Chicago - Frontera Grill - Topolobampo - Xoco

I've always enjoyed my meals at either of Chef Rick Bayless places, Frontera Grill and Topolobampo.

He now has a new restaurant that has opened up called Xoco featuring Mexican street food: http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco.html

The menu at Xoco looks delicious, anyone been yet?

Don't know if it's because Bayless recently won the Master Top Chef competition but....Frontera has had LONG lines recently.

I went past there on the #22 at about 10:30 Saturday morning and the line was already to the end of the block.

Early reports on Xoco is that the food is very good, but that the pricing are just as expensive, if not more, than his other places.

Early reports on Xoco is that the food is very good, but that the pricing are just as expensive, if not more, than his other places.

If they mean pricing compared to other counter services places, then maybe it's "expensive", but the prices are less than Frontera.

We were at Topolo the day after Xoco opened. Decided to take a peek in and maybe grab a churro, but they were had locked up a few minutes early (long line inside). Rick was working the counter.

I've been twice. It's very good and extremely casual, like a cafe.

The specialties are sandwiches, churros, and hot chocolate.
They also serve breakfast in the morning and soup after 3 p.m.

Just went to Frontera today. We're in town and we thought we'd try out XOCO, but the line was so long it took us less time to get seated at Frontera!

Two thumbs up from this california kid.

How about wait time once seated?
There are reports that 30 minutes between courses are not unheard of at Frontera.

Don't know if it's because Bayless recently won the Master Top Chef competition but....Frontera has had LONG lines recently.

Yeah, he was interviewed when the new place opened and he said business has increased tremendously as a result of Top Chef Master.

How about wait time once seated?
There are reports that 30 minutes between courses are not unheard of at Frontera.

At Xoco? I think it's counter service, no?

There is no unreasonable wait between courses at Frontera. Service is excellent.

Topo is quasi fine dining, and the courses come out at a leisurely pace.

At Xoco, you currently cannot order until after a table frees up, at which point they hand you a laminated card with a number on it. This is the main cause of the line. Eventually, they'll do carryout.

There is no unreasonable wait between courses at Frontera. Service is excellent.

Topo is quasi fine dining, and the courses come out at a leisurely pace.

At Xoco, you currently cannot order until after a table frees up, at which point they hand you a laminated card with a number on it. This is the main cause of the line. Eventually, they'll do carryout.

Great idea. ^ There are few things more annoying than paying for your food and having it get cold while you wander about looking for a table.

Made it to Topolobampo this weekend - was seated right away (for a 9:30 res on Friday night), server was attentive, and the food was great. Big ups for the Sopa Azteca... also my duck and my date's lamb were quite good, though perhaps not quite mind-blowing. Melon mojito also delicious, yum!

Overall, would go again for sure.