Frontera Grill

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
+1 312-661-1434
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(3,298 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to Frontera Grill, a Mexican culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago at 445 N Clark St. Elevating traditional Mexican cuisine, this restaurant is spearheaded by the renowned chef Rick Bayless, whose dedication to authenticity shines through every dish.

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Step inside Frontera Grill, where the vibrant atmosphere buzzes with energy. The décor reflects a rich Mexican heritage, creating an inviting space perfect for a casual lunch or an intimate dinner. As you settle in, prepare your palate for a fiesta of flavors that promise to transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.

Among the must-try dishes is the Frontera's Famous Tortilla Soup, a delectable broth brimming with layers of complex flavors that is sure to leave you craving more. The Classic Frontera Ceviche bursts with fresh seafood and zesty hints of lime, while the Chips & Guacamole enhances the experience with its creamy, smooth texture. And if you’re in the mood for tacos, the Build Your Own Tacos Plate featuring Taco Arabes or Tacos Al Carbone Style allows you to customize your own feast right at the table for $31—a delightful experience for any taco enthusiast!

Desserts also take center stage here; indulge in Frontera's Chocolate Pecan Pie or the classic Flan, both guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth with their rich flavors and decadent textures. With prices reflecting the high-quality ingredients used, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised at the value.

Feedback from diners reflects Frontera's commitment to excellent service and quality. Richard Wieler notes, “You can't really go wrong with Rick Bayless's restaurants,” highlighting the terrific service and overall great atmosphere. Other patrons like Andrew Adamson and Adam Wilson rave about the vibrant and bold flavors that each plate offers, making it a perfect spot for any Mexican food lover.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through Chicago, Frontera Grill promises a delightful dining experience that entices your senses and keeps your taste buds dancing. Don't miss the chance to savor some of the best Mexican cuisine that Chicago has to offer!

For reservations or more information, you can reach Frontera Grill at +1 312-661-1434.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space
Valet parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

10:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

10:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

3298 Reviews
Richard Wieler

18 Nov 2025

You can't really go wrong with Rick Bayless's restaurants. Service and atmosphere are absolutely terrific. The food is very good. It's hard to complain against some of the super excellent hole-in-the-wall Mexican places I've been to, but this is the upscale version of that. Everything was very well prepared. The drinks were spectacular and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. Staff were very welcoming even though we got there at the end of a busy lunch rush.

hawksoccer33

23 Oct 2025

Fantastic mexican food, fantastic service and a really nice mexican-inspired atmosphere. The servers are very good and attentive. The food was fresh, hot and authentic. Mildly expensive but absolutely worth it! I highly recommend.

Andrew Adamson

15 Oct 2025

I visited Frontera Grill in Chicago and was impressed by the vibrant flavors—from smoky moles to fresh handmade tortillas each bite felt authentic and bold. The guacamole, tacos, and enchiladas were delicious and well-seasoned, though I thought one of the meat dishes felt a bit heavy and rich for my taste. The space was casual and bright with a cheerful energy, perfect for a relaxing meal, but it did feel a tad crowded during peak hours. Overall, it was a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.

Adam Wilson

06 Sep 2025

I hadn't been here in many years, since we lived in Chicago, but I was excited to return and was very happy that it is still excellent. I had the wonderful enchiladas with mole sauce. Our tabled shared the ceviche and plantains plus some mezcal margaritas. The atmosphere is very busy and a bit loud but there is an upscale and intimate feeling. Can't wait to go again.

Steven Sparks

30 Jul 2025

Haven't been here in years (I'm no longer in Chicago) and still never disappointed. Cochinita Pibil & Milpa Alta (braised pork shank) are amazing as are the Oysters with Chipotle & Tomatillo Habañero sauces. But, and why is this always the case with chefs and their soups, the Tortilla Soup is mind blowing. You know how you always narrow it down to 2-3 dishes before deciding? Good luck with that. Skip the table, sit at the bar and have the Tropical Highball---everyone back there knows their stuff and are great to talk to. (And I'm sure it's the same in the dining room) There's a 200 Mezcal speakeasy we didn't get to. Next time, soon.

Beth Wallace

28 Jul 2025

Fabulous, of course! I almost didn't write a review because this is such a well known restaurant but it deserves all of the accolades. One issue we had was with parking (we have a truck with kayaks on top); however, the valet had a spot for us right in front of the restaurant on the street - lucky! Now for the food - my husband had the Enchiladas Mole; the chicken was so tender and the mole perfect. I had the Pollo en Manchamanteles - it was spectacular. I had waited a long time to come here and will definitely be back!

Sophie

25 Jul 2025

WOW! Flavor explosion. We tried three dishes and every bite was a dream. I wouldn’t miss go back in a heartbeat. The vegetable dishes were so hearty and flavorful. We also tried a chicken dish and chicken was cooked perfectly.

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