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While Frontera is Rick Bayless’ iconic flagship restaurant that’s been holding it down in River North since 1987, Xoco is the younger, casual, sister restaurant right next door. You’ll find street food favorites like tortas, caldos, hot chocolate, and desserts that are tough to turn down, particularly the churros. And now that Xoco has been around for a few years, it’s no longer incredibly busy, so you can come in for a quick bite solo or with a couple of others when you want. That’s not to say it won’t be crowded on a weekday at noon, but it’s always manageable.
And a manageable scene at Xoco is what you want because it’s meant to be easy, and rather quick. Order at the counter, and if you’re eating there, make sure to remember your assigned number that will correspond to a seat in the back. There aren’t a ton of good, casual restaurants in River North that don’t involve a kale salad, and that’s where Xoco saves the day.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Ahogada
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Pepito
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Cochinita Pibil
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Cubana
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Carne Asada
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Wood-Roasted Chicken Pozole
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Seafood Caldo
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Churros
photo credit: Christina Slaton