I love a good cocktail bar, and this spot definitely delivers. I am already a fan of Erick Williams restaurants, so I was excited to check this one out, especially after learning it focuses on tequila and mezcal, which are my favorites. It is also conveniently located on the same block as two of his other spots. I have been twice now and had a great experience each time. I am especially glad they did away with the reservation deposit. It makes planning a visit much easier. Most recently, I stopped by for their all day Sunday happy hour, which was a great vibe. They have expanded the food menu since my first visit, and everything I tried was solid. The empanada was my favorite, the quesabirria was really good, and the chicken torta was delicious. On my first visit, I only had the guacamole, which I also enjoyed. The decor is beautiful and intimate, creating a great atmosphere, and the music is always on point. The staff has been friendly and welcoming every time I have gone. This place is definitely staying in my regular rotation. read more

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Went with my friends to start our evening. Cocktail bar it is, indeed! There's an extensive selection of wine, beer, tequila and mezcal on their menu! The decor is gorgeous and I love the bar set up the most. I had the quesobirria with lamb was delightful. Along with the tamales, chips and guacamole... so good! The service was excellent. They were so warm and provided great drink recommendations. When I'm in town, I will certainly come back. read more

Cantina Rosa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was excited to check out this new cocktail bar in Hyde Park. The ambiance and decor is elevated and warm. I liked their extensive lists of drinks and made sure to try one with mezcal. We tried the Jushu which I loved the glass it came in and the drink was great but definitely not mango-y. My friend ordered the tamale and I tried just a bite to see. We think it's not very spicy and wish the tomatillo came through more. For me as a vegetarian, I think this is a great place to get drinks but I wouldn't come here expecting a full dinner. Which, I think is the point with their small menu! Everything came out super fast, everyone was very attentive. It was early on a Saturday so it was very quiet but they had good music playing. Definitely a cute addition to the neighborhood! read more

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The staff here is so knowledgeable! I learned a lot about mezcal and enjoyed some tasty cocktails! Definitely get the mezcal or tequila flight to start your night and then explore from there! read more

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Stopped by Cantina Rosa while waiting on a table at a nearby restaurant and was pleasantly surprised! It a very cute tequila bar, with well versed bartenders and friendly staff. It was not crowded, so I was able to get a bar seat with ease. I ordered their twist on an espresso martini called the slow rush. It was rum, espresso and banana liqueur. I was worried the banana flavor would be too strong, but it turned out to be balanced. I would come back to try more of the menu! They also have some small bites available. read more

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Beautiful atmosphere, great music, every dish was delicious, and wait staff was friendly. I loved it here. The Barbacoa is a must try! My mocktail was delicious and had a spicy kick. It was the one with lime and jalapeno. However, for small bites, the prices were high in my opinion. Even the drinks - my n/a ginger beer was $10, which is high. Just a tad pricey but over all a lovely place I would revisit. read more

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I came in on a Friday around 6. I was able to get a seat right at the bar. They kept me calling me by my last name which I liked. Made it Feel familiar and like the experience was for me. The drinks were great. I ordered the paddle cactus and the daiquiri Tropical. It was a very cute spot. I was solo, but I saw couples, friends, and small groups. Next time I'm in Chicago I will be back. read more

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First time here, and I was excited for their All Day Sunday Happy Hour. Kinda bummed they don't have regular chicken or veggie tacos, though. I got a chicken tamale, which was good. My friends got steak tacos (not pictured) and said they were really good. I tried their shrimp ceviche, and it was tasty. Drinks were good but not a huge selection, and a bit pricey. I'll give them another shot. Service was awesome, from the host to the bartender. The vibe was great too, good experience overall. read more

Cantina Rosa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is great if you want a cocktail bar with light appetizers, the restrooms are clean and unisex. There's street parking and it's very chic and intimate. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly and prompt. I had the clarified piña colada and it was really good. I would prefer a more extensive food menu but I understand the concept. read more

Cantina Rosa - Clarified Pina Colada - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Finally got to check out this tequila/mezcal bar located in the heart of Hyde Park. I had a friend that flew in from DC for a family function being held in Hyde Park. We opted to grab a few drinks and catch up here before her event. On this occasion, an early Saturday evening we did not have reservations. Luckily we were able to snag a booth on the back so that we can gab away about the last few years. Anyhoo, we ordered some guacamole and chips. guacamole was good and the chips were hearty. For drinks we thoroughly enjoyed the spicy Margarita. Every time it came out with a new flower. The bartender indulged in our request for extra spicy and baby that drink was feisty. I would come back here for drink again soon. I loved the vibe and the atmosphere was chill. It wasn't too loud and the seating was comfortable. read more

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I was looking forward to visiting this place ever since I learned it was affiliated with the Erick Williams, the owner of Virtue and Daisy's Po Boy. We came here for Happy Hour on our way to Virtue for Restaurant Week. I am not a tequila or mezcal fan so I ordered Monopolio Negra, one of the Mexican beers. We were just having drinks so we sat at the bar. When we told them we had reservation at Virtue, they told us they could let them know we were a few doors down in case we left late. So convenient! It's a great idea for Williams to have 3 restaurants kitty-corner (am I saying that right??) to one another! My party ordered a margarita Clarita with mezcal, so it came in an Old Fashioned Glass with a square ice cube. It was smoky but ok. My beer was fine, a dark beer but not stouty and strong. We also ordered 2 Empanadas de Hongo, with black beans and mushrooms. We were not sure when we would eat at Virtue so we figured what the heck. They were good, kind of big but not too big. I decided just under the wire to get another happy hour drink, some white wine. I forget which kind but it was a blend and very good. There were a few people there, and some Spanish language music was playing, not loud but noticeable. I liked the set up of the place, kind of dark for romantic ambiance, but also good for groups I assume. The ceilings were not great I admit, they just had some tarp covering; it used to be a laundromat. the bartender and server were friendly and informative. The bathrooms were clean, but they had the note that the 'Vacant' sign was broken, so it was ok to gently try the door. I can be very timid about that stuff so that touched a nerve for me, but otherwise I can't wait to go back post Happy Hour! read more

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Stopped by for happy hour. Had two asada tacos and a mezcal cocktail. Everything was really good. The service was exceptional. read more

Cantina Rosa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I chose this place as a last minute birthday celebration. Inside the restaurant decor is nice but very dark. I thought it was going to be an upbeat bar. Its actually pretty dim and more on the romantic side. Definitely not a place for an exciting birthday. The food options are limited but we're tasty. I had the chicken tamale with yellow rice and a coffee expresso alcohol drink. The tamale is kind of spicy, puts you in mind of a jerk tamale. The drink was smooth and very rich! I did not enjoy the waiter. We arrived about 25 mins before happy hour was to end. We were seated by the host timely enough to make happy hour. However, the waiter did not approach us until about 10 mins to happy hour ending. I addressed it with him in a jokingly way and he took it very personal. From that moment on, he provided "nice/nasty" service the rest of the evening. I asked for red salsa because he gave me green. It took him atleast 20 mins to bring me the new salsa. I watched him disregard me while he conversed with a customer, not taking orders, but "CONVERSING". I even stopped another waiter and asked if he would remind my waiter of the salsa. I watched the msg get relalyed and it still took another 10 mins or so. My food was so cold by the time I got the salsa. I told him I woukd need it sent back and prepared again. He responded with the nastiest attitude saying "WE DON'T HAVE A MICROWAVE". I requested to speak with a manager. He waived his hands like a distress diva and said with a stank attitude "I'll get you a manager." He never sent a manager but instead came back stating a fresh everything would be sent out. Besides the run in with the waiter, the experience was ok. Not spectacular! Certainly, no one wants to be in confrontation on their birthday. read more

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The tostadas are the best I've ever had......and I've had alot of tostadas. The drinks are also . read more

Cantina Rosa - Chicken Tinga Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ambience. Ambience. Ambience. If you're looking for a unique place to grab drinks with your partner, this is a must! It's so intimate, so unique and the drinks are amazing. read more

Cantina Rosa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Pablano oyster appetizer was phenomenal. Cocktails were great and it was a cool vibe.

My kinda low key joint, oozing and reeking of sex appeal! Got introduced to it a month or so ago while out on a date and she put me onto this joint. Very dim lit and sexy the way I like it! This place is brought to you by the owners of Virtue and basically around the corner from it next to the Hyde Park Theater. Been twice and Im definitely feeling it as its mainly a tequila and mezcal joint which is right up my alley. There is a food menu but its a bit limited as the focus is on the cocktails and spirits. I love the Jushu which is a mezcal cocktail that includes lime, mango and acacia honey. Its a little sweet but not too sweet. Definitely recommend if you like mezcal the way I do. The Paddle Cactus is another good one which is mezcal based as well. I also enjoy the Mexican whiskey...get it with the big cube and thank me later. Snacked on guac and chips which were pretty good. Staff is cool and knowledgeable about cocktails. I really enjoy this joint and its location. I envision spending many sexy nights here in the near future. Nice work HP!!! read more

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Food, Drinks, Service and Ambiance are all amazing! You must try for yourself! I also had the Chicken Tostadas and rice but forgot to take a picture. The appetizer is a spin on Ceviche but better!! read more

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This is a cute addition to the Hyde Park offerings. The inside is small but very cozy and intimate which is very pleasing. I love the little tucked seating arrangements along the wall and the island seating area between the bar and main floor is very cute. We ordered a couple of drinks and really enjoyed them. The service was great and the bartender was very knowledgeable about the spirits list. Definitely will be going back and hopefully next time will have a bite to eat. read more

Cantina Rosa - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Decided to make a reservation here to dine with a friend visiting for the weekend. What a lovely place. Cantina Rosa is a black owned restaurant and one of three owned by the same chef in the Hyde park area. The restaurant is very calm yet vibrant. They play music but you can hear yourself speak. We all thoroughly enjoyed our drinks and food options . I had the empanadas and guacamole which was very good. I will come back here on a solo date for happy hour and sit at the bar . read more

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My friend and I visited Cantina Rosa on a Thursday specifically for happy hour after viewing the happy hour menu advertised on their website. Since happy hour is only offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, we planned our visit around those advertised specials. When we arrived, we were given a paper menu with only two drinks, which differed from the happy hour menu shown online. We asked about the discrepancy and were told they were not offering the happy hour menu that day. One of the drinks on the paper menu was the same as the one advertised online for happy hour, but at a higher price. I asked to speak with a manager and explained that we had chosen Rosa Cantina specifically because of the happy hour menu posted online. She apologized for the confusion and told us she would honor the happy hour menu. Based on that conversation, I reasonably understood it to mean both the menu items and the advertised happy-hour pricing. After that interaction, we were unexpectedly assigned a new server who was unaware of the discussion with management. When I later ordered another happy hour drink, I had to explain the arrangement again, which had already been discussed with the manager. When the bill arrived, both happy hour drinks were charged at full price. I spoke with the manager a second time, and she explained that she meant we could order drinks from the happy hour menu but would not receive happy hour pricing. She acknowledged that the conversation had been confusing and apologized for the miscommunication. However, when she returned with the adjusted bill, only one of the two happy hour drinks had been corrected. At that point, it felt like she understood that there had been a misunderstanding but still did not fully address the issue. I shouldn't have had to have multiple conversations about two drinks that were advertised on the restaurant's own happy hour menu. If a restaurant chooses not to honor its advertised happy hour offerings on a day when happy hour is normally available, that information should be clearly communicated on its website and social media beforehand. The service overall was disappointing. Our second server seemed disengaged, and when my friend ordered a happy hour item at approximately 6:57 PM, even though happy hour ended at 7:00 PM, her reaction made it seem as though honoring the special was an inconvenience. If happy hour is advertised until 7:00 PM, customers should be able to order from that menu until 7:00 PM without feeling uncomfortable. On a positive note, the ambiance was beautiful. The dim lighting and cocktail bar atmosphere created a great vibe, and the tacos were really good. Unfortunately, the confusing handling of the happy hour menu, inconsistent communication, and lackluster service overshadowed what could have otherwise been a great experience. read more

Finally got to check this new spot in Hyde Park out! Cantina Rosa is super cute inside and the vibe is on point. It is truly a cocktail bar with a very limited food menu. Lots of mezcal!!They mostly offer small bites which are nice to share. Keep in mind, they do not offer any soft drinks but they do offer a couple of spirit free beverages if that's what you are looking for. I had the guava colada and it was awesome! It comes served in a clay cup. If you are driving here parking is going to be tough but there are a few lots in the area. Ride share is probably your best option. Now, for the food. I really wasn't hungry but we tried a few items. The guacamole is pretty tasty, the empanadas are decent, the shrimp cocktail is good too. When you make a reservation there isn't a guarantee you will get an actual table as they also seat people with reservations at the bar. They are pretty strict on your seating time limit as well so don't think you're about to sit there for hours on end! You will definitely be asked to wrap it on up and go on about your day! The host staff and bartenders are very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu if you have questions. This seems like a great spot to hang with friends or even a cute little date night. Nice vibe and ambiance. Enjoy! read more

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Cantina Rosa is such a perfect addition to the Hyde Park! Ventured here after dinner for a few more cocktails after calling it a night and I was so pleased! It is such a vibe in here, sophisticated and sexy. They had an expansive menu for drinks, mostly tequila based given its a tequila bar however, some outliers if tequila isn't your poison and even some N/A drinks. This is a cocktail bar so very limited food, more small bites but its still so perfect for a date night, night out with friends, or a quick drinks before wrapping up your evening! Highly recommend read more

Another Hidden Gem on the Southside of Chicago! Cantina Rosa is a unique offering by Award winning Master Chef and Restauranteur Erick Williams, and while to food is unique and Mexican, make no mistake this is in fact a bar that serves food, not vice-versa, i.e., a restaurant that serves alcohol. Don't be confused, the food is what you'd expect from a James Beards award winning chef--simply amazing and authentically Mexican inspired fresh food! The service like at Virtue is second to none! This elegant and thoughtfully laid out beautifully designed Mexican-inspired Hyde Park bar offers truly exceptional cocktails and on their website they thank legendary mixologist Paul McGee who consulted on their offerings--I thank him too! Many of the delicious cocktails are based in agave and sugarcane spirits. (Food menu included here but visit the website to see the multitude of varied cocktail categories and offerings). read more

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Such a cute little vibe that's perfect for a nightcap drink or happy hour with your friends or boo. The waiter was really great about suggestions for drinks based off of what we liked and he did not steer me wrong. This is a cocktail bar so do not come in here expecting an expansive menu of food. This bar is convenient nudged between two other restaurants that are owned by the same person so if you want food, you can pop on into daisies or virtue. They do have snacks on the menu so this is definitely a place to go if you want a quick after work happy hour with small small bites to tide you over before your dinner reservation. read more

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Beautiful spot. Second Day of it being open, my friend and I decided to go check it out. Small bites only... no full entree experience. Reasonably priced. We had the chicken empanadas which came with this amazing jicama slaw and mole, the guacamole (surprisingly OUTSTANDING) and the Barbacoa de Borrego Lamb, w/AMAZING SMOKED flavored Mexican rice,, tortillas. I would have eaten everything on the menu just to try it all. For drinks we only did one round but the drinks were delicious and creative. I had the paddle cactus (stiff but sweet) and my friend had the daydreamer and she loved her drink. I will say you're not going to get the typical brands like Grey Goose or Casamigos here for drinks but they will creatively make whatever drink you want or need with subs... example expresso martini but with rum and tequila... Coming back it's new hang out in Hype Park for me for sure... read more

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Love the place and very chill. Clean. Nice servers will go there again. I got there too late last time. I wanted to have a little more fun. read more

Cantina Rosa - Guava drink - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Get the tamale, shrimp cocktail, and birria. I tried most of the menu and those were top notch. I also enjoyed their mezcal drinks. It's a cute little spot with nice decor. The service was good but I can't get over feeling judged the entire time. The waitress was attentive but not personable at all. We were seated by the host stand and it was obvious they were talking about us often. The glares and stares were very uncomfortable. As we were exiting a Caucasian hostess gave us the most dirty look and because of that, I don't intend on returning. read more

An excellent addition to Hyde Park -- a tight little fancy cocktail bar with delicious seafood snacks. The cocktails are superb, even the virgin "verdita," which somehow wrung a delicious savory richness out of pineapple, mint, lime, and jalapeno. This is the kind of place you could invite your friends used to the fancier neighborhoods downtown. The seafood tostada and the ceviche were also excellent, down to the toasted tortillas which provided a good earthy backbone to the punchy fish. I would skip the "cocktail de camaron" (a Mexican shrimp cocktail), which comes with saltine crackers instead of those delicious toasted tortillas, and tastes too heavily of cocktail sauce. It's more "shrimp cocktail" than "Mexican" I guess. The couple next to us at the bar had moved from a table because the chairs were uncomfortable, so I'm also not sure all of the seating is the coziest, but I'm sure I'll be back as long as this place survives in Hyde Park. read more

Checked out this new spot with my girls on Sunday night. It was a fun experience! It's a cute spot to grab drinks, a date night, or even a night cap. The customer service was top notch. Our server, Carlos, was attentive, patient, and very knowledgeable of the menu. My group and I tried a few different dishes. The guacamole was fresh and tasty, the empanada was a bit spicy for my liking. The lamb was tender and flavorful. The venue was dim lit and and cozy. The attention to detail is shown throughout with the emblems on the wall, the menu, and the plates. read more

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Cute cocktail bar in Hyde park. Please note, it really is a cocktail bar. They have small plates but the menu isn't large. I've been twice so far and the service has been good both times. The bartenders are very knowledgeable about the drinks and menu. I'll be back. read more

i judge an upscale mexican restaurant by their chips and guac and salsa. and the first bite i had of their chips and guac, i knew this place would be awesome. their drinks are phenomenal as well, and there are mocktails for the non drinkers like me. the way their decor too was so fun, great place for a group catch up read more

This is primarily a mezcal bar, large menu of drinks, small menu of food.... I started with the Royal Hawaiin Cocktail and Guac and chips. Drink is small but good! Chips are salty, and guac is decent... people are friendly, most definitely will return. I was give. A sample of the Guava Colada - !!!!! read more

Came in on a Saturday Night. I made a reservation via OpenTable, and need to push back in hour, they were more than happy to accommodate. Party of four, we are before we came because as we noted the small plates. We still ordered: Coctel de Camaron, Tostada de Pedcado, Tamales, Barbacoa, Empanadas, and Camerones and were very satisfied with the taste and quantity. Eating before was a bit unnecessary. We sipped on: daydreamers, jushus, Paloma's, slow rushes and daiquiris. The drinks we well crafted and flavorful. The only knock is most of the cocktails tendered to be on the sweeter side. I recommend Cantina Rosa and will be back. read more

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For my second visit here, it was no big deal. While the staff is great the offerings are meh. I love a good cocktail, the drink was good if only a WEE bit larger! I did not feel any value in my purchases. The happy hour lacks excitement or even good variety. I paired my tiny drink with the quesabirrria which was flavorful but come on 8 bucks for a taco at happy hour is a crime! My date had the happy hour torta which in English translates to a Mexican Big Mac! She only ate half and it was 11 dollars for happy hour. I needed food when I left! It's dark and the music wasn't motivating for fun. 6 out of 10. They need a rebrand! read more

Cantina Rosa - The Guava Colada. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This quaint and cozy spot surprised me during my first visit. I honestly had no idea it was there. This place should be packed. The bartenders are mixologist specializing in mezcal and tequila spirits. The food was cooked and served with care and the lamb tacos was slow roasted, tender and so flavorful. Even the rice was soft and pleasurable and usually rice can be hit or miss - mostly miss and dry. This place is a whole vibe. I need to return with the hubs for a date night and get once of those large booths that give speakeasy vibes. It's small but had a good size crowd for a Tuesday. You won't regret popping in here and supporting a local small business. Four stars because the price was decent and I was satisfied but not full. If you're expecting large portions and leftovers this isn't the Latin place for your appetite. read more

Cantina Rosa is a super cute cocktail bar! It is very cozy on the inside. Since it's an Agave focused bar I expected most of the drinks to feature tequila, but they have a wide range of drinks. I really enjoyed the Paloma and the Paddle Cactus. There is a limited food menu including several small plates. All food was very fresh with a hint to spice. We tried the empeñadas, tamale and the ceviche. I will definitely be back! Glad to have another place to go in my neighborhood. read more

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Service was meh... the vibe was corny and it was cold in there. The food was just ok. We only had apps but if the chips and quac are bad then where do you go from there. The chips were horrible worst than most store bought chips and the quac had NO flavor. I know they are marketing this place as a craft cocktail place but even those were mediocre. I sent my first drink back and had them add some alcohol to one of the sport free cocktails. That was about the best thing I had. I will not be back. read more

Ambiance and decor is beautiful. Clean, sleek, sexy and romantic. Food, drinks, and services receives a 5/5 rating. Phenomenal flavor profiles. My wife and I had everything on the menu. My favorite was the lamb Barbacoa, Tamala's and Empanadas. Shout out to Chef Erick Williams and the Virtue Hospitality team for nailing it CONSISTENTLY, because that's the hard part. read more

Cantina Rosa - Daydreamer 5 stars - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice vibe Great drinks Food menu is mostly small plates but the food was very good. I will be back. read more