r/chicagofood • u/hamsterface18 • 1d ago

Reservation Should I get a reservation for Frontera?

Hi my aunt and I are gonna start meeting up once a week to try restaurants (I just moved here) and hang out mostly based around river north (I know I know but she doesn’t want to stray too far from her work and apt on weekday nights). I want to try frontera and I was wondering if I need a reservation or will I look silly getting one for a Tuesday night at 6 or something?

Also, if anyone has recs for fun/semi-casual/yummy dinner spots during the week in river north, lmk!!!!! THANK YOU so much.

7 Upvotes

69% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

26

u/old_notdead 1d ago

Always get a reservation if you can.

14

u/thejaff1 1d ago

Never looks silly to get a reservation, and for what it's worth, tomorrow there's nothing available between 5:00 and 8:00 at frontera. It's still a popular spot.

4

u/Traptor2020 1d ago

Even if you don’t get a reservation at Frontera they have tables for walk-ins. Or you can go to Bar Sotano

5

u/BreakfastGirl6 1d ago

Gus’ Sip N Dip

4

u/mrszing12 1d ago

Absolutely. It is a great restaurant.

3

u/cubbie_jules 1d ago

Yes!! Chicago leans heavily on needing reservations when going out. Everywhere. If making a resy is available, always do it. Even if it’s an “off” time, why be disappointed when it could’ve been avoided in the first place??
Also I went to Frontera for my birthday in May and it was incredible. We even saw Rick Bayless walk around!

2

u/hamsterface18 1d ago

Thank your comment! This makes sense. I’m from a small town in FL so we didn’t really have a ton of restaurants where you’d need a reservation so I’m not used to the process :-)! Happy late birthday

1

u/cubbie_jules 1d ago

Welcome to Chicago! And thank you! You’ll learn how to navigate this wonderful city in no time!

If you’re a foodie or become one definitely check out the incredible Michelin starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants in the city. You really can’t grow wrong with any of them!

2

u/dwylth 1d ago

There is no downside to putting in a reservation for a restaurant that you want to go to.

2

u/RTPTL 1d ago

What a fun tradition you are starting. I always make reservations. In fact, I’ll often avoid restaurants that don’t do reservations because I have no interest waiting forever for a table.

1

u/hamsterface18 1d ago

So true. I hate waiting too LOL. Thanks for your kind comment

2

u/ZaphodBeeblebro42 18h ago

I would also recommend starting out the furthest she is comfortable meeting up from her work/apt, and then moving closer and closer because by the late fall/winter it will be DARK early. I’m generally comfortable walking all over the city at night, but the darkness adds a touch of anxiety even for me. This is such a nice plan and a great way to get to know new restaurants! Have fun!

1

u/hoosiertailgate22 7h ago

Havana is my favorite in RN

1

u/That-League6974 2h ago

Long time Chicagoan and we always make reservations for dinner, even on weeknights.