Frontera Grill and Topolobampo Reviews

great guacamole, interesting spin on many traditional Mexican dishes. wish there had been more options for vegetarians

Really underwhelming. Expensive and not particularly authentic. Visit any decent Mexican neighborhood restaurant and you'll eat equally as well or better for a lot less money. Plus we had a really pushy waiter who kept trying to get us to order more expensive menu options.

A family favorite! We visit Chicago every year and are always sure to book a reservation here! We absolutely love it!

I had been wanting to visit for years and was not disappointed. The decor was vibrant and fun, and everything I ordered was perfect. From the limonada to the gorditas to the concha, brunch was a treat. Taking a walnut tart home made my afternoon that much more delightful.

I have been to Frontera many times and find the ever changing menu a fun new adventure each visit. The food is thoughtful and every ingredient on the menu has a story and cultural connection. The staff is very knowledgable and so helpful in interpreting the nuances and culture in the flavors.

I have waited years to finally get to come up here and eat. It was totally worth it. Seasonal menu keeps things fresh and relatable. Service was very quick and attentive. From appetizer to dessert, loved it. Get something you haven't had before, step outside the norms. You won't be disappointed.

Creative and tasty food and cocktails - matching its fame. It's the perfect middle between its high-end white tablecloth and affordable counter service siblings. Try the brunch - the food is wonderful and creative.

Great drinks. Smaller portions, but not too small. Cool atmosphere. Service is good.

Amazing Mexican food. Not a ton of vegetarian options, but the guac was to die for, as were the mushroom quesadillas - perhaps the best I've ever had. Excellent and quick service. Perfect for lunch or even date night.

The service was excellent, place was clean and music was great patio was really nice as well. We did not try enough food here but the ceviche trio was solid, it could have used a bit more fish/seafood the ratios were off.

I can t add anything that hasn t already been said. The food here is seriously amazing. The gorditas for breakfast were incredible! The mole enchiladas are awesome. Make the effort and enjoy.

Original location was great. Back when Bayless' restaurants weren't over-commercialized chain-food. This location has zero character and it has just become another money-maker. Disappointing - not for serious dining (nor casual, for that matter -- spend your hard-earned money at someplace that cares).

The duck carnitas enchiladas were excellent. This place definitely has some choices that you won t find anywhere else.

The duck was stupedous, the gazpacho was perfect, the fish if the day walleye to perfection. Deserts unique and fabulous pecan pie. Wine list complementary to the entrees. Well done!

The guacamole was great, as was the margarita though I wish they offered pitchers. I ordered vegetarian enchiladas and didnt love them, especially the sauce. I would go back, but would try something different.

Frontera Grill has authentic Mexican cuisine. The food was very flavorful and delicious. I really enjoyed the tortilla soup and the broth that was poured over the chicken and other vegetables. I also had the grilled steak tacos and chicken tacos. The meat had a smokey taste. It was very tasty. The waiters were very helpful and gave suggestions about the menu. The ambience of the restaurant had a great vibe. The decor on the wall is very festive and colorful. I would come back again. I wanted to meet Rick Bayless so he could autograph my book for me One Mexican Plate At a Time. Today is my birthday!!!

Authentic Mexican food. Just not my thing coming from Texas.

At the moment you arrive in this place team give you a good feeling. Very courteous crew, it is a kind restaurant to enjoy with your friends or with your date. delightful cuisine, qualified chef de cuisine, competitive cost and generous service. Highly recommended.

What happened Rick Bayless? Usually a safe choice for creative Mexican. Stick to the safe choices. Ceviche - Nah, Tamales with overly tangy sauce and smoked beans - nah, Chicken Enchiladas with bitter dark-as-night mole sauce (tasted like coffee syrup) - nope ...good margaritas and I know you can do better otherwise it would be 1 star...$180 lunch later...sad

Chef Rick Bayless serves up delicious food in a rustic, unpretentious environment at Frontera Grill. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty enjoying the flavor packed and imaginative Mexican cuisine. The Ceviche Trio is so delightful and a must order. There's an energy to Frontera in both the ambiance and the food.

Very unimpressed. The food was decent, the service horrendous. We didn't receive all of our appetizers even though we asked and reminded no less than 4 times. When our entrees arrived (mistimed, half at once the other half nearly ten minutes later) I told our waiter again who said he would "check on it", I asked them to remove it from the bill. We had to ask for drink refills multiple times, one coke we actually walked to the serving station and asked if they would fill it after asking our server multiple times. Another guy asked for a 2nd dos equis multiple times and it was never received. In short, decent food but not worth the hassle or price considering the service. Would not go again.

Absolutely fantastic restaurant by Rick Bayless. Connected to his higher fine dining restaurant, this is absolutely not to be missed. This is fine Mexican cooking the like of which you'd expect in Mexico City. We started with drinks - both the margarita and tamarindo were excellent. Appetizers (summer tostadas - avocado with shrimp, cauliflower, and habanero mayo - and guacamole) were delicious. All three entrees (mushroom enchiladas, duck mole, and poc chuc) we're incredible. Delicious flavor and so well cooked. Mexican hot chocolate to finish off the meal. One of the best restaurant experiences in Chicago.

this place is awesome and then some. each staff member had a different task and when you put it all together, the place ran like a well oiled machine. the waiter was especially knowledgeable and went the extra mile to please. the food. what can i say? unique, creative, succulent. wine list had a lot of terrific choices available. undoubtedly, a place i would return to again and again. only one glitch though. i live in toronto, canada.

So often, when you return to a restaurant you remember fondly it fails to meet your expectations. Not the case here - we returned after a few years (not from Chicago) and found the food, drinks, and service to be every bit as wonderful as we remembered!

Had been looking forward to trying Rick Bayless' original restaurant for years and finally made it happen. Enjoyed our food and drinks, glad we were able to check this off the list.

Food was not good, just average at best. Will not go again.

Wow a great place to visit for Mexican. Not your typical Mexican, really good food and ambience.

Amazing! We got the two veg dishes on the menu and we weren't completely excited, but these flavourful meals blew our minds! (One was topped with popcorn?!) We were too full for dessert but would have tried anything on the list after those great entrees. I'd recommend to anyone! Side note: I'm gluten free and they were ready to accommodate!

Rick Bayless has absolutely out done himself here. The atmosphere is amazing, the food is phenomenal and he too the time to take a picture with me. One of the best restaurants in the city and in my opinion the country.

Best Mexican inspired cuisine north of the border. Sit at the bar so you dont need a reservation months in advance.

Service was excellent, food so so. Tamales were essentially cornbread with a little cheese on top. Margaritas were good. Maybe other menu items are better.

The lines are huge but the food it's worth the while!
The guacamole is yummy!
I also like their sandwiches!

Vast selection of flavourful dishes. Lively atmosphere, I reccome d the Carne asada.

Excellent! That word describes everything you ll experience here. Food was superb, bartender made the drinks fast and they were unique to the restaurant, server knew what to recommend by asking a few questions and speed was on point for each order. First time here in Chicago and have been a fan of his show so decided to try it. I love Mexican food and each dish was spectacular to the last bite. I just wish I had a bigger appetite.

Had Huachan brisket (Friday special). Mole was velvety smooth and flavorable without being spicy. Potatoes (cauliflower) were creamy and a perfect partner to the brisket. Service staff were very attentive and personable. You gotta try this place!

I was looking at the ingredients the stuff looks basic bland why is there arugula everywhere is not pretty it doesn t goes with fish, looks like dog food so much potential it but it looks like the chef has giving up

Good and amazing food, love the Ent ees, the staff are Nice

Mexican food perfectoon. Top notch food, drinks, desert, service and atmosphere.

Had a Margarita with guacamole (split with my husband) and ceviche sampler for lunch. Just heaven. Ingredients were so fresh. Have been to dinner and lunch in the past. Food is same as at Topolobompo.