Bayless's Casual Basement
Bar Sótano is the Frontera complex's casual basement — the more relaxed sister to Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, all under one River North roof. The format is modern Mexican small-plates with a deep mezcal programme.
The cooking is contemporary Mexican at neighbourhood scale: small plates rotated seasonally, considered shareable mains, the kind of Bayless-trained kitchen discipline applied to a more casual format.
What to Order
Modern Mexican small plates rotating with the season — the strongest part of the menu. Tacos from the kitchen's specialty programme; seasonal vegetables as proper components. The mezcal flight is a Sótano signature.
The Format
The basement room is dim, intimate, and bar-driven. Counter seating handles walk-ins; reservations help on weekend evenings.
Best Occasion: First Date
Bar Sótano is a quiet River North first-date win. The format provides shareable plates and conversation; the mezcal programme provides the natural drinks register; the Bayless-trained kitchen takes the cooking seriously enough to justify the visit.