Topolobampo

4.4

5003 Reviews

$50 and over

Mexican

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Romantic

Topolobampo, specializes in authentic regional cuisine served in an elegant, upscale setting. Sister restaurant, Frontera Grill serves authentic Mexican Food in a fun, casual & relaxed atmosphere. Topolobampo takes advance reservations for all parties. If you do not see what you are looking for, please call us for further information.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(312) 661-1434
Website
http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Rick Bayless
Private party facilities
The Library at Topolobampo is the perfect private dining experience. Guests are surrounded by Rick's private cookbook collection, while Topolo's chefs prepare an amazing meal in the open kitchen. Questions? Please call us!
Private party contact
Dana Armon: (312) 334-3662

Location
445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654
Area
River North (Chicago)
Cross Street
Illinois
Parking details
None
Public transit
Red Line - Grand Avenue
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Feature Fish Panucho, Escabeche
Today's feature fish, crispy black bean-filled tortilla, white wine escabeche (olive oil, caramelized onion, sweet spices, sherry vinegar), Nichols Farm vegetables, pickled red onion, quail egg
Carne Asada
Wood-grilled natural-raised flank steak, Oaxacan black mole, chepil tamal, tatume
Chilaquiles Yucatecos
Crispy tortillas, roasted tomato-habanero sauce, frizzled egg, avocado & frisee salad

Dessert Choices

Cajeta Brownie Sundae
Mexican vanilla-milk chocolate ice cream, Mexican chocolate brownies, cajeta, whipped cream, meringue
Sopa de Frutas
Melon-nopal sorbet, summer fruit (raspberries, melon, cucumber), herby lime "broth"

Appetizers To Share

Classic Frontera GuacamoleUS$9.75
Mashed Michoacan avocados, cilantro, lime, green chile, tomato. Just-made tortilla chips
Griddle-Baked QuesadillasUS$14.00
Fresh corn tortilla, homemade fresco queso, sweet plantain, chorizo, silky black beans, Veracruz salsa negra
Oysters
Shucked to order, chipotle salsa negra, tomatillo-habanero "minoneta" limes
- 6 ForUS$18.00
- 12 ForUS$36.00
Seafood PlatterUS$60.00
Dozen oysters, traditional accompaniments, classic ceviche, tropical tuna cocktail

Ceviche Trio

$24 | Full Portions of Any One Ceviche | $16

Classic Ceviche
Hawaiian albacore, lime tomato, olives, cilantro
Shrimp & Scallops Ceviche Verde
creamy herb-green ceviche of Florida pink shrimp and Baja Bay scallops
Bigeye Tuna Cocktail
tomatillo-avocado salsa, tropical fruit salsa

More Starters

Scallop-Shrimp AguachileUS$17.50
Sashimi-grade Hudson Canyon scallops, Florida pink shrimp, local melon pico de gallo, spicy-smoky aguachile broth (lime, orange, morita chile), marigold
Sopa AztecaUS$10.50
Dark broth (infused with pasilla chile), wood-grilled chicken, avocado, Meadow Valley Farm Jack cheese, crema, masa crisp
Classic SaladUS$10.50
Bayless greens, walnut oil, lime, toasted walnuts, chile threads
Rabbit, Mole Amarillo, Camote Tamal, Squash BlossomUS$13.00
Red chile rabbit barbacoa (with aromatic avocado leaves), Oaxacan yellow mole (guajillo and pulla chiles, roasted tomato, herby pityona), white sweet potato tamal, local squash blossoms
Roasted Eggplant, Heirloom Tomato, Local LeeksUS$11.00
Warm salad of roasted eggplant, Tocayo braised leeks, heirloom tomato, guajillo-arbol salsa (macadamia, peanut, roasted garlic), Bayless garden greens

Main Courses

Tinga TostadasUS$18.00
Grill-roasted Gunthorp chicken breast in tinga poblana (roasted tomatoes, smoky-spicy chipotle, caramelized onions), homemade fresh cheese crispy chorizo & crema, plus traditional fresh garnishes to build your own experience
Chilaquiles YucatecosUS$17.00
Crispy tortillas, roasted tomato-habanero sauce, frizzled egg, avocado & frisee salad
Wood-Grilled QuesadillasUS$18.00
Wheat-flour tortilla, salsas, Bayless Garden greens. Filling choices: huitlacoche, woodland mushrooms, corn, truffle oil, salsa negra; braised shortrib, spinach, charred tomato "salsa huevona"; smoked Gunthorp pork loin, homemade chorizo, crispy bacon bits, poblano chile, mashed pinto beans
Feature Fish Panucho, EscabecheUS$23.00
Today's Feature Fish, crispy black bean-filled tortilla, white wine escabeche (olive oil, caramelized onion, sweet spices, sherry vinegar), Nichols Farm vegetables, pickled red onion, quail egg
Shrimp, Corn Esquites, HuitlacocheUS$29.00
Grilled Gulf shrimp, roasted maitake mushroom, charred corn esquites, huitlacoche pudding, creamy corn broth (chile pequin, epazote, lobster stock), dry jack chicharron with black lime
Carne AsadaUS$29.50
Choose your preparation: wood-grilled Creekstone ribeye, spicy salsa huevona, sweet corn tamal with homemade crema & fresh cheese, grilled knob onions; wood-grilled Creekstone ribeye, Oaxacan black mole, chepil tamal, tatume

What 5,003 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
0.7Value

Noise • Moderate

5,003 Reviews

S
Sama
Chicago
6 reviews
1.0
6 reviews
Reviewed on 12 May 2019
1. Overall 1
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! Husband made reservations for 4 in March for two special birthdays, he made them directly on the restaurant's website. We arrived at our designated time and were told that we had no reservations! Then when we showed them our confirmation emails, the women at the front desk told us that "someone" had "moved" them to the following week at 8 pm. How stupid did they think we were? They told us they would not have a table until 8 pm (no surprise! matches their line about the "new time") and we refused to budge. So they brought us downstairs to their new space where they comped our appetizers and drinks, as they should, however, we did not order much considering we were waiting for what we thought would be great meals. The manager came down at 8 pm to take us to our table. The food on the tasting menus was good, however, the SERVICE LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED and the time between the very small portions was too long. In the two hours that we sat the server asked us ONCE if we wanted drinks. My husband brought a drink up from downstairs and the glass sat on the table for two hours. Why should we have to remind a server in a 5 star restaurant to remove a dirty glass? At the end, which was already after 10 pm, we complained to the manager and I can not believe how useless he was. All he said was "thanks for your comments." We spent over $500 (only had a margarita and a beer at dinner) and that's what we get? A worthless comment? The manager, knowing what happened to us, should have AT LEAST comped our two measly drinks. RICK BAYLESS SHOULD BE ASHAMED. Never again, save your money! For a 5 star restaurant the service and the way we were treated was totally unacceptable.
3 people found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 June 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was for a birthday dinner. What a great experience.
Is this helpful?
L
Ljack
VIP
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 12 June 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place never disappoints! Ever changing menu and oh so delicious!! Yummy!
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c
coleenh
VIP
New York City
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 17 May 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the tasting menu with wine pairing ... best Mexican meal I ever had - service was excellent! I love this place!!!
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a
alwaysgreatfood
Chicago
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on 5 May 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Two shockingly bad experiences. Dining had person with noted severe allergies being served the wrong (allergy prone) dish. Many mistakes in plating and plate delivery. Very bad wait for valet to take car— 10 mins waiting on street. Uneducated hostesses kept saying just to wait. I asked them to take my key and give it to valet whenever he finally came...they wouldn’t do that. Then I wrote long email to management about complaints. Got a call and was told hey we’re sorry and would send some coupons or gift cards or something. Never got them. They didn’t even care enough about us to follow through. Outrageous and sad.
2 people found this helpful
f
freckledm
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 22 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was, by far, the best meal I've had in a restaurant in my life. Bayless' knowledge of Mexican food is palpable and he respects the traditions where the flavors and dishes come from, while at the same time creating and innovating.
Is this helpful?
JH
JamesH
Chicago
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on 21 April 2018
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was our first time here and we were very excited to finally be trying this fantastic place. I will get the good out of the way first - service was outstanding. Our waiter Christian was very attentive and we never had to worry about anything. Second, the food was really good. You could taste the quality. Words can’t describe the depth of the mole sauce. Each course was unique and different. I know further research could have given me more info about the specifics, when I found out the only real options were pre-set multi-course options, I was not excited. I don’t mind that and will often pay the premium. What I was not expecting was the reality of the “tiny food” experience...example - 3 very small pieces of beef with the fantastic mole sauce as a course was just underwhelming. Each of the courses were of similar size. I honestly felt like going out to eat after we went out to dinner just to feel satisfied. And spending $340 to feel that way was disappointing. Although great food and service, just too expensive for what you get. Would rather go to Frontera, and save a couple hundred bucks.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 14 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
When you want to splurge in Chicago, this is the place to do it. The staff knows every detail of what they're serving. Every course was an incredible experience. Wine pairings are totally worth it. It's expensive, but you can see why when you indulge here.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best restaurant in Chicago!
Is this helpful?
P
Pete
Chicago
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on 8 April 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A dining “Event” not just a meal. Outstanding food, service, attention. A great special occasion restaurant.
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FAQs

Topolobampo is rated 4.4 stars by 5003 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

Cross Street
Illinois
Area
River North (Chicago)
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Public transit
Red Line - Grand Avenue
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Rick Bayless
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo/
Phone number
(312) 661-1434
Private party facilities
The Library at Topolobampo is the perfect private dining experience. Guests are surrounded by Rick's private cookbook collection, while Topolo's chefs prepare an amazing meal in the open kitchen. Questions? Please call us!
Private party contact
Dana Armon: (312) 334-3662

Topolobampo

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Topolo In 60

Starter Choices

Classic Salad

Sopa Azteca

Classic Ceviche

Main Choices

Feature Fish Panucho, Escabeche

Carne Asada

Chilaquiles Yucatecos

Dessert Choices

Cajeta Brownie Sundae

Sopa de Frutas

Appetizers To Share

Classic Frontera GuacamoleUS$9.75

Griddle-Baked QuesadillasUS$14.00

Oysters

Seafood PlatterUS$60.00

Ceviche Trio

Classic Ceviche

Shrimp & Scallops Ceviche Verde

Bigeye Tuna Cocktail

More Starters

Scallop-Shrimp AguachileUS$17.50

Sopa AztecaUS$10.50

Classic SaladUS$10.50

Rabbit, Mole Amarillo, Camote Tamal, Squash BlossomUS$13.00

Roasted Eggplant, Heirloom Tomato, Local LeeksUS$11.00

Main Courses

Tinga TostadasUS$18.00

Chilaquiles YucatecosUS$17.00

Wood-Grilled QuesadillasUS$18.00

Feature Fish Panucho, EscabecheUS$23.00

Shrimp, Corn Esquites, HuitlacocheUS$29.00

Carne AsadaUS$29.50

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Topolobampo restaurant rated?

Is Topolobampo currently accepting bookings?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information