117677 Sun Apr 17 11:35:29 -0700 2005 7 7 Chicago Area 0 642484 Sorry to rehash what's probably been discussed a lot on this board before, but I couldn't find much of recent vintage. I'm also worried about some older messages saying that Frontera Grill has gone downhill. My wife and I are driving crosscountry and will be in Chicago for a few days. We definitely want to try one of these two. I know they're connected to each other (physically and financially), and that Frontera Grill is cheaper but not easy to get a table at. What else should I know? Which one should we go to? Sun Apr 17 11:35:29 -0700 2005 0 jasmurph 1 642497 If anything, I think the food is better than ever. What sets these two places apart from any other Mexican restaurant I've been to is the quality of the ingredients. Frontera is casual (and noisy/crowded/cramped); Topolo is fine dining. If you must choose between one or the other, splurge and go for a tasting menu at Topolo. Both places serve lunch, too. Topolo is actually one of the better deals for a high-end lunch in Chicago. Or, if the weather is good, go for an early lunch at Frontera and sit outside. Mon Apr 18 10:12:39 -0700 2005 642484 0 Pugman 2 642499 I totally agree. Our recent meal at Topolobampo was superb - and the atmosphere is a lot nicer (less cramped and noisy). Be sure to call well ahead for reservations (I delieve Frontera doesn't even take reservations for 2 people, so that's another thing in Topo's favor). Mon Apr 18 10:56:29 -0700 2005 642497 0 Akatonbo 3 642502 Frontera only takes reservations for parties of 5 or more. From my experience, if you want reservations at Topolo during peak dining hours on a Friday or Saturday night, you really need to call 3-4 weeks in advance. Mon Apr 18 11:22:53 -0700 2005 642499 0 kwe730 2 642524 Let me ask a question, too. Is Frontera so noisy that if I take a large group (8 of us), we won't be able to carry on a conversation? Everyone's coming in for my graduation, and we haven't been together as a family in a number of years. Should I switch my Frontera reservation to Topolo? Mon Apr 18 20:32:11 -0700 2005 642497 0 Tonya 3 642525 I don't know when your celebration is but with 8 people you need to have reservations at either place. Frontera takes reservations for parties of 6 or more. You will wait a long time at Frontera without a reservation, and Topolo is reservation-only and the reservation needs to be made well in advance. I think Topolo would be nicer for an small party. Fontera is noisy, there are no private tables. With a large group at Frontera, I would guess you get put in the basement or you get the one big table in the center of the main room. In terms of food, everyone has their favorite. I like the more familiar Frontera menu. Topolo is somewhat challenging to the mainstream mexican food eater. I once had a hard-boiled egg enchilada there- fantastic! I don't even like eggs that much. Topolo is great though. Enter with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. They take mexican to the sublime. Mon Apr 18 21:25:12 -0700 2005 642524 0 Toni 1 642505 We went to Frontera for a very late lunch (after 2pm)last week and were seated immediately. Both the service and the food were outstanding. It's not inexpensive, but that's to be expected in light of its location and reputation. Mon Apr 18 13:26:37 -0700 2005 642484 0 maurice 1 642681 frontera is a very good restaurant. topolobampo is arguably the best mexican restaurant in the world. i think if you are just in town for a short period why not shoot for topo? Sat Apr 23 01:43:02 -0700 2005 642484 0 mike