Frontera Grill & Topolobampo
(312) 661-1434
445 N Clark St
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.8903
-87.6309
Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
Hours:
Frontera: Tue 11:45am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Wed-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm
Sat 10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm
Topolobampo: Tue-Thu 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm
Price:
$$$
Parking:
Street; Valet
Last updated 1.30.09
What People Are Saying About Frontera Grill & Topolobampo
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
This is some of the best Mexican food you'll ever have. Frontera's menu features excellent traditional fare, from chilis rellenos and enchiladas to six kinds of tacos. For more adventurous, upscale dining, try Topolobampo. Start with the tortilla soup, a heady ambrosia of dark broth with chicken, avocado and cheese. At lunch, don't miss the salad sampler, with marinated, shredded cactus that's spiked with habanero chili. Both spaces have a hip, colorful vibe: Frontera is more casual and less expensive, with a lively bar scene and a rowdier crowd. Nestled in back, Topolobampo is refined with bright paintings, blue-velvet curtains and a brick-tile floor, giving it a sophisticated south-of-the-border feel. Service in both rooms is smart, friendly and professional.
User Reviews
golito
November 05, 2008
The food just seemed OK. The ceviche was mushy and pretty nasty (our fault for ordering ceviche in Chicago). The rest of the food was just OK if overpriced. I would eat there again, if the prices were cheaper. The place is popular because of the celebrity owner, who was there, and was nice enough. Bottom line, save a trip downtown, unless you need to impress someone with a trendy place. We found 2 other Mexican places in town we will be sure to return to.
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StreeterJean
August 15, 2008
The worst service we've had in a long time, and we dine out a lot. We made reservations for us and our out-of-town guests weeks in advance, at their request. We arrived on time, had to wait 10-15 minutes in the very noisy entry area, and were given the worst table, right by the door and all the noise ("only available"). After no attention for 20 minutes, asked someone to find our server to take a drink order. When she eventually arrived (another 5 minutes or so), she wanted to immediately take our food order. Ah, no, we'll order our drinks now. The rest of the service was desultory, at best. The whole experience took 2 hours for drinks, entrees and dessert. Too bad it's not a place where management comes by from time to time to ask if everything is satisfactory. Food was interesting and good, but very small portions. We would never go back, nor recommend it. Our meal at a neighborhood place the previous evening provided much better service and the food ultimately was more satisfying--for half the price.
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Southernfoody
June 16, 2008
I'm rather stunned that this restaurant gets all the hype it's getting. I agree with many reviews of the food being over-spiced--be it too much lime or simply too salty. And after you wait for this reservation and the experience--like you'll really send it back? I couldn't imagine eating at the Frontera side (even though my husband said the food looked better on that side), it was so loud you may as well eat under a plane for the same sound effect. Who really enjoys this? Expensive mexican food in my book. Pro: the decor of the place and the mango dessert con: That we spent over 300 dollars and didn't enjoy it. Won't be back
read full reviewThe Details on Frontera Grill & Topolobampo
The Extras:
Topolobampo offers a five-course tasting menu for $70 ($105 with wine).
Know Before You Go:
Frontera Grill takes advance reservations for all lunch parties and for groups of five to 10 at dinner; groups smaller than five should call early on the same day. Topolobampo takes lunch and dinner reservations for up to eight people; it's a good idea to call several weeks in advance for weekend seatings.
Save Time:
Frontera Grill takes advance reservations for all lunch parties and for a limited number of dinner parties of any size; groups smaller than five should call early on the same day. Topolobampo takes lunch and dinner reservations for up to eight people; it's a good idea to call several months in advance for weekend seatings.
Know Before You Go:
Topolobampo is open Tue 11:45am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Wed-Thu 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm; Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm.
The Extras:
Topolobampo offers three distinct five-course tasting menus nightly, priced between $85 and $90 (wine will add $50 to the bill).
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Notable Chef, Private Rooms, People Watching, Date Spot, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Rick Bayless
Smoking Permitted:
At Bar
