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Frontera Grill

Mexican Restaurant$$$$

River North, Chicago

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Frontera Grill

8.4^/10

725

ratings

Ranked #2 for ceviche in Chicago
The folks at Bon Appetit Magazine and Eater like this place. Would you agree?
"Ceviche trio was amazing, and the margs are awesome."(8 Tips)
"great tasting Mexican cuisine from famed Chef Rick Bayless."(6 Tips)
"Top Chef Master Rick Bayless wowed the judges with his mole."(23 Tips)
"Best margarita and best guacamole I have ever had in my entire life!"(46 Tips)

255 Tips and reviews

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Mexican food
margaritas
mezcal
trendy
good for dates
healthy food
tequila
tortilla soup
tamales
casual
tasting menu
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micheladas
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cake
bar
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watercress salad
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ChristinaDecember 19, 2012
Never been disappointed by the food or drinks. Top notch ceviche, guac and variety of moles. BEST bartenders who know a lot about tequila & shake a damn good 'rita (shout out to Jonathan).
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
Cameron WAugust 31, 2017
Awesome! Hands down the best margarita I have ever had. The house made tortillas are exceptional. Everything we ordered was terrific. If you are in the mood for Mexican this place is can't miss.
Upvoted Mar 21
Julie ChauAugust 5, 2016
The taco trio is sooooo good and the portion is ginormous. I expected three tacos, but it probably could've made 6-9 tacos! So flavorful, and the meats were so well cooked. My favorite was the duck
ISC ChicagoNovember 8, 2020
SHRIMP, RED CHILE-PEAR SAUCE (Wood-grilled Sinaloa blue shrimp, sauce of red guajillo chiles, local pears and roasted tomatoes, Gulf-style white rice, tangy pear sauce)
Upvoted Mar 21
TripExpertMay 15, 2015
"For two decades, this has been the spot for a vibrant slice of Mexico City, a place to chow down on ceviches, earthy mole, wood-grilled steak tucked into housemade tortillas." Time Out on TripExpert Read more
Upvoted Mar 21
Jorge UrrutiaMarch 4, 2016
The ceviches are really good, and so is the quest fundido. Try the margaritas and the mezcal cocktails. Cochinita pibil is very tender and flavorful. And don't forget the desserts!
EaterAugust 18, 2016
Ballers know the Splurge Margarita is the way to go with cognac barrel-aged tequila, Grand Marnier, cognac-infused Pineau des Charantes, fresh lime, and gold leaf. Read more
ISC ChicagoNovember 8, 2020
CLASSIC FLAN (Classic Mexican caramel custard with pecan polvorones), finished with coffee and a shot of coffee liqueur
Upvoted Mar 21
EaterMay 6, 2016
Rick Bayless' Mexican haven, including Xoco on the corner, is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end. Read more
Chefs FeedOctober 2, 2015
"It’s so cheesy and slightly spicy. Jalapeños, onion, shrimp, cheese, and hot tortillas? Can't go wrong there. Add a margarita and you’re set." Chef Ryan McCaskey Read more
Jacqueline LombardiJune 29, 2016
If you're not sure what to order, go with small plates. Two people can share 4 small plates and leave satisfied. Try the Mezcal Paloma, Yum!
Stephanie MAugust 3, 2013
Tom, our server, was awesome. He was so knowledgable and patient. We had a wonder lunch! Don't miss out on the Champagne Margarita! And, a Rick Bayless sighting.
EaterAugust 30, 2016
The brunch menu features huevos rancheros, chilaquiles and hot cakes so you can start the day off with a hearty, satisfying meal. Read more
Gregory WangSeptember 4, 2014
Frontera Grill is the place to go for high quality Mexican food and drink in a casual setting. There is so much to try that I have to return repeatedly to sample more of the menu.
Mody SuarezJuly 8, 2012
3-4 hour wait but worth the wait. Food is exceptional ceviche trio is on point with flavor, tortilla soup is very good, chips an salsa not bad at all, chicken tacos al carbon were very tasty. 2 be con
Scott KleinbergMarch 22, 2014
Been here 25+ times
It's impossible to order a bad thing here. To maximize your choices, try 2 things from the street menu and an appetizer. If you do, you can probably share a dessert.
Chicago TribuneAugust 1, 2014
The oysters here are absolutely pristine, and the sauces — a "minoneta" of tomatillo and habanero, and chipotle-garlic salsa — are wonderful. Read more
Chicago TribuneJanuary 6, 2017
Rick Bayless took Chicago’s enchiladas-and-tacos Mexican dining scene and showed us a better way, one that celebrated regional authenticity and sustainably and ethically raised ingredients. Read more
Lee HoffmanAugust 10, 2017
The taquitos may be the best Mexican thing I've ever eaten in my life. The chips are amongst the best too.
Michael HFebruary 1, 2013
Awesome awesome awesome. Mini pork tortas were best thing I ever had. Maybe it was because I was hammered off of margaritas. Regardless this place is some of the best Mexican I've had ever!
ISC ChicagoNovember 8, 2020
FRONTERA CEVICHE (Hawaiian albacore, lime, green chile, tomato, olives & cilantro)
Upvoted Mar 21
Scott KleinbergApril 7, 2013
Been here 25+ times
My favorite restaurants in Chicago, and that's saying a lot because I have many. Everything tastes amazing and the service is top notch.
Time Out ChicagoFebruary 28, 2012
The lunch menu ($22) including mushroom empanadas with watercress salad, chicken or pork loin mole and a coconut tres leches cake with pineapple, all concocted with Rick Bayless' signature flair. Read more
Karen L.July 15, 2012
Everything is Yummy! High quality food. Reservations needed. Less crowded for dinner is the bar. If you like speciality drinks, I think this is the place. Everyone raved about the margaritas
Julie KubschFebruary 16, 2013
Meyer lemon, prickly pear sorbet, blood orange, marshmallow fluff(but not from a jar). Oh my!! Sit at 5 top overlooking kitchen-got right in!
Chicago TribuneAugust 1, 2014
Chef de cuisine Andres Padilla routinely turns out one memorable plate after another, triumphs of technique and scholarship that stimulate the mind as much as they do the palate Read more
Obadiah PoundageJune 13, 2012
Hit Frontera for lunch to optimize cost savings - it's still the same amazing Mexican food. Enjoy it knowing the tomatoes and chiles you're eating were grown on the roof of the building you're in.
Time Out ChicagoJanuary 24, 2012
Putting the Bayless empire against taquerias is a David and Goliath move, but you’ll side with the big guy once you taste the soft housemade tortillas, farm eggs and beautiful blistered tomato sauce. Read more
AP OrlebekeDecember 29, 2012
Not the best flan I've ever had, but you get two - one traditional and one chocolate. The chocolate one is delicious with bacon infused brittle. Definitely a great postre
ChelseaJuly 8, 2013
Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time to avoid waiting in the long line! Tropical tuna ceviche is awesome and the summer margarita is AMAZING!
Lena JanimovaAugust 28, 2014
Great place! Try ceviche trio for triple experience. And gin and tonic is to die for - absolutely divine!!!
Michael SheehanAugust 29, 2013
If you have a big group the Morales room is the way to go. Set menu, 5 courses, wine pairings, good times. Randall was our server and he rocked.
Time Out ChicagoMarch 28, 2012
Frontera offers a vibrant slice of Mexico City, a place to chow down on ceviches, earthy mole, wood-grilled steak tucked into housemade tortillas and, of course, insanely good margaritas. Read more
Bitches Who BrunchApril 19, 2016
In the heart of River North lies Frontera Grill, a Rick Bayless gem that boasts an incredible menu and even better patio. Read more
EpicuriousAugust 24, 2010
The Grill maintains a purist's approach to Mexican cuisine, much like its sister restaurant Topolobampo, but in a more casual setting. Try the grilled duck breast in a chile-corn-mushroom sauce.
Upvoted Mar 21
Ken SJuly 22, 2015
By all means order the Ceviche. If you are adventurous get the Ceviche trio. It's all that!!
Zach AaronsMay 9, 2012
Rick Bayless is a mole master. Perhaps the best high end Mexican restaurant in the country (4 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
Upvoted Mar 21
SEGAJanuary 5, 2012
Authentic, inspired, delicious Mexican food. You won't find a typical cheese-slathered enchilada here, but you also can't go wrong with whatever you choose. - Kellie, Community Manager
Yuliya GrushikNovember 11, 2019
Great ceviche: the way it looks and tastes! And always very pleasant service. One of my favorite places in Chicago!
Polina WeitzJanuary 29, 2022
Amazing food, delicious table-side margaritas and great service. Highly recommend this place for a higher-end Mexican food.
Eric DJuly 2, 2013
make sure you get there early- they don't take reservations. otherwise, plan on hanging out and having a couple margaritas while you wait for the second round of seating
Serious EatsMay 21, 2013
As far as a way to beat the crowds, there isn't one. Arrive early or go late. Otherwise, bring a book and wait in line with the rest of us.
Jacqueline LombardiJuly 5, 2016
If it's your first time here, try ordering a bunch of the small plates to share and go for the Mezcal Paloma... Delicious!
Time Out ChicagoMarch 2, 2012
Expect stellar versions of Mexican classics like enchiladas, mole and flautas; spot-on ceviches; and, for Saturday brunch, white-corn pancakes with whipped goat cheese. Read more
Lance OrchidAugust 10, 2011
Try the queso fundido classico and mexcal margarita; both are A+. The blue agave margarita A-. The mole poblano a solid B; not exceptional but good. Try Guelaguetza in LA for amazing mole.
Mody SuarezJuly 8, 2012
Oaxacan style carne asada was seasoned/cooked to perfection. Definately a must I your in Chicago. Do not pass up.
Katie CarstensMay 21, 2016
The tortilla soup is delicious, the atmosphere.decor is great, and the service is always friendly. Well worth a visit!
Michelin Travel & LifestyleNovember 25, 2013
Margaritas are shaken tableside. Guacamole is classic. Try Landero mole or the corn and posole salad. – Green Guide Editor
Time Out ChicagoNovember 2, 2011
This brunch from celeb chef Rick Bayless is not to be missed—too bad it’s served only on Saturdays. Be sure to check out the huevos “Fronterizos” with sausage and biscuits. Read more
Bill QOctober 3, 2011
Try the Queretaro-style green mole (sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, poblano, plantain, sweet spices) that comes w/Pollo en Mole Verde Queretano. It's incredible!

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