The Bar On Buena
This Chicago neighborhood staple, The Bar On Buena, elevates pub fare through a distinct Mexican technical lens, focusing on bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. The kitchen’s signature BoB burger features a hand-patted half-pound patty, often topped with the sharp, creamy melt of Red Dragon cheddar and a rich fried egg. Aromas of roasted rosemary and chipotle permeate the space, particularly in the grilled chicken club served on toasted brioche. Technique is showcased in the pozole verde, a vibrant soup where the brightness of tomatillos balances the hearty texture of hominy. The mac and cheese is a study in indulgence, frequently updated with ingredients like summer sausage and spicy chipotle sauce to provide a complex flavor profile. Crispy sweet potato fries offer a textural counterpoint to the savory mains, while an extensive whiskey and craft beer program provides the necessary depth to match the kitchen’s unpretentious yet technically sound culinary output.