375895 Wed Feb 28 10:55:16 -0800 2007 1 7 Chicago Area 0 2337880 Birthday dinner this weekend. We are staying downtown at the Westin on Dearborn. Want to go to Frontera; but I know that they only take reservations at 8:30 am on Saturday morning for THAT day. In case I can't get through on the phone lines - any recommendations for alternatives? Also - any other cool wine places or bars to hang out before or after? Looking for something different and cool. This is for a 50th birthday if that helps for age range. Wed Feb 28 10:55:16 -0800 2007 74979 redrover1958 1 2337950 The obvious alternative is Topolobampo, the sister restaurant to Frontera Grill right next door. They take reservations on opentable.com Otherwise, are you looking specifically for Mexican food? If so, see this discussion topic: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/374850 If not, do you have a particular price range in mind? I can't think of a better place to celebrate a 50th birthday than Everest or Avenues or any of the very top places, such as the nine mentioned in this topic: www.chowhound.com/topics/368683 However, those very top places are likely to be expensive. For other suitable places, I would choose one of the restaurants in the second group discussed in that topic, such as One Sixty Blue or Aigre Doux. At this point you may have trouble getting reservations at a place you want for this Saturday evening, especially if you're picky on what time you eat. Many places (including all the ones mentioned in this post) take reservations on opentable.com so you can see which ones have openings with a few clicks on your keyboard there. Also, the concierge at your hotel may be able to assist with last-minute reservations and advice. Wed Feb 28 11:12:27 -0800 2007 2337880 55363 nsxtasy