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Bar Sótano

4.0 (175 reviews)
Closed • 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

Bar Sótano Photos

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BAR SÓTANO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Trendy
Intimate
Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Bar Sótano

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Hot fried chicken
Jackie Z.

Stopped in on a Friday night and so happy we did! This place is hidden in the back through Frontera grill, down some stairs, but what a great find. We were lucky to come for happy hour and enjoyed every food option on the menu short list (yum croquettes, chicken and the chefs special taco!) as well as a strawberry margarita and Mezcal old fashioned. Flavors were fantastic and the margarita was not too sweet. Finished off with pulpo (what a fun, tender yet crunchy take!), bone marrow (so decadent and relatively large portion with crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside bread), and ceviche (I think it had sesame oil? What a delight). Not a surprise, since I've always loved chef Rick Bayless, and chef Jackie is great as well. Came with two kiddos and they were very accommodating with kids menu and coloring options.

victoria g.

Absolutely love it. Atmosphere, taste, drinks. High quality ingredients, so flavorful!!! Highly recommend

Pibil fritters
Rhett R.

I love Rick Bayless and was fortunate to try two of his restaurants while in Chicago. The food here was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor -- exactly what you'd expect from him! The atmosphere had a cool speakeasy vibe, since the bar is tucked underneath his Frontera Grill. Service was good overall, though it could've been just a bit more attentive. Be prepared -- it can get very loud when the place is busy, so if you're not into that kind of energy, this might not be your spot. That said, the flavors, ambiance, and overall experience made it worth it. I'd definitely go back next time I'm in Chicago!

Lamb taco

What a delight to find this speakeasy under Frontera Grill. Bar Sotano restaurant was a hit. The host sat us at the bar and Aaron made our night exceptional. From the top level service, Creative, authentic Mexican cuisine, flavors that lingered and made such an impression. The albacore ceviche was a top choice, along with the dry age, sashimi salmon, and the lamb taco. Chef Jackie has out done herself with spice, and a twist on traditional Oaxaca Mexican cuisine. She She was not there the night we had dinner, but Chef Christian greeted our table and was very friendly. This is a must try in Chicago River North. Price was just right for 2 for dinner when u compare to pub food prices!

Victoria M.

Don't worry if you cannot find the bar immediately. The entrance is in the alley behind the other Rick Bayless restaurants. It is down one flight of stairs in the basement (sótano) of the building. The atmosphere includes light music in Spanish, leather bound menus, booth and bar seating. The lights are dimmed, but not as dark as you'd expect for bars. I appreciated the lighting as I often find cocktail bars too dark and cannot even see my way to the bathroom. I came here at 5pm on a Wednesday and did not need a reservation but was seated at the bar area. I tried the bar's happy hour which featured alcoholic beverages and appetizers.

Lana T.

The ambiance here was good, just a little dark and the noise level can get a little loud at some times. The tables are close to each other. The food was great we had the bone marrow and the shrimp taco. The oyster was good but we waited over half an hour for it as our server forgot about it. The drinks I can tell you is pretty strong. Overall it's great for happy hour. We went on a Wednesday which is happy hour all day. Didn't even realize it but it's a hidden gem as it's right next to three dots and dash and I didn't even realize it. It does get pretty crowded even on weekdays.

Menu
Lucas H.

We absolutely loved trying this place. It felt incredibly exclusive, almost like a hidden gem tucked away from everything else. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, the service was exceptional, attentive, welcoming, and seamless. The drinks were amazing, and every dish we had was truly exquisite. Calling it Michelin-star quality almost feels like an understatement. Everything was crafted with such care and precision. To top it all off, we even got to see the chef, who took a moment to say hello.. it made the experience feel even more special and personal. We'll definitely be back.

Vanessa S.

Great ambiance, music a tad loud where you can't hear the person across from you without talking loudly. They give you a Mezcal Bible with insights on the different mezcals they serve, plus cocktail specials of the day and thankfully the food menu isn't extensive. We ordered the croquettes, (don't expect the Cuban-style) which were delicious and the Mexican paella (with chicken & shrimp) which it large enough for 3-4 people (great for us because we were able to split the leftovers! Our Server was great and very well informed, have wonderful recommendations, we made the mistake of having an appetizer and cocktail before arriving, now we know for next time. However, be aware that the 20% gratuity is automatically added to your check (we were a table of 2). Money will spent.

Tres Leche
Mike D.

I thought this was a great dining experience. First off, the ambiance is great. Small, welcoming, but not too loud. Great service. Pollo Rostizado was very flavorful. Ceviche was fresh and satisfying. And the Tres leche was perfect finish.

Sabrina R.

Read that this place has happy hour all day Wed so my friends and I popped in after we landed and got settled in. Tried a few food options on the happy hour menu and my fave was the Jackie taco...without the spicy sauce. Most of the food from the happy hour items we ordered were spicy. If you're into spice, then this place is for you! If not, I'd let them know and I'm sure they can make accommodations. We also ordered drinks. I ordered an, off the menu, espresso martini. It came made with a mezcal and was blended perfectly. My friends loved their drinks as well.

Jasmine C.

I really love the fact that they have $1 all day oysters and $8 all day mezcal/tequila happy hours on Wednesdays. But not a huge fan of the crowd and the automatic 20% tip... hmmm the happy hour dishes were tiny compared to the regular size . I have mixed feelings about this place. No surcharge though!

Divya V.

I recently tried Bar Sótano with my friends on a Friday night and it what a great experience! I never noticed this bar until a friend recently recommended. It is located right next to Three Dots and a Dash! The checkin process was easy and the overall process was pretty smooth. We ordered a Oaxacan drinking snacks platter to share along with our drinks. My friends and I tried Mezcal Martini, Mango Chamoy and 3 Chile Bourbon. Mango Chamoy was our favorite and it is usually served in a small cute bag! They have a limited vegan/ vegetarian menu but the hostess mentioned that a lot of their dishes can be customized. I tried Memelas le tinga tacos as I love mushrooms and it was really good! My friend ordered one dish from their happy hour menu which is Squash Blossom Tlayudita. It was pretyy good as well. Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this cute speakeasy bar and I'll definitely recommend it to people to try authentic Oaxacan dishes and drinks!

Miss A.

It's been on my list for a while to check out and finally did last night. The entrance is actually in the back alley and down a flight of stairs. When I arrived, there was nobody at the door so I just took my chance going down a dark little stairwell not knowing if this was truly the right place to enter despite signage overhead. Turns out it was and the vibe felt like a well hidden speakeasy with dim lighting, low ceiling height, brick walls and minimalist modern design. I was promptly greeted by a tall slender guy with a man bun who offered me a seat at the chef's counter or the regular bar. I always love watching professional cooks prep and plate all the food so the Chef's counter was the logical choice for me. They have an extensive list of cocktails and top shelf tequilas. I took a full pass but asked for a refreshing mocktail which they gladly whipped up (they're not listed in the menu but obviously they have this ability if asked) then the host proceeded to highlight the popular food items on the menu. I should probably mention this is right below River North's popular Topalabompo and Fronterra Grill, also affiliated with Rick Bayless restaurants. The chef's counter gave me a nice preview to everything on the menu and I could tell portion size was pretty small, like tapas. A lot of attention to detail was paid to make each dish look artful. I ordered the daily Chef Jackie's MP special which was a shrimp and steak taco ($11) and quesoburrias ($17). Basically three little 3" street tacos filled up. For most people, this would not be much food but this was just going to hold me over for meeting a group out a bit later. Overall I'd say the quality and presentation was nice, but a bit overpriced for what it was, especially since there are other taco spots on literally every corner of Clark street. I think you are paying for the "Rick Bayless" branding. IMHO the quesoburrias were super salty and should have been more full of meat. The MP taco was my favorite of what I ordered. The service kinda fell flat once my order was in unfortunately. Had they been more attentive I may have ordered another item. The chef's didn't really interact with anyone at the counter which was a bummer! I've been places where they do and it's a blast. The ceviche looked very fresh and in hindsight I should have ordered it instead of the quesoburrias. Plates went out with a crispy chicken that seemed popular but I just wasn't feeling like anything fried at the moment. The flank steak on a cutting board and seafood paella platters I watched get prepared were more sizable but definitely meant for sharing. When the check came, a preset 20% gratuity was automatically added. Not a fan of that. Shouid be only applied to larger groups. I still believe tips should be earned not forced on guests dining in. Ambiance: 9/10 Service: 6/10 Value: 5/10

Wow. Pei oyster. With ceviche. 12.16.23

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Ask the Community - Bar Sótano

Is this restaurant kid friendly?

I don't know the official policy, but Bar Sotano is definitely more of a speakeasy style bar that also happens to have some very good food but I wouldn't personally call it "kid friendly". I would suggest Frontera Grill as a much better option with… 

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Step off the streets of Chicago into a beautifully dimly lit fondue experience is so cozy inside…read morewith the music of a live Spanish guitar that really create a private magical experience. All the premier dinners come with salad, cheese, fondue, and the chocolate fondue - You are just choosing what protein you would like. The Prince Geja combination has a little bit of everything. However, we most liked the seafood which includes lobster and the scallops were to die for! Also the beef also cooks well. Favorite dipping sauce included the pimento mayo, chimichurri, and garlic butter. The cheese fondue is quite rich and the bread is quite filling so maybe get as much cheese as you can on each piece of bread. The chocolate fondue, I think is actually the best course as the Belgium chocolate melts so well and has a decadent but not overly sweet flavor. It pairs well with all that is provided for dipping, which includes poundcake, rice Krispies, strawberries. They also have some liquor that they light on fire at first so you can roast the marshmallows. It is such a well thought out experience. Service flows very well from two waiters who take your order set up your fondue pots for each course, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on this experience. Check out the Groupon but also I read a review that they just tack on the extra $50 so it's not really too much of a savings. Not sure if this is true.

Had a fantastic evening at this classic spot!…read more Food was super tasty and fresh! The seafood was probably my favorite! The full dinner with chocolate and cheese was perfect! Also appreciated that they were accommodating for the vegetarian in our party. Everything except the cheese course can be made vegan friendly as well. The service was top notch! Appreciated that they called me ahead of time to confirm our reservation and ask about food allergies. All the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive. They were quick to refill items and answer any questions we had. The location is classic fondue restaurant, cozy and romantic. However, also perfect for catching up with a friend. I love the history in this place and really enjoyed the mood lighting. Pricing was fantastic for the quality of service, food, and drinks! Look forward to many happy returns!

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Back Again - Gemini Pt 2, but this time for brunch!…read more I enjoyed my first dinner experience here so much last week that we had to come right back to try their weekend brunch. From the start, the hostesses were inviting and lovely. The restaurant is very pretty, warmly blending a modern style with a touch of classic French bistro elegance. I'm mostly so impressed with how versatile the restaurant actually can be, shifting seamlessly from an elegant, upscale dinner setting with its beautiful U-shaped marble bar to a bright, whimsical, and enchantingly airy brunch setting. The fully opened bifold windows are adjacent to the pergola-topped patio, letting a glorious, cascading breeze drift through the space to create a wonderful indoor-outdoor flow and a lively weekend energy. Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered: Super Green Vegetable Salad: The kale, broccoli, avocado, asparagus, and peas were crisp and fresh. We loved this so much during our first dinner visit last week that we had to order it again for brunch! Spectacular! Nova Lox Platter: The wild salmon topped with diced red onion, capers, and hard-boiled egg crumble, served with an everything bagel and a side of chive cream cheese, was excellent. French Onion Frittata: The rich gruyère and caramelized onions were wonderful. If you're a French onion soup lover like me, this is a can't-miss!! Definitely will be reordered and often. Fantastic! Daily Omelette: Ordered from the special menu, featuring black truffle salsa, mascarpone, and Calabrian chile honey. It was absolutely phenomenal, perfectly cooked, and the flavor combination was incredible. Our server, Sarah, was excellent and made the experience even better - we even share the same name! The management team was also incredibly warm and attentive, stopping by our table to welcome us back. Returning twice in one week says it all. This restaurant has made it into my regular rotation and is hands down one of my new favorites!

Not too shabby. I…read morelike this place for an impromptu early dinner. I've been twice and always sit outside in the patio area. The restaurant itself is pretty as is the outdoor dining area if aesthetics are important to you. Service is also great. Food wise...good portions overall. However, all I want is a little bit more: a little more butter for the delicious bread, a little more time in the oven for the Brussel sprouts to soften them up, and a little more cream to accompany the carrots. Also, a few more croutons in the Caesar salad! All that being said, the steak was well seasoned and who can ever object to a tasty side of fries? Dining here, you're getting a healthier experience as opposed to heavy seasoning, butter, sauce, etc, but it's good overall.

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Gemini - Yesterday's specials board at Gemini.

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4.3(350 reviews)
0.9 mi•Near North Side
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Right before starting writing this one, I wrote a review for Kibbitznest, another phenomenal…read moreChicago bar with a totally different theme and vibe. That is to say: I am not throwing words of praise like "one of a kind" and "phenomenal" around lightly. Both are different and still amazing. Sparrow has a vibe straight out of the 1920s. The decor, signage, use of color, and absence of screens or TV's all contribute to the theme. The music is also appropriate and plays at the perfect volume to be pleasant without forcing one to raise their voice. I tried the Green Daisy and a House Old Fashioned. The Green Daisy was boozy and had some herbaceous notes. A little tartness and a little sweetness helped balance the drink out and make for a phenomenal sipper. I loved the creativity with this one! The House Old Fashioned was also well done, assembled with quality ingredients in balance with one another. Nothing wrong with a well-executed classic. The prices are more or less reasonable considering the location and overall market, with bevies costing around $16. The bar staff is excellent! Very friendly and welcoming! Final verdict: A spot where I can say come for the drinks and stay for the vibe. It's the kind of place where walking in you are transported a century into the past. Everything about the experience, including the atmosphere, drinks, service, and prices, is calling me to return and bring some people with me.

This might be my favorite rum bar in the country. If you want intimate spaces, moody lighting,…read moreextensive rum selections, and drink specials come here. Monday nights are my favorite because they offer a different specialty rum in special. It's a great way to try different kinds. They also serve beer, wine, and every other spirit you can imagine. Cocktails are on point. Seating options are varied: bar seats, small tables in back, bench seating with tiny tables up front. Quiet and comfortable.

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Sparrow - Entry

Entry

Sparrow - Menu

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4.3(139 reviews)
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We went to Dearly Beloved for my birthday and it was such a fun night. The lounge is beautiful --…read morevelvet, chandeliers, and just a really cool, cozy atmosphere. It felt like the perfect place for a birthday celebration. The dirty martini was honestly the best I've ever had, and we happened to go during happy hour so the half-off appetizers were a great bonus. The owner and waitstaff were all so friendly and welcoming, which made the night even better. We had such a great time and I'm already looking forward to going back!

I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

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Dearly Beloved - A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

Dearly Beloved - Interior

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Bar Sótano - newmexican - Updated November 2026

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