is huge, split it!)
(5)
Kevin M.
First time in Chicago and popped in here with a friend for dinner before heading over to Roscoe's to watch the live band karaoke. I'm easily swayed by a boozey slushie machine and 1/2 price menu. Great for the price and the quantity of food we got. Greeter and server were awesome. Only complaint was when a busboy spilled salsa on my shirt, filled a straw with water, let it go on my shirt, and handed me a napkin saying "it happens to me every day". I was pissed but kept my mouth shut and cleaned it up as any good Canadian boy would do. No apologies from him. Very classy.
(3)
Michael J. A.
DS Tequila definitely has a bar atmosphere abs a bar menu. We had the chips and salsa trio and to be truthful it wad nothing much. One of the dips was full out just Ranch dressing. The tacos were good. Just the right size in a the portion dinner special with rice and beans. The refried beans were excellent and the rice was good. I had the grilled fish tacos and they would have been excellent if the coleslaw did not overpower the fish so much. It wad all I tasted. It wad labeled as jalapeño coleslaw but didn't taste anything but mayo. I also had the pulled pork tacos which were actually very good. Service wad good and attentive. Over all Ok, but I wouldn't rush to come back.
(3)
Luis L.
Let's begin with the day. It was 4th of July. I worked that day but my bestie who was in town for the weekend wanted to hang out in Boystown after I got off work. He decided to take me to DS Tequila and get a margarita there because he likes that they are about the size of his head. Ok, sure. I was hungry and needed food, so I figured I could eat something there, as they serve tacos and other things. When we arrived, the host was occupied and away from the stand. So we waited. My friend had to use the restroom so he went and I stayed and continued waiting. A server was nearby and I asked if I should wait or seat myself, but he told me to wait. When the host came back, there was another employee standing nearby who was not working that day, which I gathered from overhearing the conversation between her and the host, who ignored me completely and seemed to think it was more important to gab with his pal than to attend to me. Alright. Finally, when he was done gabbing with his pal, the employee who was not working that day, the host turned to me as if I'd just arrived, and with feigned surprise, greeted me as though I hadn't been standing there all this time. Fine. I asked for a table for 2 on the patio but the host informed me that there were no tables for 2 at this time. Not a problem. I told him we would sit at the bar and wait until something opened up, and asked if he could please come get us. He said he would let us know and we went to the bar. This happens all the time in restaurants (not the being ignored part but the waiting for a table). I have no problem waiting for my desired table. What doesn't happen all the time and what I do have a problem with is what happened afterwards. My friend said he wanted to wait until we sat at our table to get his ridiculous margarita, I got my first drink at the bar. The wait was long and he couldn't wait any longer so he ordered a regular sized margarita and I had a second drink. We waited for about 30 minutes and witnesses the host seat ONE party of 2, outside on the patio. A few moments later, we witnessed him sit a SECOND party of 2 outside on the patio. I walked up to him and told him we had been waiting for a very long time and that we saw him seat TWO parties of 2 already, and asked if there was a reason we were being made to wait. He said, "I'm so sorry, I was just coming to get you. Please give me a moment." Ok. Fine. And then, a moment later, we saw him seat a THIRD party of 2, outside on the patio! By this time I was aggravated. Not only did we have to wait so long but we were passed up, not once, not twice, but THREE times! And the third time after I had already complained. So I walked up and pointed out to him that we just saw him seat yet another party of 2 outside. He seemed contemptuously apologetic and told me he'd seat us next. Grabbed two menus and led us to our table, but the table he took us to was NOT to my liking, and I told him I wanted to sit out in the more open area by the street. "We have a rotation going on," he said. At this point I clarified to him that I didn't care, that we had waited a long time and had been passed up for a table THREE TIMES, and that he needed to seat us at one of the tables that were clearly available in our preferred part of the patio. This host then had the audacity to become upset with US, he led us--more like stomped--over to the table in the part of the patio where we wanted to sit, and walk away. Our server was nice, but inefficient. When I asked to speak to a manager he said he would bring her over, but never did. I went looking for the manager myself. It was a woman who seemed nice enough until I described what had happened to us. She flippantly attributed the host's actions to a mere mistake. "Mistakes happen," she said. Really? Twice in a row and a third time after I already pointed out the mistake??? She didn't try to rectify the situation at all. Fine! I will never step foot in that place again. And I will tell anyone and everyone I know about the horrible experience I had and suggest that they don't go there. Horrible!
(1)
Suzanne P.
I really should have consulted with Yelp before dinner tonight... You know those people in the world where you are immediately attracted to them because of their good looks and charm? Then you start talking and getting to know them and realize that there is nothing going on in their head? DS Tequila Company, you are the restaurant equivalent of that person. All beauty; no brains. UGH. The best thing about my meal was the elote side dish (but really, corn cotija cheese and chili pepper; not super inventive and needed SALT badly...) but I will order this on any menu because I am in love with this tasty corn dish. Their guacamole and chips were laughable. How guacamole can be tasteless is beyond me. It made me wonder if it was a mix of avocado and "guacamole" (you know, that mushy green stuff that's not the real stuff) after all.... It was disappointing. I love me some guacamole, and this was not that. Also, for being a gay bar, your drinks are super weak. Again, gay bar conoisseur here, and the library is open and I am reading you, DS Tequila Company! The one thing that I did absolutely love was the charming patio and the fire pit in the middle of the table. However, it was difficult to enjoy over the Miley Cyrus and Will I Am blaring loudly. Unless you're not super hungry, don't care about mediocre service, aren't an apparent lush like me and prefer some alcohol in your drinks, take my words of advice and go elsewhere.
(2)
Maddie L.
I lived about 6 steps from DS Tequilla for 2 years, and now that I'm moving I'm really going to miss what became our neighborhood margarita joint. 1 - The margs are unreal! So many flavors, and so big! 2 - Great outdoor patio. I loved going here post-work for a couple of hours and sitting out in the sun with a margarita and some chips and quac. It really doesn't get any better. Great people-watching and lots of seating. 3 - 1/2 off food on Mondays! You can get a few tacos for a few bucks!
(5)
Dylan M.
Who cares if it's a little slow. Must be 21 to enter, great food, strong margaritas all in Boystown. Yum. Dont forget about all you can eat tacos after 5pm on Thursdays. shit, so good.
(5)
Danielle B.
DS Tequila is my favorite place in Chicago! They have a wide variety of fantastic tacos-the steak taco is incredible! They are great for groups as well. We came for my birthday and it was so much fun. They had party hats, leis and confetti poppers on the tables when we arrived which was so unexpected and made my birthday that much better. They also have delicious margaritas and what this southerner would call the only appropriate queso in Chicago {white, drippy cheese} paired with light and crispy chips! They have awesome theme/specials nights, too. Monday: 1/2 off food, Burger & movie Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday, $12.99 all you can eat tacos and gringo bingo Thursdays, $10 fish bowl Fridays and fun brunch specials on the weekend! Literally can't say enough about how much I love this place!
(5)
Michelle Z.
Flavorless food aside from the taco salad. Overpriced drinks. Entitled staff. I had a horrible Pride experience here. Go to Halsted's instead tbh next time.
(1)
Justin B.
Things about DS I LIKE: The food: DS offers a great selection of Tex-Mex style food, including some great tacos. The salads and burgers here are pretty good, too. The nachos are pretty epic. Don't order the full size nachos unless you're a party of six or more. (Trust me on this one). The patio: They've enclosed (and recently heated) the very large patio, located on the adjacent lot. The retractable roof allows for patio dining at almost any time of the year, and is pretty packed all summer. The specials: The entire menu is 1/2 price on Mondays, Tuesday is $1 taco night. The sports: They have a ton of televisions, inside and out, so you can always catch a game. ---- Things about DS I DON'T like: The service: It's VERY hit or miss. I'm not sure if it's the server training or the people they hire (maybe a bit of both) but the wait staff - although very friendly - are very sporadic when it comes to levels of service. It's a crap shoot. The noise level: Yes, it's a bar. Yes, it's loud. And yes, they like it that way. I tolerate it because the pros outweigh the cons. Evenings are crazy and weekends are insane. I would never bring a first date here. Overall, it's a good place to grab food and have a couple of drinks with your friends. I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I will continue to go back, but I just wish they'd kick up their level of service a bit (and get that hand dryer fixed in the bathroom)!
(3)
Mandie C.
I love brunch, and an unlimited mimosa doesn't hurt. Adam was a great server and just wanted us to have a great time. He was awesome and we will be back next Sunday!
(5)
Jennifer N.
Due to some of the reviews of this place, I did not come here with any sort of expectations. The gringo margarita was good and my tacos were fine but nothing special. My friends said their burgers tasted like they were just taco meat shaped into a burger patty, which is probably what it was. The food is pricey for what it is. The service was friendly but ridiculously slow and the place was not particularly crowded. We ordered the chips and salsa (which come with free refills) but it was almost impossible to get the refill. A second round of drinks were ordered and it took forever to get them. Overall, not a huge fan
(2)
Ryan R.
We went here a couple of times during our time in Chicago to eat and drink. The first time I went, we came so late that we barely had any time to order from the kitchen. That paired with being seated right below the frequently dripping air conditioner did not bode well for a good experience. The tacos I ordered were also very average and are definitely ones that could be easily outmatched in my own kitchen. That being said, the service was pretty friendly and they accommodated our large group well. The second time our group went, we had a much better experience. I decided to go with the "Big D" burger and really enjoyed it. I also sampled the chips and dip trio which was also decent as well. The margaritas were decent, nothing amazing, but they get the job done and again it was a good space for our rather large party. Overall, not my favorite place to eat, but you can't beat margaritas with a large group.
(3)
Robyn G.
Woof. After walking 10 feet from the door the smell hits you. It smells like an entire NFL team just took off their shoes. There's definitely a plumbing issue or ventilation issue or something that just makes it smell like the place is rotting. If you can get a seat outside and get past the smell... then the food is good and the drinks are good.
(3)
Trista T.
I did love this place, but it the image is a bit confusing. Sports bar, gay men, not really Mexican food place. But it works I guess. I didn't have a full meal but I did try the sweet potato fries. They were out of this world. Thick cut and full of flavor and came with spiced marshmallow dip that was perfection!!! My friend all loved their margaritas and food as well. Server was great and made it feel really homey. Cannot wait to get back to that dip!!! Highlight of the whole dinner.
(4)
David A.
I loved the tacos that i got. I stepped in here to get out of the cold and grab a little bite to eat. I tried the Grilled Fish Taco, The Chicken Taco, the Coffee rubbed Taco and they were all delisious. Esspecially the fish taco It was fantastic. The tortillas that they use here are equisit. The one draw back was that each of these small bites were around $3 a piece. I have had tacos as good as this place for half that price. Still the food was great.
(4)
Mike D.
DS...your service is slipping from decent to non-existent. We've noticed the last couple of times we've been here that the service gets worse and worse. No refills or check-ins. We've had empty drink glasses for 20 minutes and have been waiting for a ticket or a hello for 10. Positives: food is still terrific. The kitchen and BOH is doing great. Hot, timely, delicious good. Come here for good food and good drinks!
(3)
Cameron H.
A friend and I wanted something quick before hitting the night on the town. So, since it's been a long time, and all of the bars we were hitting were within that vicinity, then it made logical sense to go to DS. We were immediately seated after walking in (on a Thurs night-boys night out). The host seem a bit pissy but it did get better after our waiter brought us our drinks. My friend ordered nachos for his main even though it was an appetizer. OMG, this plate is huge. It could feed three people. For my main, I ordered a turkey/chicken burger with a egg on top. Very tasty. Overall, decent place, good food, ambiance is ok as we didn't want to have another drink while there.. I will have to try the all you can eat tacos night on Thursdays... Especially being that Thursdays is boys night out...
(3)
Jose V.
Can't really understand all the bad reviews.. Its a sportsbar/tex-mex place, dont come expecting authentic mexican food or michelin starred restaurant! I love their chill atmosphere, their indoor patio and their lighter options in the menu Their salads are ridiculously huge
(4)
Lai J.
Been there a few times. I'm always annoyed by the places that check your ID no matter what and I'd drink simply because I've been carded. Most of the hosts I met are sweet. Servers are alright, it just takes forever for them to notice you. Love the busboy and jalapeño poppers, one more star for them.
(4)
Brian N.
Great spot for groups and real good tacos! All the tacos were fantastic...Pulled pork and coffee rubbed steak were delicious. Real thin chips with jalapeno ranch dressing also very good! Place was great and very reasonably priced too.
(4)
Justin B.
This place has great food, decent service and is relatively cheap. My gripe: BOTH times that I've gone here I've had my credit and bank card compromised. The staff is apparently untrustworthy. ALLOF'EM. Not only do they require a card to be left (even if you're a sitting patron) but they then leave it out in the open on the bar counter. I've lost well over $1000 in compromised charges due to the staff at DS. Charges to my card: $467.42 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $77.30 BURGER KING #9627 CHICAGO RIDGE IL $247.00 iTunes $682.38 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $197.67 DS Tequilla SERVER: COREY (caucasian/blonde male around 5'10) I really just want to see what over $1000 buys at shoe carnival. Please show me. If the owner is reading this: YOU OWE ME, BRO.
(1)
David S.
My friend and I went for a late dinner after a show at Mary's Attic in Andersonvillle....It was our first time there, and we were seated it what I assume would be the patio area in better weather. It looked liked retractable glass walls looking at the sidewalk, but we were at the beginning of a major blizzard that night in Chicago, so, needless to say, the glass walls were down! Ashley was our server, and she had a trainee with her that night, and between Ashley and the food, I'd call it a great experience! We started with a bowl of margaritas and some guacamole, and the reason I'm giving them a one-star demerit, is the guacamole portion was really chintzy.... we had half the chips left and no more guac :( Andrew had the 9-layer dip app as a dinner, and loved it; I had the 3-taco combo platter and I appreciated that the tacos weren't hugely ginormious but that the portion size was absolutely perfect. Ashley was delightful, and is one of the reasons we'll be back!
(4)
Megan S.
Definitely one of my favorite places in Boystown. I come here with one my good friends and every time we've had a great time. The Miami Vice marg that they make is incredible. There's also a bartender there that looks just like Dr. Avery from Grey's Anatomy and he's so sweet. On my friend's birthday I asked if they did anything special, I was just expecting a shot for her, but he came out with a round of shots for everyone in our party and a giant sparkler for her.
(3)
Shana H.
Not a fan of this place at all. I actually had a server huff at me when I asked for coffee during Saturday brunch. A bit uncalled for. The food is meh, and the staff isn't very pleasant. Wonder why people even come here. Its too bad because the potential is there if they'd clean up their customer service! One word...entitlement. sigh!! They may almost have a good gig if they weren't such protentious servers. Get over yourself, you are not a gift to Halstead street.
(1)
Luke C.
I love the atmosphere here. The food is delicious (especially the different tacos; yum!!!). The staff is quirky and so much fun. I don't know how they do their hiring here, but I've never had any bad service! Their margaritas and drinks are just the best around and you'll never find a better atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you get a giant smile from the staff and it just keeps getting better! It's a great neighborhood spot, place to watch a football game during the season, or an awesome place for a margarita after a Cubs game (I've been there for all three reasons)!
(5)
Silas H.
Amazing tacos but I wish their drinks weren't so pricy. Its a good try, I haven't had a bad experience and have been there a few times.
(4)
Adriane P.
Recently I did a family members homework for them. I'm altruistic like that. Thus, I could justify copying my guest's review, his is better but I won't. I've been several times now. It seems like an identity crisis of a sports bar and Mexican restaurant. Especially with the dozens of tvs playing sports, top 40 music, tacos, margs, and burgers. Last time we arrived and the host was rather impressed with his unusual ID. There was a wait but he approached us at the bar and squeezed us in a communal table. Kudos to you, friend for being a transplant! The name. Oy, it's always fun on a date before dinner to explain what DS stands for. Romantical and pleasant before eating. And by the the way, what the h is next? Suck and Blow Hookah Bar, Reverse Cowgirl Texmex, Rimjob Auto Shop? Yeesh! The margs are weak and just ok. Very slurpee like. A guy filled one of the slurpee marg dispensers with a huge 5 gallon unmarked container. Not a good sign. I ordered the caramel Apple martini dispensed from a similar machine. It was even weaker, but a neat liquid candy. The caramel was evenly distrbuted top to bottom. The waiter came up as we took our first sips and said, "Your food's almost ready, do you want the check?" My friend asked him his pardon and he repeated it. We were flabergasted (yet hid it with poise) and politely declined. Others servers kinda hovered after too much. I liked the tacos much more than my partner. I ate like 9 kinds, shush! I was hungry and wanted to sample many. Note DS Tequila Company does not actually make tequila. Work out the drinks and service guys. I dig Mexican with a shovel and wanna like you but make more of an effort!!!!!! It's not the sht but not terrible.
(3)
Cinthia M.
Oh DS Tequila! I have never in my life, witnessed or experience the horrible, horrific service that I have at your establishment. My mother and I went to Market Days this particular evening and met up with family and friends and decided to go to DS Tequila. They had a line that was about 25 minutes long, but we waited as we were all very hungry and was eager to have, what I have been told-Great Margarita's and food! As we finally reach the front of the line there was a $5 dollar cover charge. I would not normally pay a cover charge at 6pm or especially just to sit down and eat, but once again were very hungry and this place was a regular joint for the people we were meeting. I want to cut through the whole confused look on everyone of the staff face as they seemed not to know how to sit a 6 top. We were finally ask to follow a staff member and some how along the way to sit us, he got distracted by another customer and pointed us to the corner table. We sat in a big table in the corner by the front of the patio. The girl waitress with the short hair was very nice and pleasant. As she took our order after giving us some menus, we asked if we can please put in both food and drink order and that 2 of our guest were in the washroom (we had ordered their drinks) they were going to order food, too. One more person joined in which we asked for a chair from the table next to us that was not using it. About 10 minutes after, a staff member came to our table and said we could not sit at our table and we would have to put the chair back. I told her if she could explain why, she couldn't and left confused by not knowing the reason herself. Then another staff member came, who later we would know was the manager Eric. He was the worst!! He stormed to our table and said, "you cannot sit here!" Again, when I asked why, he said at first because it was a fire hazard, which did not make sense-there was ample room. Then came back and said it was because we did not order any food. When I told him the waitress already took both orders, he left.....then came back with the waitress and said, "Here is your waitress! She said you guys only order 5 items on the menu, there are 7 of you!!" (remember the other 2 are in the line for the washroom) It was getting a little ridiculous and I felt like we were being treated like we were preschool kids, trying to prove little tedious things. I asked Eric, "what would like us to do" multiple times, he was still ranting. He first said we would all have to wait in line again. Then, just the two of us would have to wait outside in line again. He kept changing what he wanted us to do, mind you, there are 3 or 4 other tables that are empty around us!!!! At the end when I asked if he wanted us to split tables, he said no, we would all have to leave or else he would call security. I ask for his name and he said "I am the manager!" He quickly called his security (which was a nice guy, who seemed surprise by the situation) and Eric told him to take us through the emergency exit. Eric did not seem empathetic to anyone at the table or his staff. Being a restaurant and bar manager for several years, there are always ways to handle ALL situations. Eric you are a big fail in this industry, rude, egotistic, vain, narcissistic....I could go on. But one words sums you up for the way you embarrassed our table and most of all my mother. I am still in disbelief and shocked for what happened that night. I cannot believe someone lets you represent their business.
(1)
Ryan S.
Love coming here on Thursday nights for all-you-can-eat tacos and Gringo Bingo! Gets super crowded for the latter, though, so come early!
(5)
Kate U.
Oh DS Tequila Company, lots of great (and drunk) memories here... My friend Michelle and I stumbled into this place one Thursday night and have been back almost every Thursday night since as they have BINGO and unlimited tacos for $15. It's a great deal and the tacos are not taco-bell style tacos at all, they have some great ones! My personal favorites are the steak & fried chicken. The margaritas are an intense experience. You really only need one and you're done for the night, this place has tequila in its name for a reason. I take BINGO pretty seriously and actually thought it was rigged for awhile until my friend finally won! So therefore if you like: Bingo, tacos, and tequila come here. Oh and P.S. do not TRY that random free shot that they pass out. It's nasty cough syrup and probably one of the worst shots I've ever had. It's not even worth it even though it's free.
(3)
Jon C.
Thank goodness I have friends who feel "unlimited drinks" at brunch is a requirement. $25 gets you a boozy brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings here, and that's a pretty good way to start the day. Your very own mug of mimosas holds close to a bottle of champagne and just enough OJ to turn it the palest of yellow. Don't worry though.. if you run low, the hostess has two tubes strapped to her back full of mimosas and she'll be happy to come by and top you off (tips appreciated). The second most important part of a boozy brunch is the food. I was told that Chicken and Biscuits was a must have, so it didn't take me long to decide. Two jumbo-sized biscuits with three deep fried delicious chicken tenders smothered in gravy and served with home fries. Yes sir.. this was damn good and enough food for two. Seriously.. I could only eat half of it. If you're wanting to hang out for a little while and soak up some more booze, try your hand at the beer pong table in the heated outside seating area. You'll spend a lot of time chasing balls, but if you're into that.. it's a really fun time!
(5)
Dana J.
Go. To. The. Brunch. Oh my goodness, this place was so much fun. Bottomless mimosas and amazing food on a Sunday afternoon, what more could you ask for? We had reservations but I feel like most people didn't and they were seated right away. I would love to go back soon!
(4)
Sheri M.
I frequent this place for the Miami Vice and the chips w/ queso and guac. The crowd is always cool and there is usually some promotion going on where I leave with a free shirt or had a couple of free drinks while I was there. They also have a patio that is great to chill out on in the summer time.
(3)
Lily S.
You really can't go wrong with Thursday night unlimited tacos for $15 and 2 hours worth of BINGO. What's better? Adding alcohol to the mix. Cough syrup tasting shots for all BINGO players. Gross, but I'll take it! Margaritas served in a fish bowl. Your friend's will get schwasted mid-BINGO. You'll have to stamp their BINGO card for them in the meantime. All around, this is a good place.
(3)
Maty M.
Thursday Night Bingo turned up with a DJ! Went here on a Thursday as some friends lived near and were simply seeking margaritas, we saw online what it was Gringo Bingo night and we were confused. Do not let the name of the game throw you off, it is regular bingo. And lots of it! There must have been 6 or 7 rounds, which is enough to fill about two hours. The crowd was pretty into it and having almost too much fun with bingo. Each round had a winner and they got various prizes like backpacks and coolers. While the atmosphere was brought up by having a DJ bumping some jams, it was also only 9pm and they could stand to turn down the tunes to allow for the groups playing and eating to talk and catch up. It seemed to me that dance club and bingo were mixing, which threw me for a loop. Overall, I would go back for the large variety of marg. flavors and entertainment.
(4)
Mallory Z.
Came here with a group of 7 Saturday night. Made a reservation for 7:15 but we didn't need to. Wasn't too crowded at that hour. It was one of the last nice days of the year and the patio was open. Unexpected surprise. I really liked the patio. Cool vibe with a fire pit in the middle of our table, even though it doesn't light. Hawks game was on the tv, nice added bonus. The 5 ladies of our group ordered one of the flavored Margs. Good marg. Nothing to write home about. It might have been blueberry. Who remembers. We ordered the steak family size nachos for appetizers and barely finished them. Seriously huge and amazing! I could have finished the meal there and left happy. Too bad I ordered the taco dinner. It was good but I was already too full to eat much. I got the coffee rubbed steak which was good, fish which was below average, and shrimp which was great. The beans were pretty gross, could have done without those. Pretty standard Americanized tacos. If I go back, I'll stick with just the nachos. The reason I'm knocking a star off is for service. Our server was very friendly but not very attentive. After we ordered our Margs and asked for 5 glasses he darted off. The other members of our group were going to order beer but never got a chance. I'm just thankful it wasn't me who had to spend the meal sober!
(4)
Kyle O.
This 2-star review is solely based on the service. The food and drinks were awesome. Went with some friends for the $.25 wing special. The place was not busy at all when we arrived, yet we were told it would be a 35 minute wait. That's fine, drinks at the bar, whatever. We got a seat on the patio and waited...and waited...and waited...for a server to arrive. This should have been our cue to run. The service was painfully slow. The food showed up 35 minutes after our appetizer was taken away, and my friends' drinks did not arrive until we reminded the server that they were missing. He blamed it on a ticketing error but...it was the last item on our bill even though we ordered it before our food. Nice try. No apologies, nothing. Didn't get a single water refill once, even though we were all eating spicy wings. Also, those wings came with no dipping sauces or celery/carrots to cool off. Such a bummer because they were really quite good and you can't beat 25 cents per wing. Unfortunately, the service was just too abysmal for us to consider going back.
(2)
Janique D.
I can't say enough about this place. My husband and I have been faithfully going to DS since we moved to Boystown 2 years ago. We take all our guests there when they visit from out of town...sometimes 2 nights in a row! It has to be one of the most consistently great restaurant/bars in Chicago! Their food is always so delicious and tasty, and I was informed recently EVERYTHING at DS is made from scratch; including their tortillas. Which if you haven't tried yet, their coffee rubbed steak tacos...dreamy, freakin' dreamy! In addition, their jalapeño margaritas (mouth is salivating as I write this) are not something you can describe in words. Every person we have introduced them to, loses their marbles a bit when they try them. Be warned, they're incredibly addictive! Needless to say, we are HUGE fans of this place. The relaxed, fun vibe, paired with great food and fantastic drinks...easily 5 stars!
(5)
LaVerne A.
Really baaaaaadddddd tasteless no love in the kitchen kind of food. Stopped in on a Monday and was excited to find out we lucked up on a half off all food day! We'll our eyes got way bigger than our stomachs. We scored the mother load...Yeeeessss!!!! We ordered 2 three taco dinners. The "top" coffee rubbed steak taco as written in the Chicago magazine as our server stated. The smoked chicken taco, grilled fish. and shrimp. We also ordered the buffalo wings. All of them were over topped and smothered in sauces and fruit! Just plain gross! Overall the food sucks! Great relaxed atmosphere for a couple of drinks in the outdoor garden. but that's it! Good food if your drunk maybe .....
(1)
Frankie C.
This was my first time dining at DS Tequlia and it was just okay. Upon entering the restaurant, my party and I were sited right away. We sat on the covered patio, which I can only assume is suppah popular during the spring/summer. We got the salsa trio ($6) with a side of guacamole (additional $6). They legit only give you a medium scope of guacamole for a very unreasonable price...Chipotle gives you much more in comparison - plus, extremely better quality - for a fraction of the cost. For my entree I got three tacos (BBQ Chick, Coffee Rubbed Steak, & Riblets) with were the highlight of the experience. The rest of my party all got burgers, all which looked good. Unfortunately due to the bad service, I had to wait to the end of the meal to get a silverware to eat my rice and beans that came with my tacos. It was rather difficult to get anyone's attention any sooner. It wasn't busy, so I'm disappointed that the staff wasn't more attentive. Overall, good food with bad service. P.S. This establishment does have fun specials during the week: Wednesday is Trivia night and Thursday is all you can eat tacos.
(3)
Jenny B.
The coffee rubbed steak tacos are some of the best tacos I've ever had....EVER. I go here just to eat those tacos. They change up their menu (at least the tacos) every so often to keep things interesting. Their drinks are good...average for any bar. More outdoor seating in the summer which is nice. Their hostess stand could use some improvement with wait times and being on top of customers, but other than that, this is a regular eating place for me. Be sure to eat here.
(5)
Lamar S.
Me and my friends came here for dinner on a Friday night. This was my first time here so I was excited to see what they had to offer. It's located in boys town so you have to be in the LGBTQ community or LGBTQ friendly to enjoy the atmosphere. To start, the wait staff is awesome. The waiter we had was not only helpful but was ready for our comedic personalities as he guided us through the menu. The drinks are amazing! I had the beergarita (which you can get In any flavor. I got raspberry) and the chipotle pineapple margarita. Both were awesome and different than what I expected them to be. The prices were decent as well for the mug size you receive. The food was great! I had the steak quesadilla. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the quesadilla was the fact that they drowned the steak in A1 sauce but overall it was good. We also orders the loaded fries as an appetizer. They tasted great! It comes with this sauce that taste awesome on the fries. Expect to pay between $15-$25 for a drink or two and a meal. Overall, it's a great place to go and socialize, especially on a Friday night!
(5)
Angelica C.
21+. Salsa Trio has a white sauce which is THE BEST. Don't bother with their wings, they're like frozen ones drowned in sauce. However, they do have awesome seasoned fries! They have a ton of TVs to catch all different games. Daily specials too: Monday 1/2 off all food, Tuesdays is $5 burgers + 25c wings, Trivia Wednesdays is always more fun with their $3 Fireballs shots (they had some pretty awesome prizes when I was there), Thursdays are Bingo. You can also get Dining Points if you make a reservation through OpenTable.
(3)
Norm J.
DS Tequila is a good spot to go to if you are with a group of friends in Boystown and want a chill spot to eat OR if you've been doing Sunday Funday and need a burger or tacos to help settle your stomach because you have a 8a.m conference call the next day. The food is good, but not memorable. *My friends all got a variety of tacos and thought they were OK. *I got the Lady Marmalade Burger (sweet red onion marmalade, gruyere cheese, spicy aioli on a pretzel bun for $13.89). The burger hit the spot seeing how I'd been enjoying the adult beverages for 4 hours, but for the price I paid I would have rather gone to Burger Bar. *I also got the XXX Jalapeño Poppers and let me tell you these bad boys are HUGE and HOT! I mean I was expecting jalapeño poppers like the ones you can buy in the freezer section at the grocery store...X WRONG. These poppers, which you get 4 of, look like they were doing the same steriods that Mark McGwire was taking (I can't get sued for that comment can I). If your mouth can handle the heat I definitely recommend you try these. The best thing about DS Tequila is the music. The entire time we were there one great song after the other came on. Thankfully, I was trapped in the middle of the booth so I couldn't get up and show off my awesome So You Think You Can Dance hip hop skills.
(3)
Aaron S.
Service was amazing - our waitress was so fun, kind, and fast. Went on $15 all you can eat taco night. While it's all you can eat, I was only able to eat about 4 of them. They are super filling, and that's coming from a big boy. The margaritas were good, and strong. I'll most definitely come back again. There are a lot of negative reviews for this place, but I had a very good experience
(4)
Andre W.
Tequila ya betches!!! An old friend decided to have her bday celebration here and I was pretty excited because I have been wanting to check this place out for awhile. I noticed the interior was pretty tight as there was a long communal table in the middle of the joint in between the bar and the booths over to the left hand side. There is an outside seating space, but my group was occupying the long ass communal table which was cool. Place gets pretty loud which is expected...i probably added to the loudness with all my damn screaming LOL. I opted for the High Octane Margarita per the server's advice. I only read part of what the ingredients were which is why I did not notice everclear was in the mix until someone mentioned it lol. It was really good to say the least. Whats funny is that they will not allow you to have more than 2 per sitting. I figured I should eat something after having that drink so I got some tacos. I went with a short rib taco and 2 tequila shrimp tacos. The tequila shrimp taco were really good as the short rib taco was quite disappointing. There were TVs everywhere which was cool as it was opening weekend for college football. Service was really good as there were able to handle our very large group with no problem. Good spot for tequila & tacos and I will definitely come back for more.
(4)
Lisa A.
I came here for a fundraiser benefit event so it was for free drinks and appetizers for 2 hours. The service was good and the bar was serving plenty of good standard drinks and margaritas. They served fried chicken tenders with 4 different kinds of sauces that were tasty and the quesadillas were scrumptious and not skimpy with the meat or cheese. I only hesitate to come back because there was an odor permeating the establishment that was a little concerning.
(3)
Dana O.
Absolutely love this place! We go for brunch all the time! We recently had Bennett as out waiter and he was awesome. Very attentive and always on top of it.
(5)
Christian C.
Went there today and my friend found hair on his classic burger. You would think they would give you some discount or offer you something to make up for the hair but nope! Instead, our server with no personality came back with our bill saying "my math is a little off and couldn't figure how to split a $27.50 bill". Enough said, this place is pricey, loud and service is poor. Never coming back here til management resolves their issues!
(1)
Holly M.
I've only been here twice and I loved it both times! The fishbowl margaritas are super awesome--not overwhelmingly strong, but gets the job done. I had the California burger the last time I went. It was... AMAZING. They put an entire half of an avocado on it and it's so juicy and wow..it was great. We ordered chips and guacamole. We received a big basket of chips and a tiny bowl of avocado--definitely not enough guac for two people. But the waitress brought us a second basket of chips just for the heck of it, so that was nice. We were seated in the side area that is usually open during the summer. It was a cold night and, although enclosed, the space we were in was freezing. So, we shivered and ate, but our margaritas warmed us up just fine. Our waitress was super nice, as was the bus-boy, and it was just an all-around great environment. Can't wait to go again once I'm back in Chicago.
(4)
Cat K.
I went here on half off Monday! OH MY GOD! All I did was get a glass of coke and the large Texas Trash Can Nachos. It all came out to be around only $13. Sever was delightful but she didn't warn me on how LARGE this large nachos is. It's the size of a big baby. It was massive. I got it with the steak topping and the small cubed steak melted in my mouth, it was so good. She also told me that the steak is from a supplier that makes high quality steak and that they sell to steakhouses where the cuts come out to be $100 a plate. I felt so goddamn spoiled. I could only finish half of the nachos with my friend. I took the rest home, and the box was a little heavy haha. This was my 3rd time here and I'm never disappointed. I'm always coming back.
(5)
Tiffany F.
Food is always good- a go to for drinks and food with friends. Tacos are always great, but so are the burgers!! Love the margs and Moscow mules for drinks.
(5)
Grierson L.
Great food and nice service. Quite the menu variation and the tacos are superb! The restrooms: not so much! They need a complete remodel. Half priced food on Mondays, so that was a nice surprise.
(3)
Kalina N.
Monday is half off food menu! Heck yes! Go on a Monday so you can taste all the goodness! Their tacos are to die for! (just a little too spicy for my taste) I came here after seeing a movie near by, and boy was it the right choice. The food is so extremely good. I haven't tried their specialty drinks yet, but I have heard good things. Friendly staff, dimmed atmosphere, cool crowd. Oh and that cookie! It comes on a skillet with an ice cream scoop... The cookie is HUGE! 4-5 people can share it! Tasty too!
(5)
Puran R.
Poor service, mediocre food, average ambience, overpriced. That about summarizes it accurately.
(1)
Shannon H.
Terribly unprofessional management! I understand that today is a holiday, but I also don't like getting being told I don't know what time I arrived. My sisters and I came in at 8:10 and were quoted an hour. We then went across the street to buy drinks and waste time. When we came back an hour later we checked in and were told it would probably be another twenty minutes. I said, "okay we were quoted an hour when we arrived an hour ago, so I just wanted to know it it would really be a full twenty minutes." The female manager the told me that we checked in at 8:29 that's why we were in the position we were. I told her that was impossible and showed her the receipt from the round of drinks I purchased at the bar across the street at 8:18pm. She then gave me a terribly rude attitude and told me regardless, she had other people that came in before me that needed to be sat. I wasn't arguing that; I was just questioning the validity in their quote times. I don't need an attitude; a simple, calm and professional explanation would have sufficed or a simple apology that it was a holiday and perhaps they were under-quoting due to how busy they were. But clearly their system is incorrect as I couldn't have possibly checked in for a table at 8:29 when I had checked in & gone across the street and purchased drinks by 8:18pm. Incredible disappointment with the managing. Our server, even being slammed with tables, was still incredibly personable and made the wait kind of worth it.
(2)
T M.
Went for the first time with a group of friends last night. It was dead but we decided to give them our business anyway. We ordered Margarita Bowls and definitely felt ripped off after realizing that it was 30% Margarita and the rest was ice. $15 bucks for ice? Never again! The bartenders were shady and seemed like they didn't wanna be there. No wonder you guys have no business on a Friday night. Oh and one of the bartenders said that we can't use our electronic cigarette. Newsflash to the dumb bartender, it's not a real cigarette, it's water vapor. There is no law against using it anywhere. Just close your joint before you loose anymore money, it's not worth anyone's time.
(1)
Dane K.
It's been almost a year since my initial visit so I was a bit curious but reluctantly so to go back. I went on a Monday which is 1/2 off food at least. I ordered the pulled pork quesadilla, which the server went through some lengthy explanation of how "they" do it when in fact it's like every other quesadilla you've ever seen on earth. The pulled pork was about as lackluster as expected, if they make it in house they are wasting a lot of time because my crock pock pulled pork could kick their ass any day of the week. And for a quesadilla it was just on the too saucey side. Having experienced a horrid margarita last time, then being told by the owner I didn't know what an "authentic" margarita was, I was most looking forward to ordering another margarita. I ordered a slightly premium margarita. It was drinkable, but still sour as hell. I think they use one of those "bar" grade orange juices and it's sour and nasty, and too much of it at that. No Grand Marnier/triple sec in this margarita, it needed it. And it IRKS me that they serve their margaritas in a skinny rimmed thick walled beer mug. You shouldn't drink a margarita in a straw, but they pretty much force you to. For a frozen this is probably irrelevant (and actually, the frosty mug is probably nice for a frozen margarita), but for an "on the rocks w/ salt" margarita, it changes how it tastes. Still a huge improvement over my first visit's disgust with my drink, which still makes me pucker my lips just thinking about it and the condescending a-hole who felt the need to defend it. At 7pm on a Monday I wasn't expecting to hear any earth shattering music, but their music was so HORRIBLE I would've preferred silence. I have a relatively high tolerance for bad music. Did someone really go to Pandora and say "hey will you play Poison AND Will.I.Am, please, and if possible some 2001 era B96 remixes?" ... I'm sorry but "Put Your Hands Up In the Air" might be fun to play in a packed bar of drunk people late at night in 2006, but at 7pm on a Monday in 2011 when there are 3 tables? Please stop. The staff had nothing to do while we were there but play beer pong. Literally. That's what they were doing the entire time. Occasionally the hostess would stop to prop herself onto the hostess stand and pretend to act like she cared about carding people (insulting customers along the way) They do have an actual printed menu now but don't have any sort of developed drink menu that would make you think it's anything other than the dime-a-dozen bars found in Wrigleyville. Their focus originally was explained that they were going to sell real margaritas, for example, yet their menu has instead been written to cater to the lowest common denominator and now has as many "flavors" as possible with absolutely no focus on quality of ingredients going in. No mention of a tequila brand anywhere either that I remember (which is probably on purpose, since it seems their private label "DS Tequila" brand didn't take off). Instead of trying to one up the guys at Clark/Illinois who know what they're doing when it comes to margaritas, they've instead morphed into any dime a dozen place that you'd find at Clark/Addison. 3 stars is being overly nice.
(3)
Jon J.
Have been there a few times but most recently for the Bears/Packers game. Two of us got there around noon and were waiting for 4 other friends to show up so we requested a booth for six. About 15 minutes before gametime we were informed that the manager was pissed because we were taking up space and our friends have not yet arrived. Between the two of us, we were ordering plenty of drinks and food. The waiter was cool but it put a bad taste in my mouth about the manager's comments. Walking past this place plenty of times and seeing how empty it always is, I thought they would appreciate any business they could get but that doesn't seem to be the case with this place.
(1)
HRH J.
It has improved a lot and the food (wings) are so tasty! The michelada is actually good, although idk where and when Tecate became a fancy beer... Oh well come and enjoy!
(5)
Kenya H.
I went there with my best friend and had a great time. I did go during off peak hours so of course I had great service. The food was really good, the tequila onions on the steak taco was so good I could have eaten them all by themselves. The tacos were a on the small side, but the taste more than made up for it. The margarita's are good (not great) but good. I also had the jalapeno poppers. These are REAL jalapeno's stuffed with cheese, battered and deep fried. Best of all I found out they are open late late. whoo hoo... I will defiantly be back.
(4)
Samantha H.
So, at first glance the place seems okay. The outside area is of course welcomed in Chicago, which is why we were actually coming here one evening. But the tables are horrible and uneven and very small. The four of us were at a table better suited for two. But the inside isn't very large so I guess it's better outside. Now, there is tequila in the name of the place, yet they only carry two tequilas...and neither one is Patron. Does this not strike anyone else as odd? Service was not horrible but pretty sub par. The margaritas made with Everclear, now those are some good things (unless you had already had 3 glasses of wine as I had, not recommended). If you've been to el Jardin, you know what I'm talking about. These are not for the faint of heart. That was pretty much the only good thing about this place though. They had no chips and salsa at the tables...really? What kind of tequila place is this! No tequila, no chips and salsa? That was rather annoying. The nachos were decent, nothing to write home about. Overall an average place but taking one off for the no chips and salsa, can't seem to get past it!
(2)
Christina B.
All you need is the high octane margarita and you are good for the night. Only had drinks at this place, never ate here -- but fun atmosphere...and delicious margaritas!
(4)
steve s.
Wow. Horrible. Complete and utter disappointment. Granted it was Market Days, and not a typical weekend, but this place is lame. Here's an idea....let's open a tequila bar and have one brand of nasty well tequila, and a bartender with attitude that could have cared less. This place will be a hit with visitors and young kids, but for locals with taste... Spend your money and time elsewhere.
(1)
Paul B.
Great casual space. The food is great and they are often updating the menu with even more delicious options. The staff is fun and it is a great place to hang with friends. I recommend trivia night on Wednesdays.
(5)
David G.
So I had to downgrade DS rating. I am very particular about customer service and this place should be treated no differently. I eat out frequently and so I figured I would be by here at least once a week, either for a drink or dinner. I think I may hold off on this place until I see there ratings improve. It seems everyone is experiencing the same sort of attitude/rude behavior from their wait staff. Do the owners realize the power has shifted to the consumer? In the current economic climate they should be more focused on customer service training verses how 'pretty' it looks on the inside.
(2)
Todd S.
Don't bother. Food is terrible, margaritas are overpriced. I can see this being another in a series of sterotypical Bostown bars where bitchy queens hang out. Patio is nice I guess, but you cant go wrong with a patio.
(1)
Ginny D.
So working our way through all of the great patios in Lakeview and accidentally came across this one that wasn't listed in any reviews or recommendations and all I can say is man they need to be known for their patio! Comfortable seating, great wait staff, stellar margaritas, superb music and all managed so well you can have actual conversation while enjoying said fab margaritas! Lovely place - will definitely be back for more!
(5)
Michael S.
Not sure what other reviewers are talking about, I've been going to D.S. since it opened. #1, the patio is great..not a better spot on Halsted for drinks and/or food. #2, great spot to watch any football..I've spent many Saturdays and Sundays here, the staff cannot be any more accomodating in switching games around on their tv's so that you have the game you'd like to watch in front of you! #3, the food is very good. Has to be one of the best burgers in town, definitely in Boystown. Steak tacos are amazing...and for the reviewer complaining about only getting three, please note that you can order them a la carte and get as many as you'd like with whatever meat you'd like!!! Jeez, if you're that hungry maybe you should keep some animal crackers in your pocket!! Matt and Sarah, two outstanding bartenders...will definitely keep you coming back!!
(4)
Jesselyn E.
I really like this place! The XXX Jalapeno Poppers are the best (and spiciest!) I have ever had, and the other food I have tried there was pretty good, too (not great, but pretty good). The drink are of course their feature and I have liked the ones I tried. However I must say I can't imagine coming here in the colder months for a meal (as opposed for drinks/partying), as the patio is quiet and relaxing but the indoor seating is LOUD (purposefully, definitely a party zone).
(4)
amanda y.
the d.s. must stand for delightfully standard, because that's exactly what this place is. i definitely looove the outdoor patio and the fire pit things that you must fight and die for. they have a trivia night, also! THE NACHOS ARE THE BEST DEAL HERE. personally, i think much of the stuff here is a rip off. if you feel like real mexican food, go north two blocks oh halsted to taco burrito palace. they have delish food for cheap, but i'll tell you what they don't have: an edgy chiptole-esque theme on the inside, where you can see dude-bro bears playing beer pong, hags with their gay husbands and on the outside you can find ladies and gentleladies just looking to sit on a patio on halsted, where they can watch all of the unadulterated hair pulling and cock fights that go on every night of the week in boystown. anyways, the margs here are alright. i had one once, but i don't think i will be getting one again. i'll stick to my 40 from 7/11 before hand and maybe spring for a 10 dollar fishbowl, a supposedly "40oz" sugary mess that's sure to put you in sunglasses the next morning.
(3)
Matthew F.
If the D.S. stands for Dysentary & Salmonella then it is perfect. Never forget this is a bar masquerading as a restaurant (not vice verse) I've been here 4 times, only once by my choice. Had lousy experience almost every time. The first was probably a few months after opening and the waiter "forgot" to place our food order. This was forgivable since they were quite busy and relatively new. The next time honestly wasn't all that bad as we were seated outside, promptly served, etc... The third time a passing waitress spilled a drink all over me, never said sorry nor offered to bring me a towel/napkins. The last and most recent time I swear I got food poisoning. At least 2 other people I know who ate there on that same day came down with similar symptoms. There is an old adage which says that you can judge the cleanliness of an establishment's kitchen by how they maintain their bathrooms...just saying the city health inspector needs to visit.
(2)
David R.
don't waste your time or money. Stopped here on Saturday for a few pitchers and some apps. Pitcher was ALL ice, and.. every app we ordered came back wrong. twice. When served correctly, the food was cold. Guacamole was crusty and black... looked like it was a week old... wings were cold, one was raw. Server was apologetic but all said and done, the bill was over $100 for 3 of us, for lunch, and we walked away hungry and very dissappointed. The ONLY good thing about this place is the outside seating and location. My friends had warned me that the food was starting to go downhill recently., and they've only been open a few months. I'd say they're almost at rock bottom. Any worse, they'd have to give it away. This is just another "see and be seen" place that the block is littered with. If you REALLY want to go some place to eat, go somewhere else. Don't waste your money here.
(1)
Xavier B.
Stopped in and sat on the outdoor patio with my boyfriend even moved to the main table facing the strip. One waiter walked passed about 5 times another girl seemed lost and the last waiter hugged her buddy table sat down and left. one owner said hi and kept going. total time 15 minutes without even a meet and greet. Cute place bad service host was nice.
(1)
Eric F.
This review coveres two occasions when I visited this place. This place just plain sucks. The 'service' (and I use quotation marks because what we recieved cannot legitimately be called service) is poor. We waited an inordinate amount of time to get our drinks. They served my friend the wrong quesadilla. The 'fried chicken' taco consists of tyson fried chicken nuggets (the frozen kind) rolled into a jewel taco. I cant believe this place gets business with all the other options out there. Never again.
(2)
Jeanee S.
I can honestly say besides the bartenders this place is on of our new found fav's. The High Octane Margarita's are excellent! The pulled pork taco's and burgers are SO GOOD!!!! The manager Sara made my fiancee' and I so welcome that we went back three days in a row and promised to make it our regular hangout spot. The wait staff is very fun and hospitable. But their bartenders attitude SUCKS. But since we didn't really go to the bar and received our drink orders by our fabulous waiter Jared we were taken care of! I thank DS for a great time!!!
(4)
Matt Y.
Eh. The food is only OK -- particularly desert. The warning that the center of the chocolate cupcake is hot would lead you to believe it had just been made. Not so -- pretty cold. Confused orders, blamed on the fact that the kitchen was busy despite quite a lot of open tables. No sides to go with the tacos. No free chips like there are at most mexican places. And a little bit grouchy when we pointed out a couple of errors on our bill. Hopefully they'll get it together as time goes on. Has potential, but not there yet.
(2)
Joe M.
I enjoyed the decor and the atmosphere in the bar area. The menu I found to be a bit limited but the big problem was the service and time it took to get our food. 45 minutes for nachos ? 55 minutes for four tacos ? I saw several people in the same situation. I even overheard a server tell a party of three to just leave as they had not gotten their food in over an hour. The team service plan does not seem to be working here. 15 minutes after my nachos had arrived, a server came to me with another order of nachos. Probably not the servers fault but they bear the brunt. The kitchen needs to get more organized ! The nachos were very good though, so that got them two stars.
(2)
P H.
We LOVE Frankie! If he's there, ask for him! He has a pleasant personality, is accurate with orders and very attentive. We haven't been fans of the breakfast choices - but, if you stick with DS Tequila's core competencies, "trash can nachos", salads and tacos, you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Clayton M.
This place is gross. Food sucks ... The crowd is worse. Overpriced.
(1)
Jason V.
I think this place has potential, but don't really plan on going back right now. The concept is ok, but is this a gay bar? It sure doesn't seem like it. And the music was BAD. I am all for the non-twink bars (i.e. North End, Crew) but I just didn't get this bar. It felt like it was still in the closet. Like you assumed it was gay, but wasn't really sure. The drinks were decent, but not great. I'll give it a try again a few months down the road and hopefully be a little better.
(2)
Amy Y.
The only thing I remember about my food was that I NEEDED that margarita to make it feel tasty. Tortilla was not fresh, and the dish tasted like it was slapped together as an afterthought. Drinks was just ok but overpriced. It has a nice outdoor space, so too bad that the food and drink was so thoughtlessly done.
(2)
Tim G.
On entering we were greeted with blaring rock and what appeared to be a bachelorette party or some other messy affair. Service was good. A pitcher of Margaritas on the rocks tasted alcohol free. We switched to frozen Margaritas. The chemical taste was unpleasant borderline repulsive. Trio of salsa and chips was $3.39. Two salsas were good but the three tablespoon serving of each was skimpy. The third salsa was Ranch Dressing. Tacos at $2.69 a piece were small but tasty. The presentation was sad. The $8.49 burger looked lonely on the plate. Fries were and additional $3+. Rip off. Border town dive bar or Mexican restaurant...the owners need to choose one and do it right.
(1)
Jamie O.
Yay for a cheap, Mexican-American spot with reasonably priced margaritas, spitting distance from my apartment! The service has a few glitches, as does any new restaurant. The menu is focused and fun. You can choose a variety of taco types for only $3 each. Shrimp taco was my favorite. Expect tasty food and drink on a nice outdoor patio.
(2)
Lisa C.
I am shocked that the reviews are not better for this place. I went went on a Friday night a few weeks ago and had a great experience. The Huevos Ranchero Burger was unusual and really tasty. I also tried their jalapeño poppers which were literally full jalapeños stuffed and fried - also like nothing I have ever tasted before. Our sever was really friendly and offered actual suggestions and not, "everything on the menu is good". The coupon I found in the Redeye did help shape my opinion, but they do offer 1/2 price food on Mondays. I plan on returning and taking advantage of some of the deals they offer during the week.
(5)
Cassie C.
Just went here for the first time yesterday for a margarita and a quick taco. The tacos were great, the margaritas were even better. I know this is a pretty small detail but....the Jalepeno Ranch that comes with the chips trio was out of this world! The servers are very friendly and attentive and the management was walking around outside on the patio the whole time making sure everything was ok. Our waiter was the BEST, made some great suggestions and kept us laughing through our entire meal. The patio is great for a sunny afternoon and for some good people watching. Overall, I very much enjoyed this place and I would definitely come back!
(5)
Wayne B.
Great food and a great atmosphere, what else do you want!
(5)
Ryan F.
Another cheesy crap food joint in Boystown....but what do you expect...it is owned by Mini bar!! I don't mean to be a food snob, but this place serves some pretty gross food. The owner was very friendly, but boy....the food servers are terrible. Considering it is named Tequila Company, margaritas were the worst I have ever had. But again, I am not surprised! Oh, btw, they are working on their own brand of Tequila :)
(2)
Dan L.
I had high hopes for a great Mexican joint in Boystown. This isn't it. First, the good news is that the tacos are in fact superb. But, down hill after that. The inside is way too loud. I also don't get the fake tacky signs on the windows. And the outdoor space is way too blah. What's with the tables with the fake fireplace in the middle anyway? Margaritas were a big disappointment. They are missing a layer of complexity that one would expect from a fresh margarita. If I had to guess, it's because they're using only lime juice and tequila--no Grand Marnier or triple sec. Not on the same caliber as Frontera, Salpicon, etc. Chips don't have any character either. They're about as thin as a potato chip; like the margaritas, lacking any depth of a "home made" style chip. The three salsas are bland, bland bland. Guac has no flavor. Some of this may be due to being a new restaurant, but after a month, I would have expected some fine tuning. I may give it one more try -- but that's about it. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that the owners feel they know better than their customers and won't change a thing. And finally a word about the name: I have a feeling they purposely chose the name to get a little buzz. But, it's not working. Besides the obvious politically incorrectness, no one has yet mentioned anything about the slogan for the restaurant, which goes something like, "Bad to Say, But good to taste." DID THEY THINK THAT THROUGH???
(1)
Lawrence Y.
Hopped on over here after exiting Sidetrack. Patio area is now closed and the bar was pretty empty for a Saturday night. Drinks were okay - just had a slushie, friends said that their drinks were pretty strong through. Bartender we had was nice, and attentitive as he needed to be (ie he didn't come hound us every five minutes). Can't rate the food this time around, though.
(3)
Kelly P.
I just want to say I absolutely love this place! Its my first time here and everyone is so nice and its just fun here! Mikey is the best server I ever had! He's so fun and attentive! I just have to say the jalpenos poppers are to die for! So if you have a group of friends and wanna get loose and dance on a bar go to d.s tequila ;)
(5)
Josie F.
Finally D.S. Tequila got it together. I was dragged here for the third time for food. The previous two times had made think I would never eat here again. My friends ordered a bunch of food. I ordered one taco in hopes the food had improved. So much better than before. The nachos are awesome. One of my friends is not from the U.S. and does not know how to address waiters. I was expecting Justin our server to loose it. He was friendly and patient the whole time. I live around the corner from this place and am happy I gave it another try. One thing, cut back on the bubble gum pop bad music. We went on Trivia night. It was a blast. NEW CHEF YAY!!! It is safe to give it another try everyone. Do it.
(4)
C C.
Is it bad that I kinda like this place? Based on the Yelp reviews, I am going against the crowd. Oh well, I've never joined the crowd before, so why now? Yes, this place is white-trashy but in a tongue-in-cheek, kitschy way that is enjoyable. The rice is so Uncle Ben's, not authentic Mexican, but it's kinda tasty. The tacos (unlike Mercadito!) can be ordered a la carte to mix and match a plate of three. Great specials every night of the week too. S'mores Reeces sundae is not to be missed!
(4)
Ryan F.
I wish I could give 3.5 stars. I went with a group of 8 last night and it was good...nothing amazing. We all got tacos which were very good. My friend and I ordered a margarita, and you can tell it is from a can...not the best margarita. The place is supposed to be known for the tequila, but I couldn't get over the bad juice they used. Our waiter was decent, I don't like that they use Ipads to take the order. It seems dumb.
(3)
Samantha M.
Trivia! I love trivia. Really - love it. Any place that has trivia is pretty awesome in my book. And trivia + Mexican food? I was in heaven. Last night was my first time at D.S. Tequila and I can guarantee I will be going back every Wednesday from now on. My boyfriend and I wanted to try this place out because the grand opening was happening and the specials looked great. ($4 blended margs, $2 tacos?!) We walked in and were promptly greeted and shown to a table. Justin was our server and he as very knowledgeable of the menu and had some great suggestions. I had the raspberry margarita (delicious!) and my boyfriend had the house marg. I will agree that they weren't very strong but they tasted delicious. I got a floater shot in my margaritas which made them all better. :) We ordered the jalapeno poppers to start. They were so cheesy and gooey..it was divine. You gotta love cheese tho - and they leave the seeds in so there is a bit of a kick while eating them. For me, they were perfect. After that, trivia started! I LOVE TRIVIA! My boyfriend and I stayed to play trivia and eat some more. We got the elote corn pops, some chips and salsa, and three tacos. I had the mushroom taco and he ate the crispy fish and a meat one of some sort. The mushroom taco was sooooo good! I could have eaten like nine of them. The tacos are small - approximately 3 - 4 bites worth so if you are hungry order more than one. The elote corn pops were basically corn on the cob seasoned and drizzled with a cream mixture. They were really unique and different but I liked them alot. In the end, my boyfriend and I came in second place at trivia and they covered our bill as a prize!! I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Louis B.
I have been to DS Tequila numerous times. Great environment that has fun Servers and Managers. Two that stand out the most is Mikey (server) and Erin (Bar Manager). For some good food, low key or dancing on the bar mood, and non pretentious staff. Check this place out! LLB
(4)
Andrew F.
Very crappy food and the servers are usually jerks. Sometimes an O.K. experience but during market days our food came out cold - not cold like it had been sitting there but actually refrigerated still. We also waited an hour for our meals to come out. Meanwhile no update from the server or refills on cocktails or water. When the bill came out we were charged for several items we didn't order. The server rolled his eyes at us when we told him and walked away. We got the manager and they helped resolve the situation. After paying and leaving the table, the server ran after us and basically accused us of dine and dash. Really??? When we were escorted back to the table he learned the manager had already taken the tab and the money. Apparently this is just normal behavior...we didn't even get an apology. Hire some servers (and cooks) that can deliver hot food with a smile and this place will turn around.
(1)
Carlo N.
I have been here 4 times.. I have to admit the first time was awesome.. I have no clue what had happened after that great experince.. The last time I was at this location it was horrible.. I think its quite strange that they want to place everyones taco's on the same platter... With after talking to other friends, they also do not like that kind of presentaion. I do not want to share a plate with someone when I am ordering foof for myself.. Not that I wont share my food with my friends or family.. The serivce at this place has been horrible. We need a place in boystown but do not take advantage of the community that wants your location to make it.. We hope you make changes to your service and how you present your food to us as customers.
(1)
John S.
A brand new entry to the combination of food and bar establishments in Lakeview, DS Tequila Company is sure to be a hit. The margaritas were as good as any I've ever had in L.A. The taco options are vast, and uniformly tasty (we tried six different tacos). And DS' take on Mexican street corn on the cob beats what you can get nearly anywhere in L.A. Friendly and helpful staff as well. A great addition and worthy of anyone's visit.
(5)
Aaron W.
I am mostly a hard person to please when it comes time for new restaurants in the city. This is not only one of my favorite spots, but let me tell you it brings joy to my heart that people that work here love what they do. If you need to have a good time and kick back and have good tacos and burgers come check out this place. Please be advice you have to dance cause if not they will make you lol J/K...
(4)
R B.
I was expecting more. I had two tacos and the jalapeno poppers. The tacos were all tortilla with just a smidge of filling. flour tortillas to boot :( The jalapeno popper was interesting. I'm torn between liking them and not. At the end of it, I decided as interesting as the flavor was, it really just tasted like deep fried, cheesy grill char and I probably wouldn't order them again, although the lime flavored creamy dip for them was quite delicious. The staff was fine but it was very dead when I came in. I'd come again to give it another chance once they've been open for a while and work the kinks out. I trust the guys that run the joint to get on top of it, so I will give it another go in the future. Don't rule it out, give it chance you might like it. I just had higher expectations.
(3)
Jessica C.
sooo me and my co workers decided to try something new for some drinks. and id heard they had miami vices so i was so down. the place was nice we sat outside since it was a nice. i was pretty excited to see the drink menu bc everything sounded so good. but to my surprise but my fourth drink i wasnt all that buzzed needless to say it wasmt really that busy yet my drink felt like it took forever to come. turns out the day we pick had half priced appetizers which were good nothing amazing but good our waiter did not tell us it was half priced but the guy that served us did. so when the bill came i was pretty annoyed that i had to mention that we knew it was half priced just didnt find it a good look on his end but eh. also the check in on fb did get us loaded fries lol so that was another plus i guess. in conclusion i dont see it as a place id return too at least for drinks
(2)
David S.
Was in Chicago 11/03/2011 visiting and Ended my night at DS Tequila, My friends and I had a great time. The Bartender Matt did such a great job!!! I will be stopping by again next time I am in town. GOOD JOB MATT!!!
(4)
Blake H.
we went during opening week for their $1 chips, $2 tacos, $3 margs on the rocks & $4 frozen margs. we sat outside under a heater which was nice because we were able be loud. our waiter was really nice but it took forever. like, really really really long time. BUT i had ordered pitcher's of margs so i didnt mind. however i thought the tacos were amazing. especially for $2 BUT even at full price they are all under $3. the mushroom was AMAZING and the chorizo was really spicy. i also thought the margaritas were better than other cheap mexican place. and by that i imean it didnt taste like aristocrat tequila & corn-syrup. (apparently they brew [?] make their own tequila. when i go to a mexican place i am usually there for company & margs & chips. i dont mind waits, as long as that is all i am doing that night. i hope they tighten up their service (not cheeriness but speediness) and i will definitely be back.
(3)
Melissa B.
This past Sunday a group of my friends and I went to an undisclosed location to have brunch and watch the Bears game. Well when we got there they had lost our reservation. So we walked down the street to Mini Bar because we needed some food in our bellies. We were very disappointed to not be able to watch the game. When we got to Mini Bar the owner greeted us at the door and we told him our situation. He immediately got on his phone and called over to DS Tequila and asked if they would have room over there to accommodate our group. The manager personally walked over and gathered our group and walked us back to DS. They had a table ready for us right away where we were surrounded by gigantic flat screens. They offered us the same deal that they had at the undisclosed location. $20 for an entree and unlimited mimosas. The food was great and the staff were amazing! I would definitely go back here again!
(4)
Becca C.
I'm really shocked by the bad reviews here. I've been here multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The food is delicious--faves are the steak taco, shrimp taco, and fried fish taco. Chips, salsa, and guac are all good. Good drink specials and I've always had good service. I had one complaint during my last visit--the rice that was served with our tacos was undercooked. I mentioned this to the manager when she came by to check on things--mostly to let her know so they stopped serving it and made a new batch. She did this and gave us some to go (we told her it wasn't necessary) and also gave us free shots.
(4)
Angela C.
not a fan, bad service food was just ok.
(1)
Ashlan S.
I LOOOOOOOVE this place!!!!! My bf and I went and had breakfast at Nookies one morning, right down the street, and after we ate a big breakfast we decided we wanted a little Sunday morning drink! We walked by DS Tequila and decided to go on in. EVer since then, we have pretty much been once a week! Everyone there is so nice and very fun and I have NEVER had a bad server. Inside is great, and when it is a nice day out, the patio is awesome too. Great people watching view of Halsted. Being from Texas,and growing up totally spoiled by awesome Tex-Mex food, I am a little bit of a snob when it comes to Mexican food, but the food is actually pretty good. The coffee rubbed steak tacos are delicious! Especially with a little dip of some jalapeno ranch dressing, yum yum yum! The number one thing that I love about this place are the drinks! It is so hard for me to find a good margarita and they have about 4 or 5 that are to die for! They are strong, and are seriously my favorite thing to drink in Chicago. I love the atmosphere here too. There's always good music, again, great servers, good service and TV's all around for when there is a game on. We also played trivia night last week and although we lost, it was really lots of fun. We continue to go here all the time, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to have a GREAT margarita, good food and just be around happy people. Love you DS tequila! As soon as I get off work tonight, I'll be heading your way!
(5)
Allen M.
Been wanting to go here for a while so we went late on Sat for some food. Ambiance is good, the drinks are OK and the staff is hot, that's about all the place has going for it. I ordered two coffee covered skirt steak tacos. When the food came out in a decent amount of time I was taken back at the portion size, it was a two bite taco, and tough as hell, almost inedible. For almost 4.00 a taco I was quite disappointed in the food. At least I left with a buzz.
(2)
Trevor H.
If you haven't been living under a rock (well at least under a rock in Boystown), you are probably familiar with DS Tequila. But if you haven't been for their weekend brunch, you are in for a wild afternoon. First off, I love DS's nachos and margaritas any day of the week. But, on Saturday and Sunday, you can indulge in a "boozy" brunch that you'll swear was fun, but it might just be a tad hazy. Ok, so $30 gets you two Bloody Mary's, an entree, and... UNLIMITED mimosas served in a giant mug. If you hate bloody anything, then you can just fork over $25 dollars for everything sans Bloody Mary's. But honestly, their Bloody Bar is filled with all sorts of treats to fill your bloody like bacon, peppers, celery, cheeses, horseradish... well you'll have to see for yourself. For a spicy version, ask for the Absolut Pepar. Once you have developed a nice buzz, start on your mimosas. You'll probably have ordered by now, but make sure you order the Breakfast Sandwich. You won't be sorry. The skillets are delicious, but not quite as satisfying as heaven on a biscuit. I can't quite quote the ingredients (my memory is hazy) but it's so good. Once your mimosa is starting to empty, Melanie the Mimosateer will swing by with her Mimosa jet-pack. And that's about the last thing I can remember before it all goes black.... Just kidding! If you aren't too full you'll probably want to continue drinking, otherwise you might be ready for a quick nap before heading back out for your Sunday Funday! Cheers!
(4)
Selena A.
I decided to meet a coworker for dinner here. $17 for all you can eat tacos if you buy a drink? what a steal! you have to order three tacos, which isn't hard because there is a variety to choose from. you have your choice of almost everything; shrimp, chicken, pulled pork, steak, veggie, you name it. the first round of tacos comes with rice and beans, which were pretty good, I'd give them an 8/10. you continue to order your tacos in groups of three. I enjoyed the steak tacos the most. The chicken tacos were a little too crunchy. I liked the fact that i could order three of the same taco, that made my meal well worth it because I got what I wanted. The service wasn't horrible but I could definitely have done without the loud yelling amongst co workers a cross the room. Sounded like teenage girls at one point but it's a bar so I'll let it slide. They were very quick to get our drinks and food to us. It was hot and ready and that is always appreciated. Thank you! The drink I had was so strong. It was a blue margarita tasting drink. My friend orderd a pitcher and it definitely tasted like more vodka than anything else. Had it been a Friday night I may not have minded, but on Thursday evening, I like my drink to taste like I can't taste the alcohol. Over all I'd come back here for the deal on tacos once in a while. Boystown is always fun!
(4)
Lee S.
I am continually impressed with this place. The food never has disappointed, I have never not had a blast here and only once did I get slightly annoyed with our server. I like to go here on Thursdays for their gringo bingo night. Basically starting at 9 this ridiculous man gets up and leads free bingo with some actually really great prizes ranging from t shirts and sunglasses to a $250 bar tab at one of the companies sister restaurants. They have all you can eat tacos on Thursdays that look great but I have never been so indulgent. However, I would highly recommend their nachos, double decker quesadillas and, surprisingly for a Mexican restaurant, the sweet potato fries. My only complaint about my service was that there was one time our server just went completely missing. I get that the place gets pretty busy especially during bingo sometimes but even after cutting him some slack I'd say he still took way too long. However, I think that was a one off situation because every other time our service has been exceptional.
(4)
Travis W.
They seem to have a very difficult time delivering in the events they post advertise. Being off well over an hour is not good. Food is limited in choice, but decent in taste and price. Beers on tap are very limited. DS is rated lower because of its large gap between what they promise and what they delver. Nice venue in a great location though.
(3)
Dave R.
Go there on a Thursday for bingo... You can see all the girls win (if they are the girls the DJ wants to get with). I've not seen a guy win yet... I wonder why! Know your audience or shut it down.
(1)
Brittanie K.
Good Tacos. Terrible Service. Every time I go here I always seem to get bad service. Manager and most servers walk around with a sense of entitlement. My days here are most likely done. It also smells pretty bad. Bathrooms are disgusting.
(2)
Morganne B.
Thank goodness this place was open! My roommate and I had visitors in town and their flights were delayed so we needed a late dinner but weren't really at the point where disgusting pizza or hot dogs would suffice. We tried Meat and Wood and they both suggested DS Tequila as a place that MIGHT still have their kitchen open at 11:15 pm. When we walked in they warned us that the kitchen was closing so we'd need to order fast. We quickly ordered a pitcher of the jalapeño margaritas and some chips, dip and guac. Later we all ordered our entrees: a mixture of taco salads, quesadillas, and even a hamburger. All the food came out at once but whatever, it was almost midnight and we knew they wanted to go home. The portions were huge and they even brought out another big basket of chips. The taco salad with shrimp was huge and filled me right up completely. Everybody seemed to like their food and the margarita was on point. The server split our checks up kinda weird but again, it's late so whatever. I'd definitely come back late at night!
(4)
Jeremy B.
Great patio but that's about where it ends....mediocre food, bad margaritas and awful service. Like really, really bad "did my server forget about me" service.
(2)
Anna P.
Popped in on a Saturday night for margaritas and snacks. We had the salsa trio at the recommendation of our waiter and it was really good, great chips. Our server Mitchell was great, super fun and nice. But then there were the margaritas...honestly not good at all. I think they were made with like yucky orange juice from concentrate and that's all we could taste. None of us finished our drink, which is saying something with my group of friends! Fun place, but don't go for the quintessential drink that you'd think of from a bar with 'tequila' in its name.
(3)
Erin M.
Management here is a joke. The manager kicked my friend out after she said did not like Rihanna, yes as in Rihanna the singer. He had her escorted by a bouncer out, while the bar was nearly empty. Horrible way to treat your paying customers, but whatever.
(2)
Carly R.
I am a big fan of DS Tequila Company! The blended drinks are fantastic and I have loved every flavor I've tried! Pretty busy on the weekends, with a crazy mix of contemporary hip hop, throwbacks and pop music playing over some powerful speakers. The servers are excellent and there is a nice variety of people at all times. This is the only bar where I have ever sent a drink back for being TOO strong!
(4)
Robert A.
They will never get another dime from me. The patio is great and that is about all. The food is overpriced for the portions. I've had cafeteria food that was better. Taco's are insanely small and the drinks are whack. Also do not put your money in the juke box, they have a controller and will skip over your song selection. The staff is pretty nice, however when I went to the manager to voice my concern and get some understanding, he brushed me off. Super rude not customer friendly. Its a shame because I loved the bingo night.
(1)
Christine T.
Great patio space to watch the beautiful people walk by. It's a nice spot for lunch with service prompt and ice tea for our afternoon beverage refilled early and often. We parked our bikes close by and enjoyed being left to enjoy the scenery.
(4)
Brock F.
Tuesday $5.00 build your own burgers!! Need I say more? Yes, they charge more for every little thing but it's still a grt deal AND they aren't tiny burgers either! Service has always been good from the friendly host to kind waitstaff. I recommend going for the basic burger of theirs which comes with bacon, cheddar, tequila onions all on a pretzel bun! Hmm, think I want one now..... Also their tacos & chili are fantastic as well! They have a daily specials every weekday and are open late. Go for it!
(4)
John S.
I went with here with a couple of friends and my fiance for brunch on a Saturday morning. They said there menu had a bunch of new items and from the ones I tried both myself and off other's plates everything was extremely tasty. They have brunch packages either including bottomless mimosa's or with 2 bloody mary's and a mimosa. I would recommend this to anyone to try if they are looking for a different brunch place then you are used to. I can't speak for the other reviews but if your looking for a brunch place give them a try.. Oh and get the Monkey Bread !
(5)
Jennifer A.
If you want an awesome brunch with "all of the mimosas" come here. The servers are AMAZING! Specifically Beth. I want her to follow me around and serve me at every restaurant I go to. Scratch that, I want to name my first born Beth.
(5)
Selena A.
I decided to meet a coworker for dinner here. $17 for all you can eat tacos if you buy a drink? what a steal! you have to order three tacos, which isn't hard because there is a variety to choose from. you have your choice of almost everything; shrimp, chicken, pulled pork, steak, veggie, you name it. the first round of tacos comes with rice and beans, which were pretty good, I'd give them an 8/10. you continue to order your tacos in groups of three. I enjoyed the steak tacos the most. The chicken tacos were a little too crunchy. I liked the fact that i could order three of the same taco, that made my meal well worth it because I got what I wanted. The service wasn't horrible but I could definitely have done without the loud yelling amongst co workers a cross the room. Sounded like teenage girls at one point but it's a bar so I'll let it slide. They were very quick to get our drinks and food to us. It was hot and ready and that is always appreciated. Thank you! The drink I had was so strong. It was a blue margarita tasting drink. My friend orderd a pitcher and it definitely tasted like more vodka than anything else. Had it been a Friday night I may not have minded, but on Thursday evening, I like my drink to taste like I can't taste the alcohol. Over all I'd come back here for the deal on tacos once in a while. Boystown is always fun!
(4)
Lee S.
I am continually impressed with this place. The food never has disappointed, I have never not had a blast here and only once did I get slightly annoyed with our server. I like to go here on Thursdays for their gringo bingo night. Basically starting at 9 this ridiculous man gets up and leads free bingo with some actually really great prizes ranging from t shirts and sunglasses to a $250 bar tab at one of the companies sister restaurants. They have all you can eat tacos on Thursdays that look great but I have never been so indulgent. However, I would highly recommend their nachos, double decker quesadillas and, surprisingly for a Mexican restaurant, the sweet potato fries. My only complaint about my service was that there was one time our server just went completely missing. I get that the place gets pretty busy especially during bingo sometimes but even after cutting him some slack I'd say he still took way too long. However, I think that was a one off situation because every other time our service has been exceptional.
(4)
Travis W.
They seem to have a very difficult time delivering in the events they post advertise. Being off well over an hour is not good. Food is limited in choice, but decent in taste and price. Beers on tap are very limited. DS is rated lower because of its large gap between what they promise and what they delver. Nice venue in a great location though.
(3)
Anna P.
Popped in on a Saturday night for margaritas and snacks. We had the salsa trio at the recommendation of our waiter and it was really good, great chips. Our server Mitchell was great, super fun and nice. But then there were the margaritas...honestly not good at all. I think they were made with like yucky orange juice from concentrate and that's all we could taste. None of us finished our drink, which is saying something with my group of friends! Fun place, but don't go for the quintessential drink that you'd think of from a bar with 'tequila' in its name.
(3)
Morganne B.
Thank goodness this place was open! My roommate and I had visitors in town and their flights were delayed so we needed a late dinner but weren't really at the point where disgusting pizza or hot dogs would suffice. We tried Meat and Wood and they both suggested DS Tequila as a place that MIGHT still have their kitchen open at 11:15 pm. When we walked in they warned us that the kitchen was closing so we'd need to order fast. We quickly ordered a pitcher of the jalapeño margaritas and some chips, dip and guac. Later we all ordered our entrees: a mixture of taco salads, quesadillas, and even a hamburger. All the food came out at once but whatever, it was almost midnight and we knew they wanted to go home. The portions were huge and they even brought out another big basket of chips. The taco salad with shrimp was huge and filled me right up completely. Everybody seemed to like their food and the margarita was on point. The server split our checks up kinda weird but again, it's late so whatever. I'd definitely come back late at night!
(4)
Jeremy B.
Great patio but that's about where it ends....mediocre food, bad margaritas and awful service. Like really, really bad "did my server forget about me" service.
(2)
Erin M.
Management here is a joke. The manager kicked my friend out after she said did not like Rihanna, yes as in Rihanna the singer. He had her escorted by a bouncer out, while the bar was nearly empty. Horrible way to treat your paying customers, but whatever.
(2)
Carly R.
I am a big fan of DS Tequila Company! The blended drinks are fantastic and I have loved every flavor I've tried! Pretty busy on the weekends, with a crazy mix of contemporary hip hop, throwbacks and pop music playing over some powerful speakers. The servers are excellent and there is a nice variety of people at all times. This is the only bar where I have ever sent a drink back for being TOO strong!
(4)
Robert A.
They will never get another dime from me. The patio is great and that is about all. The food is overpriced for the portions. I've had cafeteria food that was better. Taco's are insanely small and the drinks are whack. Also do not put your money in the juke box, they have a controller and will skip over your song selection. The staff is pretty nice, however when I went to the manager to voice my concern and get some understanding, he brushed me off. Super rude not customer friendly. Its a shame because I loved the bingo night.
(1)
Dave R.
Go there on a Thursday for bingo... You can see all the girls win (if they are the girls the DJ wants to get with). I've not seen a guy win yet... I wonder why! Know your audience or shut it down.
(1)
Brittanie K.
Good Tacos. Terrible Service. Every time I go here I always seem to get bad service. Manager and most servers walk around with a sense of entitlement. My days here are most likely done. It also smells pretty bad. Bathrooms are disgusting.
(2)
Cinthia M.
Oh DS Tequila! I have never in my life, witnessed or experience the horrible, horrific service that I have at your establishment. My mother and I went to Market Days this particular evening and met up with family and friends and decided to go to DS Tequila. They had a line that was about 25 minutes long, but we waited as we were all very hungry and was eager to have, what I have been told-Great Margarita's and food! As we finally reach the front of the line there was a $5 dollar cover charge. I would not normally pay a cover charge at 6pm or especially just to sit down and eat, but once again were very hungry and this place was a regular joint for the people we were meeting. I want to cut through the whole confused look on everyone of the staff face as they seemed not to know how to sit a 6 top. We were finally ask to follow a staff member and some how along the way to sit us, he got distracted by another customer and pointed us to the corner table. We sat in a big table in the corner by the front of the patio. The girl waitress with the short hair was very nice and pleasant. As she took our order after giving us some menus, we asked if we can please put in both food and drink order and that 2 of our guest were in the washroom (we had ordered their drinks) they were going to order food, too. One more person joined in which we asked for a chair from the table next to us that was not using it. About 10 minutes after, a staff member came to our table and said we could not sit at our table and we would have to put the chair back. I told her if she could explain why, she couldn't and left confused by not knowing the reason herself. Then another staff member came, who later we would know was the manager Eric. He was the worst!! He stormed to our table and said, "you cannot sit here!" Again, when I asked why, he said at first because it was a fire hazard, which did not make sense-there was ample room. Then came back and said it was because we did not order any food. When I told him the waitress already took both orders, he left.....then came back with the waitress and said, "Here is your waitress! She said you guys only order 5 items on the menu, there are 7 of you!!" (remember the other 2 are in the line for the washroom) It was getting a little ridiculous and I felt like we were being treated like we were preschool kids, trying to prove little tedious things. I asked Eric, "what would like us to do" multiple times, he was still ranting. He first said we would all have to wait in line again. Then, just the two of us would have to wait outside in line again. He kept changing what he wanted us to do, mind you, there are 3 or 4 other tables that are empty around us!!!! At the end when I asked if he wanted us to split tables, he said no, we would all have to leave or else he would call security. I ask for his name and he said "I am the manager!" He quickly called his security (which was a nice guy, who seemed surprise by the situation) and Eric told him to take us through the emergency exit. Eric did not seem empathetic to anyone at the table or his staff. Being a restaurant and bar manager for several years, there are always ways to handle ALL situations. Eric you are a big fail in this industry, rude, egotistic, vain, narcissistic....I could go on. But one words sums you up for the way you embarrassed our table and most of all my mother. I am still in disbelief and shocked for what happened that night. I cannot believe someone lets you represent their business.
(1)
Ryan S.
Love coming here on Thursday nights for all-you-can-eat tacos and Gringo Bingo! Gets super crowded for the latter, though, so come early!
(5)
Kate U.
Oh DS Tequila Company, lots of great (and drunk) memories here... My friend Michelle and I stumbled into this place one Thursday night and have been back almost every Thursday night since as they have BINGO and unlimited tacos for $15. It's a great deal and the tacos are not taco-bell style tacos at all, they have some great ones! My personal favorites are the steak & fried chicken. The margaritas are an intense experience. You really only need one and you're done for the night, this place has tequila in its name for a reason. I take BINGO pretty seriously and actually thought it was rigged for awhile until my friend finally won! So therefore if you like: Bingo, tacos, and tequila come here. Oh and P.S. do not TRY that random free shot that they pass out. It's nasty cough syrup and probably one of the worst shots I've ever had. It's not even worth it even though it's free.
(3)
Jon C.
Thank goodness I have friends who feel "unlimited drinks" at brunch is a requirement. $25 gets you a boozy brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings here, and that's a pretty good way to start the day. Your very own mug of mimosas holds close to a bottle of champagne and just enough OJ to turn it the palest of yellow. Don't worry though.. if you run low, the hostess has two tubes strapped to her back full of mimosas and she'll be happy to come by and top you off (tips appreciated). The second most important part of a boozy brunch is the food. I was told that Chicken and Biscuits was a must have, so it didn't take me long to decide. Two jumbo-sized biscuits with three deep fried delicious chicken tenders smothered in gravy and served with home fries. Yes sir.. this was damn good and enough food for two. Seriously.. I could only eat half of it. If you're wanting to hang out for a little while and soak up some more booze, try your hand at the beer pong table in the heated outside seating area. You'll spend a lot of time chasing balls, but if you're into that.. it's a really fun time!
(5)
Dana J.
Go. To. The. Brunch. Oh my goodness, this place was so much fun. Bottomless mimosas and amazing food on a Sunday afternoon, what more could you ask for? We had reservations but I feel like most people didn't and they were seated right away. I would love to go back soon!
(4)
Sheri M.
I frequent this place for the Miami Vice and the chips w/ queso and guac. The crowd is always cool and there is usually some promotion going on where I leave with a free shirt or had a couple of free drinks while I was there. They also have a patio that is great to chill out on in the summer time.
(3)
Lily S.
You really can't go wrong with Thursday night unlimited tacos for $15 and 2 hours worth of BINGO. What's better? Adding alcohol to the mix. Cough syrup tasting shots for all BINGO players. Gross, but I'll take it! Margaritas served in a fish bowl. Your friend's will get schwasted mid-BINGO. You'll have to stamp their BINGO card for them in the meantime. All around, this is a good place.
(3)
Maty M.
Thursday Night Bingo turned up with a DJ! Went here on a Thursday as some friends lived near and were simply seeking margaritas, we saw online what it was Gringo Bingo night and we were confused. Do not let the name of the game throw you off, it is regular bingo. And lots of it! There must have been 6 or 7 rounds, which is enough to fill about two hours. The crowd was pretty into it and having almost too much fun with bingo. Each round had a winner and they got various prizes like backpacks and coolers. While the atmosphere was brought up by having a DJ bumping some jams, it was also only 9pm and they could stand to turn down the tunes to allow for the groups playing and eating to talk and catch up. It seemed to me that dance club and bingo were mixing, which threw me for a loop. Overall, I would go back for the large variety of marg. flavors and entertainment.
(4)
Mallory Z.
Came here with a group of 7 Saturday night. Made a reservation for 7:15 but we didn't need to. Wasn't too crowded at that hour. It was one of the last nice days of the year and the patio was open. Unexpected surprise. I really liked the patio. Cool vibe with a fire pit in the middle of our table, even though it doesn't light. Hawks game was on the tv, nice added bonus. The 5 ladies of our group ordered one of the flavored Margs. Good marg. Nothing to write home about. It might have been blueberry. Who remembers. We ordered the steak family size nachos for appetizers and barely finished them. Seriously huge and amazing! I could have finished the meal there and left happy. Too bad I ordered the taco dinner. It was good but I was already too full to eat much. I got the coffee rubbed steak which was good, fish which was below average, and shrimp which was great. The beans were pretty gross, could have done without those. Pretty standard Americanized tacos. If I go back, I'll stick with just the nachos. The reason I'm knocking a star off is for service. Our server was very friendly but not very attentive. After we ordered our Margs and asked for 5 glasses he darted off. The other members of our group were going to order beer but never got a chance. I'm just thankful it wasn't me who had to spend the meal sober!
(4)
Kyle O.
This 2-star review is solely based on the service. The food and drinks were awesome. Went with some friends for the $.25 wing special. The place was not busy at all when we arrived, yet we were told it would be a 35 minute wait. That's fine, drinks at the bar, whatever. We got a seat on the patio and waited...and waited...and waited...for a server to arrive. This should have been our cue to run. The service was painfully slow. The food showed up 35 minutes after our appetizer was taken away, and my friends' drinks did not arrive until we reminded the server that they were missing. He blamed it on a ticketing error but...it was the last item on our bill even though we ordered it before our food. Nice try. No apologies, nothing. Didn't get a single water refill once, even though we were all eating spicy wings. Also, those wings came with no dipping sauces or celery/carrots to cool off. Such a bummer because they were really quite good and you can't beat 25 cents per wing. Unfortunately, the service was just too abysmal for us to consider going back.
(2)
Janique D.
I can't say enough about this place. My husband and I have been faithfully going to DS since we moved to Boystown 2 years ago. We take all our guests there when they visit from out of town...sometimes 2 nights in a row! It has to be one of the most consistently great restaurant/bars in Chicago! Their food is always so delicious and tasty, and I was informed recently EVERYTHING at DS is made from scratch; including their tortillas. Which if you haven't tried yet, their coffee rubbed steak tacos...dreamy, freakin' dreamy! In addition, their jalapeño margaritas (mouth is salivating as I write this) are not something you can describe in words. Every person we have introduced them to, loses their marbles a bit when they try them. Be warned, they're incredibly addictive! Needless to say, we are HUGE fans of this place. The relaxed, fun vibe, paired with great food and fantastic drinks...easily 5 stars!
(5)
LaVerne A.
Really baaaaaadddddd tasteless no love in the kitchen kind of food. Stopped in on a Monday and was excited to find out we lucked up on a half off all food day! We'll our eyes got way bigger than our stomachs. We scored the mother load...Yeeeessss!!!! We ordered 2 three taco dinners. The "top" coffee rubbed steak taco as written in the Chicago magazine as our server stated. The smoked chicken taco, grilled fish. and shrimp. We also ordered the buffalo wings. All of them were over topped and smothered in sauces and fruit! Just plain gross! Overall the food sucks! Great relaxed atmosphere for a couple of drinks in the outdoor garden. but that's it! Good food if your drunk maybe .....
(1)
Frankie C.
This was my first time dining at DS Tequlia and it was just okay. Upon entering the restaurant, my party and I were sited right away. We sat on the covered patio, which I can only assume is suppah popular during the spring/summer. We got the salsa trio ($6) with a side of guacamole (additional $6). They legit only give you a medium scope of guacamole for a very unreasonable price...Chipotle gives you much more in comparison - plus, extremely better quality - for a fraction of the cost. For my entree I got three tacos (BBQ Chick, Coffee Rubbed Steak, & Riblets) with were the highlight of the experience. The rest of my party all got burgers, all which looked good. Unfortunately due to the bad service, I had to wait to the end of the meal to get a silverware to eat my rice and beans that came with my tacos. It was rather difficult to get anyone's attention any sooner. It wasn't busy, so I'm disappointed that the staff wasn't more attentive. Overall, good food with bad service. P.S. This establishment does have fun specials during the week: Wednesday is Trivia night and Thursday is all you can eat tacos.
(3)
Jenny B.
The coffee rubbed steak tacos are some of the best tacos I've ever had....EVER. I go here just to eat those tacos. They change up their menu (at least the tacos) every so often to keep things interesting. Their drinks are good...average for any bar. More outdoor seating in the summer which is nice. Their hostess stand could use some improvement with wait times and being on top of customers, but other than that, this is a regular eating place for me. Be sure to eat here.
(5)
Lamar S.
Me and my friends came here for dinner on a Friday night. This was my first time here so I was excited to see what they had to offer. It's located in boys town so you have to be in the LGBTQ community or LGBTQ friendly to enjoy the atmosphere. To start, the wait staff is awesome. The waiter we had was not only helpful but was ready for our comedic personalities as he guided us through the menu. The drinks are amazing! I had the beergarita (which you can get In any flavor. I got raspberry) and the chipotle pineapple margarita. Both were awesome and different than what I expected them to be. The prices were decent as well for the mug size you receive. The food was great! I had the steak quesadilla. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the quesadilla was the fact that they drowned the steak in A1 sauce but overall it was good. We also orders the loaded fries as an appetizer. They tasted great! It comes with this sauce that taste awesome on the fries. Expect to pay between $15-$25 for a drink or two and a meal. Overall, it's a great place to go and socialize, especially on a Friday night!
(5)
Angelica C.
21+. Salsa Trio has a white sauce which is THE BEST. Don't bother with their wings, they're like frozen ones drowned in sauce. However, they do have awesome seasoned fries! They have a ton of TVs to catch all different games. Daily specials too: Monday 1/2 off all food, Tuesdays is $5 burgers + 25c wings, Trivia Wednesdays is always more fun with their $3 Fireballs shots (they had some pretty awesome prizes when I was there), Thursdays are Bingo. You can also get Dining Points if you make a reservation through OpenTable.
(3)
Norm J.
DS Tequila is a good spot to go to if you are with a group of friends in Boystown and want a chill spot to eat OR if you've been doing Sunday Funday and need a burger or tacos to help settle your stomach because you have a 8a.m conference call the next day. The food is good, but not memorable. *My friends all got a variety of tacos and thought they were OK. *I got the Lady Marmalade Burger (sweet red onion marmalade, gruyere cheese, spicy aioli on a pretzel bun for $13.89). The burger hit the spot seeing how I'd been enjoying the adult beverages for 4 hours, but for the price I paid I would have rather gone to Burger Bar. *I also got the XXX Jalapeño Poppers and let me tell you these bad boys are HUGE and HOT! I mean I was expecting jalapeño poppers like the ones you can buy in the freezer section at the grocery store...X WRONG. These poppers, which you get 4 of, look like they were doing the same steriods that Mark McGwire was taking (I can't get sued for that comment can I). If your mouth can handle the heat I definitely recommend you try these. The best thing about DS Tequila is the music. The entire time we were there one great song after the other came on. Thankfully, I was trapped in the middle of the booth so I couldn't get up and show off my awesome So You Think You Can Dance hip hop skills.
(3)
Aaron S.
Service was amazing - our waitress was so fun, kind, and fast. Went on $15 all you can eat taco night. While it's all you can eat, I was only able to eat about 4 of them. They are super filling, and that's coming from a big boy. The margaritas were good, and strong. I'll most definitely come back again. There are a lot of negative reviews for this place, but I had a very good experience
(4)
Andre W.
Tequila ya betches!!! An old friend decided to have her bday celebration here and I was pretty excited because I have been wanting to check this place out for awhile. I noticed the interior was pretty tight as there was a long communal table in the middle of the joint in between the bar and the booths over to the left hand side. There is an outside seating space, but my group was occupying the long ass communal table which was cool. Place gets pretty loud which is expected...i probably added to the loudness with all my damn screaming LOL. I opted for the High Octane Margarita per the server's advice. I only read part of what the ingredients were which is why I did not notice everclear was in the mix until someone mentioned it lol. It was really good to say the least. Whats funny is that they will not allow you to have more than 2 per sitting. I figured I should eat something after having that drink so I got some tacos. I went with a short rib taco and 2 tequila shrimp tacos. The tequila shrimp taco were really good as the short rib taco was quite disappointing. There were TVs everywhere which was cool as it was opening weekend for college football. Service was really good as there were able to handle our very large group with no problem. Good spot for tequila & tacos and I will definitely come back for more.
(4)
Lisa A.
I came here for a fundraiser benefit event so it was for free drinks and appetizers for 2 hours. The service was good and the bar was serving plenty of good standard drinks and margaritas. They served fried chicken tenders with 4 different kinds of sauces that were tasty and the quesadillas were scrumptious and not skimpy with the meat or cheese. I only hesitate to come back because there was an odor permeating the establishment that was a little concerning.
(3)
Dana O.
Absolutely love this place! We go for brunch all the time! We recently had Bennett as out waiter and he was awesome. Very attentive and always on top of it.
(5)
Christian C.
Went there today and my friend found hair on his classic burger. You would think they would give you some discount or offer you something to make up for the hair but nope! Instead, our server with no personality came back with our bill saying "my math is a little off and couldn't figure how to split a $27.50 bill". Enough said, this place is pricey, loud and service is poor. Never coming back here til management resolves their issues!
(1)
Holly M.
I've only been here twice and I loved it both times! The fishbowl margaritas are super awesome--not overwhelmingly strong, but gets the job done. I had the California burger the last time I went. It was... AMAZING. They put an entire half of an avocado on it and it's so juicy and wow..it was great. We ordered chips and guacamole. We received a big basket of chips and a tiny bowl of avocado--definitely not enough guac for two people. But the waitress brought us a second basket of chips just for the heck of it, so that was nice. We were seated in the side area that is usually open during the summer. It was a cold night and, although enclosed, the space we were in was freezing. So, we shivered and ate, but our margaritas warmed us up just fine. Our waitress was super nice, as was the bus-boy, and it was just an all-around great environment. Can't wait to go again once I'm back in Chicago.
(4)
Cat K.
I went here on half off Monday! OH MY GOD! All I did was get a glass of coke and the large Texas Trash Can Nachos. It all came out to be around only $13. Sever was delightful but she didn't warn me on how LARGE this large nachos is. It's the size of a big baby. It was massive. I got it with the steak topping and the small cubed steak melted in my mouth, it was so good. She also told me that the steak is from a supplier that makes high quality steak and that they sell to steakhouses where the cuts come out to be $100 a plate. I felt so goddamn spoiled. I could only finish half of the nachos with my friend. I took the rest home, and the box was a little heavy haha. This was my 3rd time here and I'm never disappointed. I'm always coming back.
(5)
Tiffany F.
Food is always good- a go to for drinks and food with friends. Tacos are always great, but so are the burgers!! Love the margs and Moscow mules for drinks.
(5)
Grierson L.
Great food and nice service. Quite the menu variation and the tacos are superb! The restrooms: not so much! They need a complete remodel. Half priced food on Mondays, so that was a nice surprise.
(3)
Kalina N.
Monday is half off food menu! Heck yes! Go on a Monday so you can taste all the goodness! Their tacos are to die for! (just a little too spicy for my taste) I came here after seeing a movie near by, and boy was it the right choice. The food is so extremely good. I haven't tried their specialty drinks yet, but I have heard good things. Friendly staff, dimmed atmosphere, cool crowd. Oh and that cookie! It comes on a skillet with an ice cream scoop... The cookie is HUGE! 4-5 people can share it! Tasty too!
(5)
Puran R.
Poor service, mediocre food, average ambience, overpriced. That about summarizes it accurately.
(1)
Shannon H.
Terribly unprofessional management! I understand that today is a holiday, but I also don't like getting being told I don't know what time I arrived. My sisters and I came in at 8:10 and were quoted an hour. We then went across the street to buy drinks and waste time. When we came back an hour later we checked in and were told it would probably be another twenty minutes. I said, "okay we were quoted an hour when we arrived an hour ago, so I just wanted to know it it would really be a full twenty minutes." The female manager the told me that we checked in at 8:29 that's why we were in the position we were. I told her that was impossible and showed her the receipt from the round of drinks I purchased at the bar across the street at 8:18pm. She then gave me a terribly rude attitude and told me regardless, she had other people that came in before me that needed to be sat. I wasn't arguing that; I was just questioning the validity in their quote times. I don't need an attitude; a simple, calm and professional explanation would have sufficed or a simple apology that it was a holiday and perhaps they were under-quoting due to how busy they were. But clearly their system is incorrect as I couldn't have possibly checked in for a table at 8:29 when I had checked in & gone across the street and purchased drinks by 8:18pm. Incredible disappointment with the managing. Our server, even being slammed with tables, was still incredibly personable and made the wait kind of worth it.
(2)
Dv V.
I haven't tried but a few or true dishes and mimosas. Crispy fried chicken tacos are great, since that's the last item I had. Mimosas are ok and the atmosphere is the typical loud hungover crowd mostly which I don't mind after a mimosa of course.
(4)
Troy M.
It's unfortunate the prices are so high and the food is less then favorable because most of the servers are quite good. The drinks are way over priced and the food is bland, under seasoned, and ill prepared. Don't let the $5 burger night fool you.... add cheese or anything else and your $5 burger becomes $10. I'm surprised they don't charge you extra for a bun. Have your ID ready because they card everyone.
(1)
Jes G.
Met a friend here for a late lunch a few weeks ago. Nice atmosphere and our waiter was awesome. I had tacos...I am a huge taco fan and I was not impressed but they were okay and they have many different types of tacos to choose from. The drink were really good! If I go back, I'd probably try a burger next time or iust go for drinks.
(3)
Will T.
I was in Boystown with friends enjoying drinks and we decided to drop in for dinner. We totally loved the patio and it opens to the outside. It turns out there's a retractable roof, too, but it was closed that night because of rain. The casual bar food menu offers a variety of items and I ordered a couple of tacos, the fried chicken taco and a tequila shrimp taco. They were tasty (the tequila shrimp had a little heat on it) but they were also miniature in size, more suited as an appetizer. I ordered a margarita that was too sweet for my taste and they graciously swapped it for a house margarita. Tacos are super affordable, in the $3 - 4 range while burgers run $13 -15. When we got our bill it reflected a 50% Monday food discount. Wow! We didn't see that coming. It made for a cheap night out.
(3)
Estragon M.
I come here for the food. Taco Dinner is what I always get ;3 Veggie is so yum, fish and chicken too. I've had Sangria here before which is really good. :)
(5)
Richie D.
I'm afraid Wrigleyville is attempting to take over Boystown. No worries, I won't complain too much, however, the bridesmaid parties do get annoying. Tortillas are made fresh daily by hand--Brava! Tacos priced at $2.69 is reasonable, especially compared to places like De Cero. Their margaritas are made from 100% organic agave tequila. A plus. And if you go for their Gulp of Mexico 40 ounce fishbowl, they give $1 from every purchase to cleaning up the Gulf. That's a pleasant nice gesture. Their outdoor patio is a good size with fire pits to keep warm, yet it still doesn't feel like the Mexican sun. OK I take back not complaining. When they used an image of me on their Facebook page without permission, not so cool ( yelp.com/biz_photos/ds-t… ). No response when I wrote them requesting for them to take it down. Not even a gift certificate! Bite me!
(2)
Jacob B.
The food is great. The drinks are over priced to balance out the great deals they offer. But this place gets one star because the manager needs to be put on blast. She does not know how to treat her staff. I felt bad for my server and offended by her at the same time. I'm gonna try and keep this short by just giving one example that I observed that urged me to write this review. It was my first tuesday wing night, and my friend after receiving his wings said "hey I want some fuckin ranch with these wings why not I'm already having a cheat meal" and asked one of the servers if he could get a cup of ranch. So we get the ranch and it was good (Im guessing). GREAT. Now the problem comes when we get the bill. On our check is two charges for "ranch"@$1 dollar each. My friend says that is nuts im gonna say something. Our server handles it well and explains to us that they charge for the ranch but he would see if he could get them removed. Now I have already spotted the manager because she has been awkwardly "managing" while not doing anything herself. At the time he goes to her about the ranch charges she is directly across from me on her phone posted up texting in clear view of me. Her initial reaction to him asking about her approving the charge removal was "really it's a dollar" but it takes character to understand doing things because the principle... So to her I guess we are just cheap. After the faces she made in view of me she came to her solution. It was his fault for not telling us so he could split it with us and take the money out of his tips. My server didn't need to tell me anything about what had just happened. But I called him Out soon as he came back.... He had a smile on his face when I asked him if his manager really just told him to pay for the ranch out of his tips. His smile fades as he figured out in his head how to dodge my question, "oh it's cool it's taken care of he told me" lol smart move on his part, but bull shit none the less I know exactly what was said to him. People do not deserve to be treated like that I told him. The fact that she is so out of touch with the reality of her job, that she called us cheap, nickel and dimed her staff, and texted all In plain view of patrons says enough to me to repeat this story. So my message to the owner or to this manager "you never know whose listening". I have my own business and it's very personal with my patrons, we share a lot of stories, and a lot of them will hear about the mistreatment of staff at ds tequila. Some may not be so concerned but many will remember this story, and out of principle will go elsewhere to the other resteraunts in our community.
(1)
Kara O.
Confusing time at this place yesterday. Met a friend for some drinks at 5:00. We each had two rounds and were contemplating chips and more drinks when the server came by and dropped off our check without asking. We were confused and weirded out entirely and she left before we could even ask what was up. We tried to get her attention several times over 30-45 minutes while she was serving other people since we were unsure of the situation. Finally, we went up to the front and I approached the waiter who was nearest the to the cash register and asked if we could pay. He rolled his eyes at me, and said, "Your server had to leave, she got REALLY sick." Ok that's unfortunate, but why didn't she say anything while she was roaming around the patio for 30 minutes after dropping off our check and avoiding us? Also if he knew she left why didn't any other server come by to take over her tables? A server had come by to take our extra silverware and left before we could say anything! The patio wasn't full or slammed at all. They dropped the ball and then basically were like "what's your problem??" Nope. I didn't get into it with him because clearly there would have been a huge lack of understanding and I didn't want to waste my breath. Anyways we went to Townhall a few doors down which didn't have a nice patio like Ds but at least the bartenders were minimally friendly. The bitchiness in boystown was palpable last night, but maybe it's my fault for expecting a minimum standard of service.
(1)
Andy S.
Nice outdoor space included as part of the bar/restaurant. Food was good - had the chicken, steak, and grilled fish tacos and enjoyed all of them. Negatives were that it was a bit crazy service wise. I think our server was pretty good, just seemed like a whole lot of craziness - took a while to bring out food and when they did there was mass confusion about who had what. Not everyone got what they ordered. To their credit they took care of us and made it right so I would have no issues coming back here. Oh and the margaritas were delish, especially the blackberry margarita.
(3)
Claire B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!!!! The brunch deal with mimosas and bloody Mary's is just about as good as it gets in town! Their menu is fantastic (I order the same thing every time LOL)-taco salad with fried chicken as well as the fried chicken taco. Lucky for me they're both available on their brunch and dinner menu. Most recently we had Bennett as a server and he was great! Super attentive and very friendly. I've also been there when he serves mimosas during brunch and have had great experiences! I have only had phenomenal service and even better food at DS tequila and I recommend it to everyone!
(5)
Ann Marie B.
Great tacos for the price! Thursday nights are all you can eat tacos as well as bingo! the atmosphere is very fun and upbeat. The margaritas are really good for the most part. Only suggestion I would give is that the service is a little slow and the servers/bartenders sometimes seem like they are giving attitude. Really good place to go with a big group of friends!
(4)
Julie L.
We stopped coming about a year or so ago after several bad food/drink experiences. But, we were in the neighborhood, we were hungry and we decided to take a chance. And we are very glad we did! Saturday, around 1:30 p.m. Nice crowd, great music and comfortable temperature, even out on the patio. A pretty, friendly server, Beth, came to take our order. We both wanted margaritas, and Beth highly recommended the "Cadillac." I was skeptical since, before, the margaritas were always way too sweet. "I promise," she said. "You will like these." We were persuaded, but I suspected I'd be sending the drink back for a "regular." Beth brought the drinks and took our order. I got the 7 Layer dip without meat, and my husband ordered the jalapeno poppers, a steak taco and a short rib taco. Beth described the 7 Layer dip as "unconstructed nachos." We toasted and tasted our drinks. WOW. They were delicious! Not too sweet, not too tart ... smooth and well worth the extra $2. As we enjoyed our drinks, we enjoyed the sounds. The music was an excellent mix - something for everyone - and not too loud. Perfect for conversation, but not too quiet either. Football played on screens above, but the sound of the game was down (thank you.) Our food arrived at the table hot and well-made. One bite told us the poppers were fresh and expertly prepared. The 7 Layer dip also tasted fresh and it was wonderfully cheesy. My husband said the tacos were amazing. We ate way too much. DS Tequila is BACK. We were very impressed. After discussing how many stars to give it (for the type of place it is), my husband said four. I asked him to tell me what was not perfect ... food, ambiance, drinks, price, service? He was stumped. "I can't think of one thing I'd improve." So, five stars it is. Thanks Beth. While we've never had a complaint about the service (Hi Adam! We miss you!), you helped us fall back in love with DS Tequila. See you again soon!
(5)
Jamar T.
The food here is pretty good and I LOVE Bingo/Taco night every Thursday. For $12.99 it's all you can eat so try them all! The service here is usually pretty mediocre (probably bc most of the guys here are more focused on singing and dancing along to the music and less focused on their paying customers) but there are a few really good ones. I came here for Saturday brunch and saw an entire table leave after waiting for about 15 minutes while the host was twirling around the floor instead of informing the server of the group seated in his section... The burgers are just ok and the salads are pretty big but pretty standard.They also have a bottomless mimosas brunch special for $25 which includes an entree. I had the Western Skillet which was really good! They have someone who walks around with tubes full of mimosa to top you off which is very convenient. Nothing worse than waiting around for your server for refills.
(3)
Geo O.
Since my review, I have been contacted by the owner and am very impressed by the follow up that he made to my experience. Clearly they do care about what the customers think and want to make it right!! Thank you John for hearing my voice and reacting to my concerns!
(3)
Noelle M.
Came in on a whim late evening on the 4th of July because the place we originally planned to go to was closed. Has a nice atmosphere both inside and out on the patio and the prices are reasonable. We were seated immediately. The staff was very attentive, with the manager and even other waiters stopping by to check on us. We started off with the frozen Arnold Palmer made with sweet tea vodka, which was incredibly delicious and you can barely taste the alcohol, though it packs a bit of a punch that slowly catches up with you. I ordered the classic burger, which had nothing classic or boring about it. The tequila onions and soft, buttery pretzel bun elevated what seemed like a normal burger to amazing. The meat had some sort of marinade or glaze which was also a nice touch. Even the fries were seasoned perfectly. My friend had tacos, which you can get a la carte and they seemed pretty decadent. Very satisfying experience all around and I definitely plan to return, just for the drinks alone.
(5)
Ramone B.
I stopped here after being grabbed by one of the workers while out walking to participate in a Halloween costume contest! I was Freddy Kreugar, and it was pretty cool they asked me to participate! I had a great time mingling with the bartenders, and staff, plus the crowds energy was pretty awesome! I didn't get to eat anything, but I definitely would love to go back and use the gift card I won! I will be back! Until next time!!!
(5)
Jen K.
Yes! Great place! I walked by it so often, as it's in my neighborhood but I've just never made it in. Shame on me for missing out for so long. I was with a large group at another taco place and we had such an awful experience that we left before eating. We still had a Mexican craving so one of my friend's recommended this place. We went and were seated immediately, even though there was 8 of us. It's a large place and very accommodating for large groups. Throughout the night, we kept adding to our numbers and the waiter never seemed bothered. We ordered the trash can nachos (which were freaking HUGE). Then we all ordered different tacos. Every order no matter how confusing were perfect. Our waiter was amazing. He was smart to split all the bills without us even asking and had every person in order. I liked all the food I tried and will definitely be going back to enjoy the outdoor seating all summer.
(4)
Anna B.
I just had to write a 1 star review, even though I love this place, simply because of the "boy" you have as a manager. Rude, disrespectful, pompous, and unprofessional. Get rid of him and I bet this place would be a 5 star establishment. See my Meat review for his first actions, before shouldering my friends here and not apologizing.
(1)
Shanon H.
Good for three hours of great food and service ---- only to be ruined by the fact you can not sit outside in odd numbers!!!! The policy here is fricking ridiculous!!! Our server Savannah was amazing though. The management not so much.
(3)
Dawon H.
Food is really good. The taco selection is killer...and tasty. Drinks are well poured and appropriately priced. The service is mostly mediocre. Here's an example: Last Thursday, I met a friend at the bar for drinks. He had already ordered a margarita and I ordered the same. After we were both drinking, the "hostess" walked by and carded us both. Mind you, we already were drinking. Smooth move Ferguson. Another friend met us and we decided to get a table and eat. Somehow the "hostess" had disappeared and we wanted to eat on the patio, so we walked over and asked one of the servers who told us we had to check in with the "hostess". We walked back to the main entrance, no hostess. Waited, waited, waited, finally I asked another server to help us and she found the hostess somewhere in the back and we were finally seated, mind you - no apology or acknowledgement that we had to track him down (yes him) to be seated when the place was practically empty and we could have very well seated ourselves. Our waitress arrives, we place an order for a pitcher of margaritas and nachos to start. She brings the booze and nachos - which split between the 3 of us went fast. A little later, she comes back and takes our food order and we ask for more nachos. Food arrives (TASTY and DELICIOUS)... we all order tacos...but no nachos. She forgot. She apologizes and disappears for what seems like forever. By now, we need a refill of our pitcher and still no nachos. Honestly not the biggest deal in the world because we were enjoying our tacos - but still. Long story short, this is a classic example of almost every dining experience I've had here. Drinks = great. Food = great. Experience/Service = meh.
(3)
Jordan N.
I thought the food was a bit pricey for a weekday lunch - and I don't think I was alone in thinking that since this place was practically empty. Also, I thought it was weird that I was carded to see if I was 21 and up before even getting to a table with the intention of only ordering food and not drinks - but this seems to be customary for this place. That being said, the marmalade burger I got ($13.89) with a salad substitution ($2) was very mediocre. with the patty being overcooked than what I had ordered it to be. The Tex-Mex portion of the menu didn't seem to be very appetizing as well as practically everything in the menu was spicy in one way or another, which I dislike. That being said, it became pretty obvious that this is more of a bar than a restaurant - and it'll unfortunately stay that way, keeping the crowd at its minimum during daylight.
(1)
Esbo B.
The food was ok. The manager came to our table but was pretty rude. I'm not sure why she even came to our table, we didn't ask to speak to her. I don't think I would go back. Overall: ok food and bad service.
(1)
Michelle K.
Unfortunately the wait staff was extremely rude. After the hostess telling us we could take an area on the patio everyone denied it and the server was rude. It seemed like she didn't want the business, we had a larger group that would have all ordered through her however after the poor attitude straight to the bar for everyone in our group. They claimed they had a private event in and hour however continued to seat tables around ours, if you have a private event why would you seat new tables. All in all it seemed everyone was lazy and over the "service" portion of the evening. I would give zero after everyone's attitude.
(1)
Valerie Z.
Went here a few months ago.....service sucked. Our server checked on us once every hour. Had to go to the bar for drinks. When w asked for the bill thank god we had cash because even though it wasn't busy our server never came back so we threw down and left rather then stiffing even though we could have. Tried this place again because of the patio today. Savanah....I don't know if she's new but we saw her once every 45 min. Made it hard to order. I had the picture that's attached with this review for my glass. It had nasty lipstick all over it.... I don't wear lipstick....soooo.... She finally came to the table and I showed her the glass.....her reaction was "oh"...does this happen often? No apology or even shock on her face. Then we closed out and had put in a previous order. The food wasn't on the bill so we were like....uhhhhh....She made a weak excuse....I used to serve too, if I ever forgot anything I'd know what to say.....which is what she did. She started they put beef rather than chicken.....30 min for nachos on a not crazy busy day??? She still charged me for my nasty drink with the dirty cup. #nevercomingback #dirty #dontwasteyourmoney #horribleservice. There are too many other places to go. We just had a couple behind us leave because they were never greeted at their table after being sat. Table of 4 lost. #fail #retrainyourstaff
(1)
Andy H.
Yes, it gets busy here. ( really busy ) Yes, parking sucks. ( it does everywhere ) True, the kitchen can slip up from time to time..... BUT, you wont find better tacos anyplace, end of story! The steak tacos are perfect every time as are the very epic seafood tacos. I am a big fan of the burgers as well, and will stack them up to the very over rated Kumas any day of the week! I am not sure why some reviews rip on the staff here, as I have dined here dozens of times and have been treated extra special each time. The servers are polite, and ready to bring you anything you ask for with no attitude problem. Its a tad pricey, but the quality is here.
(5)
John B.
Not even a descent Margarita which i find ironic. For some reason this place is popular. I went in on a Sunday evening and was seated immediately. After waiting a few minutes our order was taken an drinks were delivered. The margarita tasted that it was a pre-mixed that was poured on ice and served. There was nothing fresh or tasty about the drink. It was overly sweet and over priced. 20 minutes later dinner arrived. My steak tacos has a coffee rub. Ugh, it was like someone dumped starbucks compost on it. It gave it a burnt taste that was so off putting. The Fish tacos were better (grilled or fried) and the chicken taco was tasty. Service was abysmal. 5 minutes in I asked for napkins,,, 20 minutes later when I reminded him I still needed a napkin did he finally get some. Service was slow, drinks were mediocre at best. Sadly I would have been happier at a Chevy's which says a lot. Finally, CLEAN UP THE PLACE there are loose wires and crap everywhere.
(2)
Chelsey F.
Mimosas cannons are such a great start to my weekend. Amazing staff, always willing to make your brunch memorable! Thank you for making my Fourth of July fun! As a server/ bartender I was very impressed with Savanna.
(5)
Krsna V.
Severe identity crisis and mediocre food do not belong in Boystown. Leave the identity crisis issues to the myriad of gays who look alike with their two sizes too small t-shirts and similar hair style. What is this place trying to be anyway? Between showing football and hunting on some tv screens, I was confused if it is trying to be a sports bar or a hillbilly bar. And then the name suggests it is a Mexican joint. Talk about serious identity crisis. Who plays hunting shows on tv anyway? The food: our waitress says they are out of guacamole. Mind you this is on a weekend at 8:30pm. What kind of a place that is trying to be a Mexican joint runs out of guacamole on a Sunday night? Needless to say, one of our friends said it out loud "you are a mexican restaurant and you run out of guacamole on a sunday night?". She apologized, took out or order, and left. Miraculously, after 10 minutes she brought us some guac and said it is on the house. Hmmm...did someone make a quick run to the Jewel nearby? In any case, we appreciate having guac. The rest of the food was pretty average. My barnyard burger was okay. The drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the gringo margaritas. They were okay, nothing to rave about. I have had better margaritas at Cesars on Broadway and Tecalitlan in Ukrainian village. The crowd: where did these people come from? We had a group of loud people playing beer pong nearby. Again, what is this place trying to be? Beer pong? Really?Between butch lesbians and dude bros, this place seems to have a serious identity crisis. The music: holy crap! Where did they find this shitty music? Not only is it shitty, it is deafeningly loud. We ate, finished our pitcher of margaritas, and wowed to never return again. Perhaps their patio is nice in the summer, but the mediocre food and dude bro crowd does not warrant a repeat visit. Also, why is there no option for "shitty" in the ambience section of the review?
(2)
Tiva T.
I'm not going to lie, we had very low expectations of this place but needed something to eat before heading to the airport. DS Tequila was a pleasant surprise! Chips & queso: on point. Three taco meal: really good variety and the beans and rice were really tasty; not the usual dry, flavorless mess you typically get at a "Mexican" restaurant. Best food we had on our trip. Service was pretty good too.
(5)
Asenath N.
Love this place especially on Thursdays for $12 all you can eat tacos and is Bingo night! That is about the only night I enjoy this place. The rest of the time it gets really crowded. The food is your typical bar food, is nothing special.
(4)
Robert L.
We just wanted to say I has the best server experience today from a server named Neki. To be completely honest I love the energy of the place, but have never experienced good service, until today, and I wanted to take the time to write about it. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm smile, professional demeanor, and great knowledge of the menu. Neki, took the time to answer all of our questions, and came to check on us frequently, when she clearly had a lot of other tables to tend to. Please pass this message on to the manager/owner, and let him know he ought to promote Neki, or at least give her a raise!!
(4)
Trevor H.
If you haven't been living under a rock (well at least under a rock in Boystown), you are probably familiar with DS Tequila. But if you haven't been for their weekend brunch, you are in for a wild afternoon. First off, I love DS's nachos and margaritas any day of the week. But, on Saturday and Sunday, you can indulge in a "boozy" brunch that you'll swear was fun, but it might just be a tad hazy. Ok, so $30 gets you two Bloody Mary's, an entree, and... UNLIMITED mimosas served in a giant mug. If you hate bloody anything, then you can just fork over $25 dollars for everything sans Bloody Mary's. But honestly, their Bloody Bar is filled with all sorts of treats to fill your bloody like bacon, peppers, celery, cheeses, horseradish... well you'll have to see for yourself. For a spicy version, ask for the Absolut Pepar. Once you have developed a nice buzz, start on your mimosas. You'll probably have ordered by now, but make sure you order the Breakfast Sandwich. You won't be sorry. The skillets are delicious, but not quite as satisfying as heaven on a biscuit. I can't quite quote the ingredients (my memory is hazy) but it's so good. Once your mimosa is starting to empty, Melanie the Mimosateer will swing by with her Mimosa jet-pack. And that's about the last thing I can remember before it all goes black.... Just kidding! If you aren't too full you'll probably want to continue drinking, otherwise you might be ready for a quick nap before heading back out for your Sunday Funday! Cheers!
(4)
Christine T.
Great patio space to watch the beautiful people walk by. It's a nice spot for lunch with service prompt and ice tea for our afternoon beverage refilled early and often. We parked our bikes close by and enjoyed being left to enjoy the scenery.
(4)
Nick B.
Nice place - arrived during a pubcrawl, I don't remember what I had to drink but it was the nachos I remember... So well done.
(4)
Kate M.
I like DS Tequila. I've been here a few times and the staff is always friendly, the food and drinks are good, and the atmosphere is fun. I'm not usually a frozen drink fan, but I do like trying different drinks before I dive into the hard stuff. Strawberry frozen margarita and banana frozen margarita side by side in the same glass as an appetizer was perfect, especially followed by a serious margarita on the rocks. Their tequila menu is fairly extensive, as you'd expect from a place called "DS Tequila Company". The nachos are ridiculous and delicious. It's a huge pile of nacho fantasticness. The staff is always friendly and the service is always good. Looking for tequila or just a burger and beer? Go here.
(4)
Ronald B.
I used to be a fan, until I had GLASS in my margarita. And the owner seemed to handle the issue with very little care. His response was to give $20 off my next meal. Really? I was kinda surprised especially given how frequently I visited the place...so now my friends and I just steer clear of this place.
(2)
Mat M.
DS Tequila Company is a good spot located in Boystown, Chicago. The service is generally really attentive - and their deck area is superb. The food and drinks always meet my expectation too. Good spot, worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood.
(3)
David A.
I loved the tacos that i got. I stepped in here to get out of the cold and grab a little bite to eat. I tried the Grilled Fish Taco, The Chicken Taco, the Coffee rubbed Taco and they were all delisious. Esspecially the fish taco It was fantastic. The tortillas that they use here are equisit. The one draw back was that each of these small bites were around $3 a piece. I have had tacos as good as this place for half that price. Still the food was great.
(4)
Sean B.
This is another fine example of going to a place because my friends chose it, and not because it was Yelp'ed highly... only to discover afterwards that it has a low rating when I do an ex post facto look at the ranking. However, this was pleasantly one of those scenarios where I was surprised it was low, as I had a great experience there. The servers were all friendly (including the very handsome "Chase" who seated us), the vibe was chill, the food was cheap and tasty, the drinks large. A great way to start out our Pride Saturday. Maybe this place turned itself around since the poor reviews from others? I thought it was quite cool.
(4)
Brooke F.
We've lived in the neighborhood for a few months now and decided to try DS for the first time last night. Server (can't remember his name!) was very accommodating and friendly. Food was WONDERFUL! I'm gonna be in trouble from now on, getting fat off the Tequila Shrimp Tacos (try them). We had the Chips & Queso Dip, Texas Tenders, Tequila Shrimp Tacos, BBQ Pork Tacos, and House Margaritas. Everything was excellent!
(5)
Marie M.
The only reason why it gets even one star is because the server was nice. We went on Tuesday which is build your own burger night and movie night. The food was average. I felt like I was having dinner with children having spiderman on every speaker of every TV in the restaurant. I don't know if they were trying to be a restaurant or a bar but they failed at both miserably. The manager was very rude. We complained about the volume and she spun her keys in our faces. The whole thing was a very and in in miserable experience and she was a big part of that. It felt like they had turned up the volume of the commercials after the movie. The manager truly does not know how to do her job.
(1)
Mike D.
DS...your service is slipping from decent to non-existent. We've noticed the last couple of times we've been here that the service gets worse and worse. No refills or check-ins. We've had empty drink glasses for 20 minutes and have been waiting for a ticket or a hello for 10. Positives: food is still terrific. The kitchen and BOH is doing great. Hot, timely, delicious good. Come here for good food and good drinks!
(3)
Cameron H.
A friend and I wanted something quick before hitting the night on the town. So, since it's been a long time, and all of the bars we were hitting were within that vicinity, then it made logical sense to go to DS. We were immediately seated after walking in (on a Thurs night-boys night out). The host seem a bit pissy but it did get better after our waiter brought us our drinks. My friend ordered nachos for his main even though it was an appetizer. OMG, this plate is huge. It could feed three people. For my main, I ordered a turkey/chicken burger with a egg on top. Very tasty. Overall, decent place, good food, ambiance is ok as we didn't want to have another drink while there.. I will have to try the all you can eat tacos night on Thursdays... Especially being that Thursdays is boys night out...
(3)
Angela C.
A friend of mine and I came here on a Monday afternoon, as most restaurants on Halsted were closed on Monday. It was pretty empty, and we were seated on the patio immediately. Our server was very attentive. He ordered the California burger (avocado, veggies but with chicken), and I ordered the Classic (bacon, tequila onions, cheese) with chicken. We both opted to get sweet potato fries. The food was fresh and tasty. The fries were thickly cut and crisp. They served this interesting marshmallow fluff/cinnamon dipping sauce which was awesome! I've never been here when it's busy, but for a quick bite on a slow weekday afternoon, this is a good place to go!
(4)
Megan S.
My coworkers and I went out after a work event. My phone was dead and the bartender was sooooo sweet to charge it for me. The margarita and music were great. I didn't even know they had food. After living in Texas for 2 years, this girl loves Tex-Mex and tequila. I WILL BE BACK! And thank you again to the sweet bartender :)
(4)
Patty K.
I had heard great things about DS Tequila Company and decided to try it out with my sisters. We were seated in a heated patio area. In December, even with the heaters I still needed my winter coat to be comfortable. The tables were wobbly and not especially comfortable. I ordered the taco dinner and it was ok. The pulled pork taco was my favorite and the smoked chicken one wasn't bad either. I didn't care for the short rib one. One of my sisters tried the chili and loved it! Out waitress was knowledgable about the menu and checked in on us as needed. Overall, the service here is great, the food is ok and the atmosphere could be improved (At least in the patio area). I would come back to eat here but wouldn't go out of my way to make any special trips.
(3)
Kristina I.
Made a reservation on Saturday evening for 6 people for my works little outing for around 7 pm. Everyone was a little late but the host still took care of us with no problems, the waitress we had was so super awesome and efficient it made me so happy. We even had an additional person join and she switched us to a larger section with no issues or attitude like most servers I have experienced that take on larger parties. She never once got confused or overwhelmed, I really wish I could remember her name but those High Octane Margs go straight to your brain I swear lol. Having worked in the serving industry personally for a many years, great service is always appreciated and noticed ( so she was definitely well tipped :)) Anyway I always love DS, great margs , music, menu , and vibes.
(5)
Katie S.
I have been to DS Tequila on multiple occasions and have loved it each time. Try the house margarita and coffee-rubbed steak tacos! You will not be disappointed. It's also a great brunch spot. I wasn't very impressed with the monkey bread, but the skillets and chicken and biscuits are wonderful! (The chicken and biscuits is huge, split it!)
(5)
Kevin M.
First time in Chicago and popped in here with a friend for dinner before heading over to Roscoe's to watch the live band karaoke. I'm easily swayed by a boozey slushie machine and 1/2 price menu. Great for the price and the quantity of food we got. Greeter and server were awesome. Only complaint was when a busboy spilled salsa on my shirt, filled a straw with water, let it go on my shirt, and handed me a napkin saying "it happens to me every day". I was pissed but kept my mouth shut and cleaned it up as any good Canadian boy would do. No apologies from him. Very classy.
(3)
Michael J. A.
DS Tequila definitely has a bar atmosphere abs a bar menu. We had the chips and salsa trio and to be truthful it wad nothing much. One of the dips was full out just Ranch dressing. The tacos were good. Just the right size in a the portion dinner special with rice and beans. The refried beans were excellent and the rice was good. I had the grilled fish tacos and they would have been excellent if the coleslaw did not overpower the fish so much. It wad all I tasted. It wad labeled as jalapeño coleslaw but didn't taste anything but mayo. I also had the pulled pork tacos which were actually very good. Service wad good and attentive. Over all Ok, but I wouldn't rush to come back.
(3)
Luis L.
Let's begin with the day. It was 4th of July. I worked that day but my bestie who was in town for the weekend wanted to hang out in Boystown after I got off work. He decided to take me to DS Tequila and get a margarita there because he likes that they are about the size of his head. Ok, sure. I was hungry and needed food, so I figured I could eat something there, as they serve tacos and other things. When we arrived, the host was occupied and away from the stand. So we waited. My friend had to use the restroom so he went and I stayed and continued waiting. A server was nearby and I asked if I should wait or seat myself, but he told me to wait. When the host came back, there was another employee standing nearby who was not working that day, which I gathered from overhearing the conversation between her and the host, who ignored me completely and seemed to think it was more important to gab with his pal than to attend to me. Alright. Finally, when he was done gabbing with his pal, the employee who was not working that day, the host turned to me as if I'd just arrived, and with feigned surprise, greeted me as though I hadn't been standing there all this time. Fine. I asked for a table for 2 on the patio but the host informed me that there were no tables for 2 at this time. Not a problem. I told him we would sit at the bar and wait until something opened up, and asked if he could please come get us. He said he would let us know and we went to the bar. This happens all the time in restaurants (not the being ignored part but the waiting for a table). I have no problem waiting for my desired table. What doesn't happen all the time and what I do have a problem with is what happened afterwards. My friend said he wanted to wait until we sat at our table to get his ridiculous margarita, I got my first drink at the bar. The wait was long and he couldn't wait any longer so he ordered a regular sized margarita and I had a second drink. We waited for about 30 minutes and witnesses the host seat ONE party of 2, outside on the patio. A few moments later, we witnessed him sit a SECOND party of 2 outside on the patio. I walked up to him and told him we had been waiting for a very long time and that we saw him seat TWO parties of 2 already, and asked if there was a reason we were being made to wait. He said, "I'm so sorry, I was just coming to get you. Please give me a moment." Ok. Fine. And then, a moment later, we saw him seat a THIRD party of 2, outside on the patio! By this time I was aggravated. Not only did we have to wait so long but we were passed up, not once, not twice, but THREE times! And the third time after I had already complained. So I walked up and pointed out to him that we just saw him seat yet another party of 2 outside. He seemed contemptuously apologetic and told me he'd seat us next. Grabbed two menus and led us to our table, but the table he took us to was NOT to my liking, and I told him I wanted to sit out in the more open area by the street. "We have a rotation going on," he said. At this point I clarified to him that I didn't care, that we had waited a long time and had been passed up for a table THREE TIMES, and that he needed to seat us at one of the tables that were clearly available in our preferred part of the patio. This host then had the audacity to become upset with US, he led us--more like stomped--over to the table in the part of the patio where we wanted to sit, and walk away. Our server was nice, but inefficient. When I asked to speak to a manager he said he would bring her over, but never did. I went looking for the manager myself. It was a woman who seemed nice enough until I described what had happened to us. She flippantly attributed the host's actions to a mere mistake. "Mistakes happen," she said. Really? Twice in a row and a third time after I already pointed out the mistake??? She didn't try to rectify the situation at all. Fine! I will never step foot in that place again. And I will tell anyone and everyone I know about the horrible experience I had and suggest that they don't go there. Horrible!
(1)
Suzanne P.
I really should have consulted with Yelp before dinner tonight... You know those people in the world where you are immediately attracted to them because of their good looks and charm? Then you start talking and getting to know them and realize that there is nothing going on in their head? DS Tequila Company, you are the restaurant equivalent of that person. All beauty; no brains. UGH. The best thing about my meal was the elote side dish (but really, corn cotija cheese and chili pepper; not super inventive and needed SALT badly...) but I will order this on any menu because I am in love with this tasty corn dish. Their guacamole and chips were laughable. How guacamole can be tasteless is beyond me. It made me wonder if it was a mix of avocado and "guacamole" (you know, that mushy green stuff that's not the real stuff) after all.... It was disappointing. I love me some guacamole, and this was not that. Also, for being a gay bar, your drinks are super weak. Again, gay bar conoisseur here, and the library is open and I am reading you, DS Tequila Company! The one thing that I did absolutely love was the charming patio and the fire pit in the middle of the table. However, it was difficult to enjoy over the Miley Cyrus and Will I Am blaring loudly. Unless you're not super hungry, don't care about mediocre service, aren't an apparent lush like me and prefer some alcohol in your drinks, take my words of advice and go elsewhere.
(2)
Maddie L.
I lived about 6 steps from DS Tequilla for 2 years, and now that I'm moving I'm really going to miss what became our neighborhood margarita joint. 1 - The margs are unreal! So many flavors, and so big! 2 - Great outdoor patio. I loved going here post-work for a couple of hours and sitting out in the sun with a margarita and some chips and quac. It really doesn't get any better. Great people-watching and lots of seating. 3 - 1/2 off food on Mondays! You can get a few tacos for a few bucks!
(5)
Dylan M.
Who cares if it's a little slow. Must be 21 to enter, great food, strong margaritas all in Boystown. Yum. Dont forget about all you can eat tacos after 5pm on Thursdays. shit, so good.
(5)
Danielle B.
DS Tequila is my favorite place in Chicago! They have a wide variety of fantastic tacos-the steak taco is incredible! They are great for groups as well. We came for my birthday and it was so much fun. They had party hats, leis and confetti poppers on the tables when we arrived which was so unexpected and made my birthday that much better. They also have delicious margaritas and what this southerner would call the only appropriate queso in Chicago {white, drippy cheese} paired with light and crispy chips! They have awesome theme/specials nights, too. Monday: 1/2 off food, Burger & movie Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday, $12.99 all you can eat tacos and gringo bingo Thursdays, $10 fish bowl Fridays and fun brunch specials on the weekend! Literally can't say enough about how much I love this place!
(5)
Michelle Z.
Flavorless food aside from the taco salad. Overpriced drinks. Entitled staff. I had a horrible Pride experience here. Go to Halsted's instead tbh next time.
(1)
Shannon K.
Don't get me wrong - this is a very solid 3 stars and DS is becoming a go to spot for me in Boystown. The food is consistent and I appreciate that fact. I would give them 4 stars if the drinks were better, but I generally stick to beer or margaritas at DS. It gets 4+ stars for atmosphere and fun! The patio is fan-freaking-tastic and looks out over Halsted. It's one of my favorite spots to pull up, eat some chips (with a great trio of salsas), drink some beer, chow on some creative and delicious tacos and hang out with friends. It's centrally located and they serve food pretty late. The staff and bartenders are always super friendly and the service has always been efficient, even when it gets crazy....and it does get crazy. This is not really a take-your-folks-when-they-are-in-town sort of a place, mainly because of the noise level and air of debauchery....but it is a fab place to chill out and have a gay day! Try all of the tacos, you can't lose. Yep, yep I dig you DS!
(3)
Justin B.
Things about DS I LIKE: The food: DS offers a great selection of Tex-Mex style food, including some great tacos. The salads and burgers here are pretty good, too. The nachos are pretty epic. Don't order the full size nachos unless you're a party of six or more. (Trust me on this one). The patio: They've enclosed (and recently heated) the very large patio, located on the adjacent lot. The retractable roof allows for patio dining at almost any time of the year, and is pretty packed all summer. The specials: The entire menu is 1/2 price on Mondays, Tuesday is $1 taco night. The sports: They have a ton of televisions, inside and out, so you can always catch a game. ---- Things about DS I DON'T like: The service: It's VERY hit or miss. I'm not sure if it's the server training or the people they hire (maybe a bit of both) but the wait staff - although very friendly - are very sporadic when it comes to levels of service. It's a crap shoot. The noise level: Yes, it's a bar. Yes, it's loud. And yes, they like it that way. I tolerate it because the pros outweigh the cons. Evenings are crazy and weekends are insane. I would never bring a first date here. Overall, it's a good place to grab food and have a couple of drinks with your friends. I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I will continue to go back, but I just wish they'd kick up their level of service a bit (and get that hand dryer fixed in the bathroom)!
(3)
Mandie C.
I love brunch, and an unlimited mimosa doesn't hurt. Adam was a great server and just wanted us to have a great time. He was awesome and we will be back next Sunday!
(5)
Jennifer N.
Due to some of the reviews of this place, I did not come here with any sort of expectations. The gringo margarita was good and my tacos were fine but nothing special. My friends said their burgers tasted like they were just taco meat shaped into a burger patty, which is probably what it was. The food is pricey for what it is. The service was friendly but ridiculously slow and the place was not particularly crowded. We ordered the chips and salsa (which come with free refills) but it was almost impossible to get the refill. A second round of drinks were ordered and it took forever to get them. Overall, not a huge fan
(2)
Ryan R.
We went here a couple of times during our time in Chicago to eat and drink. The first time I went, we came so late that we barely had any time to order from the kitchen. That paired with being seated right below the frequently dripping air conditioner did not bode well for a good experience. The tacos I ordered were also very average and are definitely ones that could be easily outmatched in my own kitchen. That being said, the service was pretty friendly and they accommodated our large group well. The second time our group went, we had a much better experience. I decided to go with the "Big D" burger and really enjoyed it. I also sampled the chips and dip trio which was also decent as well. The margaritas were decent, nothing amazing, but they get the job done and again it was a good space for our rather large party. Overall, not my favorite place to eat, but you can't beat margaritas with a large group.
(3)
Bill K.
The spicy mango margarita was excellent, the tacos were very good, and the nachos were some of the best I've ever had. Service was marvelous. Our server, Alex, had great recommendations, not only about the food but also about things to do in the area. Had a great time!
(5)
Brittany K.
DS Tequila on a Thursday was so fun! Bingo night is a great way to break up a normal week. And the free prizes don't hurt. Our server ASHLEY was great! Kept the margaritas coming. That server is fantastic!
(4)
Cooper R.
Our experience at DS was amazing. ASHLEY the BEST server! I have been in town for years and have never met a better person. Ashley is the epitome of what service should be - very professional, personal, and fun! Love her and only met her! She was informative and attentive. DS is the uncovered jewel in town. We'll be returning and requesting her alone!
(5)
Sara C.
I've been here before and enjoyed myself. A friend and I stopped in last night and they were showing movies with $5 burgers! How fun is that? And they were smart enough to play a horror/thriller since it's Halloween season. When the manager stopped by, she mentioned that they'd probably show a horror movie each week through October. We'll definitely be there. It's a great date night for a colder night.
(5)
Robyn G.
Woof. After walking 10 feet from the door the smell hits you. It smells like an entire NFL team just took off their shoes. There's definitely a plumbing issue or ventilation issue or something that just makes it smell like the place is rotting. If you can get a seat outside and get past the smell... then the food is good and the drinks are good.
(3)
Trista T.
I did love this place, but it the image is a bit confusing. Sports bar, gay men, not really Mexican food place. But it works I guess. I didn't have a full meal but I did try the sweet potato fries. They were out of this world. Thick cut and full of flavor and came with spiced marshmallow dip that was perfection!!! My friend all loved their margaritas and food as well. Server was great and made it feel really homey. Cannot wait to get back to that dip!!! Highlight of the whole dinner.
(4)
Jose V.
Can't really understand all the bad reviews.. Its a sportsbar/tex-mex place, dont come expecting authentic mexican food or michelin starred restaurant! I love their chill atmosphere, their indoor patio and their lighter options in the menu Their salads are ridiculously huge
(4)
Lai J.
Been there a few times. I'm always annoyed by the places that check your ID no matter what and I'd drink simply because I've been carded. Most of the hosts I met are sweet. Servers are alright, it just takes forever for them to notice you. Love the busboy and jalapeño poppers, one more star for them.
(4)
Brian N.
Great spot for groups and real good tacos! All the tacos were fantastic...Pulled pork and coffee rubbed steak were delicious. Real thin chips with jalapeno ranch dressing also very good! Place was great and very reasonably priced too.
(4)
Justin B.
This place has great food, decent service and is relatively cheap. My gripe: BOTH times that I've gone here I've had my credit and bank card compromised. The staff is apparently untrustworthy. ALLOF'EM. Not only do they require a card to be left (even if you're a sitting patron) but they then leave it out in the open on the bar counter. I've lost well over $1000 in compromised charges due to the staff at DS. Charges to my card: $467.42 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $77.30 BURGER KING #9627 CHICAGO RIDGE IL $247.00 iTunes $682.38 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $197.67 DS Tequilla SERVER: COREY (caucasian/blonde male around 5'10) I really just want to see what over $1000 buys at shoe carnival. Please show me. If the owner is reading this: YOU OWE ME, BRO.
(1)
David S.
My friend and I went for a late dinner after a show at Mary's Attic in Andersonvillle....It was our first time there, and we were seated it what I assume would be the patio area in better weather. It looked liked retractable glass walls looking at the sidewalk, but we were at the beginning of a major blizzard that night in Chicago, so, needless to say, the glass walls were down! Ashley was our server, and she had a trainee with her that night, and between Ashley and the food, I'd call it a great experience! We started with a bowl of margaritas and some guacamole, and the reason I'm giving them a one-star demerit, is the guacamole portion was really chintzy.... we had half the chips left and no more guac :( Andrew had the 9-layer dip app as a dinner, and loved it; I had the 3-taco combo platter and I appreciated that the tacos weren't hugely ginormious but that the portion size was absolutely perfect. Ashley was delightful, and is one of the reasons we'll be back!
(4)
Megan S.
Definitely one of my favorite places in Boystown. I come here with one my good friends and every time we've had a great time. The Miami Vice marg that they make is incredible. There's also a bartender there that looks just like Dr. Avery from Grey's Anatomy and he's so sweet. On my friend's birthday I asked if they did anything special, I was just expecting a shot for her, but he came out with a round of shots for everyone in our party and a giant sparkler for her.
(3)
Shana H.
Not a fan of this place at all. I actually had a server huff at me when I asked for coffee during Saturday brunch. A bit uncalled for. The food is meh, and the staff isn't very pleasant. Wonder why people even come here. Its too bad because the potential is there if they'd clean up their customer service! One word...entitlement. sigh!! They may almost have a good gig if they weren't such protentious servers. Get over yourself, you are not a gift to Halstead street.
(1)
Luke C.
I love the atmosphere here. The food is delicious (especially the different tacos; yum!!!). The staff is quirky and so much fun. I don't know how they do their hiring here, but I've never had any bad service! Their margaritas and drinks are just the best around and you'll never find a better atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you get a giant smile from the staff and it just keeps getting better! It's a great neighborhood spot, place to watch a football game during the season, or an awesome place for a margarita after a Cubs game (I've been there for all three reasons)!
(5)
Silas H.
Amazing tacos but I wish their drinks weren't so pricy. Its a good try, I haven't had a bad experience and have been there a few times.
(4)
Adriane P.
Recently I did a family members homework for them. I'm altruistic like that. Thus, I could justify copying my guest's review, his is better but I won't. I've been several times now. It seems like an identity crisis of a sports bar and Mexican restaurant. Especially with the dozens of tvs playing sports, top 40 music, tacos, margs, and burgers. Last time we arrived and the host was rather impressed with his unusual ID. There was a wait but he approached us at the bar and squeezed us in a communal table. Kudos to you, friend for being a transplant! The name. Oy, it's always fun on a date before dinner to explain what DS stands for. Romantical and pleasant before eating. And by the the way, what the h is next? Suck and Blow Hookah Bar, Reverse Cowgirl Texmex, Rimjob Auto Shop? Yeesh! The margs are weak and just ok. Very slurpee like. A guy filled one of the slurpee marg dispensers with a huge 5 gallon unmarked container. Not a good sign. I ordered the caramel Apple martini dispensed from a similar machine. It was even weaker, but a neat liquid candy. The caramel was evenly distrbuted top to bottom. The waiter came up as we took our first sips and said, "Your food's almost ready, do you want the check?" My friend asked him his pardon and he repeated it. We were flabergasted (yet hid it with poise) and politely declined. Others servers kinda hovered after too much. I liked the tacos much more than my partner. I ate like 9 kinds, shush! I was hungry and wanted to sample many. Note DS Tequila Company does not actually make tequila. Work out the drinks and service guys. I dig Mexican with a shovel and wanna like you but make more of an effort!!!!!! It's not the sht but not terrible.
(3)
Elise P.
We had a very strange experience here. We arrived at about 11:30pm and sat at the bar. The bartenders ignored us for a while, which was only odd because it wasn't packed inside (since it was the 4th of July, I guess). Once we finally got acknowledged, I got a coco loco frozen margarita (out of the big icee machine) and it was really good! No complaints on that. The really huge downside was that the staff seemed extremely focused on doing a deep clean of the bar area while we were there, using copious amounts of bleach. As in, pouring straight bleach into the trap part under the beer taps, about 6 inches from my face. So needless to further explain, that was horrifying and disgusting. On top of that, they were all polishing and covering bottles, and covering and putting away all their garnishes. I have worked in bars, I know that unless it's close to close and/or really dead, this doesn't/ shouldn't happen while many people are at the bar. We even asked the bartender if they close at midnight (worrying we'd be the rude customers that keep them open, since it was a holiday and all), but they did not- close at 2am. It was a friday night, hours before close, with a full bar rail. What was that all about? All I can recommend is the tasty margarita. But honestly, I doubt I'd go back for crap service and bleach fumes with my margarita.
(2)
Suzie N.
Great food and drinks. Guac is delish. Our server Bennett was so helpful and recommended the California wildfire to drink. It was great and so was our night. Will definitely be back. Thanks!
(5)
O R.
Wow...we ordered our food (scrambled egg skillet) at 2:30. At 3:15 we get free shots because it's taking a little longer than usual. At 3:45 my friend had to bring it to the staffs attention that he's diabetic and needs to eat fairly soon please. We're told that our ticket got "bumped" because of the shift change. I understand these things might happen but in my friends case, this was extremely preposterous. Have as many excuses as you want but this goes beyond just feeding your guests. Let's work closer together to alleviate this situations from taking place in the future. Teamwork and communication is key and they simply do not have it.
(1)
Nikki D.
Went here for taco night! For 12.99 you get all you can eat tacos! The tacos have a great flour tortilla and great fillings. My favorite ones were the encrusted steak and the fried chicken. You can easily get your money's worth! We also got the alcoholic root beer which is delicious and goes down very easy! The service was great as well!
(5)
Timothy L.
Drinks were ok and on the super sweet side. Food was good - make sure you get fried fish tacos and the coffee-rubbed steak. The fish was battered and fried perfectly and the steak tasted like a "real" grilled steak and not just some stir-fried beef. Friday half-off appetizers makes a visit well worth it. While the tacos were good, DS Tequila still misses in the drinks and execution.
(2)
SOBE ER D.
DS Tequila is a good local haunt in Boystown. It's technically a bar that serves food so be prepared to show your ID at the door. The energy in the place is high and there are a couple of theme nights such as movie night and trivia night. The food is basic: tacos and burgers with salads and a few side items. Chips and salsa are not complimentary. Margaritas are by the class, fishbowl or pitcher - fairly good. Full bar is also available. There is a huge covered outdoor space that makes for great people watching on Halsted Street. All in all, a good, reliable place to go for a quick bite.
(4)
Jonathan H.
This place is awful. Been there 3 times and never again. Last night was the worst by far. I will say that their drinks are good and tacos can be good. Everything else leaves a lot to be desired. My friends and I arrived at 7PM. We had a reservation and they seated us immediately. At 7:15 our server arrived to greet us and take drink orders. At 7:30 our drinks arrived. 2 of our friends drinks were completely wrong. At 7:45 the corrected drinks showed up. Our dinners, all taco plates, began showing up in shifts: 4 meals at 8:00, 4 meals at 8:15, the final two didn't show up until 8:30 and not until after we had to hunt down the manager. The manager, Denny, is a nice kid. Seemed a bit inexperienced and not prepared to handle the chaos that was on his hands. He offered us a round of drinks to compensate. An hour and a half for everyone to get their food and he offers a round of drinks? No. All of this said I think the place has real potential. The owners, however, need to get a clue into how to run a successful restaurant. If you're going to be a bar - then be one. Thus far the owners have not quite gotten the hang of what it takes to be a great place. Sure, they have traffic from a clientele that may not know any better and spend their money anyway and if that's what the owners want then that's fine. From where I stand, as well as my friends, we won't be going back and will spend our money elsewhere. We live in the neighborhood and want nothing more than for the local places to do well. @DS Tequila owners: get it together. Hire managers with experience and restructure the entire experience and you'll be awesome.
(1)
Tracy G.
I freaking love this place. I would say I have gone here at least 10-20 times in the past 2 years or so since living in the city at all different times of the day (brunch, a lunch, dinner etc.) I have consistently received great service each time I have gone. Big shout out to the waiter Corey who I usually see working Saturday brunch. Guy remembered me from a previous visit and made me actually feel like a regular which is a great way to treat customers. I think I love this place the most because it instantly makes me feel like I am supposed to be back in undergrad and wasted again. Not saying that is the greatest reason to love a place, but it feels nostalgic and I feel like they are going for that. They have succeeded. I can see why people think the food is a tad pricey, but they offset that with some great deals during the week. The burgers are great but I usually just end up getting a small order of the Trash Can Nachos which despite my abundant appetite usually provides me a second meal the next day. The beer selection is great especially for Boystown, and their mixed drinks are fun as well. I am shocked by the amount of negative reviews given my positive experiences there. I swear they didn't pay me to write this. But if they did I would accept nachos or beer as payment.
(5)
Amanda H.
I was with a party of 20 people and we decided to go here. Big mistake. A guy was cleaning a long table that would easily seat all of us. We were told by the host that if we weren't ordering food that we couldn't sit there. It was 11:30pm. Dinner is over and the only thing people might want is a snack at that point. There were three booths in the back that were also empty, so we sat down because there were so many places for people to sit. Plus, we were 20 people who wanted to get drunk. We waited for almost a half hour and were completely ignored by the wait staff AND the bartenders. Finally we were asked to move from the booths. So we get up and continue trying to order a drink. Only two out of the twenty managed to get a drink. Then they rudely told us that we were in the way because we were standing. Ummmm....so we can't sit, stand, or order any drinks? I'm sorry. I thought this was a bar. So we go outside to figure out where to go instead and then we were asked to move away from outside the front of the bar. We weren't blocking the door or bothering anyone. It's all cool though. We went down the street and spent hundreds of dollars elsewhere.
(1)
Patrick L.
Good place, good food, friendly people! They've got a great outdoor patio, probably one of the best around. With the fire pits and what not it's great even when the weather starts to cool off. Plenty of good food and plenty of drink options too!
(4)
Christina M.
$5 for a Lonestar...you're joking right?
(2)
Heidi R.
I got a recommendation to come here from my hair stylist who works right down the street. I saw the groupon deal and then read the reviews so decided to not buy it. This is one time I wish I would have taken the recommendation and nixed the yelp reviews... This place rocks. My boyfriend and I came here because we were just down the street at FFC looking for some major grub very quickly! This was exactly what we had in mind. We sat down immediately and saw first thing "All you can eat Tacos" YUM! These are not your ordinary tacos either. For $9.99 you get about 5 options of tacos or for $12.99 you get 10 options and they must be ordered in 3s. They are sounded so good. We ordered the steak taco (fave), hamburger taco, white boy taco, crispy chicken taco, pulled pork taco, grilled fish taco and the chicken fajita taco. I loved the hamburger and steak taco the most. They also had a veggie taco and fried fish taco which we didn't try. Your first order comes with rice and beans. They had a house chardonnay for $5 which I was sold on. Love this place and I plan on returning for sure. The rest of the menu looked awesome and they have great daily specials!
(4)
Lindsey A.
The only reason I've been to this place twice is because the first time we visited they wouldn't let us use our Living Social deal because we had done the 'all-you-can-eat' taco deal which vetoes the L.S. Grumble. Sooooooo we went back. The tacos were all right but it skeeves me out to go to a place that serves two main entrees: Burgers or Tacos. Don't ask me why, it just does. On top of feeling queasy about the menu, I literally felt queasy after the meal - and this lasted for more than 24 hours with more than just stomach rumblings. Service is pretentious and clientele cray.... the only reasons I'd venture back to this Boystown Shit Show are the blackberry margaritas and lovely patio.
(2)
Gary D.
Generally I give 3 and 4 stars very commonly but the service was so bad here that I can't do that in good conscience. It took a long time for the server to come over when we first sat down and it was downhill from there. We had to ask other servers to send ours over on 2 occasions. It was a Sat. night but our guy didn't seem to have too many tables. We could see him at the bar talking with others but just seemed to ignore us. My daughter wanted a margarita and there were several flavors so she asked him which one he thought was best and just said I like whiskey drinks instead of saying something like this one is the most popular. The food is fair at best, the atmosphere was more of a dance club with loud music than a restaurant. There are many more Mexican restaurants in town that I'd recommend over this one.
(2)
Katie D.
I tried D S tequila for the first time for a dinner out with friends. The food was really great, we all picked our own selection of tacos. Our server, Bennett, was extremely helpful in recommending his favorite tacos and also suggested the frozen Arnold Palmer to drink which we all loved!! We are all looking forward to coming back and will be sure to ask for Bennett's section!
(4)
Sunni M.
Great margaritas, great tacos but horrible service. Every time I've been there the waiters have always disappeared for a few minutes at a time. That, plus the crazy crowds and atmosphere make me not too much of a fan. In the summer the patio is really nice though.
(2)
Rick A.
Just re-read my original review for DS Tequila and I decided I must write an update. Because three years later, they have greatly improved their service and food quality, and it must be mentioned. They figured out the taco situation, stopped making the homemade shells (which were not all that good at all), and simplified the ordering process. In short, they fixed all the problems that plagued them before, and now have a really nice, tightly run business. The food is always delicious (especially the coffee-rubbed steak taco... MEGA yum!), and the drinks are great and delicious. The service is fast and friendly, and the crowd is dessert for the eyes. I am now a fan of DS Tequila!
(4)
Kimberly M.
I went around 930pm on a Saturday night with a group of 5 people. The place was busy but we got sat immediately. The service was grea tand had friendly staff. The had no problems with splitting our check 4 ways... I ordered the chips and guacamole, which was fresh and yummy, a Sangria, and shared the classics burger. Everything was tasty.
(3)
Ashlee A.
I can't speak on the food but I can say without question that I had one of the tastiest Margaritas of all time last nigh around 130am. And for a Sunday night it was a pretty lively crowd. I also had a couple of shot of the tequila straight up and it was very clean. I dare say we found a winner ;-)
(4)
Sean B.
They wrecked their unlimited tacos. They downgraded it to 10 choices for the more expensive option, taking out the Chorizo and others that must have been low margin for them, and they added rice and beans without asking. I sent my beans back, as they would wreck the taste of the rest of the meal for me. They prodded about whether I was allergic or not, and I said it doesn't matter - it wasn't listed on the menu. When we came in, they had a technology glitch. The waiter couldn't get the iPod touch to load the order, so then he brought out an iPad, which crashed numerous times. It crashed again later in the meal. Then a busboy/server brought out food to us not once but twice that was not ours. Probably because the iPads were broken. They switched the tortillas to corn tortillas. Eh. Ew. Then our waiter was stripping on the bar in some kind of fundraiser, which meant he was like 10 minutes late in taking our order for more tacos. He also didn't notice our pitcher was dry. I also don't really appreciate being upsold raffle tickets as a captive audience at a restaurant table. While he was hot stripping, I would have liked water or a drink more than watching him gyrate on the bar then touch our food baskets without a bathroom hand-wash in-between. He was probably just doing his job, so I think this is management's fault. The music was on about 30 dB too loud tonight. I couldn't hear my friends and it made the conversation awkward. The nail in the coffin was we were a group of 6 and they added 20% gratuity. AFTER THE TAX WAS ADDED IN. Are you kidding me? We left less and wrote as such on the receipt. Maybe if everything wasn't wrong. Not sure I'll be bringing my expansive posse back on Thursdays anymore. Maybe if they fix a bunch of this stuff.
(2)
Mike D.
How can anyone negatively remark on this place? Reading some of these reviews: You knocked them points because they didn't say goodbye to you? You knocked them points because you want to be "wined and dined like a lady"? This is a bar with food. That's all this place is - a bar.. with food. Not a Michelin star winning restaurant. Let me say this again: A bar.. with food. Now the food? I actually thought it was fantastic and worthy of four stars certainly. I had the 3 taco special and my buddy had a turkey sandwich. I thought both were fantastic. The chips/guac/salsa was amazing as well. I highly suggest trying this place out!
(4)
Rebecca I.
$2.50 per gourmet taco that comes on a freshly made tortilla and to wash in down their margaritas are the best I have had inside the States. They defiantly have a generous pour but also doesn't overwhelm or take away from the natural margarita taste. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I would defiantly recommend this place and will be going back! It couldn't of been a better first time experience!!!
(5)
Nathan R.
After my review posting...one of the owners has contacted me and started to resolve the situation!
(4)
Tracy S.
!
(5)
Michael V.
It's a bar that happens to serve a limited menu. It's crazy loud and the food is completely forgettable. If you're just there to drink and have tortilla chips and salsa, it may be worth a visit.
(2)
Sarah Z.
There is a very sad ending to this story- I mean... review. It makes me feel guilty, but for the greater good of the Yelping community I must keep it real, ya hear me? I was excited tocatch up with a friend over drinks and a snack. My friend recommended DS Tequila Company. Which turned out we had once been there before (it wasn't memorable the first time probably a bad sign...mediocre sign(?)). As many others have mentioned they ID everyone, all day, ev'ry day. We were seated quite quickly. Were greeted by many a waiter but no one seemed to really want to wait on us. We received two glasses of water by a flustered tall handsome man and he gave a quick apology and a promise of return. We were greeted again by another waiter with two glasses of water, who also apologized for the wait, then realized we had already been courted and he replied 'oh, looks like you are being helped- have a good meal then.' Then we waited. There was a lot of waiting. This was my main issue. ACTUALLY this was my only real concern. I felt ignored. I want to be wine, dined, and treated like a lady!! We ordered some drinks and some Texas Trash Can Nachos. The drinks came quick enough, my friend got a Tecate, I got a frozen regular $8 margarita (I like my margarita a little more festive with the alcohols if you catch my drift, like at least $8 worth). But the nachos seemed to take forever. Long enough for us to make fun of AT LEAST 5 songs.... all of which dated back from 2005 (which also seemed to be where our food was traveling from). When they did arrive they were good. Cheese. Chicken. They remembered to put the sour cream on the side. I thought there could have been more guacamole. But I'm ca-ray-zay like that. We had to steal plates from a vacant table rather than wait for someone to catch our eye or to wait in general. The nachos were good, but seemed cool... as in not hot, maybe waiting to be picked up? We ordered another round of drinks when the sad thing happened. A waiter fell!!!! Hard. I am positive he has a bruise. It looked like it hurt. Luckily some nachos broke his fall. They also landed on my friend. I'm not talking NACHOS all in her face but it was a little sour cream on her pants. Our waiter (not the one who fell- he disappeared... probably to go to the hospital) rushed to get us seltzer and a rag. It was no big deal, really. Another waitress lady informed us she took both of my margaritas off the bill. WHICH IS THE SAD THING. This was really nice and, yeah. she didn't need to do it- it made DS Tequila look good and probably because the service was bad she should have done so. That act alone would have gotten them 3 stars from me (I LOVE FREE STUFF). But the service up until then, and waiting for the check after, just really bummed me out. In conclusion the atmosphere: fine, average. the food: fine, average. the service: below average, needs improvement the free margaritas: AWESOME POSSUM ten stars.
(1)
Zorin D.
One might think that $4 for a taco is outrageous. The coffee rubbed steak taco is well worth it. I haven't tried much of anything else there so I can't really vouch for anything else. I was disappointed by the guacamole which was overwhelmed by way too much raw onion. My margarita was good as well so all and all it was a win. The music is loud and pretty annoying though.
(4)
Drew B.
The owners of MiniBar bring us D.S., a tequila bar with only two varieties of tequila? Oh well, onto the rest. I stopped in around 5 o'clock and got a nice seat at the bar. The interior was very industrial, lots of exposed concrete and steel--I like that sort of thing. The bartender came over and was very personable and knowledgeable on the menu and mixology in general. Mark (the bartender) asked me what I like and he created this amazing watermelon margarita with a sugar/salt rim. It was amazing! Props to him and his barback, Paul, they both did a great job! The burgers on the menu looked amazing, but after finishing with the gym I peered over and stayed on the taco side (just as bad I know). I ordered the: grilled fish, roasted chicken, tequila grilled shrimp, fried chicken, and coffee spiced skirt steak tacos. And I enjoyed every single one except the last one, I tasted no coffee spice and the flavor was almost bland. The food lacked a 'wow' factor but still managed to hold my attention and appetite. I will most likely return and enjoy more of Mark's margaritas. Welcome to the neighborhood D.S.
(3)
Desmond L.
Food is just "ok". Drinks are just "ok". Our bartender Heather was AWESOME! Can you please get WIFI for customers though, it's 2013!
(3)
Victoria R.
food was pretty good
(3)
Nicole W.
Gross. Usually this place smells like vomit and rotten citrus. Last night we decided to stop in for the first time in almost a year and upon entering we're hit with a wall of straight up rotting corpse stench. Seriously. Did something die in there? Absolutely disgusting.
(1)
Renee E.
I reserve a special place of hatred in my heart for places like Cracker Barrel and I just added another little section for D.S. Tequila Company. I'm actually still angry that I was there and it's been over 12 hours. After a 2nd failed Groupon attempt at Tapas Gitana down the street, and after paying for parking, we walked around the hood looking for some sort of edibles. Chicago Diner literally had a line of people waiting halfway down the block and I wasn't in the mood for HB or Nookies and we were sort of freezing, so we thought...hmmm...tacos? Couldn't be too bad, from the descriptions on the menu. My first tipoff at ultimate restaurant fail was the beer pong table just off the entrance and I still don't understand how I didn't just turn around at that point, but that's what cold and hunger will do to a gal... We were seated at some communal table in some of THE most spine-rippingly uncomfortable jagged metal chair contraptions. At this point, the all-encompassing THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of the pop dance music bass section was knocking my brain senseless and we couldn't even hold a conversation without every statement or question being responded to with a "WHAT????" So, onto the "food." Hubs got the $9.99 all you can eat taco special, which actually ended up being a deal, because I could cradle one of those tacos in the palm of my wee-freakishly small baby palms. I decided to get 2 tacos (before I'd seen them), one bbq pork, one mushroom queso and a side of sauteed vegetables. The bbq pork wasn't a total hideous disaster, but on a scale of 1-10, it was probably a 5. The mushroom was just sort of gross and tangy, but not in a good way. The side of "sauteed vegetables" was a tea cup size portion of mixed frozen veg, sauteed in a good cup of butter and Tbsp. of salt. It took about a century for the server to come back and every second that passed in that place made me angrier and angrier. I guess all I can say is, the patio's got to be an improvement, but for god's sake, don't go for the food or the atmosphere inside. Or maybe just drink enough tequila to not care.
(1)
Amy H.
I'm not going to let the obnoxious group of faux-hipster trixies at the table next to us {talking loudly and incorrectly about all the fashion designers they know, own, and love} ruin my review. It was probably a fluke...a bad overflow from the nearby Wrigleyville neighborhood...a bunch of suburban trusties in town for Pitchfork... But the thing is...they were clearly overserved. One guy was smoking at his table and then started to pass out (or...uhm..."fall asleep") but the staff kept bringing them drinks. I guess that was their decision to make, but the entire patio was clearly annoyed by these people and they should have been asked to leave or tone it down or STOP SMOKING. Even still, my experience was average. The staff was nice. The Miami Vice drinks were refreshing, albeit weak. I liked the selection of food on the menu and the queso and guacamole were delicious. I just wasn't wowed.
(3)
Matt V.
Food was fine. Loaded fries were pretty good, although I'm not sure if that was cheese melted on top or if it was goo. Our server, although beefy and hot had the personality of a toilet seat. He wasn't capable of smiling or being nice until he was saying good bye...probably in hopes of a good tip.
(3)
Diane H.
One summer I made it my personal quest to find the best margarita. (Side note: that summer was awesome.) If this restaurant was open then, it would have ranked similarly as the Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix...noone really wants to drink it, but it's doable in a pinch. After four hours of fun with friends, despite drinking many margaritas, I left wondering if there was any tequila in any of the drinks. Two friends joined in for a drink towards the end of the evening, but since that bumped the party up to 6, it meant an automatic 20% tip added to the bill. Granted, that is what I typically tip, but it seemed an excessive requirement, especially when the bill had numerous errors and service was only ok. Menu is basically a variety of tacos and a variety of hamburgers. It's as odd as it sounds.
(2)
Vanessa M.
Came here with a reservation for a birthday party. To our surprise they'd set up birthday hats, bubbles, and party poppers which was a super thoughtful, unexpected surprise. Our server was really sweet too, I wish I could give him a shoutout by remembering his name (blonde guy). The four of us girls ordered fishbowls and our friend ordered a beer. We got the chipotle pineapple marg and it was EXCELLENT (our server helped us decide on that). We later ordered the guava marg and it was a bit too sweet for my taste, but not bad. Food was not my favorite but I was not coming here for a fine dining experience. Atmosphere, service, venue were great! Would definitely recommend to a friend.
(4)
Andrey R.
I always thought it was a cool place to catch up with friends and have some drinks. Last time I went there with my friends, food was gross, service was pretty bad and my friend found hair in his drink! Pretty bad experience. Definitely not coming back there, nor my friends.
(1)
Kara E.
I wandered over to DS Tequila on a Sunday afternoon in hopes of finidng a great place to sit outside for lunch. We were seated right away on the patio, which is pretty decent sized and were met right away by our server. Service was attentive without being annoying. I went with a traditional margariate and my bf went withe chipotle pineapple marg. Drinks were great! For lunch, I went with a combo of 4 diffrent tacos- pulled pork, grilled tilapia, shrimp, and steak. My bf went with the Turkey Stack, which were 2 massive turkey burger patties which came w/ a side of fries. Our food was great! I'll be back for another time to enjoy the patio!
(4)
Kailey M.
Tequilas is a super fun, chill environment to hang out and grab a few drinks with friends. The staff is friendly, they have a decent beer selection (not much for dark beer at all, mostly Belgian and domestic), and a few veggie options! Have to take a star away for the menu set up though. I was here with a friend and we saw what appeared to be $8 daiquiri pitchers, which is clearly too good to be true. So of course we thought to inquire. The server confirmed that the pitchers were $8 so we ordered 2. When our bill came the pitchers were over $30 a piece. So needless to say that was a bit of a surprise. Other then the one mishap, I have been happy with Tequila's every time I've been here!!
(4)
Asper K.
Word on the street is that the D.S. in "D.S. Tequila Company" stands for dirty sanchez. (In case you don't know..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Sanchez_%Â28sexual_act%29). Supposedly this is on purpose as some sort of inside joke by the owners. Nice job jagoffs. You are the funniest motherfckers that ever lived. Okay, first things first. There is no such thing as D.S. Tequila brand tequila. I went to the trouble of going to their website to verify this. dstequila.com/aboutus.ht… . On their website, they say that "D.S. Tequila is serious tequila.." (but doesn't exist) .. and for "the time being we have selected don modesto." In other words, they might buy some tequila wholesale and slap their label on it sometime in the future. But so far, this seems like a bad idea because nobody wants it. Insofar as this being a "company" store..again..what a bunch of posers.I associate a "company" store with a retail outlet that's opened AFTER a product develops a reputation and customers want the real deal direct from the producer. This "dirty sanchez" tequila doesn't even exist. Perhaps they should open a D.S Microbrew Company store too..and serve bud light (for the time being of course). As for the food: they have tacos, burgers, fries, caesar salad etc. With the exception of the tacos, very very cookie cutter wriggleyville bar style. There are about 10-15 different "tacos" ..they have fried chicken, bbq shredded pork, and other 7-11 style fillings. Yummy bar food yes..modern mexican cuisine mos def not. As for drinks, I had the lemon lime margarita and she had the carmel apple margarita. These are dispensed from huge 7-11 style slurpee machines behind the bar. Tasty, but very sugary. Also, one was a lot stronger than the other. While we were there a guy re-filled one of the machines by sloshing in a bunch of syrup from a huge white bucket. No doubt this process is the end result of years of trial and error on the Agave plantation in Mexico. Or maybe the owners used to work at 7-11. As for the service..it's sort of odd. They're all dudes in tight shirts serving what seemed like a very ordinary crowd. I don't know why the owners decided women shouldn't work as waitresses or behind the bar. Our tight shirted waiter was nice but seemed very A.D.D. He asked if we were ready for the bill even before our tacos arrived. I mean..really?? Being sat nite it was busy. But for fcks sake, can't we try to enjoy our 50 bucks worth of spiked slurppes and 7-11 tacos without someone rushing us out the door? For the record, I don't mind a cookie cutter Wriggleyville bar. That's fine. But I don't like being sold a bunch of 7-11 food and being told it's premium quality. I hate to admit it, but the dude who got the dirty sanchez might be me.
(2)
Andrew Evans U.
Food is great! Our waiter is friendly! And they open until 2 am on Sundays! Queso dip and chips are a must try. The burgers are amazing. Music is great
(5)
Emily G.
My higher-than-average review compared to other yelpers may be due to the fact that I did not eat here, however, as a place to grab a free drinks late night DS Tequila Company is great. It is a has a very unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere unlike some of the other bars in the general area. The bartenders are always very friendly, it's never too crowded but not empty either, and there are always tasty drink specials. Spent a good portion of the Sunday during Pride Weekend watching the Parade from the porch while drinking pitchers of frozen margaritas with friends and it was one of the most fun days I have had in Chicago!
(4)
loren a.
Terrible. This review is based solely on the service and NOT the food because I had the honor of not trying it thanks to a god awful service experience. We went to this place and when we first got here we were greeted by a male server. He was very informative about the menu and appeared to be very friendly. He came back and he asked us if we were ready, we said we werent ready yet and asked for a COUPLE more minutes. About 10 minutes later he brought us our drinks and sat them on the table and walked away. I saw him come to the front of the restaurant several times and he never even looked over at us. He went to about 4 other tables and dilly dallied and also took his time at the computer putting in orders. (I used to be a server).About 15 minutes later we finally asked someone else if they could take our order. They took about another 7 minutes before they even got our server to come up to us. We told the host we wanted to pay for our drinks and leave. The server came up to us with an ATTITUDE and opened his book and said are you ready. We told him we were going somewhere else because it took 30 minutes to be acknowledged. He walks away with an attitude and gets the manager. The manager apologized and took our credit card to pay for the drinks. We complained again about the server and THEN she gave us a gift card for $20 for our next visit. The thing is I live in California. Realistically, she shouldnt have made us pay for the drink. Even fr her to charge us for the drink took an additional 10 minutes. We were there for an hour total and got two drinks, one terrible the other good, and god awful service. I wouldnt recommend this place to a homeless person who had a free $20 gift card. Also, it was expensive. Even the appetizers were $11.95 and up.
(1)
Fernando V.
The service is awful and slow there drinks where good if poured; don't order the nasty slushy margaritas. I think the food was bland there is nothing I would say I need to come back to eat this. most of the staff can be attractive but that is all they cant do there job.
(1)
Rock Star R.
one of the worst meals. ordered 3 tacos. it took 45 minutes. the place was dead. finally, the meal arrives. it's wrong. the waiter blamed it on the kitchen. it took 10 more minutes to correct, one of the wrong tacos. clearly, they put the other items under a heat lamp or something because, by the time the plate came back, everything was soggy, cold and covered in oil. truly, a horrible experience.
(1)
Matthew J.
By far my fav establishment in Boystown!!!! Can't beat the cocktails, the service is incredible and the food amazing!!!! Make sure you stop by when Adam is working and have him make you a cocktail... Best bartender on Halsted!!!
(4)
James G.
You ever have a really bad experience at a place, and decide to give it another try, but the second time is even worse? Welcome to DS Tequila... Last week my husband and I were in DS Tequila for an event. I got there first, and I started a tab with the bartender, grabbing a beer for myself. When my husband got there, we ended up sitting at a booth with friends. I decided to keep ordering our drinks from the bartender, while my husband ended up ordering tacos at the table with the server. After waiting forever for the tacos, they were just terrible. I could tell as the server set them down that they were going to be gross. Having worked in a restaurant that served tacos, they looked like the ones that had been sitting in the back for hours. My husband, who was starving, choked them down anyway. As the event ended, I decided to go closed my drink tab with the bartender. As she hands me my credit card, and the slip for me to sign, I noticed that the bill was about $25 more than it should be. As I flagged her down again, I asked her with an itemized receipt, which for some reason she said she could not do. So, I told her that since we only had two margaritas and three beers, our tab could not have been as much as it was. She got immediately got incredibly rude telling me that we actually had four margaritas, and that I was wrong. After arguing for a couple minutes, she fixed the tab, still rudely telling me I was wrong. In her defense, we had to send the two margaritas we did have back, because each time they did not come with salt, even though each time she asked if we wanted salt and we say yes. This week, we decided to give DS Tequila another try. After some confusion with the credit card and the incorrect tab from last week, my husband decided to email the owner to let him know what happened. The owner graciously invited us to come back and have dinner on him, which was very kind. Of course, there was another event going on at DS Tequila this week, so we decided to go back yesterday. By request of the owner, we made a reservation, so that he knew when we'd be coming. We were seated in a booth in the back, with a server named Chris. You could just tell immediately upon sitting down that it wasn't Chris's day, and that DS Tequila was the last place he wanted to be. I used to be a server, I get that. However, Chris was beyond rude. He never introduced himself, or welcomed us to the bar. When he did ask you something, it was rude questions like "you ready yet?" with an eye roll, or a testy "what do you want?!" When a friend we knew came to sing at our booth for a while, he was like, "what are there three of you now?!" If I dared ask him for a refill, or a new ketchup since the one are our table was empty, he would loudly scoff at us. Not to mention, he never came to check on us ever, we had to track him down. Of course, when the food came (we ordered burgers this time), they were gross and cold. Clearly, they need to look into hiring food runners on busy nights so hot food goes out hot. We thought about sending it back, but with how rude Chris was, I could only imagine his reaction. The entire time we figured he was being such a jerk because he saw our reservation and knew we were eating for free, however, as he slammed down our check we noticed we were being charged. We waiting a while for Chris to come back, but finally we had to track down a manager ourselves, Apparently, our reservation had not been marked by the owner, however, even though they couldn't get a hold of the owner, they said not to worry about it. Another employee had remembered the owner mentioning something about it, so they believed us. In the end, we very quickly left, not bothering to tip Chris for what had to be the rudest service we ever had. As a server for many years, we believe in tipping at least 50% of what the meal would have cost us when it's comped, and up to 100% when the service is awesome. His loss. In the end, I don't even know where to begin with this place. The food's quality simply is not on par with the price point they are going for. If you are going to charge about $15 for a burger, it better be one of the best burgers in Chicago. Maybe they are though, and the problem is that the staff doesn't know how to get the food out to the tables when it's hot and ready, so what the guests get are cold food that has laid out too long. Maybe it can all be zeroed in on the staff though. The management I have met at DS Tequila has been nothing but nice, but the bartenders and servers have been just terrible, and downright rude. Clearly, they aren't trying to have one of those restaurants where everyone is just rude to you, and that's the fun. Honestly, I get the impression that the staff was all hired to have that certain "look," rather than give the best service. This clearly is what you get when that happens...
(1)
Christina G.
I headed here for dinner with two friends on a Thursday night. The place was busy, but not packed. We sat down and our waiter came by to ask out drink order. I ordered a seasonal beer, and was told they were out of it. Oh well, I just ordered something else. Two of us decided to go with the $9.99 all you can eat tacos. I'll admit, I definitely ate enough to make it worth it. You order the tacos in batches of three, though it doesn't need to be the same kind of taco. They also have another all you can eat taco special for a higher price, and you get to pick from more kinds of tacos. The $9.99 special suit me just fine. I'd say they were all pretty tasty, but my favorite was the Po' Boy. I found the pulled pork one to be a little strange, but that could just be due to the fact that pulled pork was on a taco instead of on a bun. Service was a little slow. My friends and I weren't in any sort of a hurry (except that we were hungry), so it didn't bother us too much. The part that was a bit annoying was that when you'd finish your three tacos, you'd have to wait until your waiter noticed you, then you ordered three more tacos, and then you'd have to wait for them to be made. The experience was OK enough, but I don't think I'll be back when so many better restaurants/bars are nearby.
(3)
Parker K.
I was served by a friendly an prompt server named John. He was attentive and very friendly. The host happily put on my teams opening season game! All in all great food, great atmosphere and, above all else, great service.
(4)
Elliott F.
Fun, casual place. Good (and unusual) tacos and burgers. Great beer and mixed drinks. The patio is relaxing in good weather. Same owners as minibar. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago if you remember that you are in a big city and you don't walk down the street in the wee hours after drinking while fixating on your I-phone. I have always found the staff welcoming. Yes, they do get busy, so you may have to wait more than a nanosecond to get a drink.
(4)
Laura C.
Going here on New Year's Day was a huge mistake. We got there around 2PM and after waiting an hour and fifteen minutes for our food - a few measly tacos and a burger, we found the tacos cold and mediocre. We tried the grilled fish, beer battered fish, coffee rubbed skirt steak, tequila grilled shrimp, BBQ pulled pork, and mushroom tacos. Besides being cold, the fillings were less than satisfying. The fish had a funny fish taste (a clear sign that it was not fresh), and the shrimp were popcorn sized. The steak and pork were overcooked and chewy - a far cry from the descriptions. Very disappointing - maybe these guys can take a lesson from the Del Seoul crew. The burger was unevenly cooked (medium on one half, well done on the other), when we were told all burgers were cooked medium. Eventually someone (not out server) told us that one of the cooks had called off, and he brought us some chips and cheese saying that he knew we were waiting a long time and must be hungry. This would have been a nice gesture, if it weren't for the fact that immediately after our chips arrived, so did our tacos and burger. I won't be back and suggest you don't go either.
(1)
Teresa H.
This spot is definitely one of my favorites in Boystown! I live right across the street so I tend to frequent D.S. often and I fall in love with this place all over again. Starters first: They have AWESOME queso, hint: get it with ground beef. Their tortilla chips are thin, and have just the right amount of salt. Ask for a side of jalapeno ranch to dip your chips in too, you won't regret it. The cheddar, bacon, and ranch loaded fries are to-die for as well. Not for people who don't like a lot of cheese though. Moving onto the tacos: The steak taco is BY FAR my favorite one. I get it whenever I go there. It is always cooked to perfection and the seasoning is amazing. I typically like the chicken fajita taco, but it can be hit or miss. Other great choices are battered fish, and crispy fried chicken. Beverages: You can't go wrong with a margarita here, plus D.S. makes it own tequila. (Hence D.S. Tequila Co.) Very smooth, and I'm not even a tequila lover! Overall, you can't go wrong with this restaurant. It's a fun environment, and the staff is very friendly.
(4)
Susan P.
All you can eat tacos on Thursdays. $9.99 for 5 different options, $12.99 for those options + more 'premium' fillings. Got the $9.99 deal (valid only if you get a drink as well.) Also comes with beans and rice with your first three tacos. Tacos are ordered 3 at a time. Thought it was a pretty good deal, and the tacos weren't bad! I'm a more adventurous eater, but the chicken ended up being my favorite. Also had the BBQ pork, veggie, battered fish and 'white boy' - ground beef, sour cream, etc. aka your standard taco. The veggie was my least favorite - sauce was okay, but the sauteed vegetables were pretty limp. Adding fresh avocado would make it better. My Victoria draft was a little flat, but they had plenty of Cholula hot sauce. Would definitely return. One complaint: my boyfriend ordered a Crispin Hard Cider (which was on the menu), but they came back with an angry orchard... far inferior to Crispin! They should definitely switch back.
(3)
Ali L.
Whoa, really surprised the overall rating is THAT low. Stopped here on a random Tuesday evening...$5 burger night, but of course with the necessary extras (cheese and bacon, of course) everything came out to like $7-$8. AMAZING burger for $5. Not lying. Fries were super good. Margaritas were super good. Three dip chips or whatever appetizer we got was pretty good--although two of the dips were a bit spicy for me, but I'm admittedly a huge wuss. Otherwise, food on the menu looked to be a bit expensive... The highlight of our night, though, was Walter. He was our server and he was amazing. Super quick, attentive and hilarious, really made our night. My boyfriend and I stepped out for an evening stroll, decided we were hungry, and Walter was a perfect addition to the night.
(4)
Lauren H.
Came here on a soft opening Sat with some friends. I was so happy to find out they had a Miami Vice (half strawberry dacquiri, half Pina Colada--also known in Hawaii as a Lava Flow) for $7 bucks (I think reasonable). It was pretty darn tasty. I was also pleasantly surprised that the $2.69 fish taco and shrimp taco were pretty good as well. They still have a bunch of kinks to work out, but our server (who I note was cute to boot) seemed genuinely interested in our comments which he solicited (the manager not so much. I hope they give that server more power around the place, I think he could run it better). Nice patio, I hope this place lives up to its potential, but only time will tell.
(4)
Matt T.
Bad service. Terrible, actually. Terrible service as defined by an 18 minute wait for drinks at the bar on a "Sunday Fun-day". Mediocre pricey drinks. I don't understand how the folks who run minibar can't translate that success to this place. Simple fix: they need to hire skilled servers, and have more of them. Deserves zero stars. The actual bar itself is OK and not too crowded but the service STINKS.
(1)
Christine L.
Everyone should come and participate on their Trivia Night on Wednesdays! Teams can hold up to 10 people, and there needs to be ~$10 minimum per person. Spending $10 really isn't that hard considering their margaritas are $8, and AMAZING. You can't go to DS Tequila without trying it! The margaritas are served in a large beer mug and you can mix two flavors together if you'd like. Mm...Pink Lemonade + Strawberry Trivia night is awesome because 1. questions are reasonable and fun 2. it wasn't too crowded 3. great atmosphere and 4. they raffle off a bunch of prizes at the end The service at DS Tequila rocked. The waiter was excellent at making sure we had enough to drink and even brought out more chips for us when we ran out for our chips + trio of salsa dish. I can't really comment on the food because all we had were the appetizers. Perhaps I'll try something on their menu at next weeks trivia!
(4)
Win M.
Went in early on a Monday. Saw fliers posted in window of restaurant about half off food on Monday. No other qualifier. {Drinks at full price, seems reasonable.} After meal tabbed up, no half off food since it was before 5 pm. (4:35 p.m.) Not good when business posts deceptive come-ons. While food/drink was good, experience leaves a bad taste.
(2)
Jeffrey C.
My partner and I went here for a late Sunday lunch (2pm) since it is so close to our home. We've eaten here before in the past year, once on a busy Saturday night and another time on an early Sunday afternoon. Both times were just OK. On this day, it wasn't bustling busy but there were a number of customers to keep things moving comfortably. Nothing out of the ordinary. We ordered an appetizer to share and a burger each. The waitress got our non-alcoholic drink orders, and all was fine. About 30-40 minutes went by, and we were still waiting for our appetizer. Our waitress had not stopped by once to refill our drinks or to even explain the lateness of our appetizer. Hoping that it would not come with our actual meal, we asked a staff member to find our appetizer order and our waitress. He immediately went to look for her, as well as refilled our drinks. Another staff member stopped by and said she would find out about our appetizer order. A couple of minutes later, our waitress finally came and told us that our appetizer is being made immediately and ready in 5 minutes. She also asked what the rest of our order was. She did mention that our meal would be complimentary. She did NOT mention what happened to our order and why she did not know the rest of our order (the burgers). There was no apology either from anybody for the poor service. For all we know, OUR ORDER WAS LOST which would explain why the food order wasn't started at all, why our waitress did not recall what we ordered, and why no one attended to us for 30-40 minutes (i.e. we did not "exist"). We understand that it could get very busy, but it was not busy. What we don't understand is why the waitress did not, on her own, attend to us after getting our first drink order and why there was no explanation from anybody about why our food was being started 30-40 minutes after placing the order. Despite the offer for a free meal, we declined and left, and we found much better service at a burger place on Broadway. Would think twice about returning for a meal. Better options are around.
(1)
Dana B.
I've always passed this restaurant//bar and had always wanted to try it out. I just really liked the decor and outside seating. So yesterday the boyfriend and I walked on over for some lunch. Immediately we were carded at 1pm on a saturday which was strange I thought because I saw some younger teens in there. The host tried to sit us next to a party of 12 which did not fly with me. I don't understand why someone would sit a table of two next to a large party when theres plenty of seats throughout the restaurant.... We waited over 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us meanwhile the host and two other servers are hanging out by the host stand... really? Finally our server came by and apologized and tried to explain that they don't have sections so he didn't know who's table was who.. thats a good idea said no one ever.. I ordered the Paloma and it was horrible, very watered down and I couldn't even drink it. I expected it to be a lot better.. ugh gross. Food was pretty good tho I'm not going to lie. I've seen reviews about it being cold but we didn't have that problem thankfully. I got the XXX burger which had jalapeno poppers and bacon on it.. yum and my boyfriend got the curizo tacos that he seemed to enjoy. Probably wont go back based on the lack of service. Get it together DS you have an awesome restaurant in one of the best neighborhoods in chicago.
(2)
Joseph F.
I do not understand how anyone could really like this place unless they are paid to say so or just escaped from a North Korean prison. It's like an Ed Hardy store closed in Santa Monica and someone got a steal on all the old fixtures. The food is a joke. If it's not supposed to be a joke, then they need a new chef immediately. It is by far the worst food on Halsted street. The greasy, creepy hot dog joint down the street actually has better tasting food than this place. Tacos? Methinks no. The drinks are also substandard. It's called DS Tequila. I should come in here and have a margarita that knocks my socks off. Instead, they seem to be competing for the most sugar in a cocktail award. So sweet! Premium tequila and a half gallon of syrup? I don't understand. If poor food and bad drinks were not enough then add in the smug service and the shade being thrown all over the place and you have a really dreadful evening. I get it. You have biceps and abs. (side note- how do guys who drink such sweet stuff look like that?!?!? I eat lettuce and pea gravel all week, have 4 drinks and I bloat like whale!) I gave DS two stars for it's best feature...the patio. It is the ONLY reason you should bother coming in here at all. Have a beer. Have a seat. People watch. I might try it again. I might not.
(2)
William Wesley M.
Nice outdoor patio space with ample seating. Great for people watching in boystown. The food was average and service was slow.
(3)
Adrian G.
Terrible. The food was cold, fish tasted like it Gorton fish sticks, service was lousy, drinks were over priced, and the music was too loud; it is a gay bar that serves "fusion" tacos.
(1)
James K.
This place has the best specials! ten dollars all you can eat tacos, trivia w/ prizes. honestly, i would go here and gladly pay retail bc the staff is great. Decor is industrial and everything is very clean. better still, they have an outdoor patio w/ retractable roof. no pretense, great service, and great cantina style tacos.
(5)
Carrie C.
Best tacos EVER! They also have de-licious beergaritas. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for yummy yummy tacos.
(4)
Jon S.
As many reviews have suggested, the food is generally very good, but the service is often horrible. A friend and I stopped by for brunch today and the service from Walter was outstanding. He took the time to check up on us every ten minutes and anticipated our requests and answered them before we had to ask. He should be paid as the key trainer for all other wait staff at the restaurant and should be appointed director of customer service!
(5)
Emily M.
The three stars is only the result of a snafu in the kitchen that let us food-less during brunch for about 45 minutes. Apparently our entire ticket was lost. But the service totally made up for it. Our server Tracy was so attentive and got us complimentary chips and salsa to munch on, and the manager comped the food that got lost. And that brings me to the food-- so tasty! I've had their tacos before-- very fresh with cool combinations. This time around I had a HUGE BBQ chicken salad, which really fresh and good. We also had onion rings-- clearly also delicious. My friend had the most AMAZING brunch item -- chicken and biscuits with gravy. It was so good. The ktichen goofed up on her order yet again-- she asked for the gravy on the side. But the manager took care of that right away, and made it clear that this was not the norm. So, all in all, I will absolutely be going back for brunch. People were having a great time, really enjoying both their food and the vibe. If they can't get their act together in the kitchen, though, it's not something I'll go back for.
(3)
Rodell R.
PART 1 of 3: My experience My friends and I went to DS Tequila. There was karaoke so we decided to sign up. I signed up for a song by Tom Jones. The host asked if it were a slow song, so I said yes. He said slow or suicide songs (verbatim) are not allowed, only fast songs, he said "Nobody knows Tom Jones." I insisted that I sing the song, as I know I always entertain the audience with my voice and singing capacity, not just the song. He shot down the idea regardless of my plea. When I said I was gonna sing a Lady Gaga's You & I, he said YES to it, since it was more current, I would assume. I went back to my table and I told this incident to my friends and they were appalled at the rules. I went back to the host, and tried for the second time to see if I can sing the Tom Jones and he said NO. When I got back to the table, the host started speaking on the microphone saying, "People, no slow or suicide songs. Nobody hear wants to hear that shit." Offended by the host's rant on stage, my friend, out of anger, shouted some B words towards the host, though no F, S or C words. The manager, Sarah, came to our table, asking us not to exchange foul language towards the host, and she reiterated that it is policy at DS Tequila not to play slow songs during Thu karaoke. She did this very nicely. Then I saw the host come up to the manager, and I overheard him saying, "Oh my God, I'm being bullied." This was something I couldn't let go, as I believe that the passive-aggressiveness that the host announce over the mic was a form of bullying towards me and my friends: there's no difference in that. So I tried to approach the manager, hoping to tell her that the host was showing some bullying himself. I couldn't get her attention because she wouldn't let me get a word in, AND she was holding a bottle of beer, drinking. (If she were a manager on duty, should she be drinking?) So out of options, I very lightly, touched her arms on both sides, trying to get her attentions, and she immediately accused me of physically assaulting her, and IMMEDIATELY, she kicked me out of the bar. There have been faults on both sides here, and I gave all of them. I am an honest person, and if I did something wrong, I admit to it, and not omit it for the sake of getting justice. Sara, the manager, acted very abruptly and didn't manage the situation very well. Now if she weren't drinking, wouldn't have she handled it much better? I will never know. This is the first bar I've experienced being asked to leave because an employee refuses to listen to my reasoning. I was very coherent during the whole ordeal. I don't know how you would respond to this, but any response is better than none.
(1)
Jen K.
I first ate here when they opened last year. The food was ok, nothing great, sort of sloppy presentation. Service was AWFUL, so slow, forgot our drinks. I just assumed that it was because they had just recently opened, so I wasn't against trying them again. This time I ordered for pick-up. Even the service was slow for me to simply pick up food that was sitting there in a bag, ready. Got the cheese dip appetizer, asked for chorizo in it, and was charge for chorizo- but there was no chorizo in my damn cheese. I also got a battered fish taco and the shrimp taco. Both were way smaller than I had remembered. The jalepenos on the fish tacos looked limp and old/gross. Not good, will not be going back.
(1)
Mark L.
I was there with a party of 10 and the place was packed. Our reservations had been messed up but the manager was able to accommodate and provided free appetizers. The atmosphere was great the the wait staff was attentive. The food was excellent and very flavorful. I had the 3 taco meal which came with your choice of tacos, and had rice and refried beans as sides. I had a grilled chicken taco, a grill fish taco, and a steak taco. I'm on weight watchers and it was easy to work into the points plan, which is always a challenge when eating at a restaurant for the first time. I have already recommended to friends and I will be back.
(5)
Lee L.
Me and my party came to D.S. Tequila Company after getting a tweet from them to come on by. This is going to be a review on an overall concept and not specific to its food, not that there was anything bad about it, but it wasn't mexican by any standard in the industry. With that said, we had been out and about in Boystown on a Saturday night and I decided we needed to put some food into our bellies before getting too crazy over at Roscoes or anywhere else where we might imbibe further. It was a very busy spot so its obviously a favored location among locals. I had two small tacos one fish and one steak and it was pretty decent. Nothing to brag about but it suited my needs, my partner had a cheeseburger which looked awesome. He indicated that it was very good while our friend ordered a turkey burger. Again the menu is not mexican but more like a burger joint with great bar music and a very good selection on beers, tequila and other spirits. The space was a little tight and the restaurant may want to consider fortifying their booths so that one table doesn't disturb another by the slightest movements. The service was excellent. I had a fussy baby with us, and by that I mean a 6 ft 8 in, temperamental queen who was in no mood to be bothered, but our server won him over with a great smile, attitude and persistence to ensuring we were okay. He even brought extra chips to our table when he thought all the noise was bothering us (it was not). We will definitely go back when we visit Chicago again, and kudos to them for using Twitter the way they did, otherwise I would have gone to a chinese restaurant down the street.
(3)
Tim S.
Oh, D.S. ... I love you. So, where else in the world do you get a mostly gay hybrid of a sports bar, Mexican restaurant, and a burger joint with an amazing outdoor patio providing some of the best people-watching in Boystown? D.S. of course. While I could pick apart nitty-gritty details, overall, I absolutely LOVE this place. The service, the drinks, the food... it's all great. It's a wonderful alternative to the other bars and restaurants on the strip on Halsted and has a Wrigleyville-esque vibe that makes it a safe place to bring out-of-town guests who want to tip-toe into Boystown. I've been a faithful customer since it opened and will keep going back. On service... Tommy and Victor are the best. I mean, the entire staff is great, but those two shine. All of the servers are super-friendly, attentive, and the management is always around, smiling and quick to ask how things are. On food... again, a Mexican place that has great burgers. It took them awhile to get their menu right, but I think they've found a good spot now. Their tacos are OK, but being part Mexican a "real" taco comes with a corn tortilla, not flour. Order the chips and salsa trio or the nachos for an app. I'd skip over the tacos and go straight for the burgers. They are all great. If you want a great conversation piece, get the Dead Texan. It's a burger topped with onion rings that uses 2 grilled cheese sandwiches as buns. Yes, it's a heart attack on a plate. On drinks... margaritas are the way to go. I've had nearly all of them and the Gringo is my favorite. If you're with a group, definitely get a pitcher. If you're going solo or can't agree on pitcher, get a fishbowl over a mug. For a few extra bucks you'll get the equivalent of about 2.5 mugs. On dessert... yes, they have dessert. The s'mores sundae is a work of art. It's a towering goblet overflowing with ice cream, hot fudge, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows. The first time I saw it I thought, "who wants to be seen eating something like that in Boystown?" But it's worth it. Totally worth it. On atmosphere... my only complaint is that the music is entirely too loud. If you want to avoid conversation, sit inside... otherwise, opt for the outdoor patio [when it's open] for conversation. The outdoor patio does have 2 tables that have a fire pit. On multiple occasions, though, they've been short propane for them. Overall, though, I love the vibe. Just turn the music down please. They offer some great deals throughout the week and are good with Facebook and twitter... so follow or Fan them to keep up-to-date with their specials. They also have trivia night, beer pong and other craziness. So all in all, if you want a great time, enjoy people-watching, want a good burger, an amazing margarita and service that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, definitely check out D.S.
(5)
christina r.
DS Tequila is a really fun place to go, whether it's the weekday, weekend or for Sunday brunch! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is a blast! I really like that they actually have their own brand of tequila! I have never been a tequila drinker by any means, but this stuff went down so smooth, I think that I officially am now! We're going back just for the shots this weekend! The party atmosphere, stellar menu and friendly staff makes this my new favorite neighborhood spot! I'll be back....soon.
(5)
Kelly H.
Stopped in to use a groupon on a Thursday night. Reservation required, but the place was pretty empty. Food is pretty good. Never tried a margarita, but I love the cobb salad. I had been here once before and sat outside-much better experience. We sat inside at a high-top table right in the middle of the bar. I could've reached out and grabbed something from my neighbor's plate if I wanted to. Will go back, but most likely in the summer to sit on the nice patio.
(3)
Amanda R.
I love this place! Best margaritas I have ever had, and I would also recommend the loaded fries. The food is hit or miss, though. Service is not very attentive, but usually this place is packed.
(4)
G A.
Weak/pricey drinks combined with crappy Mexican food that makes Chipolte feel like a gourmet experience. Couple that with a sever who stopped back by the table three times in less than 10 minutes to ask if there would be anything else then have the check suddenly appear on the table in a clear message for us to move on (while the place isn't even remotely busy). Rude and classless.
(1)
Christine R.
Warning this is a review of the beautiful people, beautiful servers and bartenders, drinks and overall daytime party vibe - food? what food? This was the place to be after the parade. Gorgeous people, uh hello I got to violate and dance with Shane from Road Rules haha. What a cutie. Large open patio for dancing and socializing among other things. We all had a blast here. Heavy pours, little to no wait for the bathroom, friendly employees and fishbowl drinks if that's your thing. Plus if you wanted to be weird and not socialize you had a great patio/balcony view of the rukus going on in the streets. Fabulous place, but aren't all mexican places?
(4)
Nisey M.
I really enjoyed my first visit to D.S and with the summer right around the corner I am looking forward to enjoying the outdoor patio again. The margaritas were tasty(and potent) the burgers that we ordered were much better than expected. Our server (Justin) was attentive, he made sure to check with us during our meal to make sure we had everything we needed. I also had a staff member notice me shaking the ketchup bottle because it was almost empty and brought one over to me. We went back to the bar for another drink after our meal because the energy was high and the music was good...not bad for a Sunday afternoon!
(4)
matty z.
How disappointing. Stopped by here last night, around 10 p.m. and sat on the patio, which looked so inviting. There weren't all that many people for a restaurant that seemed to have lots o' servers around. I'm trying to be nice in writing this review, so I'll begin by saying our server was apparently new. Unfortunately, what management at DS Tequila obviously fails to recognize is that throwing new folks to the wolves, or failing to help them as they go results in new customers never wanting to return-- as in this case. I had Miller Lite. I had chips and the salsa trio, and guacamole. They were fine. All of them came incredibly late to the table. End of food and drinks review. Back to service. I was glad that another employee did help the new guy out, but then we were also helped by a myriad of others. I didn't know who to tip! Long story short, the place looked cute, and I wish this experience would have been different. But I see no reason to return. Judging from other reviews here, it seems to be a pattern.
(1)
J J.
Although my gf and I come here 1 to 2 times a week, I must give this establishment 2 stars due to complete shadiness. There have been numerous times that the servers and bartenders have overcharged, underchanged, and attempted to overtip themselves. The drinks are ok, depending on what you order, Vodka and cranberries are weak, rum and cokes are weakish, margaritas can be ok. The mimosa mugs on Sundays are good and fishbowls can be as well. Servers are friendly and attentive for the most part, but the crookedness overshadows that. The food is good though and the patio is nice :)
(2)
kat m.
I stopped by with some friends on a Wednesday(TRIVIA NIGHT) night and although this hasn't been my first time to D's it was y first time Yelping it. If your coming for trivia my advice is to come early the inside was packed. Luckily it was a great night to sit outside. The margaritas here are yummy and addictive. Before you know it we spent 3 hours and I drank 3 margaritas! Our server was Jose he was great super friendly and had a good sense of humor. We didn't order food but definitely didn't feel rushed. My only advice is to make it a one Margarita spot if your in the area.
(4)
Jerry T.
Not worth the calories! Flat drinks, weak Guiness drafts, and nachos that made me miss the Taco and Burrito Palace across the street. I couldn't even taste the tequila in my Palomar...which for a tequila bar...kind of a problem. Won't be back.
(1)
Ruby C.
Friendly staff. We went there during the Market days, they have the best dj. Awesome music. Loved it.
(4)
Lisa Z.
I personally love this place. I always take my friends from out of town here. It's fun, got great music, and the tacos are awesome. The drinks are strong and I love the "Sanchez Slammers". The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because for as long as I've gone, I'd like to consider myself a "regular," but, and this is just a guess, maybe because I'm a girl and not flamboyantly gay, the waiters and bartenders I've had over and over again never seem to know me. Just seems like I get treated like one of the crowd and I go there all the time. Eh, it's not enough to keep me away for sure.
(4)
Toby M.
The service was horrible, food was cold, took over an hour to get our food and once we recieved our food it was cold. Not sure I will be going back even though it is in my hood.
(1)
Val S - K.
I was in the mood for a margarita, so I asked my wife if she wanted to finally try this place. As many of our friends had been here and liked it, we thought it was time to try it out. The D.S. margarita on the rocks my wife had was very weak, and my Miami Vice was so frozen, I had to wait about 15 minutes for it to thaw a bit so I could stir it together to mix the flavors before beginning to drink it. She then ordered the Cadillac Margarita, and while that was better, it was still unmemorable. We got the salsas and queso dip to start. The pico was... well, pico. The D.S. salsa was ok, but the jalapeno ranch salsa was exactly like dipping your chip in ranch dressing with a *slight* hint of jalapeno. Our search for the perfect queso dip continues, unfortunately... it looked good, but had an odd and grainy consistency. We got 4 tacos: I got the fried chicken and the skirt steak, and she got the shredded chicken and the veggie. The tortillas were incredible greasy and not very palatable. The fried chicken lacked flavor, and the skirt steak was way overpowered with the coffee spiced rub. When I asked Lin how her tacos were, she shrugged her shoulders and say "ehh...." Enough said, I suppose. The service was good, but very slow. There were (maybe) three other tables seated, and about 15 employees standing around looking pretty, or huddled around a laptop in the front watching (what, I don't know). It seemed odd to the both of us to wait as long as we did for our drinks and our food when there was hardly anyone in there. I think we would come back here to grab a cocktail in passing, but this won't be on our list of destinations we need to go back and to when we're hungry.
(2)
Anthony M.
If you think the servers are bad, trying getting any service from the managers. Waited 45 min for a drink from the managers, then the forgot us again. The food was so bad, it tasted funny and I actually got nausea and vomited when I returned home after this horrible experience.
(1)
Michael S.
What do you get when you cross Bennigans with Houilihans? Houligans. And that's what this place should be renamed. Plus, it's just stupid, empty and overpriced. Stupid: Walking home from the Cub game last Monday night, and it was nice outside. Finally. I was almost home, and I passed this relatively new place in my hood, so I decided to stop in for a beer. Empty: The place was empty at 9:50 p.m. on a gorgeous summer night. Now THAT is a bad sign. Overpriced: I ordered a Newcastle. The barkeep popped the top. That'll be $7.00. "What'll be $7.00?", I asked. The beer. The Newcastle is $7.00. He really said that. They really charge that. $7.00 for a sort-of-okay-pretty good enough beer. Stupid is as Stupid Does. Greed grows in proportion as it is fed. Overpriced in a bad economy; now, that's a houligan's recipe for success.
(1)
Doug v.
Wow! It's been a long time since my partner & I've eaten anywhere that's just downright BAD! But let's start with what was good. The service was fine. Attentive but not overbearing and willing to let us set the pace for the evening. Suggestions were made and food was delivered promptly. The pitcher of margaritas was passable, not great, and overpriced. I have to say we did not experience the server attitude with our server, but the air was THICK with it from all the other milling about...starting with the manager. We ordered a single app: the "pulled" pork & cheese quesadilla. Oy. Nasty. Besides not really finding the queso in the quesadilla, the pork was ground and mixed with a sweet sauce making for bad texture with flavor hinting of BBQ sauce & skunky beer. The tortilla was so soggy it was transparent & didn't even hold it's shape. We didn't finish the plate it was so bad. I suppose we should've gotten up and left when we asked the server what was good on the entree menu. He recommended 2 burgers and 3 tacos. Then he started to say, "I'd stay away from..." then stopped. When I pressed him to finish the sentence HE DID!! Talk about a no-no. For a server to actually disparage any menu item? Bad news. After the quesadilla fiasco, we decided not to commit to anything too involved. We told the server we wanted 6 tacos and to select what he thought the best tacos were. He brought back the mushroom, 2 of the steaks, the crispy chicken, the pulled pork (actually pulled this time) and the chorizo. While these were soft tacos, once again, they were sog-gy! The only decent item was the steak. Good flavor, but too chewy. The batter-dipped, deep-fried "crispy" chicken strip sagged in half when we picked it up. Look out for the coleslaw on the pulled pork taco. We had high hopes walking in to this new bar/restaurant for a super-cazh dinner on their big, two-tiered deck, complete with fire pits. Halsted needs a joint like this to succeed. Unfortunately, this ain't it! Once we found out that the restaurant is owned by the folks over at Minibar, it all made sense. D.S. Tequila Company, just like Minibar, is long on glossy looks, but with substance that's puddle deep. Some advice to the Minifolks: get your first venue down first before you go for seconds. Then, hire a restaurant consultant to iron out the kinks. After being seated I was ready to ask what the "D.S." stands for...but after the meal, it's clear it's short for "disgusting" and "soggy". Don't waste your time or money.
(1)
Lindsay S.
Pretty much my review should say "what my wife Miz S-K said..." but I have a few more things to add. The first margarita was totally weak. But bonus for using lime juice instead of that gross mixture people like to use. The Cadillac margarita you could taste the "premium tequila" but I doubt it was actually a premium one. So weird to have flavorless tacos. The grilled chicken that was suppose to come with rainbow peppers was flavorless and there was one tiny red flek of pepper on there. The veggie taco was okay. A lot of corn and not so much of the rest of the toppings. And seriously, don't walk by my table after laughing at a video on the laptop up front, look at my water glass no less than 4 times and let it still go empty. Your crappy tacos make me thirsty. This place will succeed because of its gorgeous patio, decent enough drinks and pretty wait staff. I might come here in my Cubs gear to get a free plate of Rockin' Tacos (some coupon you get with your bill for Cub game days). But I don't think I'll actually buy food here again. I'll stick with the drinks until they get their act together.
(2)
Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing!
(1)
megan s.
Eh. This place is about looks and atmosphere. Maybe someday the food or drinks will be at the same level. I had the mango margarita on the rocks, it was the "fresh" fruit margarita of the day. There was one chunk of kind of icky mango in the drink and a lot of mango juice that anyone can buy at trader joe's. not "fresh" and really lacking on the booze. I've had better mango margaritas at applebee's. I had pulled pork tacos that were decent. There is not much pork I don't like, but I felt like this pork was being billed as super special. It didn't come with any sauce on it, like the menu said, and the "jalapeno" slaw was basically just regular coleslaw. I liked the tortilla, but other people thought it was undercooked. They are not lying about the jalapeno poppers being "triple x" hot. WAY too hot, like uncomfortably hot. They tasted really good, but turn down the heat....unnecessary. Also, the appearance was pretty gross...even the server agreed and laughed.
(2)
Jen B.
Pretty sure the food isn't the main draw here. But as far as B-Town bars go, DS has a lot to offer. The patio is awesome, the servers are attentive and pleasant, and everything came out quickly. We also scored (totally unnecessary for a Weds night) multiple free shots of SoCo. If you do order food, steer clear of the chip/salsa/guac. They are just not up to par and you will be sad. The shrimp tacos are much better but be aware that they come loaded with onions (not mentioned on the menu). Weds night is trivia night, and the draw is not overwhelming (putting it nicely) so you stand a decent chance of winning some buckage.
(4)
Waylon D.
First things first, I have always been able to get a table right away! There's a star right there for that! Next, bottoms up! My girlfriends always opt for a Margarita, but I myself enjoy a selection from the rather extensive beer list. I would say drink prices are right on point, if not on the lower end for the neighborhood. Now, time to speak my main language...TACOS! Yum! I have tried many of their tacos and they are always delish! A+ and Yeehaw to these TexMex style creations. My fav: The steak! I just really enjoy the setting. I feel like it is a place that breaks out of the "boystown" stereotype and creates an environment where anyone can feel comfortable. I will certainly be back!
(5)
Joseph W.
Went with a group of six people for dinner. Two of us never got our orders. When the bill came there was an automatic 20% added for tip because of a table of six. I asked to see the manager because two of us never got our order, the only accommodation that would be given to us was that we wouldn't be charged for the food that we never got. I hardly consider that an accommodation. But we still were charged 20% for the tip for the waiter even though actually only four people got served. Service is terrible, management is worse.
(1)
Lance K.
Dirty Sanchez... Yes folks, that's what the D.S. stands for. Who names a bar for that? Gross. This place is such a disappointment. I expected more from the owners of MiniBar. Bar looks like the set of MadMax-Beyond Thunderdome! No Mel Gibson reminders, please! All of these 5-star reviews here must have been posted by employees and/or friends of the owners. The food was lousy (and several people I've talked to agree). Service is slower than molasses in January. Fries are a la carte with a $9.00 burger?? Please. And, when a burger says "Buffalo Bacon Blue Cheese," those things should be present on the burger, and it should have some spice. Don't tell me it's blended into the meat and it's the new "cool" thing. Lame is what it is. I don't care if your meat is from Allen Brothers... If I were them, I wouldn't let you use my name. And what's with the "coming soon" all over the menu? Nachos coming soon? Did they get held up at the border in Arizona? What the...? It's nachos!! For the love of Ricky Martin!! If you don't have it, don't put it on your menu. C'mon guys... get it together!! Boystown deserves better, and you're capable of better. Don't let that great patio go to waste! And find a way to dim that harsh street lamp. It's not flattering at night! OK, I'm done for now... Skip it until they get their act together and live up to the MiniBar "brand."
I was soooo excited to see a taco and tequila place opening down the street! I love tacos! They are my Lifesource. I love margaritas! They inject Liquid Joy into my veins. My soul was saddened the day I went to DS Tequila. Worse, I brought two others along and now their opinion of me is much lower. The tacos were mediocre and hardly inventive or, well, good. Turkey burger was fine, but so is the kind I make at home with frozen Jennie-O patties. The margarita was unfortunately dismal. Not terrible, but definitely not good. Two stars for the really nice outdoor patio with excellent Halsted-watching capabilities and the lovely, attentive guy who helped us that day. When I see this place every day, it makes me more sad Big Star is so far away. Each day, it's like I watch the last unicorn dying. Seriously, go to Big Star instead.
(2)
Aaron S.
I've been three times basically because of the patio and I really like margaritas. So I was pretty primed to learn about this place & try it. I've only had the chips and about 4 different kinds of tacos, but I would like to try the turkey burger. The house margarita was the most disappointing. It wasnt terribly strong and while there was fresh lime involved, it tasted like they used a lot of orange juice or other citrus flavor in the mix. It was just odd and not really tasty. The Cadillac Margarita was an improvement, but by no means the best I've had. I tried a combo of their frozen Margaritas, regular and a raspberry special. Skip them. Bland and watery, just like a Slurpee. None of the margaritas were very strong either, so skip them if altogether if you're looking for a tequila buzz.. Chips and Salsa appetizer just so-so. Quacamole was very lackluster and a small portion, but with big unripened chunks of avacado. Wierd. Tacos were good, I liked the grilled shrimp and the salmon. All were pretty tasty, just not terribly remarkable. More of a quick snack then anything else. Once the weather turns, I doubt I'll be back since the patio is the real draw. The place really needs to amp up the portions or the booze or diversify the menu, because it just feels lacking overall. There's so many other more satisfying bar/restaurant combos in the area, I dont know how this place will endure without substantial improvements.
(2)
Michael T.
I have pretty gross friends. We laugh at farts and poop jokes and generally act like 12 yr old boys at camp. But OMG, naming a restaurant after (and bragging about it) nosepoo? Srsly? I actually disagree with some of the reviewers about the looks of the inside bar - I think it's kinda cool. But why do so many of the 'restaurants' on Halsted think that they have to blare crappy music when you're trying to eat and talk with your friends? The food is decent, but again, it's really hard to think about eating the food when every table around you is talking about how disgusting it is that the name is derived from aforementioned poo-to-nose Dirty Sanchez'ing. I hope they decide to change their minds and say it stands for "Deep South" or something related to the food when it's MADE vs. what you can do with it several hours later.
(2)
Jesse B.
Always fun, whether there for dinner, dancing, or just drinks. Staff is awesome too.
(3)
Vanessa B.
Rang in 2013 here and my night sure started off with a boom, a big one...my brand new iphone fell into the back port-o-potty. Yeah, that sucked but the staff was beyond EXCEPTIONAL! some guy ran over with a trash bag and gloves for me to yank it out of there...gross, I know, then one of the bartenders at the front (didn't catch his name but I'll describe him a skinny short blonde and gay if that helps) Kept my phone behind th bar all night in a pitcher of rice which he offered to get for me while I danced the night away, needless to say that kind of bartender, especially in boystown is hard to come by so he was most certainly thanked for his kindness with some dolla dolla bills! The food they passed out was sparse but delish, one of the waiters was hella sassy however saying that we couldn't get any food unless he got a tip. um hello?!?1 I paid to come to this event with food included so I'll eat what I want and tip you if I feel like it. The coat check was lackluster, he lost my ticket but that problem was quickly solved after I searched through the pile of coats and at last found mine! Overall review: BESTEST staff, except that overly sassy waiter (I do feel his pain though, he was passing out sliders on new years) I def want to go back to this place and indulge in a plateful of tacos and a margarita
(5)
Phil F.
As much as I wanted to like this place, I haven't come around to like. I have tried it out twice and both times were just not good. The place looks great and by no doubt there was a lot of money dumped into the place. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience needs a similar attention to detail as the decor had. Food is marginal. And the tacos only come in flour? Definitely counter to trend and clearly someone who owns this place just doesn't like corn tortillas, but I am pretty sure that a lot people do! Get em! Drinks are meh. Margs are syrupy and clearly don't use fresh lime juice like the menu says. Staff is smug and typical of Halsted street, but it doesn't need to be that way. After two times there, I don't plan on actively walking back in there. Maybe after a night of drunkeness I would stumble in, but prob not.
(2)
Sarah P.
Pretty good as a bar - would probably go again to start the night out with 1 cool blended drink (like the Miami Vice). The blended margaritas had plenty of alcohol, but more than one would be overkill on the sugar. The margaritas on the rocks were like drinking straight tequila - blech. And that was supposedly their higher-end tequila. Wouldn't go back for the food though. First of all - what restaurant, even if they're just opened - lists out all the items on their menu that sound good but are "coming soon". Apparently, nachos and quesadillas are REALLY complicated to make so they are on hold until further notice. Fail. Then - the tacos are served "family style" which basically means that no matter what tacos you order, you'll inevitably end up with just whatever is left when you are in a group of 5 or more people. I ordered a burger just to stay away from that mess - which did end up happening to 2 of the 8 people in our group. Burger was ok, nothing to write home about. Restaurants have to compete with lots of good options in this city - DS Tequila better shape up quick.
(2)
Justin S.
I was tossing between a one and two star rating on this one but when it comes down to it the caption for the one star was the most accurate, Methinks not. So the blizzard of '11 was in town meaning places open were limited. My friend and I hopped in and decided we'd give it a shot. Now I don't know about you but glass fragments don't go well beer as my friend will tell you. After that incident we waited for ever for service though considering the blizzard and how packed the place was I'd let this slide. When the food finally arrived it was sheer disappointment. The portion sizes were so tiny they forced us to order chips and queso again such a small cheese portion. If you want tacos at a gay bar at a great price head to Crew Bar in Uptown for Taco Tuesday, where all Tacos are a dollar. I know gay people don't eat so that must be the reason for the small portions but that doesn't warrant to the near 4 bucks a taco. The final nail in this awful place's coffin was on this wednesday it was quiz night. This was so unorganized and host was terrible. The attitude during his MC work was surly at best. Oh how lucky all us customer were to just be in his presence. Bottom line, there are much better places to spend less money for a better experience. Don't get caught up by the mini bar crowd.
(1)
Mark M.
I wanted to like this place due to its location and outdoor patio but in my two visits there the food was literally unedible and the service very poor. The first time my partner and I tried to eat there the burger was cold and extremely undercooked- they took it back to the kitchen and it came back still unable to be eaten. We ended up leaving and eating elsewhere. I wanted to give the place another try and the second time we BOTH were unable to eat our meals they were so awful. My tacos contained nothing but lettuce and breading with NO chicken even though they were supposed to be chicken tacos. The waitstaff seemed unphased both times and I am done giving them chances. I'm surprised they are still in business.
(1)
Alex P.
Yep, service is still horrible here. Cocktail waiter with the tats coming out from under his shirt needs to learn some server etiquette. Very rude, wow. Managers need to fire at least half of their staff. Zero stars.
(1)
T M.
Went for the first time with a group of friends last night. It was dead but we decided to give them our business anyway. We ordered Margarita Bowls and definitely felt ripped off after realizing that it was 30% Margarita and the rest was ice. $15 bucks for ice? Never again! The bartenders were shady and seemed like they didn't wanna be there. No wonder you guys have no business on a Friday night. Oh and one of the bartenders said that we can't use our electronic cigarette. Newsflash to the dumb bartender, it's not a real cigarette, it's water vapor. There is no law against using it anywhere. Just close your joint before you loose anymore money, it's not worth anyone's time.
(1)
Dane K.
It's been almost a year since my initial visit so I was a bit curious but reluctantly so to go back. I went on a Monday which is 1/2 off food at least. I ordered the pulled pork quesadilla, which the server went through some lengthy explanation of how "they" do it when in fact it's like every other quesadilla you've ever seen on earth. The pulled pork was about as lackluster as expected, if they make it in house they are wasting a lot of time because my crock pock pulled pork could kick their ass any day of the week. And for a quesadilla it was just on the too saucey side. Having experienced a horrid margarita last time, then being told by the owner I didn't know what an "authentic" margarita was, I was most looking forward to ordering another margarita. I ordered a slightly premium margarita. It was drinkable, but still sour as hell. I think they use one of those "bar" grade orange juices and it's sour and nasty, and too much of it at that. No Grand Marnier/triple sec in this margarita, it needed it. And it IRKS me that they serve their margaritas in a skinny rimmed thick walled beer mug. You shouldn't drink a margarita in a straw, but they pretty much force you to. For a frozen this is probably irrelevant (and actually, the frosty mug is probably nice for a frozen margarita), but for an "on the rocks w/ salt" margarita, it changes how it tastes. Still a huge improvement over my first visit's disgust with my drink, which still makes me pucker my lips just thinking about it and the condescending a-hole who felt the need to defend it. At 7pm on a Monday I wasn't expecting to hear any earth shattering music, but their music was so HORRIBLE I would've preferred silence. I have a relatively high tolerance for bad music. Did someone really go to Pandora and say "hey will you play Poison AND Will.I.Am, please, and if possible some 2001 era B96 remixes?" ... I'm sorry but "Put Your Hands Up In the Air" might be fun to play in a packed bar of drunk people late at night in 2006, but at 7pm on a Monday in 2011 when there are 3 tables? Please stop. The staff had nothing to do while we were there but play beer pong. Literally. That's what they were doing the entire time. Occasionally the hostess would stop to prop herself onto the hostess stand and pretend to act like she cared about carding people (insulting customers along the way) They do have an actual printed menu now but don't have any sort of developed drink menu that would make you think it's anything other than the dime-a-dozen bars found in Wrigleyville. Their focus originally was explained that they were going to sell real margaritas, for example, yet their menu has instead been written to cater to the lowest common denominator and now has as many "flavors" as possible with absolutely no focus on quality of ingredients going in. No mention of a tequila brand anywhere either that I remember (which is probably on purpose, since it seems their private label "DS Tequila" brand didn't take off). Instead of trying to one up the guys at Clark/Illinois who know what they're doing when it comes to margaritas, they've instead morphed into any dime a dozen place that you'd find at Clark/Addison. 3 stars is being overly nice.
(3)
HRH J.
It has improved a lot and the food (wings) are so tasty! The michelada is actually good, although idk where and when Tecate became a fancy beer... Oh well come and enjoy!
(5)
Kenya H.
I went there with my best friend and had a great time. I did go during off peak hours so of course I had great service. The food was really good, the tequila onions on the steak taco was so good I could have eaten them all by themselves. The tacos were a on the small side, but the taste more than made up for it. The margarita's are good (not great) but good. I also had the jalapeno poppers. These are REAL jalapeno's stuffed with cheese, battered and deep fried. Best of all I found out they are open late late. whoo hoo... I will defiantly be back.
(4)
Samantha H.
So, at first glance the place seems okay. The outside area is of course welcomed in Chicago, which is why we were actually coming here one evening. But the tables are horrible and uneven and very small. The four of us were at a table better suited for two. But the inside isn't very large so I guess it's better outside. Now, there is tequila in the name of the place, yet they only carry two tequilas...and neither one is Patron. Does this not strike anyone else as odd? Service was not horrible but pretty sub par. The margaritas made with Everclear, now those are some good things (unless you had already had 3 glasses of wine as I had, not recommended). If you've been to el Jardin, you know what I'm talking about. These are not for the faint of heart. That was pretty much the only good thing about this place though. They had no chips and salsa at the tables...really? What kind of tequila place is this! No tequila, no chips and salsa? That was rather annoying. The nachos were decent, nothing to write home about. Overall an average place but taking one off for the no chips and salsa, can't seem to get past it!
(2)
Christina B.
All you need is the high octane margarita and you are good for the night. Only had drinks at this place, never ate here -- but fun atmosphere...and delicious margaritas!
(4)
steve s.
Wow. Horrible. Complete and utter disappointment. Granted it was Market Days, and not a typical weekend, but this place is lame. Here's an idea....let's open a tequila bar and have one brand of nasty well tequila, and a bartender with attitude that could have cared less. This place will be a hit with visitors and young kids, but for locals with taste... Spend your money and time elsewhere.
(1)
Paul B.
Great casual space. The food is great and they are often updating the menu with even more delicious options. The staff is fun and it is a great place to hang with friends. I recommend trivia night on Wednesdays.
(5)
David G.
So I had to downgrade DS rating. I am very particular about customer service and this place should be treated no differently. I eat out frequently and so I figured I would be by here at least once a week, either for a drink or dinner. I think I may hold off on this place until I see there ratings improve. It seems everyone is experiencing the same sort of attitude/rude behavior from their wait staff. Do the owners realize the power has shifted to the consumer? In the current economic climate they should be more focused on customer service training verses how 'pretty' it looks on the inside.
(2)
Todd S.
Don't bother. Food is terrible, margaritas are overpriced. I can see this being another in a series of sterotypical Bostown bars where bitchy queens hang out. Patio is nice I guess, but you cant go wrong with a patio.
(1)
Ginny D.
So working our way through all of the great patios in Lakeview and accidentally came across this one that wasn't listed in any reviews or recommendations and all I can say is man they need to be known for their patio! Comfortable seating, great wait staff, stellar margaritas, superb music and all managed so well you can have actual conversation while enjoying said fab margaritas! Lovely place - will definitely be back for more!
(5)
Michael S.
Not sure what other reviewers are talking about, I've been going to D.S. since it opened. #1, the patio is great..not a better spot on Halsted for drinks and/or food. #2, great spot to watch any football..I've spent many Saturdays and Sundays here, the staff cannot be any more accomodating in switching games around on their tv's so that you have the game you'd like to watch in front of you! #3, the food is very good. Has to be one of the best burgers in town, definitely in Boystown. Steak tacos are amazing...and for the reviewer complaining about only getting three, please note that you can order them a la carte and get as many as you'd like with whatever meat you'd like!!! Jeez, if you're that hungry maybe you should keep some animal crackers in your pocket!! Matt and Sarah, two outstanding bartenders...will definitely keep you coming back!!
(4)
Jesselyn E.
I really like this place! The XXX Jalapeno Poppers are the best (and spiciest!) I have ever had, and the other food I have tried there was pretty good, too (not great, but pretty good). The drink are of course their feature and I have liked the ones I tried. However I must say I can't imagine coming here in the colder months for a meal (as opposed for drinks/partying), as the patio is quiet and relaxing but the indoor seating is LOUD (purposefully, definitely a party zone).
(4)
amanda y.
the d.s. must stand for delightfully standard, because that's exactly what this place is. i definitely looove the outdoor patio and the fire pit things that you must fight and die for. they have a trivia night, also! THE NACHOS ARE THE BEST DEAL HERE. personally, i think much of the stuff here is a rip off. if you feel like real mexican food, go north two blocks oh halsted to taco burrito palace. they have delish food for cheap, but i'll tell you what they don't have: an edgy chiptole-esque theme on the inside, where you can see dude-bro bears playing beer pong, hags with their gay husbands and on the outside you can find ladies and gentleladies just looking to sit on a patio on halsted, where they can watch all of the unadulterated hair pulling and cock fights that go on every night of the week in boystown. anyways, the margs here are alright. i had one once, but i don't think i will be getting one again. i'll stick to my 40 from 7/11 before hand and maybe spring for a 10 dollar fishbowl, a supposedly "40oz" sugary mess that's sure to put you in sunglasses the next morning.
(3)
Matthew F.
If the D.S. stands for Dysentary & Salmonella then it is perfect. Never forget this is a bar masquerading as a restaurant (not vice verse) I've been here 4 times, only once by my choice. Had lousy experience almost every time. The first was probably a few months after opening and the waiter "forgot" to place our food order. This was forgivable since they were quite busy and relatively new. The next time honestly wasn't all that bad as we were seated outside, promptly served, etc... The third time a passing waitress spilled a drink all over me, never said sorry nor offered to bring me a towel/napkins. The last and most recent time I swear I got food poisoning. At least 2 other people I know who ate there on that same day came down with similar symptoms. There is an old adage which says that you can judge the cleanliness of an establishment's kitchen by how they maintain their bathrooms...just saying the city health inspector needs to visit.
(2)
David R.
don't waste your time or money. Stopped here on Saturday for a few pitchers and some apps. Pitcher was ALL ice, and.. every app we ordered came back wrong. twice. When served correctly, the food was cold. Guacamole was crusty and black... looked like it was a week old... wings were cold, one was raw. Server was apologetic but all said and done, the bill was over $100 for 3 of us, for lunch, and we walked away hungry and very dissappointed. The ONLY good thing about this place is the outside seating and location. My friends had warned me that the food was starting to go downhill recently., and they've only been open a few months. I'd say they're almost at rock bottom. Any worse, they'd have to give it away. This is just another "see and be seen" place that the block is littered with. If you REALLY want to go some place to eat, go somewhere else. Don't waste your money here.
(1)
Xavier B.
Stopped in and sat on the outdoor patio with my boyfriend even moved to the main table facing the strip. One waiter walked passed about 5 times another girl seemed lost and the last waiter hugged her buddy table sat down and left. one owner said hi and kept going. total time 15 minutes without even a meet and greet. Cute place bad service host was nice.
(1)
Eric F.
This review coveres two occasions when I visited this place. This place just plain sucks. The 'service' (and I use quotation marks because what we recieved cannot legitimately be called service) is poor. We waited an inordinate amount of time to get our drinks. They served my friend the wrong quesadilla. The 'fried chicken' taco consists of tyson fried chicken nuggets (the frozen kind) rolled into a jewel taco. I cant believe this place gets business with all the other options out there. Never again.
(2)
Jeanee S.
I can honestly say besides the bartenders this place is on of our new found fav's. The High Octane Margarita's are excellent! The pulled pork taco's and burgers are SO GOOD!!!! The manager Sara made my fiancee' and I so welcome that we went back three days in a row and promised to make it our regular hangout spot. The wait staff is very fun and hospitable. But their bartenders attitude SUCKS. But since we didn't really go to the bar and received our drink orders by our fabulous waiter Jared we were taken care of! I thank DS for a great time!!!
(4)
Matt Y.
Eh. The food is only OK -- particularly desert. The warning that the center of the chocolate cupcake is hot would lead you to believe it had just been made. Not so -- pretty cold. Confused orders, blamed on the fact that the kitchen was busy despite quite a lot of open tables. No sides to go with the tacos. No free chips like there are at most mexican places. And a little bit grouchy when we pointed out a couple of errors on our bill. Hopefully they'll get it together as time goes on. Has potential, but not there yet.
(2)
Joe M.
I enjoyed the decor and the atmosphere in the bar area. The menu I found to be a bit limited but the big problem was the service and time it took to get our food. 45 minutes for nachos ? 55 minutes for four tacos ? I saw several people in the same situation. I even overheard a server tell a party of three to just leave as they had not gotten their food in over an hour. The team service plan does not seem to be working here. 15 minutes after my nachos had arrived, a server came to me with another order of nachos. Probably not the servers fault but they bear the brunt. The kitchen needs to get more organized ! The nachos were very good though, so that got them two stars.
(2)
P H.
We LOVE Frankie! If he's there, ask for him! He has a pleasant personality, is accurate with orders and very attentive. We haven't been fans of the breakfast choices - but, if you stick with DS Tequila's core competencies, "trash can nachos", salads and tacos, you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Clayton M.
This place is gross. Food sucks ... The crowd is worse. Overpriced.
(1)
Jason V.
I think this place has potential, but don't really plan on going back right now. The concept is ok, but is this a gay bar? It sure doesn't seem like it. And the music was BAD. I am all for the non-twink bars (i.e. North End, Crew) but I just didn't get this bar. It felt like it was still in the closet. Like you assumed it was gay, but wasn't really sure. The drinks were decent, but not great. I'll give it a try again a few months down the road and hopefully be a little better.
(2)
Amy Y.
The only thing I remember about my food was that I NEEDED that margarita to make it feel tasty. Tortilla was not fresh, and the dish tasted like it was slapped together as an afterthought. Drinks was just ok but overpriced. It has a nice outdoor space, so too bad that the food and drink was so thoughtlessly done.
(2)
Tim G.
On entering we were greeted with blaring rock and what appeared to be a bachelorette party or some other messy affair. Service was good. A pitcher of Margaritas on the rocks tasted alcohol free. We switched to frozen Margaritas. The chemical taste was unpleasant borderline repulsive. Trio of salsa and chips was $3.39. Two salsas were good but the three tablespoon serving of each was skimpy. The third salsa was Ranch Dressing. Tacos at $2.69 a piece were small but tasty. The presentation was sad. The $8.49 burger looked lonely on the plate. Fries were and additional $3+. Rip off. Border town dive bar or Mexican restaurant...the owners need to choose one and do it right.
(1)
Jamie O.
Yay for a cheap, Mexican-American spot with reasonably priced margaritas, spitting distance from my apartment! The service has a few glitches, as does any new restaurant. The menu is focused and fun. You can choose a variety of taco types for only $3 each. Shrimp taco was my favorite. Expect tasty food and drink on a nice outdoor patio.
(2)
Lisa C.
I am shocked that the reviews are not better for this place. I went went on a Friday night a few weeks ago and had a great experience. The Huevos Ranchero Burger was unusual and really tasty. I also tried their jalapeño poppers which were literally full jalapeños stuffed and fried - also like nothing I have ever tasted before. Our sever was really friendly and offered actual suggestions and not, "everything on the menu is good". The coupon I found in the Redeye did help shape my opinion, but they do offer 1/2 price food on Mondays. I plan on returning and taking advantage of some of the deals they offer during the week.
(5)
Cassie C.
Just went here for the first time yesterday for a margarita and a quick taco. The tacos were great, the margaritas were even better. I know this is a pretty small detail but....the Jalepeno Ranch that comes with the chips trio was out of this world! The servers are very friendly and attentive and the management was walking around outside on the patio the whole time making sure everything was ok. Our waiter was the BEST, made some great suggestions and kept us laughing through our entire meal. The patio is great for a sunny afternoon and for some good people watching. Overall, I very much enjoyed this place and I would definitely come back!
(5)
Wayne B.
Great food and a great atmosphere, what else do you want!
(5)
Ryan F.
Another cheesy crap food joint in Boystown....but what do you expect...it is owned by Mini bar!! I don't mean to be a food snob, but this place serves some pretty gross food. The owner was very friendly, but boy....the food servers are terrible. Considering it is named Tequila Company, margaritas were the worst I have ever had. But again, I am not surprised! Oh, btw, they are working on their own brand of Tequila :)
(2)
Dan L.
I had high hopes for a great Mexican joint in Boystown. This isn't it. First, the good news is that the tacos are in fact superb. But, down hill after that. The inside is way too loud. I also don't get the fake tacky signs on the windows. And the outdoor space is way too blah. What's with the tables with the fake fireplace in the middle anyway? Margaritas were a big disappointment. They are missing a layer of complexity that one would expect from a fresh margarita. If I had to guess, it's because they're using only lime juice and tequila--no Grand Marnier or triple sec. Not on the same caliber as Frontera, Salpicon, etc. Chips don't have any character either. They're about as thin as a potato chip; like the margaritas, lacking any depth of a "home made" style chip. The three salsas are bland, bland bland. Guac has no flavor. Some of this may be due to being a new restaurant, but after a month, I would have expected some fine tuning. I may give it one more try -- but that's about it. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that the owners feel they know better than their customers and won't change a thing. And finally a word about the name: I have a feeling they purposely chose the name to get a little buzz. But, it's not working. Besides the obvious politically incorrectness, no one has yet mentioned anything about the slogan for the restaurant, which goes something like, "Bad to Say, But good to taste." DID THEY THINK THAT THROUGH???
(1)
Lawrence Y.
Hopped on over here after exiting Sidetrack. Patio area is now closed and the bar was pretty empty for a Saturday night. Drinks were okay - just had a slushie, friends said that their drinks were pretty strong through. Bartender we had was nice, and attentitive as he needed to be (ie he didn't come hound us every five minutes). Can't rate the food this time around, though.
(3)
Kelly P.
I just want to say I absolutely love this place! Its my first time here and everyone is so nice and its just fun here! Mikey is the best server I ever had! He's so fun and attentive! I just have to say the jalpenos poppers are to die for! So if you have a group of friends and wanna get loose and dance on a bar go to d.s tequila ;)
(5)
Josie F.
Finally D.S. Tequila got it together. I was dragged here for the third time for food. The previous two times had made think I would never eat here again. My friends ordered a bunch of food. I ordered one taco in hopes the food had improved. So much better than before. The nachos are awesome. One of my friends is not from the U.S. and does not know how to address waiters. I was expecting Justin our server to loose it. He was friendly and patient the whole time. I live around the corner from this place and am happy I gave it another try. One thing, cut back on the bubble gum pop bad music. We went on Trivia night. It was a blast. NEW CHEF YAY!!! It is safe to give it another try everyone. Do it.
(4)
C C.
Is it bad that I kinda like this place? Based on the Yelp reviews, I am going against the crowd. Oh well, I've never joined the crowd before, so why now? Yes, this place is white-trashy but in a tongue-in-cheek, kitschy way that is enjoyable. The rice is so Uncle Ben's, not authentic Mexican, but it's kinda tasty. The tacos (unlike Mercadito!) can be ordered a la carte to mix and match a plate of three. Great specials every night of the week too. S'mores Reeces sundae is not to be missed!
(4)
Ryan F.
I wish I could give 3.5 stars. I went with a group of 8 last night and it was good...nothing amazing. We all got tacos which were very good. My friend and I ordered a margarita, and you can tell it is from a can...not the best margarita. The place is supposed to be known for the tequila, but I couldn't get over the bad juice they used. Our waiter was decent, I don't like that they use Ipads to take the order. It seems dumb.
(3)
Samantha M.
Trivia! I love trivia. Really - love it. Any place that has trivia is pretty awesome in my book. And trivia + Mexican food? I was in heaven. Last night was my first time at D.S. Tequila and I can guarantee I will be going back every Wednesday from now on. My boyfriend and I wanted to try this place out because the grand opening was happening and the specials looked great. ($4 blended margs, $2 tacos?!) We walked in and were promptly greeted and shown to a table. Justin was our server and he as very knowledgeable of the menu and had some great suggestions. I had the raspberry margarita (delicious!) and my boyfriend had the house marg. I will agree that they weren't very strong but they tasted delicious. I got a floater shot in my margaritas which made them all better. :) We ordered the jalapeno poppers to start. They were so cheesy and gooey..it was divine. You gotta love cheese tho - and they leave the seeds in so there is a bit of a kick while eating them. For me, they were perfect. After that, trivia started! I LOVE TRIVIA! My boyfriend and I stayed to play trivia and eat some more. We got the elote corn pops, some chips and salsa, and three tacos. I had the mushroom taco and he ate the crispy fish and a meat one of some sort. The mushroom taco was sooooo good! I could have eaten like nine of them. The tacos are small - approximately 3 - 4 bites worth so if you are hungry order more than one. The elote corn pops were basically corn on the cob seasoned and drizzled with a cream mixture. They were really unique and different but I liked them alot. In the end, my boyfriend and I came in second place at trivia and they covered our bill as a prize!! I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Louis B.
I have been to DS Tequila numerous times. Great environment that has fun Servers and Managers. Two that stand out the most is Mikey (server) and Erin (Bar Manager). For some good food, low key or dancing on the bar mood, and non pretentious staff. Check this place out! LLB
(4)
Andrew F.
Very crappy food and the servers are usually jerks. Sometimes an O.K. experience but during market days our food came out cold - not cold like it had been sitting there but actually refrigerated still. We also waited an hour for our meals to come out. Meanwhile no update from the server or refills on cocktails or water. When the bill came out we were charged for several items we didn't order. The server rolled his eyes at us when we told him and walked away. We got the manager and they helped resolve the situation. After paying and leaving the table, the server ran after us and basically accused us of dine and dash. Really??? When we were escorted back to the table he learned the manager had already taken the tab and the money. Apparently this is just normal behavior...we didn't even get an apology. Hire some servers (and cooks) that can deliver hot food with a smile and this place will turn around.
(1)
Carlo N.
I have been here 4 times.. I have to admit the first time was awesome.. I have no clue what had happened after that great experince.. The last time I was at this location it was horrible.. I think its quite strange that they want to place everyones taco's on the same platter... With after talking to other friends, they also do not like that kind of presentaion. I do not want to share a plate with someone when I am ordering foof for myself.. Not that I wont share my food with my friends or family.. The serivce at this place has been horrible. We need a place in boystown but do not take advantage of the community that wants your location to make it.. We hope you make changes to your service and how you present your food to us as customers.
(1)
John S.
A brand new entry to the combination of food and bar establishments in Lakeview, DS Tequila Company is sure to be a hit. The margaritas were as good as any I've ever had in L.A. The taco options are vast, and uniformly tasty (we tried six different tacos). And DS' take on Mexican street corn on the cob beats what you can get nearly anywhere in L.A. Friendly and helpful staff as well. A great addition and worthy of anyone's visit.
(5)
Aaron W.
I am mostly a hard person to please when it comes time for new restaurants in the city. This is not only one of my favorite spots, but let me tell you it brings joy to my heart that people that work here love what they do. If you need to have a good time and kick back and have good tacos and burgers come check out this place. Please be advice you have to dance cause if not they will make you lol J/K...
(4)
R B.
I was expecting more. I had two tacos and the jalapeno poppers. The tacos were all tortilla with just a smidge of filling. flour tortillas to boot :( The jalapeno popper was interesting. I'm torn between liking them and not. At the end of it, I decided as interesting as the flavor was, it really just tasted like deep fried, cheesy grill char and I probably wouldn't order them again, although the lime flavored creamy dip for them was quite delicious. The staff was fine but it was very dead when I came in. I'd come again to give it another chance once they've been open for a while and work the kinks out. I trust the guys that run the joint to get on top of it, so I will give it another go in the future. Don't rule it out, give it chance you might like it. I just had higher expectations.
(3)
Jessica C.
sooo me and my co workers decided to try something new for some drinks. and id heard they had miami vices so i was so down. the place was nice we sat outside since it was a nice. i was pretty excited to see the drink menu bc everything sounded so good. but to my surprise but my fourth drink i wasnt all that buzzed needless to say it wasmt really that busy yet my drink felt like it took forever to come. turns out the day we pick had half priced appetizers which were good nothing amazing but good our waiter did not tell us it was half priced but the guy that served us did. so when the bill came i was pretty annoyed that i had to mention that we knew it was half priced just didnt find it a good look on his end but eh. also the check in on fb did get us loaded fries lol so that was another plus i guess. in conclusion i dont see it as a place id return too at least for drinks
(2)
David S.
Was in Chicago 11/03/2011 visiting and Ended my night at DS Tequila, My friends and I had a great time. The Bartender Matt did such a great job!!! I will be stopping by again next time I am in town. GOOD JOB MATT!!!
(4)
Blake H.
we went during opening week for their $1 chips, $2 tacos, $3 margs on the rocks & $4 frozen margs. we sat outside under a heater which was nice because we were able be loud. our waiter was really nice but it took forever. like, really really really long time. BUT i had ordered pitcher's of margs so i didnt mind. however i thought the tacos were amazing. especially for $2 BUT even at full price they are all under $3. the mushroom was AMAZING and the chorizo was really spicy. i also thought the margaritas were better than other cheap mexican place. and by that i imean it didnt taste like aristocrat tequila & corn-syrup. (apparently they brew [?] make their own tequila. when i go to a mexican place i am usually there for company & margs & chips. i dont mind waits, as long as that is all i am doing that night. i hope they tighten up their service (not cheeriness but speediness) and i will definitely be back.
(3)
Melissa B.
This past Sunday a group of my friends and I went to an undisclosed location to have brunch and watch the Bears game. Well when we got there they had lost our reservation. So we walked down the street to Mini Bar because we needed some food in our bellies. We were very disappointed to not be able to watch the game. When we got to Mini Bar the owner greeted us at the door and we told him our situation. He immediately got on his phone and called over to DS Tequila and asked if they would have room over there to accommodate our group. The manager personally walked over and gathered our group and walked us back to DS. They had a table ready for us right away where we were surrounded by gigantic flat screens. They offered us the same deal that they had at the undisclosed location. $20 for an entree and unlimited mimosas. The food was great and the staff were amazing! I would definitely go back here again!
(4)
Becca C.
I'm really shocked by the bad reviews here. I've been here multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The food is delicious--faves are the steak taco, shrimp taco, and fried fish taco. Chips, salsa, and guac are all good. Good drink specials and I've always had good service. I had one complaint during my last visit--the rice that was served with our tacos was undercooked. I mentioned this to the manager when she came by to check on things--mostly to let her know so they stopped serving it and made a new batch. She did this and gave us some to go (we told her it wasn't necessary) and also gave us free shots.
(4)
Angela C.
not a fan, bad service food was just ok.
(1)
Ashlan S.
I LOOOOOOOVE this place!!!!! My bf and I went and had breakfast at Nookies one morning, right down the street, and after we ate a big breakfast we decided we wanted a little Sunday morning drink! We walked by DS Tequila and decided to go on in. EVer since then, we have pretty much been once a week! Everyone there is so nice and very fun and I have NEVER had a bad server. Inside is great, and when it is a nice day out, the patio is awesome too. Great people watching view of Halsted. Being from Texas,and growing up totally spoiled by awesome Tex-Mex food, I am a little bit of a snob when it comes to Mexican food, but the food is actually pretty good. The coffee rubbed steak tacos are delicious! Especially with a little dip of some jalapeno ranch dressing, yum yum yum! The number one thing that I love about this place are the drinks! It is so hard for me to find a good margarita and they have about 4 or 5 that are to die for! They are strong, and are seriously my favorite thing to drink in Chicago. I love the atmosphere here too. There's always good music, again, great servers, good service and TV's all around for when there is a game on. We also played trivia night last week and although we lost, it was really lots of fun. We continue to go here all the time, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to have a GREAT margarita, good food and just be around happy people. Love you DS tequila! As soon as I get off work tonight, I'll be heading your way!
(5)
Allen M.
Been wanting to go here for a while so we went late on Sat for some food. Ambiance is good, the drinks are OK and the staff is hot, that's about all the place has going for it. I ordered two coffee covered skirt steak tacos. When the food came out in a decent amount of time I was taken back at the portion size, it was a two bite taco, and tough as hell, almost inedible. For almost 4.00 a taco I was quite disappointed in the food. At least I left with a buzz.
(2)
Nick P.
Eh...I wish I could like this place better. It's an interesting space and idea, but the food and service really don't pull through. The menu looked promising with lots of interesting tacos and an array of burgers. But like a lot of things in Boystown, once you scratch the surface...you don't find a lot underneath. Ha! Jk. Couldn't resist. - We ordered a pitcher of margaritas. Server brings it back to table, pours a little liquid in each glass - but no ice. Sets pitcher on table and says "I'll let you guys pour the ice in; it's too hard for me to do." Maybe he was being funny? But any server knows how to pour from a pitcher with ice - from the side, of course. - Time to order. The burgers and tacos all have numbers next to them. My friend orders a few tacos by number. "Which ones are those?" the server asks bluntly. Look, I know this is a minor annoyance, but it's indicative of all the problems we had with this place. In such a competitive marketplace, your service can't be this lackluster. - Food shows up. I had ordered a turkey burger. As I assemble my burger, I realize something isn't right. The turkey burger itself was missing! I had a condiment sandwich. We flag down the server, share a laugh, and he returns a few minutes later with a complete sandwich. Again, not a big deal, problem solved quickly, but...these things add up. - And now we eat. My friend had a couple tacos - I had a bite of the pulled pork one. It was decent. Nice flavor, kind of tiny though. The fries that came with my burger were advertised with a couple menu-ese adjectives, but they were pretty plain and not crisp. The turkey burger was also exceptionally bland. I'd rather have a smaller, better seasoned patty. So bottom line - you're paying inflated prices for below-average food and service. Want a better $12 burger? Go to Kuma's. Or get a $8 at DMK. Better tacos? Big Star, or even Chipotle. Better service? Ha, go anywhere.
(2)
Lochin S.
Did not eat here so not sure my five stars are fair. but the nachos at the next table looked fantastic. Regardless, our server made sure we were taken care of even tho we just had drinks. our mixed drinks were great as well as the one beer. good people watching and the outside sitting area was perfect to kick off summer!
(5)
Lauren J.
Love this place! We went for margaritas and no food. The food smelled delicious though! Such a fun atmosphere and one of the best margaritas I've had in Chicago. Definitely going back.
(5)
Lisa M.
Yummy drinks, awesome shrimp tacos and great patio! The service is good too :)
(5)
Bradley S.
Partner and I had visited once on a neighborhood bar crawl. It was fine. Living Social offered a deal. I bought. We redeemed the deal recently and were both happy with the experience. The place wasn't terribly crowed that Saturday afternoon; we received prompt, friendly, and attentive service. They have a nice beer selection and know how to mix a drink. The burgers were fresh and ample with very good flavor. We weren't hungry enough for an appetizer but a couple were intriguing. We'll not hesitate to return.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing.
(1)
Katie P.
Meh, this place is just ok. Went here last night with a girlfriend and got a beer and burger w/ blue cheese. The food was ok, nothing special. I'd go back in the summer for the patio or for one of their days with a good special. Mondays are 1/2 off all food and Wednesdays are trivia night. We left about 30 minutes into the trivia session yesterday but that looked like fun with a lot of questions about pop culture and travel and less about sports (which is good for me). If you're in the area, it's ok but don't go out of your way.
(3)
Adam M.
Walked by this place today and saw a very welcoming patio so my friend and I stopped in not knowing when and how this place popped up so quickly. We sat on the very spacious patio and the service was good. The three salsas & chips are definitely worth a try. The chips are very light and crispy and that jalepeno ranch was tasty. Each of us tried a taco - both the coffee steak and the pineapple shrimp tacos were tasty. There is also an abundance of drinks available. Stop in if you would like to enjoy a frozen margarita (my friend tried the Miami Vice). Good for now, not incredible....we will see what happens next for D.S.
(4)
Kevin R.
I'll echo a few things I've read here from others - the service was pretty horrible (it took about an hour to get 6 tacos). However, the thing that really annoys me about the Tequila Company is the severe lack of good margaritas and a various choices in tequila!!! Ambiance - 2 stars: Inside, the music is super loud; seems as though they have loud music to get people in off the street, but drive people away since you can't hear your company. Ambiance - 4 stars: Outside is quite nice. We went on a temperate Monday night and the patio was great. Drinks - 2 stars: See above, this really surprised me. Furthermore, if you want a margarita that is healthy (i.e. not made with Sweet and Sour mix), you'll have to look elsewhere. There are no fresh-lime juice margaritas here... for a place that has no-carb, jicama 'tortillas', you would think a healthier margarita would be available. Food - 3 stars: About $2.67 per taco and lots of different options. Watch out though, they are small!! It also took forever to get them... Service - 1 star: Our waiter apologized for "issues going on in the kitchen" twice. This was my friend's 3rd visit there, there have been service problems every time at D.S. They did try to make up for it, but they did so by bringing out a cold bowl of chili that we didn't touch. The waiter was fine, but whatever was holding him back is dragging the whole place down with it.
(2)
Ben K.
The service was good, the food was solid, and the patio was fantastic. What an awesome outdoor seating area. On to the food: we got the nachos for an appetizer, which was a huge serving of chips piled high with toppings for only $5. This is an excellent deal. Then we shared a turkey burger and a couple tacos. The turkey burger may have been frozen at some point in the past, but that didn't stop it from being pretty delicious. It's definitely rosemary infused, as advertised, and the pickled onions served on top of it were also very nice. Finally, the tacos. Good stuff. At $3 a piece they better be. I got to try the steak and the chorizo, both were definitely worthwhile. Apparently if you come in with your cubs ticket (on gameday? not quite sure) you get a free platter of 3 tacos. Do it!
(4)
Jose E.
Compared to the other bars in the area it's a pleasant surprise to find a place were you can have great food and drinks and have a good time. What other place lets you dance on the bar! It's great for big groups and the staff are always willing to bend over backwards for you. It does get busy sometimes but that just adds to the atmosphere of the place. The Sanchez slammer is a great fun to do shot with your friends to. And if your wanting a good premium burger then there is no better place then Ds. The buffalo blue cheese burger is fantastic! Blue cheese buffalo sauce bacon and guacamole make this burger by far the beat I have ever had! And don't worry there full bar and experienced bar tenders are amazing as well. Try having one of the margaritas with a flavoured vodka if your not into tequila. All and all it's a fun time. This is the place to let your hair down and party.
(5)
Jim B.
The girl working at the host stand on 2/6/13 was a bitch. We left. Never again.
(1)
Brett M.
Every time I come here, I am so pleased. I think the tacos (specifically the chorizo and fried chicken) are unique and fantastic. The wait staff is super friendly and passionate about the menu. But it's the frozen peach margaritas that keep me coming back. The wild berry and coco loco are good too but the peach! Gah! My husband had a special drink the night we went, a watermelon margarita on the rocks. It was soooo gooood! Plus, we had the tres leches cupcake (I hope I have that right) for a desert. Get it. Whatever you do. Get it. All things considered, I love this place. My only gripe is the soundtrack. C'mon boys. I'm not playing Guitar Hero. Reflect the 'hood a little better or get more modern :-)
(4)
Jason H.
Had a nice time out on the patio! Beers and apps! The loaded french fries were "Heart Attack Heaven"! The service was prompt and friendly! Anthony (server) was exceptionally friendly and attentive! Looking forward to visiting over Market Days weekend!
(4)
Danyelle D.
Stopped in for dinner on a Wednesday at 7pm with my girlfriend and another guy friend. He had been here before for drinks and we had wanted to try out the new place. Loved the decor, music, especially the patio. Very nice, everything looked clean and peaceful for a weekday. Looking at the menu I was a bit discouraged, a hand full of apps, then your choice between a specialty burger or a variety of tacos. We ordered the XXX jalapeno poppers. They will not get any award for their plating at this place. 5 fried jalapenos on a wet plate with a cup of dip, nothing fancy about it. I even laughed when the waiter brought it out. I looked like it was a joke. They actually didn't taste bad at all, they were very spicy, and the dip was good. Nothing to go crazy about though. For our main course I ordered 3 Corona battered tacos & my G.F. ordered the pulled pork tacos. The "family style" plating seemed a little bit pointless, but since it was just us 2 it was fine. In a big group, I would probably end up mixing them up. The fish tacos, we not bad, very small though. For $2.67 or so a piece, over $8.00 for 3 little tacos, seemed expensive. It's not like there was any crazy fancy slaw or sauces, just descent fish tacos. The tortilla, was very soggy and almost hard to bite through because they were so undercooked. The pulled pork tacos were a big disappointment, they said they came with a BBQ sauce, however none present. Just bland pork and tortilla? I would come again to drink, although I thought the prices on those are high too. But eat somewhere else. Maybe if I was drunk at 2am and needed a quick taco boost to keep me going all night, but not for a meal I want to enjoy and taste. Maybe when they get their branded tequila manufactured, they will put some fine tuning on their menu and kitchen. Too bad that patio was very nice place to have dinner.
(2)
Nick A.
Come here for the drinks, appetizers, and the atmosphere. The margarita selection is fairly extensive and the the frozen drinks are very good, definitely on par with the legendary slushies across the street at Sidetrack. The outdoor patio is probably the best on Halsted, perfect for peoplewatching. The clientele is usually easy on the eyes as are the bartenders and waitstaff. I've never had a bad experience with service. The decor and sports bar feel is certainly different than anything else on the Boystown strip. Food is so-so. It's tasty enough and by no means terrible but it's nothing amazing either. Appetizers are much better than the entrees, this would be a great place to stop for a few drinks before going to dinner elsewhere. If you do eat here, the chorizo tacos are probably the best of the group. Don't expect huge portions; the tacos are about average size and you get a small scoop of beans and rice if you order the dinner. Perhaps this is a function of catering to a gay clientele but they could still drop the price to below $10 for the meal. As others have mentioned, there are better options in the area if food is what you're after. Otherwise, D.S. Tequila is a worthwhile addition to the Halsted bar scene.
(3)
Kim R.
Great burgers and tacos. Higher quality bar food. Try the S'mores sundae dessert. Drinks a little pricey but very good. The outdoor porch is great when the weather cooperates (which it did a lot this summer.) Too bad it's in what has become such a dangerous neighborhood. It's just not safe to go there after dark. Too many thugs out there after your wallets and cell phones. Stick to lunchtime. It's worth it.
(3)
John W.
I'm not sure why I like this place more than the average yelper. Maybe I'm just a sucker for creative tacos. Maybe I drink too much there to be objective (my first draft only said "mix the steak and mushroom, f*** yeah"), but I love this place. And yeah, mix the steak and the mushroom into some sort of chophouse taco...it's amazing.
(5)
Kristin J.
I love: the elote hash, the tequila shrimp tacos, and the coffee rubbed skirt steak tacos. Other friends have raved about the chorizo tacos, fried fish tacos, fried chicken tacos, and mushroom tacos. Decent prices, and 1/2 off on Mondays. True, their margaritas are sub-par, but there are plenty of other drink options. The waitstaff can get a little frazzled when they are busy, but are generally very kind and attentive.
(3)
Stephanie B.
Eh. Meh. I came here with BIG hopes. I was underwhelmed. Staff was SUPER friendly, so I give 'em an A+ for that. But the food was just meh: -Our queso was like a cold hard block of cheese. We asked our waiter if he'd mind heating it up, and he was SUPER nice and apologetic, but when he brought it back out, it was just a hot block of hard cheese. -Tacos: Love that you can mix and match and get 'em a la carte. Liked the grilled fish one... the chorizo was decent... the fried chicken one (perhaps I should've known better?) was literally a chicken finger from a Wendy's 3-piece meal, shoved in a taco. Er? -Quesadillas: HUH? These were filled with a block of cheese, and not much else. And $10. We didn't even eat them, unfortunately. -Drinks: I did love the creative concoctions. I tried some funky margarita that was tequila + grapefruit + lime. There was another "margarita" made with Vodka, for people who don't like tequila. I appreciated the effort there. -Atmosphere: If you're sitting in a booth - yay. If you're at one of the rinky dink tables - boooooo. I'd give it another chance, I suppose. I did wish it was a true Mexican place with more Mexican on the menu than just guac, quesadillas and tacos though.
(3)
Heather M.
D.S. Tequila is a triple threat! Great food, great service and a great atmosphere. We found this spot by accident one day and decided to give it a try. The selection and service was way beyond our expectations. And the margaritas! Oh the margaritas! I highly recommend The Miami Vice (strawberry/coconut blend). As I mentioned is staff is super friendly and very helpful with recommendations. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are on point. Chris, Erin, Matt, Ryan it doesn't matter who first served you because they'll all take care of you. Last Friday we checked into Facebook and received FREE loaded fries. Sweet! Don't miss out on this yummy opportunity. And now friends and coworkers want us to bring them here to find out what we're always raving about. Check their website for specials. For example, $1 shots on Fridays & Saturdays. All you have to do is stop by and give it a try.
(5)
Heather M.
It's true, the service is a little slow, but this is definitely a place to go and have a few pitchers of margs, so timely service isn't really the point. The tacos are great! I tried the shrimp, steak, and green chili pork - all delicious. Fries were also really good - some sort of awesome spices on them. The queso was a little gloopy, and the guac was unspectacular. They also didn't have a homemade hot sauce, which I thought was strange for a taco place. Either way, they mix a good margarita, the tacos are delicious, and if you're lucky you can dance on the bar with your waiter.
(4)
Jonathan J.
Went on a Tuesday night with a friend around 9pm for the burger deal. It was pretty great--the food was awesome and the atmosphere was pretty chill. Lots of lesbians and gay guys, which is always a plus, but not a club type scene or anything. Just a burger and booze joint. Pretty decent menu.
(4)
James R.
Great find! Our bartender Jared was awesome, kitchen was closed and I was starving so he managed to find some food for me to munch on. Drinks were great, and we all had a great time. I will definitely be back in the future when I travel up north.
(5)
Greg M.
Get the classic! Simple and strong! Great atmosphere and the bartender is awesome! She even offered to give my friend a friend mini corona! Another great thing is that if it is too loud, they give you free earplugs :p
(5)
Nathan G.
Came to Chicago to do a tequila tour of the city. Finding this place by name was pretty easy. Asking the bartender for a tequila list, he promptly replies he has 2 tequilas. Two?! TWO freaking tequila's for a joint with Tequila in big bold neon lite letters? Pfft. Good luck.
(1)
C A.
im updating my review and keeping still only 3 stars. Its an ok place, im not much of fan of the food but its decent, the chips are crispy and if you stay away from the weak margs and just drink beer you can get a buzz. The staff is a little friendlier and we weren't treated like absolute crap or ignore like we were on my previous post so thats a perk. Its decent bar food if your just looking for something quick before you go out to the bar scene. One little thing that has always irritated me and maybe its just me is that when we order our taco's that they place everyones entire order onto one plate, we have a friend allergic to poultry so the chicken tacos were up against his steak and i dont eat read meat so his steak was touching my chicken! BAH! LOL!
(3)
Green T.
Busy, but not swamped on a Thursday night. The coveted patio was great for fresh air and people-watching to a dizzying degree. The staff is incredibly nice but a little wet behind the ears. Our server wanted to seat myself and a date at a table for 8. When our tab came to $13 he swooped up our 20, never to return. (Really man, a 52% tip?) We had to request the change. Awkward. There seem to be about 25 servers on hand - all clean-cut, young, queer men. Indoors is dark, over air-conditioned, and blaring. After reading these reviews, we sat outside, as far from the speakers as possible. Our margaritas were great. The special was strong and even the obscure Beergarita was tasty. The cactus garden is a unique touch. Drink here to see and be seen. But be careful, the patio shuts down at 11:00 sharp.
(3)
William F.
If your primary focus is watching sports, drinking beer and enjoying Mexican munchies then you'll probably like D. S. Tequila Company. If you're looking to enjoy good Mexican food, keep Yelping because D.S. Tequila Company isn't the place for you.
(2)
tiffany k.
This place has been opened for only a little over 4 weeks, so I know that a lot of the bad reviews are due to this. I dropped in on a Saturday afternoon. My fiance and I wanted a small snack and something to drink. The place is pretty cool inside, and has a nice patio seating area in the back. The list of their specialty mixed drinks is nice and for a regular margarita, it's only $6! Pretty good. The special of the day was a margarita with muddled blue berries. Soooo delicious. I had 2. The beer list is pretty decent too, with some typical domestics and imports and some Belgians as well. I ordered the beer battered fish taco with the jicama tortilla (0 carbs) instead of the regular tortilla - just to try it. My fiance had some steak taco. We also ordered the roasted corn wheels - or something like that. It was all very tasty and the perfect amount of food for a snack and tasty enough to not be a boring snack. I will say, though, that I didn't love the jicama tortilla a lot. I mean, it was fine, but nothing beats a taco on a corn tortilla. I'll definitely be back here again to try some of their other drinks. Once we were ready to leave it did take quite awhile for us to get our check but I'm pretty patient and they're still relatively new. Please also note that the margarita I had was the special of the day and it was an extra dollar (which we didn't find out until the check came) but that being said, this place does not pour the tequila lightly, so that sort of makes up for it.
(4)
Katie H.
I visited DS Tequila Company on one of their "soft opening" days. It was cash only and they were only offering a limited menu, but if this is a sign of what's to come, I think they're on to something good. Our server was great. He took the time to go through each of the slushie drink options - margarita (excellent), strawberry (also great), banana, peach, wild berry, and blue Hawaiian (which he let me have a small sample of; it was a bit too sweet for me). He then moved on to explaining the menu. For now, they have a limited selection of apps (jalepeno poppers, chips with trio of drips, and corn on the cob wheels) and 6-7 taco varieties, which are all $3 each. Because I am a very picky eater, I wanted to make some subtractions to the taco but the server said that since it was a soft opening, he wasn't supposed to, but he would ask. The manager came over and was super nice and said to make any changes I needed (just taking the tomato and lettuce off the chicken taco, and the pico de gallo off the chorizo one). Out came our food and it was delicious. The steak had a great flavor (though I wish it had been a bit more tender, I had to cut a few pieces) and the fried chicken taco was awesome; the chicken was so juicy and tender and perfectly crispy.
(4)
Monika P.
I tried the blackberry margarita, it was really good! My friend got the beergarita, nothing special. I absolutely love their fresh vegi tacos!!! Plus the outside seating is really nice. Definitely coming back!
(4)
Jennifer Q.
My boyfriend came here on a Sunday afternoon after running a few miles in the Chicago Marathon to support a friend who embarked on the entire journey. We only ran 5 miles but, nevertheless, were pretty hungry. We were actually on our way to another restaurant when I saw D.S. Tequila and remembered having read about it in Time Out Chicago. It looked like a cool place so I wanted to try it out. It was one of the last nice days of the fall so we sat outside. Jose was our server and he was totally adorable. Very personable and attentive. He chit chatted with us and helped us pass the time until our yummy tacos arrived. The coolest part is they have a "you pick three" taco platter so you can pick any three of numerous cool choices of tacos. They also serve good micheladas -which is like a beer meets a bloody mary. MMMMM. The coolest part about the patio was the little built in bon fire pit ON THE TABLE! That really made my day. I like to have little moments of escapism ambiance where I can sit back and eat and pretend I'm a million miles from my regular life. I recommend D.S. Tequila and we will for sure be back for some tacos and micheladas!!
(4)
Jon J.
Have been there a few times but most recently for the Bears/Packers game. Two of us got there around noon and were waiting for 4 other friends to show up so we requested a booth for six. About 15 minutes before gametime we were informed that the manager was pissed because we were taking up space and our friends have not yet arrived. Between the two of us, we were ordering plenty of drinks and food. The waiter was cool but it put a bad taste in my mouth about the manager's comments. Walking past this place plenty of times and seeing how empty it always is, I thought they would appreciate any business they could get but that doesn't seem to be the case with this place.
(1)
Kim Z.
After receiving my Time Out in the mail, I had a craving for a nice, hearty margarita and some good Mexican food. D.S. Tequila was on the list of 'go here instead of here' for Mexican places with patios and good margs. So we went. When we walked in the door, the very first thing I NOTICED was the very large number of waitstaff verses the number of customers. I assumed new...still don't even know if that's the case, but I got that feeling. However, I am going to say that with two servers per every customer you'd expect some AMAZING service. Lots of milling around, chit chatting, etc etc...something JUST enough to annoy the living shit out of me. So I made a quick escape to the bar. How bad could that be? Well, it went like this... I ordered the high octane marg made with Everclear, and hubby ordered a listed cocktail. I got the mug. I'd guess it was to be about 12 ounces..in theory. I watched the bartender make it, he short poured my $9 marg by I'd guess about 4 ounces, and just kept adding and adding ice. I asked him if he was going to charge me extra for all of that ice and he gave me a smart assed 23 year old glaring sneer and handed over my drink. Now as a former .....well, let's just say I know my stuff .... I'd have poured my precious customer four more little ounces of crap, and call it a night. And a tip. But no, didn't even come close. After that, I was so pissed we got up and went all the way to Big Star, my FAVE!! I'll never go back. Oh, and the food? Well, obviously I didn't order any, but the man next to us at the bar had some over cooked steak thingy with what looked to be undercooked shrimp. Bleahhhh! Eff that place. It's only hope for survival in my kinda humble opinion is to go straight up gay bar. And get rid of that piece of caca bartender, would ya?
(1)
lucky r.
ok if you like waiting an hour for your food, please come here. It's ridiculous. I'm not sure why the managers are walking around saying hi instead of helping in the kitchen with one cook. Making a customer wait for almost an hour for some pre-made tortilla soup and french fries is asking a lot. And it's bad customer service. If you're just wanting to get wasted, please come here. You're get your drinks a lot faster!!! Waitstaff is super nice but that's about it.
(2)
Shantell B.
I have no idea what people are talking about! Everyone is so cute and friendly...and the food, sweet jesus the food is amazing! adam t. is so cute and exuberant. I felt like I was hanging out with a friend! Music is fun and the managers are always close by and friendly which is reassuring.
(5)
Leanna S.
Cool place, decent food. The tacos were small - even smaller than what you get at the authentic Mexican places. Additionally, their Mexican rice, which I like, comes with a garnish-type thingy of tomatoes on top. Ew. I like the bar/restaurant itself, but as a restaurant on it's own.....it's so-so.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
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Sarah Z.
There is a very sad ending to this story- I mean... review. It makes me feel guilty, but for the greater good of the Yelping community I must keep it real, ya hear me? I was excited tocatch up with a friend over drinks and a snack. My friend recommended DS Tequila Company. Which turned out we had once been there before (it wasn't memorable the first time probably a bad sign...mediocre sign(?)). As many others have mentioned they ID everyone, all day, ev'ry day. We were seated quite quickly. Were greeted by many a waiter but no one seemed to really want to wait on us. We received two glasses of water by a flustered tall handsome man and he gave a quick apology and a promise of return. We were greeted again by another waiter with two glasses of water, who also apologized for the wait, then realized we had already been courted and he replied 'oh, looks like you are being helped- have a good meal then.' Then we waited. There was a lot of waiting. This was my main issue. ACTUALLY this was my only real concern. I felt ignored. I want to be wine, dined, and treated like a lady!! We ordered some drinks and some Texas Trash Can Nachos. The drinks came quick enough, my friend got a Tecate, I got a frozen regular $8 margarita (I like my margarita a little more festive with the alcohols if you catch my drift, like at least $8 worth). But the nachos seemed to take forever. Long enough for us to make fun of AT LEAST 5 songs.... all of which dated back from 2005 (which also seemed to be where our food was traveling from). When they did arrive they were good. Cheese. Chicken. They remembered to put the sour cream on the side. I thought there could have been more guacamole. But I'm ca-ray-zay like that. We had to steal plates from a vacant table rather than wait for someone to catch our eye or to wait in general. The nachos were good, but seemed cool... as in not hot, maybe waiting to be picked up? We ordered another round of drinks when the sad thing happened. A waiter fell!!!! Hard. I am positive he has a bruise. It looked like it hurt. Luckily some nachos broke his fall. They also landed on my friend. I'm not talking NACHOS all in her face but it was a little sour cream on her pants. Our waiter (not the one who fell- he disappeared... probably to go to the hospital) rushed to get us seltzer and a rag. It was no big deal, really. Another waitress lady informed us she took both of my margaritas off the bill. WHICH IS THE SAD THING. This was really nice and, yeah. she didn't need to do it- it made DS Tequila look good and probably because the service was bad she should have done so. That act alone would have gotten them 3 stars from me (I LOVE FREE STUFF). But the service up until then, and waiting for the check after, just really bummed me out. In conclusion the atmosphere: fine, average. the food: fine, average. the service: below average, needs improvement the free margaritas: AWESOME POSSUM ten stars.
(1)Zorin D.
One might think that $4 for a taco is outrageous. The coffee rubbed steak taco is well worth it. I haven't tried much of anything else there so I can't really vouch for anything else. I was disappointed by the guacamole which was overwhelmed by way too much raw onion. My margarita was good as well so all and all it was a win. The music is loud and pretty annoying though.
(4)Drew B.
The owners of MiniBar bring us D.S., a tequila bar with only two varieties of tequila? Oh well, onto the rest. I stopped in around 5 o'clock and got a nice seat at the bar. The interior was very industrial, lots of exposed concrete and steel--I like that sort of thing. The bartender came over and was very personable and knowledgeable on the menu and mixology in general. Mark (the bartender) asked me what I like and he created this amazing watermelon margarita with a sugar/salt rim. It was amazing! Props to him and his barback, Paul, they both did a great job! The burgers on the menu looked amazing, but after finishing with the gym I peered over and stayed on the taco side (just as bad I know). I ordered the: grilled fish, roasted chicken, tequila grilled shrimp, fried chicken, and coffee spiced skirt steak tacos. And I enjoyed every single one except the last one, I tasted no coffee spice and the flavor was almost bland. The food lacked a 'wow' factor but still managed to hold my attention and appetite. I will most likely return and enjoy more of Mark's margaritas. Welcome to the neighborhood D.S.
(3)Desmond L.
Food is just "ok". Drinks are just "ok". Our bartender Heather was AWESOME! Can you please get WIFI for customers though, it's 2013!
(3)Victoria R.
food was pretty good
(3)Nicole W.
Gross. Usually this place smells like vomit and rotten citrus. Last night we decided to stop in for the first time in almost a year and upon entering we're hit with a wall of straight up rotting corpse stench. Seriously. Did something die in there? Absolutely disgusting.
(1)Parker K.
I was served by a friendly an prompt server named John. He was attentive and very friendly. The host happily put on my teams opening season game! All in all great food, great atmosphere and, above all else, great service.
(4)Elliott F.
Fun, casual place. Good (and unusual) tacos and burgers. Great beer and mixed drinks. The patio is relaxing in good weather. Same owners as minibar. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago if you remember that you are in a big city and you don't walk down the street in the wee hours after drinking while fixating on your I-phone. I have always found the staff welcoming. Yes, they do get busy, so you may have to wait more than a nanosecond to get a drink.
(4)Renee E.
I reserve a special place of hatred in my heart for places like Cracker Barrel and I just added another little section for D.S. Tequila Company. I'm actually still angry that I was there and it's been over 12 hours. After a 2nd failed Groupon attempt at Tapas Gitana down the street, and after paying for parking, we walked around the hood looking for some sort of edibles. Chicago Diner literally had a line of people waiting halfway down the block and I wasn't in the mood for HB or Nookies and we were sort of freezing, so we thought...hmmm...tacos? Couldn't be too bad, from the descriptions on the menu. My first tipoff at ultimate restaurant fail was the beer pong table just off the entrance and I still don't understand how I didn't just turn around at that point, but that's what cold and hunger will do to a gal... We were seated at some communal table in some of THE most spine-rippingly uncomfortable jagged metal chair contraptions. At this point, the all-encompassing THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of the pop dance music bass section was knocking my brain senseless and we couldn't even hold a conversation without every statement or question being responded to with a "WHAT????" So, onto the "food." Hubs got the $9.99 all you can eat taco special, which actually ended up being a deal, because I could cradle one of those tacos in the palm of my wee-freakishly small baby palms. I decided to get 2 tacos (before I'd seen them), one bbq pork, one mushroom queso and a side of sauteed vegetables. The bbq pork wasn't a total hideous disaster, but on a scale of 1-10, it was probably a 5. The mushroom was just sort of gross and tangy, but not in a good way. The side of "sauteed vegetables" was a tea cup size portion of mixed frozen veg, sauteed in a good cup of butter and Tbsp. of salt. It took about a century for the server to come back and every second that passed in that place made me angrier and angrier. I guess all I can say is, the patio's got to be an improvement, but for god's sake, don't go for the food or the atmosphere inside. Or maybe just drink enough tequila to not care.
(1)Amy H.
I'm not going to let the obnoxious group of faux-hipster trixies at the table next to us {talking loudly and incorrectly about all the fashion designers they know, own, and love} ruin my review. It was probably a fluke...a bad overflow from the nearby Wrigleyville neighborhood...a bunch of suburban trusties in town for Pitchfork... But the thing is...they were clearly overserved. One guy was smoking at his table and then started to pass out (or...uhm..."fall asleep") but the staff kept bringing them drinks. I guess that was their decision to make, but the entire patio was clearly annoyed by these people and they should have been asked to leave or tone it down or STOP SMOKING. Even still, my experience was average. The staff was nice. The Miami Vice drinks were refreshing, albeit weak. I liked the selection of food on the menu and the queso and guacamole were delicious. I just wasn't wowed.
(3)Matt V.
Food was fine. Loaded fries were pretty good, although I'm not sure if that was cheese melted on top or if it was goo. Our server, although beefy and hot had the personality of a toilet seat. He wasn't capable of smiling or being nice until he was saying good bye...probably in hopes of a good tip.
(3)Diane H.
One summer I made it my personal quest to find the best margarita. (Side note: that summer was awesome.) If this restaurant was open then, it would have ranked similarly as the Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix...noone really wants to drink it, but it's doable in a pinch. After four hours of fun with friends, despite drinking many margaritas, I left wondering if there was any tequila in any of the drinks. Two friends joined in for a drink towards the end of the evening, but since that bumped the party up to 6, it meant an automatic 20% tip added to the bill. Granted, that is what I typically tip, but it seemed an excessive requirement, especially when the bill had numerous errors and service was only ok. Menu is basically a variety of tacos and a variety of hamburgers. It's as odd as it sounds.
(2)Vanessa M.
Came here with a reservation for a birthday party. To our surprise they'd set up birthday hats, bubbles, and party poppers which was a super thoughtful, unexpected surprise. Our server was really sweet too, I wish I could give him a shoutout by remembering his name (blonde guy). The four of us girls ordered fishbowls and our friend ordered a beer. We got the chipotle pineapple marg and it was EXCELLENT (our server helped us decide on that). We later ordered the guava marg and it was a bit too sweet for my taste, but not bad. Food was not my favorite but I was not coming here for a fine dining experience. Atmosphere, service, venue were great! Would definitely recommend to a friend.
(4)Andrey R.
I always thought it was a cool place to catch up with friends and have some drinks. Last time I went there with my friends, food was gross, service was pretty bad and my friend found hair in his drink! Pretty bad experience. Definitely not coming back there, nor my friends.
(1)Matthew J.
By far my fav establishment in Boystown!!!! Can't beat the cocktails, the service is incredible and the food amazing!!!! Make sure you stop by when Adam is working and have him make you a cocktail... Best bartender on Halsted!!!
(4)Kara E.
I wandered over to DS Tequila on a Sunday afternoon in hopes of finidng a great place to sit outside for lunch. We were seated right away on the patio, which is pretty decent sized and were met right away by our server. Service was attentive without being annoying. I went with a traditional margariate and my bf went withe chipotle pineapple marg. Drinks were great! For lunch, I went with a combo of 4 diffrent tacos- pulled pork, grilled tilapia, shrimp, and steak. My bf went with the Turkey Stack, which were 2 massive turkey burger patties which came w/ a side of fries. Our food was great! I'll be back for another time to enjoy the patio!
(4)Asper K.
Word on the street is that the D.S. in "D.S. Tequila Company" stands for dirty sanchez. (In case you don't know..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Sanchez_%Â28sexual_act%29). Supposedly this is on purpose as some sort of inside joke by the owners. Nice job jagoffs. You are the funniest motherfckers that ever lived. Okay, first things first. There is no such thing as D.S. Tequila brand tequila. I went to the trouble of going to their website to verify this. dstequila.com/aboutus.ht… . On their website, they say that "D.S. Tequila is serious tequila.." (but doesn't exist) .. and for "the time being we have selected don modesto." In other words, they might buy some tequila wholesale and slap their label on it sometime in the future. But so far, this seems like a bad idea because nobody wants it. Insofar as this being a "company" store..again..what a bunch of posers.I associate a "company" store with a retail outlet that's opened AFTER a product develops a reputation and customers want the real deal direct from the producer. This "dirty sanchez" tequila doesn't even exist. Perhaps they should open a D.S Microbrew Company store too..and serve bud light (for the time being of course). As for the food: they have tacos, burgers, fries, caesar salad etc. With the exception of the tacos, very very cookie cutter wriggleyville bar style. There are about 10-15 different "tacos" ..they have fried chicken, bbq shredded pork, and other 7-11 style fillings. Yummy bar food yes..modern mexican cuisine mos def not. As for drinks, I had the lemon lime margarita and she had the carmel apple margarita. These are dispensed from huge 7-11 style slurpee machines behind the bar. Tasty, but very sugary. Also, one was a lot stronger than the other. While we were there a guy re-filled one of the machines by sloshing in a bunch of syrup from a huge white bucket. No doubt this process is the end result of years of trial and error on the Agave plantation in Mexico. Or maybe the owners used to work at 7-11. As for the service..it's sort of odd. They're all dudes in tight shirts serving what seemed like a very ordinary crowd. I don't know why the owners decided women shouldn't work as waitresses or behind the bar. Our tight shirted waiter was nice but seemed very A.D.D. He asked if we were ready for the bill even before our tacos arrived. I mean..really?? Being sat nite it was busy. But for fcks sake, can't we try to enjoy our 50 bucks worth of spiked slurppes and 7-11 tacos without someone rushing us out the door? For the record, I don't mind a cookie cutter Wriggleyville bar. That's fine. But I don't like being sold a bunch of 7-11 food and being told it's premium quality. I hate to admit it, but the dude who got the dirty sanchez might be me.
(2)Andrew Evans U.
Food is great! Our waiter is friendly! And they open until 2 am on Sundays! Queso dip and chips are a must try. The burgers are amazing. Music is great
(5)Rock Star R.
one of the worst meals. ordered 3 tacos. it took 45 minutes. the place was dead. finally, the meal arrives. it's wrong. the waiter blamed it on the kitchen. it took 10 more minutes to correct, one of the wrong tacos. clearly, they put the other items under a heat lamp or something because, by the time the plate came back, everything was soggy, cold and covered in oil. truly, a horrible experience.
(1)loren a.
Terrible. This review is based solely on the service and NOT the food because I had the honor of not trying it thanks to a god awful service experience. We went to this place and when we first got here we were greeted by a male server. He was very informative about the menu and appeared to be very friendly. He came back and he asked us if we were ready, we said we werent ready yet and asked for a COUPLE more minutes. About 10 minutes later he brought us our drinks and sat them on the table and walked away. I saw him come to the front of the restaurant several times and he never even looked over at us. He went to about 4 other tables and dilly dallied and also took his time at the computer putting in orders. (I used to be a server).About 15 minutes later we finally asked someone else if they could take our order. They took about another 7 minutes before they even got our server to come up to us. We told the host we wanted to pay for our drinks and leave. The server came up to us with an ATTITUDE and opened his book and said are you ready. We told him we were going somewhere else because it took 30 minutes to be acknowledged. He walks away with an attitude and gets the manager. The manager apologized and took our credit card to pay for the drinks. We complained again about the server and THEN she gave us a gift card for $20 for our next visit. The thing is I live in California. Realistically, she shouldnt have made us pay for the drink. Even fr her to charge us for the drink took an additional 10 minutes. We were there for an hour total and got two drinks, one terrible the other good, and god awful service. I wouldnt recommend this place to a homeless person who had a free $20 gift card. Also, it was expensive. Even the appetizers were $11.95 and up.
(1)Fernando V.
The service is awful and slow there drinks where good if poured; don't order the nasty slushy margaritas. I think the food was bland there is nothing I would say I need to come back to eat this. most of the staff can be attractive but that is all they cant do there job.
(1)Ashlee A.
I can't speak on the food but I can say without question that I had one of the tastiest Margaritas of all time last nigh around 130am. And for a Sunday night it was a pretty lively crowd. I also had a couple of shot of the tequila straight up and it was very clean. I dare say we found a winner ;-)
(4)Jen K.
I first ate here when they opened last year. The food was ok, nothing great, sort of sloppy presentation. Service was AWFUL, so slow, forgot our drinks. I just assumed that it was because they had just recently opened, so I wasn't against trying them again. This time I ordered for pick-up. Even the service was slow for me to simply pick up food that was sitting there in a bag, ready. Got the cheese dip appetizer, asked for chorizo in it, and was charge for chorizo- but there was no chorizo in my damn cheese. I also got a battered fish taco and the shrimp taco. Both were way smaller than I had remembered. The jalepenos on the fish tacos looked limp and old/gross. Not good, will not be going back.
(1)James G.
You ever have a really bad experience at a place, and decide to give it another try, but the second time is even worse? Welcome to DS Tequila... Last week my husband and I were in DS Tequila for an event. I got there first, and I started a tab with the bartender, grabbing a beer for myself. When my husband got there, we ended up sitting at a booth with friends. I decided to keep ordering our drinks from the bartender, while my husband ended up ordering tacos at the table with the server. After waiting forever for the tacos, they were just terrible. I could tell as the server set them down that they were going to be gross. Having worked in a restaurant that served tacos, they looked like the ones that had been sitting in the back for hours. My husband, who was starving, choked them down anyway. As the event ended, I decided to go closed my drink tab with the bartender. As she hands me my credit card, and the slip for me to sign, I noticed that the bill was about $25 more than it should be. As I flagged her down again, I asked her with an itemized receipt, which for some reason she said she could not do. So, I told her that since we only had two margaritas and three beers, our tab could not have been as much as it was. She got immediately got incredibly rude telling me that we actually had four margaritas, and that I was wrong. After arguing for a couple minutes, she fixed the tab, still rudely telling me I was wrong. In her defense, we had to send the two margaritas we did have back, because each time they did not come with salt, even though each time she asked if we wanted salt and we say yes. This week, we decided to give DS Tequila another try. After some confusion with the credit card and the incorrect tab from last week, my husband decided to email the owner to let him know what happened. The owner graciously invited us to come back and have dinner on him, which was very kind. Of course, there was another event going on at DS Tequila this week, so we decided to go back yesterday. By request of the owner, we made a reservation, so that he knew when we'd be coming. We were seated in a booth in the back, with a server named Chris. You could just tell immediately upon sitting down that it wasn't Chris's day, and that DS Tequila was the last place he wanted to be. I used to be a server, I get that. However, Chris was beyond rude. He never introduced himself, or welcomed us to the bar. When he did ask you something, it was rude questions like "you ready yet?" with an eye roll, or a testy "what do you want?!" When a friend we knew came to sing at our booth for a while, he was like, "what are there three of you now?!" If I dared ask him for a refill, or a new ketchup since the one are our table was empty, he would loudly scoff at us. Not to mention, he never came to check on us ever, we had to track him down. Of course, when the food came (we ordered burgers this time), they were gross and cold. Clearly, they need to look into hiring food runners on busy nights so hot food goes out hot. We thought about sending it back, but with how rude Chris was, I could only imagine his reaction. The entire time we figured he was being such a jerk because he saw our reservation and knew we were eating for free, however, as he slammed down our check we noticed we were being charged. We waiting a while for Chris to come back, but finally we had to track down a manager ourselves, Apparently, our reservation had not been marked by the owner, however, even though they couldn't get a hold of the owner, they said not to worry about it. Another employee had remembered the owner mentioning something about it, so they believed us. In the end, we very quickly left, not bothering to tip Chris for what had to be the rudest service we ever had. As a server for many years, we believe in tipping at least 50% of what the meal would have cost us when it's comped, and up to 100% when the service is awesome. His loss. In the end, I don't even know where to begin with this place. The food's quality simply is not on par with the price point they are going for. If you are going to charge about $15 for a burger, it better be one of the best burgers in Chicago. Maybe they are though, and the problem is that the staff doesn't know how to get the food out to the tables when it's hot and ready, so what the guests get are cold food that has laid out too long. Maybe it can all be zeroed in on the staff though. The management I have met at DS Tequila has been nothing but nice, but the bartenders and servers have been just terrible, and downright rude. Clearly, they aren't trying to have one of those restaurants where everyone is just rude to you, and that's the fun. Honestly, I get the impression that the staff was all hired to have that certain "look," rather than give the best service. This clearly is what you get when that happens...
(1)Christina G.
I headed here for dinner with two friends on a Thursday night. The place was busy, but not packed. We sat down and our waiter came by to ask out drink order. I ordered a seasonal beer, and was told they were out of it. Oh well, I just ordered something else. Two of us decided to go with the $9.99 all you can eat tacos. I'll admit, I definitely ate enough to make it worth it. You order the tacos in batches of three, though it doesn't need to be the same kind of taco. They also have another all you can eat taco special for a higher price, and you get to pick from more kinds of tacos. The $9.99 special suit me just fine. I'd say they were all pretty tasty, but my favorite was the Po' Boy. I found the pulled pork one to be a little strange, but that could just be due to the fact that pulled pork was on a taco instead of on a bun. Service was a little slow. My friends and I weren't in any sort of a hurry (except that we were hungry), so it didn't bother us too much. The part that was a bit annoying was that when you'd finish your three tacos, you'd have to wait until your waiter noticed you, then you ordered three more tacos, and then you'd have to wait for them to be made. The experience was OK enough, but I don't think I'll be back when so many better restaurants/bars are nearby.
(3)Mark L.
I was there with a party of 10 and the place was packed. Our reservations had been messed up but the manager was able to accommodate and provided free appetizers. The atmosphere was great the the wait staff was attentive. The food was excellent and very flavorful. I had the 3 taco meal which came with your choice of tacos, and had rice and refried beans as sides. I had a grilled chicken taco, a grill fish taco, and a steak taco. I'm on weight watchers and it was easy to work into the points plan, which is always a challenge when eating at a restaurant for the first time. I have already recommended to friends and I will be back.
(5)Laura C.
Going here on New Year's Day was a huge mistake. We got there around 2PM and after waiting an hour and fifteen minutes for our food - a few measly tacos and a burger, we found the tacos cold and mediocre. We tried the grilled fish, beer battered fish, coffee rubbed skirt steak, tequila grilled shrimp, BBQ pulled pork, and mushroom tacos. Besides being cold, the fillings were less than satisfying. The fish had a funny fish taste (a clear sign that it was not fresh), and the shrimp were popcorn sized. The steak and pork were overcooked and chewy - a far cry from the descriptions. Very disappointing - maybe these guys can take a lesson from the Del Seoul crew. The burger was unevenly cooked (medium on one half, well done on the other), when we were told all burgers were cooked medium. Eventually someone (not out server) told us that one of the cooks had called off, and he brought us some chips and cheese saying that he knew we were waiting a long time and must be hungry. This would have been a nice gesture, if it weren't for the fact that immediately after our chips arrived, so did our tacos and burger. I won't be back and suggest you don't go either.
(1)Teresa H.
This spot is definitely one of my favorites in Boystown! I live right across the street so I tend to frequent D.S. often and I fall in love with this place all over again. Starters first: They have AWESOME queso, hint: get it with ground beef. Their tortilla chips are thin, and have just the right amount of salt. Ask for a side of jalapeno ranch to dip your chips in too, you won't regret it. The cheddar, bacon, and ranch loaded fries are to-die for as well. Not for people who don't like a lot of cheese though. Moving onto the tacos: The steak taco is BY FAR my favorite one. I get it whenever I go there. It is always cooked to perfection and the seasoning is amazing. I typically like the chicken fajita taco, but it can be hit or miss. Other great choices are battered fish, and crispy fried chicken. Beverages: You can't go wrong with a margarita here, plus D.S. makes it own tequila. (Hence D.S. Tequila Co.) Very smooth, and I'm not even a tequila lover! Overall, you can't go wrong with this restaurant. It's a fun environment, and the staff is very friendly.
(4)Susan P.
All you can eat tacos on Thursdays. $9.99 for 5 different options, $12.99 for those options + more 'premium' fillings. Got the $9.99 deal (valid only if you get a drink as well.) Also comes with beans and rice with your first three tacos. Tacos are ordered 3 at a time. Thought it was a pretty good deal, and the tacos weren't bad! I'm a more adventurous eater, but the chicken ended up being my favorite. Also had the BBQ pork, veggie, battered fish and 'white boy' - ground beef, sour cream, etc. aka your standard taco. The veggie was my least favorite - sauce was okay, but the sauteed vegetables were pretty limp. Adding fresh avocado would make it better. My Victoria draft was a little flat, but they had plenty of Cholula hot sauce. Would definitely return. One complaint: my boyfriend ordered a Crispin Hard Cider (which was on the menu), but they came back with an angry orchard... far inferior to Crispin! They should definitely switch back.
(3)Ali L.
Whoa, really surprised the overall rating is THAT low. Stopped here on a random Tuesday evening...$5 burger night, but of course with the necessary extras (cheese and bacon, of course) everything came out to like $7-$8. AMAZING burger for $5. Not lying. Fries were super good. Margaritas were super good. Three dip chips or whatever appetizer we got was pretty good--although two of the dips were a bit spicy for me, but I'm admittedly a huge wuss. Otherwise, food on the menu looked to be a bit expensive... The highlight of our night, though, was Walter. He was our server and he was amazing. Super quick, attentive and hilarious, really made our night. My boyfriend and I stepped out for an evening stroll, decided we were hungry, and Walter was a perfect addition to the night.
(4)Lauren H.
Came here on a soft opening Sat with some friends. I was so happy to find out they had a Miami Vice (half strawberry dacquiri, half Pina Colada--also known in Hawaii as a Lava Flow) for $7 bucks (I think reasonable). It was pretty darn tasty. I was also pleasantly surprised that the $2.69 fish taco and shrimp taco were pretty good as well. They still have a bunch of kinks to work out, but our server (who I note was cute to boot) seemed genuinely interested in our comments which he solicited (the manager not so much. I hope they give that server more power around the place, I think he could run it better). Nice patio, I hope this place lives up to its potential, but only time will tell.
(4)Matt T.
Bad service. Terrible, actually. Terrible service as defined by an 18 minute wait for drinks at the bar on a "Sunday Fun-day". Mediocre pricey drinks. I don't understand how the folks who run minibar can't translate that success to this place. Simple fix: they need to hire skilled servers, and have more of them. Deserves zero stars. The actual bar itself is OK and not too crowded but the service STINKS.
(1)Christine L.
Everyone should come and participate on their Trivia Night on Wednesdays! Teams can hold up to 10 people, and there needs to be ~$10 minimum per person. Spending $10 really isn't that hard considering their margaritas are $8, and AMAZING. You can't go to DS Tequila without trying it! The margaritas are served in a large beer mug and you can mix two flavors together if you'd like. Mm...Pink Lemonade + Strawberry Trivia night is awesome because 1. questions are reasonable and fun 2. it wasn't too crowded 3. great atmosphere and 4. they raffle off a bunch of prizes at the end The service at DS Tequila rocked. The waiter was excellent at making sure we had enough to drink and even brought out more chips for us when we ran out for our chips + trio of salsa dish. I can't really comment on the food because all we had were the appetizers. Perhaps I'll try something on their menu at next weeks trivia!
(4)Win M.
Went in early on a Monday. Saw fliers posted in window of restaurant about half off food on Monday. No other qualifier. {Drinks at full price, seems reasonable.} After meal tabbed up, no half off food since it was before 5 pm. (4:35 p.m.) Not good when business posts deceptive come-ons. While food/drink was good, experience leaves a bad taste.
(2)Kailey M.
Tequilas is a super fun, chill environment to hang out and grab a few drinks with friends. The staff is friendly, they have a decent beer selection (not much for dark beer at all, mostly Belgian and domestic), and a few veggie options! Have to take a star away for the menu set up though. I was here with a friend and we saw what appeared to be $8 daiquiri pitchers, which is clearly too good to be true. So of course we thought to inquire. The server confirmed that the pitchers were $8 so we ordered 2. When our bill came the pitchers were over $30 a piece. So needless to say that was a bit of a surprise. Other then the one mishap, I have been happy with Tequila's every time I've been here!!
(4)Jeffrey C.
My partner and I went here for a late Sunday lunch (2pm) since it is so close to our home. We've eaten here before in the past year, once on a busy Saturday night and another time on an early Sunday afternoon. Both times were just OK. On this day, it wasn't bustling busy but there were a number of customers to keep things moving comfortably. Nothing out of the ordinary. We ordered an appetizer to share and a burger each. The waitress got our non-alcoholic drink orders, and all was fine. About 30-40 minutes went by, and we were still waiting for our appetizer. Our waitress had not stopped by once to refill our drinks or to even explain the lateness of our appetizer. Hoping that it would not come with our actual meal, we asked a staff member to find our appetizer order and our waitress. He immediately went to look for her, as well as refilled our drinks. Another staff member stopped by and said she would find out about our appetizer order. A couple of minutes later, our waitress finally came and told us that our appetizer is being made immediately and ready in 5 minutes. She also asked what the rest of our order was. She did mention that our meal would be complimentary. She did NOT mention what happened to our order and why she did not know the rest of our order (the burgers). There was no apology either from anybody for the poor service. For all we know, OUR ORDER WAS LOST which would explain why the food order wasn't started at all, why our waitress did not recall what we ordered, and why no one attended to us for 30-40 minutes (i.e. we did not "exist"). We understand that it could get very busy, but it was not busy. What we don't understand is why the waitress did not, on her own, attend to us after getting our first drink order and why there was no explanation from anybody about why our food was being started 30-40 minutes after placing the order. Despite the offer for a free meal, we declined and left, and we found much better service at a burger place on Broadway. Would think twice about returning for a meal. Better options are around.
(1)Carrie C.
Best tacos EVER! They also have de-licious beergaritas. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for yummy yummy tacos.
(4)Jon S.
As many reviews have suggested, the food is generally very good, but the service is often horrible. A friend and I stopped by for brunch today and the service from Walter was outstanding. He took the time to check up on us every ten minutes and anticipated our requests and answered them before we had to ask. He should be paid as the key trainer for all other wait staff at the restaurant and should be appointed director of customer service!
(5)Dana B.
I've always passed this restaurant//bar and had always wanted to try it out. I just really liked the decor and outside seating. So yesterday the boyfriend and I walked on over for some lunch. Immediately we were carded at 1pm on a saturday which was strange I thought because I saw some younger teens in there. The host tried to sit us next to a party of 12 which did not fly with me. I don't understand why someone would sit a table of two next to a large party when theres plenty of seats throughout the restaurant.... We waited over 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us meanwhile the host and two other servers are hanging out by the host stand... really? Finally our server came by and apologized and tried to explain that they don't have sections so he didn't know who's table was who.. thats a good idea said no one ever.. I ordered the Paloma and it was horrible, very watered down and I couldn't even drink it. I expected it to be a lot better.. ugh gross. Food was pretty good tho I'm not going to lie. I've seen reviews about it being cold but we didn't have that problem thankfully. I got the XXX burger which had jalapeno poppers and bacon on it.. yum and my boyfriend got the curizo tacos that he seemed to enjoy. Probably wont go back based on the lack of service. Get it together DS you have an awesome restaurant in one of the best neighborhoods in chicago.
(2)Joseph F.
I do not understand how anyone could really like this place unless they are paid to say so or just escaped from a North Korean prison. It's like an Ed Hardy store closed in Santa Monica and someone got a steal on all the old fixtures. The food is a joke. If it's not supposed to be a joke, then they need a new chef immediately. It is by far the worst food on Halsted street. The greasy, creepy hot dog joint down the street actually has better tasting food than this place. Tacos? Methinks no. The drinks are also substandard. It's called DS Tequila. I should come in here and have a margarita that knocks my socks off. Instead, they seem to be competing for the most sugar in a cocktail award. So sweet! Premium tequila and a half gallon of syrup? I don't understand. If poor food and bad drinks were not enough then add in the smug service and the shade being thrown all over the place and you have a really dreadful evening. I get it. You have biceps and abs. (side note- how do guys who drink such sweet stuff look like that?!?!? I eat lettuce and pea gravel all week, have 4 drinks and I bloat like whale!) I gave DS two stars for it's best feature...the patio. It is the ONLY reason you should bother coming in here at all. Have a beer. Have a seat. People watch. I might try it again. I might not.
(2)William Wesley M.
Nice outdoor patio space with ample seating. Great for people watching in boystown. The food was average and service was slow.
(3)Adrian G.
Terrible. The food was cold, fish tasted like it Gorton fish sticks, service was lousy, drinks were over priced, and the music was too loud; it is a gay bar that serves "fusion" tacos.
(1)James K.
This place has the best specials! ten dollars all you can eat tacos, trivia w/ prizes. honestly, i would go here and gladly pay retail bc the staff is great. Decor is industrial and everything is very clean. better still, they have an outdoor patio w/ retractable roof. no pretense, great service, and great cantina style tacos.
(5)Emily M.
The three stars is only the result of a snafu in the kitchen that let us food-less during brunch for about 45 minutes. Apparently our entire ticket was lost. But the service totally made up for it. Our server Tracy was so attentive and got us complimentary chips and salsa to munch on, and the manager comped the food that got lost. And that brings me to the food-- so tasty! I've had their tacos before-- very fresh with cool combinations. This time around I had a HUGE BBQ chicken salad, which really fresh and good. We also had onion rings-- clearly also delicious. My friend had the most AMAZING brunch item -- chicken and biscuits with gravy. It was so good. The ktichen goofed up on her order yet again-- she asked for the gravy on the side. But the manager took care of that right away, and made it clear that this was not the norm. So, all in all, I will absolutely be going back for brunch. People were having a great time, really enjoying both their food and the vibe. If they can't get their act together in the kitchen, though, it's not something I'll go back for.
(3)Rodell R.
PART 1 of 3: My experience My friends and I went to DS Tequila. There was karaoke so we decided to sign up. I signed up for a song by Tom Jones. The host asked if it were a slow song, so I said yes. He said slow or suicide songs (verbatim) are not allowed, only fast songs, he said "Nobody knows Tom Jones." I insisted that I sing the song, as I know I always entertain the audience with my voice and singing capacity, not just the song. He shot down the idea regardless of my plea. When I said I was gonna sing a Lady Gaga's You & I, he said YES to it, since it was more current, I would assume. I went back to my table and I told this incident to my friends and they were appalled at the rules. I went back to the host, and tried for the second time to see if I can sing the Tom Jones and he said NO. When I got back to the table, the host started speaking on the microphone saying, "People, no slow or suicide songs. Nobody hear wants to hear that shit." Offended by the host's rant on stage, my friend, out of anger, shouted some B words towards the host, though no F, S or C words. The manager, Sarah, came to our table, asking us not to exchange foul language towards the host, and she reiterated that it is policy at DS Tequila not to play slow songs during Thu karaoke. She did this very nicely. Then I saw the host come up to the manager, and I overheard him saying, "Oh my God, I'm being bullied." This was something I couldn't let go, as I believe that the passive-aggressiveness that the host announce over the mic was a form of bullying towards me and my friends: there's no difference in that. So I tried to approach the manager, hoping to tell her that the host was showing some bullying himself. I couldn't get her attention because she wouldn't let me get a word in, AND she was holding a bottle of beer, drinking. (If she were a manager on duty, should she be drinking?) So out of options, I very lightly, touched her arms on both sides, trying to get her attentions, and she immediately accused me of physically assaulting her, and IMMEDIATELY, she kicked me out of the bar. There have been faults on both sides here, and I gave all of them. I am an honest person, and if I did something wrong, I admit to it, and not omit it for the sake of getting justice. Sara, the manager, acted very abruptly and didn't manage the situation very well. Now if she weren't drinking, wouldn't have she handled it much better? I will never know. This is the first bar I've experienced being asked to leave because an employee refuses to listen to my reasoning. I was very coherent during the whole ordeal. I don't know how you would respond to this, but any response is better than none.
(1)Lee L.
Me and my party came to D.S. Tequila Company after getting a tweet from them to come on by. This is going to be a review on an overall concept and not specific to its food, not that there was anything bad about it, but it wasn't mexican by any standard in the industry. With that said, we had been out and about in Boystown on a Saturday night and I decided we needed to put some food into our bellies before getting too crazy over at Roscoes or anywhere else where we might imbibe further. It was a very busy spot so its obviously a favored location among locals. I had two small tacos one fish and one steak and it was pretty decent. Nothing to brag about but it suited my needs, my partner had a cheeseburger which looked awesome. He indicated that it was very good while our friend ordered a turkey burger. Again the menu is not mexican but more like a burger joint with great bar music and a very good selection on beers, tequila and other spirits. The space was a little tight and the restaurant may want to consider fortifying their booths so that one table doesn't disturb another by the slightest movements. The service was excellent. I had a fussy baby with us, and by that I mean a 6 ft 8 in, temperamental queen who was in no mood to be bothered, but our server won him over with a great smile, attitude and persistence to ensuring we were okay. He even brought extra chips to our table when he thought all the noise was bothering us (it was not). We will definitely go back when we visit Chicago again, and kudos to them for using Twitter the way they did, otherwise I would have gone to a chinese restaurant down the street.
(3)Emily G.
My higher-than-average review compared to other yelpers may be due to the fact that I did not eat here, however, as a place to grab a free drinks late night DS Tequila Company is great. It is a has a very unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere unlike some of the other bars in the general area. The bartenders are always very friendly, it's never too crowded but not empty either, and there are always tasty drink specials. Spent a good portion of the Sunday during Pride Weekend watching the Parade from the porch while drinking pitchers of frozen margaritas with friends and it was one of the most fun days I have had in Chicago!
(4)Kelly H.
Stopped in to use a groupon on a Thursday night. Reservation required, but the place was pretty empty. Food is pretty good. Never tried a margarita, but I love the cobb salad. I had been here once before and sat outside-much better experience. We sat inside at a high-top table right in the middle of the bar. I could've reached out and grabbed something from my neighbor's plate if I wanted to. Will go back, but most likely in the summer to sit on the nice patio.
(3)Amanda R.
I love this place! Best margaritas I have ever had, and I would also recommend the loaded fries. The food is hit or miss, though. Service is not very attentive, but usually this place is packed.
(4)G A.
Weak/pricey drinks combined with crappy Mexican food that makes Chipolte feel like a gourmet experience. Couple that with a sever who stopped back by the table three times in less than 10 minutes to ask if there would be anything else then have the check suddenly appear on the table in a clear message for us to move on (while the place isn't even remotely busy). Rude and classless.
(1)Tim S.
Oh, D.S. ... I love you. So, where else in the world do you get a mostly gay hybrid of a sports bar, Mexican restaurant, and a burger joint with an amazing outdoor patio providing some of the best people-watching in Boystown? D.S. of course. While I could pick apart nitty-gritty details, overall, I absolutely LOVE this place. The service, the drinks, the food... it's all great. It's a wonderful alternative to the other bars and restaurants on the strip on Halsted and has a Wrigleyville-esque vibe that makes it a safe place to bring out-of-town guests who want to tip-toe into Boystown. I've been a faithful customer since it opened and will keep going back. On service... Tommy and Victor are the best. I mean, the entire staff is great, but those two shine. All of the servers are super-friendly, attentive, and the management is always around, smiling and quick to ask how things are. On food... again, a Mexican place that has great burgers. It took them awhile to get their menu right, but I think they've found a good spot now. Their tacos are OK, but being part Mexican a "real" taco comes with a corn tortilla, not flour. Order the chips and salsa trio or the nachos for an app. I'd skip over the tacos and go straight for the burgers. They are all great. If you want a great conversation piece, get the Dead Texan. It's a burger topped with onion rings that uses 2 grilled cheese sandwiches as buns. Yes, it's a heart attack on a plate. On drinks... margaritas are the way to go. I've had nearly all of them and the Gringo is my favorite. If you're with a group, definitely get a pitcher. If you're going solo or can't agree on pitcher, get a fishbowl over a mug. For a few extra bucks you'll get the equivalent of about 2.5 mugs. On dessert... yes, they have dessert. The s'mores sundae is a work of art. It's a towering goblet overflowing with ice cream, hot fudge, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows. The first time I saw it I thought, "who wants to be seen eating something like that in Boystown?" But it's worth it. Totally worth it. On atmosphere... my only complaint is that the music is entirely too loud. If you want to avoid conversation, sit inside... otherwise, opt for the outdoor patio [when it's open] for conversation. The outdoor patio does have 2 tables that have a fire pit. On multiple occasions, though, they've been short propane for them. Overall, though, I love the vibe. Just turn the music down please. They offer some great deals throughout the week and are good with Facebook and twitter... so follow or Fan them to keep up-to-date with their specials. They also have trivia night, beer pong and other craziness. So all in all, if you want a great time, enjoy people-watching, want a good burger, an amazing margarita and service that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, definitely check out D.S.
(5)christina r.
DS Tequila is a really fun place to go, whether it's the weekday, weekend or for Sunday brunch! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is a blast! I really like that they actually have their own brand of tequila! I have never been a tequila drinker by any means, but this stuff went down so smooth, I think that I officially am now! We're going back just for the shots this weekend! The party atmosphere, stellar menu and friendly staff makes this my new favorite neighborhood spot! I'll be back....soon.
(5)kat m.
I stopped by with some friends on a Wednesday(TRIVIA NIGHT) night and although this hasn't been my first time to D's it was y first time Yelping it. If your coming for trivia my advice is to come early the inside was packed. Luckily it was a great night to sit outside. The margaritas here are yummy and addictive. Before you know it we spent 3 hours and I drank 3 margaritas! Our server was Jose he was great super friendly and had a good sense of humor. We didn't order food but definitely didn't feel rushed. My only advice is to make it a one Margarita spot if your in the area.
(4)Jerry T.
Not worth the calories! Flat drinks, weak Guiness drafts, and nachos that made me miss the Taco and Burrito Palace across the street. I couldn't even taste the tequila in my Palomar...which for a tequila bar...kind of a problem. Won't be back.
(1)Ruby C.
Friendly staff. We went there during the Market days, they have the best dj. Awesome music. Loved it.
(4)Lisa Z.
I personally love this place. I always take my friends from out of town here. It's fun, got great music, and the tacos are awesome. The drinks are strong and I love the "Sanchez Slammers". The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because for as long as I've gone, I'd like to consider myself a "regular," but, and this is just a guess, maybe because I'm a girl and not flamboyantly gay, the waiters and bartenders I've had over and over again never seem to know me. Just seems like I get treated like one of the crowd and I go there all the time. Eh, it's not enough to keep me away for sure.
(4)Toby M.
The service was horrible, food was cold, took over an hour to get our food and once we recieved our food it was cold. Not sure I will be going back even though it is in my hood.
(1)Bradley S.
Partner and I had visited once on a neighborhood bar crawl. It was fine. Living Social offered a deal. I bought. We redeemed the deal recently and were both happy with the experience. The place wasn't terribly crowed that Saturday afternoon; we received prompt, friendly, and attentive service. They have a nice beer selection and know how to mix a drink. The burgers were fresh and ample with very good flavor. We weren't hungry enough for an appetizer but a couple were intriguing. We'll not hesitate to return.
(4)Val S - K.
I was in the mood for a margarita, so I asked my wife if she wanted to finally try this place. As many of our friends had been here and liked it, we thought it was time to try it out. The D.S. margarita on the rocks my wife had was very weak, and my Miami Vice was so frozen, I had to wait about 15 minutes for it to thaw a bit so I could stir it together to mix the flavors before beginning to drink it. She then ordered the Cadillac Margarita, and while that was better, it was still unmemorable. We got the salsas and queso dip to start. The pico was... well, pico. The D.S. salsa was ok, but the jalapeno ranch salsa was exactly like dipping your chip in ranch dressing with a *slight* hint of jalapeno. Our search for the perfect queso dip continues, unfortunately... it looked good, but had an odd and grainy consistency. We got 4 tacos: I got the fried chicken and the skirt steak, and she got the shredded chicken and the veggie. The tortillas were incredible greasy and not very palatable. The fried chicken lacked flavor, and the skirt steak was way overpowered with the coffee spiced rub. When I asked Lin how her tacos were, she shrugged her shoulders and say "ehh...." Enough said, I suppose. The service was good, but very slow. There were (maybe) three other tables seated, and about 15 employees standing around looking pretty, or huddled around a laptop in the front watching (what, I don't know). It seemed odd to the both of us to wait as long as we did for our drinks and our food when there was hardly anyone in there. I think we would come back here to grab a cocktail in passing, but this won't be on our list of destinations we need to go back and to when we're hungry.
(2)Anthony M.
If you think the servers are bad, trying getting any service from the managers. Waited 45 min for a drink from the managers, then the forgot us again. The food was so bad, it tasted funny and I actually got nausea and vomited when I returned home after this horrible experience.
(1)Michael S.
What do you get when you cross Bennigans with Houilihans? Houligans. And that's what this place should be renamed. Plus, it's just stupid, empty and overpriced. Stupid: Walking home from the Cub game last Monday night, and it was nice outside. Finally. I was almost home, and I passed this relatively new place in my hood, so I decided to stop in for a beer. Empty: The place was empty at 9:50 p.m. on a gorgeous summer night. Now THAT is a bad sign. Overpriced: I ordered a Newcastle. The barkeep popped the top. That'll be $7.00. "What'll be $7.00?", I asked. The beer. The Newcastle is $7.00. He really said that. They really charge that. $7.00 for a sort-of-okay-pretty good enough beer. Stupid is as Stupid Does. Greed grows in proportion as it is fed. Overpriced in a bad economy; now, that's a houligan's recipe for success.
(1)Joseph W.
Went with a group of six people for dinner. Two of us never got our orders. When the bill came there was an automatic 20% added for tip because of a table of six. I asked to see the manager because two of us never got our order, the only accommodation that would be given to us was that we wouldn't be charged for the food that we never got. I hardly consider that an accommodation. But we still were charged 20% for the tip for the waiter even though actually only four people got served. Service is terrible, management is worse.
(1)Doug v.
Wow! It's been a long time since my partner & I've eaten anywhere that's just downright BAD! But let's start with what was good. The service was fine. Attentive but not overbearing and willing to let us set the pace for the evening. Suggestions were made and food was delivered promptly. The pitcher of margaritas was passable, not great, and overpriced. I have to say we did not experience the server attitude with our server, but the air was THICK with it from all the other milling about...starting with the manager. We ordered a single app: the "pulled" pork & cheese quesadilla. Oy. Nasty. Besides not really finding the queso in the quesadilla, the pork was ground and mixed with a sweet sauce making for bad texture with flavor hinting of BBQ sauce & skunky beer. The tortilla was so soggy it was transparent & didn't even hold it's shape. We didn't finish the plate it was so bad. I suppose we should've gotten up and left when we asked the server what was good on the entree menu. He recommended 2 burgers and 3 tacos. Then he started to say, "I'd stay away from..." then stopped. When I pressed him to finish the sentence HE DID!! Talk about a no-no. For a server to actually disparage any menu item? Bad news. After the quesadilla fiasco, we decided not to commit to anything too involved. We told the server we wanted 6 tacos and to select what he thought the best tacos were. He brought back the mushroom, 2 of the steaks, the crispy chicken, the pulled pork (actually pulled this time) and the chorizo. While these were soft tacos, once again, they were sog-gy! The only decent item was the steak. Good flavor, but too chewy. The batter-dipped, deep-fried "crispy" chicken strip sagged in half when we picked it up. Look out for the coleslaw on the pulled pork taco. We had high hopes walking in to this new bar/restaurant for a super-cazh dinner on their big, two-tiered deck, complete with fire pits. Halsted needs a joint like this to succeed. Unfortunately, this ain't it! Once we found out that the restaurant is owned by the folks over at Minibar, it all made sense. D.S. Tequila Company, just like Minibar, is long on glossy looks, but with substance that's puddle deep. Some advice to the Minifolks: get your first venue down first before you go for seconds. Then, hire a restaurant consultant to iron out the kinks. After being seated I was ready to ask what the "D.S." stands for...but after the meal, it's clear it's short for "disgusting" and "soggy". Don't waste your time or money.
(1)Lindsay S.
Pretty much my review should say "what my wife Miz S-K said..." but I have a few more things to add. The first margarita was totally weak. But bonus for using lime juice instead of that gross mixture people like to use. The Cadillac margarita you could taste the "premium tequila" but I doubt it was actually a premium one. So weird to have flavorless tacos. The grilled chicken that was suppose to come with rainbow peppers was flavorless and there was one tiny red flek of pepper on there. The veggie taco was okay. A lot of corn and not so much of the rest of the toppings. And seriously, don't walk by my table after laughing at a video on the laptop up front, look at my water glass no less than 4 times and let it still go empty. Your crappy tacos make me thirsty. This place will succeed because of its gorgeous patio, decent enough drinks and pretty wait staff. I might come here in my Cubs gear to get a free plate of Rockin' Tacos (some coupon you get with your bill for Cub game days). But I don't think I'll actually buy food here again. I'll stick with the drinks until they get their act together.
(2)Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing!
(1)megan s.
Eh. This place is about looks and atmosphere. Maybe someday the food or drinks will be at the same level. I had the mango margarita on the rocks, it was the "fresh" fruit margarita of the day. There was one chunk of kind of icky mango in the drink and a lot of mango juice that anyone can buy at trader joe's. not "fresh" and really lacking on the booze. I've had better mango margaritas at applebee's. I had pulled pork tacos that were decent. There is not much pork I don't like, but I felt like this pork was being billed as super special. It didn't come with any sauce on it, like the menu said, and the "jalapeno" slaw was basically just regular coleslaw. I liked the tortilla, but other people thought it was undercooked. They are not lying about the jalapeno poppers being "triple x" hot. WAY too hot, like uncomfortably hot. They tasted really good, but turn down the heat....unnecessary. Also, the appearance was pretty gross...even the server agreed and laughed.
(2)Jen B.
Pretty sure the food isn't the main draw here. But as far as B-Town bars go, DS has a lot to offer. The patio is awesome, the servers are attentive and pleasant, and everything came out quickly. We also scored (totally unnecessary for a Weds night) multiple free shots of SoCo. If you do order food, steer clear of the chip/salsa/guac. They are just not up to par and you will be sad. The shrimp tacos are much better but be aware that they come loaded with onions (not mentioned on the menu). Weds night is trivia night, and the draw is not overwhelming (putting it nicely) so you stand a decent chance of winning some buckage.
(4)Waylon D.
First things first, I have always been able to get a table right away! There's a star right there for that! Next, bottoms up! My girlfriends always opt for a Margarita, but I myself enjoy a selection from the rather extensive beer list. I would say drink prices are right on point, if not on the lower end for the neighborhood. Now, time to speak my main language...TACOS! Yum! I have tried many of their tacos and they are always delish! A+ and Yeehaw to these TexMex style creations. My fav: The steak! I just really enjoy the setting. I feel like it is a place that breaks out of the "boystown" stereotype and creates an environment where anyone can feel comfortable. I will certainly be back!
(5)Antoine W.
Location In the heart of Boystown, Chicago, IL, USA: North Halsted Street! Atmosphere Walking in, it gives me the impression of a somewhat run-down Mexican tequila bar: lots of wooden tables and chairs, low lighting, wood planks on the walls, and Mexican-themed décor. It also has an outdoor patio area. Service First, I was a little thrown off when I walked to the entryway and a young woman says, "IDs!" I had to stop and think for a minute what she was saying before she repeated herself: "IDs!" Of course, my response was, "And hello to you, too. Yes, we were thinking of entering and dining at your establishment. Oh, you want to see my ID to make sure I'm over 21? Sure! Hold on while I retrieve it from my wallet." I think that kind of upset her, but I assumed I was talking into a restaurant, not an "after hours" bar...at 7:30pm...that cards all patrons before they enter. Our waiter paid us just enough attention to where he could get by with serving us without going "above and beyond". Food took too long, in my opinion to come out and I was starving by time he sat our plates down. Food The Chips & Queso Dip w/Beef left much to be desired. Honestly, I think the one at TGI Friday's is better. It was what it sounds like: white cheese that has been melted and a small scoop of beef thrown in for measure. Where are the chopped tomatoes, diced green chilies or jalapeno slices, green onions...? One of the people in our dining party, who frequents this restaurant, highly suggested that we get tacos instead of burgers. I ordered a taco trio platter: Fresh Veggie (without beans), White Boy, and Tequila Shrimp, with double rice instead of rice and beans. The Fresh Veggie was simply delicious! Who knew a meatless taco would be so good? You can tell the vegetables are freshly chopped. The White Boy was a standard taco, but the beef seasoning lingers for a little while on your tongue after you've consumed the taco...and the seasoning wasn't all that appetizing. The Tequila Shrimp, by far, was my favorite one! Nice little kick, delicious shrimp, and great seasonings just make it a winner! The rice was cold, but I was so hungry I didn't care. The Original D.S. Margarita, which was recommended by the waiter, was very weak on tequila and, in my opinion, was not worth the $8 they charged. If I return, it would only be for the Tequila Shrimp taco...and I would order them by themselves...and keep ordering them until I got full! (Which, you'll probably need a lot of tacos because these are some of the smallest tacos I've ever seen: two bites, three maximum, and they're gone!)
(2)Kristine L.
I was soooo excited to see a taco and tequila place opening down the street! I love tacos! They are my Lifesource. I love margaritas! They inject Liquid Joy into my veins. My soul was saddened the day I went to DS Tequila. Worse, I brought two others along and now their opinion of me is much lower. The tacos were mediocre and hardly inventive or, well, good. Turkey burger was fine, but so is the kind I make at home with frozen Jennie-O patties. The margarita was unfortunately dismal. Not terrible, but definitely not good. Two stars for the really nice outdoor patio with excellent Halsted-watching capabilities and the lovely, attentive guy who helped us that day. When I see this place every day, it makes me more sad Big Star is so far away. Each day, it's like I watch the last unicorn dying. Seriously, go to Big Star instead.
(2)Lance K.
Dirty Sanchez... Yes folks, that's what the D.S. stands for. Who names a bar for that? Gross. This place is such a disappointment. I expected more from the owners of MiniBar. Bar looks like the set of MadMax-Beyond Thunderdome! No Mel Gibson reminders, please! All of these 5-star reviews here must have been posted by employees and/or friends of the owners. The food was lousy (and several people I've talked to agree). Service is slower than molasses in January. Fries are a la carte with a $9.00 burger?? Please. And, when a burger says "Buffalo Bacon Blue Cheese," those things should be present on the burger, and it should have some spice. Don't tell me it's blended into the meat and it's the new "cool" thing. Lame is what it is. I don't care if your meat is from Allen Brothers... If I were them, I wouldn't let you use my name. And what's with the "coming soon" all over the menu? Nachos coming soon? Did they get held up at the border in Arizona? What the...? It's nachos!! For the love of Ricky Martin!! If you don't have it, don't put it on your menu. C'mon guys... get it together!! Boystown deserves better, and you're capable of better. Don't let that great patio go to waste! And find a way to dim that harsh street lamp. It's not flattering at night! OK, I'm done for now... Skip it until they get their act together and live up to the MiniBar "brand."
(1)Aaron S.
I've been three times basically because of the patio and I really like margaritas. So I was pretty primed to learn about this place & try it. I've only had the chips and about 4 different kinds of tacos, but I would like to try the turkey burger. The house margarita was the most disappointing. It wasnt terribly strong and while there was fresh lime involved, it tasted like they used a lot of orange juice or other citrus flavor in the mix. It was just odd and not really tasty. The Cadillac Margarita was an improvement, but by no means the best I've had. I tried a combo of their frozen Margaritas, regular and a raspberry special. Skip them. Bland and watery, just like a Slurpee. None of the margaritas were very strong either, so skip them if altogether if you're looking for a tequila buzz.. Chips and Salsa appetizer just so-so. Quacamole was very lackluster and a small portion, but with big unripened chunks of avacado. Wierd. Tacos were good, I liked the grilled shrimp and the salmon. All were pretty tasty, just not terribly remarkable. More of a quick snack then anything else. Once the weather turns, I doubt I'll be back since the patio is the real draw. The place really needs to amp up the portions or the booze or diversify the menu, because it just feels lacking overall. There's so many other more satisfying bar/restaurant combos in the area, I dont know how this place will endure without substantial improvements.
(2)Lauren J.
Love this place! We went for margaritas and no food. The food smelled delicious though! Such a fun atmosphere and one of the best margaritas I've had in Chicago. Definitely going back.
(5)Lisa M.
Yummy drinks, awesome shrimp tacos and great patio! The service is good too :)
(5)Michael T.
I have pretty gross friends. We laugh at farts and poop jokes and generally act like 12 yr old boys at camp. But OMG, naming a restaurant after (and bragging about it) nosepoo? Srsly? I actually disagree with some of the reviewers about the looks of the inside bar - I think it's kinda cool. But why do so many of the 'restaurants' on Halsted think that they have to blare crappy music when you're trying to eat and talk with your friends? The food is decent, but again, it's really hard to think about eating the food when every table around you is talking about how disgusting it is that the name is derived from aforementioned poo-to-nose Dirty Sanchez'ing. I hope they decide to change their minds and say it stands for "Deep South" or something related to the food when it's MADE vs. what you can do with it several hours later.
(2)Jesse B.
Always fun, whether there for dinner, dancing, or just drinks. Staff is awesome too.
(3)Vanessa B.
Rang in 2013 here and my night sure started off with a boom, a big one...my brand new iphone fell into the back port-o-potty. Yeah, that sucked but the staff was beyond EXCEPTIONAL! some guy ran over with a trash bag and gloves for me to yank it out of there...gross, I know, then one of the bartenders at the front (didn't catch his name but I'll describe him a skinny short blonde and gay if that helps) Kept my phone behind th bar all night in a pitcher of rice which he offered to get for me while I danced the night away, needless to say that kind of bartender, especially in boystown is hard to come by so he was most certainly thanked for his kindness with some dolla dolla bills! The food they passed out was sparse but delish, one of the waiters was hella sassy however saying that we couldn't get any food unless he got a tip. um hello?!?1 I paid to come to this event with food included so I'll eat what I want and tip you if I feel like it. The coat check was lackluster, he lost my ticket but that problem was quickly solved after I searched through the pile of coats and at last found mine! Overall review: BESTEST staff, except that overly sassy waiter (I do feel his pain though, he was passing out sliders on new years) I def want to go back to this place and indulge in a plateful of tacos and a margarita
(5)Phil F.
As much as I wanted to like this place, I haven't come around to like. I have tried it out twice and both times were just not good. The place looks great and by no doubt there was a lot of money dumped into the place. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience needs a similar attention to detail as the decor had. Food is marginal. And the tacos only come in flour? Definitely counter to trend and clearly someone who owns this place just doesn't like corn tortillas, but I am pretty sure that a lot people do! Get em! Drinks are meh. Margs are syrupy and clearly don't use fresh lime juice like the menu says. Staff is smug and typical of Halsted street, but it doesn't need to be that way. After two times there, I don't plan on actively walking back in there. Maybe after a night of drunkeness I would stumble in, but prob not.
(2)Sarah P.
Pretty good as a bar - would probably go again to start the night out with 1 cool blended drink (like the Miami Vice). The blended margaritas had plenty of alcohol, but more than one would be overkill on the sugar. The margaritas on the rocks were like drinking straight tequila - blech. And that was supposedly their higher-end tequila. Wouldn't go back for the food though. First of all - what restaurant, even if they're just opened - lists out all the items on their menu that sound good but are "coming soon". Apparently, nachos and quesadillas are REALLY complicated to make so they are on hold until further notice. Fail. Then - the tacos are served "family style" which basically means that no matter what tacos you order, you'll inevitably end up with just whatever is left when you are in a group of 5 or more people. I ordered a burger just to stay away from that mess - which did end up happening to 2 of the 8 people in our group. Burger was ok, nothing to write home about. Restaurants have to compete with lots of good options in this city - DS Tequila better shape up quick.
(2)Nick P.
Eh...I wish I could like this place better. It's an interesting space and idea, but the food and service really don't pull through. The menu looked promising with lots of interesting tacos and an array of burgers. But like a lot of things in Boystown, once you scratch the surface...you don't find a lot underneath. Ha! Jk. Couldn't resist. - We ordered a pitcher of margaritas. Server brings it back to table, pours a little liquid in each glass - but no ice. Sets pitcher on table and says "I'll let you guys pour the ice in; it's too hard for me to do." Maybe he was being funny? But any server knows how to pour from a pitcher with ice - from the side, of course. - Time to order. The burgers and tacos all have numbers next to them. My friend orders a few tacos by number. "Which ones are those?" the server asks bluntly. Look, I know this is a minor annoyance, but it's indicative of all the problems we had with this place. In such a competitive marketplace, your service can't be this lackluster. - Food shows up. I had ordered a turkey burger. As I assemble my burger, I realize something isn't right. The turkey burger itself was missing! I had a condiment sandwich. We flag down the server, share a laugh, and he returns a few minutes later with a complete sandwich. Again, not a big deal, problem solved quickly, but...these things add up. - And now we eat. My friend had a couple tacos - I had a bite of the pulled pork one. It was decent. Nice flavor, kind of tiny though. The fries that came with my burger were advertised with a couple menu-ese adjectives, but they were pretty plain and not crisp. The turkey burger was also exceptionally bland. I'd rather have a smaller, better seasoned patty. So bottom line - you're paying inflated prices for below-average food and service. Want a better $12 burger? Go to Kuma's. Or get a $8 at DMK. Better tacos? Big Star, or even Chipotle. Better service? Ha, go anywhere.
(2)Lochin S.
Did not eat here so not sure my five stars are fair. but the nachos at the next table looked fantastic. Regardless, our server made sure we were taken care of even tho we just had drinks. our mixed drinks were great as well as the one beer. good people watching and the outside sitting area was perfect to kick off summer!
(5)Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing.
(1)Katie P.
Meh, this place is just ok. Went here last night with a girlfriend and got a beer and burger w/ blue cheese. The food was ok, nothing special. I'd go back in the summer for the patio or for one of their days with a good special. Mondays are 1/2 off all food and Wednesdays are trivia night. We left about 30 minutes into the trivia session yesterday but that looked like fun with a lot of questions about pop culture and travel and less about sports (which is good for me). If you're in the area, it's ok but don't go out of your way.
(3)Adam M.
Walked by this place today and saw a very welcoming patio so my friend and I stopped in not knowing when and how this place popped up so quickly. We sat on the very spacious patio and the service was good. The three salsas & chips are definitely worth a try. The chips are very light and crispy and that jalepeno ranch was tasty. Each of us tried a taco - both the coffee steak and the pineapple shrimp tacos were tasty. There is also an abundance of drinks available. Stop in if you would like to enjoy a frozen margarita (my friend tried the Miami Vice). Good for now, not incredible....we will see what happens next for D.S.
(4)Kevin R.
I'll echo a few things I've read here from others - the service was pretty horrible (it took about an hour to get 6 tacos). However, the thing that really annoys me about the Tequila Company is the severe lack of good margaritas and a various choices in tequila!!! Ambiance - 2 stars: Inside, the music is super loud; seems as though they have loud music to get people in off the street, but drive people away since you can't hear your company. Ambiance - 4 stars: Outside is quite nice. We went on a temperate Monday night and the patio was great. Drinks - 2 stars: See above, this really surprised me. Furthermore, if you want a margarita that is healthy (i.e. not made with Sweet and Sour mix), you'll have to look elsewhere. There are no fresh-lime juice margaritas here... for a place that has no-carb, jicama 'tortillas', you would think a healthier margarita would be available. Food - 3 stars: About $2.67 per taco and lots of different options. Watch out though, they are small!! It also took forever to get them... Service - 1 star: Our waiter apologized for "issues going on in the kitchen" twice. This was my friend's 3rd visit there, there have been service problems every time at D.S. They did try to make up for it, but they did so by bringing out a cold bowl of chili that we didn't touch. The waiter was fine, but whatever was holding him back is dragging the whole place down with it.
(2)Ben K.
The service was good, the food was solid, and the patio was fantastic. What an awesome outdoor seating area. On to the food: we got the nachos for an appetizer, which was a huge serving of chips piled high with toppings for only $5. This is an excellent deal. Then we shared a turkey burger and a couple tacos. The turkey burger may have been frozen at some point in the past, but that didn't stop it from being pretty delicious. It's definitely rosemary infused, as advertised, and the pickled onions served on top of it were also very nice. Finally, the tacos. Good stuff. At $3 a piece they better be. I got to try the steak and the chorizo, both were definitely worthwhile. Apparently if you come in with your cubs ticket (on gameday? not quite sure) you get a free platter of 3 tacos. Do it!
(4)Jose E.
Compared to the other bars in the area it's a pleasant surprise to find a place were you can have great food and drinks and have a good time. What other place lets you dance on the bar! It's great for big groups and the staff are always willing to bend over backwards for you. It does get busy sometimes but that just adds to the atmosphere of the place. The Sanchez slammer is a great fun to do shot with your friends to. And if your wanting a good premium burger then there is no better place then Ds. The buffalo blue cheese burger is fantastic! Blue cheese buffalo sauce bacon and guacamole make this burger by far the beat I have ever had! And don't worry there full bar and experienced bar tenders are amazing as well. Try having one of the margaritas with a flavoured vodka if your not into tequila. All and all it's a fun time. This is the place to let your hair down and party.
(5)Jim B.
The girl working at the host stand on 2/6/13 was a bitch. We left. Never again.
(1)Brett M.
Every time I come here, I am so pleased. I think the tacos (specifically the chorizo and fried chicken) are unique and fantastic. The wait staff is super friendly and passionate about the menu. But it's the frozen peach margaritas that keep me coming back. The wild berry and coco loco are good too but the peach! Gah! My husband had a special drink the night we went, a watermelon margarita on the rocks. It was soooo gooood! Plus, we had the tres leches cupcake (I hope I have that right) for a desert. Get it. Whatever you do. Get it. All things considered, I love this place. My only gripe is the soundtrack. C'mon boys. I'm not playing Guitar Hero. Reflect the 'hood a little better or get more modern :-)
(4)Jason H.
Had a nice time out on the patio! Beers and apps! The loaded french fries were "Heart Attack Heaven"! The service was prompt and friendly! Anthony (server) was exceptionally friendly and attentive! Looking forward to visiting over Market Days weekend!
(4)Danyelle D.
Stopped in for dinner on a Wednesday at 7pm with my girlfriend and another guy friend. He had been here before for drinks and we had wanted to try out the new place. Loved the decor, music, especially the patio. Very nice, everything looked clean and peaceful for a weekday. Looking at the menu I was a bit discouraged, a hand full of apps, then your choice between a specialty burger or a variety of tacos. We ordered the XXX jalapeno poppers. They will not get any award for their plating at this place. 5 fried jalapenos on a wet plate with a cup of dip, nothing fancy about it. I even laughed when the waiter brought it out. I looked like it was a joke. They actually didn't taste bad at all, they were very spicy, and the dip was good. Nothing to go crazy about though. For our main course I ordered 3 Corona battered tacos & my G.F. ordered the pulled pork tacos. The "family style" plating seemed a little bit pointless, but since it was just us 2 it was fine. In a big group, I would probably end up mixing them up. The fish tacos, we not bad, very small though. For $2.67 or so a piece, over $8.00 for 3 little tacos, seemed expensive. It's not like there was any crazy fancy slaw or sauces, just descent fish tacos. The tortilla, was very soggy and almost hard to bite through because they were so undercooked. The pulled pork tacos were a big disappointment, they said they came with a BBQ sauce, however none present. Just bland pork and tortilla? I would come again to drink, although I thought the prices on those are high too. But eat somewhere else. Maybe if I was drunk at 2am and needed a quick taco boost to keep me going all night, but not for a meal I want to enjoy and taste. Maybe when they get their branded tequila manufactured, they will put some fine tuning on their menu and kitchen. Too bad that patio was very nice place to have dinner.
(2)Nick A.
Come here for the drinks, appetizers, and the atmosphere. The margarita selection is fairly extensive and the the frozen drinks are very good, definitely on par with the legendary slushies across the street at Sidetrack. The outdoor patio is probably the best on Halsted, perfect for peoplewatching. The clientele is usually easy on the eyes as are the bartenders and waitstaff. I've never had a bad experience with service. The decor and sports bar feel is certainly different than anything else on the Boystown strip. Food is so-so. It's tasty enough and by no means terrible but it's nothing amazing either. Appetizers are much better than the entrees, this would be a great place to stop for a few drinks before going to dinner elsewhere. If you do eat here, the chorizo tacos are probably the best of the group. Don't expect huge portions; the tacos are about average size and you get a small scoop of beans and rice if you order the dinner. Perhaps this is a function of catering to a gay clientele but they could still drop the price to below $10 for the meal. As others have mentioned, there are better options in the area if food is what you're after. Otherwise, D.S. Tequila is a worthwhile addition to the Halsted bar scene.
(3)Kim R.
Great burgers and tacos. Higher quality bar food. Try the S'mores sundae dessert. Drinks a little pricey but very good. The outdoor porch is great when the weather cooperates (which it did a lot this summer.) Too bad it's in what has become such a dangerous neighborhood. It's just not safe to go there after dark. Too many thugs out there after your wallets and cell phones. Stick to lunchtime. It's worth it.
(3)John W.
I'm not sure why I like this place more than the average yelper. Maybe I'm just a sucker for creative tacos. Maybe I drink too much there to be objective (my first draft only said "mix the steak and mushroom, f*** yeah"), but I love this place. And yeah, mix the steak and the mushroom into some sort of chophouse taco...it's amazing.
(5)Kristin J.
I love: the elote hash, the tequila shrimp tacos, and the coffee rubbed skirt steak tacos. Other friends have raved about the chorizo tacos, fried fish tacos, fried chicken tacos, and mushroom tacos. Decent prices, and 1/2 off on Mondays. True, their margaritas are sub-par, but there are plenty of other drink options. The waitstaff can get a little frazzled when they are busy, but are generally very kind and attentive.
(3)Stephanie B.
Eh. Meh. I came here with BIG hopes. I was underwhelmed. Staff was SUPER friendly, so I give 'em an A+ for that. But the food was just meh: -Our queso was like a cold hard block of cheese. We asked our waiter if he'd mind heating it up, and he was SUPER nice and apologetic, but when he brought it back out, it was just a hot block of hard cheese. -Tacos: Love that you can mix and match and get 'em a la carte. Liked the grilled fish one... the chorizo was decent... the fried chicken one (perhaps I should've known better?) was literally a chicken finger from a Wendy's 3-piece meal, shoved in a taco. Er? -Quesadillas: HUH? These were filled with a block of cheese, and not much else. And $10. We didn't even eat them, unfortunately. -Drinks: I did love the creative concoctions. I tried some funky margarita that was tequila + grapefruit + lime. There was another "margarita" made with Vodka, for people who don't like tequila. I appreciated the effort there. -Atmosphere: If you're sitting in a booth - yay. If you're at one of the rinky dink tables - boooooo. I'd give it another chance, I suppose. I did wish it was a true Mexican place with more Mexican on the menu than just guac, quesadillas and tacos though.
(3)Heather M.
D.S. Tequila is a triple threat! Great food, great service and a great atmosphere. We found this spot by accident one day and decided to give it a try. The selection and service was way beyond our expectations. And the margaritas! Oh the margaritas! I highly recommend The Miami Vice (strawberry/coconut blend). As I mentioned is staff is super friendly and very helpful with recommendations. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are on point. Chris, Erin, Matt, Ryan it doesn't matter who first served you because they'll all take care of you. Last Friday we checked into Facebook and received FREE loaded fries. Sweet! Don't miss out on this yummy opportunity. And now friends and coworkers want us to bring them here to find out what we're always raving about. Check their website for specials. For example, $1 shots on Fridays & Saturdays. All you have to do is stop by and give it a try.
(5)Heather M.
It's true, the service is a little slow, but this is definitely a place to go and have a few pitchers of margs, so timely service isn't really the point. The tacos are great! I tried the shrimp, steak, and green chili pork - all delicious. Fries were also really good - some sort of awesome spices on them. The queso was a little gloopy, and the guac was unspectacular. They also didn't have a homemade hot sauce, which I thought was strange for a taco place. Either way, they mix a good margarita, the tacos are delicious, and if you're lucky you can dance on the bar with your waiter.
(4)Jonathan J.
Went on a Tuesday night with a friend around 9pm for the burger deal. It was pretty great--the food was awesome and the atmosphere was pretty chill. Lots of lesbians and gay guys, which is always a plus, but not a club type scene or anything. Just a burger and booze joint. Pretty decent menu.
(4)James R.
Great find! Our bartender Jared was awesome, kitchen was closed and I was starving so he managed to find some food for me to munch on. Drinks were great, and we all had a great time. I will definitely be back in the future when I travel up north.
(5)Greg M.
Get the classic! Simple and strong! Great atmosphere and the bartender is awesome! She even offered to give my friend a friend mini corona! Another great thing is that if it is too loud, they give you free earplugs :p
(5)Nathan G.
Came to Chicago to do a tequila tour of the city. Finding this place by name was pretty easy. Asking the bartender for a tequila list, he promptly replies he has 2 tequilas. Two?! TWO freaking tequila's for a joint with Tequila in big bold neon lite letters? Pfft. Good luck.
(1)C A.
im updating my review and keeping still only 3 stars. Its an ok place, im not much of fan of the food but its decent, the chips are crispy and if you stay away from the weak margs and just drink beer you can get a buzz. The staff is a little friendlier and we weren't treated like absolute crap or ignore like we were on my previous post so thats a perk. Its decent bar food if your just looking for something quick before you go out to the bar scene. One little thing that has always irritated me and maybe its just me is that when we order our taco's that they place everyones entire order onto one plate, we have a friend allergic to poultry so the chicken tacos were up against his steak and i dont eat read meat so his steak was touching my chicken! BAH! LOL!
(3)Green T.
Busy, but not swamped on a Thursday night. The coveted patio was great for fresh air and people-watching to a dizzying degree. The staff is incredibly nice but a little wet behind the ears. Our server wanted to seat myself and a date at a table for 8. When our tab came to $13 he swooped up our 20, never to return. (Really man, a 52% tip?) We had to request the change. Awkward. There seem to be about 25 servers on hand - all clean-cut, young, queer men. Indoors is dark, over air-conditioned, and blaring. After reading these reviews, we sat outside, as far from the speakers as possible. Our margaritas were great. The special was strong and even the obscure Beergarita was tasty. The cactus garden is a unique touch. Drink here to see and be seen. But be careful, the patio shuts down at 11:00 sharp.
(3)William F.
If your primary focus is watching sports, drinking beer and enjoying Mexican munchies then you'll probably like D. S. Tequila Company. If you're looking to enjoy good Mexican food, keep Yelping because D.S. Tequila Company isn't the place for you.
(2)tiffany k.
This place has been opened for only a little over 4 weeks, so I know that a lot of the bad reviews are due to this. I dropped in on a Saturday afternoon. My fiance and I wanted a small snack and something to drink. The place is pretty cool inside, and has a nice patio seating area in the back. The list of their specialty mixed drinks is nice and for a regular margarita, it's only $6! Pretty good. The special of the day was a margarita with muddled blue berries. Soooo delicious. I had 2. The beer list is pretty decent too, with some typical domestics and imports and some Belgians as well. I ordered the beer battered fish taco with the jicama tortilla (0 carbs) instead of the regular tortilla - just to try it. My fiance had some steak taco. We also ordered the roasted corn wheels - or something like that. It was all very tasty and the perfect amount of food for a snack and tasty enough to not be a boring snack. I will say, though, that I didn't love the jicama tortilla a lot. I mean, it was fine, but nothing beats a taco on a corn tortilla. I'll definitely be back here again to try some of their other drinks. Once we were ready to leave it did take quite awhile for us to get our check but I'm pretty patient and they're still relatively new. Please also note that the margarita I had was the special of the day and it was an extra dollar (which we didn't find out until the check came) but that being said, this place does not pour the tequila lightly, so that sort of makes up for it.
(4)Katie H.
I visited DS Tequila Company on one of their "soft opening" days. It was cash only and they were only offering a limited menu, but if this is a sign of what's to come, I think they're on to something good. Our server was great. He took the time to go through each of the slushie drink options - margarita (excellent), strawberry (also great), banana, peach, wild berry, and blue Hawaiian (which he let me have a small sample of; it was a bit too sweet for me). He then moved on to explaining the menu. For now, they have a limited selection of apps (jalepeno poppers, chips with trio of drips, and corn on the cob wheels) and 6-7 taco varieties, which are all $3 each. Because I am a very picky eater, I wanted to make some subtractions to the taco but the server said that since it was a soft opening, he wasn't supposed to, but he would ask. The manager came over and was super nice and said to make any changes I needed (just taking the tomato and lettuce off the chicken taco, and the pico de gallo off the chorizo one). Out came our food and it was delicious. The steak had a great flavor (though I wish it had been a bit more tender, I had to cut a few pieces) and the fried chicken taco was awesome; the chicken was so juicy and tender and perfectly crispy.
(4)Monika P.
I tried the blackberry margarita, it was really good! My friend got the beergarita, nothing special. I absolutely love their fresh vegi tacos!!! Plus the outside seating is really nice. Definitely coming back!
(4)Jennifer Q.
My boyfriend came here on a Sunday afternoon after running a few miles in the Chicago Marathon to support a friend who embarked on the entire journey. We only ran 5 miles but, nevertheless, were pretty hungry. We were actually on our way to another restaurant when I saw D.S. Tequila and remembered having read about it in Time Out Chicago. It looked like a cool place so I wanted to try it out. It was one of the last nice days of the fall so we sat outside. Jose was our server and he was totally adorable. Very personable and attentive. He chit chatted with us and helped us pass the time until our yummy tacos arrived. The coolest part is they have a "you pick three" taco platter so you can pick any three of numerous cool choices of tacos. They also serve good micheladas -which is like a beer meets a bloody mary. MMMMM. The coolest part about the patio was the little built in bon fire pit ON THE TABLE! That really made my day. I like to have little moments of escapism ambiance where I can sit back and eat and pretend I'm a million miles from my regular life. I recommend D.S. Tequila and we will for sure be back for some tacos and micheladas!!
(4)Kim Z.
After receiving my Time Out in the mail, I had a craving for a nice, hearty margarita and some good Mexican food. D.S. Tequila was on the list of 'go here instead of here' for Mexican places with patios and good margs. So we went. When we walked in the door, the very first thing I NOTICED was the very large number of waitstaff verses the number of customers. I assumed new...still don't even know if that's the case, but I got that feeling. However, I am going to say that with two servers per every customer you'd expect some AMAZING service. Lots of milling around, chit chatting, etc etc...something JUST enough to annoy the living shit out of me. So I made a quick escape to the bar. How bad could that be? Well, it went like this... I ordered the high octane marg made with Everclear, and hubby ordered a listed cocktail. I got the mug. I'd guess it was to be about 12 ounces..in theory. I watched the bartender make it, he short poured my $9 marg by I'd guess about 4 ounces, and just kept adding and adding ice. I asked him if he was going to charge me extra for all of that ice and he gave me a smart assed 23 year old glaring sneer and handed over my drink. Now as a former .....well, let's just say I know my stuff .... I'd have poured my precious customer four more little ounces of crap, and call it a night. And a tip. But no, didn't even come close. After that, I was so pissed we got up and went all the way to Big Star, my FAVE!! I'll never go back. Oh, and the food? Well, obviously I didn't order any, but the man next to us at the bar had some over cooked steak thingy with what looked to be undercooked shrimp. Bleahhhh! Eff that place. It's only hope for survival in my kinda humble opinion is to go straight up gay bar. And get rid of that piece of caca bartender, would ya?
(1)lucky r.
ok if you like waiting an hour for your food, please come here. It's ridiculous. I'm not sure why the managers are walking around saying hi instead of helping in the kitchen with one cook. Making a customer wait for almost an hour for some pre-made tortilla soup and french fries is asking a lot. And it's bad customer service. If you're just wanting to get wasted, please come here. You're get your drinks a lot faster!!! Waitstaff is super nice but that's about it.
(2)Shantell B.
I have no idea what people are talking about! Everyone is so cute and friendly...and the food, sweet jesus the food is amazing! adam t. is so cute and exuberant. I felt like I was hanging out with a friend! Music is fun and the managers are always close by and friendly which is reassuring.
(5)Leanna S.
Cool place, decent food. The tacos were small - even smaller than what you get at the authentic Mexican places. Additionally, their Mexican rice, which I like, comes with a garnish-type thingy of tomatoes on top. Ew. I like the bar/restaurant itself, but as a restaurant on it's own.....it's so-so.
(3)Justin S.
I was tossing between a one and two star rating on this one but when it comes down to it the caption for the one star was the most accurate, Methinks not. So the blizzard of '11 was in town meaning places open were limited. My friend and I hopped in and decided we'd give it a shot. Now I don't know about you but glass fragments don't go well beer as my friend will tell you. After that incident we waited for ever for service though considering the blizzard and how packed the place was I'd let this slide. When the food finally arrived it was sheer disappointment. The portion sizes were so tiny they forced us to order chips and queso again such a small cheese portion. If you want tacos at a gay bar at a great price head to Crew Bar in Uptown for Taco Tuesday, where all Tacos are a dollar. I know gay people don't eat so that must be the reason for the small portions but that doesn't warrant to the near 4 bucks a taco. The final nail in this awful place's coffin was on this wednesday it was quiz night. This was so unorganized and host was terrible. The attitude during his MC work was surly at best. Oh how lucky all us customer were to just be in his presence. Bottom line, there are much better places to spend less money for a better experience. Don't get caught up by the mini bar crowd.
(1)Mark M.
I wanted to like this place due to its location and outdoor patio but in my two visits there the food was literally unedible and the service very poor. The first time my partner and I tried to eat there the burger was cold and extremely undercooked- they took it back to the kitchen and it came back still unable to be eaten. We ended up leaving and eating elsewhere. I wanted to give the place another try and the second time we BOTH were unable to eat our meals they were so awful. My tacos contained nothing but lettuce and breading with NO chicken even though they were supposed to be chicken tacos. The waitstaff seemed unphased both times and I am done giving them chances. I'm surprised they are still in business.
(1)Alex P.
Yep, service is still horrible here. Cocktail waiter with the tats coming out from under his shirt needs to learn some server etiquette. Very rude, wow. Managers need to fire at least half of their staff. Zero stars.
(1)Mat M.
DS Tequila Company is a good spot located in Boystown, Chicago. The service is generally really attentive - and their deck area is superb. The food and drinks always meet my expectation too. Good spot, worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood.
(3)Cooper R.
Our experience at DS was amazing. ASHLEY the BEST server! I have been in town for years and have never met a better person. Ashley is the epitome of what service should be - very professional, personal, and fun! Love her and only met her! She was informative and attentive. DS is the uncovered jewel in town. We'll be returning and requesting her alone!
(5)Troy M.
It's unfortunate the prices are so high and the food is less then favorable because most of the servers are quite good. The drinks are way over priced and the food is bland, under seasoned, and ill prepared. Don't let the $5 burger night fool you.... add cheese or anything else and your $5 burger becomes $10. I'm surprised they don't charge you extra for a bun. Have your ID ready because they card everyone.
(1)Jes G.
Met a friend here for a late lunch a few weeks ago. Nice atmosphere and our waiter was awesome. I had tacos...I am a huge taco fan and I was not impressed but they were okay and they have many different types of tacos to choose from. The drink were really good! If I go back, I'd probably try a burger next time or iust go for drinks.
(3)Will T.
I was in Boystown with friends enjoying drinks and we decided to drop in for dinner. We totally loved the patio and it opens to the outside. It turns out there's a retractable roof, too, but it was closed that night because of rain. The casual bar food menu offers a variety of items and I ordered a couple of tacos, the fried chicken taco and a tequila shrimp taco. They were tasty (the tequila shrimp had a little heat on it) but they were also miniature in size, more suited as an appetizer. I ordered a margarita that was too sweet for my taste and they graciously swapped it for a house margarita. Tacos are super affordable, in the $3 - 4 range while burgers run $13 -15. When we got our bill it reflected a 50% Monday food discount. Wow! We didn't see that coming. It made for a cheap night out.
(3)Estragon M.
I come here for the food. Taco Dinner is what I always get ;3 Veggie is so yum, fish and chicken too. I've had Sangria here before which is really good. :)
(5)Richie D.
I'm afraid Wrigleyville is attempting to take over Boystown. No worries, I won't complain too much, however, the bridesmaid parties do get annoying. Tortillas are made fresh daily by hand--Brava! Tacos priced at $2.69 is reasonable, especially compared to places like De Cero. Their margaritas are made from 100% organic agave tequila. A plus. And if you go for their Gulp of Mexico 40 ounce fishbowl, they give $1 from every purchase to cleaning up the Gulf. That's a pleasant nice gesture. Their outdoor patio is a good size with fire pits to keep warm, yet it still doesn't feel like the Mexican sun. OK I take back not complaining. When they used an image of me on their Facebook page without permission, not so cool ( yelp.com/biz_photos/ds-t… ). No response when I wrote them requesting for them to take it down. Not even a gift certificate! Bite me!
(2)Jacob B.
The food is great. The drinks are over priced to balance out the great deals they offer. But this place gets one star because the manager needs to be put on blast. She does not know how to treat her staff. I felt bad for my server and offended by her at the same time. I'm gonna try and keep this short by just giving one example that I observed that urged me to write this review. It was my first tuesday wing night, and my friend after receiving his wings said "hey I want some fuckin ranch with these wings why not I'm already having a cheat meal" and asked one of the servers if he could get a cup of ranch. So we get the ranch and it was good (Im guessing). GREAT. Now the problem comes when we get the bill. On our check is two charges for "ranch"@$1 dollar each. My friend says that is nuts im gonna say something. Our server handles it well and explains to us that they charge for the ranch but he would see if he could get them removed. Now I have already spotted the manager because she has been awkwardly "managing" while not doing anything herself. At the time he goes to her about the ranch charges she is directly across from me on her phone posted up texting in clear view of me. Her initial reaction to him asking about her approving the charge removal was "really it's a dollar" but it takes character to understand doing things because the principle... So to her I guess we are just cheap. After the faces she made in view of me she came to her solution. It was his fault for not telling us so he could split it with us and take the money out of his tips. My server didn't need to tell me anything about what had just happened. But I called him Out soon as he came back.... He had a smile on his face when I asked him if his manager really just told him to pay for the ranch out of his tips. His smile fades as he figured out in his head how to dodge my question, "oh it's cool it's taken care of he told me" lol smart move on his part, but bull shit none the less I know exactly what was said to him. People do not deserve to be treated like that I told him. The fact that she is so out of touch with the reality of her job, that she called us cheap, nickel and dimed her staff, and texted all In plain view of patrons says enough to me to repeat this story. So my message to the owner or to this manager "you never know whose listening". I have my own business and it's very personal with my patrons, we share a lot of stories, and a lot of them will hear about the mistreatment of staff at ds tequila. Some may not be so concerned but many will remember this story, and out of principle will go elsewhere to the other resteraunts in our community.
(1)Kara O.
Confusing time at this place yesterday. Met a friend for some drinks at 5:00. We each had two rounds and were contemplating chips and more drinks when the server came by and dropped off our check without asking. We were confused and weirded out entirely and she left before we could even ask what was up. We tried to get her attention several times over 30-45 minutes while she was serving other people since we were unsure of the situation. Finally, we went up to the front and I approached the waiter who was nearest the to the cash register and asked if we could pay. He rolled his eyes at me, and said, "Your server had to leave, she got REALLY sick." Ok that's unfortunate, but why didn't she say anything while she was roaming around the patio for 30 minutes after dropping off our check and avoiding us? Also if he knew she left why didn't any other server come by to take over her tables? A server had come by to take our extra silverware and left before we could say anything! The patio wasn't full or slammed at all. They dropped the ball and then basically were like "what's your problem??" Nope. I didn't get into it with him because clearly there would have been a huge lack of understanding and I didn't want to waste my breath. Anyways we went to Townhall a few doors down which didn't have a nice patio like Ds but at least the bartenders were minimally friendly. The bitchiness in boystown was palpable last night, but maybe it's my fault for expecting a minimum standard of service.
(1)Andy S.
Nice outdoor space included as part of the bar/restaurant. Food was good - had the chicken, steak, and grilled fish tacos and enjoyed all of them. Negatives were that it was a bit crazy service wise. I think our server was pretty good, just seemed like a whole lot of craziness - took a while to bring out food and when they did there was mass confusion about who had what. Not everyone got what they ordered. To their credit they took care of us and made it right so I would have no issues coming back here. Oh and the margaritas were delish, especially the blackberry margarita.
(3)Nick B.
Nice place - arrived during a pubcrawl, I don't remember what I had to drink but it was the nachos I remember... So well done.
(4)Kate M.
I like DS Tequila. I've been here a few times and the staff is always friendly, the food and drinks are good, and the atmosphere is fun. I'm not usually a frozen drink fan, but I do like trying different drinks before I dive into the hard stuff. Strawberry frozen margarita and banana frozen margarita side by side in the same glass as an appetizer was perfect, especially followed by a serious margarita on the rocks. Their tequila menu is fairly extensive, as you'd expect from a place called "DS Tequila Company". The nachos are ridiculous and delicious. It's a huge pile of nacho fantasticness. The staff is always friendly and the service is always good. Looking for tequila or just a burger and beer? Go here.
(4)Ronald B.
I used to be a fan, until I had GLASS in my margarita. And the owner seemed to handle the issue with very little care. His response was to give $20 off my next meal. Really? I was kinda surprised especially given how frequently I visited the place...so now my friends and I just steer clear of this place.
(2)Jennifer A.
If you want an awesome brunch with "all of the mimosas" come here. The servers are AMAZING! Specifically Beth. I want her to follow me around and serve me at every restaurant I go to. Scratch that, I want to name my first born Beth.
(5)Brock F.
Tuesday $5.00 build your own burgers!! Need I say more? Yes, they charge more for every little thing but it's still a grt deal AND they aren't tiny burgers either! Service has always been good from the friendly host to kind waitstaff. I recommend going for the basic burger of theirs which comes with bacon, cheddar, tequila onions all on a pretzel bun! Hmm, think I want one now..... Also their tacos & chili are fantastic as well! They have a daily specials every weekday and are open late. Go for it!
(4)Claire B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!!!! The brunch deal with mimosas and bloody Mary's is just about as good as it gets in town! Their menu is fantastic (I order the same thing every time LOL)-taco salad with fried chicken as well as the fried chicken taco. Lucky for me they're both available on their brunch and dinner menu. Most recently we had Bennett as a server and he was great! Super attentive and very friendly. I've also been there when he serves mimosas during brunch and have had great experiences! I have only had phenomenal service and even better food at DS tequila and I recommend it to everyone!
(5)Ann Marie B.
Great tacos for the price! Thursday nights are all you can eat tacos as well as bingo! the atmosphere is very fun and upbeat. The margaritas are really good for the most part. Only suggestion I would give is that the service is a little slow and the servers/bartenders sometimes seem like they are giving attitude. Really good place to go with a big group of friends!
(4)Dv V.
I haven't tried but a few or true dishes and mimosas. Crispy fried chicken tacos are great, since that's the last item I had. Mimosas are ok and the atmosphere is the typical loud hungover crowd mostly which I don't mind after a mimosa of course.
(4)John S.
I went with here with a couple of friends and my fiance for brunch on a Saturday morning. They said there menu had a bunch of new items and from the ones I tried both myself and off other's plates everything was extremely tasty. They have brunch packages either including bottomless mimosa's or with 2 bloody mary's and a mimosa. I would recommend this to anyone to try if they are looking for a different brunch place then you are used to. I can't speak for the other reviews but if your looking for a brunch place give them a try.. Oh and get the Monkey Bread !
(5)Sara C.
I've been here before and enjoyed myself. A friend and I stopped in last night and they were showing movies with $5 burgers! How fun is that? And they were smart enough to play a horror/thriller since it's Halloween season. When the manager stopped by, she mentioned that they'd probably show a horror movie each week through October. We'll definitely be there. It's a great date night for a colder night.
(5)Christine R.
Warning this is a review of the beautiful people, beautiful servers and bartenders, drinks and overall daytime party vibe - food? what food? This was the place to be after the parade. Gorgeous people, uh hello I got to violate and dance with Shane from Road Rules haha. What a cutie. Large open patio for dancing and socializing among other things. We all had a blast here. Heavy pours, little to no wait for the bathroom, friendly employees and fishbowl drinks if that's your thing. Plus if you wanted to be weird and not socialize you had a great patio/balcony view of the rukus going on in the streets. Fabulous place, but aren't all mexican places?
(4)Nisey M.
I really enjoyed my first visit to D.S and with the summer right around the corner I am looking forward to enjoying the outdoor patio again. The margaritas were tasty(and potent) the burgers that we ordered were much better than expected. Our server (Justin) was attentive, he made sure to check with us during our meal to make sure we had everything we needed. I also had a staff member notice me shaking the ketchup bottle because it was almost empty and brought one over to me. We went back to the bar for another drink after our meal because the energy was high and the music was good...not bad for a Sunday afternoon!
(4)matty z.
How disappointing. Stopped by here last night, around 10 p.m. and sat on the patio, which looked so inviting. There weren't all that many people for a restaurant that seemed to have lots o' servers around. I'm trying to be nice in writing this review, so I'll begin by saying our server was apparently new. Unfortunately, what management at DS Tequila obviously fails to recognize is that throwing new folks to the wolves, or failing to help them as they go results in new customers never wanting to return-- as in this case. I had Miller Lite. I had chips and the salsa trio, and guacamole. They were fine. All of them came incredibly late to the table. End of food and drinks review. Back to service. I was glad that another employee did help the new guy out, but then we were also helped by a myriad of others. I didn't know who to tip! Long story short, the place looked cute, and I wish this experience would have been different. But I see no reason to return. Judging from other reviews here, it seems to be a pattern.
(1)J J.
Although my gf and I come here 1 to 2 times a week, I must give this establishment 2 stars due to complete shadiness. There have been numerous times that the servers and bartenders have overcharged, underchanged, and attempted to overtip themselves. The drinks are ok, depending on what you order, Vodka and cranberries are weak, rum and cokes are weakish, margaritas can be ok. The mimosa mugs on Sundays are good and fishbowls can be as well. Servers are friendly and attentive for the most part, but the crookedness overshadows that. The food is good though and the patio is nice :)
(2)Elise P.
We had a very strange experience here. We arrived at about 11:30pm and sat at the bar. The bartenders ignored us for a while, which was only odd because it wasn't packed inside (since it was the 4th of July, I guess). Once we finally got acknowledged, I got a coco loco frozen margarita (out of the big icee machine) and it was really good! No complaints on that. The really huge downside was that the staff seemed extremely focused on doing a deep clean of the bar area while we were there, using copious amounts of bleach. As in, pouring straight bleach into the trap part under the beer taps, about 6 inches from my face. So needless to further explain, that was horrifying and disgusting. On top of that, they were all polishing and covering bottles, and covering and putting away all their garnishes. I have worked in bars, I know that unless it's close to close and/or really dead, this doesn't/ shouldn't happen while many people are at the bar. We even asked the bartender if they close at midnight (worrying we'd be the rude customers that keep them open, since it was a holiday and all), but they did not- close at 2am. It was a friday night, hours before close, with a full bar rail. What was that all about? All I can recommend is the tasty margarita. But honestly, I doubt I'd go back for crap service and bleach fumes with my margarita.
(2)Suzie N.
Great food and drinks. Guac is delish. Our server Bennett was so helpful and recommended the California wildfire to drink. It was great and so was our night. Will definitely be back. Thanks!
(5)O R.
Wow...we ordered our food (scrambled egg skillet) at 2:30. At 3:15 we get free shots because it's taking a little longer than usual. At 3:45 my friend had to bring it to the staffs attention that he's diabetic and needs to eat fairly soon please. We're told that our ticket got "bumped" because of the shift change. I understand these things might happen but in my friends case, this was extremely preposterous. Have as many excuses as you want but this goes beyond just feeding your guests. Let's work closer together to alleviate this situations from taking place in the future. Teamwork and communication is key and they simply do not have it.
(1)Nikki D.
Went here for taco night! For 12.99 you get all you can eat tacos! The tacos have a great flour tortilla and great fillings. My favorite ones were the encrusted steak and the fried chicken. You can easily get your money's worth! We also got the alcoholic root beer which is delicious and goes down very easy! The service was great as well!
(5)Timothy L.
Drinks were ok and on the super sweet side. Food was good - make sure you get fried fish tacos and the coffee-rubbed steak. The fish was battered and fried perfectly and the steak tasted like a "real" grilled steak and not just some stir-fried beef. Friday half-off appetizers makes a visit well worth it. While the tacos were good, DS Tequila still misses in the drinks and execution.
(2)SOBE ER D.
DS Tequila is a good local haunt in Boystown. It's technically a bar that serves food so be prepared to show your ID at the door. The energy in the place is high and there are a couple of theme nights such as movie night and trivia night. The food is basic: tacos and burgers with salads and a few side items. Chips and salsa are not complimentary. Margaritas are by the class, fishbowl or pitcher - fairly good. Full bar is also available. There is a huge covered outdoor space that makes for great people watching on Halsted Street. All in all, a good, reliable place to go for a quick bite.
(4)Jonathan H.
This place is awful. Been there 3 times and never again. Last night was the worst by far. I will say that their drinks are good and tacos can be good. Everything else leaves a lot to be desired. My friends and I arrived at 7PM. We had a reservation and they seated us immediately. At 7:15 our server arrived to greet us and take drink orders. At 7:30 our drinks arrived. 2 of our friends drinks were completely wrong. At 7:45 the corrected drinks showed up. Our dinners, all taco plates, began showing up in shifts: 4 meals at 8:00, 4 meals at 8:15, the final two didn't show up until 8:30 and not until after we had to hunt down the manager. The manager, Denny, is a nice kid. Seemed a bit inexperienced and not prepared to handle the chaos that was on his hands. He offered us a round of drinks to compensate. An hour and a half for everyone to get their food and he offers a round of drinks? No. All of this said I think the place has real potential. The owners, however, need to get a clue into how to run a successful restaurant. If you're going to be a bar - then be one. Thus far the owners have not quite gotten the hang of what it takes to be a great place. Sure, they have traffic from a clientele that may not know any better and spend their money anyway and if that's what the owners want then that's fine. From where I stand, as well as my friends, we won't be going back and will spend our money elsewhere. We live in the neighborhood and want nothing more than for the local places to do well. @DS Tequila owners: get it together. Hire managers with experience and restructure the entire experience and you'll be awesome.
(1)Tracy G.
I freaking love this place. I would say I have gone here at least 10-20 times in the past 2 years or so since living in the city at all different times of the day (brunch, a lunch, dinner etc.) I have consistently received great service each time I have gone. Big shout out to the waiter Corey who I usually see working Saturday brunch. Guy remembered me from a previous visit and made me actually feel like a regular which is a great way to treat customers. I think I love this place the most because it instantly makes me feel like I am supposed to be back in undergrad and wasted again. Not saying that is the greatest reason to love a place, but it feels nostalgic and I feel like they are going for that. They have succeeded. I can see why people think the food is a tad pricey, but they offset that with some great deals during the week. The burgers are great but I usually just end up getting a small order of the Trash Can Nachos which despite my abundant appetite usually provides me a second meal the next day. The beer selection is great especially for Boystown, and their mixed drinks are fun as well. I am shocked by the amount of negative reviews given my positive experiences there. I swear they didn't pay me to write this. But if they did I would accept nachos or beer as payment.
(5)Amanda H.
I was with a party of 20 people and we decided to go here. Big mistake. A guy was cleaning a long table that would easily seat all of us. We were told by the host that if we weren't ordering food that we couldn't sit there. It was 11:30pm. Dinner is over and the only thing people might want is a snack at that point. There were three booths in the back that were also empty, so we sat down because there were so many places for people to sit. Plus, we were 20 people who wanted to get drunk. We waited for almost a half hour and were completely ignored by the wait staff AND the bartenders. Finally we were asked to move from the booths. So we get up and continue trying to order a drink. Only two out of the twenty managed to get a drink. Then they rudely told us that we were in the way because we were standing. Ummmm....so we can't sit, stand, or order any drinks? I'm sorry. I thought this was a bar. So we go outside to figure out where to go instead and then we were asked to move away from outside the front of the bar. We weren't blocking the door or bothering anyone. It's all cool though. We went down the street and spent hundreds of dollars elsewhere.
(1)Patrick L.
Good place, good food, friendly people! They've got a great outdoor patio, probably one of the best around. With the fire pits and what not it's great even when the weather starts to cool off. Plenty of good food and plenty of drink options too!
(4)Christina M.
$5 for a Lonestar...you're joking right?
(2)Heidi R.
I got a recommendation to come here from my hair stylist who works right down the street. I saw the groupon deal and then read the reviews so decided to not buy it. This is one time I wish I would have taken the recommendation and nixed the yelp reviews... This place rocks. My boyfriend and I came here because we were just down the street at FFC looking for some major grub very quickly! This was exactly what we had in mind. We sat down immediately and saw first thing "All you can eat Tacos" YUM! These are not your ordinary tacos either. For $9.99 you get about 5 options of tacos or for $12.99 you get 10 options and they must be ordered in 3s. They are sounded so good. We ordered the steak taco (fave), hamburger taco, white boy taco, crispy chicken taco, pulled pork taco, grilled fish taco and the chicken fajita taco. I loved the hamburger and steak taco the most. They also had a veggie taco and fried fish taco which we didn't try. Your first order comes with rice and beans. They had a house chardonnay for $5 which I was sold on. Love this place and I plan on returning for sure. The rest of the menu looked awesome and they have great daily specials!
(4)Lindsey A.
The only reason I've been to this place twice is because the first time we visited they wouldn't let us use our Living Social deal because we had done the 'all-you-can-eat' taco deal which vetoes the L.S. Grumble. Sooooooo we went back. The tacos were all right but it skeeves me out to go to a place that serves two main entrees: Burgers or Tacos. Don't ask me why, it just does. On top of feeling queasy about the menu, I literally felt queasy after the meal - and this lasted for more than 24 hours with more than just stomach rumblings. Service is pretentious and clientele cray.... the only reasons I'd venture back to this Boystown Shit Show are the blackberry margaritas and lovely patio.
(2)Gary D.
Generally I give 3 and 4 stars very commonly but the service was so bad here that I can't do that in good conscience. It took a long time for the server to come over when we first sat down and it was downhill from there. We had to ask other servers to send ours over on 2 occasions. It was a Sat. night but our guy didn't seem to have too many tables. We could see him at the bar talking with others but just seemed to ignore us. My daughter wanted a margarita and there were several flavors so she asked him which one he thought was best and just said I like whiskey drinks instead of saying something like this one is the most popular. The food is fair at best, the atmosphere was more of a dance club with loud music than a restaurant. There are many more Mexican restaurants in town that I'd recommend over this one.
(2)Katie D.
I tried D S tequila for the first time for a dinner out with friends. The food was really great, we all picked our own selection of tacos. Our server, Bennett, was extremely helpful in recommending his favorite tacos and also suggested the frozen Arnold Palmer to drink which we all loved!! We are all looking forward to coming back and will be sure to ask for Bennett's section!
(4)Sunni M.
Great margaritas, great tacos but horrible service. Every time I've been there the waiters have always disappeared for a few minutes at a time. That, plus the crazy crowds and atmosphere make me not too much of a fan. In the summer the patio is really nice though.
(2)Rick A.
Just re-read my original review for DS Tequila and I decided I must write an update. Because three years later, they have greatly improved their service and food quality, and it must be mentioned. They figured out the taco situation, stopped making the homemade shells (which were not all that good at all), and simplified the ordering process. In short, they fixed all the problems that plagued them before, and now have a really nice, tightly run business. The food is always delicious (especially the coffee-rubbed steak taco... MEGA yum!), and the drinks are great and delicious. The service is fast and friendly, and the crowd is dessert for the eyes. I am now a fan of DS Tequila!
(4)Kimberly M.
I went around 930pm on a Saturday night with a group of 5 people. The place was busy but we got sat immediately. The service was grea tand had friendly staff. The had no problems with splitting our check 4 ways... I ordered the chips and guacamole, which was fresh and yummy, a Sangria, and shared the classics burger. Everything was tasty.
(3)Sean B.
They wrecked their unlimited tacos. They downgraded it to 10 choices for the more expensive option, taking out the Chorizo and others that must have been low margin for them, and they added rice and beans without asking. I sent my beans back, as they would wreck the taste of the rest of the meal for me. They prodded about whether I was allergic or not, and I said it doesn't matter - it wasn't listed on the menu. When we came in, they had a technology glitch. The waiter couldn't get the iPod touch to load the order, so then he brought out an iPad, which crashed numerous times. It crashed again later in the meal. Then a busboy/server brought out food to us not once but twice that was not ours. Probably because the iPads were broken. They switched the tortillas to corn tortillas. Eh. Ew. Then our waiter was stripping on the bar in some kind of fundraiser, which meant he was like 10 minutes late in taking our order for more tacos. He also didn't notice our pitcher was dry. I also don't really appreciate being upsold raffle tickets as a captive audience at a restaurant table. While he was hot stripping, I would have liked water or a drink more than watching him gyrate on the bar then touch our food baskets without a bathroom hand-wash in-between. He was probably just doing his job, so I think this is management's fault. The music was on about 30 dB too loud tonight. I couldn't hear my friends and it made the conversation awkward. The nail in the coffin was we were a group of 6 and they added 20% gratuity. AFTER THE TAX WAS ADDED IN. Are you kidding me? We left less and wrote as such on the receipt. Maybe if everything wasn't wrong. Not sure I'll be bringing my expansive posse back on Thursdays anymore. Maybe if they fix a bunch of this stuff.
(2)Mike D.
How can anyone negatively remark on this place? Reading some of these reviews: You knocked them points because they didn't say goodbye to you? You knocked them points because you want to be "wined and dined like a lady"? This is a bar with food. That's all this place is - a bar.. with food. Not a Michelin star winning restaurant. Let me say this again: A bar.. with food. Now the food? I actually thought it was fantastic and worthy of four stars certainly. I had the 3 taco special and my buddy had a turkey sandwich. I thought both were fantastic. The chips/guac/salsa was amazing as well. I highly suggest trying this place out!
(4)Rebecca I.
$2.50 per gourmet taco that comes on a freshly made tortilla and to wash in down their margaritas are the best I have had inside the States. They defiantly have a generous pour but also doesn't overwhelm or take away from the natural margarita taste. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I would defiantly recommend this place and will be going back! It couldn't of been a better first time experience!!!
(5)Nathan R.
After my review posting...one of the owners has contacted me and started to resolve the situation!
(4)Tracy S.
!
(5)Michael V.
It's a bar that happens to serve a limited menu. It's crazy loud and the food is completely forgettable. If you're just there to drink and have tortilla chips and salsa, it may be worth a visit.
(2)Julie L.
We stopped coming about a year or so ago after several bad food/drink experiences. But, we were in the neighborhood, we were hungry and we decided to take a chance. And we are very glad we did! Saturday, around 1:30 p.m. Nice crowd, great music and comfortable temperature, even out on the patio. A pretty, friendly server, Beth, came to take our order. We both wanted margaritas, and Beth highly recommended the "Cadillac." I was skeptical since, before, the margaritas were always way too sweet. "I promise," she said. "You will like these." We were persuaded, but I suspected I'd be sending the drink back for a "regular." Beth brought the drinks and took our order. I got the 7 Layer dip without meat, and my husband ordered the jalapeno poppers, a steak taco and a short rib taco. Beth described the 7 Layer dip as "unconstructed nachos." We toasted and tasted our drinks. WOW. They were delicious! Not too sweet, not too tart ... smooth and well worth the extra $2. As we enjoyed our drinks, we enjoyed the sounds. The music was an excellent mix - something for everyone - and not too loud. Perfect for conversation, but not too quiet either. Football played on screens above, but the sound of the game was down (thank you.) Our food arrived at the table hot and well-made. One bite told us the poppers were fresh and expertly prepared. The 7 Layer dip also tasted fresh and it was wonderfully cheesy. My husband said the tacos were amazing. We ate way too much. DS Tequila is BACK. We were very impressed. After discussing how many stars to give it (for the type of place it is), my husband said four. I asked him to tell me what was not perfect ... food, ambiance, drinks, price, service? He was stumped. "I can't think of one thing I'd improve." So, five stars it is. Thanks Beth. While we've never had a complaint about the service (Hi Adam! We miss you!), you helped us fall back in love with DS Tequila. See you again soon!
(5)Jamar T.
The food here is pretty good and I LOVE Bingo/Taco night every Thursday. For $12.99 it's all you can eat so try them all! The service here is usually pretty mediocre (probably bc most of the guys here are more focused on singing and dancing along to the music and less focused on their paying customers) but there are a few really good ones. I came here for Saturday brunch and saw an entire table leave after waiting for about 15 minutes while the host was twirling around the floor instead of informing the server of the group seated in his section... The burgers are just ok and the salads are pretty big but pretty standard.They also have a bottomless mimosas brunch special for $25 which includes an entree. I had the Western Skillet which was really good! They have someone who walks around with tubes full of mimosa to top you off which is very convenient. Nothing worse than waiting around for your server for refills.
(3)Geo O.
Since my review, I have been contacted by the owner and am very impressed by the follow up that he made to my experience. Clearly they do care about what the customers think and want to make it right!! Thank you John for hearing my voice and reacting to my concerns!
(3)Noelle M.
Came in on a whim late evening on the 4th of July because the place we originally planned to go to was closed. Has a nice atmosphere both inside and out on the patio and the prices are reasonable. We were seated immediately. The staff was very attentive, with the manager and even other waiters stopping by to check on us. We started off with the frozen Arnold Palmer made with sweet tea vodka, which was incredibly delicious and you can barely taste the alcohol, though it packs a bit of a punch that slowly catches up with you. I ordered the classic burger, which had nothing classic or boring about it. The tequila onions and soft, buttery pretzel bun elevated what seemed like a normal burger to amazing. The meat had some sort of marinade or glaze which was also a nice touch. Even the fries were seasoned perfectly. My friend had tacos, which you can get a la carte and they seemed pretty decadent. Very satisfying experience all around and I definitely plan to return, just for the drinks alone.
(5)Ramone B.
I stopped here after being grabbed by one of the workers while out walking to participate in a Halloween costume contest! I was Freddy Kreugar, and it was pretty cool they asked me to participate! I had a great time mingling with the bartenders, and staff, plus the crowds energy was pretty awesome! I didn't get to eat anything, but I definitely would love to go back and use the gift card I won! I will be back! Until next time!!!
(5)Jen K.
Yes! Great place! I walked by it so often, as it's in my neighborhood but I've just never made it in. Shame on me for missing out for so long. I was with a large group at another taco place and we had such an awful experience that we left before eating. We still had a Mexican craving so one of my friend's recommended this place. We went and were seated immediately, even though there was 8 of us. It's a large place and very accommodating for large groups. Throughout the night, we kept adding to our numbers and the waiter never seemed bothered. We ordered the trash can nachos (which were freaking HUGE). Then we all ordered different tacos. Every order no matter how confusing were perfect. Our waiter was amazing. He was smart to split all the bills without us even asking and had every person in order. I liked all the food I tried and will definitely be going back to enjoy the outdoor seating all summer.
(4)Anna B.
I just had to write a 1 star review, even though I love this place, simply because of the "boy" you have as a manager. Rude, disrespectful, pompous, and unprofessional. Get rid of him and I bet this place would be a 5 star establishment. See my Meat review for his first actions, before shouldering my friends here and not apologizing.
(1)Shanon H.
Good for three hours of great food and service ---- only to be ruined by the fact you can not sit outside in odd numbers!!!! The policy here is fricking ridiculous!!! Our server Savannah was amazing though. The management not so much.
(3)Dawon H.
Food is really good. The taco selection is killer...and tasty. Drinks are well poured and appropriately priced. The service is mostly mediocre. Here's an example: Last Thursday, I met a friend at the bar for drinks. He had already ordered a margarita and I ordered the same. After we were both drinking, the "hostess" walked by and carded us both. Mind you, we already were drinking. Smooth move Ferguson. Another friend met us and we decided to get a table and eat. Somehow the "hostess" had disappeared and we wanted to eat on the patio, so we walked over and asked one of the servers who told us we had to check in with the "hostess". We walked back to the main entrance, no hostess. Waited, waited, waited, finally I asked another server to help us and she found the hostess somewhere in the back and we were finally seated, mind you - no apology or acknowledgement that we had to track him down (yes him) to be seated when the place was practically empty and we could have very well seated ourselves. Our waitress arrives, we place an order for a pitcher of margaritas and nachos to start. She brings the booze and nachos - which split between the 3 of us went fast. A little later, she comes back and takes our food order and we ask for more nachos. Food arrives (TASTY and DELICIOUS)... we all order tacos...but no nachos. She forgot. She apologizes and disappears for what seems like forever. By now, we need a refill of our pitcher and still no nachos. Honestly not the biggest deal in the world because we were enjoying our tacos - but still. Long story short, this is a classic example of almost every dining experience I've had here. Drinks = great. Food = great. Experience/Service = meh.
(3)Jordan N.
I thought the food was a bit pricey for a weekday lunch - and I don't think I was alone in thinking that since this place was practically empty. Also, I thought it was weird that I was carded to see if I was 21 and up before even getting to a table with the intention of only ordering food and not drinks - but this seems to be customary for this place. That being said, the marmalade burger I got ($13.89) with a salad substitution ($2) was very mediocre. with the patty being overcooked than what I had ordered it to be. The Tex-Mex portion of the menu didn't seem to be very appetizing as well as practically everything in the menu was spicy in one way or another, which I dislike. That being said, it became pretty obvious that this is more of a bar than a restaurant - and it'll unfortunately stay that way, keeping the crowd at its minimum during daylight.
(1)Esbo B.
The food was ok. The manager came to our table but was pretty rude. I'm not sure why she even came to our table, we didn't ask to speak to her. I don't think I would go back. Overall: ok food and bad service.
(1)Michelle K.
Unfortunately the wait staff was extremely rude. After the hostess telling us we could take an area on the patio everyone denied it and the server was rude. It seemed like she didn't want the business, we had a larger group that would have all ordered through her however after the poor attitude straight to the bar for everyone in our group. They claimed they had a private event in and hour however continued to seat tables around ours, if you have a private event why would you seat new tables. All in all it seemed everyone was lazy and over the "service" portion of the evening. I would give zero after everyone's attitude.
(1)Valerie Z.
Went here a few months ago.....service sucked. Our server checked on us once every hour. Had to go to the bar for drinks. When w asked for the bill thank god we had cash because even though it wasn't busy our server never came back so we threw down and left rather then stiffing even though we could have. Tried this place again because of the patio today. Savanah....I don't know if she's new but we saw her once every 45 min. Made it hard to order. I had the picture that's attached with this review for my glass. It had nasty lipstick all over it.... I don't wear lipstick....soooo.... She finally came to the table and I showed her the glass.....her reaction was "oh"...does this happen often? No apology or even shock on her face. Then we closed out and had put in a previous order. The food wasn't on the bill so we were like....uhhhhh....She made a weak excuse....I used to serve too, if I ever forgot anything I'd know what to say.....which is what she did. She started they put beef rather than chicken.....30 min for nachos on a not crazy busy day??? She still charged me for my nasty drink with the dirty cup. #nevercomingback #dirty #dontwasteyourmoney #horribleservice. There are too many other places to go. We just had a couple behind us leave because they were never greeted at their table after being sat. Table of 4 lost. #fail #retrainyourstaff
(1)Andy H.
Yes, it gets busy here. ( really busy ) Yes, parking sucks. ( it does everywhere ) True, the kitchen can slip up from time to time..... BUT, you wont find better tacos anyplace, end of story! The steak tacos are perfect every time as are the very epic seafood tacos. I am a big fan of the burgers as well, and will stack them up to the very over rated Kumas any day of the week! I am not sure why some reviews rip on the staff here, as I have dined here dozens of times and have been treated extra special each time. The servers are polite, and ready to bring you anything you ask for with no attitude problem. Its a tad pricey, but the quality is here.
(5)John B.
Not even a descent Margarita which i find ironic. For some reason this place is popular. I went in on a Sunday evening and was seated immediately. After waiting a few minutes our order was taken an drinks were delivered. The margarita tasted that it was a pre-mixed that was poured on ice and served. There was nothing fresh or tasty about the drink. It was overly sweet and over priced. 20 minutes later dinner arrived. My steak tacos has a coffee rub. Ugh, it was like someone dumped starbucks compost on it. It gave it a burnt taste that was so off putting. The Fish tacos were better (grilled or fried) and the chicken taco was tasty. Service was abysmal. 5 minutes in I asked for napkins,,, 20 minutes later when I reminded him I still needed a napkin did he finally get some. Service was slow, drinks were mediocre at best. Sadly I would have been happier at a Chevy's which says a lot. Finally, CLEAN UP THE PLACE there are loose wires and crap everywhere.
(2)Chelsey F.
Mimosas cannons are such a great start to my weekend. Amazing staff, always willing to make your brunch memorable! Thank you for making my Fourth of July fun! As a server/ bartender I was very impressed with Savanna.
(5)Krsna V.
Severe identity crisis and mediocre food do not belong in Boystown. Leave the identity crisis issues to the myriad of gays who look alike with their two sizes too small t-shirts and similar hair style. What is this place trying to be anyway? Between showing football and hunting on some tv screens, I was confused if it is trying to be a sports bar or a hillbilly bar. And then the name suggests it is a Mexican joint. Talk about serious identity crisis. Who plays hunting shows on tv anyway? The food: our waitress says they are out of guacamole. Mind you this is on a weekend at 8:30pm. What kind of a place that is trying to be a Mexican joint runs out of guacamole on a Sunday night? Needless to say, one of our friends said it out loud "you are a mexican restaurant and you run out of guacamole on a sunday night?". She apologized, took out or order, and left. Miraculously, after 10 minutes she brought us some guac and said it is on the house. Hmmm...did someone make a quick run to the Jewel nearby? In any case, we appreciate having guac. The rest of the food was pretty average. My barnyard burger was okay. The drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the gringo margaritas. They were okay, nothing to rave about. I have had better margaritas at Cesars on Broadway and Tecalitlan in Ukrainian village. The crowd: where did these people come from? We had a group of loud people playing beer pong nearby. Again, what is this place trying to be? Beer pong? Really?Between butch lesbians and dude bros, this place seems to have a serious identity crisis. The music: holy crap! Where did they find this shitty music? Not only is it shitty, it is deafeningly loud. We ate, finished our pitcher of margaritas, and wowed to never return again. Perhaps their patio is nice in the summer, but the mediocre food and dude bro crowd does not warrant a repeat visit. Also, why is there no option for "shitty" in the ambience section of the review?
(2)Tiva T.
I'm not going to lie, we had very low expectations of this place but needed something to eat before heading to the airport. DS Tequila was a pleasant surprise! Chips & queso: on point. Three taco meal: really good variety and the beans and rice were really tasty; not the usual dry, flavorless mess you typically get at a "Mexican" restaurant. Best food we had on our trip. Service was pretty good too.
(5)Asenath N.
Love this place especially on Thursdays for $12 all you can eat tacos and is Bingo night! That is about the only night I enjoy this place. The rest of the time it gets really crowded. The food is your typical bar food, is nothing special.
(4)Robert L.
We just wanted to say I has the best server experience today from a server named Neki. To be completely honest I love the energy of the place, but have never experienced good service, until today, and I wanted to take the time to write about it. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm smile, professional demeanor, and great knowledge of the menu. Neki, took the time to answer all of our questions, and came to check on us frequently, when she clearly had a lot of other tables to tend to. Please pass this message on to the manager/owner, and let him know he ought to promote Neki, or at least give her a raise!!
(4)Sean B.
This is another fine example of going to a place because my friends chose it, and not because it was Yelp'ed highly... only to discover afterwards that it has a low rating when I do an ex post facto look at the ranking. However, this was pleasantly one of those scenarios where I was surprised it was low, as I had a great experience there. The servers were all friendly (including the very handsome "Chase" who seated us), the vibe was chill, the food was cheap and tasty, the drinks large. A great way to start out our Pride Saturday. Maybe this place turned itself around since the poor reviews from others? I thought it was quite cool.
(4)Shannon K.
Don't get me wrong - this is a very solid 3 stars and DS is becoming a go to spot for me in Boystown. The food is consistent and I appreciate that fact. I would give them 4 stars if the drinks were better, but I generally stick to beer or margaritas at DS. It gets 4+ stars for atmosphere and fun! The patio is fan-freaking-tastic and looks out over Halsted. It's one of my favorite spots to pull up, eat some chips (with a great trio of salsas), drink some beer, chow on some creative and delicious tacos and hang out with friends. It's centrally located and they serve food pretty late. The staff and bartenders are always super friendly and the service has always been efficient, even when it gets crazy....and it does get crazy. This is not really a take-your-folks-when-they-are-in-town sort of a place, mainly because of the noise level and air of debauchery....but it is a fab place to chill out and have a gay day! Try all of the tacos, you can't lose. Yep, yep I dig you DS!
(3)Brooke F.
We've lived in the neighborhood for a few months now and decided to try DS for the first time last night. Server (can't remember his name!) was very accommodating and friendly. Food was WONDERFUL! I'm gonna be in trouble from now on, getting fat off the Tequila Shrimp Tacos (try them). We had the Chips & Queso Dip, Texas Tenders, Tequila Shrimp Tacos, BBQ Pork Tacos, and House Margaritas. Everything was excellent!
(5)Marie M.
The only reason why it gets even one star is because the server was nice. We went on Tuesday which is build your own burger night and movie night. The food was average. I felt like I was having dinner with children having spiderman on every speaker of every TV in the restaurant. I don't know if they were trying to be a restaurant or a bar but they failed at both miserably. The manager was very rude. We complained about the volume and she spun her keys in our faces. The whole thing was a very and in in miserable experience and she was a big part of that. It felt like they had turned up the volume of the commercials after the movie. The manager truly does not know how to do her job.
(1)Bill K.
The spicy mango margarita was excellent, the tacos were very good, and the nachos were some of the best I've ever had. Service was marvelous. Our server, Alex, had great recommendations, not only about the food but also about things to do in the area. Had a great time!
(5)Brittany K.
DS Tequila on a Thursday was so fun! Bingo night is a great way to break up a normal week. And the free prizes don't hurt. Our server ASHLEY was great! Kept the margaritas coming. That server is fantastic!
(4)Angela C.
A friend of mine and I came here on a Monday afternoon, as most restaurants on Halsted were closed on Monday. It was pretty empty, and we were seated on the patio immediately. Our server was very attentive. He ordered the California burger (avocado, veggies but with chicken), and I ordered the Classic (bacon, tequila onions, cheese) with chicken. We both opted to get sweet potato fries. The food was fresh and tasty. The fries were thickly cut and crisp. They served this interesting marshmallow fluff/cinnamon dipping sauce which was awesome! I've never been here when it's busy, but for a quick bite on a slow weekday afternoon, this is a good place to go!
(4)Megan S.
My coworkers and I went out after a work event. My phone was dead and the bartender was sooooo sweet to charge it for me. The margarita and music were great. I didn't even know they had food. After living in Texas for 2 years, this girl loves Tex-Mex and tequila. I WILL BE BACK! And thank you again to the sweet bartender :)
(4)Patty K.
I had heard great things about DS Tequila Company and decided to try it out with my sisters. We were seated in a heated patio area. In December, even with the heaters I still needed my winter coat to be comfortable. The tables were wobbly and not especially comfortable. I ordered the taco dinner and it was ok. The pulled pork taco was my favorite and the smoked chicken one wasn't bad either. I didn't care for the short rib one. One of my sisters tried the chili and loved it! Out waitress was knowledgable about the menu and checked in on us as needed. Overall, the service here is great, the food is ok and the atmosphere could be improved (At least in the patio area). I would come back to eat here but wouldn't go out of my way to make any special trips.
(3)Kristina I.
Made a reservation on Saturday evening for 6 people for my works little outing for around 7 pm. Everyone was a little late but the host still took care of us with no problems, the waitress we had was so super awesome and efficient it made me so happy. We even had an additional person join and she switched us to a larger section with no issues or attitude like most servers I have experienced that take on larger parties. She never once got confused or overwhelmed, I really wish I could remember her name but those High Octane Margs go straight to your brain I swear lol. Having worked in the serving industry personally for a many years, great service is always appreciated and noticed ( so she was definitely well tipped :)) Anyway I always love DS, great margs , music, menu , and vibes.
(5)Katie S.
I have been to DS Tequila on multiple occasions and have loved it each time. Try the house margarita and coffee-rubbed steak tacos! You will not be disappointed. It's also a great brunch spot. I wasn't very impressed with the monkey bread, but the skillets and chicken and biscuits are wonderful! (The chicken and biscuits is huge, split it!)
(5)Kevin M.
First time in Chicago and popped in here with a friend for dinner before heading over to Roscoe's to watch the live band karaoke. I'm easily swayed by a boozey slushie machine and 1/2 price menu. Great for the price and the quantity of food we got. Greeter and server were awesome. Only complaint was when a busboy spilled salsa on my shirt, filled a straw with water, let it go on my shirt, and handed me a napkin saying "it happens to me every day". I was pissed but kept my mouth shut and cleaned it up as any good Canadian boy would do. No apologies from him. Very classy.
(3)Michael J. A.
DS Tequila definitely has a bar atmosphere abs a bar menu. We had the chips and salsa trio and to be truthful it wad nothing much. One of the dips was full out just Ranch dressing. The tacos were good. Just the right size in a the portion dinner special with rice and beans. The refried beans were excellent and the rice was good. I had the grilled fish tacos and they would have been excellent if the coleslaw did not overpower the fish so much. It wad all I tasted. It wad labeled as jalapeño coleslaw but didn't taste anything but mayo. I also had the pulled pork tacos which were actually very good. Service wad good and attentive. Over all Ok, but I wouldn't rush to come back.
(3)Luis L.
Let's begin with the day. It was 4th of July. I worked that day but my bestie who was in town for the weekend wanted to hang out in Boystown after I got off work. He decided to take me to DS Tequila and get a margarita there because he likes that they are about the size of his head. Ok, sure. I was hungry and needed food, so I figured I could eat something there, as they serve tacos and other things. When we arrived, the host was occupied and away from the stand. So we waited. My friend had to use the restroom so he went and I stayed and continued waiting. A server was nearby and I asked if I should wait or seat myself, but he told me to wait. When the host came back, there was another employee standing nearby who was not working that day, which I gathered from overhearing the conversation between her and the host, who ignored me completely and seemed to think it was more important to gab with his pal than to attend to me. Alright. Finally, when he was done gabbing with his pal, the employee who was not working that day, the host turned to me as if I'd just arrived, and with feigned surprise, greeted me as though I hadn't been standing there all this time. Fine. I asked for a table for 2 on the patio but the host informed me that there were no tables for 2 at this time. Not a problem. I told him we would sit at the bar and wait until something opened up, and asked if he could please come get us. He said he would let us know and we went to the bar. This happens all the time in restaurants (not the being ignored part but the waiting for a table). I have no problem waiting for my desired table. What doesn't happen all the time and what I do have a problem with is what happened afterwards. My friend said he wanted to wait until we sat at our table to get his ridiculous margarita, I got my first drink at the bar. The wait was long and he couldn't wait any longer so he ordered a regular sized margarita and I had a second drink. We waited for about 30 minutes and witnesses the host seat ONE party of 2, outside on the patio. A few moments later, we witnessed him sit a SECOND party of 2 outside on the patio. I walked up to him and told him we had been waiting for a very long time and that we saw him seat TWO parties of 2 already, and asked if there was a reason we were being made to wait. He said, "I'm so sorry, I was just coming to get you. Please give me a moment." Ok. Fine. And then, a moment later, we saw him seat a THIRD party of 2, outside on the patio! By this time I was aggravated. Not only did we have to wait so long but we were passed up, not once, not twice, but THREE times! And the third time after I had already complained. So I walked up and pointed out to him that we just saw him seat yet another party of 2 outside. He seemed contemptuously apologetic and told me he'd seat us next. Grabbed two menus and led us to our table, but the table he took us to was NOT to my liking, and I told him I wanted to sit out in the more open area by the street. "We have a rotation going on," he said. At this point I clarified to him that I didn't care, that we had waited a long time and had been passed up for a table THREE TIMES, and that he needed to seat us at one of the tables that were clearly available in our preferred part of the patio. This host then had the audacity to become upset with US, he led us--more like stomped--over to the table in the part of the patio where we wanted to sit, and walk away. Our server was nice, but inefficient. When I asked to speak to a manager he said he would bring her over, but never did. I went looking for the manager myself. It was a woman who seemed nice enough until I described what had happened to us. She flippantly attributed the host's actions to a mere mistake. "Mistakes happen," she said. Really? Twice in a row and a third time after I already pointed out the mistake??? She didn't try to rectify the situation at all. Fine! I will never step foot in that place again. And I will tell anyone and everyone I know about the horrible experience I had and suggest that they don't go there. Horrible!
(1)Suzanne P.
I really should have consulted with Yelp before dinner tonight... You know those people in the world where you are immediately attracted to them because of their good looks and charm? Then you start talking and getting to know them and realize that there is nothing going on in their head? DS Tequila Company, you are the restaurant equivalent of that person. All beauty; no brains. UGH. The best thing about my meal was the elote side dish (but really, corn cotija cheese and chili pepper; not super inventive and needed SALT badly...) but I will order this on any menu because I am in love with this tasty corn dish. Their guacamole and chips were laughable. How guacamole can be tasteless is beyond me. It made me wonder if it was a mix of avocado and "guacamole" (you know, that mushy green stuff that's not the real stuff) after all.... It was disappointing. I love me some guacamole, and this was not that. Also, for being a gay bar, your drinks are super weak. Again, gay bar conoisseur here, and the library is open and I am reading you, DS Tequila Company! The one thing that I did absolutely love was the charming patio and the fire pit in the middle of the table. However, it was difficult to enjoy over the Miley Cyrus and Will I Am blaring loudly. Unless you're not super hungry, don't care about mediocre service, aren't an apparent lush like me and prefer some alcohol in your drinks, take my words of advice and go elsewhere.
(2)Maddie L.
I lived about 6 steps from DS Tequilla for 2 years, and now that I'm moving I'm really going to miss what became our neighborhood margarita joint. 1 - The margs are unreal! So many flavors, and so big! 2 - Great outdoor patio. I loved going here post-work for a couple of hours and sitting out in the sun with a margarita and some chips and quac. It really doesn't get any better. Great people-watching and lots of seating. 3 - 1/2 off food on Mondays! You can get a few tacos for a few bucks!
(5)Dylan M.
Who cares if it's a little slow. Must be 21 to enter, great food, strong margaritas all in Boystown. Yum. Dont forget about all you can eat tacos after 5pm on Thursdays. shit, so good.
(5)Danielle B.
DS Tequila is my favorite place in Chicago! They have a wide variety of fantastic tacos-the steak taco is incredible! They are great for groups as well. We came for my birthday and it was so much fun. They had party hats, leis and confetti poppers on the tables when we arrived which was so unexpected and made my birthday that much better. They also have delicious margaritas and what this southerner would call the only appropriate queso in Chicago {white, drippy cheese} paired with light and crispy chips! They have awesome theme/specials nights, too. Monday: 1/2 off food, Burger & movie Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday, $12.99 all you can eat tacos and gringo bingo Thursdays, $10 fish bowl Fridays and fun brunch specials on the weekend! Literally can't say enough about how much I love this place!
(5)Michelle Z.
Flavorless food aside from the taco salad. Overpriced drinks. Entitled staff. I had a horrible Pride experience here. Go to Halsted's instead tbh next time.
(1)Justin B.
Things about DS I LIKE: The food: DS offers a great selection of Tex-Mex style food, including some great tacos. The salads and burgers here are pretty good, too. The nachos are pretty epic. Don't order the full size nachos unless you're a party of six or more. (Trust me on this one). The patio: They've enclosed (and recently heated) the very large patio, located on the adjacent lot. The retractable roof allows for patio dining at almost any time of the year, and is pretty packed all summer. The specials: The entire menu is 1/2 price on Mondays, Tuesday is $1 taco night. The sports: They have a ton of televisions, inside and out, so you can always catch a game. ---- Things about DS I DON'T like: The service: It's VERY hit or miss. I'm not sure if it's the server training or the people they hire (maybe a bit of both) but the wait staff - although very friendly - are very sporadic when it comes to levels of service. It's a crap shoot. The noise level: Yes, it's a bar. Yes, it's loud. And yes, they like it that way. I tolerate it because the pros outweigh the cons. Evenings are crazy and weekends are insane. I would never bring a first date here. Overall, it's a good place to grab food and have a couple of drinks with your friends. I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I will continue to go back, but I just wish they'd kick up their level of service a bit (and get that hand dryer fixed in the bathroom)!
(3)Mandie C.
I love brunch, and an unlimited mimosa doesn't hurt. Adam was a great server and just wanted us to have a great time. He was awesome and we will be back next Sunday!
(5)Jennifer N.
Due to some of the reviews of this place, I did not come here with any sort of expectations. The gringo margarita was good and my tacos were fine but nothing special. My friends said their burgers tasted like they were just taco meat shaped into a burger patty, which is probably what it was. The food is pricey for what it is. The service was friendly but ridiculously slow and the place was not particularly crowded. We ordered the chips and salsa (which come with free refills) but it was almost impossible to get the refill. A second round of drinks were ordered and it took forever to get them. Overall, not a huge fan
(2)Ryan R.
We went here a couple of times during our time in Chicago to eat and drink. The first time I went, we came so late that we barely had any time to order from the kitchen. That paired with being seated right below the frequently dripping air conditioner did not bode well for a good experience. The tacos I ordered were also very average and are definitely ones that could be easily outmatched in my own kitchen. That being said, the service was pretty friendly and they accommodated our large group well. The second time our group went, we had a much better experience. I decided to go with the "Big D" burger and really enjoyed it. I also sampled the chips and dip trio which was also decent as well. The margaritas were decent, nothing amazing, but they get the job done and again it was a good space for our rather large party. Overall, not my favorite place to eat, but you can't beat margaritas with a large group.
(3)Robyn G.
Woof. After walking 10 feet from the door the smell hits you. It smells like an entire NFL team just took off their shoes. There's definitely a plumbing issue or ventilation issue or something that just makes it smell like the place is rotting. If you can get a seat outside and get past the smell... then the food is good and the drinks are good.
(3)Trista T.
I did love this place, but it the image is a bit confusing. Sports bar, gay men, not really Mexican food place. But it works I guess. I didn't have a full meal but I did try the sweet potato fries. They were out of this world. Thick cut and full of flavor and came with spiced marshmallow dip that was perfection!!! My friend all loved their margaritas and food as well. Server was great and made it feel really homey. Cannot wait to get back to that dip!!! Highlight of the whole dinner.
(4)David A.
I loved the tacos that i got. I stepped in here to get out of the cold and grab a little bite to eat. I tried the Grilled Fish Taco, The Chicken Taco, the Coffee rubbed Taco and they were all delisious. Esspecially the fish taco It was fantastic. The tortillas that they use here are equisit. The one draw back was that each of these small bites were around $3 a piece. I have had tacos as good as this place for half that price. Still the food was great.
(4)Mike D.
DS...your service is slipping from decent to non-existent. We've noticed the last couple of times we've been here that the service gets worse and worse. No refills or check-ins. We've had empty drink glasses for 20 minutes and have been waiting for a ticket or a hello for 10. Positives: food is still terrific. The kitchen and BOH is doing great. Hot, timely, delicious good. Come here for good food and good drinks!
(3)Cameron H.
A friend and I wanted something quick before hitting the night on the town. So, since it's been a long time, and all of the bars we were hitting were within that vicinity, then it made logical sense to go to DS. We were immediately seated after walking in (on a Thurs night-boys night out). The host seem a bit pissy but it did get better after our waiter brought us our drinks. My friend ordered nachos for his main even though it was an appetizer. OMG, this plate is huge. It could feed three people. For my main, I ordered a turkey/chicken burger with a egg on top. Very tasty. Overall, decent place, good food, ambiance is ok as we didn't want to have another drink while there.. I will have to try the all you can eat tacos night on Thursdays... Especially being that Thursdays is boys night out...
(3)Jose V.
Can't really understand all the bad reviews.. Its a sportsbar/tex-mex place, dont come expecting authentic mexican food or michelin starred restaurant! I love their chill atmosphere, their indoor patio and their lighter options in the menu Their salads are ridiculously huge
(4)Lai J.
Been there a few times. I'm always annoyed by the places that check your ID no matter what and I'd drink simply because I've been carded. Most of the hosts I met are sweet. Servers are alright, it just takes forever for them to notice you. Love the busboy and jalapeño poppers, one more star for them.
(4)Brian N.
Great spot for groups and real good tacos! All the tacos were fantastic...Pulled pork and coffee rubbed steak were delicious. Real thin chips with jalapeno ranch dressing also very good! Place was great and very reasonably priced too.
(4)Justin B.
This place has great food, decent service and is relatively cheap. My gripe: BOTH times that I've gone here I've had my credit and bank card compromised. The staff is apparently untrustworthy. ALLOF'EM. Not only do they require a card to be left (even if you're a sitting patron) but they then leave it out in the open on the bar counter. I've lost well over $1000 in compromised charges due to the staff at DS. Charges to my card: $467.42 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $77.30 BURGER KING #9627 CHICAGO RIDGE IL $247.00 iTunes $682.38 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $197.67 DS Tequilla SERVER: COREY (caucasian/blonde male around 5'10) I really just want to see what over $1000 buys at shoe carnival. Please show me. If the owner is reading this: YOU OWE ME, BRO.
(1)David S.
My friend and I went for a late dinner after a show at Mary's Attic in Andersonvillle....It was our first time there, and we were seated it what I assume would be the patio area in better weather. It looked liked retractable glass walls looking at the sidewalk, but we were at the beginning of a major blizzard that night in Chicago, so, needless to say, the glass walls were down! Ashley was our server, and she had a trainee with her that night, and between Ashley and the food, I'd call it a great experience! We started with a bowl of margaritas and some guacamole, and the reason I'm giving them a one-star demerit, is the guacamole portion was really chintzy.... we had half the chips left and no more guac :( Andrew had the 9-layer dip app as a dinner, and loved it; I had the 3-taco combo platter and I appreciated that the tacos weren't hugely ginormious but that the portion size was absolutely perfect. Ashley was delightful, and is one of the reasons we'll be back!
(4)Megan S.
Definitely one of my favorite places in Boystown. I come here with one my good friends and every time we've had a great time. The Miami Vice marg that they make is incredible. There's also a bartender there that looks just like Dr. Avery from Grey's Anatomy and he's so sweet. On my friend's birthday I asked if they did anything special, I was just expecting a shot for her, but he came out with a round of shots for everyone in our party and a giant sparkler for her.
(3)Shana H.
Not a fan of this place at all. I actually had a server huff at me when I asked for coffee during Saturday brunch. A bit uncalled for. The food is meh, and the staff isn't very pleasant. Wonder why people even come here. Its too bad because the potential is there if they'd clean up their customer service! One word...entitlement. sigh!! They may almost have a good gig if they weren't such protentious servers. Get over yourself, you are not a gift to Halstead street.
(1)Luke C.
I love the atmosphere here. The food is delicious (especially the different tacos; yum!!!). The staff is quirky and so much fun. I don't know how they do their hiring here, but I've never had any bad service! Their margaritas and drinks are just the best around and you'll never find a better atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you get a giant smile from the staff and it just keeps getting better! It's a great neighborhood spot, place to watch a football game during the season, or an awesome place for a margarita after a Cubs game (I've been there for all three reasons)!
(5)Silas H.
Amazing tacos but I wish their drinks weren't so pricy. Its a good try, I haven't had a bad experience and have been there a few times.
(4)Adriane P.
Recently I did a family members homework for them. I'm altruistic like that. Thus, I could justify copying my guest's review, his is better but I won't. I've been several times now. It seems like an identity crisis of a sports bar and Mexican restaurant. Especially with the dozens of tvs playing sports, top 40 music, tacos, margs, and burgers. Last time we arrived and the host was rather impressed with his unusual ID. There was a wait but he approached us at the bar and squeezed us in a communal table. Kudos to you, friend for being a transplant! The name. Oy, it's always fun on a date before dinner to explain what DS stands for. Romantical and pleasant before eating. And by the the way, what the h is next? Suck and Blow Hookah Bar, Reverse Cowgirl Texmex, Rimjob Auto Shop? Yeesh! The margs are weak and just ok. Very slurpee like. A guy filled one of the slurpee marg dispensers with a huge 5 gallon unmarked container. Not a good sign. I ordered the caramel Apple martini dispensed from a similar machine. It was even weaker, but a neat liquid candy. The caramel was evenly distrbuted top to bottom. The waiter came up as we took our first sips and said, "Your food's almost ready, do you want the check?" My friend asked him his pardon and he repeated it. We were flabergasted (yet hid it with poise) and politely declined. Others servers kinda hovered after too much. I liked the tacos much more than my partner. I ate like 9 kinds, shush! I was hungry and wanted to sample many. Note DS Tequila Company does not actually make tequila. Work out the drinks and service guys. I dig Mexican with a shovel and wanna like you but make more of an effort!!!!!! It's not the sht but not terrible.
(3)Cinthia M.
Oh DS Tequila! I have never in my life, witnessed or experience the horrible, horrific service that I have at your establishment. My mother and I went to Market Days this particular evening and met up with family and friends and decided to go to DS Tequila. They had a line that was about 25 minutes long, but we waited as we were all very hungry and was eager to have, what I have been told-Great Margarita's and food! As we finally reach the front of the line there was a $5 dollar cover charge. I would not normally pay a cover charge at 6pm or especially just to sit down and eat, but once again were very hungry and this place was a regular joint for the people we were meeting. I want to cut through the whole confused look on everyone of the staff face as they seemed not to know how to sit a 6 top. We were finally ask to follow a staff member and some how along the way to sit us, he got distracted by another customer and pointed us to the corner table. We sat in a big table in the corner by the front of the patio. The girl waitress with the short hair was very nice and pleasant. As she took our order after giving us some menus, we asked if we can please put in both food and drink order and that 2 of our guest were in the washroom (we had ordered their drinks) they were going to order food, too. One more person joined in which we asked for a chair from the table next to us that was not using it. About 10 minutes after, a staff member came to our table and said we could not sit at our table and we would have to put the chair back. I told her if she could explain why, she couldn't and left confused by not knowing the reason herself. Then another staff member came, who later we would know was the manager Eric. He was the worst!! He stormed to our table and said, "you cannot sit here!" Again, when I asked why, he said at first because it was a fire hazard, which did not make sense-there was ample room. Then came back and said it was because we did not order any food. When I told him the waitress already took both orders, he left.....then came back with the waitress and said, "Here is your waitress! She said you guys only order 5 items on the menu, there are 7 of you!!" (remember the other 2 are in the line for the washroom) It was getting a little ridiculous and I felt like we were being treated like we were preschool kids, trying to prove little tedious things. I asked Eric, "what would like us to do" multiple times, he was still ranting. He first said we would all have to wait in line again. Then, just the two of us would have to wait outside in line again. He kept changing what he wanted us to do, mind you, there are 3 or 4 other tables that are empty around us!!!! At the end when I asked if he wanted us to split tables, he said no, we would all have to leave or else he would call security. I ask for his name and he said "I am the manager!" He quickly called his security (which was a nice guy, who seemed surprise by the situation) and Eric told him to take us through the emergency exit. Eric did not seem empathetic to anyone at the table or his staff. Being a restaurant and bar manager for several years, there are always ways to handle ALL situations. Eric you are a big fail in this industry, rude, egotistic, vain, narcissistic....I could go on. But one words sums you up for the way you embarrassed our table and most of all my mother. I am still in disbelief and shocked for what happened that night. I cannot believe someone lets you represent their business.
(1)Ryan S.
Love coming here on Thursday nights for all-you-can-eat tacos and Gringo Bingo! Gets super crowded for the latter, though, so come early!
(5)Kate U.
Oh DS Tequila Company, lots of great (and drunk) memories here... My friend Michelle and I stumbled into this place one Thursday night and have been back almost every Thursday night since as they have BINGO and unlimited tacos for $15. It's a great deal and the tacos are not taco-bell style tacos at all, they have some great ones! My personal favorites are the steak & fried chicken. The margaritas are an intense experience. You really only need one and you're done for the night, this place has tequila in its name for a reason. I take BINGO pretty seriously and actually thought it was rigged for awhile until my friend finally won! So therefore if you like: Bingo, tacos, and tequila come here. Oh and P.S. do not TRY that random free shot that they pass out. It's nasty cough syrup and probably one of the worst shots I've ever had. It's not even worth it even though it's free.
(3)Jon C.
Thank goodness I have friends who feel "unlimited drinks" at brunch is a requirement. $25 gets you a boozy brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings here, and that's a pretty good way to start the day. Your very own mug of mimosas holds close to a bottle of champagne and just enough OJ to turn it the palest of yellow. Don't worry though.. if you run low, the hostess has two tubes strapped to her back full of mimosas and she'll be happy to come by and top you off (tips appreciated). The second most important part of a boozy brunch is the food. I was told that Chicken and Biscuits was a must have, so it didn't take me long to decide. Two jumbo-sized biscuits with three deep fried delicious chicken tenders smothered in gravy and served with home fries. Yes sir.. this was damn good and enough food for two. Seriously.. I could only eat half of it. If you're wanting to hang out for a little while and soak up some more booze, try your hand at the beer pong table in the heated outside seating area. You'll spend a lot of time chasing balls, but if you're into that.. it's a really fun time!
(5)Dana J.
Go. To. The. Brunch. Oh my goodness, this place was so much fun. Bottomless mimosas and amazing food on a Sunday afternoon, what more could you ask for? We had reservations but I feel like most people didn't and they were seated right away. I would love to go back soon!
(4)Sheri M.
I frequent this place for the Miami Vice and the chips w/ queso and guac. The crowd is always cool and there is usually some promotion going on where I leave with a free shirt or had a couple of free drinks while I was there. They also have a patio that is great to chill out on in the summer time.
(3)Lily S.
You really can't go wrong with Thursday night unlimited tacos for $15 and 2 hours worth of BINGO. What's better? Adding alcohol to the mix. Cough syrup tasting shots for all BINGO players. Gross, but I'll take it! Margaritas served in a fish bowl. Your friend's will get schwasted mid-BINGO. You'll have to stamp their BINGO card for them in the meantime. All around, this is a good place.
(3)Maty M.
Thursday Night Bingo turned up with a DJ! Went here on a Thursday as some friends lived near and were simply seeking margaritas, we saw online what it was Gringo Bingo night and we were confused. Do not let the name of the game throw you off, it is regular bingo. And lots of it! There must have been 6 or 7 rounds, which is enough to fill about two hours. The crowd was pretty into it and having almost too much fun with bingo. Each round had a winner and they got various prizes like backpacks and coolers. While the atmosphere was brought up by having a DJ bumping some jams, it was also only 9pm and they could stand to turn down the tunes to allow for the groups playing and eating to talk and catch up. It seemed to me that dance club and bingo were mixing, which threw me for a loop. Overall, I would go back for the large variety of marg. flavors and entertainment.
(4)Mallory Z.
Came here with a group of 7 Saturday night. Made a reservation for 7:15 but we didn't need to. Wasn't too crowded at that hour. It was one of the last nice days of the year and the patio was open. Unexpected surprise. I really liked the patio. Cool vibe with a fire pit in the middle of our table, even though it doesn't light. Hawks game was on the tv, nice added bonus. The 5 ladies of our group ordered one of the flavored Margs. Good marg. Nothing to write home about. It might have been blueberry. Who remembers. We ordered the steak family size nachos for appetizers and barely finished them. Seriously huge and amazing! I could have finished the meal there and left happy. Too bad I ordered the taco dinner. It was good but I was already too full to eat much. I got the coffee rubbed steak which was good, fish which was below average, and shrimp which was great. The beans were pretty gross, could have done without those. Pretty standard Americanized tacos. If I go back, I'll stick with just the nachos. The reason I'm knocking a star off is for service. Our server was very friendly but not very attentive. After we ordered our Margs and asked for 5 glasses he darted off. The other members of our group were going to order beer but never got a chance. I'm just thankful it wasn't me who had to spend the meal sober!
(4)Kyle O.
This 2-star review is solely based on the service. The food and drinks were awesome. Went with some friends for the $.25 wing special. The place was not busy at all when we arrived, yet we were told it would be a 35 minute wait. That's fine, drinks at the bar, whatever. We got a seat on the patio and waited...and waited...and waited...for a server to arrive. This should have been our cue to run. The service was painfully slow. The food showed up 35 minutes after our appetizer was taken away, and my friends' drinks did not arrive until we reminded the server that they were missing. He blamed it on a ticketing error but...it was the last item on our bill even though we ordered it before our food. Nice try. No apologies, nothing. Didn't get a single water refill once, even though we were all eating spicy wings. Also, those wings came with no dipping sauces or celery/carrots to cool off. Such a bummer because they were really quite good and you can't beat 25 cents per wing. Unfortunately, the service was just too abysmal for us to consider going back.
(2)Janique D.
I can't say enough about this place. My husband and I have been faithfully going to DS since we moved to Boystown 2 years ago. We take all our guests there when they visit from out of town...sometimes 2 nights in a row! It has to be one of the most consistently great restaurant/bars in Chicago! Their food is always so delicious and tasty, and I was informed recently EVERYTHING at DS is made from scratch; including their tortillas. Which if you haven't tried yet, their coffee rubbed steak tacos...dreamy, freakin' dreamy! In addition, their jalapeño margaritas (mouth is salivating as I write this) are not something you can describe in words. Every person we have introduced them to, loses their marbles a bit when they try them. Be warned, they're incredibly addictive! Needless to say, we are HUGE fans of this place. The relaxed, fun vibe, paired with great food and fantastic drinks...easily 5 stars!
(5)LaVerne A.
Really baaaaaadddddd tasteless no love in the kitchen kind of food. Stopped in on a Monday and was excited to find out we lucked up on a half off all food day! We'll our eyes got way bigger than our stomachs. We scored the mother load...Yeeeessss!!!! We ordered 2 three taco dinners. The "top" coffee rubbed steak taco as written in the Chicago magazine as our server stated. The smoked chicken taco, grilled fish. and shrimp. We also ordered the buffalo wings. All of them were over topped and smothered in sauces and fruit! Just plain gross! Overall the food sucks! Great relaxed atmosphere for a couple of drinks in the outdoor garden. but that's it! Good food if your drunk maybe .....
(1)Frankie C.
This was my first time dining at DS Tequlia and it was just okay. Upon entering the restaurant, my party and I were sited right away. We sat on the covered patio, which I can only assume is suppah popular during the spring/summer. We got the salsa trio ($6) with a side of guacamole (additional $6). They legit only give you a medium scope of guacamole for a very unreasonable price...Chipotle gives you much more in comparison - plus, extremely better quality - for a fraction of the cost. For my entree I got three tacos (BBQ Chick, Coffee Rubbed Steak, & Riblets) with were the highlight of the experience. The rest of my party all got burgers, all which looked good. Unfortunately due to the bad service, I had to wait to the end of the meal to get a silverware to eat my rice and beans that came with my tacos. It was rather difficult to get anyone's attention any sooner. It wasn't busy, so I'm disappointed that the staff wasn't more attentive. Overall, good food with bad service. P.S. This establishment does have fun specials during the week: Wednesday is Trivia night and Thursday is all you can eat tacos.
(3)Jenny B.
The coffee rubbed steak tacos are some of the best tacos I've ever had....EVER. I go here just to eat those tacos. They change up their menu (at least the tacos) every so often to keep things interesting. Their drinks are good...average for any bar. More outdoor seating in the summer which is nice. Their hostess stand could use some improvement with wait times and being on top of customers, but other than that, this is a regular eating place for me. Be sure to eat here.
(5)Lamar S.
Me and my friends came here for dinner on a Friday night. This was my first time here so I was excited to see what they had to offer. It's located in boys town so you have to be in the LGBTQ community or LGBTQ friendly to enjoy the atmosphere. To start, the wait staff is awesome. The waiter we had was not only helpful but was ready for our comedic personalities as he guided us through the menu. The drinks are amazing! I had the beergarita (which you can get In any flavor. I got raspberry) and the chipotle pineapple margarita. Both were awesome and different than what I expected them to be. The prices were decent as well for the mug size you receive. The food was great! I had the steak quesadilla. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the quesadilla was the fact that they drowned the steak in A1 sauce but overall it was good. We also orders the loaded fries as an appetizer. They tasted great! It comes with this sauce that taste awesome on the fries. Expect to pay between $15-$25 for a drink or two and a meal. Overall, it's a great place to go and socialize, especially on a Friday night!
(5)Angelica C.
21+. Salsa Trio has a white sauce which is THE BEST. Don't bother with their wings, they're like frozen ones drowned in sauce. However, they do have awesome seasoned fries! They have a ton of TVs to catch all different games. Daily specials too: Monday 1/2 off all food, Tuesdays is $5 burgers + 25c wings, Trivia Wednesdays is always more fun with their $3 Fireballs shots (they had some pretty awesome prizes when I was there), Thursdays are Bingo. You can also get Dining Points if you make a reservation through OpenTable.
(3)Norm J.
DS Tequila is a good spot to go to if you are with a group of friends in Boystown and want a chill spot to eat OR if you've been doing Sunday Funday and need a burger or tacos to help settle your stomach because you have a 8a.m conference call the next day. The food is good, but not memorable. *My friends all got a variety of tacos and thought they were OK. *I got the Lady Marmalade Burger (sweet red onion marmalade, gruyere cheese, spicy aioli on a pretzel bun for $13.89). The burger hit the spot seeing how I'd been enjoying the adult beverages for 4 hours, but for the price I paid I would have rather gone to Burger Bar. *I also got the XXX Jalapeño Poppers and let me tell you these bad boys are HUGE and HOT! I mean I was expecting jalapeño poppers like the ones you can buy in the freezer section at the grocery store...X WRONG. These poppers, which you get 4 of, look like they were doing the same steriods that Mark McGwire was taking (I can't get sued for that comment can I). If your mouth can handle the heat I definitely recommend you try these. The best thing about DS Tequila is the music. The entire time we were there one great song after the other came on. Thankfully, I was trapped in the middle of the booth so I couldn't get up and show off my awesome So You Think You Can Dance hip hop skills.
(3)Aaron S.
Service was amazing - our waitress was so fun, kind, and fast. Went on $15 all you can eat taco night. While it's all you can eat, I was only able to eat about 4 of them. They are super filling, and that's coming from a big boy. The margaritas were good, and strong. I'll most definitely come back again. There are a lot of negative reviews for this place, but I had a very good experience
(4)Andre W.
Tequila ya betches!!! An old friend decided to have her bday celebration here and I was pretty excited because I have been wanting to check this place out for awhile. I noticed the interior was pretty tight as there was a long communal table in the middle of the joint in between the bar and the booths over to the left hand side. There is an outside seating space, but my group was occupying the long ass communal table which was cool. Place gets pretty loud which is expected...i probably added to the loudness with all my damn screaming LOL. I opted for the High Octane Margarita per the server's advice. I only read part of what the ingredients were which is why I did not notice everclear was in the mix until someone mentioned it lol. It was really good to say the least. Whats funny is that they will not allow you to have more than 2 per sitting. I figured I should eat something after having that drink so I got some tacos. I went with a short rib taco and 2 tequila shrimp tacos. The tequila shrimp taco were really good as the short rib taco was quite disappointing. There were TVs everywhere which was cool as it was opening weekend for college football. Service was really good as there were able to handle our very large group with no problem. Good spot for tequila & tacos and I will definitely come back for more.
(4)Lisa A.
I came here for a fundraiser benefit event so it was for free drinks and appetizers for 2 hours. The service was good and the bar was serving plenty of good standard drinks and margaritas. They served fried chicken tenders with 4 different kinds of sauces that were tasty and the quesadillas were scrumptious and not skimpy with the meat or cheese. I only hesitate to come back because there was an odor permeating the establishment that was a little concerning.
(3)Dana O.
Absolutely love this place! We go for brunch all the time! We recently had Bennett as out waiter and he was awesome. Very attentive and always on top of it.
(5)Christian C.
Went there today and my friend found hair on his classic burger. You would think they would give you some discount or offer you something to make up for the hair but nope! Instead, our server with no personality came back with our bill saying "my math is a little off and couldn't figure how to split a $27.50 bill". Enough said, this place is pricey, loud and service is poor. Never coming back here til management resolves their issues!
(1)Holly M.
I've only been here twice and I loved it both times! The fishbowl margaritas are super awesome--not overwhelmingly strong, but gets the job done. I had the California burger the last time I went. It was... AMAZING. They put an entire half of an avocado on it and it's so juicy and wow..it was great. We ordered chips and guacamole. We received a big basket of chips and a tiny bowl of avocado--definitely not enough guac for two people. But the waitress brought us a second basket of chips just for the heck of it, so that was nice. We were seated in the side area that is usually open during the summer. It was a cold night and, although enclosed, the space we were in was freezing. So, we shivered and ate, but our margaritas warmed us up just fine. Our waitress was super nice, as was the bus-boy, and it was just an all-around great environment. Can't wait to go again once I'm back in Chicago.
(4)Cat K.
I went here on half off Monday! OH MY GOD! All I did was get a glass of coke and the large Texas Trash Can Nachos. It all came out to be around only $13. Sever was delightful but she didn't warn me on how LARGE this large nachos is. It's the size of a big baby. It was massive. I got it with the steak topping and the small cubed steak melted in my mouth, it was so good. She also told me that the steak is from a supplier that makes high quality steak and that they sell to steakhouses where the cuts come out to be $100 a plate. I felt so goddamn spoiled. I could only finish half of the nachos with my friend. I took the rest home, and the box was a little heavy haha. This was my 3rd time here and I'm never disappointed. I'm always coming back.
(5)Tiffany F.
Food is always good- a go to for drinks and food with friends. Tacos are always great, but so are the burgers!! Love the margs and Moscow mules for drinks.
(5)Grierson L.
Great food and nice service. Quite the menu variation and the tacos are superb! The restrooms: not so much! They need a complete remodel. Half priced food on Mondays, so that was a nice surprise.
(3)Kalina N.
Monday is half off food menu! Heck yes! Go on a Monday so you can taste all the goodness! Their tacos are to die for! (just a little too spicy for my taste) I came here after seeing a movie near by, and boy was it the right choice. The food is so extremely good. I haven't tried their specialty drinks yet, but I have heard good things. Friendly staff, dimmed atmosphere, cool crowd. Oh and that cookie! It comes on a skillet with an ice cream scoop... The cookie is HUGE! 4-5 people can share it! Tasty too!
(5)Puran R.
Poor service, mediocre food, average ambience, overpriced. That about summarizes it accurately.
(1)Shannon H.
Terribly unprofessional management! I understand that today is a holiday, but I also don't like getting being told I don't know what time I arrived. My sisters and I came in at 8:10 and were quoted an hour. We then went across the street to buy drinks and waste time. When we came back an hour later we checked in and were told it would probably be another twenty minutes. I said, "okay we were quoted an hour when we arrived an hour ago, so I just wanted to know it it would really be a full twenty minutes." The female manager the told me that we checked in at 8:29 that's why we were in the position we were. I told her that was impossible and showed her the receipt from the round of drinks I purchased at the bar across the street at 8:18pm. She then gave me a terribly rude attitude and told me regardless, she had other people that came in before me that needed to be sat. I wasn't arguing that; I was just questioning the validity in their quote times. I don't need an attitude; a simple, calm and professional explanation would have sufficed or a simple apology that it was a holiday and perhaps they were under-quoting due to how busy they were. But clearly their system is incorrect as I couldn't have possibly checked in for a table at 8:29 when I had checked in & gone across the street and purchased drinks by 8:18pm. Incredible disappointment with the managing. Our server, even being slammed with tables, was still incredibly personable and made the wait kind of worth it.
(2)T M.
Went for the first time with a group of friends last night. It was dead but we decided to give them our business anyway. We ordered Margarita Bowls and definitely felt ripped off after realizing that it was 30% Margarita and the rest was ice. $15 bucks for ice? Never again! The bartenders were shady and seemed like they didn't wanna be there. No wonder you guys have no business on a Friday night. Oh and one of the bartenders said that we can't use our electronic cigarette. Newsflash to the dumb bartender, it's not a real cigarette, it's water vapor. There is no law against using it anywhere. Just close your joint before you loose anymore money, it's not worth anyone's time.
(1)Dane K.
It's been almost a year since my initial visit so I was a bit curious but reluctantly so to go back. I went on a Monday which is 1/2 off food at least. I ordered the pulled pork quesadilla, which the server went through some lengthy explanation of how "they" do it when in fact it's like every other quesadilla you've ever seen on earth. The pulled pork was about as lackluster as expected, if they make it in house they are wasting a lot of time because my crock pock pulled pork could kick their ass any day of the week. And for a quesadilla it was just on the too saucey side. Having experienced a horrid margarita last time, then being told by the owner I didn't know what an "authentic" margarita was, I was most looking forward to ordering another margarita. I ordered a slightly premium margarita. It was drinkable, but still sour as hell. I think they use one of those "bar" grade orange juices and it's sour and nasty, and too much of it at that. No Grand Marnier/triple sec in this margarita, it needed it. And it IRKS me that they serve their margaritas in a skinny rimmed thick walled beer mug. You shouldn't drink a margarita in a straw, but they pretty much force you to. For a frozen this is probably irrelevant (and actually, the frosty mug is probably nice for a frozen margarita), but for an "on the rocks w/ salt" margarita, it changes how it tastes. Still a huge improvement over my first visit's disgust with my drink, which still makes me pucker my lips just thinking about it and the condescending a-hole who felt the need to defend it. At 7pm on a Monday I wasn't expecting to hear any earth shattering music, but their music was so HORRIBLE I would've preferred silence. I have a relatively high tolerance for bad music. Did someone really go to Pandora and say "hey will you play Poison AND Will.I.Am, please, and if possible some 2001 era B96 remixes?" ... I'm sorry but "Put Your Hands Up In the Air" might be fun to play in a packed bar of drunk people late at night in 2006, but at 7pm on a Monday in 2011 when there are 3 tables? Please stop. The staff had nothing to do while we were there but play beer pong. Literally. That's what they were doing the entire time. Occasionally the hostess would stop to prop herself onto the hostess stand and pretend to act like she cared about carding people (insulting customers along the way) They do have an actual printed menu now but don't have any sort of developed drink menu that would make you think it's anything other than the dime-a-dozen bars found in Wrigleyville. Their focus originally was explained that they were going to sell real margaritas, for example, yet their menu has instead been written to cater to the lowest common denominator and now has as many "flavors" as possible with absolutely no focus on quality of ingredients going in. No mention of a tequila brand anywhere either that I remember (which is probably on purpose, since it seems their private label "DS Tequila" brand didn't take off). Instead of trying to one up the guys at Clark/Illinois who know what they're doing when it comes to margaritas, they've instead morphed into any dime a dozen place that you'd find at Clark/Addison. 3 stars is being overly nice.
(3)Jon J.
Have been there a few times but most recently for the Bears/Packers game. Two of us got there around noon and were waiting for 4 other friends to show up so we requested a booth for six. About 15 minutes before gametime we were informed that the manager was pissed because we were taking up space and our friends have not yet arrived. Between the two of us, we were ordering plenty of drinks and food. The waiter was cool but it put a bad taste in my mouth about the manager's comments. Walking past this place plenty of times and seeing how empty it always is, I thought they would appreciate any business they could get but that doesn't seem to be the case with this place.
(1)HRH J.
It has improved a lot and the food (wings) are so tasty! The michelada is actually good, although idk where and when Tecate became a fancy beer... Oh well come and enjoy!
(5)Kenya H.
I went there with my best friend and had a great time. I did go during off peak hours so of course I had great service. The food was really good, the tequila onions on the steak taco was so good I could have eaten them all by themselves. The tacos were a on the small side, but the taste more than made up for it. The margarita's are good (not great) but good. I also had the jalapeno poppers. These are REAL jalapeno's stuffed with cheese, battered and deep fried. Best of all I found out they are open late late. whoo hoo... I will defiantly be back.
(4)Samantha H.
So, at first glance the place seems okay. The outside area is of course welcomed in Chicago, which is why we were actually coming here one evening. But the tables are horrible and uneven and very small. The four of us were at a table better suited for two. But the inside isn't very large so I guess it's better outside. Now, there is tequila in the name of the place, yet they only carry two tequilas...and neither one is Patron. Does this not strike anyone else as odd? Service was not horrible but pretty sub par. The margaritas made with Everclear, now those are some good things (unless you had already had 3 glasses of wine as I had, not recommended). If you've been to el Jardin, you know what I'm talking about. These are not for the faint of heart. That was pretty much the only good thing about this place though. They had no chips and salsa at the tables...really? What kind of tequila place is this! No tequila, no chips and salsa? That was rather annoying. The nachos were decent, nothing to write home about. Overall an average place but taking one off for the no chips and salsa, can't seem to get past it!
(2)Christina B.
All you need is the high octane margarita and you are good for the night. Only had drinks at this place, never ate here -- but fun atmosphere...and delicious margaritas!
(4)steve s.
Wow. Horrible. Complete and utter disappointment. Granted it was Market Days, and not a typical weekend, but this place is lame. Here's an idea....let's open a tequila bar and have one brand of nasty well tequila, and a bartender with attitude that could have cared less. This place will be a hit with visitors and young kids, but for locals with taste... Spend your money and time elsewhere.
(1)Paul B.
Great casual space. The food is great and they are often updating the menu with even more delicious options. The staff is fun and it is a great place to hang with friends. I recommend trivia night on Wednesdays.
(5)David G.
So I had to downgrade DS rating. I am very particular about customer service and this place should be treated no differently. I eat out frequently and so I figured I would be by here at least once a week, either for a drink or dinner. I think I may hold off on this place until I see there ratings improve. It seems everyone is experiencing the same sort of attitude/rude behavior from their wait staff. Do the owners realize the power has shifted to the consumer? In the current economic climate they should be more focused on customer service training verses how 'pretty' it looks on the inside.
(2)Todd S.
Don't bother. Food is terrible, margaritas are overpriced. I can see this being another in a series of sterotypical Bostown bars where bitchy queens hang out. Patio is nice I guess, but you cant go wrong with a patio.
(1)Ginny D.
So working our way through all of the great patios in Lakeview and accidentally came across this one that wasn't listed in any reviews or recommendations and all I can say is man they need to be known for their patio! Comfortable seating, great wait staff, stellar margaritas, superb music and all managed so well you can have actual conversation while enjoying said fab margaritas! Lovely place - will definitely be back for more!
(5)Michael S.
Not sure what other reviewers are talking about, I've been going to D.S. since it opened. #1, the patio is great..not a better spot on Halsted for drinks and/or food. #2, great spot to watch any football..I've spent many Saturdays and Sundays here, the staff cannot be any more accomodating in switching games around on their tv's so that you have the game you'd like to watch in front of you! #3, the food is very good. Has to be one of the best burgers in town, definitely in Boystown. Steak tacos are amazing...and for the reviewer complaining about only getting three, please note that you can order them a la carte and get as many as you'd like with whatever meat you'd like!!! Jeez, if you're that hungry maybe you should keep some animal crackers in your pocket!! Matt and Sarah, two outstanding bartenders...will definitely keep you coming back!!
(4)Jesselyn E.
I really like this place! The XXX Jalapeno Poppers are the best (and spiciest!) I have ever had, and the other food I have tried there was pretty good, too (not great, but pretty good). The drink are of course their feature and I have liked the ones I tried. However I must say I can't imagine coming here in the colder months for a meal (as opposed for drinks/partying), as the patio is quiet and relaxing but the indoor seating is LOUD (purposefully, definitely a party zone).
(4)amanda y.
the d.s. must stand for delightfully standard, because that's exactly what this place is. i definitely looove the outdoor patio and the fire pit things that you must fight and die for. they have a trivia night, also! THE NACHOS ARE THE BEST DEAL HERE. personally, i think much of the stuff here is a rip off. if you feel like real mexican food, go north two blocks oh halsted to taco burrito palace. they have delish food for cheap, but i'll tell you what they don't have: an edgy chiptole-esque theme on the inside, where you can see dude-bro bears playing beer pong, hags with their gay husbands and on the outside you can find ladies and gentleladies just looking to sit on a patio on halsted, where they can watch all of the unadulterated hair pulling and cock fights that go on every night of the week in boystown. anyways, the margs here are alright. i had one once, but i don't think i will be getting one again. i'll stick to my 40 from 7/11 before hand and maybe spring for a 10 dollar fishbowl, a supposedly "40oz" sugary mess that's sure to put you in sunglasses the next morning.
(3)Matthew F.
If the D.S. stands for Dysentary & Salmonella then it is perfect. Never forget this is a bar masquerading as a restaurant (not vice verse) I've been here 4 times, only once by my choice. Had lousy experience almost every time. The first was probably a few months after opening and the waiter "forgot" to place our food order. This was forgivable since they were quite busy and relatively new. The next time honestly wasn't all that bad as we were seated outside, promptly served, etc... The third time a passing waitress spilled a drink all over me, never said sorry nor offered to bring me a towel/napkins. The last and most recent time I swear I got food poisoning. At least 2 other people I know who ate there on that same day came down with similar symptoms. There is an old adage which says that you can judge the cleanliness of an establishment's kitchen by how they maintain their bathrooms...just saying the city health inspector needs to visit.
(2)David R.
don't waste your time or money. Stopped here on Saturday for a few pitchers and some apps. Pitcher was ALL ice, and.. every app we ordered came back wrong. twice. When served correctly, the food was cold. Guacamole was crusty and black... looked like it was a week old... wings were cold, one was raw. Server was apologetic but all said and done, the bill was over $100 for 3 of us, for lunch, and we walked away hungry and very dissappointed. The ONLY good thing about this place is the outside seating and location. My friends had warned me that the food was starting to go downhill recently., and they've only been open a few months. I'd say they're almost at rock bottom. Any worse, they'd have to give it away. This is just another "see and be seen" place that the block is littered with. If you REALLY want to go some place to eat, go somewhere else. Don't waste your money here.
(1)Xavier B.
Stopped in and sat on the outdoor patio with my boyfriend even moved to the main table facing the strip. One waiter walked passed about 5 times another girl seemed lost and the last waiter hugged her buddy table sat down and left. one owner said hi and kept going. total time 15 minutes without even a meet and greet. Cute place bad service host was nice.
(1)Eric F.
This review coveres two occasions when I visited this place. This place just plain sucks. The 'service' (and I use quotation marks because what we recieved cannot legitimately be called service) is poor. We waited an inordinate amount of time to get our drinks. They served my friend the wrong quesadilla. The 'fried chicken' taco consists of tyson fried chicken nuggets (the frozen kind) rolled into a jewel taco. I cant believe this place gets business with all the other options out there. Never again.
(2)Jeanee S.
I can honestly say besides the bartenders this place is on of our new found fav's. The High Octane Margarita's are excellent! The pulled pork taco's and burgers are SO GOOD!!!! The manager Sara made my fiancee' and I so welcome that we went back three days in a row and promised to make it our regular hangout spot. The wait staff is very fun and hospitable. But their bartenders attitude SUCKS. But since we didn't really go to the bar and received our drink orders by our fabulous waiter Jared we were taken care of! I thank DS for a great time!!!
(4)Matt Y.
Eh. The food is only OK -- particularly desert. The warning that the center of the chocolate cupcake is hot would lead you to believe it had just been made. Not so -- pretty cold. Confused orders, blamed on the fact that the kitchen was busy despite quite a lot of open tables. No sides to go with the tacos. No free chips like there are at most mexican places. And a little bit grouchy when we pointed out a couple of errors on our bill. Hopefully they'll get it together as time goes on. Has potential, but not there yet.
(2)Joe M.
I enjoyed the decor and the atmosphere in the bar area. The menu I found to be a bit limited but the big problem was the service and time it took to get our food. 45 minutes for nachos ? 55 minutes for four tacos ? I saw several people in the same situation. I even overheard a server tell a party of three to just leave as they had not gotten their food in over an hour. The team service plan does not seem to be working here. 15 minutes after my nachos had arrived, a server came to me with another order of nachos. Probably not the servers fault but they bear the brunt. The kitchen needs to get more organized ! The nachos were very good though, so that got them two stars.
(2)P H.
We LOVE Frankie! If he's there, ask for him! He has a pleasant personality, is accurate with orders and very attentive. We haven't been fans of the breakfast choices - but, if you stick with DS Tequila's core competencies, "trash can nachos", salads and tacos, you won't be disappointed!
(4)Clayton M.
This place is gross. Food sucks ... The crowd is worse. Overpriced.
(1)Jason V.
I think this place has potential, but don't really plan on going back right now. The concept is ok, but is this a gay bar? It sure doesn't seem like it. And the music was BAD. I am all for the non-twink bars (i.e. North End, Crew) but I just didn't get this bar. It felt like it was still in the closet. Like you assumed it was gay, but wasn't really sure. The drinks were decent, but not great. I'll give it a try again a few months down the road and hopefully be a little better.
(2)Amy Y.
The only thing I remember about my food was that I NEEDED that margarita to make it feel tasty. Tortilla was not fresh, and the dish tasted like it was slapped together as an afterthought. Drinks was just ok but overpriced. It has a nice outdoor space, so too bad that the food and drink was so thoughtlessly done.
(2)Tim G.
On entering we were greeted with blaring rock and what appeared to be a bachelorette party or some other messy affair. Service was good. A pitcher of Margaritas on the rocks tasted alcohol free. We switched to frozen Margaritas. The chemical taste was unpleasant borderline repulsive. Trio of salsa and chips was $3.39. Two salsas were good but the three tablespoon serving of each was skimpy. The third salsa was Ranch Dressing. Tacos at $2.69 a piece were small but tasty. The presentation was sad. The $8.49 burger looked lonely on the plate. Fries were and additional $3+. Rip off. Border town dive bar or Mexican restaurant...the owners need to choose one and do it right.
(1)Jamie O.
Yay for a cheap, Mexican-American spot with reasonably priced margaritas, spitting distance from my apartment! The service has a few glitches, as does any new restaurant. The menu is focused and fun. You can choose a variety of taco types for only $3 each. Shrimp taco was my favorite. Expect tasty food and drink on a nice outdoor patio.
(2)Lisa C.
I am shocked that the reviews are not better for this place. I went went on a Friday night a few weeks ago and had a great experience. The Huevos Ranchero Burger was unusual and really tasty. I also tried their jalapeño poppers which were literally full jalapeños stuffed and fried - also like nothing I have ever tasted before. Our sever was really friendly and offered actual suggestions and not, "everything on the menu is good". The coupon I found in the Redeye did help shape my opinion, but they do offer 1/2 price food on Mondays. I plan on returning and taking advantage of some of the deals they offer during the week.
(5)Cassie C.
Just went here for the first time yesterday for a margarita and a quick taco. The tacos were great, the margaritas were even better. I know this is a pretty small detail but....the Jalepeno Ranch that comes with the chips trio was out of this world! The servers are very friendly and attentive and the management was walking around outside on the patio the whole time making sure everything was ok. Our waiter was the BEST, made some great suggestions and kept us laughing through our entire meal. The patio is great for a sunny afternoon and for some good people watching. Overall, I very much enjoyed this place and I would definitely come back!
(5)Wayne B.
Great food and a great atmosphere, what else do you want!
(5)Ryan F.
Another cheesy crap food joint in Boystown....but what do you expect...it is owned by Mini bar!! I don't mean to be a food snob, but this place serves some pretty gross food. The owner was very friendly, but boy....the food servers are terrible. Considering it is named Tequila Company, margaritas were the worst I have ever had. But again, I am not surprised! Oh, btw, they are working on their own brand of Tequila :)
(2)Dan L.
I had high hopes for a great Mexican joint in Boystown. This isn't it. First, the good news is that the tacos are in fact superb. But, down hill after that. The inside is way too loud. I also don't get the fake tacky signs on the windows. And the outdoor space is way too blah. What's with the tables with the fake fireplace in the middle anyway? Margaritas were a big disappointment. They are missing a layer of complexity that one would expect from a fresh margarita. If I had to guess, it's because they're using only lime juice and tequila--no Grand Marnier or triple sec. Not on the same caliber as Frontera, Salpicon, etc. Chips don't have any character either. They're about as thin as a potato chip; like the margaritas, lacking any depth of a "home made" style chip. The three salsas are bland, bland bland. Guac has no flavor. Some of this may be due to being a new restaurant, but after a month, I would have expected some fine tuning. I may give it one more try -- but that's about it. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that the owners feel they know better than their customers and won't change a thing. And finally a word about the name: I have a feeling they purposely chose the name to get a little buzz. But, it's not working. Besides the obvious politically incorrectness, no one has yet mentioned anything about the slogan for the restaurant, which goes something like, "Bad to Say, But good to taste." DID THEY THINK THAT THROUGH???
(1)Lawrence Y.
Hopped on over here after exiting Sidetrack. Patio area is now closed and the bar was pretty empty for a Saturday night. Drinks were okay - just had a slushie, friends said that their drinks were pretty strong through. Bartender we had was nice, and attentitive as he needed to be (ie he didn't come hound us every five minutes). Can't rate the food this time around, though.
(3)Kelly P.
I just want to say I absolutely love this place! Its my first time here and everyone is so nice and its just fun here! Mikey is the best server I ever had! He's so fun and attentive! I just have to say the jalpenos poppers are to die for! So if you have a group of friends and wanna get loose and dance on a bar go to d.s tequila ;)
(5)Josie F.
Finally D.S. Tequila got it together. I was dragged here for the third time for food. The previous two times had made think I would never eat here again. My friends ordered a bunch of food. I ordered one taco in hopes the food had improved. So much better than before. The nachos are awesome. One of my friends is not from the U.S. and does not know how to address waiters. I was expecting Justin our server to loose it. He was friendly and patient the whole time. I live around the corner from this place and am happy I gave it another try. One thing, cut back on the bubble gum pop bad music. We went on Trivia night. It was a blast. NEW CHEF YAY!!! It is safe to give it another try everyone. Do it.
(4)C C.
Is it bad that I kinda like this place? Based on the Yelp reviews, I am going against the crowd. Oh well, I've never joined the crowd before, so why now? Yes, this place is white-trashy but in a tongue-in-cheek, kitschy way that is enjoyable. The rice is so Uncle Ben's, not authentic Mexican, but it's kinda tasty. The tacos (unlike Mercadito!) can be ordered a la carte to mix and match a plate of three. Great specials every night of the week too. S'mores Reeces sundae is not to be missed!
(4)Ryan F.
I wish I could give 3.5 stars. I went with a group of 8 last night and it was good...nothing amazing. We all got tacos which were very good. My friend and I ordered a margarita, and you can tell it is from a can...not the best margarita. The place is supposed to be known for the tequila, but I couldn't get over the bad juice they used. Our waiter was decent, I don't like that they use Ipads to take the order. It seems dumb.
(3)Samantha M.
Trivia! I love trivia. Really - love it. Any place that has trivia is pretty awesome in my book. And trivia + Mexican food? I was in heaven. Last night was my first time at D.S. Tequila and I can guarantee I will be going back every Wednesday from now on. My boyfriend and I wanted to try this place out because the grand opening was happening and the specials looked great. ($4 blended margs, $2 tacos?!) We walked in and were promptly greeted and shown to a table. Justin was our server and he as very knowledgeable of the menu and had some great suggestions. I had the raspberry margarita (delicious!) and my boyfriend had the house marg. I will agree that they weren't very strong but they tasted delicious. I got a floater shot in my margaritas which made them all better. :) We ordered the jalapeno poppers to start. They were so cheesy and gooey..it was divine. You gotta love cheese tho - and they leave the seeds in so there is a bit of a kick while eating them. For me, they were perfect. After that, trivia started! I LOVE TRIVIA! My boyfriend and I stayed to play trivia and eat some more. We got the elote corn pops, some chips and salsa, and three tacos. I had the mushroom taco and he ate the crispy fish and a meat one of some sort. The mushroom taco was sooooo good! I could have eaten like nine of them. The tacos are small - approximately 3 - 4 bites worth so if you are hungry order more than one. The elote corn pops were basically corn on the cob seasoned and drizzled with a cream mixture. They were really unique and different but I liked them alot. In the end, my boyfriend and I came in second place at trivia and they covered our bill as a prize!! I will definitely be going back.
(4)Louis B.
I have been to DS Tequila numerous times. Great environment that has fun Servers and Managers. Two that stand out the most is Mikey (server) and Erin (Bar Manager). For some good food, low key or dancing on the bar mood, and non pretentious staff. Check this place out! LLB
(4)Andrew F.
Very crappy food and the servers are usually jerks. Sometimes an O.K. experience but during market days our food came out cold - not cold like it had been sitting there but actually refrigerated still. We also waited an hour for our meals to come out. Meanwhile no update from the server or refills on cocktails or water. When the bill came out we were charged for several items we didn't order. The server rolled his eyes at us when we told him and walked away. We got the manager and they helped resolve the situation. After paying and leaving the table, the server ran after us and basically accused us of dine and dash. Really??? When we were escorted back to the table he learned the manager had already taken the tab and the money. Apparently this is just normal behavior...we didn't even get an apology. Hire some servers (and cooks) that can deliver hot food with a smile and this place will turn around.
(1)Carlo N.
I have been here 4 times.. I have to admit the first time was awesome.. I have no clue what had happened after that great experince.. The last time I was at this location it was horrible.. I think its quite strange that they want to place everyones taco's on the same platter... With after talking to other friends, they also do not like that kind of presentaion. I do not want to share a plate with someone when I am ordering foof for myself.. Not that I wont share my food with my friends or family.. The serivce at this place has been horrible. We need a place in boystown but do not take advantage of the community that wants your location to make it.. We hope you make changes to your service and how you present your food to us as customers.
(1)John S.
A brand new entry to the combination of food and bar establishments in Lakeview, DS Tequila Company is sure to be a hit. The margaritas were as good as any I've ever had in L.A. The taco options are vast, and uniformly tasty (we tried six different tacos). And DS' take on Mexican street corn on the cob beats what you can get nearly anywhere in L.A. Friendly and helpful staff as well. A great addition and worthy of anyone's visit.
(5)Aaron W.
I am mostly a hard person to please when it comes time for new restaurants in the city. This is not only one of my favorite spots, but let me tell you it brings joy to my heart that people that work here love what they do. If you need to have a good time and kick back and have good tacos and burgers come check out this place. Please be advice you have to dance cause if not they will make you lol J/K...
(4)R B.
I was expecting more. I had two tacos and the jalapeno poppers. The tacos were all tortilla with just a smidge of filling. flour tortillas to boot :( The jalapeno popper was interesting. I'm torn between liking them and not. At the end of it, I decided as interesting as the flavor was, it really just tasted like deep fried, cheesy grill char and I probably wouldn't order them again, although the lime flavored creamy dip for them was quite delicious. The staff was fine but it was very dead when I came in. I'd come again to give it another chance once they've been open for a while and work the kinks out. I trust the guys that run the joint to get on top of it, so I will give it another go in the future. Don't rule it out, give it chance you might like it. I just had higher expectations.
(3)Jessica C.
sooo me and my co workers decided to try something new for some drinks. and id heard they had miami vices so i was so down. the place was nice we sat outside since it was a nice. i was pretty excited to see the drink menu bc everything sounded so good. but to my surprise but my fourth drink i wasnt all that buzzed needless to say it wasmt really that busy yet my drink felt like it took forever to come. turns out the day we pick had half priced appetizers which were good nothing amazing but good our waiter did not tell us it was half priced but the guy that served us did. so when the bill came i was pretty annoyed that i had to mention that we knew it was half priced just didnt find it a good look on his end but eh. also the check in on fb did get us loaded fries lol so that was another plus i guess. in conclusion i dont see it as a place id return too at least for drinks
(2)David S.
Was in Chicago 11/03/2011 visiting and Ended my night at DS Tequila, My friends and I had a great time. The Bartender Matt did such a great job!!! I will be stopping by again next time I am in town. GOOD JOB MATT!!!
(4)Blake H.
we went during opening week for their $1 chips, $2 tacos, $3 margs on the rocks & $4 frozen margs. we sat outside under a heater which was nice because we were able be loud. our waiter was really nice but it took forever. like, really really really long time. BUT i had ordered pitcher's of margs so i didnt mind. however i thought the tacos were amazing. especially for $2 BUT even at full price they are all under $3. the mushroom was AMAZING and the chorizo was really spicy. i also thought the margaritas were better than other cheap mexican place. and by that i imean it didnt taste like aristocrat tequila & corn-syrup. (apparently they brew [?] make their own tequila. when i go to a mexican place i am usually there for company & margs & chips. i dont mind waits, as long as that is all i am doing that night. i hope they tighten up their service (not cheeriness but speediness) and i will definitely be back.
(3)Melissa B.
This past Sunday a group of my friends and I went to an undisclosed location to have brunch and watch the Bears game. Well when we got there they had lost our reservation. So we walked down the street to Mini Bar because we needed some food in our bellies. We were very disappointed to not be able to watch the game. When we got to Mini Bar the owner greeted us at the door and we told him our situation. He immediately got on his phone and called over to DS Tequila and asked if they would have room over there to accommodate our group. The manager personally walked over and gathered our group and walked us back to DS. They had a table ready for us right away where we were surrounded by gigantic flat screens. They offered us the same deal that they had at the undisclosed location. $20 for an entree and unlimited mimosas. The food was great and the staff were amazing! I would definitely go back here again!
(4)Becca C.
I'm really shocked by the bad reviews here. I've been here multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The food is delicious--faves are the steak taco, shrimp taco, and fried fish taco. Chips, salsa, and guac are all good. Good drink specials and I've always had good service. I had one complaint during my last visit--the rice that was served with our tacos was undercooked. I mentioned this to the manager when she came by to check on things--mostly to let her know so they stopped serving it and made a new batch. She did this and gave us some to go (we told her it wasn't necessary) and also gave us free shots.
(4)Angela C.
not a fan, bad service food was just ok.
(1)Ashlan S.
I LOOOOOOOVE this place!!!!! My bf and I went and had breakfast at Nookies one morning, right down the street, and after we ate a big breakfast we decided we wanted a little Sunday morning drink! We walked by DS Tequila and decided to go on in. EVer since then, we have pretty much been once a week! Everyone there is so nice and very fun and I have NEVER had a bad server. Inside is great, and when it is a nice day out, the patio is awesome too. Great people watching view of Halsted. Being from Texas,and growing up totally spoiled by awesome Tex-Mex food, I am a little bit of a snob when it comes to Mexican food, but the food is actually pretty good. The coffee rubbed steak tacos are delicious! Especially with a little dip of some jalapeno ranch dressing, yum yum yum! The number one thing that I love about this place are the drinks! It is so hard for me to find a good margarita and they have about 4 or 5 that are to die for! They are strong, and are seriously my favorite thing to drink in Chicago. I love the atmosphere here too. There's always good music, again, great servers, good service and TV's all around for when there is a game on. We also played trivia night last week and although we lost, it was really lots of fun. We continue to go here all the time, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to have a GREAT margarita, good food and just be around happy people. Love you DS tequila! As soon as I get off work tonight, I'll be heading your way!
(5)Allen M.
Been wanting to go here for a while so we went late on Sat for some food. Ambiance is good, the drinks are OK and the staff is hot, that's about all the place has going for it. I ordered two coffee covered skirt steak tacos. When the food came out in a decent amount of time I was taken back at the portion size, it was a two bite taco, and tough as hell, almost inedible. For almost 4.00 a taco I was quite disappointed in the food. At least I left with a buzz.
(2)Trevor H.
If you haven't been living under a rock (well at least under a rock in Boystown), you are probably familiar with DS Tequila. But if you haven't been for their weekend brunch, you are in for a wild afternoon. First off, I love DS's nachos and margaritas any day of the week. But, on Saturday and Sunday, you can indulge in a "boozy" brunch that you'll swear was fun, but it might just be a tad hazy. Ok, so $30 gets you two Bloody Mary's, an entree, and... UNLIMITED mimosas served in a giant mug. If you hate bloody anything, then you can just fork over $25 dollars for everything sans Bloody Mary's. But honestly, their Bloody Bar is filled with all sorts of treats to fill your bloody like bacon, peppers, celery, cheeses, horseradish... well you'll have to see for yourself. For a spicy version, ask for the Absolut Pepar. Once you have developed a nice buzz, start on your mimosas. You'll probably have ordered by now, but make sure you order the Breakfast Sandwich. You won't be sorry. The skillets are delicious, but not quite as satisfying as heaven on a biscuit. I can't quite quote the ingredients (my memory is hazy) but it's so good. Once your mimosa is starting to empty, Melanie the Mimosateer will swing by with her Mimosa jet-pack. And that's about the last thing I can remember before it all goes black.... Just kidding! If you aren't too full you'll probably want to continue drinking, otherwise you might be ready for a quick nap before heading back out for your Sunday Funday! Cheers!
(4)Selena A.
I decided to meet a coworker for dinner here. $17 for all you can eat tacos if you buy a drink? what a steal! you have to order three tacos, which isn't hard because there is a variety to choose from. you have your choice of almost everything; shrimp, chicken, pulled pork, steak, veggie, you name it. the first round of tacos comes with rice and beans, which were pretty good, I'd give them an 8/10. you continue to order your tacos in groups of three. I enjoyed the steak tacos the most. The chicken tacos were a little too crunchy. I liked the fact that i could order three of the same taco, that made my meal well worth it because I got what I wanted. The service wasn't horrible but I could definitely have done without the loud yelling amongst co workers a cross the room. Sounded like teenage girls at one point but it's a bar so I'll let it slide. They were very quick to get our drinks and food to us. It was hot and ready and that is always appreciated. Thank you! The drink I had was so strong. It was a blue margarita tasting drink. My friend orderd a pitcher and it definitely tasted like more vodka than anything else. Had it been a Friday night I may not have minded, but on Thursday evening, I like my drink to taste like I can't taste the alcohol. Over all I'd come back here for the deal on tacos once in a while. Boystown is always fun!
(4)Lee S.
I am continually impressed with this place. The food never has disappointed, I have never not had a blast here and only once did I get slightly annoyed with our server. I like to go here on Thursdays for their gringo bingo night. Basically starting at 9 this ridiculous man gets up and leads free bingo with some actually really great prizes ranging from t shirts and sunglasses to a $250 bar tab at one of the companies sister restaurants. They have all you can eat tacos on Thursdays that look great but I have never been so indulgent. However, I would highly recommend their nachos, double decker quesadillas and, surprisingly for a Mexican restaurant, the sweet potato fries. My only complaint about my service was that there was one time our server just went completely missing. I get that the place gets pretty busy especially during bingo sometimes but even after cutting him some slack I'd say he still took way too long. However, I think that was a one off situation because every other time our service has been exceptional.
(4)Travis W.
They seem to have a very difficult time delivering in the events they post advertise. Being off well over an hour is not good. Food is limited in choice, but decent in taste and price. Beers on tap are very limited. DS is rated lower because of its large gap between what they promise and what they delver. Nice venue in a great location though.
(3)Dave R.
Go there on a Thursday for bingo... You can see all the girls win (if they are the girls the DJ wants to get with). I've not seen a guy win yet... I wonder why! Know your audience or shut it down.
(1)Brittanie K.
Good Tacos. Terrible Service. Every time I go here I always seem to get bad service. Manager and most servers walk around with a sense of entitlement. My days here are most likely done. It also smells pretty bad. Bathrooms are disgusting.
(2)Morganne B.
Thank goodness this place was open! My roommate and I had visitors in town and their flights were delayed so we needed a late dinner but weren't really at the point where disgusting pizza or hot dogs would suffice. We tried Meat and Wood and they both suggested DS Tequila as a place that MIGHT still have their kitchen open at 11:15 pm. When we walked in they warned us that the kitchen was closing so we'd need to order fast. We quickly ordered a pitcher of the jalapeño margaritas and some chips, dip and guac. Later we all ordered our entrees: a mixture of taco salads, quesadillas, and even a hamburger. All the food came out at once but whatever, it was almost midnight and we knew they wanted to go home. The portions were huge and they even brought out another big basket of chips. The taco salad with shrimp was huge and filled me right up completely. Everybody seemed to like their food and the margarita was on point. The server split our checks up kinda weird but again, it's late so whatever. I'd definitely come back late at night!
(4)Jeremy B.
Great patio but that's about where it ends....mediocre food, bad margaritas and awful service. Like really, really bad "did my server forget about me" service.
(2)Anna P.
Popped in on a Saturday night for margaritas and snacks. We had the salsa trio at the recommendation of our waiter and it was really good, great chips. Our server Mitchell was great, super fun and nice. But then there were the margaritas...honestly not good at all. I think they were made with like yucky orange juice from concentrate and that's all we could taste. None of us finished our drink, which is saying something with my group of friends! Fun place, but don't go for the quintessential drink that you'd think of from a bar with 'tequila' in its name.
(3)Erin M.
Management here is a joke. The manager kicked my friend out after she said did not like Rihanna, yes as in Rihanna the singer. He had her escorted by a bouncer out, while the bar was nearly empty. Horrible way to treat your paying customers, but whatever.
(2)Carly R.
I am a big fan of DS Tequila Company! The blended drinks are fantastic and I have loved every flavor I've tried! Pretty busy on the weekends, with a crazy mix of contemporary hip hop, throwbacks and pop music playing over some powerful speakers. The servers are excellent and there is a nice variety of people at all times. This is the only bar where I have ever sent a drink back for being TOO strong!
(4)Robert A.
They will never get another dime from me. The patio is great and that is about all. The food is overpriced for the portions. I've had cafeteria food that was better. Taco's are insanely small and the drinks are whack. Also do not put your money in the juke box, they have a controller and will skip over your song selection. The staff is pretty nice, however when I went to the manager to voice my concern and get some understanding, he brushed me off. Super rude not customer friendly. Its a shame because I loved the bingo night.
(1)Christine T.
Great patio space to watch the beautiful people walk by. It's a nice spot for lunch with service prompt and ice tea for our afternoon beverage refilled early and often. We parked our bikes close by and enjoyed being left to enjoy the scenery.
(4)Brock F.
Tuesday $5.00 build your own burgers!! Need I say more? Yes, they charge more for every little thing but it's still a grt deal AND they aren't tiny burgers either! Service has always been good from the friendly host to kind waitstaff. I recommend going for the basic burger of theirs which comes with bacon, cheddar, tequila onions all on a pretzel bun! Hmm, think I want one now..... Also their tacos & chili are fantastic as well! They have a daily specials every weekday and are open late. Go for it!
(4)John S.
I went with here with a couple of friends and my fiance for brunch on a Saturday morning. They said there menu had a bunch of new items and from the ones I tried both myself and off other's plates everything was extremely tasty. They have brunch packages either including bottomless mimosa's or with 2 bloody mary's and a mimosa. I would recommend this to anyone to try if they are looking for a different brunch place then you are used to. I can't speak for the other reviews but if your looking for a brunch place give them a try.. Oh and get the Monkey Bread !
(5)Jennifer A.
If you want an awesome brunch with "all of the mimosas" come here. The servers are AMAZING! Specifically Beth. I want her to follow me around and serve me at every restaurant I go to. Scratch that, I want to name my first born Beth.
(5)Selena A.
I decided to meet a coworker for dinner here. $17 for all you can eat tacos if you buy a drink? what a steal! you have to order three tacos, which isn't hard because there is a variety to choose from. you have your choice of almost everything; shrimp, chicken, pulled pork, steak, veggie, you name it. the first round of tacos comes with rice and beans, which were pretty good, I'd give them an 8/10. you continue to order your tacos in groups of three. I enjoyed the steak tacos the most. The chicken tacos were a little too crunchy. I liked the fact that i could order three of the same taco, that made my meal well worth it because I got what I wanted. The service wasn't horrible but I could definitely have done without the loud yelling amongst co workers a cross the room. Sounded like teenage girls at one point but it's a bar so I'll let it slide. They were very quick to get our drinks and food to us. It was hot and ready and that is always appreciated. Thank you! The drink I had was so strong. It was a blue margarita tasting drink. My friend orderd a pitcher and it definitely tasted like more vodka than anything else. Had it been a Friday night I may not have minded, but on Thursday evening, I like my drink to taste like I can't taste the alcohol. Over all I'd come back here for the deal on tacos once in a while. Boystown is always fun!
(4)Lee S.
I am continually impressed with this place. The food never has disappointed, I have never not had a blast here and only once did I get slightly annoyed with our server. I like to go here on Thursdays for their gringo bingo night. Basically starting at 9 this ridiculous man gets up and leads free bingo with some actually really great prizes ranging from t shirts and sunglasses to a $250 bar tab at one of the companies sister restaurants. They have all you can eat tacos on Thursdays that look great but I have never been so indulgent. However, I would highly recommend their nachos, double decker quesadillas and, surprisingly for a Mexican restaurant, the sweet potato fries. My only complaint about my service was that there was one time our server just went completely missing. I get that the place gets pretty busy especially during bingo sometimes but even after cutting him some slack I'd say he still took way too long. However, I think that was a one off situation because every other time our service has been exceptional.
(4)Travis W.
They seem to have a very difficult time delivering in the events they post advertise. Being off well over an hour is not good. Food is limited in choice, but decent in taste and price. Beers on tap are very limited. DS is rated lower because of its large gap between what they promise and what they delver. Nice venue in a great location though.
(3)Anna P.
Popped in on a Saturday night for margaritas and snacks. We had the salsa trio at the recommendation of our waiter and it was really good, great chips. Our server Mitchell was great, super fun and nice. But then there were the margaritas...honestly not good at all. I think they were made with like yucky orange juice from concentrate and that's all we could taste. None of us finished our drink, which is saying something with my group of friends! Fun place, but don't go for the quintessential drink that you'd think of from a bar with 'tequila' in its name.
(3)Morganne B.
Thank goodness this place was open! My roommate and I had visitors in town and their flights were delayed so we needed a late dinner but weren't really at the point where disgusting pizza or hot dogs would suffice. We tried Meat and Wood and they both suggested DS Tequila as a place that MIGHT still have their kitchen open at 11:15 pm. When we walked in they warned us that the kitchen was closing so we'd need to order fast. We quickly ordered a pitcher of the jalapeño margaritas and some chips, dip and guac. Later we all ordered our entrees: a mixture of taco salads, quesadillas, and even a hamburger. All the food came out at once but whatever, it was almost midnight and we knew they wanted to go home. The portions were huge and they even brought out another big basket of chips. The taco salad with shrimp was huge and filled me right up completely. Everybody seemed to like their food and the margarita was on point. The server split our checks up kinda weird but again, it's late so whatever. I'd definitely come back late at night!
(4)Jeremy B.
Great patio but that's about where it ends....mediocre food, bad margaritas and awful service. Like really, really bad "did my server forget about me" service.
(2)Erin M.
Management here is a joke. The manager kicked my friend out after she said did not like Rihanna, yes as in Rihanna the singer. He had her escorted by a bouncer out, while the bar was nearly empty. Horrible way to treat your paying customers, but whatever.
(2)Carly R.
I am a big fan of DS Tequila Company! The blended drinks are fantastic and I have loved every flavor I've tried! Pretty busy on the weekends, with a crazy mix of contemporary hip hop, throwbacks and pop music playing over some powerful speakers. The servers are excellent and there is a nice variety of people at all times. This is the only bar where I have ever sent a drink back for being TOO strong!
(4)Robert A.
They will never get another dime from me. The patio is great and that is about all. The food is overpriced for the portions. I've had cafeteria food that was better. Taco's are insanely small and the drinks are whack. Also do not put your money in the juke box, they have a controller and will skip over your song selection. The staff is pretty nice, however when I went to the manager to voice my concern and get some understanding, he brushed me off. Super rude not customer friendly. Its a shame because I loved the bingo night.
(1)Dave R.
Go there on a Thursday for bingo... You can see all the girls win (if they are the girls the DJ wants to get with). I've not seen a guy win yet... I wonder why! Know your audience or shut it down.
(1)Brittanie K.
Good Tacos. Terrible Service. Every time I go here I always seem to get bad service. Manager and most servers walk around with a sense of entitlement. My days here are most likely done. It also smells pretty bad. Bathrooms are disgusting.
(2)Cinthia M.
Oh DS Tequila! I have never in my life, witnessed or experience the horrible, horrific service that I have at your establishment. My mother and I went to Market Days this particular evening and met up with family and friends and decided to go to DS Tequila. They had a line that was about 25 minutes long, but we waited as we were all very hungry and was eager to have, what I have been told-Great Margarita's and food! As we finally reach the front of the line there was a $5 dollar cover charge. I would not normally pay a cover charge at 6pm or especially just to sit down and eat, but once again were very hungry and this place was a regular joint for the people we were meeting. I want to cut through the whole confused look on everyone of the staff face as they seemed not to know how to sit a 6 top. We were finally ask to follow a staff member and some how along the way to sit us, he got distracted by another customer and pointed us to the corner table. We sat in a big table in the corner by the front of the patio. The girl waitress with the short hair was very nice and pleasant. As she took our order after giving us some menus, we asked if we can please put in both food and drink order and that 2 of our guest were in the washroom (we had ordered their drinks) they were going to order food, too. One more person joined in which we asked for a chair from the table next to us that was not using it. About 10 minutes after, a staff member came to our table and said we could not sit at our table and we would have to put the chair back. I told her if she could explain why, she couldn't and left confused by not knowing the reason herself. Then another staff member came, who later we would know was the manager Eric. He was the worst!! He stormed to our table and said, "you cannot sit here!" Again, when I asked why, he said at first because it was a fire hazard, which did not make sense-there was ample room. Then came back and said it was because we did not order any food. When I told him the waitress already took both orders, he left.....then came back with the waitress and said, "Here is your waitress! She said you guys only order 5 items on the menu, there are 7 of you!!" (remember the other 2 are in the line for the washroom) It was getting a little ridiculous and I felt like we were being treated like we were preschool kids, trying to prove little tedious things. I asked Eric, "what would like us to do" multiple times, he was still ranting. He first said we would all have to wait in line again. Then, just the two of us would have to wait outside in line again. He kept changing what he wanted us to do, mind you, there are 3 or 4 other tables that are empty around us!!!! At the end when I asked if he wanted us to split tables, he said no, we would all have to leave or else he would call security. I ask for his name and he said "I am the manager!" He quickly called his security (which was a nice guy, who seemed surprise by the situation) and Eric told him to take us through the emergency exit. Eric did not seem empathetic to anyone at the table or his staff. Being a restaurant and bar manager for several years, there are always ways to handle ALL situations. Eric you are a big fail in this industry, rude, egotistic, vain, narcissistic....I could go on. But one words sums you up for the way you embarrassed our table and most of all my mother. I am still in disbelief and shocked for what happened that night. I cannot believe someone lets you represent their business.
(1)Ryan S.
Love coming here on Thursday nights for all-you-can-eat tacos and Gringo Bingo! Gets super crowded for the latter, though, so come early!
(5)Kate U.
Oh DS Tequila Company, lots of great (and drunk) memories here... My friend Michelle and I stumbled into this place one Thursday night and have been back almost every Thursday night since as they have BINGO and unlimited tacos for $15. It's a great deal and the tacos are not taco-bell style tacos at all, they have some great ones! My personal favorites are the steak & fried chicken. The margaritas are an intense experience. You really only need one and you're done for the night, this place has tequila in its name for a reason. I take BINGO pretty seriously and actually thought it was rigged for awhile until my friend finally won! So therefore if you like: Bingo, tacos, and tequila come here. Oh and P.S. do not TRY that random free shot that they pass out. It's nasty cough syrup and probably one of the worst shots I've ever had. It's not even worth it even though it's free.
(3)Jon C.
Thank goodness I have friends who feel "unlimited drinks" at brunch is a requirement. $25 gets you a boozy brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings here, and that's a pretty good way to start the day. Your very own mug of mimosas holds close to a bottle of champagne and just enough OJ to turn it the palest of yellow. Don't worry though.. if you run low, the hostess has two tubes strapped to her back full of mimosas and she'll be happy to come by and top you off (tips appreciated). The second most important part of a boozy brunch is the food. I was told that Chicken and Biscuits was a must have, so it didn't take me long to decide. Two jumbo-sized biscuits with three deep fried delicious chicken tenders smothered in gravy and served with home fries. Yes sir.. this was damn good and enough food for two. Seriously.. I could only eat half of it. If you're wanting to hang out for a little while and soak up some more booze, try your hand at the beer pong table in the heated outside seating area. You'll spend a lot of time chasing balls, but if you're into that.. it's a really fun time!
(5)Dana J.
Go. To. The. Brunch. Oh my goodness, this place was so much fun. Bottomless mimosas and amazing food on a Sunday afternoon, what more could you ask for? We had reservations but I feel like most people didn't and they were seated right away. I would love to go back soon!
(4)Sheri M.
I frequent this place for the Miami Vice and the chips w/ queso and guac. The crowd is always cool and there is usually some promotion going on where I leave with a free shirt or had a couple of free drinks while I was there. They also have a patio that is great to chill out on in the summer time.
(3)Lily S.
You really can't go wrong with Thursday night unlimited tacos for $15 and 2 hours worth of BINGO. What's better? Adding alcohol to the mix. Cough syrup tasting shots for all BINGO players. Gross, but I'll take it! Margaritas served in a fish bowl. Your friend's will get schwasted mid-BINGO. You'll have to stamp their BINGO card for them in the meantime. All around, this is a good place.
(3)Maty M.
Thursday Night Bingo turned up with a DJ! Went here on a Thursday as some friends lived near and were simply seeking margaritas, we saw online what it was Gringo Bingo night and we were confused. Do not let the name of the game throw you off, it is regular bingo. And lots of it! There must have been 6 or 7 rounds, which is enough to fill about two hours. The crowd was pretty into it and having almost too much fun with bingo. Each round had a winner and they got various prizes like backpacks and coolers. While the atmosphere was brought up by having a DJ bumping some jams, it was also only 9pm and they could stand to turn down the tunes to allow for the groups playing and eating to talk and catch up. It seemed to me that dance club and bingo were mixing, which threw me for a loop. Overall, I would go back for the large variety of marg. flavors and entertainment.
(4)Mallory Z.
Came here with a group of 7 Saturday night. Made a reservation for 7:15 but we didn't need to. Wasn't too crowded at that hour. It was one of the last nice days of the year and the patio was open. Unexpected surprise. I really liked the patio. Cool vibe with a fire pit in the middle of our table, even though it doesn't light. Hawks game was on the tv, nice added bonus. The 5 ladies of our group ordered one of the flavored Margs. Good marg. Nothing to write home about. It might have been blueberry. Who remembers. We ordered the steak family size nachos for appetizers and barely finished them. Seriously huge and amazing! I could have finished the meal there and left happy. Too bad I ordered the taco dinner. It was good but I was already too full to eat much. I got the coffee rubbed steak which was good, fish which was below average, and shrimp which was great. The beans were pretty gross, could have done without those. Pretty standard Americanized tacos. If I go back, I'll stick with just the nachos. The reason I'm knocking a star off is for service. Our server was very friendly but not very attentive. After we ordered our Margs and asked for 5 glasses he darted off. The other members of our group were going to order beer but never got a chance. I'm just thankful it wasn't me who had to spend the meal sober!
(4)Kyle O.
This 2-star review is solely based on the service. The food and drinks were awesome. Went with some friends for the $.25 wing special. The place was not busy at all when we arrived, yet we were told it would be a 35 minute wait. That's fine, drinks at the bar, whatever. We got a seat on the patio and waited...and waited...and waited...for a server to arrive. This should have been our cue to run. The service was painfully slow. The food showed up 35 minutes after our appetizer was taken away, and my friends' drinks did not arrive until we reminded the server that they were missing. He blamed it on a ticketing error but...it was the last item on our bill even though we ordered it before our food. Nice try. No apologies, nothing. Didn't get a single water refill once, even though we were all eating spicy wings. Also, those wings came with no dipping sauces or celery/carrots to cool off. Such a bummer because they were really quite good and you can't beat 25 cents per wing. Unfortunately, the service was just too abysmal for us to consider going back.
(2)Janique D.
I can't say enough about this place. My husband and I have been faithfully going to DS since we moved to Boystown 2 years ago. We take all our guests there when they visit from out of town...sometimes 2 nights in a row! It has to be one of the most consistently great restaurant/bars in Chicago! Their food is always so delicious and tasty, and I was informed recently EVERYTHING at DS is made from scratch; including their tortillas. Which if you haven't tried yet, their coffee rubbed steak tacos...dreamy, freakin' dreamy! In addition, their jalapeño margaritas (mouth is salivating as I write this) are not something you can describe in words. Every person we have introduced them to, loses their marbles a bit when they try them. Be warned, they're incredibly addictive! Needless to say, we are HUGE fans of this place. The relaxed, fun vibe, paired with great food and fantastic drinks...easily 5 stars!
(5)LaVerne A.
Really baaaaaadddddd tasteless no love in the kitchen kind of food. Stopped in on a Monday and was excited to find out we lucked up on a half off all food day! We'll our eyes got way bigger than our stomachs. We scored the mother load...Yeeeessss!!!! We ordered 2 three taco dinners. The "top" coffee rubbed steak taco as written in the Chicago magazine as our server stated. The smoked chicken taco, grilled fish. and shrimp. We also ordered the buffalo wings. All of them were over topped and smothered in sauces and fruit! Just plain gross! Overall the food sucks! Great relaxed atmosphere for a couple of drinks in the outdoor garden. but that's it! Good food if your drunk maybe .....
(1)Frankie C.
This was my first time dining at DS Tequlia and it was just okay. Upon entering the restaurant, my party and I were sited right away. We sat on the covered patio, which I can only assume is suppah popular during the spring/summer. We got the salsa trio ($6) with a side of guacamole (additional $6). They legit only give you a medium scope of guacamole for a very unreasonable price...Chipotle gives you much more in comparison - plus, extremely better quality - for a fraction of the cost. For my entree I got three tacos (BBQ Chick, Coffee Rubbed Steak, & Riblets) with were the highlight of the experience. The rest of my party all got burgers, all which looked good. Unfortunately due to the bad service, I had to wait to the end of the meal to get a silverware to eat my rice and beans that came with my tacos. It was rather difficult to get anyone's attention any sooner. It wasn't busy, so I'm disappointed that the staff wasn't more attentive. Overall, good food with bad service. P.S. This establishment does have fun specials during the week: Wednesday is Trivia night and Thursday is all you can eat tacos.
(3)Jenny B.
The coffee rubbed steak tacos are some of the best tacos I've ever had....EVER. I go here just to eat those tacos. They change up their menu (at least the tacos) every so often to keep things interesting. Their drinks are good...average for any bar. More outdoor seating in the summer which is nice. Their hostess stand could use some improvement with wait times and being on top of customers, but other than that, this is a regular eating place for me. Be sure to eat here.
(5)Lamar S.
Me and my friends came here for dinner on a Friday night. This was my first time here so I was excited to see what they had to offer. It's located in boys town so you have to be in the LGBTQ community or LGBTQ friendly to enjoy the atmosphere. To start, the wait staff is awesome. The waiter we had was not only helpful but was ready for our comedic personalities as he guided us through the menu. The drinks are amazing! I had the beergarita (which you can get In any flavor. I got raspberry) and the chipotle pineapple margarita. Both were awesome and different than what I expected them to be. The prices were decent as well for the mug size you receive. The food was great! I had the steak quesadilla. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the quesadilla was the fact that they drowned the steak in A1 sauce but overall it was good. We also orders the loaded fries as an appetizer. They tasted great! It comes with this sauce that taste awesome on the fries. Expect to pay between $15-$25 for a drink or two and a meal. Overall, it's a great place to go and socialize, especially on a Friday night!
(5)Angelica C.
21+. Salsa Trio has a white sauce which is THE BEST. Don't bother with their wings, they're like frozen ones drowned in sauce. However, they do have awesome seasoned fries! They have a ton of TVs to catch all different games. Daily specials too: Monday 1/2 off all food, Tuesdays is $5 burgers + 25c wings, Trivia Wednesdays is always more fun with their $3 Fireballs shots (they had some pretty awesome prizes when I was there), Thursdays are Bingo. You can also get Dining Points if you make a reservation through OpenTable.
(3)Norm J.
DS Tequila is a good spot to go to if you are with a group of friends in Boystown and want a chill spot to eat OR if you've been doing Sunday Funday and need a burger or tacos to help settle your stomach because you have a 8a.m conference call the next day. The food is good, but not memorable. *My friends all got a variety of tacos and thought they were OK. *I got the Lady Marmalade Burger (sweet red onion marmalade, gruyere cheese, spicy aioli on a pretzel bun for $13.89). The burger hit the spot seeing how I'd been enjoying the adult beverages for 4 hours, but for the price I paid I would have rather gone to Burger Bar. *I also got the XXX Jalapeño Poppers and let me tell you these bad boys are HUGE and HOT! I mean I was expecting jalapeño poppers like the ones you can buy in the freezer section at the grocery store...X WRONG. These poppers, which you get 4 of, look like they were doing the same steriods that Mark McGwire was taking (I can't get sued for that comment can I). If your mouth can handle the heat I definitely recommend you try these. The best thing about DS Tequila is the music. The entire time we were there one great song after the other came on. Thankfully, I was trapped in the middle of the booth so I couldn't get up and show off my awesome So You Think You Can Dance hip hop skills.
(3)Aaron S.
Service was amazing - our waitress was so fun, kind, and fast. Went on $15 all you can eat taco night. While it's all you can eat, I was only able to eat about 4 of them. They are super filling, and that's coming from a big boy. The margaritas were good, and strong. I'll most definitely come back again. There are a lot of negative reviews for this place, but I had a very good experience
(4)Andre W.
Tequila ya betches!!! An old friend decided to have her bday celebration here and I was pretty excited because I have been wanting to check this place out for awhile. I noticed the interior was pretty tight as there was a long communal table in the middle of the joint in between the bar and the booths over to the left hand side. There is an outside seating space, but my group was occupying the long ass communal table which was cool. Place gets pretty loud which is expected...i probably added to the loudness with all my damn screaming LOL. I opted for the High Octane Margarita per the server's advice. I only read part of what the ingredients were which is why I did not notice everclear was in the mix until someone mentioned it lol. It was really good to say the least. Whats funny is that they will not allow you to have more than 2 per sitting. I figured I should eat something after having that drink so I got some tacos. I went with a short rib taco and 2 tequila shrimp tacos. The tequila shrimp taco were really good as the short rib taco was quite disappointing. There were TVs everywhere which was cool as it was opening weekend for college football. Service was really good as there were able to handle our very large group with no problem. Good spot for tequila & tacos and I will definitely come back for more.
(4)Lisa A.
I came here for a fundraiser benefit event so it was for free drinks and appetizers for 2 hours. The service was good and the bar was serving plenty of good standard drinks and margaritas. They served fried chicken tenders with 4 different kinds of sauces that were tasty and the quesadillas were scrumptious and not skimpy with the meat or cheese. I only hesitate to come back because there was an odor permeating the establishment that was a little concerning.
(3)Dana O.
Absolutely love this place! We go for brunch all the time! We recently had Bennett as out waiter and he was awesome. Very attentive and always on top of it.
(5)Christian C.
Went there today and my friend found hair on his classic burger. You would think they would give you some discount or offer you something to make up for the hair but nope! Instead, our server with no personality came back with our bill saying "my math is a little off and couldn't figure how to split a $27.50 bill". Enough said, this place is pricey, loud and service is poor. Never coming back here til management resolves their issues!
(1)Holly M.
I've only been here twice and I loved it both times! The fishbowl margaritas are super awesome--not overwhelmingly strong, but gets the job done. I had the California burger the last time I went. It was... AMAZING. They put an entire half of an avocado on it and it's so juicy and wow..it was great. We ordered chips and guacamole. We received a big basket of chips and a tiny bowl of avocado--definitely not enough guac for two people. But the waitress brought us a second basket of chips just for the heck of it, so that was nice. We were seated in the side area that is usually open during the summer. It was a cold night and, although enclosed, the space we were in was freezing. So, we shivered and ate, but our margaritas warmed us up just fine. Our waitress was super nice, as was the bus-boy, and it was just an all-around great environment. Can't wait to go again once I'm back in Chicago.
(4)Cat K.
I went here on half off Monday! OH MY GOD! All I did was get a glass of coke and the large Texas Trash Can Nachos. It all came out to be around only $13. Sever was delightful but she didn't warn me on how LARGE this large nachos is. It's the size of a big baby. It was massive. I got it with the steak topping and the small cubed steak melted in my mouth, it was so good. She also told me that the steak is from a supplier that makes high quality steak and that they sell to steakhouses where the cuts come out to be $100 a plate. I felt so goddamn spoiled. I could only finish half of the nachos with my friend. I took the rest home, and the box was a little heavy haha. This was my 3rd time here and I'm never disappointed. I'm always coming back.
(5)Tiffany F.
Food is always good- a go to for drinks and food with friends. Tacos are always great, but so are the burgers!! Love the margs and Moscow mules for drinks.
(5)Grierson L.
Great food and nice service. Quite the menu variation and the tacos are superb! The restrooms: not so much! They need a complete remodel. Half priced food on Mondays, so that was a nice surprise.
(3)Kalina N.
Monday is half off food menu! Heck yes! Go on a Monday so you can taste all the goodness! Their tacos are to die for! (just a little too spicy for my taste) I came here after seeing a movie near by, and boy was it the right choice. The food is so extremely good. I haven't tried their specialty drinks yet, but I have heard good things. Friendly staff, dimmed atmosphere, cool crowd. Oh and that cookie! It comes on a skillet with an ice cream scoop... The cookie is HUGE! 4-5 people can share it! Tasty too!
(5)Puran R.
Poor service, mediocre food, average ambience, overpriced. That about summarizes it accurately.
(1)Shannon H.
Terribly unprofessional management! I understand that today is a holiday, but I also don't like getting being told I don't know what time I arrived. My sisters and I came in at 8:10 and were quoted an hour. We then went across the street to buy drinks and waste time. When we came back an hour later we checked in and were told it would probably be another twenty minutes. I said, "okay we were quoted an hour when we arrived an hour ago, so I just wanted to know it it would really be a full twenty minutes." The female manager the told me that we checked in at 8:29 that's why we were in the position we were. I told her that was impossible and showed her the receipt from the round of drinks I purchased at the bar across the street at 8:18pm. She then gave me a terribly rude attitude and told me regardless, she had other people that came in before me that needed to be sat. I wasn't arguing that; I was just questioning the validity in their quote times. I don't need an attitude; a simple, calm and professional explanation would have sufficed or a simple apology that it was a holiday and perhaps they were under-quoting due to how busy they were. But clearly their system is incorrect as I couldn't have possibly checked in for a table at 8:29 when I had checked in & gone across the street and purchased drinks by 8:18pm. Incredible disappointment with the managing. Our server, even being slammed with tables, was still incredibly personable and made the wait kind of worth it.
(2)Dv V.
I haven't tried but a few or true dishes and mimosas. Crispy fried chicken tacos are great, since that's the last item I had. Mimosas are ok and the atmosphere is the typical loud hungover crowd mostly which I don't mind after a mimosa of course.
(4)Troy M.
It's unfortunate the prices are so high and the food is less then favorable because most of the servers are quite good. The drinks are way over priced and the food is bland, under seasoned, and ill prepared. Don't let the $5 burger night fool you.... add cheese or anything else and your $5 burger becomes $10. I'm surprised they don't charge you extra for a bun. Have your ID ready because they card everyone.
(1)Jes G.
Met a friend here for a late lunch a few weeks ago. Nice atmosphere and our waiter was awesome. I had tacos...I am a huge taco fan and I was not impressed but they were okay and they have many different types of tacos to choose from. The drink were really good! If I go back, I'd probably try a burger next time or iust go for drinks.
(3)Will T.
I was in Boystown with friends enjoying drinks and we decided to drop in for dinner. We totally loved the patio and it opens to the outside. It turns out there's a retractable roof, too, but it was closed that night because of rain. The casual bar food menu offers a variety of items and I ordered a couple of tacos, the fried chicken taco and a tequila shrimp taco. They were tasty (the tequila shrimp had a little heat on it) but they were also miniature in size, more suited as an appetizer. I ordered a margarita that was too sweet for my taste and they graciously swapped it for a house margarita. Tacos are super affordable, in the $3 - 4 range while burgers run $13 -15. When we got our bill it reflected a 50% Monday food discount. Wow! We didn't see that coming. It made for a cheap night out.
(3)Estragon M.
I come here for the food. Taco Dinner is what I always get ;3 Veggie is so yum, fish and chicken too. I've had Sangria here before which is really good. :)
(5)Richie D.
I'm afraid Wrigleyville is attempting to take over Boystown. No worries, I won't complain too much, however, the bridesmaid parties do get annoying. Tortillas are made fresh daily by hand--Brava! Tacos priced at $2.69 is reasonable, especially compared to places like De Cero. Their margaritas are made from 100% organic agave tequila. A plus. And if you go for their Gulp of Mexico 40 ounce fishbowl, they give $1 from every purchase to cleaning up the Gulf. That's a pleasant nice gesture. Their outdoor patio is a good size with fire pits to keep warm, yet it still doesn't feel like the Mexican sun. OK I take back not complaining. When they used an image of me on their Facebook page without permission, not so cool ( yelp.com/biz_photos/ds-t… ). No response when I wrote them requesting for them to take it down. Not even a gift certificate! Bite me!
(2)Jacob B.
The food is great. The drinks are over priced to balance out the great deals they offer. But this place gets one star because the manager needs to be put on blast. She does not know how to treat her staff. I felt bad for my server and offended by her at the same time. I'm gonna try and keep this short by just giving one example that I observed that urged me to write this review. It was my first tuesday wing night, and my friend after receiving his wings said "hey I want some fuckin ranch with these wings why not I'm already having a cheat meal" and asked one of the servers if he could get a cup of ranch. So we get the ranch and it was good (Im guessing). GREAT. Now the problem comes when we get the bill. On our check is two charges for "ranch"@$1 dollar each. My friend says that is nuts im gonna say something. Our server handles it well and explains to us that they charge for the ranch but he would see if he could get them removed. Now I have already spotted the manager because she has been awkwardly "managing" while not doing anything herself. At the time he goes to her about the ranch charges she is directly across from me on her phone posted up texting in clear view of me. Her initial reaction to him asking about her approving the charge removal was "really it's a dollar" but it takes character to understand doing things because the principle... So to her I guess we are just cheap. After the faces she made in view of me she came to her solution. It was his fault for not telling us so he could split it with us and take the money out of his tips. My server didn't need to tell me anything about what had just happened. But I called him Out soon as he came back.... He had a smile on his face when I asked him if his manager really just told him to pay for the ranch out of his tips. His smile fades as he figured out in his head how to dodge my question, "oh it's cool it's taken care of he told me" lol smart move on his part, but bull shit none the less I know exactly what was said to him. People do not deserve to be treated like that I told him. The fact that she is so out of touch with the reality of her job, that she called us cheap, nickel and dimed her staff, and texted all In plain view of patrons says enough to me to repeat this story. So my message to the owner or to this manager "you never know whose listening". I have my own business and it's very personal with my patrons, we share a lot of stories, and a lot of them will hear about the mistreatment of staff at ds tequila. Some may not be so concerned but many will remember this story, and out of principle will go elsewhere to the other resteraunts in our community.
(1)Kara O.
Confusing time at this place yesterday. Met a friend for some drinks at 5:00. We each had two rounds and were contemplating chips and more drinks when the server came by and dropped off our check without asking. We were confused and weirded out entirely and she left before we could even ask what was up. We tried to get her attention several times over 30-45 minutes while she was serving other people since we were unsure of the situation. Finally, we went up to the front and I approached the waiter who was nearest the to the cash register and asked if we could pay. He rolled his eyes at me, and said, "Your server had to leave, she got REALLY sick." Ok that's unfortunate, but why didn't she say anything while she was roaming around the patio for 30 minutes after dropping off our check and avoiding us? Also if he knew she left why didn't any other server come by to take over her tables? A server had come by to take our extra silverware and left before we could say anything! The patio wasn't full or slammed at all. They dropped the ball and then basically were like "what's your problem??" Nope. I didn't get into it with him because clearly there would have been a huge lack of understanding and I didn't want to waste my breath. Anyways we went to Townhall a few doors down which didn't have a nice patio like Ds but at least the bartenders were minimally friendly. The bitchiness in boystown was palpable last night, but maybe it's my fault for expecting a minimum standard of service.
(1)Andy S.
Nice outdoor space included as part of the bar/restaurant. Food was good - had the chicken, steak, and grilled fish tacos and enjoyed all of them. Negatives were that it was a bit crazy service wise. I think our server was pretty good, just seemed like a whole lot of craziness - took a while to bring out food and when they did there was mass confusion about who had what. Not everyone got what they ordered. To their credit they took care of us and made it right so I would have no issues coming back here. Oh and the margaritas were delish, especially the blackberry margarita.
(3)Claire B.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!!!! The brunch deal with mimosas and bloody Mary's is just about as good as it gets in town! Their menu is fantastic (I order the same thing every time LOL)-taco salad with fried chicken as well as the fried chicken taco. Lucky for me they're both available on their brunch and dinner menu. Most recently we had Bennett as a server and he was great! Super attentive and very friendly. I've also been there when he serves mimosas during brunch and have had great experiences! I have only had phenomenal service and even better food at DS tequila and I recommend it to everyone!
(5)Ann Marie B.
Great tacos for the price! Thursday nights are all you can eat tacos as well as bingo! the atmosphere is very fun and upbeat. The margaritas are really good for the most part. Only suggestion I would give is that the service is a little slow and the servers/bartenders sometimes seem like they are giving attitude. Really good place to go with a big group of friends!
(4)Julie L.
We stopped coming about a year or so ago after several bad food/drink experiences. But, we were in the neighborhood, we were hungry and we decided to take a chance. And we are very glad we did! Saturday, around 1:30 p.m. Nice crowd, great music and comfortable temperature, even out on the patio. A pretty, friendly server, Beth, came to take our order. We both wanted margaritas, and Beth highly recommended the "Cadillac." I was skeptical since, before, the margaritas were always way too sweet. "I promise," she said. "You will like these." We were persuaded, but I suspected I'd be sending the drink back for a "regular." Beth brought the drinks and took our order. I got the 7 Layer dip without meat, and my husband ordered the jalapeno poppers, a steak taco and a short rib taco. Beth described the 7 Layer dip as "unconstructed nachos." We toasted and tasted our drinks. WOW. They were delicious! Not too sweet, not too tart ... smooth and well worth the extra $2. As we enjoyed our drinks, we enjoyed the sounds. The music was an excellent mix - something for everyone - and not too loud. Perfect for conversation, but not too quiet either. Football played on screens above, but the sound of the game was down (thank you.) Our food arrived at the table hot and well-made. One bite told us the poppers were fresh and expertly prepared. The 7 Layer dip also tasted fresh and it was wonderfully cheesy. My husband said the tacos were amazing. We ate way too much. DS Tequila is BACK. We were very impressed. After discussing how many stars to give it (for the type of place it is), my husband said four. I asked him to tell me what was not perfect ... food, ambiance, drinks, price, service? He was stumped. "I can't think of one thing I'd improve." So, five stars it is. Thanks Beth. While we've never had a complaint about the service (Hi Adam! We miss you!), you helped us fall back in love with DS Tequila. See you again soon!
(5)Jamar T.
The food here is pretty good and I LOVE Bingo/Taco night every Thursday. For $12.99 it's all you can eat so try them all! The service here is usually pretty mediocre (probably bc most of the guys here are more focused on singing and dancing along to the music and less focused on their paying customers) but there are a few really good ones. I came here for Saturday brunch and saw an entire table leave after waiting for about 15 minutes while the host was twirling around the floor instead of informing the server of the group seated in his section... The burgers are just ok and the salads are pretty big but pretty standard.They also have a bottomless mimosas brunch special for $25 which includes an entree. I had the Western Skillet which was really good! They have someone who walks around with tubes full of mimosa to top you off which is very convenient. Nothing worse than waiting around for your server for refills.
(3)Geo O.
Since my review, I have been contacted by the owner and am very impressed by the follow up that he made to my experience. Clearly they do care about what the customers think and want to make it right!! Thank you John for hearing my voice and reacting to my concerns!
(3)Noelle M.
Came in on a whim late evening on the 4th of July because the place we originally planned to go to was closed. Has a nice atmosphere both inside and out on the patio and the prices are reasonable. We were seated immediately. The staff was very attentive, with the manager and even other waiters stopping by to check on us. We started off with the frozen Arnold Palmer made with sweet tea vodka, which was incredibly delicious and you can barely taste the alcohol, though it packs a bit of a punch that slowly catches up with you. I ordered the classic burger, which had nothing classic or boring about it. The tequila onions and soft, buttery pretzel bun elevated what seemed like a normal burger to amazing. The meat had some sort of marinade or glaze which was also a nice touch. Even the fries were seasoned perfectly. My friend had tacos, which you can get a la carte and they seemed pretty decadent. Very satisfying experience all around and I definitely plan to return, just for the drinks alone.
(5)Ramone B.
I stopped here after being grabbed by one of the workers while out walking to participate in a Halloween costume contest! I was Freddy Kreugar, and it was pretty cool they asked me to participate! I had a great time mingling with the bartenders, and staff, plus the crowds energy was pretty awesome! I didn't get to eat anything, but I definitely would love to go back and use the gift card I won! I will be back! Until next time!!!
(5)Jen K.
Yes! Great place! I walked by it so often, as it's in my neighborhood but I've just never made it in. Shame on me for missing out for so long. I was with a large group at another taco place and we had such an awful experience that we left before eating. We still had a Mexican craving so one of my friend's recommended this place. We went and were seated immediately, even though there was 8 of us. It's a large place and very accommodating for large groups. Throughout the night, we kept adding to our numbers and the waiter never seemed bothered. We ordered the trash can nachos (which were freaking HUGE). Then we all ordered different tacos. Every order no matter how confusing were perfect. Our waiter was amazing. He was smart to split all the bills without us even asking and had every person in order. I liked all the food I tried and will definitely be going back to enjoy the outdoor seating all summer.
(4)Anna B.
I just had to write a 1 star review, even though I love this place, simply because of the "boy" you have as a manager. Rude, disrespectful, pompous, and unprofessional. Get rid of him and I bet this place would be a 5 star establishment. See my Meat review for his first actions, before shouldering my friends here and not apologizing.
(1)Shanon H.
Good for three hours of great food and service ---- only to be ruined by the fact you can not sit outside in odd numbers!!!! The policy here is fricking ridiculous!!! Our server Savannah was amazing though. The management not so much.
(3)Dawon H.
Food is really good. The taco selection is killer...and tasty. Drinks are well poured and appropriately priced. The service is mostly mediocre. Here's an example: Last Thursday, I met a friend at the bar for drinks. He had already ordered a margarita and I ordered the same. After we were both drinking, the "hostess" walked by and carded us both. Mind you, we already were drinking. Smooth move Ferguson. Another friend met us and we decided to get a table and eat. Somehow the "hostess" had disappeared and we wanted to eat on the patio, so we walked over and asked one of the servers who told us we had to check in with the "hostess". We walked back to the main entrance, no hostess. Waited, waited, waited, finally I asked another server to help us and she found the hostess somewhere in the back and we were finally seated, mind you - no apology or acknowledgement that we had to track him down (yes him) to be seated when the place was practically empty and we could have very well seated ourselves. Our waitress arrives, we place an order for a pitcher of margaritas and nachos to start. She brings the booze and nachos - which split between the 3 of us went fast. A little later, she comes back and takes our food order and we ask for more nachos. Food arrives (TASTY and DELICIOUS)... we all order tacos...but no nachos. She forgot. She apologizes and disappears for what seems like forever. By now, we need a refill of our pitcher and still no nachos. Honestly not the biggest deal in the world because we were enjoying our tacos - but still. Long story short, this is a classic example of almost every dining experience I've had here. Drinks = great. Food = great. Experience/Service = meh.
(3)Jordan N.
I thought the food was a bit pricey for a weekday lunch - and I don't think I was alone in thinking that since this place was practically empty. Also, I thought it was weird that I was carded to see if I was 21 and up before even getting to a table with the intention of only ordering food and not drinks - but this seems to be customary for this place. That being said, the marmalade burger I got ($13.89) with a salad substitution ($2) was very mediocre. with the patty being overcooked than what I had ordered it to be. The Tex-Mex portion of the menu didn't seem to be very appetizing as well as practically everything in the menu was spicy in one way or another, which I dislike. That being said, it became pretty obvious that this is more of a bar than a restaurant - and it'll unfortunately stay that way, keeping the crowd at its minimum during daylight.
(1)Esbo B.
The food was ok. The manager came to our table but was pretty rude. I'm not sure why she even came to our table, we didn't ask to speak to her. I don't think I would go back. Overall: ok food and bad service.
(1)Michelle K.
Unfortunately the wait staff was extremely rude. After the hostess telling us we could take an area on the patio everyone denied it and the server was rude. It seemed like she didn't want the business, we had a larger group that would have all ordered through her however after the poor attitude straight to the bar for everyone in our group. They claimed they had a private event in and hour however continued to seat tables around ours, if you have a private event why would you seat new tables. All in all it seemed everyone was lazy and over the "service" portion of the evening. I would give zero after everyone's attitude.
(1)Valerie Z.
Went here a few months ago.....service sucked. Our server checked on us once every hour. Had to go to the bar for drinks. When w asked for the bill thank god we had cash because even though it wasn't busy our server never came back so we threw down and left rather then stiffing even though we could have. Tried this place again because of the patio today. Savanah....I don't know if she's new but we saw her once every 45 min. Made it hard to order. I had the picture that's attached with this review for my glass. It had nasty lipstick all over it.... I don't wear lipstick....soooo.... She finally came to the table and I showed her the glass.....her reaction was "oh"...does this happen often? No apology or even shock on her face. Then we closed out and had put in a previous order. The food wasn't on the bill so we were like....uhhhhh....She made a weak excuse....I used to serve too, if I ever forgot anything I'd know what to say.....which is what she did. She started they put beef rather than chicken.....30 min for nachos on a not crazy busy day??? She still charged me for my nasty drink with the dirty cup. #nevercomingback #dirty #dontwasteyourmoney #horribleservice. There are too many other places to go. We just had a couple behind us leave because they were never greeted at their table after being sat. Table of 4 lost. #fail #retrainyourstaff
(1)Andy H.
Yes, it gets busy here. ( really busy ) Yes, parking sucks. ( it does everywhere ) True, the kitchen can slip up from time to time..... BUT, you wont find better tacos anyplace, end of story! The steak tacos are perfect every time as are the very epic seafood tacos. I am a big fan of the burgers as well, and will stack them up to the very over rated Kumas any day of the week! I am not sure why some reviews rip on the staff here, as I have dined here dozens of times and have been treated extra special each time. The servers are polite, and ready to bring you anything you ask for with no attitude problem. Its a tad pricey, but the quality is here.
(5)John B.
Not even a descent Margarita which i find ironic. For some reason this place is popular. I went in on a Sunday evening and was seated immediately. After waiting a few minutes our order was taken an drinks were delivered. The margarita tasted that it was a pre-mixed that was poured on ice and served. There was nothing fresh or tasty about the drink. It was overly sweet and over priced. 20 minutes later dinner arrived. My steak tacos has a coffee rub. Ugh, it was like someone dumped starbucks compost on it. It gave it a burnt taste that was so off putting. The Fish tacos were better (grilled or fried) and the chicken taco was tasty. Service was abysmal. 5 minutes in I asked for napkins,,, 20 minutes later when I reminded him I still needed a napkin did he finally get some. Service was slow, drinks were mediocre at best. Sadly I would have been happier at a Chevy's which says a lot. Finally, CLEAN UP THE PLACE there are loose wires and crap everywhere.
(2)Chelsey F.
Mimosas cannons are such a great start to my weekend. Amazing staff, always willing to make your brunch memorable! Thank you for making my Fourth of July fun! As a server/ bartender I was very impressed with Savanna.
(5)Krsna V.
Severe identity crisis and mediocre food do not belong in Boystown. Leave the identity crisis issues to the myriad of gays who look alike with their two sizes too small t-shirts and similar hair style. What is this place trying to be anyway? Between showing football and hunting on some tv screens, I was confused if it is trying to be a sports bar or a hillbilly bar. And then the name suggests it is a Mexican joint. Talk about serious identity crisis. Who plays hunting shows on tv anyway? The food: our waitress says they are out of guacamole. Mind you this is on a weekend at 8:30pm. What kind of a place that is trying to be a Mexican joint runs out of guacamole on a Sunday night? Needless to say, one of our friends said it out loud "you are a mexican restaurant and you run out of guacamole on a sunday night?". She apologized, took out or order, and left. Miraculously, after 10 minutes she brought us some guac and said it is on the house. Hmmm...did someone make a quick run to the Jewel nearby? In any case, we appreciate having guac. The rest of the food was pretty average. My barnyard burger was okay. The drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the gringo margaritas. They were okay, nothing to rave about. I have had better margaritas at Cesars on Broadway and Tecalitlan in Ukrainian village. The crowd: where did these people come from? We had a group of loud people playing beer pong nearby. Again, what is this place trying to be? Beer pong? Really?Between butch lesbians and dude bros, this place seems to have a serious identity crisis. The music: holy crap! Where did they find this shitty music? Not only is it shitty, it is deafeningly loud. We ate, finished our pitcher of margaritas, and wowed to never return again. Perhaps their patio is nice in the summer, but the mediocre food and dude bro crowd does not warrant a repeat visit. Also, why is there no option for "shitty" in the ambience section of the review?
(2)Tiva T.
I'm not going to lie, we had very low expectations of this place but needed something to eat before heading to the airport. DS Tequila was a pleasant surprise! Chips & queso: on point. Three taco meal: really good variety and the beans and rice were really tasty; not the usual dry, flavorless mess you typically get at a "Mexican" restaurant. Best food we had on our trip. Service was pretty good too.
(5)Asenath N.
Love this place especially on Thursdays for $12 all you can eat tacos and is Bingo night! That is about the only night I enjoy this place. The rest of the time it gets really crowded. The food is your typical bar food, is nothing special.
(4)Robert L.
We just wanted to say I has the best server experience today from a server named Neki. To be completely honest I love the energy of the place, but have never experienced good service, until today, and I wanted to take the time to write about it. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm smile, professional demeanor, and great knowledge of the menu. Neki, took the time to answer all of our questions, and came to check on us frequently, when she clearly had a lot of other tables to tend to. Please pass this message on to the manager/owner, and let him know he ought to promote Neki, or at least give her a raise!!
(4)Trevor H.
If you haven't been living under a rock (well at least under a rock in Boystown), you are probably familiar with DS Tequila. But if you haven't been for their weekend brunch, you are in for a wild afternoon. First off, I love DS's nachos and margaritas any day of the week. But, on Saturday and Sunday, you can indulge in a "boozy" brunch that you'll swear was fun, but it might just be a tad hazy. Ok, so $30 gets you two Bloody Mary's, an entree, and... UNLIMITED mimosas served in a giant mug. If you hate bloody anything, then you can just fork over $25 dollars for everything sans Bloody Mary's. But honestly, their Bloody Bar is filled with all sorts of treats to fill your bloody like bacon, peppers, celery, cheeses, horseradish... well you'll have to see for yourself. For a spicy version, ask for the Absolut Pepar. Once you have developed a nice buzz, start on your mimosas. You'll probably have ordered by now, but make sure you order the Breakfast Sandwich. You won't be sorry. The skillets are delicious, but not quite as satisfying as heaven on a biscuit. I can't quite quote the ingredients (my memory is hazy) but it's so good. Once your mimosa is starting to empty, Melanie the Mimosateer will swing by with her Mimosa jet-pack. And that's about the last thing I can remember before it all goes black.... Just kidding! If you aren't too full you'll probably want to continue drinking, otherwise you might be ready for a quick nap before heading back out for your Sunday Funday! Cheers!
(4)Christine T.
Great patio space to watch the beautiful people walk by. It's a nice spot for lunch with service prompt and ice tea for our afternoon beverage refilled early and often. We parked our bikes close by and enjoyed being left to enjoy the scenery.
(4)Nick B.
Nice place - arrived during a pubcrawl, I don't remember what I had to drink but it was the nachos I remember... So well done.
(4)Kate M.
I like DS Tequila. I've been here a few times and the staff is always friendly, the food and drinks are good, and the atmosphere is fun. I'm not usually a frozen drink fan, but I do like trying different drinks before I dive into the hard stuff. Strawberry frozen margarita and banana frozen margarita side by side in the same glass as an appetizer was perfect, especially followed by a serious margarita on the rocks. Their tequila menu is fairly extensive, as you'd expect from a place called "DS Tequila Company". The nachos are ridiculous and delicious. It's a huge pile of nacho fantasticness. The staff is always friendly and the service is always good. Looking for tequila or just a burger and beer? Go here.
(4)Ronald B.
I used to be a fan, until I had GLASS in my margarita. And the owner seemed to handle the issue with very little care. His response was to give $20 off my next meal. Really? I was kinda surprised especially given how frequently I visited the place...so now my friends and I just steer clear of this place.
(2)Mat M.
DS Tequila Company is a good spot located in Boystown, Chicago. The service is generally really attentive - and their deck area is superb. The food and drinks always meet my expectation too. Good spot, worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood.
(3)David A.
I loved the tacos that i got. I stepped in here to get out of the cold and grab a little bite to eat. I tried the Grilled Fish Taco, The Chicken Taco, the Coffee rubbed Taco and they were all delisious. Esspecially the fish taco It was fantastic. The tortillas that they use here are equisit. The one draw back was that each of these small bites were around $3 a piece. I have had tacos as good as this place for half that price. Still the food was great.
(4)Sean B.
This is another fine example of going to a place because my friends chose it, and not because it was Yelp'ed highly... only to discover afterwards that it has a low rating when I do an ex post facto look at the ranking. However, this was pleasantly one of those scenarios where I was surprised it was low, as I had a great experience there. The servers were all friendly (including the very handsome "Chase" who seated us), the vibe was chill, the food was cheap and tasty, the drinks large. A great way to start out our Pride Saturday. Maybe this place turned itself around since the poor reviews from others? I thought it was quite cool.
(4)Brooke F.
We've lived in the neighborhood for a few months now and decided to try DS for the first time last night. Server (can't remember his name!) was very accommodating and friendly. Food was WONDERFUL! I'm gonna be in trouble from now on, getting fat off the Tequila Shrimp Tacos (try them). We had the Chips & Queso Dip, Texas Tenders, Tequila Shrimp Tacos, BBQ Pork Tacos, and House Margaritas. Everything was excellent!
(5)Marie M.
The only reason why it gets even one star is because the server was nice. We went on Tuesday which is build your own burger night and movie night. The food was average. I felt like I was having dinner with children having spiderman on every speaker of every TV in the restaurant. I don't know if they were trying to be a restaurant or a bar but they failed at both miserably. The manager was very rude. We complained about the volume and she spun her keys in our faces. The whole thing was a very and in in miserable experience and she was a big part of that. It felt like they had turned up the volume of the commercials after the movie. The manager truly does not know how to do her job.
(1)Mike D.
DS...your service is slipping from decent to non-existent. We've noticed the last couple of times we've been here that the service gets worse and worse. No refills or check-ins. We've had empty drink glasses for 20 minutes and have been waiting for a ticket or a hello for 10. Positives: food is still terrific. The kitchen and BOH is doing great. Hot, timely, delicious good. Come here for good food and good drinks!
(3)Cameron H.
A friend and I wanted something quick before hitting the night on the town. So, since it's been a long time, and all of the bars we were hitting were within that vicinity, then it made logical sense to go to DS. We were immediately seated after walking in (on a Thurs night-boys night out). The host seem a bit pissy but it did get better after our waiter brought us our drinks. My friend ordered nachos for his main even though it was an appetizer. OMG, this plate is huge. It could feed three people. For my main, I ordered a turkey/chicken burger with a egg on top. Very tasty. Overall, decent place, good food, ambiance is ok as we didn't want to have another drink while there.. I will have to try the all you can eat tacos night on Thursdays... Especially being that Thursdays is boys night out...
(3)Angela C.
A friend of mine and I came here on a Monday afternoon, as most restaurants on Halsted were closed on Monday. It was pretty empty, and we were seated on the patio immediately. Our server was very attentive. He ordered the California burger (avocado, veggies but with chicken), and I ordered the Classic (bacon, tequila onions, cheese) with chicken. We both opted to get sweet potato fries. The food was fresh and tasty. The fries were thickly cut and crisp. They served this interesting marshmallow fluff/cinnamon dipping sauce which was awesome! I've never been here when it's busy, but for a quick bite on a slow weekday afternoon, this is a good place to go!
(4)Megan S.
My coworkers and I went out after a work event. My phone was dead and the bartender was sooooo sweet to charge it for me. The margarita and music were great. I didn't even know they had food. After living in Texas for 2 years, this girl loves Tex-Mex and tequila. I WILL BE BACK! And thank you again to the sweet bartender :)
(4)Patty K.
I had heard great things about DS Tequila Company and decided to try it out with my sisters. We were seated in a heated patio area. In December, even with the heaters I still needed my winter coat to be comfortable. The tables were wobbly and not especially comfortable. I ordered the taco dinner and it was ok. The pulled pork taco was my favorite and the smoked chicken one wasn't bad either. I didn't care for the short rib one. One of my sisters tried the chili and loved it! Out waitress was knowledgable about the menu and checked in on us as needed. Overall, the service here is great, the food is ok and the atmosphere could be improved (At least in the patio area). I would come back to eat here but wouldn't go out of my way to make any special trips.
(3)Kristina I.
Made a reservation on Saturday evening for 6 people for my works little outing for around 7 pm. Everyone was a little late but the host still took care of us with no problems, the waitress we had was so super awesome and efficient it made me so happy. We even had an additional person join and she switched us to a larger section with no issues or attitude like most servers I have experienced that take on larger parties. She never once got confused or overwhelmed, I really wish I could remember her name but those High Octane Margs go straight to your brain I swear lol. Having worked in the serving industry personally for a many years, great service is always appreciated and noticed ( so she was definitely well tipped :)) Anyway I always love DS, great margs , music, menu , and vibes.
(5)Katie S.
I have been to DS Tequila on multiple occasions and have loved it each time. Try the house margarita and coffee-rubbed steak tacos! You will not be disappointed. It's also a great brunch spot. I wasn't very impressed with the monkey bread, but the skillets and chicken and biscuits are wonderful! (The chicken and biscuits is huge, split it!)
(5)Kevin M.
First time in Chicago and popped in here with a friend for dinner before heading over to Roscoe's to watch the live band karaoke. I'm easily swayed by a boozey slushie machine and 1/2 price menu. Great for the price and the quantity of food we got. Greeter and server were awesome. Only complaint was when a busboy spilled salsa on my shirt, filled a straw with water, let it go on my shirt, and handed me a napkin saying "it happens to me every day". I was pissed but kept my mouth shut and cleaned it up as any good Canadian boy would do. No apologies from him. Very classy.
(3)Michael J. A.
DS Tequila definitely has a bar atmosphere abs a bar menu. We had the chips and salsa trio and to be truthful it wad nothing much. One of the dips was full out just Ranch dressing. The tacos were good. Just the right size in a the portion dinner special with rice and beans. The refried beans were excellent and the rice was good. I had the grilled fish tacos and they would have been excellent if the coleslaw did not overpower the fish so much. It wad all I tasted. It wad labeled as jalapeño coleslaw but didn't taste anything but mayo. I also had the pulled pork tacos which were actually very good. Service wad good and attentive. Over all Ok, but I wouldn't rush to come back.
(3)Luis L.
Let's begin with the day. It was 4th of July. I worked that day but my bestie who was in town for the weekend wanted to hang out in Boystown after I got off work. He decided to take me to DS Tequila and get a margarita there because he likes that they are about the size of his head. Ok, sure. I was hungry and needed food, so I figured I could eat something there, as they serve tacos and other things. When we arrived, the host was occupied and away from the stand. So we waited. My friend had to use the restroom so he went and I stayed and continued waiting. A server was nearby and I asked if I should wait or seat myself, but he told me to wait. When the host came back, there was another employee standing nearby who was not working that day, which I gathered from overhearing the conversation between her and the host, who ignored me completely and seemed to think it was more important to gab with his pal than to attend to me. Alright. Finally, when he was done gabbing with his pal, the employee who was not working that day, the host turned to me as if I'd just arrived, and with feigned surprise, greeted me as though I hadn't been standing there all this time. Fine. I asked for a table for 2 on the patio but the host informed me that there were no tables for 2 at this time. Not a problem. I told him we would sit at the bar and wait until something opened up, and asked if he could please come get us. He said he would let us know and we went to the bar. This happens all the time in restaurants (not the being ignored part but the waiting for a table). I have no problem waiting for my desired table. What doesn't happen all the time and what I do have a problem with is what happened afterwards. My friend said he wanted to wait until we sat at our table to get his ridiculous margarita, I got my first drink at the bar. The wait was long and he couldn't wait any longer so he ordered a regular sized margarita and I had a second drink. We waited for about 30 minutes and witnesses the host seat ONE party of 2, outside on the patio. A few moments later, we witnessed him sit a SECOND party of 2 outside on the patio. I walked up to him and told him we had been waiting for a very long time and that we saw him seat TWO parties of 2 already, and asked if there was a reason we were being made to wait. He said, "I'm so sorry, I was just coming to get you. Please give me a moment." Ok. Fine. And then, a moment later, we saw him seat a THIRD party of 2, outside on the patio! By this time I was aggravated. Not only did we have to wait so long but we were passed up, not once, not twice, but THREE times! And the third time after I had already complained. So I walked up and pointed out to him that we just saw him seat yet another party of 2 outside. He seemed contemptuously apologetic and told me he'd seat us next. Grabbed two menus and led us to our table, but the table he took us to was NOT to my liking, and I told him I wanted to sit out in the more open area by the street. "We have a rotation going on," he said. At this point I clarified to him that I didn't care, that we had waited a long time and had been passed up for a table THREE TIMES, and that he needed to seat us at one of the tables that were clearly available in our preferred part of the patio. This host then had the audacity to become upset with US, he led us--more like stomped--over to the table in the part of the patio where we wanted to sit, and walk away. Our server was nice, but inefficient. When I asked to speak to a manager he said he would bring her over, but never did. I went looking for the manager myself. It was a woman who seemed nice enough until I described what had happened to us. She flippantly attributed the host's actions to a mere mistake. "Mistakes happen," she said. Really? Twice in a row and a third time after I already pointed out the mistake??? She didn't try to rectify the situation at all. Fine! I will never step foot in that place again. And I will tell anyone and everyone I know about the horrible experience I had and suggest that they don't go there. Horrible!
(1)Suzanne P.
I really should have consulted with Yelp before dinner tonight... You know those people in the world where you are immediately attracted to them because of their good looks and charm? Then you start talking and getting to know them and realize that there is nothing going on in their head? DS Tequila Company, you are the restaurant equivalent of that person. All beauty; no brains. UGH. The best thing about my meal was the elote side dish (but really, corn cotija cheese and chili pepper; not super inventive and needed SALT badly...) but I will order this on any menu because I am in love with this tasty corn dish. Their guacamole and chips were laughable. How guacamole can be tasteless is beyond me. It made me wonder if it was a mix of avocado and "guacamole" (you know, that mushy green stuff that's not the real stuff) after all.... It was disappointing. I love me some guacamole, and this was not that. Also, for being a gay bar, your drinks are super weak. Again, gay bar conoisseur here, and the library is open and I am reading you, DS Tequila Company! The one thing that I did absolutely love was the charming patio and the fire pit in the middle of the table. However, it was difficult to enjoy over the Miley Cyrus and Will I Am blaring loudly. Unless you're not super hungry, don't care about mediocre service, aren't an apparent lush like me and prefer some alcohol in your drinks, take my words of advice and go elsewhere.
(2)Maddie L.
I lived about 6 steps from DS Tequilla for 2 years, and now that I'm moving I'm really going to miss what became our neighborhood margarita joint. 1 - The margs are unreal! So many flavors, and so big! 2 - Great outdoor patio. I loved going here post-work for a couple of hours and sitting out in the sun with a margarita and some chips and quac. It really doesn't get any better. Great people-watching and lots of seating. 3 - 1/2 off food on Mondays! You can get a few tacos for a few bucks!
(5)Dylan M.
Who cares if it's a little slow. Must be 21 to enter, great food, strong margaritas all in Boystown. Yum. Dont forget about all you can eat tacos after 5pm on Thursdays. shit, so good.
(5)Danielle B.
DS Tequila is my favorite place in Chicago! They have a wide variety of fantastic tacos-the steak taco is incredible! They are great for groups as well. We came for my birthday and it was so much fun. They had party hats, leis and confetti poppers on the tables when we arrived which was so unexpected and made my birthday that much better. They also have delicious margaritas and what this southerner would call the only appropriate queso in Chicago {white, drippy cheese} paired with light and crispy chips! They have awesome theme/specials nights, too. Monday: 1/2 off food, Burger & movie Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday, $12.99 all you can eat tacos and gringo bingo Thursdays, $10 fish bowl Fridays and fun brunch specials on the weekend! Literally can't say enough about how much I love this place!
(5)Michelle Z.
Flavorless food aside from the taco salad. Overpriced drinks. Entitled staff. I had a horrible Pride experience here. Go to Halsted's instead tbh next time.
(1)Shannon K.
Don't get me wrong - this is a very solid 3 stars and DS is becoming a go to spot for me in Boystown. The food is consistent and I appreciate that fact. I would give them 4 stars if the drinks were better, but I generally stick to beer or margaritas at DS. It gets 4+ stars for atmosphere and fun! The patio is fan-freaking-tastic and looks out over Halsted. It's one of my favorite spots to pull up, eat some chips (with a great trio of salsas), drink some beer, chow on some creative and delicious tacos and hang out with friends. It's centrally located and they serve food pretty late. The staff and bartenders are always super friendly and the service has always been efficient, even when it gets crazy....and it does get crazy. This is not really a take-your-folks-when-they-are-in-town sort of a place, mainly because of the noise level and air of debauchery....but it is a fab place to chill out and have a gay day! Try all of the tacos, you can't lose. Yep, yep I dig you DS!
(3)Justin B.
Things about DS I LIKE: The food: DS offers a great selection of Tex-Mex style food, including some great tacos. The salads and burgers here are pretty good, too. The nachos are pretty epic. Don't order the full size nachos unless you're a party of six or more. (Trust me on this one). The patio: They've enclosed (and recently heated) the very large patio, located on the adjacent lot. The retractable roof allows for patio dining at almost any time of the year, and is pretty packed all summer. The specials: The entire menu is 1/2 price on Mondays, Tuesday is $1 taco night. The sports: They have a ton of televisions, inside and out, so you can always catch a game. ---- Things about DS I DON'T like: The service: It's VERY hit or miss. I'm not sure if it's the server training or the people they hire (maybe a bit of both) but the wait staff - although very friendly - are very sporadic when it comes to levels of service. It's a crap shoot. The noise level: Yes, it's a bar. Yes, it's loud. And yes, they like it that way. I tolerate it because the pros outweigh the cons. Evenings are crazy and weekends are insane. I would never bring a first date here. Overall, it's a good place to grab food and have a couple of drinks with your friends. I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I will continue to go back, but I just wish they'd kick up their level of service a bit (and get that hand dryer fixed in the bathroom)!
(3)Mandie C.
I love brunch, and an unlimited mimosa doesn't hurt. Adam was a great server and just wanted us to have a great time. He was awesome and we will be back next Sunday!
(5)Jennifer N.
Due to some of the reviews of this place, I did not come here with any sort of expectations. The gringo margarita was good and my tacos were fine but nothing special. My friends said their burgers tasted like they were just taco meat shaped into a burger patty, which is probably what it was. The food is pricey for what it is. The service was friendly but ridiculously slow and the place was not particularly crowded. We ordered the chips and salsa (which come with free refills) but it was almost impossible to get the refill. A second round of drinks were ordered and it took forever to get them. Overall, not a huge fan
(2)Ryan R.
We went here a couple of times during our time in Chicago to eat and drink. The first time I went, we came so late that we barely had any time to order from the kitchen. That paired with being seated right below the frequently dripping air conditioner did not bode well for a good experience. The tacos I ordered were also very average and are definitely ones that could be easily outmatched in my own kitchen. That being said, the service was pretty friendly and they accommodated our large group well. The second time our group went, we had a much better experience. I decided to go with the "Big D" burger and really enjoyed it. I also sampled the chips and dip trio which was also decent as well. The margaritas were decent, nothing amazing, but they get the job done and again it was a good space for our rather large party. Overall, not my favorite place to eat, but you can't beat margaritas with a large group.
(3)Bill K.
The spicy mango margarita was excellent, the tacos were very good, and the nachos were some of the best I've ever had. Service was marvelous. Our server, Alex, had great recommendations, not only about the food but also about things to do in the area. Had a great time!
(5)Brittany K.
DS Tequila on a Thursday was so fun! Bingo night is a great way to break up a normal week. And the free prizes don't hurt. Our server ASHLEY was great! Kept the margaritas coming. That server is fantastic!
(4)Cooper R.
Our experience at DS was amazing. ASHLEY the BEST server! I have been in town for years and have never met a better person. Ashley is the epitome of what service should be - very professional, personal, and fun! Love her and only met her! She was informative and attentive. DS is the uncovered jewel in town. We'll be returning and requesting her alone!
(5)Sara C.
I've been here before and enjoyed myself. A friend and I stopped in last night and they were showing movies with $5 burgers! How fun is that? And they were smart enough to play a horror/thriller since it's Halloween season. When the manager stopped by, she mentioned that they'd probably show a horror movie each week through October. We'll definitely be there. It's a great date night for a colder night.
(5)Robyn G.
Woof. After walking 10 feet from the door the smell hits you. It smells like an entire NFL team just took off their shoes. There's definitely a plumbing issue or ventilation issue or something that just makes it smell like the place is rotting. If you can get a seat outside and get past the smell... then the food is good and the drinks are good.
(3)Trista T.
I did love this place, but it the image is a bit confusing. Sports bar, gay men, not really Mexican food place. But it works I guess. I didn't have a full meal but I did try the sweet potato fries. They were out of this world. Thick cut and full of flavor and came with spiced marshmallow dip that was perfection!!! My friend all loved their margaritas and food as well. Server was great and made it feel really homey. Cannot wait to get back to that dip!!! Highlight of the whole dinner.
(4)Jose V.
Can't really understand all the bad reviews.. Its a sportsbar/tex-mex place, dont come expecting authentic mexican food or michelin starred restaurant! I love their chill atmosphere, their indoor patio and their lighter options in the menu Their salads are ridiculously huge
(4)Lai J.
Been there a few times. I'm always annoyed by the places that check your ID no matter what and I'd drink simply because I've been carded. Most of the hosts I met are sweet. Servers are alright, it just takes forever for them to notice you. Love the busboy and jalapeño poppers, one more star for them.
(4)Brian N.
Great spot for groups and real good tacos! All the tacos were fantastic...Pulled pork and coffee rubbed steak were delicious. Real thin chips with jalapeno ranch dressing also very good! Place was great and very reasonably priced too.
(4)Justin B.
This place has great food, decent service and is relatively cheap. My gripe: BOTH times that I've gone here I've had my credit and bank card compromised. The staff is apparently untrustworthy. ALLOF'EM. Not only do they require a card to be left (even if you're a sitting patron) but they then leave it out in the open on the bar counter. I've lost well over $1000 in compromised charges due to the staff at DS. Charges to my card: $467.42 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $77.30 BURGER KING #9627 CHICAGO RIDGE IL $247.00 iTunes $682.38 SHOE CARNIVAL #158 Chicago Ridge IL $197.67 DS Tequilla SERVER: COREY (caucasian/blonde male around 5'10) I really just want to see what over $1000 buys at shoe carnival. Please show me. If the owner is reading this: YOU OWE ME, BRO.
(1)David S.
My friend and I went for a late dinner after a show at Mary's Attic in Andersonvillle....It was our first time there, and we were seated it what I assume would be the patio area in better weather. It looked liked retractable glass walls looking at the sidewalk, but we were at the beginning of a major blizzard that night in Chicago, so, needless to say, the glass walls were down! Ashley was our server, and she had a trainee with her that night, and between Ashley and the food, I'd call it a great experience! We started with a bowl of margaritas and some guacamole, and the reason I'm giving them a one-star demerit, is the guacamole portion was really chintzy.... we had half the chips left and no more guac :( Andrew had the 9-layer dip app as a dinner, and loved it; I had the 3-taco combo platter and I appreciated that the tacos weren't hugely ginormious but that the portion size was absolutely perfect. Ashley was delightful, and is one of the reasons we'll be back!
(4)Megan S.
Definitely one of my favorite places in Boystown. I come here with one my good friends and every time we've had a great time. The Miami Vice marg that they make is incredible. There's also a bartender there that looks just like Dr. Avery from Grey's Anatomy and he's so sweet. On my friend's birthday I asked if they did anything special, I was just expecting a shot for her, but he came out with a round of shots for everyone in our party and a giant sparkler for her.
(3)Shana H.
Not a fan of this place at all. I actually had a server huff at me when I asked for coffee during Saturday brunch. A bit uncalled for. The food is meh, and the staff isn't very pleasant. Wonder why people even come here. Its too bad because the potential is there if they'd clean up their customer service! One word...entitlement. sigh!! They may almost have a good gig if they weren't such protentious servers. Get over yourself, you are not a gift to Halstead street.
(1)Luke C.
I love the atmosphere here. The food is delicious (especially the different tacos; yum!!!). The staff is quirky and so much fun. I don't know how they do their hiring here, but I've never had any bad service! Their margaritas and drinks are just the best around and you'll never find a better atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, you get a giant smile from the staff and it just keeps getting better! It's a great neighborhood spot, place to watch a football game during the season, or an awesome place for a margarita after a Cubs game (I've been there for all three reasons)!
(5)Silas H.
Amazing tacos but I wish their drinks weren't so pricy. Its a good try, I haven't had a bad experience and have been there a few times.
(4)Adriane P.
Recently I did a family members homework for them. I'm altruistic like that. Thus, I could justify copying my guest's review, his is better but I won't. I've been several times now. It seems like an identity crisis of a sports bar and Mexican restaurant. Especially with the dozens of tvs playing sports, top 40 music, tacos, margs, and burgers. Last time we arrived and the host was rather impressed with his unusual ID. There was a wait but he approached us at the bar and squeezed us in a communal table. Kudos to you, friend for being a transplant! The name. Oy, it's always fun on a date before dinner to explain what DS stands for. Romantical and pleasant before eating. And by the the way, what the h is next? Suck and Blow Hookah Bar, Reverse Cowgirl Texmex, Rimjob Auto Shop? Yeesh! The margs are weak and just ok. Very slurpee like. A guy filled one of the slurpee marg dispensers with a huge 5 gallon unmarked container. Not a good sign. I ordered the caramel Apple martini dispensed from a similar machine. It was even weaker, but a neat liquid candy. The caramel was evenly distrbuted top to bottom. The waiter came up as we took our first sips and said, "Your food's almost ready, do you want the check?" My friend asked him his pardon and he repeated it. We were flabergasted (yet hid it with poise) and politely declined. Others servers kinda hovered after too much. I liked the tacos much more than my partner. I ate like 9 kinds, shush! I was hungry and wanted to sample many. Note DS Tequila Company does not actually make tequila. Work out the drinks and service guys. I dig Mexican with a shovel and wanna like you but make more of an effort!!!!!! It's not the sht but not terrible.
(3)Elise P.
We had a very strange experience here. We arrived at about 11:30pm and sat at the bar. The bartenders ignored us for a while, which was only odd because it wasn't packed inside (since it was the 4th of July, I guess). Once we finally got acknowledged, I got a coco loco frozen margarita (out of the big icee machine) and it was really good! No complaints on that. The really huge downside was that the staff seemed extremely focused on doing a deep clean of the bar area while we were there, using copious amounts of bleach. As in, pouring straight bleach into the trap part under the beer taps, about 6 inches from my face. So needless to further explain, that was horrifying and disgusting. On top of that, they were all polishing and covering bottles, and covering and putting away all their garnishes. I have worked in bars, I know that unless it's close to close and/or really dead, this doesn't/ shouldn't happen while many people are at the bar. We even asked the bartender if they close at midnight (worrying we'd be the rude customers that keep them open, since it was a holiday and all), but they did not- close at 2am. It was a friday night, hours before close, with a full bar rail. What was that all about? All I can recommend is the tasty margarita. But honestly, I doubt I'd go back for crap service and bleach fumes with my margarita.
(2)Suzie N.
Great food and drinks. Guac is delish. Our server Bennett was so helpful and recommended the California wildfire to drink. It was great and so was our night. Will definitely be back. Thanks!
(5)O R.
Wow...we ordered our food (scrambled egg skillet) at 2:30. At 3:15 we get free shots because it's taking a little longer than usual. At 3:45 my friend had to bring it to the staffs attention that he's diabetic and needs to eat fairly soon please. We're told that our ticket got "bumped" because of the shift change. I understand these things might happen but in my friends case, this was extremely preposterous. Have as many excuses as you want but this goes beyond just feeding your guests. Let's work closer together to alleviate this situations from taking place in the future. Teamwork and communication is key and they simply do not have it.
(1)Nikki D.
Went here for taco night! For 12.99 you get all you can eat tacos! The tacos have a great flour tortilla and great fillings. My favorite ones were the encrusted steak and the fried chicken. You can easily get your money's worth! We also got the alcoholic root beer which is delicious and goes down very easy! The service was great as well!
(5)Timothy L.
Drinks were ok and on the super sweet side. Food was good - make sure you get fried fish tacos and the coffee-rubbed steak. The fish was battered and fried perfectly and the steak tasted like a "real" grilled steak and not just some stir-fried beef. Friday half-off appetizers makes a visit well worth it. While the tacos were good, DS Tequila still misses in the drinks and execution.
(2)SOBE ER D.
DS Tequila is a good local haunt in Boystown. It's technically a bar that serves food so be prepared to show your ID at the door. The energy in the place is high and there are a couple of theme nights such as movie night and trivia night. The food is basic: tacos and burgers with salads and a few side items. Chips and salsa are not complimentary. Margaritas are by the class, fishbowl or pitcher - fairly good. Full bar is also available. There is a huge covered outdoor space that makes for great people watching on Halsted Street. All in all, a good, reliable place to go for a quick bite.
(4)Jonathan H.
This place is awful. Been there 3 times and never again. Last night was the worst by far. I will say that their drinks are good and tacos can be good. Everything else leaves a lot to be desired. My friends and I arrived at 7PM. We had a reservation and they seated us immediately. At 7:15 our server arrived to greet us and take drink orders. At 7:30 our drinks arrived. 2 of our friends drinks were completely wrong. At 7:45 the corrected drinks showed up. Our dinners, all taco plates, began showing up in shifts: 4 meals at 8:00, 4 meals at 8:15, the final two didn't show up until 8:30 and not until after we had to hunt down the manager. The manager, Denny, is a nice kid. Seemed a bit inexperienced and not prepared to handle the chaos that was on his hands. He offered us a round of drinks to compensate. An hour and a half for everyone to get their food and he offers a round of drinks? No. All of this said I think the place has real potential. The owners, however, need to get a clue into how to run a successful restaurant. If you're going to be a bar - then be one. Thus far the owners have not quite gotten the hang of what it takes to be a great place. Sure, they have traffic from a clientele that may not know any better and spend their money anyway and if that's what the owners want then that's fine. From where I stand, as well as my friends, we won't be going back and will spend our money elsewhere. We live in the neighborhood and want nothing more than for the local places to do well. @DS Tequila owners: get it together. Hire managers with experience and restructure the entire experience and you'll be awesome.
(1)Tracy G.
I freaking love this place. I would say I have gone here at least 10-20 times in the past 2 years or so since living in the city at all different times of the day (brunch, a lunch, dinner etc.) I have consistently received great service each time I have gone. Big shout out to the waiter Corey who I usually see working Saturday brunch. Guy remembered me from a previous visit and made me actually feel like a regular which is a great way to treat customers. I think I love this place the most because it instantly makes me feel like I am supposed to be back in undergrad and wasted again. Not saying that is the greatest reason to love a place, but it feels nostalgic and I feel like they are going for that. They have succeeded. I can see why people think the food is a tad pricey, but they offset that with some great deals during the week. The burgers are great but I usually just end up getting a small order of the Trash Can Nachos which despite my abundant appetite usually provides me a second meal the next day. The beer selection is great especially for Boystown, and their mixed drinks are fun as well. I am shocked by the amount of negative reviews given my positive experiences there. I swear they didn't pay me to write this. But if they did I would accept nachos or beer as payment.
(5)Amanda H.
I was with a party of 20 people and we decided to go here. Big mistake. A guy was cleaning a long table that would easily seat all of us. We were told by the host that if we weren't ordering food that we couldn't sit there. It was 11:30pm. Dinner is over and the only thing people might want is a snack at that point. There were three booths in the back that were also empty, so we sat down because there were so many places for people to sit. Plus, we were 20 people who wanted to get drunk. We waited for almost a half hour and were completely ignored by the wait staff AND the bartenders. Finally we were asked to move from the booths. So we get up and continue trying to order a drink. Only two out of the twenty managed to get a drink. Then they rudely told us that we were in the way because we were standing. Ummmm....so we can't sit, stand, or order any drinks? I'm sorry. I thought this was a bar. So we go outside to figure out where to go instead and then we were asked to move away from outside the front of the bar. We weren't blocking the door or bothering anyone. It's all cool though. We went down the street and spent hundreds of dollars elsewhere.
(1)Patrick L.
Good place, good food, friendly people! They've got a great outdoor patio, probably one of the best around. With the fire pits and what not it's great even when the weather starts to cool off. Plenty of good food and plenty of drink options too!
(4)Christina M.
$5 for a Lonestar...you're joking right?
(2)Heidi R.
I got a recommendation to come here from my hair stylist who works right down the street. I saw the groupon deal and then read the reviews so decided to not buy it. This is one time I wish I would have taken the recommendation and nixed the yelp reviews... This place rocks. My boyfriend and I came here because we were just down the street at FFC looking for some major grub very quickly! This was exactly what we had in mind. We sat down immediately and saw first thing "All you can eat Tacos" YUM! These are not your ordinary tacos either. For $9.99 you get about 5 options of tacos or for $12.99 you get 10 options and they must be ordered in 3s. They are sounded so good. We ordered the steak taco (fave), hamburger taco, white boy taco, crispy chicken taco, pulled pork taco, grilled fish taco and the chicken fajita taco. I loved the hamburger and steak taco the most. They also had a veggie taco and fried fish taco which we didn't try. Your first order comes with rice and beans. They had a house chardonnay for $5 which I was sold on. Love this place and I plan on returning for sure. The rest of the menu looked awesome and they have great daily specials!
(4)Lindsey A.
The only reason I've been to this place twice is because the first time we visited they wouldn't let us use our Living Social deal because we had done the 'all-you-can-eat' taco deal which vetoes the L.S. Grumble. Sooooooo we went back. The tacos were all right but it skeeves me out to go to a place that serves two main entrees: Burgers or Tacos. Don't ask me why, it just does. On top of feeling queasy about the menu, I literally felt queasy after the meal - and this lasted for more than 24 hours with more than just stomach rumblings. Service is pretentious and clientele cray.... the only reasons I'd venture back to this Boystown Shit Show are the blackberry margaritas and lovely patio.
(2)Gary D.
Generally I give 3 and 4 stars very commonly but the service was so bad here that I can't do that in good conscience. It took a long time for the server to come over when we first sat down and it was downhill from there. We had to ask other servers to send ours over on 2 occasions. It was a Sat. night but our guy didn't seem to have too many tables. We could see him at the bar talking with others but just seemed to ignore us. My daughter wanted a margarita and there were several flavors so she asked him which one he thought was best and just said I like whiskey drinks instead of saying something like this one is the most popular. The food is fair at best, the atmosphere was more of a dance club with loud music than a restaurant. There are many more Mexican restaurants in town that I'd recommend over this one.
(2)Katie D.
I tried D S tequila for the first time for a dinner out with friends. The food was really great, we all picked our own selection of tacos. Our server, Bennett, was extremely helpful in recommending his favorite tacos and also suggested the frozen Arnold Palmer to drink which we all loved!! We are all looking forward to coming back and will be sure to ask for Bennett's section!
(4)Sunni M.
Great margaritas, great tacos but horrible service. Every time I've been there the waiters have always disappeared for a few minutes at a time. That, plus the crazy crowds and atmosphere make me not too much of a fan. In the summer the patio is really nice though.
(2)Rick A.
Just re-read my original review for DS Tequila and I decided I must write an update. Because three years later, they have greatly improved their service and food quality, and it must be mentioned. They figured out the taco situation, stopped making the homemade shells (which were not all that good at all), and simplified the ordering process. In short, they fixed all the problems that plagued them before, and now have a really nice, tightly run business. The food is always delicious (especially the coffee-rubbed steak taco... MEGA yum!), and the drinks are great and delicious. The service is fast and friendly, and the crowd is dessert for the eyes. I am now a fan of DS Tequila!
(4)Kimberly M.
I went around 930pm on a Saturday night with a group of 5 people. The place was busy but we got sat immediately. The service was grea tand had friendly staff. The had no problems with splitting our check 4 ways... I ordered the chips and guacamole, which was fresh and yummy, a Sangria, and shared the classics burger. Everything was tasty.
(3)Ashlee A.
I can't speak on the food but I can say without question that I had one of the tastiest Margaritas of all time last nigh around 130am. And for a Sunday night it was a pretty lively crowd. I also had a couple of shot of the tequila straight up and it was very clean. I dare say we found a winner ;-)
(4)Sean B.
They wrecked their unlimited tacos. They downgraded it to 10 choices for the more expensive option, taking out the Chorizo and others that must have been low margin for them, and they added rice and beans without asking. I sent my beans back, as they would wreck the taste of the rest of the meal for me. They prodded about whether I was allergic or not, and I said it doesn't matter - it wasn't listed on the menu. When we came in, they had a technology glitch. The waiter couldn't get the iPod touch to load the order, so then he brought out an iPad, which crashed numerous times. It crashed again later in the meal. Then a busboy/server brought out food to us not once but twice that was not ours. Probably because the iPads were broken. They switched the tortillas to corn tortillas. Eh. Ew. Then our waiter was stripping on the bar in some kind of fundraiser, which meant he was like 10 minutes late in taking our order for more tacos. He also didn't notice our pitcher was dry. I also don't really appreciate being upsold raffle tickets as a captive audience at a restaurant table. While he was hot stripping, I would have liked water or a drink more than watching him gyrate on the bar then touch our food baskets without a bathroom hand-wash in-between. He was probably just doing his job, so I think this is management's fault. The music was on about 30 dB too loud tonight. I couldn't hear my friends and it made the conversation awkward. The nail in the coffin was we were a group of 6 and they added 20% gratuity. AFTER THE TAX WAS ADDED IN. Are you kidding me? We left less and wrote as such on the receipt. Maybe if everything wasn't wrong. Not sure I'll be bringing my expansive posse back on Thursdays anymore. Maybe if they fix a bunch of this stuff.
(2)Mike D.
How can anyone negatively remark on this place? Reading some of these reviews: You knocked them points because they didn't say goodbye to you? You knocked them points because you want to be "wined and dined like a lady"? This is a bar with food. That's all this place is - a bar.. with food. Not a Michelin star winning restaurant. Let me say this again: A bar.. with food. Now the food? I actually thought it was fantastic and worthy of four stars certainly. I had the 3 taco special and my buddy had a turkey sandwich. I thought both were fantastic. The chips/guac/salsa was amazing as well. I highly suggest trying this place out!
(4)Rebecca I.
$2.50 per gourmet taco that comes on a freshly made tortilla and to wash in down their margaritas are the best I have had inside the States. They defiantly have a generous pour but also doesn't overwhelm or take away from the natural margarita taste. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I would defiantly recommend this place and will be going back! It couldn't of been a better first time experience!!!
(5)Nathan R.
After my review posting...one of the owners has contacted me and started to resolve the situation!
(4)Tracy S.
!
(5)Michael V.
It's a bar that happens to serve a limited menu. It's crazy loud and the food is completely forgettable. If you're just there to drink and have tortilla chips and salsa, it may be worth a visit.
(2)Sarah Z.
There is a very sad ending to this story- I mean... review. It makes me feel guilty, but for the greater good of the Yelping community I must keep it real, ya hear me? I was excited tocatch up with a friend over drinks and a snack. My friend recommended DS Tequila Company. Which turned out we had once been there before (it wasn't memorable the first time probably a bad sign...mediocre sign(?)). As many others have mentioned they ID everyone, all day, ev'ry day. We were seated quite quickly. Were greeted by many a waiter but no one seemed to really want to wait on us. We received two glasses of water by a flustered tall handsome man and he gave a quick apology and a promise of return. We were greeted again by another waiter with two glasses of water, who also apologized for the wait, then realized we had already been courted and he replied 'oh, looks like you are being helped- have a good meal then.' Then we waited. There was a lot of waiting. This was my main issue. ACTUALLY this was my only real concern. I felt ignored. I want to be wine, dined, and treated like a lady!! We ordered some drinks and some Texas Trash Can Nachos. The drinks came quick enough, my friend got a Tecate, I got a frozen regular $8 margarita (I like my margarita a little more festive with the alcohols if you catch my drift, like at least $8 worth). But the nachos seemed to take forever. Long enough for us to make fun of AT LEAST 5 songs.... all of which dated back from 2005 (which also seemed to be where our food was traveling from). When they did arrive they were good. Cheese. Chicken. They remembered to put the sour cream on the side. I thought there could have been more guacamole. But I'm ca-ray-zay like that. We had to steal plates from a vacant table rather than wait for someone to catch our eye or to wait in general. The nachos were good, but seemed cool... as in not hot, maybe waiting to be picked up? We ordered another round of drinks when the sad thing happened. A waiter fell!!!! Hard. I am positive he has a bruise. It looked like it hurt. Luckily some nachos broke his fall. They also landed on my friend. I'm not talking NACHOS all in her face but it was a little sour cream on her pants. Our waiter (not the one who fell- he disappeared... probably to go to the hospital) rushed to get us seltzer and a rag. It was no big deal, really. Another waitress lady informed us she took both of my margaritas off the bill. WHICH IS THE SAD THING. This was really nice and, yeah. she didn't need to do it- it made DS Tequila look good and probably because the service was bad she should have done so. That act alone would have gotten them 3 stars from me (I LOVE FREE STUFF). But the service up until then, and waiting for the check after, just really bummed me out. In conclusion the atmosphere: fine, average. the food: fine, average. the service: below average, needs improvement the free margaritas: AWESOME POSSUM ten stars.
(1)Zorin D.
One might think that $4 for a taco is outrageous. The coffee rubbed steak taco is well worth it. I haven't tried much of anything else there so I can't really vouch for anything else. I was disappointed by the guacamole which was overwhelmed by way too much raw onion. My margarita was good as well so all and all it was a win. The music is loud and pretty annoying though.
(4)Drew B.
The owners of MiniBar bring us D.S., a tequila bar with only two varieties of tequila? Oh well, onto the rest. I stopped in around 5 o'clock and got a nice seat at the bar. The interior was very industrial, lots of exposed concrete and steel--I like that sort of thing. The bartender came over and was very personable and knowledgeable on the menu and mixology in general. Mark (the bartender) asked me what I like and he created this amazing watermelon margarita with a sugar/salt rim. It was amazing! Props to him and his barback, Paul, they both did a great job! The burgers on the menu looked amazing, but after finishing with the gym I peered over and stayed on the taco side (just as bad I know). I ordered the: grilled fish, roasted chicken, tequila grilled shrimp, fried chicken, and coffee spiced skirt steak tacos. And I enjoyed every single one except the last one, I tasted no coffee spice and the flavor was almost bland. The food lacked a 'wow' factor but still managed to hold my attention and appetite. I will most likely return and enjoy more of Mark's margaritas. Welcome to the neighborhood D.S.
(3)Desmond L.
Food is just "ok". Drinks are just "ok". Our bartender Heather was AWESOME! Can you please get WIFI for customers though, it's 2013!
(3)Victoria R.
food was pretty good
(3)Nicole W.
Gross. Usually this place smells like vomit and rotten citrus. Last night we decided to stop in for the first time in almost a year and upon entering we're hit with a wall of straight up rotting corpse stench. Seriously. Did something die in there? Absolutely disgusting.
(1)Renee E.
I reserve a special place of hatred in my heart for places like Cracker Barrel and I just added another little section for D.S. Tequila Company. I'm actually still angry that I was there and it's been over 12 hours. After a 2nd failed Groupon attempt at Tapas Gitana down the street, and after paying for parking, we walked around the hood looking for some sort of edibles. Chicago Diner literally had a line of people waiting halfway down the block and I wasn't in the mood for HB or Nookies and we were sort of freezing, so we thought...hmmm...tacos? Couldn't be too bad, from the descriptions on the menu. My first tipoff at ultimate restaurant fail was the beer pong table just off the entrance and I still don't understand how I didn't just turn around at that point, but that's what cold and hunger will do to a gal... We were seated at some communal table in some of THE most spine-rippingly uncomfortable jagged metal chair contraptions. At this point, the all-encompassing THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of the pop dance music bass section was knocking my brain senseless and we couldn't even hold a conversation without every statement or question being responded to with a "WHAT????" So, onto the "food." Hubs got the $9.99 all you can eat taco special, which actually ended up being a deal, because I could cradle one of those tacos in the palm of my wee-freakishly small baby palms. I decided to get 2 tacos (before I'd seen them), one bbq pork, one mushroom queso and a side of sauteed vegetables. The bbq pork wasn't a total hideous disaster, but on a scale of 1-10, it was probably a 5. The mushroom was just sort of gross and tangy, but not in a good way. The side of "sauteed vegetables" was a tea cup size portion of mixed frozen veg, sauteed in a good cup of butter and Tbsp. of salt. It took about a century for the server to come back and every second that passed in that place made me angrier and angrier. I guess all I can say is, the patio's got to be an improvement, but for god's sake, don't go for the food or the atmosphere inside. Or maybe just drink enough tequila to not care.
(1)Amy H.
I'm not going to let the obnoxious group of faux-hipster trixies at the table next to us {talking loudly and incorrectly about all the fashion designers they know, own, and love} ruin my review. It was probably a fluke...a bad overflow from the nearby Wrigleyville neighborhood...a bunch of suburban trusties in town for Pitchfork... But the thing is...they were clearly overserved. One guy was smoking at his table and then started to pass out (or...uhm..."fall asleep") but the staff kept bringing them drinks. I guess that was their decision to make, but the entire patio was clearly annoyed by these people and they should have been asked to leave or tone it down or STOP SMOKING. Even still, my experience was average. The staff was nice. The Miami Vice drinks were refreshing, albeit weak. I liked the selection of food on the menu and the queso and guacamole were delicious. I just wasn't wowed.
(3)Matt V.
Food was fine. Loaded fries were pretty good, although I'm not sure if that was cheese melted on top or if it was goo. Our server, although beefy and hot had the personality of a toilet seat. He wasn't capable of smiling or being nice until he was saying good bye...probably in hopes of a good tip.
(3)Diane H.
One summer I made it my personal quest to find the best margarita. (Side note: that summer was awesome.) If this restaurant was open then, it would have ranked similarly as the Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix...noone really wants to drink it, but it's doable in a pinch. After four hours of fun with friends, despite drinking many margaritas, I left wondering if there was any tequila in any of the drinks. Two friends joined in for a drink towards the end of the evening, but since that bumped the party up to 6, it meant an automatic 20% tip added to the bill. Granted, that is what I typically tip, but it seemed an excessive requirement, especially when the bill had numerous errors and service was only ok. Menu is basically a variety of tacos and a variety of hamburgers. It's as odd as it sounds.
(2)Vanessa M.
Came here with a reservation for a birthday party. To our surprise they'd set up birthday hats, bubbles, and party poppers which was a super thoughtful, unexpected surprise. Our server was really sweet too, I wish I could give him a shoutout by remembering his name (blonde guy). The four of us girls ordered fishbowls and our friend ordered a beer. We got the chipotle pineapple marg and it was EXCELLENT (our server helped us decide on that). We later ordered the guava marg and it was a bit too sweet for my taste, but not bad. Food was not my favorite but I was not coming here for a fine dining experience. Atmosphere, service, venue were great! Would definitely recommend to a friend.
(4)Andrey R.
I always thought it was a cool place to catch up with friends and have some drinks. Last time I went there with my friends, food was gross, service was pretty bad and my friend found hair in his drink! Pretty bad experience. Definitely not coming back there, nor my friends.
(1)Kara E.
I wandered over to DS Tequila on a Sunday afternoon in hopes of finidng a great place to sit outside for lunch. We were seated right away on the patio, which is pretty decent sized and were met right away by our server. Service was attentive without being annoying. I went with a traditional margariate and my bf went withe chipotle pineapple marg. Drinks were great! For lunch, I went with a combo of 4 diffrent tacos- pulled pork, grilled tilapia, shrimp, and steak. My bf went with the Turkey Stack, which were 2 massive turkey burger patties which came w/ a side of fries. Our food was great! I'll be back for another time to enjoy the patio!
(4)Kailey M.
Tequilas is a super fun, chill environment to hang out and grab a few drinks with friends. The staff is friendly, they have a decent beer selection (not much for dark beer at all, mostly Belgian and domestic), and a few veggie options! Have to take a star away for the menu set up though. I was here with a friend and we saw what appeared to be $8 daiquiri pitchers, which is clearly too good to be true. So of course we thought to inquire. The server confirmed that the pitchers were $8 so we ordered 2. When our bill came the pitchers were over $30 a piece. So needless to say that was a bit of a surprise. Other then the one mishap, I have been happy with Tequila's every time I've been here!!
(4)Asper K.
Word on the street is that the D.S. in "D.S. Tequila Company" stands for dirty sanchez. (In case you don't know..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Sanchez_%Â28sexual_act%29). Supposedly this is on purpose as some sort of inside joke by the owners. Nice job jagoffs. You are the funniest motherfckers that ever lived. Okay, first things first. There is no such thing as D.S. Tequila brand tequila. I went to the trouble of going to their website to verify this. dstequila.com/aboutus.ht… . On their website, they say that "D.S. Tequila is serious tequila.." (but doesn't exist) .. and for "the time being we have selected don modesto." In other words, they might buy some tequila wholesale and slap their label on it sometime in the future. But so far, this seems like a bad idea because nobody wants it. Insofar as this being a "company" store..again..what a bunch of posers.I associate a "company" store with a retail outlet that's opened AFTER a product develops a reputation and customers want the real deal direct from the producer. This "dirty sanchez" tequila doesn't even exist. Perhaps they should open a D.S Microbrew Company store too..and serve bud light (for the time being of course). As for the food: they have tacos, burgers, fries, caesar salad etc. With the exception of the tacos, very very cookie cutter wriggleyville bar style. There are about 10-15 different "tacos" ..they have fried chicken, bbq shredded pork, and other 7-11 style fillings. Yummy bar food yes..modern mexican cuisine mos def not. As for drinks, I had the lemon lime margarita and she had the carmel apple margarita. These are dispensed from huge 7-11 style slurpee machines behind the bar. Tasty, but very sugary. Also, one was a lot stronger than the other. While we were there a guy re-filled one of the machines by sloshing in a bunch of syrup from a huge white bucket. No doubt this process is the end result of years of trial and error on the Agave plantation in Mexico. Or maybe the owners used to work at 7-11. As for the service..it's sort of odd. They're all dudes in tight shirts serving what seemed like a very ordinary crowd. I don't know why the owners decided women shouldn't work as waitresses or behind the bar. Our tight shirted waiter was nice but seemed very A.D.D. He asked if we were ready for the bill even before our tacos arrived. I mean..really?? Being sat nite it was busy. But for fcks sake, can't we try to enjoy our 50 bucks worth of spiked slurppes and 7-11 tacos without someone rushing us out the door? For the record, I don't mind a cookie cutter Wriggleyville bar. That's fine. But I don't like being sold a bunch of 7-11 food and being told it's premium quality. I hate to admit it, but the dude who got the dirty sanchez might be me.
(2)Andrew Evans U.
Food is great! Our waiter is friendly! And they open until 2 am on Sundays! Queso dip and chips are a must try. The burgers are amazing. Music is great
(5)Emily G.
My higher-than-average review compared to other yelpers may be due to the fact that I did not eat here, however, as a place to grab a free drinks late night DS Tequila Company is great. It is a has a very unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere unlike some of the other bars in the general area. The bartenders are always very friendly, it's never too crowded but not empty either, and there are always tasty drink specials. Spent a good portion of the Sunday during Pride Weekend watching the Parade from the porch while drinking pitchers of frozen margaritas with friends and it was one of the most fun days I have had in Chicago!
(4)loren a.
Terrible. This review is based solely on the service and NOT the food because I had the honor of not trying it thanks to a god awful service experience. We went to this place and when we first got here we were greeted by a male server. He was very informative about the menu and appeared to be very friendly. He came back and he asked us if we were ready, we said we werent ready yet and asked for a COUPLE more minutes. About 10 minutes later he brought us our drinks and sat them on the table and walked away. I saw him come to the front of the restaurant several times and he never even looked over at us. He went to about 4 other tables and dilly dallied and also took his time at the computer putting in orders. (I used to be a server).About 15 minutes later we finally asked someone else if they could take our order. They took about another 7 minutes before they even got our server to come up to us. We told the host we wanted to pay for our drinks and leave. The server came up to us with an ATTITUDE and opened his book and said are you ready. We told him we were going somewhere else because it took 30 minutes to be acknowledged. He walks away with an attitude and gets the manager. The manager apologized and took our credit card to pay for the drinks. We complained again about the server and THEN she gave us a gift card for $20 for our next visit. The thing is I live in California. Realistically, she shouldnt have made us pay for the drink. Even fr her to charge us for the drink took an additional 10 minutes. We were there for an hour total and got two drinks, one terrible the other good, and god awful service. I wouldnt recommend this place to a homeless person who had a free $20 gift card. Also, it was expensive. Even the appetizers were $11.95 and up.
(1)Fernando V.
The service is awful and slow there drinks where good if poured; don't order the nasty slushy margaritas. I think the food was bland there is nothing I would say I need to come back to eat this. most of the staff can be attractive but that is all they cant do there job.
(1)Rock Star R.
one of the worst meals. ordered 3 tacos. it took 45 minutes. the place was dead. finally, the meal arrives. it's wrong. the waiter blamed it on the kitchen. it took 10 more minutes to correct, one of the wrong tacos. clearly, they put the other items under a heat lamp or something because, by the time the plate came back, everything was soggy, cold and covered in oil. truly, a horrible experience.
(1)Matthew J.
By far my fav establishment in Boystown!!!! Can't beat the cocktails, the service is incredible and the food amazing!!!! Make sure you stop by when Adam is working and have him make you a cocktail... Best bartender on Halsted!!!
(4)James G.
You ever have a really bad experience at a place, and decide to give it another try, but the second time is even worse? Welcome to DS Tequila... Last week my husband and I were in DS Tequila for an event. I got there first, and I started a tab with the bartender, grabbing a beer for myself. When my husband got there, we ended up sitting at a booth with friends. I decided to keep ordering our drinks from the bartender, while my husband ended up ordering tacos at the table with the server. After waiting forever for the tacos, they were just terrible. I could tell as the server set them down that they were going to be gross. Having worked in a restaurant that served tacos, they looked like the ones that had been sitting in the back for hours. My husband, who was starving, choked them down anyway. As the event ended, I decided to go closed my drink tab with the bartender. As she hands me my credit card, and the slip for me to sign, I noticed that the bill was about $25 more than it should be. As I flagged her down again, I asked her with an itemized receipt, which for some reason she said she could not do. So, I told her that since we only had two margaritas and three beers, our tab could not have been as much as it was. She got immediately got incredibly rude telling me that we actually had four margaritas, and that I was wrong. After arguing for a couple minutes, she fixed the tab, still rudely telling me I was wrong. In her defense, we had to send the two margaritas we did have back, because each time they did not come with salt, even though each time she asked if we wanted salt and we say yes. This week, we decided to give DS Tequila another try. After some confusion with the credit card and the incorrect tab from last week, my husband decided to email the owner to let him know what happened. The owner graciously invited us to come back and have dinner on him, which was very kind. Of course, there was another event going on at DS Tequila this week, so we decided to go back yesterday. By request of the owner, we made a reservation, so that he knew when we'd be coming. We were seated in a booth in the back, with a server named Chris. You could just tell immediately upon sitting down that it wasn't Chris's day, and that DS Tequila was the last place he wanted to be. I used to be a server, I get that. However, Chris was beyond rude. He never introduced himself, or welcomed us to the bar. When he did ask you something, it was rude questions like "you ready yet?" with an eye roll, or a testy "what do you want?!" When a friend we knew came to sing at our booth for a while, he was like, "what are there three of you now?!" If I dared ask him for a refill, or a new ketchup since the one are our table was empty, he would loudly scoff at us. Not to mention, he never came to check on us ever, we had to track him down. Of course, when the food came (we ordered burgers this time), they were gross and cold. Clearly, they need to look into hiring food runners on busy nights so hot food goes out hot. We thought about sending it back, but with how rude Chris was, I could only imagine his reaction. The entire time we figured he was being such a jerk because he saw our reservation and knew we were eating for free, however, as he slammed down our check we noticed we were being charged. We waiting a while for Chris to come back, but finally we had to track down a manager ourselves, Apparently, our reservation had not been marked by the owner, however, even though they couldn't get a hold of the owner, they said not to worry about it. Another employee had remembered the owner mentioning something about it, so they believed us. In the end, we very quickly left, not bothering to tip Chris for what had to be the rudest service we ever had. As a server for many years, we believe in tipping at least 50% of what the meal would have cost us when it's comped, and up to 100% when the service is awesome. His loss. In the end, I don't even know where to begin with this place. The food's quality simply is not on par with the price point they are going for. If you are going to charge about $15 for a burger, it better be one of the best burgers in Chicago. Maybe they are though, and the problem is that the staff doesn't know how to get the food out to the tables when it's hot and ready, so what the guests get are cold food that has laid out too long. Maybe it can all be zeroed in on the staff though. The management I have met at DS Tequila has been nothing but nice, but the bartenders and servers have been just terrible, and downright rude. Clearly, they aren't trying to have one of those restaurants where everyone is just rude to you, and that's the fun. Honestly, I get the impression that the staff was all hired to have that certain "look," rather than give the best service. This clearly is what you get when that happens...
(1)Christina G.
I headed here for dinner with two friends on a Thursday night. The place was busy, but not packed. We sat down and our waiter came by to ask out drink order. I ordered a seasonal beer, and was told they were out of it. Oh well, I just ordered something else. Two of us decided to go with the $9.99 all you can eat tacos. I'll admit, I definitely ate enough to make it worth it. You order the tacos in batches of three, though it doesn't need to be the same kind of taco. They also have another all you can eat taco special for a higher price, and you get to pick from more kinds of tacos. The $9.99 special suit me just fine. I'd say they were all pretty tasty, but my favorite was the Po' Boy. I found the pulled pork one to be a little strange, but that could just be due to the fact that pulled pork was on a taco instead of on a bun. Service was a little slow. My friends and I weren't in any sort of a hurry (except that we were hungry), so it didn't bother us too much. The part that was a bit annoying was that when you'd finish your three tacos, you'd have to wait until your waiter noticed you, then you ordered three more tacos, and then you'd have to wait for them to be made. The experience was OK enough, but I don't think I'll be back when so many better restaurants/bars are nearby.
(3)Parker K.
I was served by a friendly an prompt server named John. He was attentive and very friendly. The host happily put on my teams opening season game! All in all great food, great atmosphere and, above all else, great service.
(4)Elliott F.
Fun, casual place. Good (and unusual) tacos and burgers. Great beer and mixed drinks. The patio is relaxing in good weather. Same owners as minibar. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago if you remember that you are in a big city and you don't walk down the street in the wee hours after drinking while fixating on your I-phone. I have always found the staff welcoming. Yes, they do get busy, so you may have to wait more than a nanosecond to get a drink.
(4)Laura C.
Going here on New Year's Day was a huge mistake. We got there around 2PM and after waiting an hour and fifteen minutes for our food - a few measly tacos and a burger, we found the tacos cold and mediocre. We tried the grilled fish, beer battered fish, coffee rubbed skirt steak, tequila grilled shrimp, BBQ pulled pork, and mushroom tacos. Besides being cold, the fillings were less than satisfying. The fish had a funny fish taste (a clear sign that it was not fresh), and the shrimp were popcorn sized. The steak and pork were overcooked and chewy - a far cry from the descriptions. Very disappointing - maybe these guys can take a lesson from the Del Seoul crew. The burger was unevenly cooked (medium on one half, well done on the other), when we were told all burgers were cooked medium. Eventually someone (not out server) told us that one of the cooks had called off, and he brought us some chips and cheese saying that he knew we were waiting a long time and must be hungry. This would have been a nice gesture, if it weren't for the fact that immediately after our chips arrived, so did our tacos and burger. I won't be back and suggest you don't go either.
(1)Teresa H.
This spot is definitely one of my favorites in Boystown! I live right across the street so I tend to frequent D.S. often and I fall in love with this place all over again. Starters first: They have AWESOME queso, hint: get it with ground beef. Their tortilla chips are thin, and have just the right amount of salt. Ask for a side of jalapeno ranch to dip your chips in too, you won't regret it. The cheddar, bacon, and ranch loaded fries are to-die for as well. Not for people who don't like a lot of cheese though. Moving onto the tacos: The steak taco is BY FAR my favorite one. I get it whenever I go there. It is always cooked to perfection and the seasoning is amazing. I typically like the chicken fajita taco, but it can be hit or miss. Other great choices are battered fish, and crispy fried chicken. Beverages: You can't go wrong with a margarita here, plus D.S. makes it own tequila. (Hence D.S. Tequila Co.) Very smooth, and I'm not even a tequila lover! Overall, you can't go wrong with this restaurant. It's a fun environment, and the staff is very friendly.
(4)Susan P.
All you can eat tacos on Thursdays. $9.99 for 5 different options, $12.99 for those options + more 'premium' fillings. Got the $9.99 deal (valid only if you get a drink as well.) Also comes with beans and rice with your first three tacos. Tacos are ordered 3 at a time. Thought it was a pretty good deal, and the tacos weren't bad! I'm a more adventurous eater, but the chicken ended up being my favorite. Also had the BBQ pork, veggie, battered fish and 'white boy' - ground beef, sour cream, etc. aka your standard taco. The veggie was my least favorite - sauce was okay, but the sauteed vegetables were pretty limp. Adding fresh avocado would make it better. My Victoria draft was a little flat, but they had plenty of Cholula hot sauce. Would definitely return. One complaint: my boyfriend ordered a Crispin Hard Cider (which was on the menu), but they came back with an angry orchard... far inferior to Crispin! They should definitely switch back.
(3)Ali L.
Whoa, really surprised the overall rating is THAT low. Stopped here on a random Tuesday evening...$5 burger night, but of course with the necessary extras (cheese and bacon, of course) everything came out to like $7-$8. AMAZING burger for $5. Not lying. Fries were super good. Margaritas were super good. Three dip chips or whatever appetizer we got was pretty good--although two of the dips were a bit spicy for me, but I'm admittedly a huge wuss. Otherwise, food on the menu looked to be a bit expensive... The highlight of our night, though, was Walter. He was our server and he was amazing. Super quick, attentive and hilarious, really made our night. My boyfriend and I stepped out for an evening stroll, decided we were hungry, and Walter was a perfect addition to the night.
(4)Lauren H.
Came here on a soft opening Sat with some friends. I was so happy to find out they had a Miami Vice (half strawberry dacquiri, half Pina Colada--also known in Hawaii as a Lava Flow) for $7 bucks (I think reasonable). It was pretty darn tasty. I was also pleasantly surprised that the $2.69 fish taco and shrimp taco were pretty good as well. They still have a bunch of kinks to work out, but our server (who I note was cute to boot) seemed genuinely interested in our comments which he solicited (the manager not so much. I hope they give that server more power around the place, I think he could run it better). Nice patio, I hope this place lives up to its potential, but only time will tell.
(4)Matt T.
Bad service. Terrible, actually. Terrible service as defined by an 18 minute wait for drinks at the bar on a "Sunday Fun-day". Mediocre pricey drinks. I don't understand how the folks who run minibar can't translate that success to this place. Simple fix: they need to hire skilled servers, and have more of them. Deserves zero stars. The actual bar itself is OK and not too crowded but the service STINKS.
(1)Christine L.
Everyone should come and participate on their Trivia Night on Wednesdays! Teams can hold up to 10 people, and there needs to be ~$10 minimum per person. Spending $10 really isn't that hard considering their margaritas are $8, and AMAZING. You can't go to DS Tequila without trying it! The margaritas are served in a large beer mug and you can mix two flavors together if you'd like. Mm...Pink Lemonade + Strawberry Trivia night is awesome because 1. questions are reasonable and fun 2. it wasn't too crowded 3. great atmosphere and 4. they raffle off a bunch of prizes at the end The service at DS Tequila rocked. The waiter was excellent at making sure we had enough to drink and even brought out more chips for us when we ran out for our chips + trio of salsa dish. I can't really comment on the food because all we had were the appetizers. Perhaps I'll try something on their menu at next weeks trivia!
(4)Win M.
Went in early on a Monday. Saw fliers posted in window of restaurant about half off food on Monday. No other qualifier. {Drinks at full price, seems reasonable.} After meal tabbed up, no half off food since it was before 5 pm. (4:35 p.m.) Not good when business posts deceptive come-ons. While food/drink was good, experience leaves a bad taste.
(2)Jeffrey C.
My partner and I went here for a late Sunday lunch (2pm) since it is so close to our home. We've eaten here before in the past year, once on a busy Saturday night and another time on an early Sunday afternoon. Both times were just OK. On this day, it wasn't bustling busy but there were a number of customers to keep things moving comfortably. Nothing out of the ordinary. We ordered an appetizer to share and a burger each. The waitress got our non-alcoholic drink orders, and all was fine. About 30-40 minutes went by, and we were still waiting for our appetizer. Our waitress had not stopped by once to refill our drinks or to even explain the lateness of our appetizer. Hoping that it would not come with our actual meal, we asked a staff member to find our appetizer order and our waitress. He immediately went to look for her, as well as refilled our drinks. Another staff member stopped by and said she would find out about our appetizer order. A couple of minutes later, our waitress finally came and told us that our appetizer is being made immediately and ready in 5 minutes. She also asked what the rest of our order was. She did mention that our meal would be complimentary. She did NOT mention what happened to our order and why she did not know the rest of our order (the burgers). There was no apology either from anybody for the poor service. For all we know, OUR ORDER WAS LOST which would explain why the food order wasn't started at all, why our waitress did not recall what we ordered, and why no one attended to us for 30-40 minutes (i.e. we did not "exist"). We understand that it could get very busy, but it was not busy. What we don't understand is why the waitress did not, on her own, attend to us after getting our first drink order and why there was no explanation from anybody about why our food was being started 30-40 minutes after placing the order. Despite the offer for a free meal, we declined and left, and we found much better service at a burger place on Broadway. Would think twice about returning for a meal. Better options are around.
(1)Dana B.
I've always passed this restaurant//bar and had always wanted to try it out. I just really liked the decor and outside seating. So yesterday the boyfriend and I walked on over for some lunch. Immediately we were carded at 1pm on a saturday which was strange I thought because I saw some younger teens in there. The host tried to sit us next to a party of 12 which did not fly with me. I don't understand why someone would sit a table of two next to a large party when theres plenty of seats throughout the restaurant.... We waited over 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us meanwhile the host and two other servers are hanging out by the host stand... really? Finally our server came by and apologized and tried to explain that they don't have sections so he didn't know who's table was who.. thats a good idea said no one ever.. I ordered the Paloma and it was horrible, very watered down and I couldn't even drink it. I expected it to be a lot better.. ugh gross. Food was pretty good tho I'm not going to lie. I've seen reviews about it being cold but we didn't have that problem thankfully. I got the XXX burger which had jalapeno poppers and bacon on it.. yum and my boyfriend got the curizo tacos that he seemed to enjoy. Probably wont go back based on the lack of service. Get it together DS you have an awesome restaurant in one of the best neighborhoods in chicago.
(2)Joseph F.
I do not understand how anyone could really like this place unless they are paid to say so or just escaped from a North Korean prison. It's like an Ed Hardy store closed in Santa Monica and someone got a steal on all the old fixtures. The food is a joke. If it's not supposed to be a joke, then they need a new chef immediately. It is by far the worst food on Halsted street. The greasy, creepy hot dog joint down the street actually has better tasting food than this place. Tacos? Methinks no. The drinks are also substandard. It's called DS Tequila. I should come in here and have a margarita that knocks my socks off. Instead, they seem to be competing for the most sugar in a cocktail award. So sweet! Premium tequila and a half gallon of syrup? I don't understand. If poor food and bad drinks were not enough then add in the smug service and the shade being thrown all over the place and you have a really dreadful evening. I get it. You have biceps and abs. (side note- how do guys who drink such sweet stuff look like that?!?!? I eat lettuce and pea gravel all week, have 4 drinks and I bloat like whale!) I gave DS two stars for it's best feature...the patio. It is the ONLY reason you should bother coming in here at all. Have a beer. Have a seat. People watch. I might try it again. I might not.
(2)William Wesley M.
Nice outdoor patio space with ample seating. Great for people watching in boystown. The food was average and service was slow.
(3)Adrian G.
Terrible. The food was cold, fish tasted like it Gorton fish sticks, service was lousy, drinks were over priced, and the music was too loud; it is a gay bar that serves "fusion" tacos.
(1)James K.
This place has the best specials! ten dollars all you can eat tacos, trivia w/ prizes. honestly, i would go here and gladly pay retail bc the staff is great. Decor is industrial and everything is very clean. better still, they have an outdoor patio w/ retractable roof. no pretense, great service, and great cantina style tacos.
(5)Carrie C.
Best tacos EVER! They also have de-licious beergaritas. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for yummy yummy tacos.
(4)Jon S.
As many reviews have suggested, the food is generally very good, but the service is often horrible. A friend and I stopped by for brunch today and the service from Walter was outstanding. He took the time to check up on us every ten minutes and anticipated our requests and answered them before we had to ask. He should be paid as the key trainer for all other wait staff at the restaurant and should be appointed director of customer service!
(5)Emily M.
The three stars is only the result of a snafu in the kitchen that let us food-less during brunch for about 45 minutes. Apparently our entire ticket was lost. But the service totally made up for it. Our server Tracy was so attentive and got us complimentary chips and salsa to munch on, and the manager comped the food that got lost. And that brings me to the food-- so tasty! I've had their tacos before-- very fresh with cool combinations. This time around I had a HUGE BBQ chicken salad, which really fresh and good. We also had onion rings-- clearly also delicious. My friend had the most AMAZING brunch item -- chicken and biscuits with gravy. It was so good. The ktichen goofed up on her order yet again-- she asked for the gravy on the side. But the manager took care of that right away, and made it clear that this was not the norm. So, all in all, I will absolutely be going back for brunch. People were having a great time, really enjoying both their food and the vibe. If they can't get their act together in the kitchen, though, it's not something I'll go back for.
(3)Rodell R.
PART 1 of 3: My experience My friends and I went to DS Tequila. There was karaoke so we decided to sign up. I signed up for a song by Tom Jones. The host asked if it were a slow song, so I said yes. He said slow or suicide songs (verbatim) are not allowed, only fast songs, he said "Nobody knows Tom Jones." I insisted that I sing the song, as I know I always entertain the audience with my voice and singing capacity, not just the song. He shot down the idea regardless of my plea. When I said I was gonna sing a Lady Gaga's You & I, he said YES to it, since it was more current, I would assume. I went back to my table and I told this incident to my friends and they were appalled at the rules. I went back to the host, and tried for the second time to see if I can sing the Tom Jones and he said NO. When I got back to the table, the host started speaking on the microphone saying, "People, no slow or suicide songs. Nobody hear wants to hear that shit." Offended by the host's rant on stage, my friend, out of anger, shouted some B words towards the host, though no F, S or C words. The manager, Sarah, came to our table, asking us not to exchange foul language towards the host, and she reiterated that it is policy at DS Tequila not to play slow songs during Thu karaoke. She did this very nicely. Then I saw the host come up to the manager, and I overheard him saying, "Oh my God, I'm being bullied." This was something I couldn't let go, as I believe that the passive-aggressiveness that the host announce over the mic was a form of bullying towards me and my friends: there's no difference in that. So I tried to approach the manager, hoping to tell her that the host was showing some bullying himself. I couldn't get her attention because she wouldn't let me get a word in, AND she was holding a bottle of beer, drinking. (If she were a manager on duty, should she be drinking?) So out of options, I very lightly, touched her arms on both sides, trying to get her attentions, and she immediately accused me of physically assaulting her, and IMMEDIATELY, she kicked me out of the bar. There have been faults on both sides here, and I gave all of them. I am an honest person, and if I did something wrong, I admit to it, and not omit it for the sake of getting justice. Sara, the manager, acted very abruptly and didn't manage the situation very well. Now if she weren't drinking, wouldn't have she handled it much better? I will never know. This is the first bar I've experienced being asked to leave because an employee refuses to listen to my reasoning. I was very coherent during the whole ordeal. I don't know how you would respond to this, but any response is better than none.
(1)Jen K.
I first ate here when they opened last year. The food was ok, nothing great, sort of sloppy presentation. Service was AWFUL, so slow, forgot our drinks. I just assumed that it was because they had just recently opened, so I wasn't against trying them again. This time I ordered for pick-up. Even the service was slow for me to simply pick up food that was sitting there in a bag, ready. Got the cheese dip appetizer, asked for chorizo in it, and was charge for chorizo- but there was no chorizo in my damn cheese. I also got a battered fish taco and the shrimp taco. Both were way smaller than I had remembered. The jalepenos on the fish tacos looked limp and old/gross. Not good, will not be going back.
(1)Mark L.
I was there with a party of 10 and the place was packed. Our reservations had been messed up but the manager was able to accommodate and provided free appetizers. The atmosphere was great the the wait staff was attentive. The food was excellent and very flavorful. I had the 3 taco meal which came with your choice of tacos, and had rice and refried beans as sides. I had a grilled chicken taco, a grill fish taco, and a steak taco. I'm on weight watchers and it was easy to work into the points plan, which is always a challenge when eating at a restaurant for the first time. I have already recommended to friends and I will be back.
(5)Lee L.
Me and my party came to D.S. Tequila Company after getting a tweet from them to come on by. This is going to be a review on an overall concept and not specific to its food, not that there was anything bad about it, but it wasn't mexican by any standard in the industry. With that said, we had been out and about in Boystown on a Saturday night and I decided we needed to put some food into our bellies before getting too crazy over at Roscoes or anywhere else where we might imbibe further. It was a very busy spot so its obviously a favored location among locals. I had two small tacos one fish and one steak and it was pretty decent. Nothing to brag about but it suited my needs, my partner had a cheeseburger which looked awesome. He indicated that it was very good while our friend ordered a turkey burger. Again the menu is not mexican but more like a burger joint with great bar music and a very good selection on beers, tequila and other spirits. The space was a little tight and the restaurant may want to consider fortifying their booths so that one table doesn't disturb another by the slightest movements. The service was excellent. I had a fussy baby with us, and by that I mean a 6 ft 8 in, temperamental queen who was in no mood to be bothered, but our server won him over with a great smile, attitude and persistence to ensuring we were okay. He even brought extra chips to our table when he thought all the noise was bothering us (it was not). We will definitely go back when we visit Chicago again, and kudos to them for using Twitter the way they did, otherwise I would have gone to a chinese restaurant down the street.
(3)Tim S.
Oh, D.S. ... I love you. So, where else in the world do you get a mostly gay hybrid of a sports bar, Mexican restaurant, and a burger joint with an amazing outdoor patio providing some of the best people-watching in Boystown? D.S. of course. While I could pick apart nitty-gritty details, overall, I absolutely LOVE this place. The service, the drinks, the food... it's all great. It's a wonderful alternative to the other bars and restaurants on the strip on Halsted and has a Wrigleyville-esque vibe that makes it a safe place to bring out-of-town guests who want to tip-toe into Boystown. I've been a faithful customer since it opened and will keep going back. On service... Tommy and Victor are the best. I mean, the entire staff is great, but those two shine. All of the servers are super-friendly, attentive, and the management is always around, smiling and quick to ask how things are. On food... again, a Mexican place that has great burgers. It took them awhile to get their menu right, but I think they've found a good spot now. Their tacos are OK, but being part Mexican a "real" taco comes with a corn tortilla, not flour. Order the chips and salsa trio or the nachos for an app. I'd skip over the tacos and go straight for the burgers. They are all great. If you want a great conversation piece, get the Dead Texan. It's a burger topped with onion rings that uses 2 grilled cheese sandwiches as buns. Yes, it's a heart attack on a plate. On drinks... margaritas are the way to go. I've had nearly all of them and the Gringo is my favorite. If you're with a group, definitely get a pitcher. If you're going solo or can't agree on pitcher, get a fishbowl over a mug. For a few extra bucks you'll get the equivalent of about 2.5 mugs. On dessert... yes, they have dessert. The s'mores sundae is a work of art. It's a towering goblet overflowing with ice cream, hot fudge, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows. The first time I saw it I thought, "who wants to be seen eating something like that in Boystown?" But it's worth it. Totally worth it. On atmosphere... my only complaint is that the music is entirely too loud. If you want to avoid conversation, sit inside... otherwise, opt for the outdoor patio [when it's open] for conversation. The outdoor patio does have 2 tables that have a fire pit. On multiple occasions, though, they've been short propane for them. Overall, though, I love the vibe. Just turn the music down please. They offer some great deals throughout the week and are good with Facebook and twitter... so follow or Fan them to keep up-to-date with their specials. They also have trivia night, beer pong and other craziness. So all in all, if you want a great time, enjoy people-watching, want a good burger, an amazing margarita and service that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, definitely check out D.S.
(5)christina r.
DS Tequila is a really fun place to go, whether it's the weekday, weekend or for Sunday brunch! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is a blast! I really like that they actually have their own brand of tequila! I have never been a tequila drinker by any means, but this stuff went down so smooth, I think that I officially am now! We're going back just for the shots this weekend! The party atmosphere, stellar menu and friendly staff makes this my new favorite neighborhood spot! I'll be back....soon.
(5)Kelly H.
Stopped in to use a groupon on a Thursday night. Reservation required, but the place was pretty empty. Food is pretty good. Never tried a margarita, but I love the cobb salad. I had been here once before and sat outside-much better experience. We sat inside at a high-top table right in the middle of the bar. I could've reached out and grabbed something from my neighbor's plate if I wanted to. Will go back, but most likely in the summer to sit on the nice patio.
(3)Amanda R.
I love this place! Best margaritas I have ever had, and I would also recommend the loaded fries. The food is hit or miss, though. Service is not very attentive, but usually this place is packed.
(4)G A.
Weak/pricey drinks combined with crappy Mexican food that makes Chipolte feel like a gourmet experience. Couple that with a sever who stopped back by the table three times in less than 10 minutes to ask if there would be anything else then have the check suddenly appear on the table in a clear message for us to move on (while the place isn't even remotely busy). Rude and classless.
(1)Christine R.
Warning this is a review of the beautiful people, beautiful servers and bartenders, drinks and overall daytime party vibe - food? what food? This was the place to be after the parade. Gorgeous people, uh hello I got to violate and dance with Shane from Road Rules haha. What a cutie. Large open patio for dancing and socializing among other things. We all had a blast here. Heavy pours, little to no wait for the bathroom, friendly employees and fishbowl drinks if that's your thing. Plus if you wanted to be weird and not socialize you had a great patio/balcony view of the rukus going on in the streets. Fabulous place, but aren't all mexican places?
(4)Nisey M.
I really enjoyed my first visit to D.S and with the summer right around the corner I am looking forward to enjoying the outdoor patio again. The margaritas were tasty(and potent) the burgers that we ordered were much better than expected. Our server (Justin) was attentive, he made sure to check with us during our meal to make sure we had everything we needed. I also had a staff member notice me shaking the ketchup bottle because it was almost empty and brought one over to me. We went back to the bar for another drink after our meal because the energy was high and the music was good...not bad for a Sunday afternoon!
(4)matty z.
How disappointing. Stopped by here last night, around 10 p.m. and sat on the patio, which looked so inviting. There weren't all that many people for a restaurant that seemed to have lots o' servers around. I'm trying to be nice in writing this review, so I'll begin by saying our server was apparently new. Unfortunately, what management at DS Tequila obviously fails to recognize is that throwing new folks to the wolves, or failing to help them as they go results in new customers never wanting to return-- as in this case. I had Miller Lite. I had chips and the salsa trio, and guacamole. They were fine. All of them came incredibly late to the table. End of food and drinks review. Back to service. I was glad that another employee did help the new guy out, but then we were also helped by a myriad of others. I didn't know who to tip! Long story short, the place looked cute, and I wish this experience would have been different. But I see no reason to return. Judging from other reviews here, it seems to be a pattern.
(1)J J.
Although my gf and I come here 1 to 2 times a week, I must give this establishment 2 stars due to complete shadiness. There have been numerous times that the servers and bartenders have overcharged, underchanged, and attempted to overtip themselves. The drinks are ok, depending on what you order, Vodka and cranberries are weak, rum and cokes are weakish, margaritas can be ok. The mimosa mugs on Sundays are good and fishbowls can be as well. Servers are friendly and attentive for the most part, but the crookedness overshadows that. The food is good though and the patio is nice :)
(2)kat m.
I stopped by with some friends on a Wednesday(TRIVIA NIGHT) night and although this hasn't been my first time to D's it was y first time Yelping it. If your coming for trivia my advice is to come early the inside was packed. Luckily it was a great night to sit outside. The margaritas here are yummy and addictive. Before you know it we spent 3 hours and I drank 3 margaritas! Our server was Jose he was great super friendly and had a good sense of humor. We didn't order food but definitely didn't feel rushed. My only advice is to make it a one Margarita spot if your in the area.
(4)Jerry T.
Not worth the calories! Flat drinks, weak Guiness drafts, and nachos that made me miss the Taco and Burrito Palace across the street. I couldn't even taste the tequila in my Palomar...which for a tequila bar...kind of a problem. Won't be back.
(1)Ruby C.
Friendly staff. We went there during the Market days, they have the best dj. Awesome music. Loved it.
(4)Lisa Z.
I personally love this place. I always take my friends from out of town here. It's fun, got great music, and the tacos are awesome. The drinks are strong and I love the "Sanchez Slammers". The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because for as long as I've gone, I'd like to consider myself a "regular," but, and this is just a guess, maybe because I'm a girl and not flamboyantly gay, the waiters and bartenders I've had over and over again never seem to know me. Just seems like I get treated like one of the crowd and I go there all the time. Eh, it's not enough to keep me away for sure.
(4)Toby M.
The service was horrible, food was cold, took over an hour to get our food and once we recieved our food it was cold. Not sure I will be going back even though it is in my hood.
(1)Val S - K.
I was in the mood for a margarita, so I asked my wife if she wanted to finally try this place. As many of our friends had been here and liked it, we thought it was time to try it out. The D.S. margarita on the rocks my wife had was very weak, and my Miami Vice was so frozen, I had to wait about 15 minutes for it to thaw a bit so I could stir it together to mix the flavors before beginning to drink it. She then ordered the Cadillac Margarita, and while that was better, it was still unmemorable. We got the salsas and queso dip to start. The pico was... well, pico. The D.S. salsa was ok, but the jalapeno ranch salsa was exactly like dipping your chip in ranch dressing with a *slight* hint of jalapeno. Our search for the perfect queso dip continues, unfortunately... it looked good, but had an odd and grainy consistency. We got 4 tacos: I got the fried chicken and the skirt steak, and she got the shredded chicken and the veggie. The tortillas were incredible greasy and not very palatable. The fried chicken lacked flavor, and the skirt steak was way overpowered with the coffee spiced rub. When I asked Lin how her tacos were, she shrugged her shoulders and say "ehh...." Enough said, I suppose. The service was good, but very slow. There were (maybe) three other tables seated, and about 15 employees standing around looking pretty, or huddled around a laptop in the front watching (what, I don't know). It seemed odd to the both of us to wait as long as we did for our drinks and our food when there was hardly anyone in there. I think we would come back here to grab a cocktail in passing, but this won't be on our list of destinations we need to go back and to when we're hungry.
(2)Anthony M.
If you think the servers are bad, trying getting any service from the managers. Waited 45 min for a drink from the managers, then the forgot us again. The food was so bad, it tasted funny and I actually got nausea and vomited when I returned home after this horrible experience.
(1)Michael S.
What do you get when you cross Bennigans with Houilihans? Houligans. And that's what this place should be renamed. Plus, it's just stupid, empty and overpriced. Stupid: Walking home from the Cub game last Monday night, and it was nice outside. Finally. I was almost home, and I passed this relatively new place in my hood, so I decided to stop in for a beer. Empty: The place was empty at 9:50 p.m. on a gorgeous summer night. Now THAT is a bad sign. Overpriced: I ordered a Newcastle. The barkeep popped the top. That'll be $7.00. "What'll be $7.00?", I asked. The beer. The Newcastle is $7.00. He really said that. They really charge that. $7.00 for a sort-of-okay-pretty good enough beer. Stupid is as Stupid Does. Greed grows in proportion as it is fed. Overpriced in a bad economy; now, that's a houligan's recipe for success.
(1)Doug v.
Wow! It's been a long time since my partner & I've eaten anywhere that's just downright BAD! But let's start with what was good. The service was fine. Attentive but not overbearing and willing to let us set the pace for the evening. Suggestions were made and food was delivered promptly. The pitcher of margaritas was passable, not great, and overpriced. I have to say we did not experience the server attitude with our server, but the air was THICK with it from all the other milling about...starting with the manager. We ordered a single app: the "pulled" pork & cheese quesadilla. Oy. Nasty. Besides not really finding the queso in the quesadilla, the pork was ground and mixed with a sweet sauce making for bad texture with flavor hinting of BBQ sauce & skunky beer. The tortilla was so soggy it was transparent & didn't even hold it's shape. We didn't finish the plate it was so bad. I suppose we should've gotten up and left when we asked the server what was good on the entree menu. He recommended 2 burgers and 3 tacos. Then he started to say, "I'd stay away from..." then stopped. When I pressed him to finish the sentence HE DID!! Talk about a no-no. For a server to actually disparage any menu item? Bad news. After the quesadilla fiasco, we decided not to commit to anything too involved. We told the server we wanted 6 tacos and to select what he thought the best tacos were. He brought back the mushroom, 2 of the steaks, the crispy chicken, the pulled pork (actually pulled this time) and the chorizo. While these were soft tacos, once again, they were sog-gy! The only decent item was the steak. Good flavor, but too chewy. The batter-dipped, deep-fried "crispy" chicken strip sagged in half when we picked it up. Look out for the coleslaw on the pulled pork taco. We had high hopes walking in to this new bar/restaurant for a super-cazh dinner on their big, two-tiered deck, complete with fire pits. Halsted needs a joint like this to succeed. Unfortunately, this ain't it! Once we found out that the restaurant is owned by the folks over at Minibar, it all made sense. D.S. Tequila Company, just like Minibar, is long on glossy looks, but with substance that's puddle deep. Some advice to the Minifolks: get your first venue down first before you go for seconds. Then, hire a restaurant consultant to iron out the kinks. After being seated I was ready to ask what the "D.S." stands for...but after the meal, it's clear it's short for "disgusting" and "soggy". Don't waste your time or money.
(1)Lindsay S.
Pretty much my review should say "what my wife Miz S-K said..." but I have a few more things to add. The first margarita was totally weak. But bonus for using lime juice instead of that gross mixture people like to use. The Cadillac margarita you could taste the "premium tequila" but I doubt it was actually a premium one. So weird to have flavorless tacos. The grilled chicken that was suppose to come with rainbow peppers was flavorless and there was one tiny red flek of pepper on there. The veggie taco was okay. A lot of corn and not so much of the rest of the toppings. And seriously, don't walk by my table after laughing at a video on the laptop up front, look at my water glass no less than 4 times and let it still go empty. Your crappy tacos make me thirsty. This place will succeed because of its gorgeous patio, decent enough drinks and pretty wait staff. I might come here in my Cubs gear to get a free plate of Rockin' Tacos (some coupon you get with your bill for Cub game days). But I don't think I'll actually buy food here again. I'll stick with the drinks until they get their act together.
(2)Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing!
(1)megan s.
Eh. This place is about looks and atmosphere. Maybe someday the food or drinks will be at the same level. I had the mango margarita on the rocks, it was the "fresh" fruit margarita of the day. There was one chunk of kind of icky mango in the drink and a lot of mango juice that anyone can buy at trader joe's. not "fresh" and really lacking on the booze. I've had better mango margaritas at applebee's. I had pulled pork tacos that were decent. There is not much pork I don't like, but I felt like this pork was being billed as super special. It didn't come with any sauce on it, like the menu said, and the "jalapeno" slaw was basically just regular coleslaw. I liked the tortilla, but other people thought it was undercooked. They are not lying about the jalapeno poppers being "triple x" hot. WAY too hot, like uncomfortably hot. They tasted really good, but turn down the heat....unnecessary. Also, the appearance was pretty gross...even the server agreed and laughed.
(2)Jen B.
Pretty sure the food isn't the main draw here. But as far as B-Town bars go, DS has a lot to offer. The patio is awesome, the servers are attentive and pleasant, and everything came out quickly. We also scored (totally unnecessary for a Weds night) multiple free shots of SoCo. If you do order food, steer clear of the chip/salsa/guac. They are just not up to par and you will be sad. The shrimp tacos are much better but be aware that they come loaded with onions (not mentioned on the menu). Weds night is trivia night, and the draw is not overwhelming (putting it nicely) so you stand a decent chance of winning some buckage.
(4)Waylon D.
First things first, I have always been able to get a table right away! There's a star right there for that! Next, bottoms up! My girlfriends always opt for a Margarita, but I myself enjoy a selection from the rather extensive beer list. I would say drink prices are right on point, if not on the lower end for the neighborhood. Now, time to speak my main language...TACOS! Yum! I have tried many of their tacos and they are always delish! A+ and Yeehaw to these TexMex style creations. My fav: The steak! I just really enjoy the setting. I feel like it is a place that breaks out of the "boystown" stereotype and creates an environment where anyone can feel comfortable. I will certainly be back!
(5)Joseph W.
Went with a group of six people for dinner. Two of us never got our orders. When the bill came there was an automatic 20% added for tip because of a table of six. I asked to see the manager because two of us never got our order, the only accommodation that would be given to us was that we wouldn't be charged for the food that we never got. I hardly consider that an accommodation. But we still were charged 20% for the tip for the waiter even though actually only four people got served. Service is terrible, management is worse.
(1)Lance K.
Dirty Sanchez... Yes folks, that's what the D.S. stands for. Who names a bar for that? Gross. This place is such a disappointment. I expected more from the owners of MiniBar. Bar looks like the set of MadMax-Beyond Thunderdome! No Mel Gibson reminders, please! All of these 5-star reviews here must have been posted by employees and/or friends of the owners. The food was lousy (and several people I've talked to agree). Service is slower than molasses in January. Fries are a la carte with a $9.00 burger?? Please. And, when a burger says "Buffalo Bacon Blue Cheese," those things should be present on the burger, and it should have some spice. Don't tell me it's blended into the meat and it's the new "cool" thing. Lame is what it is. I don't care if your meat is from Allen Brothers... If I were them, I wouldn't let you use my name. And what's with the "coming soon" all over the menu? Nachos coming soon? Did they get held up at the border in Arizona? What the...? It's nachos!! For the love of Ricky Martin!! If you don't have it, don't put it on your menu. C'mon guys... get it together!! Boystown deserves better, and you're capable of better. Don't let that great patio go to waste! And find a way to dim that harsh street lamp. It's not flattering at night! OK, I'm done for now... Skip it until they get their act together and live up to the MiniBar "brand."
(1)Antoine W.
Location In the heart of Boystown, Chicago, IL, USA: North Halsted Street! Atmosphere Walking in, it gives me the impression of a somewhat run-down Mexican tequila bar: lots of wooden tables and chairs, low lighting, wood planks on the walls, and Mexican-themed décor. It also has an outdoor patio area. Service First, I was a little thrown off when I walked to the entryway and a young woman says, "IDs!" I had to stop and think for a minute what she was saying before she repeated herself: "IDs!" Of course, my response was, "And hello to you, too. Yes, we were thinking of entering and dining at your establishment. Oh, you want to see my ID to make sure I'm over 21? Sure! Hold on while I retrieve it from my wallet." I think that kind of upset her, but I assumed I was talking into a restaurant, not an "after hours" bar...at 7:30pm...that cards all patrons before they enter. Our waiter paid us just enough attention to where he could get by with serving us without going "above and beyond". Food took too long, in my opinion to come out and I was starving by time he sat our plates down. Food The Chips & Queso Dip w/Beef left much to be desired. Honestly, I think the one at TGI Friday's is better. It was what it sounds like: white cheese that has been melted and a small scoop of beef thrown in for measure. Where are the chopped tomatoes, diced green chilies or jalapeno slices, green onions...? One of the people in our dining party, who frequents this restaurant, highly suggested that we get tacos instead of burgers. I ordered a taco trio platter: Fresh Veggie (without beans), White Boy, and Tequila Shrimp, with double rice instead of rice and beans. The Fresh Veggie was simply delicious! Who knew a meatless taco would be so good? You can tell the vegetables are freshly chopped. The White Boy was a standard taco, but the beef seasoning lingers for a little while on your tongue after you've consumed the taco...and the seasoning wasn't all that appetizing. The Tequila Shrimp, by far, was my favorite one! Nice little kick, delicious shrimp, and great seasonings just make it a winner! The rice was cold, but I was so hungry I didn't care. The Original D.S. Margarita, which was recommended by the waiter, was very weak on tequila and, in my opinion, was not worth the $8 they charged. If I return, it would only be for the Tequila Shrimp taco...and I would order them by themselves...and keep ordering them until I got full! (Which, you'll probably need a lot of tacos because these are some of the smallest tacos I've ever seen: two bites, three maximum, and they're gone!)
(2)Kristine L.
I was soooo excited to see a taco and tequila place opening down the street! I love tacos! They are my Lifesource. I love margaritas! They inject Liquid Joy into my veins. My soul was saddened the day I went to DS Tequila. Worse, I brought two others along and now their opinion of me is much lower. The tacos were mediocre and hardly inventive or, well, good. Turkey burger was fine, but so is the kind I make at home with frozen Jennie-O patties. The margarita was unfortunately dismal. Not terrible, but definitely not good. Two stars for the really nice outdoor patio with excellent Halsted-watching capabilities and the lovely, attentive guy who helped us that day. When I see this place every day, it makes me more sad Big Star is so far away. Each day, it's like I watch the last unicorn dying. Seriously, go to Big Star instead.
(2)Aaron S.
I've been three times basically because of the patio and I really like margaritas. So I was pretty primed to learn about this place & try it. I've only had the chips and about 4 different kinds of tacos, but I would like to try the turkey burger. The house margarita was the most disappointing. It wasnt terribly strong and while there was fresh lime involved, it tasted like they used a lot of orange juice or other citrus flavor in the mix. It was just odd and not really tasty. The Cadillac Margarita was an improvement, but by no means the best I've had. I tried a combo of their frozen Margaritas, regular and a raspberry special. Skip them. Bland and watery, just like a Slurpee. None of the margaritas were very strong either, so skip them if altogether if you're looking for a tequila buzz.. Chips and Salsa appetizer just so-so. Quacamole was very lackluster and a small portion, but with big unripened chunks of avacado. Wierd. Tacos were good, I liked the grilled shrimp and the salmon. All were pretty tasty, just not terribly remarkable. More of a quick snack then anything else. Once the weather turns, I doubt I'll be back since the patio is the real draw. The place really needs to amp up the portions or the booze or diversify the menu, because it just feels lacking overall. There's so many other more satisfying bar/restaurant combos in the area, I dont know how this place will endure without substantial improvements.
(2)Michael T.
I have pretty gross friends. We laugh at farts and poop jokes and generally act like 12 yr old boys at camp. But OMG, naming a restaurant after (and bragging about it) nosepoo? Srsly? I actually disagree with some of the reviewers about the looks of the inside bar - I think it's kinda cool. But why do so many of the 'restaurants' on Halsted think that they have to blare crappy music when you're trying to eat and talk with your friends? The food is decent, but again, it's really hard to think about eating the food when every table around you is talking about how disgusting it is that the name is derived from aforementioned poo-to-nose Dirty Sanchez'ing. I hope they decide to change their minds and say it stands for "Deep South" or something related to the food when it's MADE vs. what you can do with it several hours later.
(2)Jesse B.
Always fun, whether there for dinner, dancing, or just drinks. Staff is awesome too.
(3)Vanessa B.
Rang in 2013 here and my night sure started off with a boom, a big one...my brand new iphone fell into the back port-o-potty. Yeah, that sucked but the staff was beyond EXCEPTIONAL! some guy ran over with a trash bag and gloves for me to yank it out of there...gross, I know, then one of the bartenders at the front (didn't catch his name but I'll describe him a skinny short blonde and gay if that helps) Kept my phone behind th bar all night in a pitcher of rice which he offered to get for me while I danced the night away, needless to say that kind of bartender, especially in boystown is hard to come by so he was most certainly thanked for his kindness with some dolla dolla bills! The food they passed out was sparse but delish, one of the waiters was hella sassy however saying that we couldn't get any food unless he got a tip. um hello?!?1 I paid to come to this event with food included so I'll eat what I want and tip you if I feel like it. The coat check was lackluster, he lost my ticket but that problem was quickly solved after I searched through the pile of coats and at last found mine! Overall review: BESTEST staff, except that overly sassy waiter (I do feel his pain though, he was passing out sliders on new years) I def want to go back to this place and indulge in a plateful of tacos and a margarita
(5)Phil F.
As much as I wanted to like this place, I haven't come around to like. I have tried it out twice and both times were just not good. The place looks great and by no doubt there was a lot of money dumped into the place. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience needs a similar attention to detail as the decor had. Food is marginal. And the tacos only come in flour? Definitely counter to trend and clearly someone who owns this place just doesn't like corn tortillas, but I am pretty sure that a lot people do! Get em! Drinks are meh. Margs are syrupy and clearly don't use fresh lime juice like the menu says. Staff is smug and typical of Halsted street, but it doesn't need to be that way. After two times there, I don't plan on actively walking back in there. Maybe after a night of drunkeness I would stumble in, but prob not.
(2)Sarah P.
Pretty good as a bar - would probably go again to start the night out with 1 cool blended drink (like the Miami Vice). The blended margaritas had plenty of alcohol, but more than one would be overkill on the sugar. The margaritas on the rocks were like drinking straight tequila - blech. And that was supposedly their higher-end tequila. Wouldn't go back for the food though. First of all - what restaurant, even if they're just opened - lists out all the items on their menu that sound good but are "coming soon". Apparently, nachos and quesadillas are REALLY complicated to make so they are on hold until further notice. Fail. Then - the tacos are served "family style" which basically means that no matter what tacos you order, you'll inevitably end up with just whatever is left when you are in a group of 5 or more people. I ordered a burger just to stay away from that mess - which did end up happening to 2 of the 8 people in our group. Burger was ok, nothing to write home about. Restaurants have to compete with lots of good options in this city - DS Tequila better shape up quick.
(2)Justin S.
I was tossing between a one and two star rating on this one but when it comes down to it the caption for the one star was the most accurate, Methinks not. So the blizzard of '11 was in town meaning places open were limited. My friend and I hopped in and decided we'd give it a shot. Now I don't know about you but glass fragments don't go well beer as my friend will tell you. After that incident we waited for ever for service though considering the blizzard and how packed the place was I'd let this slide. When the food finally arrived it was sheer disappointment. The portion sizes were so tiny they forced us to order chips and queso again such a small cheese portion. If you want tacos at a gay bar at a great price head to Crew Bar in Uptown for Taco Tuesday, where all Tacos are a dollar. I know gay people don't eat so that must be the reason for the small portions but that doesn't warrant to the near 4 bucks a taco. The final nail in this awful place's coffin was on this wednesday it was quiz night. This was so unorganized and host was terrible. The attitude during his MC work was surly at best. Oh how lucky all us customer were to just be in his presence. Bottom line, there are much better places to spend less money for a better experience. Don't get caught up by the mini bar crowd.
(1)Mark M.
I wanted to like this place due to its location and outdoor patio but in my two visits there the food was literally unedible and the service very poor. The first time my partner and I tried to eat there the burger was cold and extremely undercooked- they took it back to the kitchen and it came back still unable to be eaten. We ended up leaving and eating elsewhere. I wanted to give the place another try and the second time we BOTH were unable to eat our meals they were so awful. My tacos contained nothing but lettuce and breading with NO chicken even though they were supposed to be chicken tacos. The waitstaff seemed unphased both times and I am done giving them chances. I'm surprised they are still in business.
(1)Alex P.
Yep, service is still horrible here. Cocktail waiter with the tats coming out from under his shirt needs to learn some server etiquette. Very rude, wow. Managers need to fire at least half of their staff. Zero stars.
(1)T M.
Went for the first time with a group of friends last night. It was dead but we decided to give them our business anyway. We ordered Margarita Bowls and definitely felt ripped off after realizing that it was 30% Margarita and the rest was ice. $15 bucks for ice? Never again! The bartenders were shady and seemed like they didn't wanna be there. No wonder you guys have no business on a Friday night. Oh and one of the bartenders said that we can't use our electronic cigarette. Newsflash to the dumb bartender, it's not a real cigarette, it's water vapor. There is no law against using it anywhere. Just close your joint before you loose anymore money, it's not worth anyone's time.
(1)Dane K.
It's been almost a year since my initial visit so I was a bit curious but reluctantly so to go back. I went on a Monday which is 1/2 off food at least. I ordered the pulled pork quesadilla, which the server went through some lengthy explanation of how "they" do it when in fact it's like every other quesadilla you've ever seen on earth. The pulled pork was about as lackluster as expected, if they make it in house they are wasting a lot of time because my crock pock pulled pork could kick their ass any day of the week. And for a quesadilla it was just on the too saucey side. Having experienced a horrid margarita last time, then being told by the owner I didn't know what an "authentic" margarita was, I was most looking forward to ordering another margarita. I ordered a slightly premium margarita. It was drinkable, but still sour as hell. I think they use one of those "bar" grade orange juices and it's sour and nasty, and too much of it at that. No Grand Marnier/triple sec in this margarita, it needed it. And it IRKS me that they serve their margaritas in a skinny rimmed thick walled beer mug. You shouldn't drink a margarita in a straw, but they pretty much force you to. For a frozen this is probably irrelevant (and actually, the frosty mug is probably nice for a frozen margarita), but for an "on the rocks w/ salt" margarita, it changes how it tastes. Still a huge improvement over my first visit's disgust with my drink, which still makes me pucker my lips just thinking about it and the condescending a-hole who felt the need to defend it. At 7pm on a Monday I wasn't expecting to hear any earth shattering music, but their music was so HORRIBLE I would've preferred silence. I have a relatively high tolerance for bad music. Did someone really go to Pandora and say "hey will you play Poison AND Will.I.Am, please, and if possible some 2001 era B96 remixes?" ... I'm sorry but "Put Your Hands Up In the Air" might be fun to play in a packed bar of drunk people late at night in 2006, but at 7pm on a Monday in 2011 when there are 3 tables? Please stop. The staff had nothing to do while we were there but play beer pong. Literally. That's what they were doing the entire time. Occasionally the hostess would stop to prop herself onto the hostess stand and pretend to act like she cared about carding people (insulting customers along the way) They do have an actual printed menu now but don't have any sort of developed drink menu that would make you think it's anything other than the dime-a-dozen bars found in Wrigleyville. Their focus originally was explained that they were going to sell real margaritas, for example, yet their menu has instead been written to cater to the lowest common denominator and now has as many "flavors" as possible with absolutely no focus on quality of ingredients going in. No mention of a tequila brand anywhere either that I remember (which is probably on purpose, since it seems their private label "DS Tequila" brand didn't take off). Instead of trying to one up the guys at Clark/Illinois who know what they're doing when it comes to margaritas, they've instead morphed into any dime a dozen place that you'd find at Clark/Addison. 3 stars is being overly nice.
(3)HRH J.
It has improved a lot and the food (wings) are so tasty! The michelada is actually good, although idk where and when Tecate became a fancy beer... Oh well come and enjoy!
(5)Kenya H.
I went there with my best friend and had a great time. I did go during off peak hours so of course I had great service. The food was really good, the tequila onions on the steak taco was so good I could have eaten them all by themselves. The tacos were a on the small side, but the taste more than made up for it. The margarita's are good (not great) but good. I also had the jalapeno poppers. These are REAL jalapeno's stuffed with cheese, battered and deep fried. Best of all I found out they are open late late. whoo hoo... I will defiantly be back.
(4)Samantha H.
So, at first glance the place seems okay. The outside area is of course welcomed in Chicago, which is why we were actually coming here one evening. But the tables are horrible and uneven and very small. The four of us were at a table better suited for two. But the inside isn't very large so I guess it's better outside. Now, there is tequila in the name of the place, yet they only carry two tequilas...and neither one is Patron. Does this not strike anyone else as odd? Service was not horrible but pretty sub par. The margaritas made with Everclear, now those are some good things (unless you had already had 3 glasses of wine as I had, not recommended). If you've been to el Jardin, you know what I'm talking about. These are not for the faint of heart. That was pretty much the only good thing about this place though. They had no chips and salsa at the tables...really? What kind of tequila place is this! No tequila, no chips and salsa? That was rather annoying. The nachos were decent, nothing to write home about. Overall an average place but taking one off for the no chips and salsa, can't seem to get past it!
(2)Christina B.
All you need is the high octane margarita and you are good for the night. Only had drinks at this place, never ate here -- but fun atmosphere...and delicious margaritas!
(4)steve s.
Wow. Horrible. Complete and utter disappointment. Granted it was Market Days, and not a typical weekend, but this place is lame. Here's an idea....let's open a tequila bar and have one brand of nasty well tequila, and a bartender with attitude that could have cared less. This place will be a hit with visitors and young kids, but for locals with taste... Spend your money and time elsewhere.
(1)Paul B.
Great casual space. The food is great and they are often updating the menu with even more delicious options. The staff is fun and it is a great place to hang with friends. I recommend trivia night on Wednesdays.
(5)David G.
So I had to downgrade DS rating. I am very particular about customer service and this place should be treated no differently. I eat out frequently and so I figured I would be by here at least once a week, either for a drink or dinner. I think I may hold off on this place until I see there ratings improve. It seems everyone is experiencing the same sort of attitude/rude behavior from their wait staff. Do the owners realize the power has shifted to the consumer? In the current economic climate they should be more focused on customer service training verses how 'pretty' it looks on the inside.
(2)Todd S.
Don't bother. Food is terrible, margaritas are overpriced. I can see this being another in a series of sterotypical Bostown bars where bitchy queens hang out. Patio is nice I guess, but you cant go wrong with a patio.
(1)Ginny D.
So working our way through all of the great patios in Lakeview and accidentally came across this one that wasn't listed in any reviews or recommendations and all I can say is man they need to be known for their patio! Comfortable seating, great wait staff, stellar margaritas, superb music and all managed so well you can have actual conversation while enjoying said fab margaritas! Lovely place - will definitely be back for more!
(5)Michael S.
Not sure what other reviewers are talking about, I've been going to D.S. since it opened. #1, the patio is great..not a better spot on Halsted for drinks and/or food. #2, great spot to watch any football..I've spent many Saturdays and Sundays here, the staff cannot be any more accomodating in switching games around on their tv's so that you have the game you'd like to watch in front of you! #3, the food is very good. Has to be one of the best burgers in town, definitely in Boystown. Steak tacos are amazing...and for the reviewer complaining about only getting three, please note that you can order them a la carte and get as many as you'd like with whatever meat you'd like!!! Jeez, if you're that hungry maybe you should keep some animal crackers in your pocket!! Matt and Sarah, two outstanding bartenders...will definitely keep you coming back!!
(4)Jesselyn E.
I really like this place! The XXX Jalapeno Poppers are the best (and spiciest!) I have ever had, and the other food I have tried there was pretty good, too (not great, but pretty good). The drink are of course their feature and I have liked the ones I tried. However I must say I can't imagine coming here in the colder months for a meal (as opposed for drinks/partying), as the patio is quiet and relaxing but the indoor seating is LOUD (purposefully, definitely a party zone).
(4)amanda y.
the d.s. must stand for delightfully standard, because that's exactly what this place is. i definitely looove the outdoor patio and the fire pit things that you must fight and die for. they have a trivia night, also! THE NACHOS ARE THE BEST DEAL HERE. personally, i think much of the stuff here is a rip off. if you feel like real mexican food, go north two blocks oh halsted to taco burrito palace. they have delish food for cheap, but i'll tell you what they don't have: an edgy chiptole-esque theme on the inside, where you can see dude-bro bears playing beer pong, hags with their gay husbands and on the outside you can find ladies and gentleladies just looking to sit on a patio on halsted, where they can watch all of the unadulterated hair pulling and cock fights that go on every night of the week in boystown. anyways, the margs here are alright. i had one once, but i don't think i will be getting one again. i'll stick to my 40 from 7/11 before hand and maybe spring for a 10 dollar fishbowl, a supposedly "40oz" sugary mess that's sure to put you in sunglasses the next morning.
(3)Matthew F.
If the D.S. stands for Dysentary & Salmonella then it is perfect. Never forget this is a bar masquerading as a restaurant (not vice verse) I've been here 4 times, only once by my choice. Had lousy experience almost every time. The first was probably a few months after opening and the waiter "forgot" to place our food order. This was forgivable since they were quite busy and relatively new. The next time honestly wasn't all that bad as we were seated outside, promptly served, etc... The third time a passing waitress spilled a drink all over me, never said sorry nor offered to bring me a towel/napkins. The last and most recent time I swear I got food poisoning. At least 2 other people I know who ate there on that same day came down with similar symptoms. There is an old adage which says that you can judge the cleanliness of an establishment's kitchen by how they maintain their bathrooms...just saying the city health inspector needs to visit.
(2)David R.
don't waste your time or money. Stopped here on Saturday for a few pitchers and some apps. Pitcher was ALL ice, and.. every app we ordered came back wrong. twice. When served correctly, the food was cold. Guacamole was crusty and black... looked like it was a week old... wings were cold, one was raw. Server was apologetic but all said and done, the bill was over $100 for 3 of us, for lunch, and we walked away hungry and very dissappointed. The ONLY good thing about this place is the outside seating and location. My friends had warned me that the food was starting to go downhill recently., and they've only been open a few months. I'd say they're almost at rock bottom. Any worse, they'd have to give it away. This is just another "see and be seen" place that the block is littered with. If you REALLY want to go some place to eat, go somewhere else. Don't waste your money here.
(1)Xavier B.
Stopped in and sat on the outdoor patio with my boyfriend even moved to the main table facing the strip. One waiter walked passed about 5 times another girl seemed lost and the last waiter hugged her buddy table sat down and left. one owner said hi and kept going. total time 15 minutes without even a meet and greet. Cute place bad service host was nice.
(1)Eric F.
This review coveres two occasions when I visited this place. This place just plain sucks. The 'service' (and I use quotation marks because what we recieved cannot legitimately be called service) is poor. We waited an inordinate amount of time to get our drinks. They served my friend the wrong quesadilla. The 'fried chicken' taco consists of tyson fried chicken nuggets (the frozen kind) rolled into a jewel taco. I cant believe this place gets business with all the other options out there. Never again.
(2)Jeanee S.
I can honestly say besides the bartenders this place is on of our new found fav's. The High Octane Margarita's are excellent! The pulled pork taco's and burgers are SO GOOD!!!! The manager Sara made my fiancee' and I so welcome that we went back three days in a row and promised to make it our regular hangout spot. The wait staff is very fun and hospitable. But their bartenders attitude SUCKS. But since we didn't really go to the bar and received our drink orders by our fabulous waiter Jared we were taken care of! I thank DS for a great time!!!
(4)Matt Y.
Eh. The food is only OK -- particularly desert. The warning that the center of the chocolate cupcake is hot would lead you to believe it had just been made. Not so -- pretty cold. Confused orders, blamed on the fact that the kitchen was busy despite quite a lot of open tables. No sides to go with the tacos. No free chips like there are at most mexican places. And a little bit grouchy when we pointed out a couple of errors on our bill. Hopefully they'll get it together as time goes on. Has potential, but not there yet.
(2)Joe M.
I enjoyed the decor and the atmosphere in the bar area. The menu I found to be a bit limited but the big problem was the service and time it took to get our food. 45 minutes for nachos ? 55 minutes for four tacos ? I saw several people in the same situation. I even overheard a server tell a party of three to just leave as they had not gotten their food in over an hour. The team service plan does not seem to be working here. 15 minutes after my nachos had arrived, a server came to me with another order of nachos. Probably not the servers fault but they bear the brunt. The kitchen needs to get more organized ! The nachos were very good though, so that got them two stars.
(2)P H.
We LOVE Frankie! If he's there, ask for him! He has a pleasant personality, is accurate with orders and very attentive. We haven't been fans of the breakfast choices - but, if you stick with DS Tequila's core competencies, "trash can nachos", salads and tacos, you won't be disappointed!
(4)Clayton M.
This place is gross. Food sucks ... The crowd is worse. Overpriced.
(1)Jason V.
I think this place has potential, but don't really plan on going back right now. The concept is ok, but is this a gay bar? It sure doesn't seem like it. And the music was BAD. I am all for the non-twink bars (i.e. North End, Crew) but I just didn't get this bar. It felt like it was still in the closet. Like you assumed it was gay, but wasn't really sure. The drinks were decent, but not great. I'll give it a try again a few months down the road and hopefully be a little better.
(2)Amy Y.
The only thing I remember about my food was that I NEEDED that margarita to make it feel tasty. Tortilla was not fresh, and the dish tasted like it was slapped together as an afterthought. Drinks was just ok but overpriced. It has a nice outdoor space, so too bad that the food and drink was so thoughtlessly done.
(2)Tim G.
On entering we were greeted with blaring rock and what appeared to be a bachelorette party or some other messy affair. Service was good. A pitcher of Margaritas on the rocks tasted alcohol free. We switched to frozen Margaritas. The chemical taste was unpleasant borderline repulsive. Trio of salsa and chips was $3.39. Two salsas were good but the three tablespoon serving of each was skimpy. The third salsa was Ranch Dressing. Tacos at $2.69 a piece were small but tasty. The presentation was sad. The $8.49 burger looked lonely on the plate. Fries were and additional $3+. Rip off. Border town dive bar or Mexican restaurant...the owners need to choose one and do it right.
(1)Jamie O.
Yay for a cheap, Mexican-American spot with reasonably priced margaritas, spitting distance from my apartment! The service has a few glitches, as does any new restaurant. The menu is focused and fun. You can choose a variety of taco types for only $3 each. Shrimp taco was my favorite. Expect tasty food and drink on a nice outdoor patio.
(2)Lisa C.
I am shocked that the reviews are not better for this place. I went went on a Friday night a few weeks ago and had a great experience. The Huevos Ranchero Burger was unusual and really tasty. I also tried their jalapeño poppers which were literally full jalapeños stuffed and fried - also like nothing I have ever tasted before. Our sever was really friendly and offered actual suggestions and not, "everything on the menu is good". The coupon I found in the Redeye did help shape my opinion, but they do offer 1/2 price food on Mondays. I plan on returning and taking advantage of some of the deals they offer during the week.
(5)Cassie C.
Just went here for the first time yesterday for a margarita and a quick taco. The tacos were great, the margaritas were even better. I know this is a pretty small detail but....the Jalepeno Ranch that comes with the chips trio was out of this world! The servers are very friendly and attentive and the management was walking around outside on the patio the whole time making sure everything was ok. Our waiter was the BEST, made some great suggestions and kept us laughing through our entire meal. The patio is great for a sunny afternoon and for some good people watching. Overall, I very much enjoyed this place and I would definitely come back!
(5)Wayne B.
Great food and a great atmosphere, what else do you want!
(5)Ryan F.
Another cheesy crap food joint in Boystown....but what do you expect...it is owned by Mini bar!! I don't mean to be a food snob, but this place serves some pretty gross food. The owner was very friendly, but boy....the food servers are terrible. Considering it is named Tequila Company, margaritas were the worst I have ever had. But again, I am not surprised! Oh, btw, they are working on their own brand of Tequila :)
(2)Dan L.
I had high hopes for a great Mexican joint in Boystown. This isn't it. First, the good news is that the tacos are in fact superb. But, down hill after that. The inside is way too loud. I also don't get the fake tacky signs on the windows. And the outdoor space is way too blah. What's with the tables with the fake fireplace in the middle anyway? Margaritas were a big disappointment. They are missing a layer of complexity that one would expect from a fresh margarita. If I had to guess, it's because they're using only lime juice and tequila--no Grand Marnier or triple sec. Not on the same caliber as Frontera, Salpicon, etc. Chips don't have any character either. They're about as thin as a potato chip; like the margaritas, lacking any depth of a "home made" style chip. The three salsas are bland, bland bland. Guac has no flavor. Some of this may be due to being a new restaurant, but after a month, I would have expected some fine tuning. I may give it one more try -- but that's about it. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that the owners feel they know better than their customers and won't change a thing. And finally a word about the name: I have a feeling they purposely chose the name to get a little buzz. But, it's not working. Besides the obvious politically incorrectness, no one has yet mentioned anything about the slogan for the restaurant, which goes something like, "Bad to Say, But good to taste." DID THEY THINK THAT THROUGH???
(1)Lawrence Y.
Hopped on over here after exiting Sidetrack. Patio area is now closed and the bar was pretty empty for a Saturday night. Drinks were okay - just had a slushie, friends said that their drinks were pretty strong through. Bartender we had was nice, and attentitive as he needed to be (ie he didn't come hound us every five minutes). Can't rate the food this time around, though.
(3)Kelly P.
I just want to say I absolutely love this place! Its my first time here and everyone is so nice and its just fun here! Mikey is the best server I ever had! He's so fun and attentive! I just have to say the jalpenos poppers are to die for! So if you have a group of friends and wanna get loose and dance on a bar go to d.s tequila ;)
(5)Josie F.
Finally D.S. Tequila got it together. I was dragged here for the third time for food. The previous two times had made think I would never eat here again. My friends ordered a bunch of food. I ordered one taco in hopes the food had improved. So much better than before. The nachos are awesome. One of my friends is not from the U.S. and does not know how to address waiters. I was expecting Justin our server to loose it. He was friendly and patient the whole time. I live around the corner from this place and am happy I gave it another try. One thing, cut back on the bubble gum pop bad music. We went on Trivia night. It was a blast. NEW CHEF YAY!!! It is safe to give it another try everyone. Do it.
(4)C C.
Is it bad that I kinda like this place? Based on the Yelp reviews, I am going against the crowd. Oh well, I've never joined the crowd before, so why now? Yes, this place is white-trashy but in a tongue-in-cheek, kitschy way that is enjoyable. The rice is so Uncle Ben's, not authentic Mexican, but it's kinda tasty. The tacos (unlike Mercadito!) can be ordered a la carte to mix and match a plate of three. Great specials every night of the week too. S'mores Reeces sundae is not to be missed!
(4)Ryan F.
I wish I could give 3.5 stars. I went with a group of 8 last night and it was good...nothing amazing. We all got tacos which were very good. My friend and I ordered a margarita, and you can tell it is from a can...not the best margarita. The place is supposed to be known for the tequila, but I couldn't get over the bad juice they used. Our waiter was decent, I don't like that they use Ipads to take the order. It seems dumb.
(3)Samantha M.
Trivia! I love trivia. Really - love it. Any place that has trivia is pretty awesome in my book. And trivia + Mexican food? I was in heaven. Last night was my first time at D.S. Tequila and I can guarantee I will be going back every Wednesday from now on. My boyfriend and I wanted to try this place out because the grand opening was happening and the specials looked great. ($4 blended margs, $2 tacos?!) We walked in and were promptly greeted and shown to a table. Justin was our server and he as very knowledgeable of the menu and had some great suggestions. I had the raspberry margarita (delicious!) and my boyfriend had the house marg. I will agree that they weren't very strong but they tasted delicious. I got a floater shot in my margaritas which made them all better. :) We ordered the jalapeno poppers to start. They were so cheesy and gooey..it was divine. You gotta love cheese tho - and they leave the seeds in so there is a bit of a kick while eating them. For me, they were perfect. After that, trivia started! I LOVE TRIVIA! My boyfriend and I stayed to play trivia and eat some more. We got the elote corn pops, some chips and salsa, and three tacos. I had the mushroom taco and he ate the crispy fish and a meat one of some sort. The mushroom taco was sooooo good! I could have eaten like nine of them. The tacos are small - approximately 3 - 4 bites worth so if you are hungry order more than one. The elote corn pops were basically corn on the cob seasoned and drizzled with a cream mixture. They were really unique and different but I liked them alot. In the end, my boyfriend and I came in second place at trivia and they covered our bill as a prize!! I will definitely be going back.
(4)Louis B.
I have been to DS Tequila numerous times. Great environment that has fun Servers and Managers. Two that stand out the most is Mikey (server) and Erin (Bar Manager). For some good food, low key or dancing on the bar mood, and non pretentious staff. Check this place out! LLB
(4)Andrew F.
Very crappy food and the servers are usually jerks. Sometimes an O.K. experience but during market days our food came out cold - not cold like it had been sitting there but actually refrigerated still. We also waited an hour for our meals to come out. Meanwhile no update from the server or refills on cocktails or water. When the bill came out we were charged for several items we didn't order. The server rolled his eyes at us when we told him and walked away. We got the manager and they helped resolve the situation. After paying and leaving the table, the server ran after us and basically accused us of dine and dash. Really??? When we were escorted back to the table he learned the manager had already taken the tab and the money. Apparently this is just normal behavior...we didn't even get an apology. Hire some servers (and cooks) that can deliver hot food with a smile and this place will turn around.
(1)Carlo N.
I have been here 4 times.. I have to admit the first time was awesome.. I have no clue what had happened after that great experince.. The last time I was at this location it was horrible.. I think its quite strange that they want to place everyones taco's on the same platter... With after talking to other friends, they also do not like that kind of presentaion. I do not want to share a plate with someone when I am ordering foof for myself.. Not that I wont share my food with my friends or family.. The serivce at this place has been horrible. We need a place in boystown but do not take advantage of the community that wants your location to make it.. We hope you make changes to your service and how you present your food to us as customers.
(1)John S.
A brand new entry to the combination of food and bar establishments in Lakeview, DS Tequila Company is sure to be a hit. The margaritas were as good as any I've ever had in L.A. The taco options are vast, and uniformly tasty (we tried six different tacos). And DS' take on Mexican street corn on the cob beats what you can get nearly anywhere in L.A. Friendly and helpful staff as well. A great addition and worthy of anyone's visit.
(5)Aaron W.
I am mostly a hard person to please when it comes time for new restaurants in the city. This is not only one of my favorite spots, but let me tell you it brings joy to my heart that people that work here love what they do. If you need to have a good time and kick back and have good tacos and burgers come check out this place. Please be advice you have to dance cause if not they will make you lol J/K...
(4)R B.
I was expecting more. I had two tacos and the jalapeno poppers. The tacos were all tortilla with just a smidge of filling. flour tortillas to boot :( The jalapeno popper was interesting. I'm torn between liking them and not. At the end of it, I decided as interesting as the flavor was, it really just tasted like deep fried, cheesy grill char and I probably wouldn't order them again, although the lime flavored creamy dip for them was quite delicious. The staff was fine but it was very dead when I came in. I'd come again to give it another chance once they've been open for a while and work the kinks out. I trust the guys that run the joint to get on top of it, so I will give it another go in the future. Don't rule it out, give it chance you might like it. I just had higher expectations.
(3)Jessica C.
sooo me and my co workers decided to try something new for some drinks. and id heard they had miami vices so i was so down. the place was nice we sat outside since it was a nice. i was pretty excited to see the drink menu bc everything sounded so good. but to my surprise but my fourth drink i wasnt all that buzzed needless to say it wasmt really that busy yet my drink felt like it took forever to come. turns out the day we pick had half priced appetizers which were good nothing amazing but good our waiter did not tell us it was half priced but the guy that served us did. so when the bill came i was pretty annoyed that i had to mention that we knew it was half priced just didnt find it a good look on his end but eh. also the check in on fb did get us loaded fries lol so that was another plus i guess. in conclusion i dont see it as a place id return too at least for drinks
(2)David S.
Was in Chicago 11/03/2011 visiting and Ended my night at DS Tequila, My friends and I had a great time. The Bartender Matt did such a great job!!! I will be stopping by again next time I am in town. GOOD JOB MATT!!!
(4)Blake H.
we went during opening week for their $1 chips, $2 tacos, $3 margs on the rocks & $4 frozen margs. we sat outside under a heater which was nice because we were able be loud. our waiter was really nice but it took forever. like, really really really long time. BUT i had ordered pitcher's of margs so i didnt mind. however i thought the tacos were amazing. especially for $2 BUT even at full price they are all under $3. the mushroom was AMAZING and the chorizo was really spicy. i also thought the margaritas were better than other cheap mexican place. and by that i imean it didnt taste like aristocrat tequila & corn-syrup. (apparently they brew [?] make their own tequila. when i go to a mexican place i am usually there for company & margs & chips. i dont mind waits, as long as that is all i am doing that night. i hope they tighten up their service (not cheeriness but speediness) and i will definitely be back.
(3)Melissa B.
This past Sunday a group of my friends and I went to an undisclosed location to have brunch and watch the Bears game. Well when we got there they had lost our reservation. So we walked down the street to Mini Bar because we needed some food in our bellies. We were very disappointed to not be able to watch the game. When we got to Mini Bar the owner greeted us at the door and we told him our situation. He immediately got on his phone and called over to DS Tequila and asked if they would have room over there to accommodate our group. The manager personally walked over and gathered our group and walked us back to DS. They had a table ready for us right away where we were surrounded by gigantic flat screens. They offered us the same deal that they had at the undisclosed location. $20 for an entree and unlimited mimosas. The food was great and the staff were amazing! I would definitely go back here again!
(4)Becca C.
I'm really shocked by the bad reviews here. I've been here multiple times and have never had a bad experience. The food is delicious--faves are the steak taco, shrimp taco, and fried fish taco. Chips, salsa, and guac are all good. Good drink specials and I've always had good service. I had one complaint during my last visit--the rice that was served with our tacos was undercooked. I mentioned this to the manager when she came by to check on things--mostly to let her know so they stopped serving it and made a new batch. She did this and gave us some to go (we told her it wasn't necessary) and also gave us free shots.
(4)Angela C.
not a fan, bad service food was just ok.
(1)Ashlan S.
I LOOOOOOOVE this place!!!!! My bf and I went and had breakfast at Nookies one morning, right down the street, and after we ate a big breakfast we decided we wanted a little Sunday morning drink! We walked by DS Tequila and decided to go on in. EVer since then, we have pretty much been once a week! Everyone there is so nice and very fun and I have NEVER had a bad server. Inside is great, and when it is a nice day out, the patio is awesome too. Great people watching view of Halsted. Being from Texas,and growing up totally spoiled by awesome Tex-Mex food, I am a little bit of a snob when it comes to Mexican food, but the food is actually pretty good. The coffee rubbed steak tacos are delicious! Especially with a little dip of some jalapeno ranch dressing, yum yum yum! The number one thing that I love about this place are the drinks! It is so hard for me to find a good margarita and they have about 4 or 5 that are to die for! They are strong, and are seriously my favorite thing to drink in Chicago. I love the atmosphere here too. There's always good music, again, great servers, good service and TV's all around for when there is a game on. We also played trivia night last week and although we lost, it was really lots of fun. We continue to go here all the time, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to have a GREAT margarita, good food and just be around happy people. Love you DS tequila! As soon as I get off work tonight, I'll be heading your way!
(5)Allen M.
Been wanting to go here for a while so we went late on Sat for some food. Ambiance is good, the drinks are OK and the staff is hot, that's about all the place has going for it. I ordered two coffee covered skirt steak tacos. When the food came out in a decent amount of time I was taken back at the portion size, it was a two bite taco, and tough as hell, almost inedible. For almost 4.00 a taco I was quite disappointed in the food. At least I left with a buzz.
(2)Nick P.
Eh...I wish I could like this place better. It's an interesting space and idea, but the food and service really don't pull through. The menu looked promising with lots of interesting tacos and an array of burgers. But like a lot of things in Boystown, once you scratch the surface...you don't find a lot underneath. Ha! Jk. Couldn't resist. - We ordered a pitcher of margaritas. Server brings it back to table, pours a little liquid in each glass - but no ice. Sets pitcher on table and says "I'll let you guys pour the ice in; it's too hard for me to do." Maybe he was being funny? But any server knows how to pour from a pitcher with ice - from the side, of course. - Time to order. The burgers and tacos all have numbers next to them. My friend orders a few tacos by number. "Which ones are those?" the server asks bluntly. Look, I know this is a minor annoyance, but it's indicative of all the problems we had with this place. In such a competitive marketplace, your service can't be this lackluster. - Food shows up. I had ordered a turkey burger. As I assemble my burger, I realize something isn't right. The turkey burger itself was missing! I had a condiment sandwich. We flag down the server, share a laugh, and he returns a few minutes later with a complete sandwich. Again, not a big deal, problem solved quickly, but...these things add up. - And now we eat. My friend had a couple tacos - I had a bite of the pulled pork one. It was decent. Nice flavor, kind of tiny though. The fries that came with my burger were advertised with a couple menu-ese adjectives, but they were pretty plain and not crisp. The turkey burger was also exceptionally bland. I'd rather have a smaller, better seasoned patty. So bottom line - you're paying inflated prices for below-average food and service. Want a better $12 burger? Go to Kuma's. Or get a $8 at DMK. Better tacos? Big Star, or even Chipotle. Better service? Ha, go anywhere.
(2)Lochin S.
Did not eat here so not sure my five stars are fair. but the nachos at the next table looked fantastic. Regardless, our server made sure we were taken care of even tho we just had drinks. our mixed drinks were great as well as the one beer. good people watching and the outside sitting area was perfect to kick off summer!
(5)Lauren J.
Love this place! We went for margaritas and no food. The food smelled delicious though! Such a fun atmosphere and one of the best margaritas I've had in Chicago. Definitely going back.
(5)Lisa M.
Yummy drinks, awesome shrimp tacos and great patio! The service is good too :)
(5)Bradley S.
Partner and I had visited once on a neighborhood bar crawl. It was fine. Living Social offered a deal. I bought. We redeemed the deal recently and were both happy with the experience. The place wasn't terribly crowed that Saturday afternoon; we received prompt, friendly, and attentive service. They have a nice beer selection and know how to mix a drink. The burgers were fresh and ample with very good flavor. We weren't hungry enough for an appetizer but a couple were intriguing. We'll not hesitate to return.
(4)Jennifer C.
Terrible terrible terrible! So What if it was pride weekend?! Service should have been much better. I've been here previously and the service was sub-par, with good food. However this past Sunday so so horrible that we walked out! Our server only came by twice, once to take our drink order, the second to take our food order. We waited an hour for food which came out cold & disgusting! Then our appetizer showed up.. um?! When we complained to the person who dropped our app off, he stated that he had just gotten there and would let the manager know after he gave us attitude & said, "Do you want it or not?! Cause I'm not responsible" Understandable but maybe a little bit of an apology would have aided our angry faces & disgruntled, ravished tummy's!! Our orig server walked up as we were voicing our despair and quickly walked right back the same way she walked up without saying shit. A manager was promised to our table but after waiting some more, we just up & left, Hungry, upset & cursing.
(1)Katie P.
Meh, this place is just ok. Went here last night with a girlfriend and got a beer and burger w/ blue cheese. The food was ok, nothing special. I'd go back in the summer for the patio or for one of their days with a good special. Mondays are 1/2 off all food and Wednesdays are trivia night. We left about 30 minutes into the trivia session yesterday but that looked like fun with a lot of questions about pop culture and travel and less about sports (which is good for me). If you're in the area, it's ok but don't go out of your way.
(3)Adam M.
Walked by this place today and saw a very welcoming patio so my friend and I stopped in not knowing when and how this place popped up so quickly. We sat on the very spacious patio and the service was good. The three salsas & chips are definitely worth a try. The chips are very light and crispy and that jalepeno ranch was tasty. Each of us tried a taco - both the coffee steak and the pineapple shrimp tacos were tasty. There is also an abundance of drinks available. Stop in if you would like to enjoy a frozen margarita (my friend tried the Miami Vice). Good for now, not incredible....we will see what happens next for D.S.
(4)Kevin R.
I'll echo a few things I've read here from others - the service was pretty horrible (it took about an hour to get 6 tacos). However, the thing that really annoys me about the Tequila Company is the severe lack of good margaritas and a various choices in tequila!!! Ambiance - 2 stars: Inside, the music is super loud; seems as though they have loud music to get people in off the street, but drive people away since you can't hear your company. Ambiance - 4 stars: Outside is quite nice. We went on a temperate Monday night and the patio was great. Drinks - 2 stars: See above, this really surprised me. Furthermore, if you want a margarita that is healthy (i.e. not made with Sweet and Sour mix), you'll have to look elsewhere. There are no fresh-lime juice margaritas here... for a place that has no-carb, jicama 'tortillas', you would think a healthier margarita would be available. Food - 3 stars: About $2.67 per taco and lots of different options. Watch out though, they are small!! It also took forever to get them... Service - 1 star: Our waiter apologized for "issues going on in the kitchen" twice. This was my friend's 3rd visit there, there have been service problems every time at D.S. They did try to make up for it, but they did so by bringing out a cold bowl of chili that we didn't touch. The waiter was fine, but whatever was holding him back is dragging the whole place down with it.
(2)Ben K.
The service was good, the food was solid, and the patio was fantastic. What an awesome outdoor seating area. On to the food: we got the nachos for an appetizer, which was a huge serving of chips piled high with toppings for only $5. This is an excellent deal. Then we shared a turkey burger and a couple tacos. The turkey burger may have been frozen at some point in the past, but that didn't stop it from being pretty delicious. It's definitely rosemary infused, as advertised, and the pickled onions served on top of it were also very nice. Finally, the tacos. Good stuff. At $3 a piece they better be. I got to try the steak and the chorizo, both were definitely worthwhile. Apparently if you come in with your cubs ticket (on gameday? not quite sure) you get a free platter of 3 tacos. Do it!
(4)Jose E.
Compared to the other bars in the area it's a pleasant surprise to find a place were you can have great food and drinks and have a good time. What other place lets you dance on the bar! It's great for big groups and the staff are always willing to bend over backwards for you. It does get busy sometimes but that just adds to the atmosphere of the place. The Sanchez slammer is a great fun to do shot with your friends to. And if your wanting a good premium burger then there is no better place then Ds. The buffalo blue cheese burger is fantastic! Blue cheese buffalo sauce bacon and guacamole make this burger by far the beat I have ever had! And don't worry there full bar and experienced bar tenders are amazing as well. Try having one of the margaritas with a flavoured vodka if your not into tequila. All and all it's a fun time. This is the place to let your hair down and party.
(5)Jim B.
The girl working at the host stand on 2/6/13 was a bitch. We left. Never again.
(1)Brett M.
Every time I come here, I am so pleased. I think the tacos (specifically the chorizo and fried chicken) are unique and fantastic. The wait staff is super friendly and passionate about the menu. But it's the frozen peach margaritas that keep me coming back. The wild berry and coco loco are good too but the peach! Gah! My husband had a special drink the night we went, a watermelon margarita on the rocks. It was soooo gooood! Plus, we had the tres leches cupcake (I hope I have that right) for a desert. Get it. Whatever you do. Get it. All things considered, I love this place. My only gripe is the soundtrack. C'mon boys. I'm not playing Guitar Hero. Reflect the 'hood a little better or get more modern :-)
(4)Jason H.
Had a nice time out on the patio! Beers and apps! The loaded french fries were "Heart Attack Heaven"! The service was prompt and friendly! Anthony (server) was exceptionally friendly and attentive! Looking forward to visiting over Market Days weekend!
(4)Danyelle D.
Stopped in for dinner on a Wednesday at 7pm with my girlfriend and another guy friend. He had been here before for drinks and we had wanted to try out the new place. Loved the decor, music, especially the patio. Very nice, everything looked clean and peaceful for a weekday. Looking at the menu I was a bit discouraged, a hand full of apps, then your choice between a specialty burger or a variety of tacos. We ordered the XXX jalapeno poppers. They will not get any award for their plating at this place. 5 fried jalapenos on a wet plate with a cup of dip, nothing fancy about it. I even laughed when the waiter brought it out. I looked like it was a joke. They actually didn't taste bad at all, they were very spicy, and the dip was good. Nothing to go crazy about though. For our main course I ordered 3 Corona battered tacos & my G.F. ordered the pulled pork tacos. The "family style" plating seemed a little bit pointless, but since it was just us 2 it was fine. In a big group, I would probably end up mixing them up. The fish tacos, we not bad, very small though. For $2.67 or so a piece, over $8.00 for 3 little tacos, seemed expensive. It's not like there was any crazy fancy slaw or sauces, just descent fish tacos. The tortilla, was very soggy and almost hard to bite through because they were so undercooked. The pulled pork tacos were a big disappointment, they said they came with a BBQ sauce, however none present. Just bland pork and tortilla? I would come again to drink, although I thought the prices on those are high too. But eat somewhere else. Maybe if I was drunk at 2am and needed a quick taco boost to keep me going all night, but not for a meal I want to enjoy and taste. Maybe when they get their branded tequila manufactured, they will put some fine tuning on their menu and kitchen. Too bad that patio was very nice place to have dinner.
(2)Nick A.
Come here for the drinks, appetizers, and the atmosphere. The margarita selection is fairly extensive and the the frozen drinks are very good, definitely on par with the legendary slushies across the street at Sidetrack. The outdoor patio is probably the best on Halsted, perfect for peoplewatching. The clientele is usually easy on the eyes as are the bartenders and waitstaff. I've never had a bad experience with service. The decor and sports bar feel is certainly different than anything else on the Boystown strip. Food is so-so. It's tasty enough and by no means terrible but it's nothing amazing either. Appetizers are much better than the entrees, this would be a great place to stop for a few drinks before going to dinner elsewhere. If you do eat here, the chorizo tacos are probably the best of the group. Don't expect huge portions; the tacos are about average size and you get a small scoop of beans and rice if you order the dinner. Perhaps this is a function of catering to a gay clientele but they could still drop the price to below $10 for the meal. As others have mentioned, there are better options in the area if food is what you're after. Otherwise, D.S. Tequila is a worthwhile addition to the Halsted bar scene.
(3)Kim R.
Great burgers and tacos. Higher quality bar food. Try the S'mores sundae dessert. Drinks a little pricey but very good. The outdoor porch is great when the weather cooperates (which it did a lot this summer.) Too bad it's in what has become such a dangerous neighborhood. It's just not safe to go there after dark. Too many thugs out there after your wallets and cell phones. Stick to lunchtime. It's worth it.
(3)John W.
I'm not sure why I like this place more than the average yelper. Maybe I'm just a sucker for creative tacos. Maybe I drink too much there to be objective (my first draft only said "mix the steak and mushroom, f*** yeah"), but I love this place. And yeah, mix the steak and the mushroom into some sort of chophouse taco...it's amazing.
(5)Kristin J.
I love: the elote hash, the tequila shrimp tacos, and the coffee rubbed skirt steak tacos. Other friends have raved about the chorizo tacos, fried fish tacos, fried chicken tacos, and mushroom tacos. Decent prices, and 1/2 off on Mondays. True, their margaritas are sub-par, but there are plenty of other drink options. The waitstaff can get a little frazzled when they are busy, but are generally very kind and attentive.
(3)Stephanie B.
Eh. Meh. I came here with BIG hopes. I was underwhelmed. Staff was SUPER friendly, so I give 'em an A+ for that. But the food was just meh: -Our queso was like a cold hard block of cheese. We asked our waiter if he'd mind heating it up, and he was SUPER nice and apologetic, but when he brought it back out, it was just a hot block of hard cheese. -Tacos: Love that you can mix and match and get 'em a la carte. Liked the grilled fish one... the chorizo was decent... the fried chicken one (perhaps I should've known better?) was literally a chicken finger from a Wendy's 3-piece meal, shoved in a taco. Er? -Quesadillas: HUH? These were filled with a block of cheese, and not much else. And $10. We didn't even eat them, unfortunately. -Drinks: I did love the creative concoctions. I tried some funky margarita that was tequila + grapefruit + lime. There was another "margarita" made with Vodka, for people who don't like tequila. I appreciated the effort there. -Atmosphere: If you're sitting in a booth - yay. If you're at one of the rinky dink tables - boooooo. I'd give it another chance, I suppose. I did wish it was a true Mexican place with more Mexican on the menu than just guac, quesadillas and tacos though.
(3)Heather M.
D.S. Tequila is a triple threat! Great food, great service and a great atmosphere. We found this spot by accident one day and decided to give it a try. The selection and service was way beyond our expectations. And the margaritas! Oh the margaritas! I highly recommend The Miami Vice (strawberry/coconut blend). As I mentioned is staff is super friendly and very helpful with recommendations. If you sit at the bar, the bartenders are on point. Chris, Erin, Matt, Ryan it doesn't matter who first served you because they'll all take care of you. Last Friday we checked into Facebook and received FREE loaded fries. Sweet! Don't miss out on this yummy opportunity. And now friends and coworkers want us to bring them here to find out what we're always raving about. Check their website for specials. For example, $1 shots on Fridays & Saturdays. All you have to do is stop by and give it a try.
(5)Heather M.
It's true, the service is a little slow, but this is definitely a place to go and have a few pitchers of margs, so timely service isn't really the point. The tacos are great! I tried the shrimp, steak, and green chili pork - all delicious. Fries were also really good - some sort of awesome spices on them. The queso was a little gloopy, and the guac was unspectacular. They also didn't have a homemade hot sauce, which I thought was strange for a taco place. Either way, they mix a good margarita, the tacos are delicious, and if you're lucky you can dance on the bar with your waiter.
(4)Jonathan J.
Went on a Tuesday night with a friend around 9pm for the burger deal. It was pretty great--the food was awesome and the atmosphere was pretty chill. Lots of lesbians and gay guys, which is always a plus, but not a club type scene or anything. Just a burger and booze joint. Pretty decent menu.
(4)James R.
Great find! Our bartender Jared was awesome, kitchen was closed and I was starving so he managed to find some food for me to munch on. Drinks were great, and we all had a great time. I will definitely be back in the future when I travel up north.
(5)Greg M.
Get the classic! Simple and strong! Great atmosphere and the bartender is awesome! She even offered to give my friend a friend mini corona! Another great thing is that if it is too loud, they give you free earplugs :p
(5)Nathan G.
Came to Chicago to do a tequila tour of the city. Finding this place by name was pretty easy. Asking the bartender for a tequila list, he promptly replies he has 2 tequilas. Two?! TWO freaking tequila's for a joint with Tequila in big bold neon lite letters? Pfft. Good luck.
(1)C A.
im updating my review and keeping still only 3 stars. Its an ok place, im not much of fan of the food but its decent, the chips are crispy and if you stay away from the weak margs and just drink beer you can get a buzz. The staff is a little friendlier and we weren't treated like absolute crap or ignore like we were on my previous post so thats a perk. Its decent bar food if your just looking for something quick before you go out to the bar scene. One little thing that has always irritated me and maybe its just me is that when we order our taco's that they place everyones entire order onto one plate, we have a friend allergic to poultry so the chicken tacos were up against his steak and i dont eat read meat so his steak was touching my chicken! BAH! LOL!
(3)Green T.
Busy, but not swamped on a Thursday night. The coveted patio was great for fresh air and people-watching to a dizzying degree. The staff is incredibly nice but a little wet behind the ears. Our server wanted to seat myself and a date at a table for 8. When our tab came to $13 he swooped up our 20, never to return. (Really man, a 52% tip?) We had to request the change. Awkward. There seem to be about 25 servers on hand - all clean-cut, young, queer men. Indoors is dark, over air-conditioned, and blaring. After reading these reviews, we sat outside, as far from the speakers as possible. Our margaritas were great. The special was strong and even the obscure Beergarita was tasty. The cactus garden is a unique touch. Drink here to see and be seen. But be careful, the patio shuts down at 11:00 sharp.
(3)William F.
If your primary focus is watching sports, drinking beer and enjoying Mexican munchies then you'll probably like D. S. Tequila Company. If you're looking to enjoy good Mexican food, keep Yelping because D.S. Tequila Company isn't the place for you.
(2)tiffany k.
This place has been opened for only a little over 4 weeks, so I know that a lot of the bad reviews are due to this. I dropped in on a Saturday afternoon. My fiance and I wanted a small snack and something to drink. The place is pretty cool inside, and has a nice patio seating area in the back. The list of their specialty mixed drinks is nice and for a regular margarita, it's only $6! Pretty good. The special of the day was a margarita with muddled blue berries. Soooo delicious. I had 2. The beer list is pretty decent too, with some typical domestics and imports and some Belgians as well. I ordered the beer battered fish taco with the jicama tortilla (0 carbs) instead of the regular tortilla - just to try it. My fiance had some steak taco. We also ordered the roasted corn wheels - or something like that. It was all very tasty and the perfect amount of food for a snack and tasty enough to not be a boring snack. I will say, though, that I didn't love the jicama tortilla a lot. I mean, it was fine, but nothing beats a taco on a corn tortilla. I'll definitely be back here again to try some of their other drinks. Once we were ready to leave it did take quite awhile for us to get our check but I'm pretty patient and they're still relatively new. Please also note that the margarita I had was the special of the day and it was an extra dollar (which we didn't find out until the check came) but that being said, this place does not pour the tequila lightly, so that sort of makes up for it.
(4)Katie H.
I visited DS Tequila Company on one of their "soft opening" days. It was cash only and they were only offering a limited menu, but if this is a sign of what's to come, I think they're on to something good. Our server was great. He took the time to go through each of the slushie drink options - margarita (excellent), strawberry (also great), banana, peach, wild berry, and blue Hawaiian (which he let me have a small sample of; it was a bit too sweet for me). He then moved on to explaining the menu. For now, they have a limited selection of apps (jalepeno poppers, chips with trio of drips, and corn on the cob wheels) and 6-7 taco varieties, which are all $3 each. Because I am a very picky eater, I wanted to make some subtractions to the taco but the server said that since it was a soft opening, he wasn't supposed to, but he would ask. The manager came over and was super nice and said to make any changes I needed (just taking the tomato and lettuce off the chicken taco, and the pico de gallo off the chorizo one). Out came our food and it was delicious. The steak had a great flavor (though I wish it had been a bit more tender, I had to cut a few pieces) and the fried chicken taco was awesome; the chicken was so juicy and tender and perfectly crispy.
(4)Monika P.
I tried the blackberry margarita, it was really good! My friend got the beergarita, nothing special. I absolutely love their fresh vegi tacos!!! Plus the outside seating is really nice. Definitely coming back!
(4)Jennifer Q.
My boyfriend came here on a Sunday afternoon after running a few miles in the Chicago Marathon to support a friend who embarked on the entire journey. We only ran 5 miles but, nevertheless, were pretty hungry. We were actually on our way to another restaurant when I saw D.S. Tequila and remembered having read about it in Time Out Chicago. It looked like a cool place so I wanted to try it out. It was one of the last nice days of the fall so we sat outside. Jose was our server and he was totally adorable. Very personable and attentive. He chit chatted with us and helped us pass the time until our yummy tacos arrived. The coolest part is they have a "you pick three" taco platter so you can pick any three of numerous cool choices of tacos. They also serve good micheladas -which is like a beer meets a bloody mary. MMMMM. The coolest part about the patio was the little built in bon fire pit ON THE TABLE! That really made my day. I like to have little moments of escapism ambiance where I can sit back and eat and pretend I'm a million miles from my regular life. I recommend D.S. Tequila and we will for sure be back for some tacos and micheladas!!
(4)Jon J.
Have been there a few times but most recently for the Bears/Packers game. Two of us got there around noon and were waiting for 4 other friends to show up so we requested a booth for six. About 15 minutes before gametime we were informed that the manager was pissed because we were taking up space and our friends have not yet arrived. Between the two of us, we were ordering plenty of drinks and food. The waiter was cool but it put a bad taste in my mouth about the manager's comments. Walking past this place plenty of times and seeing how empty it always is, I thought they would appreciate any business they could get but that doesn't seem to be the case with this place.
(1)Kim Z.
After receiving my Time Out in the mail, I had a craving for a nice, hearty margarita and some good Mexican food. D.S. Tequila was on the list of 'go here instead of here' for Mexican places with patios and good margs. So we went. When we walked in the door, the very first thing I NOTICED was the very large number of waitstaff verses the number of customers. I assumed new...still don't even know if that's the case, but I got that feeling. However, I am going to say that with two servers per every customer you'd expect some AMAZING service. Lots of milling around, chit chatting, etc etc...something JUST enough to annoy the living shit out of me. So I made a quick escape to the bar. How bad could that be? Well, it went like this... I ordered the high octane marg made with Everclear, and hubby ordered a listed cocktail. I got the mug. I'd guess it was to be about 12 ounces..in theory. I watched the bartender make it, he short poured my $9 marg by I'd guess about 4 ounces, and just kept adding and adding ice. I asked him if he was going to charge me extra for all of that ice and he gave me a smart assed 23 year old glaring sneer and handed over my drink. Now as a former .....well, let's just say I know my stuff .... I'd have poured my precious customer four more little ounces of crap, and call it a night. And a tip. But no, didn't even come close. After that, I was so pissed we got up and went all the way to Big Star, my FAVE!! I'll never go back. Oh, and the food? Well, obviously I didn't order any, but the man next to us at the bar had some over cooked steak thingy with what looked to be undercooked shrimp. Bleahhhh! Eff that place. It's only hope for survival in my kinda humble opinion is to go straight up gay bar. And get rid of that piece of caca bartender, would ya?
(1)lucky r.
ok if you like waiting an hour for your food, please come here. It's ridiculous. I'm not sure why the managers are walking around saying hi instead of helping in the kitchen with one cook. Making a customer wait for almost an hour for some pre-made tortilla soup and french fries is asking a lot. And it's bad customer service. If you're just wanting to get wasted, please come here. You're get your drinks a lot faster!!! Waitstaff is super nice but that's about it.
(2)Shantell B.
I have no idea what people are talking about! Everyone is so cute and friendly...and the food, sweet jesus the food is amazing! adam t. is so cute and exuberant. I felt like I was hanging out with a friend! Music is fun and the managers are always close by and friendly which is reassuring.
(5)Leanna S.
Cool place, decent food. The tacos were small - even smaller than what you get at the authentic Mexican places. Additionally, their Mexican rice, which I like, comes with a garnish-type thingy of tomatoes on top. Ew. I like the bar/restaurant itself, but as a restaurant on it's own.....it's so-so.
(3)