Bar Sótano

Chicago, US

A neon pink sign signals the alleyway entrance to Bar Sótano, a long and narrow subterranean bar situated underneath owner Rick Bayless’ sister restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo in Chicago’s River North neighbourhood. With an interior layout organised to spotlight the open kitchen where chefs cook up an array of Mexican-inspired cuisine, the room bears design elements that clearly nod to Mexico, without veering into over-the-top stereotypes. A collection of cocktails inspired by fresh market ingredients – most of which also include Mexican treasures such as pasilla chile, guayaba, tamarind, chamoy and housemade tortilla liqueur – leads the beverage program, but the real draw is the curated list of mezcal, tequila and other spirits from Mexico, which features some distillates that are exclusive to the bar. Try one of the expertly assembled flights for a tour of what makes this category of spirits so compelling.

Key Information

• Weds – Sat
• 1 312 391 5857
• Visit Bar Sótano's Website

Location

443 N Clark St., River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60654