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Frontera Grill & Topolobampo


#35 of 4,514 restaurants in Chicago
4.0 of 5 stars 336 ratings  |  Write a review
  • Cuisines: Mexican
  • Neighbourhood: The Loop
  • Average price: £ 25 ($ 40)

Reviews you can trust

78% Recommend
Excellent
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Rating summary
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
Chicago, Illinois
2 Dec 2009
1
person found this review helpful

Topolobampo is one restaurant that lives up to its hype. The food was different from anything we'd had anywhere - certainly not anything like a typical "Mexican" or "Tex-Mex" restaurant. Portions are somewhat small, as you'd expect in a high-end restaurant and not the gut-busting portions that have made half of America obese. But the flavors and creativity more than... more

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3 of 5 stars
CA
22 Nov 2009
1
person found this review helpful

I went to Chicago and decided to do the decadent. Eat at Ricks restaurants in the same day. One for lunch and one for dinner as I didn't have much time. I have followed him on Top Chef, loved his food concept and personality. My daughter is also in culinary school and a big fan. His wait staff is EXCECELLENT... more

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3 of 5 stars
New England, USA
27 Oct 2009

Spent 5 days (4 nights) in Chicago. Out first dinner was at Frontera, which had been recommended by a former colleague who now lives there. We had a very good meal, but it wasn't the best meal we had in Chicago. Actually, each dinner that we had in the city was better than the night before, so of our 4... more

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2 of 5 stars
Redondo Beach
26 Oct 2009

Food good, way over priced, very small portions. We were here two years ago for the USC, Nortre Dame and this place was better. Waited 15 minutes on the phone a hold, listening to Rick Bayless pump himself up. Then waited another 15 minutes to reconfirm the reservation. Food was good, service was great, but way over priced. My lobster... more

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3 of 5 stars
Rockville, Maryland
25 Oct 2009
2
people found this review helpful

Chef Rick Bayless, owner of Frontera Grill, is one of the most celebrated chefs in this country. He won this past season's competition of "Top Chef Masters," and has been a guest judge on many culinary competitions. Frontera is known for authentic Mexican cuisine, and is a destination for foodies visiting Chicago. President Obama has eaten here often. We made... more

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3 of 5 stars
Peoria, AZ
21 Oct 2009

I agree with some of the other reviewers. What is all the fuss about? We were in Chicago. We love to watch Rick Bayless on The Food Network. Didn't want to miss his restaurant "Frontera Grill". Made reservations. Looked like a great little restaurant (loved the art work on the walls). The good = the margaritas even tho they were... more

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5 of 5 stars
Michigan
20 Oct 2009

We had yet another great meal at Frontera but going there is more than just a meal - it's an experience since they take so few reservations and part of your time involves huge herds that congregate and get herded directly into the bar before even those with reservations are seated. The margaritas alone make this worth it (try the... more

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1 of 5 stars
Orange County, CA
20 Oct 2009
4
people found this review helpful

I typically don’t write bad reviews. But I have to post a review about my bad experience, or lack of it at the Frontera Grill. My husband and I wanted to grab a late lunch at the Frontera Grill. I had called ahead to see if we needed a reservation for 2:00pm. Mind you the restaurant closes for lunch at... more

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3 of 5 stars
Santa Rosa, California
15 Oct 2009
3
people found this review helpful

OK...before anyone gets mad about my rating...let me explain...this is a 5 star (supposedly) dining establishment and the prices certainly support that...but the food...the service and the attitude do not. I am only comparing to other restaurants of the same "caliber" . We were seated promptly, our group of 4, once the Maitre d' could get himself to us...he's rather... more

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5 of 5 stars
Miami Beach
13 Oct 2009
2
people found this review helpful

My husband and I were in Chicago on business and had a free night. We chose to dine at Frontera Grill and wisely made reservations far in advance, about 5 weeks. Our entire experience was positive from beginning to end. We arrived 45 minutes early for our 9pm reservation and expected to wait at least until that time. Both restaurants... more

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Frontera Grill & Topolobampo Address

445 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: (312) 661-1434 Fax: (312) 661-1830
* Restaurant price information is based on meal cost per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.