Topolobampo

Topolobampo is chef Rick Bayless's fine-dining Mexican restaurant at 445 N Clark St in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, next door to his casual Frontera Grill. Bayless is among the best-known American chefs associated with regional Mexican cuisine, and Topolobampo is the more formal expression of that work, holding a Michelin star. The cuisine is contemporary Mexican, built on regional traditions and local Midwestern ingredients rather than the familiar combination plates of standard Mexican restaurants. The restaurant is best known for its regional Mexican tasting menus, which change with the season and move through moles, seafood, and carefully constructed meat and vegetable courses. The dining room is elegant but warm, with a quieter and more polished atmosphere than the lively Frontera Grill beside it; the noise level suits conversation and attire is smart casual to dressy. The beverage programme is a major draw, with an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, margaritas and Mexican and international wines, and pairings are available with the tasting menus. The price tier is the top bracket, with tasting menus a substantial commitment. Reservations are recommended and are booked via OpenTable, and weekends and holidays fill up well in advance, so visitors typically book one to several weeks ahead. The phone number is 312-661-1434 for questions about menu formats and dietary requirements. Choosing between the tasting menu and the a la carte option, where offered, is the main decision for first-time guests. The restaurant is within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile and River North hotels, and combines naturally with a visit to Xoco, the Bayless counter cafe a few doors along on Clark Street, for a more casual taste of the same kitchen.