Bar Chucho Brings Laid-Back Vibe and Mexican Fare to the Lower East Side

Bar Chucho has settled into its spot on Stanton Street this summer. The Mexican bar sits a short walk from Corima, its sibling restaurant, and draws a steady crowd after dark. Chef Fidel Caballero, with partners Jesse Kranzler and Sofia Ostos, leads the project.

The menu leans toward casual plates with a focus on regional Mexican flavors. Dishes like aguachile and tacos share space with bar snacks. While the drinks menu centers around agave spirits, the namesake Chucho—a bitter, herbal cocktail—often raises eyebrows among first-timers. Prices for cocktails start at $15.

Inside, the space does not rush guests. Music plays at a volume that keeps the mood lively but allows for conversation. Even the bathrooms have their own soundtrack. On Monday nights, regulars from the neighborhood mix with industry workers after their shifts.

Bar Chucho opens at 5 p.m. most evenings, with the busiest hours falling late, especially on Friday and Saturday. Staff say the kitchen keeps serving food until midnight, though drinks pour later. The crowd tends younger, with several tables pushing together for group outings as the week winds on.

The bar’s connection to Corima is visible in touches like house-made salsas and the occasional crossover special. Still, the tone here is more relaxed. For those seeking a place to linger over drinks and small plates in the peak of August, Bar Chucho has become a regular stop on the Lower East Side.