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Frontera Grill & Topolobampo


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
4.0 of 5 stars 334 ratings
334 ratings
5.0 of 5 stars
138
4.0 of 5 stars
104
3.0 of 5 stars
53
2.0 of 5 stars
26
1.0 of 5 stars
13
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveler satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#34 of 4,512 restaurants in Chicago
  • Cuisines: Mexican
  • Average price*: $ 40
  • Neighborhood: The Loop

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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3 of 5 stars
QQ2008   13 contributions
New England, USA
Oct 27, 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
Johnmaui   13 contributions
Redondo Beach
Oct 26, 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
BechamelDC   5 contributions
Rockville, Maryland
Oct 25, 2009

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
ABKBPeoria_AZ   20 contributions
Peoria, AZ
Oct 21, 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
Neetz13   3 contributions
Michigan
Oct 20, 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
pennycrc   5 contributions
Orange County, CA
Oct 20, 2009
4/4 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
LindySez   28 contributions
Santa Rosa, California
Oct 15, 2009
2/2 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
soberesident   19 contributions
Miami Beach
Oct 13, 2009
2/2 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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4 of 5 stars
NicciR   5 contributions
Atlanta
Oct 8, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

I called on a Friday night for the following Tuesday lunch reservation at Frontera. They gave us an option of 11:30a or 1pm. When we arrived, there was not a wait and plenty of open tables. We started with Guacamole which came with two salsas and was good. We ordered Enchiladas de Mole Poblano, Enchiladas de Chivo and the Tuesday... more

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3 of 5 stars
Jackcatscal   43 contributions
San Diego, California
Sep 29, 2009
1/5 found this review helpful

My wife and I stopped by at about 6 PM one night. The place was like Grand Central Station in a phonebooth. When we got to the front of the line, the maître d' said the wait for two would be about three hours. Yikes! We were outa there. By the way, TripAdvisor lists this place as located in the... 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.