Frontera Grill/Topolobampo
3.0
- Neighborhood: River North
- 445 N. Clark St.
- Chicago, IL 60610
- 312-661-1434
Celebrity chef Rick Bayless defines authentic regional Mexican cuisine for north-of-the-border diners at Frontera and Topolobampo, where the latter provides fine dining and the former offers a rustic take. Devotees wait in three-margarita lines for Bayless' imaginative appetizers and entrees. Our tip: Arrive early for the Saturday-only brunch, and don't miss the enchiladas mole and the Iroquois white-corn pancakes.
Update: Rick Bayless is opening another River North restaurant in April of 2009. The still-unnamed quick-service operation will feature regional Mexican sandwiches (tortas), churros and Frontera's luxe house-made ice creams. Check back for additional information.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Clark St. and Illinois St.
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult and Valet
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 156-LaSalle. Brown Line Train: Merchandise Mart.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Entrance and restrooms.
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Frontera Lunch: 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday
Frontera Brunch: 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Frontera Dinner: 5:20 -10 p.m. Tuesday; 5-10 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Topolobampo Lunch: 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday
Topolobampo Dinner: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday; 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Both closed Sunday and Monday, major holidays.
- Cuisine:
- Mexican and American Tex Mex
- Meals Served:
- Dinner and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Both accept for lunch. At dinner, Frontera accepts reservations for parties of 5 to 10 in advance and a limited number of day of reservations for all size parties; Topolobampo takes them for parties up to 6.
- Alcohol:
- Beer and Wine. Beer, wine, tequila and tequila-based drinks only.
- Smoking:
- No
- Bar Style:
- Lounge
- Audience:
- Adults / 18+
Features
- Carryout:
- No
- ATM:
- Yes. At Clark & Illinois.
- Live Music:
- No
- Features:
- Free Admission and On-site Merchandise. No catering. No dancing. Cookbooks, jars of salsa, coffee, nut mix. Private parties of up to 30. No buffet. Winemaker dinners quarterly; major summer and winter "fiestas."
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities. Capacity: 45
- Worth Noting:
- Critic's choice. 3-star. Recommended.
- Specialties:
- Authentic Mexican fare.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. Frontera only; the sidewalk cafe seats 30
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- Frontera Grill, 65. Topolobampo, 75.
Write a review
Rate Frontera Grill/Topol...
"Topolobampo Disappointing; Terrible Service"
Jean from Streeterville - August 15, 2008
Made reservations weeks in advance; taking out-of-town guests who were so excited to finally try "great" restaurant. Given worst table right by do...
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"gets worse as the years go by."
the nibbler from bucktown - August 10, 2008
i've been going to frontera on and off for 19 years now and used to be a regular , however, its no where near as nice as it used to be before rick ...
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"Chicago Treasure"
lilianfels from old town - July 11, 2008
Rick Bayless deserves all the accolades he has received and more. Topolobampo/Frontera Grill are still as fresh and exciting as when they first ope...
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