Fonda del Mar
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (773) 489-3748
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Ridgeway Avenue
- Directions:
- Bus: 74 to Ridgeway
- Hours:
- Mon 4pm-10pm, Tue-Thu 11:30am-3pm, 4pm-10pm, Fri 11:30am-3pm, 4pm-11pm, Sat 10:30am-3pm, 4pm-11pm, Sun 10:30am-3pm, 4pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Fonda del Mar – by Allison Knab
The Scene
Tucked between liquor and grocery stores along Fullerton in Logan Square, this casual restaurant offers a colorful respite of bright yellow and brick walls. Rustic wooden tables and chairs line the long, narrow space, where photos of a Mexican surfing town add to the escapist feel. Instrumental Latino music plays lightly overhead.
The Food
Brightly flavored sauces and seasonal vegetables dress up a seafood-centered menu. Fresh guacamole comes served with slices of jicama that enhance the starter. Spicy seviches offer a perfect blend of lime juice, fresh seafood, cilantro and tomatoes. Main course specialties include mahi mahi with a habanero-infused tomato sauce, served alongside garlic mashed potatoes, or the shrimp al mojo de ajo--an avocado and tomato salsa with heavy garlic overtones. Meat eaters will be sated with a surfeit of mole sauces: roasted lamb chops with complex mole negro and roasted pork chops with red, fruity mole.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyOrder the bunuelo as a group dessert; the crispy fritter topped with sprinkles and caramel sauce is large enough to feed several diners.
The ExtrasThe restaurant also offers its dishes for carry out.
When to GoMake a reservation on weekends, or go earlier in the week--there's not much of a waiting area for walk-ins when the restaurant is full.
User Reviews for Fonda del Mar
02/16/2007 Posted by jesswatson8
I have been here several times and I would recommend it to anyone. They have very unique and tasty seafood dishes that are fresh and very well balanced. Their ceviches are especially good. You have to try the garlic shrimp and the salmon. Yum! Like some of the other reviewers I like that it is still BYOB - it does make it more economical. Also, there is a beautiful patio in the back with nice ambience (think fountains and mood lighting). The service is excellent too - you can tell the people who work there are proud of the establishment (as well they should be). Overall, this place really delivers.
Pros: Overall awesome, food, service, atmosphere, patio
Cons: None
10/17/2006 Posted by latingirl_j
First of all, just so you know I am the worst seafood critic I know...Believe me, I know my seafood. I've been in Chicago for 10 years, and I finally found a place where I love the seafood....Not like...LOVE! Their seafood is 100% delicious. I had the opportunity to try not only one but 5 different of their seafood entrees and to this day I can't choose my favorite. I also, love their desserts, again I can't choose my favorite, but the one I'm having a hard time forgetting is their Pay de Chocolate y Nuez...it's soo good!!! Enough about food, the place is wonderful, so cozy, warm and at the same time hip. Love the fact that it's an open kitchen, that way I know it's safe food to eat. I think it's great that it's a BYOB, it makes it more economical. The service is the best I've ever had...at the end of the dinner, you feel as if the waiter is part of your dinner table, and they plant you this seed and curiousity to want to come back 100 times more. Also, had the opportunity to meet the Chef and the Owner, and they are wonderful people, hardworkers who strive to provide the best restaurant they can. I seriously recommend this awesome FONDA DEL MAR!
Pros: BEST MEXICAN SEAFOOD & SUPER FRIENDLY SERVICE
Cons: IT'S ONLY ONE RESTAURANT, THEY SHOULD OPEN MORE!
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