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Chicago Restaurants 2008

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Fonda del Mar

3749 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (773) 489-3748

Ratings & Reviews Summary for Fonda del Mar

What Users are Saying:

  • Prompt seating
  • Make reservations
  • Good for kids
  • Good for groups
5 Star Rating
 
(3 reviews)
4 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
3 Star Rating
 
(1 reviews)
2 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
1 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)

User Reviews for Fonda del Mar

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/29/2006 Posted by bryanherb

I have been there 6 times in the past 5 weeks, and don't know what the last reviewer is talking about. I have enjoyed 4 dinners and two brunches, and all have been incredible. I am totally addicted, and I LOVE it that it is BYOB. This makes it great and very economical for a group, especially groups with mixed incomes. I recommned their moles and the salmon main course. The ceviche is incredible if you like spicey. and their hand made tortillas are delicious. It's high-end authentic Mexican cuisine, at reasonable prices.

Pros: reasonable prices, quality cuisine, BYOB

Cons: outdoor patio could use some plants

3 Star Rating: Average

04/06/2006 Posted by msong83

I went there few weeks ago and waited for 15 minutes eventhough I had a reservation. It's not a lively place, more for older people or it might have been that night (it was a saturday but...) The soup we had was cold, the guacamole average. The fish my friend ordered was tasty but a bit too spicy on some parts. The paella I had, average. The restaurant hasn't gotten a liquor liscense yet, so I ended up buying a bottle of wine from the next door store. The fish wasn't as fresh as we'd expected and the food was average.

Pros: price, spicy

Cons: bring your own wine, open kitchen

Editor's Review

Fresh seafood and zesty sauces draw diners to this inviting Mexican fish house.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Save Money

Order the bunuelo as a group dessert; the crispy fritter topped with sprinkles and caramel sauce is large enough to feed several diners.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Street

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

Cuisines

  • Mexican
  • Seafood

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Discover

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Date Spot
  • Quiet
  • Group Dining
  • Special Occasion Dining
  • Hidden Find
  • Kid Friendly
  • Romantic Dining
  • Lunch Spot
  • Cheap Eats
  • Carry Out

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