Bar Sótano

I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience left such a bad impression that I feel the need to share it. The bar and food themselves were actually great, which makes the poor service even more disappointing.
The main issue was the bartender, Aron.

From the start, he made me feel like a bother and even stupid for asking simple questions. When I asked whether they served any holiday-themed shots or had a shot of the day, he responded in a dismissive way that made it clear he didn’t want to be asked. Later, when I politely inquired his co worker about a drink he was making, he reluctantly answered, “It’s not on the menu,” without any explanation or attempt at hospitality.

Things only got worse when I ordered tacos with no onions. I was asked whether this was for dietary or health reasons, and I said neither, just personal preference. Shortly after, I watched Aron go to a coworker and laugh about it. Not only was that unprofessional, but my tacos still came out with onions, showing that the request was either ignored or not taken seriously.

I honestly don’t know if the attitude was because the 20% tip was already included, or if he was simply rude and didn’t care. Either way, it’s a shame. The bar setup and the food were amazing, but the service left a terrible taste in my mouth and completely overshadowed what could have been a great experience. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t return based on the service alone

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Delicious Oaxacan food. We shared a bunch of plates as there is so much to try and every dish was a delight.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Waited for 20 minutes and wasn’t even approached to order drinks. Left early. Never coming back.

Amazing Tequila and Mezacl drinks. Over 100 mezcals/tequila’s to choose from. Amazing staff making amazing drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I found this place while looking for options as I had a trash experience at the neighboring tiki bar. Sofia and later Erich were THE SWEETEST EVER! Sofía especially was so so accommodating and both truly strived to give us a good experience, without regard to how much we ordered. Our group of 2 unexpectedly ballooned to a group of 8 and the accommodation was so seamless. They never stopped being pleasant with us. Aside from that the drinks and food were absolutely delicious and the service itself was pretty quick. We are beyond happy with this find. I will return next time I am in the city!!

Muchas gracias Sof y Erich!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tried the $1 oysters and they were incredibly delicious! The cocktails were also great, and the service was lovely.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

I visited Bar Sótano in April 2025 and realized I never left a review—so here it is: absolutely incredible. The atmosphere has that perfect speakeasy, basement vibe, and both the food and drinks are outstanding.

I’ve been a huge Rick Bayless fan for decades and have visited nearly all of his restaurants, but this one might just be my favorite. I splurged on the Bar Sótano Experience—a five-course dinner with cocktail or agave pairings—and it was worth every penny. One of the best dining and drinking experiences I’ve ever had.

Way to go, Rick. This place is something special.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Incredible, unique cocktails in a chill and cozy environment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My fiancé called the restaurant ahead of time to ask if we needed a reservation, and he was told no. About an hour later, we arrived, and a tall white male — who claimed to be the manager — told us the restaurant was fully booked and asked if we had a reservation. We explained that we had called earlier and were told it wasn’t necessary. He insisted no one had called and even pulled out his phone to show us, as if we were lying.

My fiancé then showed him his own phone to prove he had made the call. We told the manager we had driven from Naperville, but he said he couldn’t squeeze us in and had other people waiting — even though there was no line and a table for two was clearly available. It was our first time visiting, and we were excited to try the food and mezcal, but that experience completely ruined it.

I’ve never had a bad experience like this before. I told the manager they should clearly state online if reservations are required, especially on busy nights. As a Mexican American, I honestly felt like we were being dismissed and mistreated. It felt like we were being kicked out of a place we were looking forward to trying. Truly disappointed👎🏻.

Service: 1

The food was incredibly delicious. We had the gorditas de Chile pasado as an appetizer and they were perfect. Then we ordered the carne asada and the pollo rostizado and both were delicious but the pollo is the most incredible meal I've had. I cannot recommend it enough.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Past the restrooms in Frontera Grill there is a door that leads down to this basement bar. There’s a fun, speakeasy vibe with creative cocktails and friendly service.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Great food and warm service, but way too loud. All hard surfaces and tight quarters makes for a disorientingly high noise level. Unfortunately I will never go back

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 5

Just go.. great escape from the world!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Me and my wife really enjoyed the food. Drinks are unique and well prepared. Our server wasn’t the best. We felt the animosity towards us since we got there. Maybe he was upset about something we didn’t want to take it personal but it felt like he was looking down to us and wasn’t a pleasant experience very passive agressive behavior. Maybe because we were wearing work clothes and were speaking Spanish he thought we weren’t going to tip? We left 20% tip to prove him wrong tho lol

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

Mexican style at its finest!
The moment we enter was an experience to the end. Great customer service (Sofia), The host, the food! The service was fast. We got the honor to meet the Chef (Jackie Hernandez): Her passion for cooking really shines through as ART! Mirate restaurant in Hollywood is one of the finest in LA but this bar/restaurant is another level.. a 10 stars ⭐. Congratulations -

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5