With months-long waits for prime-time reservations and hours-long waits for tables without them, the flagship of Rick Bayless’s restaurant empire is staggering a bit under the crush of crowds. Is his famous food worth the time and the sometimes rushed, inhospitable service? It might be the luck of the draw. On recent visits, we enjoyed top-notch seviche, a satisfying tamal de chivo (goat), and lovely torta de elote for dessert. But some dishes, while as impeccably sourced and thoughtfully conceived as ever, disappointed with lax execution—mushy mangos, overcooked mahi-mahi, salt-heavy shrimp. We hope it’s just a phase.
Additional Information
Rating: 2 stars
Price: $40-$49
Cuisine: Mexican
Neighborhood: River North
Noteworthy: child friendly high noise level outdoor dining wheelchair accessible
Dishes We Liked:
Topolo margarita ($10), entremes surtido for two (mixed appetizers; $19), tamal de chivo (goat; $8.50), torta de elote ($8.75)
