Botanero, A Mexican Restaurant And Agave-Focused Bar, Is Now Open In Wicker Park
New Venture from Experienced Restaurateur Richard Vallejo
Wicker Park — A restaurant and bar serving agave-based spirits as well as small plates based on regional Mexican cuisines is now open in Wicker Park.
Inspired by Mexican Cuisine
Botanero, 1413 N. Ashland Ave., opened last week in the space formerly home to Caspian Kabab. It’s the latest venture from restaurateur Richard Vallejo, who has partnered with head chef Yanitzin Sanchez to bring the restaurant to life. Vallejo has helped open more than a dozen restaurants in Chicago over the past few decades as a consultant and owner, including Maple & Ash, Mercadito and, more recently, Taquizo in Wicker Park.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Botanero will be based on cuisine from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Yucatan and elsewhere in Mexico. Vallejo hopes to showcase it all in a laid-back, casual atmosphere where people feel comfortable hanging out, grabbing a few drinks and trying dishes. One major menu highlight is what Vallejo is calling the "$20 taco: a meat-heavy dish featuring a prime ribeye cut, queso asadero and roasted bone marrow that can be poured over the taco. It’s already proven to be a staff and customer favorite, Vallejo said.
Cocktails and Agave-Based Spirits
Vallejo is also heavy on agave-based spirits, not just tequila and mezcal, but also raicilla and bacanora. Other spirits from Mexico, like whiskies, will also be available. The restaurant is launching a bottomless weekend brunch on November 9 with unlimited cocktails, according to a news release.
Wednesday Night Tasting Menu
Vallejo said he’s designed Wednesdays to be a showcase for Sanchez, who is from Mexico and trained as a French chef. Botanero’s cuisine is a "melding" of the two cultures, he said. The restaurant’s kitchen will stay open until 11 p.m. or so, with the bar going until 1 or 1:30 a.m. Vallejo plans to bring in DJs for the after-dinner crowd at some point, too.
Conclusion
Botanero is a casual, fun place that just has good energy, said Vallejo. With its focus on agave-based spirits and regional Mexican cuisine, it’s a unique addition to the Wicker Park dining scene.
FAQs
- What is the price range for cocktails at Botanero?
The cocktail menu is reasonably priced, with options for $12 and $14. - What are the hours of operation at Botanero?
Botanero is open Wednesday-Sunday. More details about its tasting menu, reservations, and hours are on Tock. - What is the nature of the Wednesday night tasting menu?
The Wednesday night tasting menu is a 10-course culinary experience with paired cocktails, available at 6 and 9 p.m. seatings at the restaurant’s bar.
