The Diego Story
A Fusion of Baja Creativity & Crafted Mexican Spirits
Welcome to Diego, where vibrant flavors, captivating cocktails, and a rich historical legacy converge in the hip heart of Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Diego is not just your friendly neighborhood bar; it's a journey through time and taste, infused with the spirit of Baja and the allure of prohibition-era libations. Let us transport you to the origins of Chef Sandoval's culinary inspiration and the cultural tale of Diego.
Diego finds its roots in the mesmerizing region of Northern Baja, Mexico, where breathtaking landscapes and the vibrant Mexicali flavors come together. Chef Sandoval, a native of San Diego, grew up immersed in the lively street food scene found in coastal towns like Ensenada, Tijuana, Puerto Nuevo, and Rosarito. These bustling Baja essence captivated his imagination, leaving an indelible mark on his pans.
Baja, although initially overshadowed by other parts of mainland Mexico, experienced a culinary transformation driven by visionary creatives and daring chefs. While it lacked the deep indigenous culinary heritage of places like Oaxaca and Yucatan, Baja became a hub of innovation due to its Spanish colonial and Japanese influence and the influx of tourists during Prohibition.
Baja, although initially overshadowed by other parts of mainland Mexico, experienced a culinary transformation driven by visionary creatives and daring chefs. While it lacked the deep indigenous culinary heritage of places like Oaxaca and Yucatan, Baja became a hub of innovation due to its Spanish colonial and Japanese influence and the influx of tourists during Prohibition.
In the Prohibition era, Baja emerged as a haven for those seeking the exhilaration of forbidden elixirs. Adventurers and pleasure-seekers flocked across the border, turning Baja into a vibrant playground. However, the region faced challenges when the impact of the cartel slowed down tourism in the '90s and early '00s.
Yet, from adversity arose Baja's renaissance. A collective of forward-thinking individuals came together to redefine the region's identity, and at the forefront were innovative chefs who drew inspiration from their travels across the globe and different parts of Mexico.
Yet, from adversity arose Baja's renaissance. A collective of forward-thinking individuals came together to redefine the region's identity, and at the forefront were innovative chefs who drew inspiration from their travels across the globe and different parts of Mexico.
At Diego, we proudly showcase the flavors of Mexico, and that includes the iconic agave plant and its most famous spirit—tequila. Mexico is renowned for its agave cultivation and the art of producing tequila, a spirit that has become synonymous with celebration and good times.
Diego's story wouldn't be complete without acknowledging Chef Sandoval's personal journey and influences. From his roots, he explores the flavors and playful combinations. Although his is from San Diego, his deep-seated inspiration also stems from his mother's roots in New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant food culture and crafted cocktail traditions. The connection to New Orleans, a place where creativity and flavor are celebrated, adds an additional layer of depth to Chef Sandoval's culinary vision at Diego.
Diego's story wouldn't be complete without acknowledging Chef Sandoval's personal journey and influences. From his roots, he explores the flavors and playful combinations. Although his is from San Diego, his deep-seated inspiration also stems from his mother's roots in New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant food culture and crafted cocktail traditions. The connection to New Orleans, a place where creativity and flavor are celebrated, adds an additional layer of depth to Chef Sandoval's culinary vision at Diego.
Mexico is renowned for its agave cultivation and the art of producing tequila, a spirit that has become synonymous with celebration and good times. At Diego, our focus is our curated and adventurous cocktail menu. From our playful frozen drinks that transmit vibrations to your taste bugs, to agave-based spirits, to our irresistible micheladas, expertly spiced and garnished to perfection, every sip at Diego is an adventure in mixology. We invite you to savor our meticulously crafted cocktails, inspired by the prohibition-era legacy that once attracted revelers to Baja's shores.
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