XOCO

449 N. Clark St.

Chicago , IL , United States http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco.html

(312) 334-3688

Rick Bayless of Topolobampo and Frontera Grill was already one of Chicago’s stars when winning the first season of Top Chef Masters made him a national celebrity. His most affordable restaurant has a quick-serve menu inspired by Mexican street food. Anchoring it are caldos (soups) and huge tortas (sandwiches) stuffed with fillings, like braised beef short rib, that get toasted in a wood-fired oven.