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Frontera Grill
& Topolobampo
Mexican
445 N Clark St
Chicago IL 60610
(312) 661-1434
Chicago IL 60610
(312) 661-1434
Reservation OpenTable.com
Celebrity chef Rick Bayless doesn't want for fans; dine at this Chicago-based Mexican restaurant of his and you'll have a good idea why. The local- and organic-championing chef has a true award winner on his hands here (it took home a James Beard for "Outstanding Restaurant" in 2007), serving real-deal South-of-the-border fare in a casual setting. (He takes the idiom upscale at his Topolobampo, just next door.) — Maryse Chevriere, 2/18/2011
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Bon Appetit Magazine
Atop his pioneering casual Mexican place, chef Rick Bayless uses portable, self-watering containers to grow several varieties of tomatoes and chiles used in the "rooftop salsa.”
Atop his pioneering casual Mexican place, chef Rick Bayless uses portable, self-watering containers to grow several varieties of tomatoes and chiles used in the "rooftop salsa.”
Bravo
Rick Bayless’ place with two restaurants in one. Been going there for years. Great stuff and killer margaritas. -Dave Martin, Top Chef
Rick Bayless’ place with two restaurants in one. Been going there for years. Great stuff and killer margaritas. -Dave Martin, Top Chef
Time Out Chicago
This brunch from celeb chef Rick Bayless is not to be missed—too bad it’s served only on Saturdays. Be sure to check out the huevos “Fronterizos” with sausage and biscuits.
This brunch from celeb chef Rick Bayless is not to be missed—too bad it’s served only on Saturdays. Be sure to check out the huevos “Fronterizos” with sausage and biscuits.
Epicurious
The Grill maintains a purist's approach to Mexican cuisine, much like its sister restaurant Topolobampo, but in a more casual setting. Try the grilled duck breast in a chile-corn-mushroom sauce.
The Grill maintains a purist's approach to Mexican cuisine, much like its sister restaurant Topolobampo, but in a more casual setting. Try the grilled duck breast in a chile-corn-mushroom sauce.
GourmetLive
Topolobampo is more sophisticated in decor than Bayless' Frontera Grill. The dishes at both have familiar names, but you won’t find them made with such superior ingredients and care anywhere else.
Topolobampo is more sophisticated in decor than Bayless' Frontera Grill. The dishes at both have familiar names, but you won’t find them made with such superior ingredients and care anywhere else.
Benjamin B.
Have a margarita at the bar.
Have a margarita at the bar.
Kendra C.
Try the mole. Trust me, even if you don't usually like mole, you will like this mole. Rick Bayless is a god of cuisine!
Try the mole. Trust me, even if you don't usually like mole, you will like this mole. Rick Bayless is a god of cuisine!
Time Out Chicago
The lunch menu ($22) including mushroom empanadas with watercress salad, chicken or pork loin mole and a coconut tres leches cake with pineapple, all concocted with Rick Bayless' signature flair.
The lunch menu ($22) including mushroom empanadas with watercress salad, chicken or pork loin mole and a coconut tres leches cake with pineapple, all concocted with Rick Bayless' signature flair.
Time Out Chicago
Frontera offers a vibrant slice of Mexico City, a place to chow down on ceviches, earthy mole, wood-grilled steak tucked into housemade tortillas and, of course, insanely good margaritas.
Frontera offers a vibrant slice of Mexico City, a place to chow down on ceviches, earthy mole, wood-grilled steak tucked into housemade tortillas and, of course, insanely good margaritas.
Time Out Chicago
Expect stellar versions of Mexican classics like enchiladas, mole and flautas; spot-on ceviches; and, for Saturday brunch, white-corn pancakes with whipped goat cheese.
Expect stellar versions of Mexican classics like enchiladas, mole and flautas; spot-on ceviches; and, for Saturday brunch, white-corn pancakes with whipped goat cheese.
Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
Order one of the three different regional tasting menus offered nightly with your date. You will get to take an appetizing tour of Mexico through regional dishes. - Inspector
Order one of the three different regional tasting menus offered nightly with your date. You will get to take an appetizing tour of Mexico through regional dishes. - Inspector
@scottkleinberg
The mojitos are amazing. And don't miss the queso fundido appetizer - chorizo, jack, fresh tortillas. Wow.
The mojitos are amazing. And don't miss the queso fundido appetizer - chorizo, jack, fresh tortillas. Wow.
eileen b.
Grab a seat at the bar rather than wait for a table. The Solpitos are awesome.
Grab a seat at the bar rather than wait for a table. The Solpitos are awesome.
Meg M.
skip the two hour wait for a table and eat at the bar... also order the ceviche and sopes appetizers
skip the two hour wait for a table and eat at the bar... also order the ceviche and sopes appetizers
Paula G.
Their guac and ceviche are worth the trip!
Their guac and ceviche are worth the trip!
GERALDINE C.
I love Frontera grill !
I love Frontera grill !
ecomagination
Frontera’s main goal is to live “sustainably” everyday. Enjoy their delicious food while understanding their commitment and support to local farmers.
Frontera’s main goal is to live “sustainably” everyday. Enjoy their delicious food while understanding their commitment and support to local farmers.
Victor S.
The mushroom queso fundido at Frontera goes beyond just melted cheese. They also have great tasting (not too sweet), really strong margaritas.
The mushroom queso fundido at Frontera goes beyond just melted cheese. They also have great tasting (not too sweet), really strong margaritas.
Craig V.
We made reservations 2 months in advance, were slightly concerned by the lack of familiarity of the menu, but very pleased with the food. And Rick was there meeting the guests! Thumbs way up!
We made reservations 2 months in advance, were slightly concerned by the lack of familiarity of the menu, but very pleased with the food. And Rick was there meeting the guests! Thumbs way up!
Charles B.
high end Mexican inspired food that is always first rate from Rick Bayless of Top Chef. Great location as well.
high end Mexican inspired food that is always first rate from Rick Bayless of Top Chef. Great location as well.
Jessica P.
Order the ceviche trio and bring a broom to sweep up the pieces of your brain that will break upon eating it.
Order the ceviche trio and bring a broom to sweep up the pieces of your brain that will break upon eating it.
The Daily Meal
Rick Bayless, the local- and organic-championing chef has a true award winner on his hands here, serving real-deal South-of-the-border fare in a casual setting.
Rick Bayless, the local- and organic-championing chef has a true award winner on his hands here, serving real-deal South-of-the-border fare in a casual setting.
ELJ: Follow me! 'erika_lj' Y.
The champagne margarita is AMAZING!
The champagne margarita is AMAZING!
Eater
Rick Bayless' mexican haven is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end. [Eater 38 Member]
Rick Bayless' mexican haven is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end. [Eater 38 Member]
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