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Frontera Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Frontera Grill
8.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Since the late 1980s, Frontera Grill has been Chicago’s benchmark for regionally inspired Mexican cooking, mixing seasonal ceviches, moles, and wood-grilled meats in a bustling room. It’s the move when you want serious flavor and agave cocktails without full tasting-menu formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada, Ceviche Trio, Queso Fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Long-running flagship for seasonal, regional Mexican with serious agave cocktails.
Who should go: Groups wanting iconic Mexican with strong margaritas and moles.
When to visit: Early prime-time dinners to enjoy energy without long waits.
What to order: Carne Asada, Ceviche Trio, Queso Fundido with warm tortillas.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar for quicker cocktails and a livelier, less formal feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. Valet is sometimes offered during peak dinner service, but availability can vary by night.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but peak dinner hours can feel loud.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, aside from occasional convention weeks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-focused plates and seasonal specials are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — staff is accustomed to accommodating gluten-free requests; many dishes are naturally corn-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for a fun, high-energy first date if you’re looking for conversation paired with big flavors and cocktails, though it’s not a quiet or intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar and limited walk-in tables are held for same-day guests, but waits can be long on weekends, so arriving early or joining the list right at opening helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening and at lunch; service is accommodating, though late prime-time hours feel more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Classic Chicago Mexican dining with deep flavors, polished service, and a lively room that works especially well for groups and out-of-town visitors.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, cutting-edge tasting menus, or late-night dining — consider finer-dining alternatives or smaller, chef-driven spots instead.
Frontera Grill
8.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since 1987, Rick Bayless’s flagship has treated River North to regionally focused Mexican plates, with tacos, moles, and carne asada sharing space with one of the city’s best agave programs. Michelin Bib Gourmand status and decades of press make it a go-to when you want tacos in a full-service setting with serious cooking behind them.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oaxacan carne asada tacos, Carnitas tacos, Mole negro enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Long-running Bayless flagship pairing regionally focused Mexican cooking with tacos and moles in a lively dining room.
Who should go: Diners wanting destination-level Mexican with tacos and mezcal.
When to visit: Prime dinner slots or weekend brunch for full buzz.
What to order: Oaxacan carne asada, carnitas tacos, one mole-driven entree.
Insider tip: Book earlier in the evening and use the bar for walk-in wiggle room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect paid garages within a 1–3 block walk and occasional valet service at nearby hotels and restaurants.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Moderate-to-busy — conversation is doable at most tables, but peak dinner hours can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seats sometimes open faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to short wait, though prime tourism weeks can be busier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several taco fillings, starters, and seasonal vegetable plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a small number of dishes can be made vegan; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items are naturally corn-based; staff can flag safe options and substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s lively and iconic without feeling formal, best for dates who appreciate food-focused dining over hushed conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are possible if you’re flexible with bar or early seating, but weekends and prime times strongly favor reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common during earlier seatings; adventurous eaters and older kids tend to enjoy it most, with high chairs available on request.
Best For
Better for: Destination Mexican dining with serious cooking, agave-focused drinks, and tacos that feel restaurant-level rather than casual street-food style.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fast-casual tacos, or last-minute seating during peak weekend hours.