Frontera Grill & Topolobampo
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 661-1434
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Illinois Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Grand
- Best of Citysearch:
- Celebrity Chef 2007, Margarita 2006, Margarita 2004
- 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
Editorial Review for Frontera Grill & Topolobampo – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
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 and fun, 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.
The Food
This is some of the best Mexican food you'll ever have. Frontera's menu features excellent traditional fare, from chilies 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. Other noteworthy Topolobampo plates: Pan-seared tuna with red-chili enchiladas, and succulent chili-marinated pork.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoFrontera 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.
The ExtrasTopolobampo offers a five-course tasting menu for $70 ($105 with wine).
User Reviews for Frontera Grill & Topolobampo
02/01/2008 Posted by sasachic
My husband and I have been dying to go here since we watched his show on T.V. Lunch hours where almost over so we were only able to eat in the bar area. There wasn't too much on the lunch menu, but I did like the idea how they change the menu often so it makes you want to come back for more. We love there hot sauce, that we actually bought one for our home. My husband grew up in Mexico all his life and he loved it, he said the sauce was just like his Grandma's homemade sauce.The food was delicious and the appearance of it was tasteful. We can't wait to go back and try out the new items on the menu.
Pros: Great food
Cons: none
01/02/2008 Posted by sarah6306
We were a little nervous about Mexican food in Chicago since we were coming from Texas, but made a reservation at Topolobampo at the recommendation of a friend. We were amazed! The food was incredible and the members of the waitstaff were very attentive. Highly recommended.
Pros: Great food, friendly staff, ambience
Cons: Hard to get a reservation
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