Frontera Grill Topolobampo

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 sal ... more

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 less

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 seas ... more

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. less

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 th ... more

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. less

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 t ... more

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. less

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 definit ... more

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. less

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. ... more

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. less

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 o ... more

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. less