XOCO Restaurant is a vibrant and beloved Mexican street food concept founded by award-winning chef Rick Bayless. Known for its bold flavors, artisanal ingredients, and fast-casual service, XOCO Restaurant captures the heart of traditional Mexican fare while offering an elevated experience for diners in Chicago. XOCO means "little sister" in Nahuatl, the ancient Aztec language, and the restaurant reflects that youthful energy with its open kitchen and casual atmosphere. From tortas and caldos to freshly made churros, XOCO has become a staple in River North’s food scene.
The idea for XOCO Restaurant came from the Bayless team's deep love for the street food traditions of Mexico City. After years of traveling and documenting recipes, Rick and Deann Bayless wanted to bring an authentic slice of that culture back to Chicago. Unlike Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, XOCO Restaurant focuses on quick-service options that still maintain the depth and complexity of traditional Mexican cooking.
Rick Bayless is a James Beard Award-winning chef best known for his role in elevating regional Mexican cuisine in the United States. His wife and business partner, Deann Bayless, are equally vital in the creation and operation of their restaurant empire. Together, they’ve created an ecosystem of restaurants, including Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Bar Sótano, and, of course, XOCO Restaurant.
Deann brings the operational expertise while Rick curates the culinary vision. Their shared passion for Mexican culture, food, and community service has defined their brand for decades. Both Deann and Rick are committed to sustainability, local sourcing, and supporting small farmers — values that extend to every dish at XOCO.
XOCO Restaurant has earned numerous accolades since its opening. It has been recognized by local food publications like the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Eater for its innovative approach to street food. Food & Wine Magazine also praised XOCO’s wood-fired tortas as some of the best sandwiches in the country.
The restaurant has consistently received high Yelp and Google reviews, often cited for its bold flavors, consistency, and affordable pricing. Its house-made churros and bean-to-cup drinking chocolate also earned a spot on many "must-try in Chicago" lists. While XOCO may be smaller and more casual than its sister restaurants, it delivers award-worthy quality in every bite.
XOCO Restaurant officially opened its doors in 2009, right next to Frontera Grill in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. It was designed to cater to customers looking for high-quality Mexican food on the go without sacrificing taste or technique. The launch was met with enthusiasm from both the press and the public, as the Bayless team was already well-known for their other ventures.
The space was created with efficiency and transparency in mind. The open kitchen design allows guests to watch their tortas, condos, and churros being prepared right in front of them. From day one, XOCO embraced Chicago’s fast-paced lifestyle while maintaining the slow-cooked soul of Mexican cooking.
XOCO Restaurant is best known for its tortas, especially the Ahogada — a golden pork carnitas sandwich dunked in spicy tomato broth and served with pickled onions. It’s a customer favorite and one of Rick Bayless’ personalrecommendations.
Another highlight is the Pozole. For those with a sweet tooth, the churros served with house-made chocolate or cajetadipping sauce are iconic. The seasonal menu items, such as the pumpkin empanadas in fall or the torta milanesa in spring, keep regulars coming back.
Vegetarians are also well-served here, with options like the mushroom torta or black bean soup with queso fresco. Whatever your choice, every dish at XOCO Restaurant tells a story of traditional preparation and creative flair.
XOCO Restaurant offers catering services perfect for office lunches, private events, or casual gatherings. Their catering menu includes a wide range of crowd-pleasers like mini tortas, caldos, guacamole with chips, and freshly made churros.The team can accommodate dietary restrictions and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Ordering is easy through the official website, and the staff provides timely delivery and set-up. XOCO’s catering maintains the same high standards as their dine-in service. Whether you're feeding ten or a hundred people, the catering experience reflects the brand's commitment to quality, authenticity, and hospitality.
You can explore their catering options and place an order at our in-depth XOCO guide on Just Eat Up.
To truly appreciate the visual appeal of XOCO Restaurant’s dishes, check out their Instagram presence through our roundup on Just Eat Up. Their feed features vibrant images of sizzling tortas, crisp churros, and colorful Mexican drinks. It's also a great place to find seasonal specials, limited-time menu items, and behind-the-scenes looks in the kitchen.
Social media plays a big role in how XOCO connects with the local Chicago food community. From customer reposts to chef highlights, their Instagram reflects the energy and creativity behind every dish. If you're a visual eater or just scouting your next meal, this is a must-follow account.
To explore more about XOCO Restaurant, you can explore more in our dedicated spotlight at Just Eat Up. There, you’ll find the full menu, catering options, press mentions, and information about the Bayless team. The site also includes hours, location info, and links to social media.
XOCO Restaurant is located at 449 N Clark Street in Chicago. It is open six days a week (closed Sundays), and offers dine-in, carryout, and delivery options. Whether you're a Chicago local or visiting for the first time, stopping by XOCO is a delicious way to explore Mexico’s culinary roots in an approachable and modern setting.
If you're hungry for more stories like this, check out other spotlights on Chicago restaurants at Just Eat Up.