361437 Thu Jan 18 03:11:37 -0800 2007 4 7 Chicago Area 0 2200549 Coming to Chicago (from NC) this weekend for a family event, and we all want to experience Frontera. Thanks to this board I now know they don't take reservations and are likely to be jammed. If it turns out to be too much to deal with on Friday night is there a good alternative within walking distance -- maybe 2-3 blocks -- that offers similar (or better) quality and value? Thanks! Thu Jan 18 03:11:37 -0800 2007 23924 dagwich 1 2200711 they used to take reservations for 6 people or more....did you check that or is it no longer? for alternatives, are you looking only for mexican? you could always do topolobampo, but it is more expensive and probably is booked. otherwise, for mexican, i like to go to pilsen...de cero on randolph is fun, but can be loud and food can be off, otherwise, none of my favorite mexian restuarants are close to frontera... Thu Jan 18 04:03:53 -0800 2007 2200549 28235 ljero 1 2201017 There are TONS of places within a couple of blocks. By distance, starting with the closest: Naha (fine dining) 500 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 321-6242 www.naharestaurant.com Mambo Grill (Latin) 412 N Clark Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 467-9797 www.mambogrill.com Brasserie Jo (French bistro) 59 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 595-0800 www.brasseriejo.com Ben Pao (Chinese) 52 W Illinois St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 222-1888 http://www.benpao.com Brazzaz (Brazilian steakhouse) 539 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 644-2213 www.brazzaz.com Kevin (fine dining) 9 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 595-0055 www.kevinrestaurant.com VTK (Vong Thai Kitchen) (Thai) 6 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 644-8664 www.vongsthaikitchen.com Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (deep dish pan pizza) 439 N Wells Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 828-9800 www.loumalnatis.com Bin 36 (fine dining) 333 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 755-9463 www.bin36.com Fulton's On The River (seafood and steaks) 321 N La Salle Dr Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 822-0100 www.levyrestaurants.com/Levy/DiningExperiences/Restaurants/Group9/Fultons+on+the+River.htm Kinzie Chophouse (steaks) 400 N Wells Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 822-0191 www.kinziechophouse.com All of the above are decent, and most are excellent. Thu Jan 18 05:45:44 -0800 2007 2200549 55363 nsxtasy 2 2204994 I thank you for these suggestions, too, nsxtasy. They will come in handy if I can't get into Frontera on my trip in April. Fri Jan 19 04:02:17 -0800 2007 2201017 48352 FlavoursGal 1 2203575 Thanks for the suggestions, hopefully we'll get in to Frontera. I look forward to a great time in Chicago. Thu Jan 18 21:49:37 -0800 2007 2200549 23924 dagwich