“ My family and I had an amazing experience! We each got various margaritas which were all excellent. Then we got the tamales de elote (good) and sopecitos rancheros (fantastic). For entrees we got the salmon en tomamole, camarones en salsa macha, carne asada brava, and short rib mole negro. Each of us was so thrilled with the depth and flavors of our meals. The portions were a perfect size, and we all have been raving about it since. Alberto, our server, along with the rest of the staff were very attentive and kind. Alberto took special care of my allergy which I appreciated ”

“ This review is long overdue, but I couldn't end the year without giving it its much-deserved credit. After a lifetime spent watching Rick Bayless growing up, I was excited to finally try his restaurant. I dropped by on a very warm, muggy Sunday afternoon in June and was seated outside. That famous Chicago wind started to kick up towards the middle of the meal, but being tucked against the building under the awnings kept me sheltered from it. There were a lot of things I wanted to try on this menu, but I decided to start with the tortilla soup ($13), got the crispy carnitas ($21) for my entree with a side of gulf-style white rice ($6), and the tres leches de hierba buena ($14) for dessert with a Mexican hot chocolate ($5). My server was a super nice guy and suggested a couple of things I tried. They were great suggestions, because I loved everything I ordered. The carnitas were crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Not dry at all. The handmade corn tortillas (one of my weaknesses) were fantastic and perfect for making some tacos with the avocado and black beans. The tortilla soup was rich, warm, and had plenty of melted cheese and crunchy tortilla strips, and the avocado helped bring everything together. Dessert was outstanding. Tres leches is my favorite cake, but I've never seen anyone do a mint version of it. I absolutely loved it, and the scoop of homemade mint-chocolate chip ice cream it came with was a great side. Creamy and smooth. The Mexican hot chocolate was a very nice drink to have with this. There was so much food that I had to take most of the carnitas and beans back to my hotel. The afternoon that I was visiting, Rick Bayless was actually hosting a private event behind the restaurant. My waiter told me I could go back there to meet him, but when I saw the staff at the entrance to the back area checking people in, I didn't want to look like a creepy weirdo hanging around waiting for him to show up. It *was* a private event and I wasn't on the guest list, so I didn't want to be a rude party crasher. I did, however, see his wife sitting at the entrance to the area. So I had an almost-Rick-Bayless sighting. 10/10 meal, would absolutely come back. Brought my husband home a signed copy of one of Bayless's cookbooks, which they sell at the entrance. That was a cool way to remember my visit here. ”

“ I've wanted to go to a Rick Bayless restaurant forever and it did not disappoint. The vibe was great-colorful artwork and buzzing with conversation. Our waiter was terrific and able to recommend things that were flavorful but not too spicy. Shared the guacamole and my chicken dish was outstanding. Excellent cocktails and the chocolate pecan pie was amazing. Run there if you are in Chicago, but get a reservation! ”

“ 1sr of all, if you read a less than 5 star review on here, they lied and/or are just jealous. The food is beyond next level. Me and the hubby were astounded. The food is beautiful, artistic and super tasty. I equate the culinary experience with the Picasso that hangs at LACMA. It is a true work of art and an individual expression of happiness. A chef has put his heart and soul into the food with several years of experience, and it conveys. Guacamole- next level Carnitas- next level. Salsa- next level. Etc- next level. If you're in Chicago, and you're a foodie with a discerning palate- do it! This will be one of the times when I reflect back in life with a melodious smile and a memory of the Mexican version of Willy wonka; magical. Rick Bayless rocks! ”

“ Nice margaritas. Relaxed bar scene. The summer stone fruit special was creative and delicious. The fruit added a nice touch to the mole. The tortillas were incredibly soft and the chicken breast perfectly cooked. ”

“ As a fan of Rick Bayless's cookbooks and shows for years, I hoped this place would live up to its reputation, and it did. The best part was that the lunch special was a great value-$30 for appetizer, main course, and dessert. It seemed like a slow weekday, and so even though we had one, there probably wasn't really a need for a reservation. We got a quiet table near the back, our server was prompt and courteous, and partway through the meal we chatted with him a bit, he said Rick was around but he never did show his face. We started with the ceviche for one of our orders, served on a crispy tortilla instead of the traditional mexican tostada type, fresh fish, great coastal flavors. I had the tortilla soup, nice spice with crispy fried tortilla strips. For mains we had the Tlacoyo with fava beans-wasn't quite sure where the fava beans were but this was still a great dish with a nice kick. The carnitas were tender and lean, tortillas were freshly made, black beans were rich and flavorful, and the guacamole was done right. Finally, the flan was a smooth tender custard, and the chocolate pecan torte was also a hit. Definitely a great value for the money, and living up to its Bib Gourmand rating. ”

“ Loved this place! If you're vegetarian, they have whole vegetarian menu with amazing options it was honestly hard to choose what to get! We ended up ordering the farmers market salad, Eggplant Milanesa en Adobo de Ciruela, and enchiladas AL Guajillo. All of these were so flavorful and authentic and I would totally get them again! They also have a spicy habenero sauce If you ask for it on the side! I went back again for brunch and got the bajio style eggs without the chorizo and loved that as well! The ambience is also really nice and they have a good amount of outdoor seating! Our server will also fantastic and very accommodating! Overall we loved the vibe and food and would definitely come back! ”

“ Walked in and was seated on the patio, which is covered and landscaped with lovely potted tropicals. Excellent and prompt service. I ordered a margarita and our waiter crafted it right in front of me. It was delicious. The menu features local produce and healthier ingredients. You can really taste the quality in their dishes. The chips and salsa were great, and I ordered the Asada special which came with an elote sweet corn tamale. It was excellent. I recommend trying their specials when available! The server was very knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations. For dessert I had a strawberry shortcake which was the best I've ever had. The waiter recommended it. The shortbread was amazing, the strawberries were ripe and sweet, and the whipped cream was a delightful combination. All in all, a wonderful dining experience. ”