Bar Sótano

Category:

Speakeasy

443 N Clark St

Mezcal, tequila, and friendly people

I liked this spot a lot, despite their alcohols of choice being some of my least favorite.

The entrance is in an alley in River North - if you've been to Three Dots and a Dash, it's right next door. If not, follow the Google Maps pin and find the alley behind the main street.

Bar Sótano is underground and it feels like it. You enter, and are immediately brought down a long staircase.

It reminded me a lot of High Five Ramen in that sense, except maybe the entrance is a bit more obvious.

There are sexy little booth tables tucked behind curtains for more privacy, a good bit of available bar space and more casual tables, and a chef's bar, where you can watch them make the food orders. The chefs are friendly and great at what they do.

It was a small space overall, too small to be a huge deal on a weekend, but it was definitely well-attended when I went on a Thursday evening.

I always feel weird asking for a table for 1, and then only ordering a cocktail, but the blog must go on. My waiter was a bit confused, but he was an extremely nice guy.

Mezcal and Tequila usually aren't what I choose to drink, but their cocktail selection still piqued my interest. I got the La Presidenta - I saw "Habanero Tequila" and I had to try it. It wasn't spicy, but it was surprisingly delicious.

The waiter explained that everything on their drink menu was seasonal, and when I went, strawberries were in season, so most of the menu was strawberry themed - including the La Presidenta.

If you're looking for Latin cocktails in a speakeasy, I think this is easily the best spot in town, and there are so many more speakeasies in River North if you're looking to hop around.

I really liked it here. Next time someone says they want tequila, I know where I'm bringing them.

You can check out their website at: http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/bar-sotano/

Check on Google Maps