Frontera Grill Topolobampo in 445 N Clark St, Chicago on Dine.com

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Frontera Grill Topolobampo

4.0000/5 (35 reviews)

445 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434

Category: Mexican

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35 Reviews

REVIEW #1

mike S.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

July 11, 2009
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The menu blossoms with appealing and diverse possibilities that change monthly. Flavorful starters include a crunchy jicama salad (with oranges, grapefruit and pineapple, tossed with orange-lime vinaigrette), made-to-order tortilla chips with two salsas, and sweet-fried plantains with homemade sour cream and fresh cheese. Bayless' dedication in supporting local, artisanal farmers is evident in the freshness of the meat and vegetables

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REVIEW #2

Iam S.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

February 13, 2009
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mixed results. The appetizers (lamb chops in particular) and baked potato were fantastic. Sadly - my steak was so/so. Cooked just right, but with little flavor. I knew I wasn't alone when the other folks at the table started reaching for the seasoned steak salt. A bad sign and an unnecessary condiment for a truly good steak.

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REVIEW #3

mike S.
Avg. Entree: $20-30
Rating:

January 19, 2006
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Can't believe you people. Being from Texas, I'm used to incredible Mexican food. Realizing that the 'Mexican' food up here is quite different from the Tex-Mex I'm used to, as well, it's more Mexican-styled cuisine rather than Mexican food. You will not find tuna and Mahi Mahi served in Mexico, unless of course, you're a tyrantical leader of the country. Why am I so adament about Frontera Grill?

You can only get reservations at the place if you come in a party of 5 or more.

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REVIEW #4

jon S.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

August 11, 2005
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The lively Mexican music. The whimsical Mexican artifacts. The smells of spicy Latin cuisine. Frontera Grill, the colorful creation of Rick Bayless, puts Mexican food on the fast track. The menu blossoms with appealing and diverse possibilities that change monthly. Flavorful starters include a crunchy jicama salad (with oranges, grapefruit and pineapple, tossed with orange-lime vinaigrette), made-to-order tortilla chips with two salsas, and sweet-fried plantains with homemade sour cream and fresh cheese. Bayless' dedication in supporting local, artisanal farmers is evident in the freshness of the meat and vegetables, from the roasted Maple Creek Farm pork loin to the organic Gunthorp chicken to the braised organic spinach. A moderately priced option to the more-formal, adjoining Topolobampo (also owned by Bayless), Frontera Grill is a popular post-work spot for area workers and residents.

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REVIEW #5

The D.
Rating:

August 9, 2005
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Two restaurants. Topolobambo is the nice restaurant, Frontera Grill is the casual cafe. Both are very good, though the menu doesn't appear to change too often. This is real Mexican food, not the tex-mex most are familiar with. It's definitely worth the insane wait for a table.

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REVIEW #6

Dan P.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

April 23, 2005
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Rick Bayless is a master of Mexican cuisine. This is by no means your typical burrito or taco stand (which I love by the way). The food here is fine Mexican dining. Very creative. A wide variety of new taste experiences. Very, very good food.

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REVIEW #7

Mark M.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

April 2, 2005
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Frontera's is a great place, fun atmosphere, great food and a excellent bar. I went with a few friends and had an excellent time. It will be a must stop when in Chicago from now on.

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REVIEW #8

CD P.
Avg. Entree: $5-10
Rating:

October 28, 2004
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Topolobampo just plain rocks. Food is good (love the ceviche) and the margaritas are really tasty. Lots of beers. Fun atmosphere, usually loud, and always packed. Didn't much care for the sangria, but oh, well. Can't have everything. Reservations, come early. Bar scene is very, very fun.

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REVIEW #9

N Z.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

July 25, 2004
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Two connected restaurants, Topolobampo and Frontera Grill, offer mid- and up-scale Mexican to windy city's citizens. Rick Bayless's menus, however, are better than the food, often. I wish he could deliver a little better on the promise of his fabulous sounding dishes. Topolo is better than Frontera, but you pay for it.

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REVIEW #10

EJ S.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

May 17, 2004
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

One of my favorite restaurants in the world. No exageration. I look for excuses to go to Chicago so I can eat here. The food is delicious, the sauces make you want to lick your plate, and they don't stint on tequila in the margaritas.

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REVIEW #11

Live L.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

December 7, 2003
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Every time we go to the windy we go here. Fabulous food, great use of ingredients. Prepare to wait in line...but enjoy the margaritas while you do.

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REVIEW #12

Jim M.
Rating:

May 25, 2003
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Gosh!!!! How can I put this. The wait was horrible. Until after I tasted thier food. Then the wait was soon forgotten. Just come here wanting a few drinks, and the wait will not matter.

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REVIEW #13

Avg. Entree: $20-30
Rating:

February 18, 2001
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great food! The ceviche was really tasty as was the jicama salad... Jeez what an obnoxious condescending waiter! He actually argued with my companion about how much food he would be able to eat! I guess our downstate "aura" must make us an easy target for the super cool... but I digress. It was still worth it.

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REVIEW #14

Avg. Entree: $50-60
Rating:

November 20, 2000
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm reviewing Topolobampo here, not Frontera Grill. Though associated and next door to each other, they are two different restaurants. Topolobampo accepts reservations. I've been to many high end restaurants in the SF Bay Area, such as Chez Panisse, Postrio, and Boulevard, and I would say this place competes with the best. The service was great, the decor lovely, and the food truly memorable. I highly recommend the price fixe menu paired with wine.

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REVIEW #15

yan M.
Rating: Unknown

August 19, 2000
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

very good food. very good bar. ridiculous wait times....they really need to accept reservations for parties of less people!!

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REVIEW #16

CHLOE K.
Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

May 24, 2000
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is NOT your local Tex-Mex restaurant!!! Thank goodness!!! I agree the wait time can be ridiculous! Get there when it opens, and on a week might if you can. I hesitate to tell you that you can order an appetizer at the bar! My absolute favorite dish on the menu is the CEVICHE!!!! Don't skip this dish!!! It is one dish that I find myself dreaming about. The margaritas are great. Who knew there were so many different varities of tequila??? Rick Bayless has a new show on PBS (at least in Chicago) about his Mexican cooking. He is energetic and informative, and it gives and insight into his philospphy about his cooking.

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REVIEW #17

Avg. Entree: $15-20
Rating:

May 20, 2000
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have to agree with the review of "Anna" below, the reservation policy at this trendy place is absolutely infuriating (reservations only given to parties of 5 or more). It's temping to go ahead and reserve well in advance (say for 6 people) if you are a party of two and just invite four strangers standing in the mile long line to join you for dinner. Anyhow, the reservation policy is a demonstration of sociopathy by a busy restaurant that "can get away with it." The food is quite excellent and a decent value, but they are punished a star for this crazed reservation policy.

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REVIEW #18

Donna R.
Avg. Entree: $20-30
Rating:

February 6, 1999
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

First in the door on a weekday at 11am. Barely ordered in time to get the seafood special. All four of us were delighted. Exceptional food. Easy to over do the margaritas.

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REVIEW #19

allen S.
Rating:

July 15, 1998
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The margaritas are the absolute best!!!. Highly recommend the tasting menu for the best experience. If you looking for the run of the mill Mexican food experience, stay away. This great kitchen will take you beyond the ordinary and transend you to a new dining experience!!! BRAVO!!!

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REVIEW #20

Rating:

July 13, 1998
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have to disagree with the other reviews. I went there a couple of weeks ago and was very displeased with the food. I found some pubic hairs in my salad, and when I asked the waiter for a new bowl of lettuce, he said I'll 'toss your salad'. Other than the pubes in my salad. The service was impeckerable.

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