Frontera Grill & Topolobampo
Frontera Grill – Topolobampo, Rick Bayless, River North, restaurant Chicago, top chicago restaurant in Best Chicago Restaurant, Mexican
Frontera Grill – Topolobampo 445 N. Clark 312.661.1434
LeftThis top Chicago restaurant attracts local and out of towner foodies
At about 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, foodies form a line in front of the Frontera Grill and Topolobampo for dinner. It’s not for an early bird special or a senior discount. Rather, it’s for the authentic Yucatán-influenced gastronomy of restaurateur, Chef Rick Bayless.
Despite the fact that both establishments serve similar cuisine, (high end Mexican fare) and were conceived by Mr. Bayless, one is more upscale than the other. Frontera Grill accommodates a slightly casual crowd; while, Topolobampo is more about pomp and circumstance.
Either here (Frontera Grill,) or there (Topolobampo), patience is a virtue. Given the “first come, first served” policy, and a 65-seat dining capacity, the wait is inevitable at Frontera. Patrons, hoping to dine at Topolabampo, should reserve a table several weeks in advance and expect a moderate lag in seating time.
All waiting aside, the rivaling siblings warrant a roster of salivary gland inducing options that change from month-to-month. Produce is cultivated organically by local agriculturists. Classic presentations include a spicy pasilla chile sauce. Oaxacan black mole, homemade corn tortillas. Most favored preparations include wood-roasted poblanos, duck, grass fed flank steak and a variety of fresh marisco (fish). The downside at this River North location is that the demand for these popular dishes tends to outweigh the supply. Despite the high standard of Mexican gastronomy, service is inequitable.
Cuisine: Mexican (Yucatán and Pueblan)
Delights: Lunch, Dinner
Ambiance: Vibrant, festive
Attire: Casual - Chic
Accessibility: Wheelchair and child conducive
Closest Intersections: Illinois & Clark Street
Alfresco: Yes
Dining wise: In 2001, Frontera Grill and Topolobampo were honored by the John Beard Foundation as finalists for the most “Outstanding Restaurant.” However, in 2007, Frontera Grill won the nomination for the most “Outstanding Restaurant” in America.
Average cost per/person: $30- 50
Parking: Valet, street, and lots
Recommendation: 4.0