Tortas Frontera
O'hare International Airport,10000 W O'hare, Terminal 3, Gate K4, Chicago, IL, 60666
Tortas Frontera Menu
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Address :
O'hare International Airport,10000 W O'hare, Terminal 3, Gate K4
Chicago, IL, 60666 - Phone
- Website https://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/tortas.html
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Garage
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Scott L.
Disappointing on a few levels. I got to the airport well before my flight, so I decided to grab some breakfast. I saw Frontera and thought that a breakfast torta would be good. When I placed my order, the place was nearly deserted, yet the cashier told me my order would take 10 minutes. It's a good thing I wasn't rushing to catch a flight because it took every bit of 10 minutes, perhaps longer. Second issue was that I ordered a coffee. I was charged $2.60 for a weak, bland cup of coffee that was only filled about 2/3rds the way. I thought perhaps they gave refills so I didn't complain. That is until I went to get a refill and was told that they don't. I complained that the was only filled slightly more than half and that for two and a half bucks, I expect more than that. Fortunately the girl behind the counter went and filled my cup halfway. On to the food. I had the bacon and egg torta. There were hardly and eggs (small scrambled lumps), but it is unlikely that I would have tasted them anyway, as the chipotle sauce overpowered the taste of everything else. It just didn't taste good, and that was all you could taste. Nothing horrible here, just all around mediocre, but at a premium price. I would have been much more satisfied eating a McDonalds breakfast burrito across the hall. McDonalds coffee is better too.
(3)Haywood J.
If you have a layover at O'Hare, this place shouldn't be missed. I usually get the Cubana - a delicious Mexican sandwich. Rick Bayless knows how to make some great food with terrific blending of flavors.
(5)John I.
Great food in Terminal 3 at O'hare? You've got to be kidding me! No, it's true. My tortilla soup, Torta Cubana and whatever special brew Goose Island makes for him has made Rick Bayless my hero again. In fact, I ate there yesterday after I returned from a trip, before hopping in a cab before going home! Minus one star because it takes 10 minutes to get a sandwich, even for takeaway. It takes a few minutes in the sandwich press, but really?
(4)Kerry S.
Smoked pork mollete (cross between pizza and open faced sandwich) was amazing! The tortilla soup was awful and greasy -- I couldn't even choke it down and had to throw it away. I was really eager to try this place bc I watch the chef's TV show. Would come back and try the corn chowder next time, and everything else but the tortilla soup.
(4)Vanessa G.
Pretty superb food here considering you're in an airport. Only downside is that's it's expensive!
(4)Christina M.
Who ever thought you could get some of the best chips and guacamole in Chicago at the O'Hare Airport? I didn't! But it's true, they're the best. Oh, and don't forget the phenomenal margaritas!
(4)Jake S.
I'd be happy with this food outside of an airport, but it's airport location earns it five stars. Friendly staff, great food, awesome 'ritas.
(5)John S.
I'm torn whether I should be magnanimous towards Tortas Frontera... after all, I live in LA - arguably the hub of all great Messican food in the US - and this is airport food. Still, I can't help but think that this place is not nearly as great as so many people have said. Granted, some of the tortas like the Milanesa and the Cochinita Pibil are pretty tasty... but they're also expensive and fairly small. I'm also amazed at the heat level of the habanero salsa that comes with the Cochinita Pibil sandwich. As litigious as Americans are, I'm surprised that those who've experienced heart palpitations at the Scoville units of the sauce have not sued Rick Bayless yet. That last sentence's grammatical structure was just... terrible...
(3)Jon P.
I've had several of the tortas including a breakfast torta and so far they have all been great. . I try to stop by Tortas Frontera whenever I am at O'hare
(5)katie j.
I spent a ridiculous amount of time at O'Hare recently and ate at Tortas Frontera three times in the span of six days (no joke). Tortas Frontera offers some pretty solid food considering it's in an airport. Their food is fresh, their decor a welcome escape from the typical, depressing airport food courts. [FYI - A torta is a Mexican sandwich made on a grill, in case you're wondering.] The Foodnalysis: - Cubana Torta - Smoked pork loin, bacon, beans, chihuahua cheese (soft cow's milk), avocado. A nice version of a classic cuban sandwich. - Smoky Garlic Shrimp Torta - I liked this more than the Cubana. It had some spice to it (likely the poblano rajas) and the seared shrimp were hearty in flavor. - Taqueria Salad - Romaine and arugula based salad, also spicy! Don't order if you can't handle spicy food. I added smoked pork which made this salad even better. - Naked Guacamole - Freshly made chunky guacamole served with a side of chips. You can also order the guac "fully dressed" with all toppings including bacon, pepitas, sun-dried tomatoes, spicy roasted peppers and a queso cotija-fresco mix. - Aguas Frescas - These drinks were the highlight of my Tortas Frontera experience. I could probably down a gallon of each. I tried all three (classic lime, mango lime and raspberry prickly pear). If you like mango, I highly recommend the mango lime drink which is also their most popular. It's incredibly refreshing. The Bottom Line: Probably the best food O'Hare has to offer. Definitely try an Agua Fresca (I recommend the mango lime) and order a torta if you're hungry.
(4)Francis D.
Some people are complaining about price, but this is a Rick Bayless restaurant, and honestly, the prices here are very comparable to his XOCO location, which is in downtown Chicago. This is hands down my favorite thing in the airport. The tortas are SO good. I honestly walked over from a different terminal to grab one :) I personally like the Milanesa torta, but my friend swears by the Cubana.
(5)Velina L.
Yay for yummy airport food! It takes 10-15 minutes to make the tortas which I'm fine with because I know it wasn't pre-made and sitting under a heat lamp. Sandwich flavors were bold and balanced, and the guacamole was fresh and tasty. Looking forward to my next trip to Chicago!
(4)Sarah B.
As good as it gets for airport food and the only thing that makes travelling through ORD bearable! Fresh, flavorful, fast!
(5)Emily C.
Omg there's actually a good option for food at the airport!! Yes, prices are high, but they are everywhere. The Cubano (ham, bacon, bread, yum) is my go to. Note that this takes longer than most other options so don't go if you are in a rush. They give you a buzzer that goes off when your food is ready. Definitely try it! 200/365
(5)Dan J.
Five stars for best in class - best airport food I've had that I can recall at a very reasonable price. A must-visit if you are spending time within the terminal in Chicago. Stopped by on my way in through O'Hare and had a lunchtime chicken chipotle torta. At first had buyers regret after I ordered quickly that maybe I should have sprung for one of the other offerings including conchinita pibil or pepito, but turned out to be a delicious, warm, flavorful torta with nice peppers and included sauce. Had a refreshing mango lime aqua fresca as well. Be sure to know that it takes about 10 mins for the torta so only good if you're not in a rush. On the way out of Chicago wasn't too hungry so opted for an order of guacamole with bacon topping and the raspberry prickly pear aqua fresca - guac was a nice snack, bacon was a good choice, though they also have an option with three toppings.
(5)OMARA G.
I ALMOST MISSED MY FLIGHT!! this is why I gave this place only 3 stars(frantic kitchen staff)...the food was worth 4 after waiting forever and having to RUN like Forrest to get to my gate, I tore open my box and savored a most delicious sandwich! ****TIP****This place gets MUCHO people flocking to grab a bite. Make sure you have MORE than 30mins to wait for food because if you don't? you'll have to settle for the Micky-D's that will get you something hot and ready in 5mins flat!
(3)Max L.
I was very excited to come upon this place one Monday morning in the American Airlines terminal. I can only speak to their breakfast options though... By far some of the best food you will ever find in an airport, the ingredients are delicious and sandwiches are fantastic! With the sources of most of their ingredients listed, it's tough to go wrong with fluffy eggs, thick crispy bacon, fresh avocado and sharp cheese. There are some things to note; 1. It takes about 10 minutes to make a sandwich. If you're in a rush, grab a molette, they are open faced (almost pizza-like) and much quicker. 2. If you do get a sandwich and put the sauce that comes with it, get EXTRA napkins! It is certainly delicious and gives your breakfast that extra oomph, but it's messy! 3. The sandwiches are BIG, you may want to split it (unless you have a large appetite like myself). The food is great and always worth the wait!
(5)Elizabeth M.
All it took was one bite to realize this is the best food in ORD. wow. Inexpensive and tasty. Wish I had discovered them years ago.
(5)T T.
This meal was sadly a disappointment. The chipotle chicken tortas was fine but not particularly special; the cochinita pibil had a very upfront flavor without much depth; the corn and poblano chowder was a bit on the salty side and tasted okay (but I've had many chowders that taste like it); and the mango lime drink was unbalanced (with too much lime flavor). The roasted habanero salsa that came with the cochinita pibil should come with a warning sign; it's very, very hot, and my mouth was burning for 20 minutes after sampling just a small amount!
(2)Jonathan E.
Chicago is the home of Rick Bayless's Frontera empire, so it makes sense that they have one of his restaurants at O'Hare. It makes for a unique dining option for people who are sick of airport fast food or mediocre food at an ultra-high price point. Ive always been a huge fan of Rick Bayless. Anyone who knows his background knows the man is a genius--his PhD backs that up. What he does with food is a representation of this. You get quality food at several price points across his various Frontera restaurants. It was quite exciting to see his sandwich shop at O'Hare especially since Im there so often as a United flyer. The ingredients are definitely high quality considering you are at the airport, but you also are paying a decent amount too. A sandwich and drink ran me around $11. The menu is fairly small, and keep in mind that it is essentially a sandwich shop. You arent going to get an enchilada platter or something of that nature here. I cant remember what it was called but I had a very Cuban tasting sandwich with pork. The flavors were awesome as was the bread. But for the person who avoids spicy food--youll want to avoid this option. Overall, good flavors and quality ingredients. The price, long lines, and limited menu are somewhat of a drawback, but hard to argue with anything that has the Frontera name on it. Pros: Unique and high level quality for airport food, Frontera is never a bad idea, interesting beverage choices Cons: Somewhat high priced for sandwiches, limited menu, lines can get long as it takes awhile to prepare the tortas
(3)Albert W.
Usually you get really crappy food in an airport. I can only think of 2 places I'd eat..... all of Austin's airport and this place in O'Hare. The food is good. The food is good enough that I'd eat it if it wasn't even at the airport. That is saying a lot.
(4)Brent S.
I sat at the bar and had a Cubana and a Negra Modelo. Very disappointed in the sandwich. It was mostly bread with a slice of ham and it was haphazardly thrown together. The red salsa was very tasty.
(2)Liz K.
Holy wow. No more avoiding meals at the airport for me. I, for one, cannot stand filling my belly with traditional greasy or overly-fried food before I fly. Thank goodness for Tortas Frontera! There was a little bit of sticker shock when I realized that a sandwich and a margarita would run me ~$22, so I stuck with just the sandwich. It was the Milanesa, it was spicy, and it was easily one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. I would strongly suggest actually walking over to terminal 3 if you have a layover. Definitely worth it.
(4)Sarah S.
Every time I come to Chicago I make an attempt to go to a Rick Bayless restaurant. Always unsuccessful. So when I got the text that my friends' flight got delayed, giving me an hour to kill after I arrived, I decided to grab dinner at O'hare while I wait. I was so thrilled to see this place as an option. I got the "fully dressed" guacamole, including bacon, pepitas, sun-dried tomatoes, queso, and peppers. It was good. Probably not the best I've had but I did like the addition of the sun-dried tomatoes. The chips were nice and thick and crunchy. I also ordered the roasted garlic mushroom torta. This was soooo good. My only regret is that I was too full to eat the whole sandwich. It was probably overpriced but still well worth it IMO.
(4)Emann B.
The only upside to a five hour delay was enjoying a tasty taqueria salad at Tortas Frontera. Generously portioned, lots of chicken, and perfectly seasoned sweet and tart dressing. This is airport food??? Thanks Rick!
(4)Corey S.
This place is f*****g ridiculous. Offensive, really. I had the chipotle chicken torta. I almost changed to a later flight just so I could have another meal here. If airport food can me made this delicious - perfect really - and at totally acceptable prices, why isn't anyone else doing it? The bartender told me that Chef Bayless regularly drops in and tastes everything. You can taste the quality in every morsel of bread, every piece of meat, and every dollop of sauce. Worth switching terminals for. Bloody insane. 5* for an airport fast food joint. Just go.
(5)Mitchell I.
When I fly back to LA from Chicago, this is my go to lunch place. I only get one sandwich/torta there every time. The Pepito is a short rib sandwich with pickled jalapenos. Outstanding. This place is a food island at O'Hare Airport.
(4)C Tadao T.
If I am flying in or out of ORD i am checking which gate to pick up something to eat. If I have time sitting at the bar is a plus
(5)Jason M.
Surprisingly good sandwiches, reasonable prices in O'Hare (I ate at the one in the K section). The soup was also delightful. Power strips at the dining counter! Nothing like stuffing your face while getting your phone charged during a layover. Recommended.
(5)Sean C.
Great Pepito Torta and Chips & Guac. Best airport food I've had. Line is long, wait for food is long, and prices are expensive. However it is situated in one of the busiest airports in the world so I understand. Feel your stress melt away as you take your first bite into a torta.
(4)Abbey V.
Mr: Ok i know this is in the airport however its actually pretty good for fast food airport food. The chips are part great part stale so dont throw it out until you get the non stale chips. Also their guacomole is pretty good but i didnt like the salsa. There sandwiches take a while to make so unless you have 15 minutes to wait then i suggest going with their half sandwich melts...they are really good! all in all this is my favorite fast food airport place to eat.
(3)Sarita S.
The Milanesa was great. Spicy, flavorful and - something you rarely see at airport restaurants - served in minimal, 100% recyclable packaging (no plastic). Nice work, Rick Bayless.
(5)Jerry T.
Probably the best sandwich (torta) I've had while in an airport. This place is a must if you enjoy bold Mexican flavors. I always look forward to going through O'hare because of this place. One time I bought two sandwiches, one for a friend, and ate them both with no regret whatsoever
(5)Todd L.
For airport food.....damn good! Highly recommend for traveling VIA ORD. Rick Bayless local which is fantastic. Stop on by I say if you are in the neighborhood.
(4)Ken A.
It gets big reviews here, so I had to try it, might as well since I'm stuck in the airport! The Cubana sandwich is tasty, although the quality of the cheese wasn't that great so it was kinda overpowering the meal. If this place were in Dallas, it'd be just a run of the mill Mexican torta place... and it would get 3 stars. Still in all, hands down the best place to eat at this airport when you are flying American Airlines.
(3)Morgan L.
WOW. This place is a glimmer of hope in a wasteland of cruddy food options at O'Hare. SO damn good. We split a couple of tortas and it was difficult to figure out which was better... they were both unreal! Fantastically strong margaritas too. I'm in love. Come to Vermont, PLEASE!
(5)Ed G.
Hands down the best airport food I've ever had. I thoroughly enjoyed the Cubana sandwich. Very fresh and very tasty. Would love to see this restaurant up in Boston..
(5)Dave C.
Rick Bayless saved airport food. it's worth the wait - bring it on the plane with you and drive everyone else crazy.....lol
(4)Dave A.
The only airport restaurant worth even writing a Yelp review for. As the name applies, they make tortas (delicious, pressed sandwiches filled with Rick Bayless' magical Mexican magic), but the salads and guac are also pretty good! Honestly, all the tortas are good, just remember they take 10 minutes to make. If I'm short on time, I opt for a salad. If you're at O'Hare, stop by, Frontera Tortas is well worth the wait!
(5)Elise K.
I've been to the Tortas Frontera in Terminal 1 (United) at ORD, but I understand there are two at the airport now. By the insisting and teasing of my boyfriend (he thought I would go to McDonalds), I decided to give TF a whirl. I ordered a breakfast torta with egg, cheese, bacon and spicy salsa. They warn you up front that they take 10 minutes and give you a buzzer. It does take, at least, 10 minutes. This particular January, Monday morning TF had no coffee (a sin on humanity and loss of the 5th star). I had to wait in line at McDonalds to get coffee the shuffle back to TF to wait longer for my food. The torta was well prepared and juicy. The bacon was succulent. I enjoyed it and even shared the heaping portion with my boyfriend. My other complaint is the large amount of packaging. Yes, the box looks nice, but it creates so much more trash in the world! Overall, two thumbs up!
(4)Tam L.
I'd been looking forward to my flight home from Chicago O'Hare just because of this restaurant. Since landing, everyone living in Chicago and their mothers have been talking up this place and any other Rick Bayless restaurant as if he's the only chef in the city. Normally I try to stray on the vegetarian side of things but I broke it for the Pepito- the beer-braised beef short ribs torta. So good! Can't wait for my next visit to Chicago ;)
(5)Agustin K.
This is the one place I look forward to when flying through ORD. Order a sandwich and bring that to the plane. All your neighbors will look at you with envy while they are eating their cold and sad sandwich.
(4)Elli V.
Wonderful food! Had the smoky garlic shrimp sandwich was delicious! The sandwich portions are not very big, but the taste is fantastic!
(5)Elizabeth L.
Mouthwatering - pricey but worth it. Had the mushroom torta, which was incredibly savory, well-constructed and more than a meal in itself. Highly recommend!
(4)George G.
This Tortas Frontera was absolutely horrible. The only thing it had going for it was a nice bartender who kept refilling my water as I waited for the food to be ready. Lets see, where do I begin? - I was told 10 minutes, but this ended up being more like 15 or 20 minutes. - There was no one packing the meals for a while as the cooks kept throwing stuff into boxes, quite odd. - When I received the Tortilla Soup, I had no tortillas! I had to go back to the counter and get them. The soup also had seriously like 1 small piece of guac and 3 small pieces of chicken. Not sure why I paid 2$ extra for these 3 small pieces of meat, quite poor value. - The Cochinita Pibil Torta I ordered was horrendously dry. When I asked for additional salsa, the cashier appeared really pissed. I asked for 2 of each and ended up just getting 1 of each variety, after asking a few times. Dont get me wrong, the Tortilla Soup and Salsas had great taste, but the other items were a bit lacking in quality. If I am paying over 15$ for the above at an airport, it should at least have some standard of decency. This Tortas Frontera location did not. Stick with the one in Terminal 1, simply take United instead of American Airlines (my company's booking agency forced me to take AA this time around).
(2)Clara L.
Rick Bayless's mexican food is pretty darn delicious and to have his tortas available at O'Hare is awesome. As most jetsetters are aware, you are bound to have a flight delayed at O'Hare. It's just a fact of life. I've come to terms with it over the years. Last time this happened, I decided to wander the terminal and bypass all the more generic greasy pizza, fake-chinese, burgers and whatever else the various food courts had to offer. I then saw Tortas Frontera. I stared at the menu trying to narrow down my order to just one torta and chips and guac. I landed on the Pepito (beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapeños, Chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro crema, arugula) torta. It was a little on the greasy side, but oh so delicious. It was so delicious that despite all my effort to eat it slowly and savor every flavor of every bite, I still devoured it! I definitely recommend! p.s. Review #300! WOW!
(5)Tammy L.
Ah, I finally got to check out the T3 location. It's so much nicer than the T1 location because of all that space! It's much easier to enjoy your food at the bar if you're hanging out to eat. Of course the food is as good as the T1 location and the service is friendly. My favorites on the menu are the smoky garlic shrimp torta, garlic mushroom torta, and the taqueria salad for those days when I just don't want so much bread. Margaritas are tasty for sure. Best airport food ever! Wish I flew out of T3 more often, but unfortunately I find myself in T1 most of the time...
(5)R J.
Good, but way overpriced!
(3)Fulgencio M.
Torta Frontera gets 5 stars from me, and it has nothing to do with the food. Thank you Frontera for creating a meat market in Terminal 3 where I can pick up men. And why, you ask, do I lurk around corners watching who goes in and out of line? Because the tortas cost about a month's salary!! OMG, any man who can afford to eat here is worthy of my affection. This is my screening process. First I pretend to be reading a book, and wait for a hot guy to get in line. Then I creepily sneak up behind him. The next step is very important. I wait to see what he orders. If he just gets chips, or something cheap, I move on. If he orders chips AND the guacamole, I reconsider, since even naked guac runs about $5 and any dumbass willing to pay that must be rich. Next I wait to see what credit card he pulls out. Amex and anything debit are fine. If it's a Spirit Airlines Mastercard, I run for cover. Cash: he's either a gangster, or has a gambling problem. Personal Check: he's 80 years old, and he's a she. The third step is most important, and that's where I try to get a free sandwich. Usually I present a coupon that I drew up before I got to the airport. Why am I even at the airport? I don't remember...nor do I remember who let me in. But that's not the point. The point is that my "coupon" never works, so I immediately ask the guy with the Amex if he has a coupon. Then I wink and shove my tongue against the side of my mouth. This has resulted in zero (0) free sandwiches. I haven't found a Mr. Right either. But at least I know there's the cheap food court next door if I ever need to find Mr. Left. Oh yeah, and the Milanesa is TO DIE FOR. This has been a review by Fulgencio
(5)Josh P.
Best airport food ever. I have been many times and had a few different tortas, all fantastic. Also, their chips are the best chips you can have and go with such a great guac. You will not find a better deal in the airport because you won't even pay that much more than McDonald's and the food is far superior.
(5)Mike H.
Fresh local Mexican - great for a quick airport lunch. Rick Bayless fresh healthy Mexican foods. The tortilla fresh chips were on the salty side but all fresh homemade style Mexican food right in the airport.
(5)Doug W.
As everyone seems to have agreed: probably the only place worth eating at O'Hare. We managed to eat here on layovers in both directions, and it did not disappoint. It's a little pricey, but in-line with the higher prices for other things sold at the airport. I highly recommend the Cochinita Pibil, the grilled habanero salsa is both the most delicious and spiciest thing I've had in a while.
(5)Brian T.
I have to say that I was a little disappointed after all the hype and excitement from the reviews. I'm from Los Angeles and we have a plethora of excellent authentic Mexican food but Bayless' airport outpost didn't deliver. I got a torta and a molette and both were overly cheesy to the point that the cheese overpowered a lot of the other flavors. The pork was great by airport standards but average by normal restaurant standards. The salsa was terrific and definitely 5-stars but salsa does not make a meal unfortunately. I felt that there were almost too many spices, like Bayless was trying to cram in flavor instead of having the individual ingredients stand on their own two feet. While I want to give it three stars, that's usually my bar for returning to a restaurant and unfortunately I don't think I'll be back here the next time I'm in O'hare.
(2)Tim D.
This is a godsend when I'm hungry at O'Hare. It's been a while since I've been to Xoco, but from what I remember, this compares favorably. That's pretty impressive for airport food. And it's not substantially more expensive than most other crappy airport fast food.
(5)Denise B.
Totally AWESOME choice to eat at O'Hare!!! We luckily had a long layover and actually changed terminals to get this place a try. It was VERY challenging to get a seat at the small bar for 3 folks but with a little patience, it's doable. I HIGHLY recommend eating (and drinking) here between flights! The food was DELICIOUS and so were the drinks!
(5)Roland S.
One of the best airport meals around. Quality ingredients and good flavor combinations. The chips are nice and thick and the salsa is tasty. The short rib torta (and the sausage one at breakfast) are both good. Downsides: 1) it takes ten minutes or so to make your tortas (if you're in a real hurry, get a mollette and chips/salsa), 2) it's popular enough to have a long line sometimes; 3) it's hard to tell from the menu how spicy things are (cuban sandwiches aren't normally spicy at all but the Cubano Torta is a bit spicy). The agua frescas are tart, but good. I've had all three flavors now, and they're all good. It's a couple bucks more than other places, but it's worth it.
(4)Elizabeth P.
Finally had a torta- did not disappoint!
(5)B K.
Wasn't exactly knocked out by the quality of food here but the addition of a Bayless restaurant in the AA terminal is surely a welcome sight. Had to fight for a seat at the bar - they should have literally tripled it's size if they could have - but eventually sat down and order up some chips and salsa. Both varieties of salsa were good but again nothing fantastic so I had to try to main event - tortas. Got the pepito I think. Braised short rib with all kinds of stuff i'll misspell. All in all it was good. Spicy due to the jalipenos but had a goose island to wash that down. In the future it's going to be tough for me to choose between the Prairie Tap's rib eye sandwich and this place. I guess it all comes down to what you're craving at the moment. I'm just glad I have another option in good old terminal 3.
(3)Douglas G.
Xoco at the airport. Way to go Rick. Great food.
(5)Lauren Z.
GO HERE if you can! It is totally worth the wait. Best airport food I've eaten (close 2nd is the Virgin terminal at SFO). The milanesa torta was one of the best tortas I've ever had (and I live in LA) and the guacamoloe bar is such a cool option. So glad my friend told me about this place before my trip to Chicago. Love that they have a side bar with a TV and plenty of outlets for charging. Can't wait to go back for breakfast and lunch.
(4)N. O.
Best airport food I've experienced in a long time and well priced. I had half of the chipotle chicken and half of the pork/bacon/avocado tortas. Ii would recommend the chipotle chicken torta. It did take 5 minutes to get our food but it was worth it.
(5)Michael S.
For an airport, excellent; in the grand scheme? Real good and worth the ten minutes to make the torts
(4)John W.
My first torta! In an airport! ;) I ordered the 'melanesa' (I know it sounds Italian). I didn't have much expectation, because it's from an airport, but I was pleasantly surprised. The 'Melanesa' had a generous portion of thin crispy chicken breast, accompanied with pickled jalapenos, black beans, cilantro crema, and avocado on a 'legitimately' toasted bun. Great combination of Mexican flavors, with Italian influence. Cheese was an option, I got mine without. Still a great sandwich! Viewing the preparation was interesting. Each person was so intensely involved with the creation of their assigned sandwich. I think that's one major factor to a great sandwich, aside from the ingredients of course. It was the best sandwich I've ever had from an airport. FYI, the line was pretty long during my visit, about five to ten minutes.
(4)Mike K.
Do NOT eat any place else in terminal 3 besides here. There us nothing even close to this in quality and taste.
(5)NO C.
Great food -- amazing it's in an airport-- guac was fab!
(4)Dina I.
I AM SO HAPPY THAT I DON'T HAVE TO EAT CRAPPY AIRPORT/AIRPLANE ANYMORE! Enough said. Let it be noted that the 5 star review is on a scale comparing it all other eating joints inside O'Hare...rumors are that Paul Kahan is also opening a joint at O'Hare...could traveling through Chicago GET any better?!!
(5)Albert M.
Best airport food in O'Hare I believe. The Cubana was very good. The bread was perfectly crusty on the outside and soft inside. The roasted pork, cheese & bacon blended pretty well. The salsa on the side was pretty hot for my standard. 5 stars for airport food.
(5)Mark K.
Excellent flavors and tastes and drinks await. My server, Lita, was one of the nicest bartenders and people at the airport. I had to wait in O'Hare twice for several hours and spent the time here. The food was great, the margaritas excellent and Lita was a doll. A great way to pass the time and delicious food to boot. :)
(5)Subutai L.
This place gives me a reason to connect through ORD. I had the Milanesa and it was quite delicious but became a bit difficult to eat all the way. I'd imagine the breakfast is even better. I hope to check it out next time.
(4)David M.
What an awesome alternative to boring airport fast food. It takes 10 min for your meal, but it should! And it's so much better in every way, flavor, quality and local foods. Even the iced tea and coffee are far superior. Only a little more expensive than the other junk in the airport.
(5)Suzanne R.
To me, this is the best of the best of airport food. Everything is fresh and very tasty. Today I had the custom made guacamole with pepitas -- excellent-- along with freshly made chips dotted with salt (love to get my salt fix). My salad is very fresh -- and is vegan! (I chose it that way). Highly recommend that you stop here trip after trip and try them out!
(5)Travis D.
Very good breakfast. Interesting combination of flavors and textures. Not for kids.
(5)David C.
Certainly among the best airport food ever, anywhere. Great, great chow with vivid, bold flavors. And the margeritas make you say more please. Worth getting to the airport early for, or spending a little extra time before leaving!
(5)Phil C.
Got the chipotle chicken torta and it was very tasty with a kick. I'll be back to see if the rest of the menu is as good but it is a bit pricey and it does literally take 10 minutes to get your torta so don't put in an order if you don't have the time to spare.
(4)Jeff B.
This place is a veritable oasis of outstanding food and great service, surrounded by a cesspool of styro-food and mediocrity. My favorite place to wait for a flight, and the best food in the airport by far. Bartender (Lita?) is fantastic - friendly, efficient and helpful.
(5)Hannah L.
i tried the chicken milanesa. it was $9.50+tax. the sandwich took 10 minutes to make, but they have a bar where i waited that had tons of outlets. the sandwich was BIG (i was only able to eat half) and was served mega hot. overall, it was good and way better than most airport food. i really liked the salsa verde that came with it. however, i wasn't a huge fan of the jalapenos (scraped them off) and i thought there should have been wayyy more black beans. i saved the other half for later and it reheated well in the microwave. i wouln't really recommend the chicken milanesa but i bet some of the other offerings are really tasty.
(3)Indi G.
I love this place. The food is very flavorful and great quality. It's a great find for frequent travelers wanting fast food that's high quality. It's now my favorite O'Hare restaurant. The bar area which is the only seating area is small but I've always been able to find a space. I would rate this a five but the service isn't always friendly and attentive.
(4)Sarah W.
Had an absolutely delicious beef short rib tortas.....The beef was tender and flavorful. The bread was warm and well toasted. The salsa/dipping sauce had a nice amount of heat. Definitely the best airport food ever!!
(5)Steve L.
This is one of the best airport restaurants I have gotten take out. The pepito sandwich hit the spot. It was a little skimpy on the meat but the flavors were great and the toasted torta bread was ideal. I also bought a salad for the plane ride instead of buying airplane food. The nice mix with fresh avocado and other fresh ingredients were superb. This will be my go to option at O'hare now.
(4)Nathaniel P.
The name is tortas -- go for the tortas. Trying to do anything else here (necessary if you're allergic to wheat) is tough. But it is a treat to try when you're in O'Hare and allows you try out a Rick Bayless experience for less than the usual price and without having to go into the city.
(3)Joanna T.
Rick Bayless - I love you for adding this location in Terminal 3. I had some time between flights and I was prepared to head to Terminal 1 if needed, but lo and behold - a Tortas Fronteras right near my gate. On this particular trip. I was able to try one of the breakfast creations - an egg/chorizo torta to be exact. It was freshly made, hot, flavorful and delicious. As I enjoyed every tasty bite, I silently pitied the fools across the aisle eating in the food court. What are you people thinking? Especially those folks eating at Burrito Beach - you must be out of your mind. Yes, I know it takes 10 whole minutes for your mouthwatering torta to be crafted just for you. They tell you that upfront and the staff, while not at ALL friendly, does hustle. I travel all the time and have to eat a LOT of shitty airport food so when I have the chance to grab something from Tortas Fronteras I never pass it up. Again - to all the people eating at Burrito Beach when TF is 10 steps away... Are you crazy? Do you enjoy bad food? Are you hoping for diarrhea mid-flight? Why are you punishing yourselves? Get with the program!
(5)Candice G.
The absolute worst week ever. That's what's happening. When today started, I was feeling like all of $2. As the day progressed, things somehow managed to get worse and by 1:30pm I felt like about 35 cents. But my issues are all slipping away with a Tres Quesos Molletes, coconut bar, and semi-premium margarita. Feeling like at least $15.75 right now. Major upgrade. Okay, maybe it's just the margarita (and Homer J. Simpson) talking, but alcohol is totally the best temporary cure for my problems right now. That Molletes, in my opinion, are actually better than the tortas here. That spicy green salsa... so good. So good that it's entirely possible it's made of human. They should def call it Soylent Green. The coconut dream bar is exactly. Moist dream? That's what we're gonna call it. The deal-breaker margarita... TGIF. Just totally TGI motherFing F.
(5)Amy M.
I was pretty excited to order one of these tortas in my stopover in Chicago. Reading all the reviews and seeing the pictures I had pretty much bookmarked it. The long line of people placing their orders also pretty much confirmed it for me. I ordered the smokey garlic shrimp torta that came with chipotle garlic mojo, black beans, poblano Rajas, goat cheese and arugula. That concoction on a sandwich sounds pretty ingenious. It's also a plus when you can see through the glass counters on how they put these wonderful meals together. Since it was being made fresh my coworker and I waited a good ten minutes till our buzzer rang. Yes it's that busy:) I could not wait to devour my torta so we sat an an empty gate and opened our takeaway boxes. My ciabatta hero was nice, warm and crunchy, and then I took my first bite. I was pretty surprised that it lacked flavor. So I took another bite and I just didn't seem to taste anything. The seared shrimp had a nice texture to it. It seems to be the chipotle garlic mojo. I've eaten a ton of Mexican food in my life and this torta almost broke my heart. Yes it's more Americanized, but even I could not taste the goat cheese or the poblano Rajas. I thought well perhaps it's an off day for sauce. I will be back to try their other offerings. There is a reason why this place receives such great reviews so that is why I won't let this torta determine my next experience.:)
(3)Michael T.
This is probably the one saving grace of Chicago O'Hare. Went with the Cubana and a Mango Lime Agua Fresco. Pretty affordable and it's a decent portion for a lunch stop.
(4)amber v.
Friendly chefs aim to please. Yummy corn soup. Cool place to stop on your way out to no Mexican food
(4)Natro I.
I planned a lunchtime layover in O'Hare so that I could dine on Bayless' incredible cooking. I had the Chipotle Chicken Torta with poblano peppers. It was delicious, as expected. The Intelligentsia coffee was a nice touch. I also love that you can watch "Mexico, One Plate at a Time" while you wait and while you eat. Milk & Honey granola, El Milagro tortillas, every detail is perfect and, as the sign says, "Hecho en Chicago."
(5)Z K.
Best airport food you can buy at Ohare. Highly acclaimed chef opened up this location for the passengers passing through Ohare. I would recommend this place for a good sandwich and a nice refreshing drink before your flight.
(5)Kevin F.
Torta Frontera by Rick Bayless in Terminal 1 was unexpectedly awesome. The food exceptional but really what knocked our socks off was bartender Antonio. He not only treated us like family, we watched him deal with an impatient customer with kindness and professionalism. Thx Rick Bayless.
(5)Noomi J.
My first time trying out a Rick Bayless establishment! Pepito ($12) - 4.5 stars. Beer-braised short ribs. Fan of the chewy, crusty Labriola bread. A bit pricey, but then it's airport food. The food came out in around 10 mins. I grabbed a stool and people-watched. Ate half, enjoyed every bite. Would eat here again, and it encouraged my interest in trying out more of Rick Bayless's food.
(4)Ellen C.
Leave it to the amazing food city of Chicago to have a rated chef in an airport! Every time I fly out of ORD I always longingly rush past this place, but as I usually travel for weeks at a time on a limited budget, my frequent flights with Southwest have deprived me of an opportunity to dine here. Until last week. Sadly, the bacon and eggs torta was a big disappointment (minus 1 star, almost 2..). The bacon was too chewy and in between the thin, crispy bacon and thick, pork belly. After the amazing bacon from Au Cheval last night...I should've known better than to eat bacon again so soon..... Chipotle chicken was pretty deeelicious, however! Since I was first to eat, I almost ate the whole torta leaving the bacon torta for the bf... Alas, I felt too guilty hoarding this one all to myself. I may try this one again, but since I like to try new things when I return to restaurants...dat short rib doe...... THE SALSA. They give you for free with each torta. It made each one a million times better. I would buy that off the shelf if I could!! (plus 1 star) If only drabby old LAX could even come close...
(4)John M.
I've now eaten here twice, and if I'd only been once it would have been five stars instead of three. The first time, the cochinita pibil torta was truly excellent, with wonderfully prepared pork balanced by the fruity heat of the habaneros and the bite of the pickled onions. A very well-balanced torta on good bread. Second time, chicken milanesa had a fine cutlet of chicken, but there were a lot of jalapenos relative to the meat and beans, dominating the sandwich. The cilantro crema offered little and I'm not convinced the tomatillo salsa (while excellent) was a great match. The bread felt a little flatter than last time. Tortilla chips were advertised as 'freshly fried' but I didn't get that impression at all, and the red salsa with them was pretty insipid. Lime agua fresca was fine. $20 for two mis-fired dishes and a drink was hugely disappointing after that near-transcendent first torta. Next time I'm back I'll stick to the pork sandwich.
(3)Alex C.
The most amazing Bloody Mary's known to mankind makes this location a favorite to visit while traveling. Their pork Molletes are always fresh amd tasty with just the right amount of spicy and sweet. Plus the additional crispness of the bread makes it a must have!
(5)Ben B.
Rick Bayless is great at serving up Kool-Aid because y'all are drinking it. There's always a big line for this place, but there's a big line for One Direction concert tickets and they suck. I ordered the Milanesa, described as "crispy-crunchy chicken breast, black beans, pickled jalapeños, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema and avocado." The "crispy-crunchy" chicken breast was just a flattened chicken tender. I felt gross while eating it. Far too much greasy breading, not enough chicken. I don't understand the purpose of a torta. Mexican food is way better in a tortilla. But a tortilla wouldn't be fancy enough, I suppose. Tortas Frontera ends up being like Subway's version of Chipotle. Skip this disappointing, overhyped gruel. Note: There's also a Tortas Frontera in Terminal 1.
(2)Srishti K.
Getting food at the airport is always a bummer. It's overpriced and never tastes as good as you'd hope. Well, Frontera is the answer! This place is well worth the price. I always get the Chipotle Chicken torta, and absolutely love it. Also, the tortas are pretty big, so I am extremely full afterwards. Tips: + Not the right place to go if you're in a hurry. The line is usually pretty long and the order takes a while. The cashier is usually nice enough to warn you about how long your order will take. The cashier told me it would take 10 minutes and it actually took just under 10 minutes. +If you like spicy food, make sure to ask for the habanero salsa on the side. It's free!
(5)Ali F.
The manager Marco is amazing. Had a little bit of issue with my order and he stepped up to the plate with a ritz Carlton like white glove treatment. I won't forget that, and I'll probably order from here every-time I'm at Ohare. I also learned that they have an app so that you can order ahead to avoid lines and to make sure you catch your connecting flight. That plus amazing service and delicious food make this place awesome.
(5)Jeri T.
Corn and poblano soup. Loaded guac. Mango and lime drink. Bam. Okay so those complaining about cost, it's the airport. Check the menu before you order. It's well worth the wait and at least you get a buzzer and don't have to listen for a number. As I sit down the terminal aways, I've had at least two folks ask-where'd you get Fronteras. I love this place.
(5)Allison R.
What a cool concept, and fairly affordable for being at the airport. Tortas! Unfortunately I had just gone on a food walking tour before heading to the airport so couldn't have a torta but did get the guacamole with chips. Only $5 and you got a full plastic cocktail cup full! I was a happy camper. I also loved the bar seating had plugs for your electronic devices. Cool spot and delicious flavors. Must try!
(5)Samir G.
Absolutely amazing Tortas... The side salsa was just perfect .. I was licking my fingers after I was done :)
(5)Jyoans Y.
Such slow service. You would think this restaurant would cater to the traveler and hustle and bustle of the airport. Only one cashier. Plan on spending some time in the line.
(1)Leslie L.
Expensive, stingy, SLOW! Really craving mex food but this place is anything but. West Coast has salsa bars, here they dont even offer it w/ all dishes, just some, and a tiny bit at that. Sadly very understaffed so super slow, some woman left her expensive salad behind cuz after 15min waiting afraid shell miss her flight. Awful.
(1)Stewart A.
Seriously! What a disappointment.. i just paid $5 for an ounce of pork on my salad.. And, a bottle of water costs $5. I thought that many of the comments were overly positive in the reviews, making me wonder what the heck is up.. Pros: Tasty sauces Unusual airport mex food: Tortas, open faced sandwiches.. Cons: Very expensive mex food Bland - comes across like a mex mcdonalds in the making..
(2)Tanya K.
Still my favorite airport restaurant at ohare and to my surprise I just found out there are at least 2 of them here! I love the guac and the soups are great too.
(5)Giovanni G.
Food = 8 People/Service = 2 Such a turn off when under already pressured circumstances (airport) one must deal with the terrible attitude of the staff at this venue.
(2)Erin C.
I love guac. This guac is out of control though. I thought almost $7 for a little canister of guacamole was a bit extreme, but it is the airport and I did order it "Fully Dressed". This included bacon, pepitas, sun dried tomatoes, peppers and cheese. Ugh...sooo good! I wanted to lick the inside of the cup when I was done! My face didn't fit in there though. The chips were warm, crisp and there was plenty to dip into my guac and salsa. It was the perfect treat while people watching in the airport!
(4)Lloyd M.
I do not know if I have ever written a review before for an airport restaurant as very rarely (if ever) at an airport do I have a meal I would voluntarily eat under normal circumstances. A friend who used to work for an airline had urged me for over a year to try Tortas Frontera but I am not a huge sandwich guy so never went out of my way. Moreover, the restaurants from celebrity chefs in airport (I hope you are reading this Wolfgang Puck) are no better than what they usually serve at the Hudson News stands. Tried it for the first time a month ago when I had an hour to kill in the morning and the chorizo breakfast torta was one of the best breakfasts I ever had. This morning had the Neuske bacon torta and it was also fantastic. Unless most hot sandwiches, the bread does not get too hard where it scratches your mouth, the bread is still substantial but compliments the many flavors that come together in the torta. Although almost $10, it is so much better than a McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts sandwich (or something you would get at a diner), worth the splurge and worth getting to the airport early for.
(5)Ketmany S.
We had a long delay coming for LGA and read all these great reviews about the tortas, so naturally we had to check it out. I ordered the Pepito and my boyfriend got the Cuban. All these reviews made these tortas sounds amazing... But honestly I thought they were just basic. It really lacked a kick of something extra for me, can't say I was impressed. We also got the coconut horchata, which just tasted like vanilla coconut milk, definitely needed more cinnamon. The only good thing about this place was the margarita! Nice and strong, perfect to get me through my layover. But for the price, I don't get the hype.
(3)Rahul I.
Had a wonderful breakfast torta (Egg and Chorizo) at this place prior to my return flight to Phoenix. The only thing that I would mention was that the cashier was acting a little surely in her behavior. I was at Terminal 3 in O'Hare
(4)Ronald S.
rick bayless airport mexican sandwich shop. big line. high prices. $20 for a salad, some chips, a cheese sandwich and a drink. all were pretty good - the only real issue was the salad took about 5 mins to make and then the cheese sandwich took about 15, and our salad sat out next to the hot lights dying a slow wilty death. for airport food it was much better than a lot of things i have experienced in our travels and if you are a frontera/bayless fan this is probably the best option in the terminal.
(3)Ramsey B.
My go to restaurant while traveling through O'Hare. The Mango - Lime agua fresca is a must. They serve it all day. Their breakfast tortas and afternoon torta selections are delicious. Today I had the Choriqueso torta. It was outstanding. I've had the Cuban torta in the past and it's equally great. The seating is not great, but if you can eat at the bar, the quality of the food makes up for the crowded seating at the bar.
(4)Maria-Elena T.
This is a welcomed oasis in the B terminal near gate 11. B11. Memorize it! Go there. Order food. Going through Chicago almost always guarantees unscheduled delays. But that is alleviated with a stop at Rick Bayless's restaurant. You have to stand in line and order, pay, and get a number that they will shout out later. When ordering, they usually warn you it may take 10 min. It is worth the wait (unless you are going to miss your flight!). After you pay, you should immediately begin the hawk eye pursuit of a seat at this tiny establishment. I've shared a table with strangers in the past. But this time I got lucky and got a table. Then I went to the bar and ordered a margarita on the rocks. The bartender brought it over and took my credit card. It had to be charged separately since only the bar can take the drink order. I had the Taquira salad with the shrimp which was excellent. It has a kick to it. Make sure your tissues are handy. Next time I would try another topping (chicken?). Best airport food in Chicago hands down
(5)Audra B.
I always dread eating at the airport. Thanks to Tortas Frontera, I will never be disappointed in airport food while at O'Hare! My friend and I sat at the bar and had GREAT service. I recommend the guacamole and the tortas. Everything was fresh and of high quality, even the meat! I saw a salad and some soup that looked amazing as well. I plan to try that next time I'm at O'Hare.
(4)Alison L.
I think I just ordered wrong, as the tortas seem to be pretty good from the rest of the reviews, but I need to write this review so that they take their taqueria salad off the menu (and so others do not make the same mistake). I thought it was just going to be a sort of taco salad, but it's a weird jumble of different kinds of lettuce (both romaine and arugula), and roasted onions and peppers. There was also avocado and a feta-type of cheese. The lime dressing just really clashed with the rest of it. And the crispy chicken had no flavor--it only tasted deep fried. Anyways, in conclusion, there was just way too much stuff going on, and so it made me a bit ill... I couldn't finish it in the end. It was a sad use of my $12 dollar meal voucher I managed to get from American Airlines after my flight was so delayed....
(1)Nancy B.
A bit disappointed but it wasn't horrible. Expected better from a Rick Bayless restaurant. The tortas looked great but I can't eat bread so ordered the breadless option. They added a few sprigs of arugula but the beef was all fat. Might try the salad next time.
(2)Maureen D.
Ugh. I wanted deep dish pizza so badly but there were no good options at O'Hare. So I ended up at frontera with the mushroom garlic torta. The staff was not nice at all but got my order correct. It took a full 10 minutes to make this simple item, however. And the ounce of guacamole was way overpriced at $2. The torta did contain massive amounts of mushroom but lacked any crunchy texture variation and was bland overall. The smoky salsa really didn't help. It needed something bright and acidic like a vinegar based slaw or pickled green tomato. I sat in the adjacent bar where 4 middle aged women were nursing their $12 margaritas and hogging 8,chairs with their weekend bags and purses. It would have been nice for the staff to politely rein them in but it did not happen making nearly every aspect of the Frontera experience underwhelming.
(3)Jaina S.
Great reviews but I think it went downhill. The bread was kind of hard but also had a weird taste. It took forever - was expensive - maybe my expectations were too high from all the great Yelp reviews
(2)Nelson M.
Restaurant review This is simply the best! I can honestly say that I have been robbing myself of great food at the airport for many years now settling in for McDonald before my trips. Rick Bayless is simply a wizard when it comes to the complex flavors that are infused into his tortas. Each of them are made fresh to order, expensive but simply delicious. I ended up with the chiptole chicken with a fine balance of heat from the poblano peppers cooled with the cilantro cream and healthy slices of avocado. I ended up splurging and getting chips with salsa as well which came with the smokey and cilantro salsa which packed quite a heat. Hands down amazing flavors! Pro: number 1 tortas in the world, spicy Cons: expensive, but comparable to his xoco restaurant Hidden gem: If you want water you can ask for a cup of free water with your meal!
(5)Caitlin B.
Best. airport. food. ever. Seriously, it's worth walking through multiple terminals to come to Tortas Frontera. The food is delicious- exactly the same as at non-airport locations (albeit understandably higher priced), and the service is awesome. I found the staff to be extremely friendly and efficient- the woman working the registrar let me know that I could get free refills on the diet coke I ordered. For an airport, this alone is worth coming here for, especially if you have a long delay, like I did! The food does take about 10 minutes to make, but I loved the counters you can wait or eat at- they have individual outlets at each seat. For anyone who flies from O'Hare regularly, you know that this is unusual. If I can drink an unlimited amount of diet coke and charge my phone, you've got me hooked. I wouldn't go anywhere else in O'Hare, and this location is larger than the location in Terminal 1 (United terminal) that I usually frequent.
(5)Brittnay E.
Amazing breakfast sandwiches! My boyfriend and I stopped here to get a bite to eat before our flight. Definitely try the tortas. You'll be glad you did!
(5)Isaac K.
Garlic shrimp torta . $12.50 after tax darn good considering it's airport food. Be 4 or 5 stars except for price. Size is average. If i come back to Chicago , trying the pepito
(3)Andrew A.
Take every pre concieved notion you have about airport food and throw it down the jetway. This place is solid gold. The carinitas torta on special was amazing, the margaritas are perfect, and the people in the bar are friendly. The quality of the food seems right up to par to with Rick Bayless' restaurants in the city. Go here, eat your way through menu, and be amazed by what probably is the best airport food in the country.
(5)Brandon B.
Hot damn that torta was delicious. This alone may have bumped up O'Hare from my least favorite airport ever to second least favorite. Too bad, so sad, LAX.
(5)Chrissy K.
Jesus take my wheel. TORTAS. I was so fucking excited to find out that flying American would, for the first time ever, finally pay off by delivering me to a terminal that houses this fine food establishment. I feel like you cannot go wrong with any of the torta options (I had the smokey garlic shrimp & roasted garlic mushroom--SANS goat cheese, thank you very much. I was so excited to try this place I definitely did not read each individual description and nearly ruined my torta experience with the abomination that is goat cheese; luckily, it was only spread on one slice of bread), but please, for the love of your taste buds, GET THE CORN CHOWDER. And the guac ain't worth it naked, so dress that shit.
(5)Chris L.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the best food I've ever eaten in an airport. Unlike so many of the prepackaged, stale food kiosks I've seen in airports across the county, Tortas Frontera makes food on the spot and it shows both in the quality and the fact that you have to wait for your food to be made. 100% worth your time and if you're in the O'Hare Airport review your itinerary and make it a priority to stop in. I had a solid 15 mins of walking to get there and a 20 min wait so keep that in mind if you are there around peak travel times. Sandwiches are assembled and pressed and the guacamole was contiually being made in front of you with assorted toppings available. The chips were fresh and delicious and the salsas rock solid as usual. Even though the airport it self is a serious pain in the ass, Tortas Frontera makes me want to get all my flights through Chicago at O'Hare so I can get some decent food! Love the Rick Bayless and hopefully this expands to other major airports!
(5)Vu P.
This is just a review of the bar. Departing O'Hare I decided to stop by for a margarita because it had been on my mind since I dined at Xoco the night before. I got a deal-breaker margarita for $9.40 (tax included). I was hoping for a freshly prepared one and was disappointed to see the bartender pour 5 ounces out of a plastic bottle. The margarita was good, but not worth $10. Maybe I shouldn't expect much from an airport bar but this is Rick Beyless' place, no? Note to those with family: Even though children were eating 5 feet away in the restaurant portion they are not permitted to be at the bar, so I had to drink my margarita standing next to my child a few feet from the bar. This is not a complaint, just an FYI.
(2)Lee M.
Hands down the best airport food I've encountered. It's fast food but quality stuff. Generally I order the taqueria salad with smoky garlic shrimp, but the smoked pork is equally tasty. The fully dressed guacamole, with Neuske's bacon, toasted pepitas, queso fresco is heavenly - salty, creamy, crunchy. Hard to top this guacamole and it comes from an assembly line at a fast food joint. Not cheap - it will cost you between $10-15 for a fast food meal - then again, everything in this airport is expensive. I challenge anyone to name a better airport restaurant.
(4)Bryant T.
Best. Meal. At an airport. EVER. Deadly serious. This Rick Bayless fella will be forever engraved into my tastebud's memories. They list all of their locations from the food they source, which begs me to ask -- how do they get all of this to ORD? So many complex flavors and ingredients -- you'd think this isn't fast food ("It takes about 10 minutes"), but it sort of is. Do yourself the favor, skip the rest of the food court and stop by Frontera IMMEDIATELY.
(5)Nora P.
I was on a layover at O'hare and was attempting to find something vegetarian and edible. I did not have high hopes for finding much, but had noticed a number of people eating at Frontera. I ordered a mushroom Torta and found a spot to sit. I took a bite and was overwhelmed by the amazingly delicious combination of favors that just hit my taste buds. This was one of the best sandwhiches I had ever had! I wish there was a Frontera in California!! I will be planning layovers in Chicago from now on so I can again experience that deliciousness called the Torta!
(5)Henry S.
Airport food concessions have always been plagued with being crappy and overpriced. No more. Ok, I will agree that $9 sandwiches are not exactly budget eats, but I'm getting ahead of myself. It is amazing to consider that such an operation churns out consistently great quality food. You can get salads, soups, chips, a variety of tortas, and a variety of beverages (both soft and hard). The bread they use is positively amazing. My personal favorites are the Pepito (beef), Chicken Milanesa, and Smoky Garlic Shrimp. Excellent house made chips and flavorful guacamole. The prices are on the high side, but if you think about it, not that much more than the icky stuff at the food court across the way. There is a wait. The Milanesa takes 10 minutes to cook on top of the normal wait time. It could be a pain especially when you have a flight to catch. So... go early. Why 4 stars? I'm always apprehensive about getting to O'Hare given conditions on the Kennedy, airport security, etc, etc. My solution, go there earlier than usual. Pull out the iPad, Kindle, Notebook, whatever. Have a margarita, and some excellent comida. This is how airport food should be done by a well known chef. You, the one down the concourse, you can learn a thing or two from Tortas Frontera. (Yes, I meant you, Mr Puck).
(4)Mel N.
Pretty good for fast foods. Salsa and chips was tasty. Slightly expensive but I guess that's what you get for Rick Bayless food.
(3)Moe T.
A little pricey and a bit skimpy on the meat TBH but the bread is great and the taste of the fact that this place saved my butt from flying to the bay area on a stomach full of nothing but airplane peanuts and pretzels makes me love them.
(4)Jake V.
This place is the ideal airport food stop; I try to swing by every time I connect through O'Hare. The wait is longer than at the McDonald's next door, but in exchange you get REAL FOOD at the airport cooked to order. Quality ingredients across the board. I'm not nuts about the lime juices, but I appreciate the effort. The nachos generally aren't worth it -- they're fine but they're nachos. Get a sandwich and be happy on your flight.
(5)Brad S.
Good Lord Almighty this place is just Wow! Best food I have ever had in an airport and one of the best sandwiches I have ever had as well. No matter where you land in Ohare you should make your way over to B10 even if you have to miss your flight! I'll be back.
(5)Ben C.
The food is overpriced. I had a Chipotle chicken torta and it was ok, nothing special. I had higher expectations after looking at the reviews.
(3)Kelly S.
I just LOVE, LOVE this place. If you are in Terminal 1 or Terminal 3, you must stop. Friendly service and super dee duper delicous food. Also, their coffee is very good as well. I can't wait until November when I get to fly again and eat here!
(5)David B.
The best airport food you'll find
(5)Katie M.
I fly through O'Hare, which can be a risk on its own, just so I can have these sandwiches. I have successfully tried every menu item on my multiple layovers. Oddly enough, for those who know me the mushroom torta is one of my faves with the egg and rajas in close second. The only mark I would put against here is that the guac is overly salty. At first I thought it was because I got it fully dressed and Neuske's bacon, while absolutely delicious, can add a bit of salt. But on a second go around I got it naked and it still was on the salty side. I've also overheard others saying the same thing. Despite the guac saltiness, everything else is fantastic.
(5)mike s.
Let me a caveat the situation, i had read about this in one of food magazines and there was easily a 10 minute line to order but 100% worth it. Such a good sandwich and should have purchased 2 for the flight home. The flavors were delicious, complex and made me wonder why SF does not have a torta store. Get the airport early just to get this for the flight.
(5)Bethany H.
It's not quite "fast" food. But that's probably why it's good. I enjoyed the torta (although, maybe not for the price) and could've probably eaten about five more. It was a bit small for my large appetite, but good while it lasted.
(4)simon h.
Thank you for bringing real food to an airport. I thoroughly enjoyed my pepito torta with the delish salsa verde!
(5)Paul K.
You say you hate airport food? Well, join the crowd. Until now, that is. I fly AA -- and there's one in the UA terminal at ORD, too -- and the location of this restaurant is perfect, near the hall of flags where terminals H and K collide, right across from that horrid food court. Well, that has all changed. Chef Rick Bayless has created a very tasty and surprisingly extensive menu for people on the go. The breakfast options are so nice: great torts with egg and poblano, and Intelligentisa coffee that will make you not miss Starbucks. The tortas are similar to what you'll see at Xoco downtown. Sure, they're not as spontaneous, but how could they be? In short, Tortas Frontera makes me want to wait to eat til I get to the airport. And when in your life have you ever said that before? Never. Until now.
(5)Anita S.
As other people have mentioned, a little pricey. Was here at 6am with a layover, got the queso and jam breakfast torta-- the portion size was just right and the flavors well balanced. If I find myself here again, I'd spring for the egg & rajas, looked delish.
(4)Christine K.
Ate here twice in 2 days. Delicious tortas, guac, and margaritas. For a split second, you forget that you're in an airport! I had the mushroom torta and then the shrimp. Both were delicious in their own way so my sliver of advice: don't just order what yelpers order most frequently. (I tend to do this, however there is no one "specialty torta." The tortas are all delicious in their own way so order what you like and you won't be disappointed. Also, I ordered one margarita upon landing in chicago...ONE! Granted...I hadn't eaten for 6 hours and was slightly dehydrated but the one margarita gave me a good buzz for oh...maybe 2 hours! -1 star for slow service at the bar.
(4)James Z.
I'm often skeptical of Rick Bayless places mainly because I feel Frontera Grill and Xoco are a bit overrated (as well as overpriced). However, my experiences at Tortas Frontera at O'Hare changed my perceptions of the Bayless culinary empire. (I also find it quite amusing that it took an airport offshoot for me to change my mind of Bayless' restaurant world.) I travel in and out of O'Hare quite often, and when I do, I make it a point to stop by this place for the smoky garlic shrimp torta. It is incredible. The shrimp is seared and is served with arugula, goat cheese, black beans, and a slightly spicy salsa. It's not very easy to eat so I'd suggest taking lots of napkins and perhaps a fork and knife. Their various aguas frescas are also very refreshing. Again, like other Bayless "casual" food outlets, it's a bit on the pricey side for "street food" inspired cuisine. However, given this is inside O'Hare, if you know you've got hours on a flight ahead (not to mention a lack of delicious and non-processed foods around the terminal), it's worth the pretty penny.
(5)Margaret M.
Whether you are an infrequent, causal, or road-warrior rock star traveler, we can all agree on one thing: airport food pretty much sucks. Sometimes, I'd rather eat a semi stale Cliff bar and drink coffee to suppress my appetite so I don't have to subject myself to the suspect airport eateries that can easily wreak havoc on your tastebuds, but more importantly your digestive system. Thankfully, the world of travel eateries are evolving and we have been blessed with Tortas Frontera. Praise The Lord for Rick Bayless because this is hands down, the best meal I have ever eaten in an airport!! It might even rank as my top 3 quick service restaurants of all time. My tastebuds are still doing celebratory somersaults from the Pepito Torta I ordered before my flight. The beef short rib was cooked to perfection and was complemented perfectly by pickled jalepenos. There was a black bean type spread used which also kept the sandwich very moist. Their bread was crunchy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside - the way any amazing sandwich should be. My friend ordered the Cochinita Pibil and also had rave reviews of her meal. Be advised that most menu options are made to order, so it does take about 10 minutes to receive (I.e. if you're in a rush to the gate this may not be the BEST option) However, this was well worth the wait. Rick Bayless has definitely made me a fan. I can't wait to try his restaurant in LA.
(5)Best O.
How lucky is this? A Rick Bayless outpost right in the airport. The quality of ingredients and the freshness of product are truly commendable. To his credit, Rick is a locavore. Check out the sourcing board next to the menu. If you place a to go order, you are given a pager to confirm pickup. Great for crowd control. The menu ranges from stunning tortas, try the cubano to soups, pizzas and salads (love the taco salad with chipotle chicken). Wash it down with a house made margarita or refreshing Agua Fresca. Brown bag it to your flight and be the envy of your seat mates.
(5)Vincent L.
Cubana sandwich was bomb. Pork and Bacon with the avacado was a really good mix. Bread was crisp and delicious. I also tried the lime drink... next time I'll pass. Tasted like a regular limeanade
(4)liz s.
If you have time beofre your flight go here. The tortas (grilled sammiches at their core, love morsels for your belly) are made to order and take 10 mins. You get a beeper so you can stand away from the crowd or go across the hall for cheaper bottled water. My cab ride to the airport made me nauseous (as did my ride from the airport) - herky jerky weaving jiggly cab with a strong machine smell made me want to hurl. So wandering through Terminal 1, I see this place. The classic tortilla soup stood out to me - chicken broth, avocado, cilantro, cheese, torilla strips. Just reading that on the menu made my tumtum feel better. So I also ordered a cubano. They didn't have any bags for me to haul away my loot which sucked. The sandwich comes in a little box so I tucked it into my purse. When I say "little" box, that doesn't describe the size of the sammy. It's cut in half and stacked in the box with a small container of salsa. It was gthe size of my face, and I have a big head. The soup was really good, greasy in a good way. Lots of little crunchy strips. I ate every bit of it. The cubano was equally satisfying. I ate half on the plane and saved the rest for later. I amever. now on the lookout for any Rick Bayless joint wherever I go. Best airport meal ever.
(4)Phil A.
I was "whelmed" by the Chipotle Grilled Lettuce Sandwich w/Chicken Garnish. Not over or underwhelmed. Just the problem is the wait, jeez it took forever. The salsa was good, so the bread and lettuce with salsa is yummy when you place the chicken garnish onto that bite. I tried the soup and it needed some salt, I got packets from DcMonalds. I'll give the place a 2nd try since I love Mexican or this type of cuisine and people rave about it. I'll try to update for a better review and eat there again on work's dime.
(2)Dan R.
I come to the airport early just for this treat. The Milanese Tortas is delicious.
(5)Shawn K.
If you fly into Ohare airport you have to stop by. The chicken cubana is awesome!!! Excellent sandwich shop!!
(5)Marissa B.
Best airport food ever and at a decent price. The tres queso mollette was delicious with just the right amount of spice and pablano peppers with grilled onions. The mango lime has to be the best agua fresca I have ever had. I think Rick needs to open a location in LAX so that I get to have this yummy goodness regularly.
(5)Misha T.
This might be close to 5 stars even if it wasn't in an airport but as airport food my torta cubana was unparalleled. I might have to start scheduling my layovers at O'Hare to take advantage of this.
(5)David A.
Thanks yelpers. Gave this a try while waiting for my flight. It was as good as it gets in an airport. I had the cubano. Well worth the 10 minute wait for a fresh cooked and tasty sandwich. Large, filling portion cooked to perfection. Great, spicy salsa on the side is a nice touch.
(4)Jaime L.
This is a beautiful place and the food looks outstanding. And it is quite good. But the bread was stale and the tortilla chips were stale. I'm sorry, but if you run a torta restaurant, stale bread is unacceptable. And if you run a Frontera restaurnt, stale tortilla chips are unacceptable. Fix those 2 things and I would be looking in the 4 star range.
(2)Jody L.
This place is UNBELIEVABLE. Get the lime frescas--they are pure liquid delight. The guac is heavenly, and the sandwiches are HUGE for $9, and DELICIOUS. There is also one downtown under Chase Tower (10 S Dearborn).
(5)Matt V.
Pretty good for airport food! Taqueria salad was tasty! Would be great if they threw in a few chips with a small salsa on the side. :)
(5)J H.
I had the Corn and Poblano Chowder - sweet corn, roasted green chile, vegetable broth, cilantro crema, queso Cotija. I had a short time frame and did not have a big appetite. On my next visit, I will enjoy a roasted garlic mushroom torta. From what I saw, I am certain it will be great. My meal was both tasty and healthy - a combination I do not find at airports. Unbelievably, my meal was also extremely reasonably priced. The employees appeared to enjoy their jobs so the atmosphere was pleasant. This restaurant earns a high rating for offering a reasonably priced, great quality meal, with a smile from the staff. Considering this restaurant is at the airport, it earns a 5 stars rating!
(5)Pamela B.
I would never have expected to eat this well in an airport. I mean, count it: - tortas of complex construction, with each ingredient sourced on the menu - not one, but two margaritas, both made from scratch and neither of them frozen - plentiful vegetarian options that taste as good as the meat options - outlets running under every seat at an interval of one every five inches (not food, but in an airport, just as precious) NYC has some catching up to do as far as installing its name-brand chefs in airport stalls.
(4)Leona C.
I've learned a few things from this place: 1.) Quick, delicious food is possible for under $15 at an airport, even at 6am in the morning. What a great ending to a tasty weekend in Chicago. 2.) The ingredients taste fresh and it makes a huge differences with the sauces etc 3.) I learned what an "open-faced" sandwich is. 4.) This restauranteur lives up to the Top Chef reputation 5.) Can you open an airport restaurant location in the DC area?
(5)Fatima G.
I've eaten at a lot of airports and always fight the urge to cave in and settle for fast food. O'Hare has it down - just because you're stuck an airport for a couple of hours doesn't mean you need to cave in to mediocre food. Sure you need more than 2 minutes to wait for your food here but it's worth the wait - I even brought back half a sandwich for my husband to try. My torta was so good that the stranger sitting next to me offered to share her salad with me in exchange for half my torta!
(4)Sebastian H.
Tortas Frontera make me sad not to live in Chicago when I have to fly, because it is the best food I have ever had in an airport!
(5)Chitown D.
Unfortunately, I'm at O'Hare Airport several times a month. Getting out of Chicago is always a bonus (kidding, Chicagoans!), but Tortas Frontera kind of makes me excited to go to ORD and that's saying A LOT!
(5)Eli I.
I had the Pepito- the Torta was delicious. The pickled jalapeños are no joke, they added a lot of heat. Enough to make my nose run, but that's a good thing. The bread was chewy and crisp, the beef was juicy and tender, the arugula was fresh, and the beans added a good balance to the flavors.
(4)Sean B.
A Rick Bayless restaurant at the airport? Are you sh#^%ing me? Makes me almost look forward to going to the airport. Seriously, it is some of the best airport food around! I've been here half a dozen times and not had a bad meal. The sandwiches are great. So are the tortas. Love the corn chowder, the aqua frescas and the desserts. And they have margaritas! Cannot be beat at this airport or almost any airport!
(5)Anna E.
So friggin happy. Just returned from almost a 20 hour travel day from Thailand and had another layover here before going to San Diego. I love me some Thai food, but was beyond excited to see this place. I had the cochinita pibil sandwich (slow roasted pork with pickled onions) and it was a flavor bomb in my mouth! Juicy, rich pork and the onions added the perfect amount of tang and contrast. If you are at ORD, definitely must stop here.
(5)Char Y.
really expensive sandwiches (airport price) but a great choice in ohare! guacamole - yum! love the chips cochinita pibil - good, need more pork would come back anytime i'm in ohare!
(3)Andrew H.
A must stop when time permits at ORD. Skip the cheese-on-bread-with-meat crowd pleasers and hit the hidden gems: the tortilla and queso soups. Only faults are 1) the tiny teaspoon spoons, and 2) the overly salted chips and guac. Seriously, upgrade the spoons or I'm going to have to travel with one! It does your fine soups a disservice.
(5)Jae C.
Located near the food court in O'Hare (American terminal?) is this little gem of a sandwich shop. They boast Intelligentsia coffee on their sign but save your money. They prepare it like Starbucks, overly brewed and pre-made. The tortas are where it's at. It takes around 10 minutes for them to prepare your sandwich so don't come here if you're trying to rush to your connection. If you have some time to kill though, indulge in the variety of options they have. Stick to the pork/chicken based tortas. If you're carb conscious, don't waste your time here. Getting a bowl version of the tortas would be a shame since their bread is so well balanced and textured. The tortas are well portioned and a little on the pricey side, but sure beats paying a similar amount for Panda Express or McDonalds.
(4)Michael F.
This is a restaurant that I would frequent if it wasn't in an airport. The breakfast sandwiches are excellent. I have had the egg and chorizo sandwich and it was excellent. You are not going to find a better breakfast sandwich at O'Hare then the ones available here. I have also been here for dinner and the guacamole is excellent along with the milansea sandwich. I have never had a sandwich in an airport that impressed me until I dined here. The margaritas are very good along with the tequila selection and they have Goose Island's Marisol which is only available at Rick Bayless restaurants. The prices are not too bad especially considering that you are in an airport. They are what you would expect to pay on the outside for this level of food quality. Most of the ingredients are sourced locally and the care that is taken in the selection of the ingredients is reflected in the high quality of the food they serve here.
(4)Mac W.
Great stuff for airport food!
(3)Antonio G.
Great food for an airport fast food restaurant!
(4)Anastacia B.
This is one of those places that because everyone is nutso over it I figure I'll be nutso over it and it ends up being just decent. First, it's rather pricey. I've eaten here twice- the first time I had a torta and a really bad experience (why is everyone getting their sandwhiches who ordered after me and why the shitty attitude toward me for asking what was going on? 40 minutes for this freaking thing.) I ordered the short rib version and after all the wait and hype and expectation- it was really one note flavor wise. I was also given free chips and guacamole for their screw up and that was sunshine on a rainy day. Today I knew to play it safe because of time, and ordered the tortilla soup with the chipotle chicken add on. And again, it was decent but not near the best I've ever had. The chicken was giant slices and really kind of awkward to eat with a spoon. I do appreciate having a restaurant at the airport that is not just dishing up opened cans of who knows what, that has been sitting in a warmer for who knows how long.
(3)Grayson M.
I just payed $10 for a wine glass full of a local draft beer! What the hell! Guess I should have asked the price first...
(3)Natalie L.
Get to the airport 10 minutes earlier to go here. The sandwiches are fantastic, especially for Terminal 3 where all of the other food options generally suck! So far I have had the crispy chicken and the shrimp. I preferred the shrimp but both were really tasty. And the prices are really reasonable between $10 and $13. I was expecting a ridiculous airport/ Bayless markup but not so. I have been starting to crave these when I'm not traveling!
(5)Ehow C.
I had only had time for a quick bite here and got a tortilla soup with chicken before I had to fly out. Despite being slightly oily, the flavors was great, with freshly melted cheese and avocado. The chicken was nice and tender, and they give you a bag of shredded tortilla chips to add yourself. Definitely drop by for this dish in the airport, if you're a soup lover like me.
(4)Amy G.
Stuck in Terminal 3 in the midst of a downpour of wintery mix, I decided to try Rick Bayless's Torta Frontera for a snack to tide me over until my arrival at LGA. Poring over the menu and asking the clerk for suggestions, I ended up settling on the green chile and cheese molleta, a warm, open-faced sandwich topped with crumbly queso, cilantro, and salsa verde. Below this? A spicy garlic spread, perfectly toasted bollilo bread, slivers of mild roasted pepper, and gooey cheese. Staff was super friendly, food was delivered far more expediently than I expected (considering the reviews of the Terminal 1 location), and, although pre-made and sitting under warming lights, my items tasted super fresh. Easily the most flavorful food available in this chunk of the airport and a great way to deviate from the food court's usual Panda Express, Golden Arches, and Dunkin' Doughnuts.
(4)Darren F.
Stellar idea for an airport. Real food!
(5)Kenenth H.
Wow. As of this writing I am teary eyed with a runny nose sitting at gate H12 waiting for a delayed connection to SFO. The cashier at Tortas Frontera told me to watch out for the Habanero salsa that comes with the COCHINITA PIBIL. How spicy could it be? I thought. After all it is just airport food! I was so wrong. That is some spicy, spicy salsa - the burn is so goooood for 20 minutes after contact. This salsa has a tangy front end and slow build to the overture of fire. At this point have been awake coming up on a 36 hours and that salsa did a lot more then caffeine to perk me up! The bonus is the food is actually pretty good. You can't get around pulled pork making a torta a little soggy after a few minutes, but the flavor is all there. $18 for a sandwich and chips w/ guacamole? Sure, why not? I would do it again now that I have a taste for pain:)
(4)Eddie M.
Trust me, you have to try the guacamole. They do a unique artistic spin on it making you wish this Chicago O'Hare staple was at your local tapas bar.
(4)Andrea A.
Public Health Alert! During a stopover at O'Hare I went there to get a sandwich. I was informed that it would take 10 minutes to prepare, and I was given a notification pager. In that 10 minutes, I watched one person mix salad greens with his hands, assemble sandwiches, fill boxes with food, use rags to wipe down counters and equipment, and handle returned notification pagers, all while wearing the same pair of gloves. He handled food, cleaned, and touched items handled by hundreds of people. When I pointed out to him that he should be changing gloves between tasks, he said that he couldn't. How the food tastes is irrelevant when you do not have safe food handling. Ick!
(1)Scott H.
Great food at O'hare. Had the Cubana torta and the wife had the chipotle chicken torta. Both were very good. Not sure how the Cubans cook their bacon... But to an American's standard it was a little less crispy than I desired. The salsa (came free with both tortas) was smoky, spicy and yummy. Overall, excellent food at a reasonable price. I will be back here next time I'm in O'hare.
(4)Miranda B.
I've been waiting for months for this Bayless outpost to open. Just grabbed a guacamole and side salad on my way IN, but Thursday I'll treat myself to a full experience. On the downside it looks like there are even fewer seats than in the spot in Terminal 1, but it's the freshest and best food at Ohare. Pricey - but there are plenty of cheap fatty options nearby. $9 beers are painful though. On my way back through, I got a salad with crispy chicken and a guacamole con cotija cheese. You don'thave to wait as long for the salads, but they FORGOT my cotija cheese on the guacamole (though I got charged for it). Salads could use a shade more dressing too - they're a little stingy with all their salsas and sides.
(4)Kelly K.
Garlic Shrimp Torta-Great! Chicken Tortilla Soup-GREASY!
(3)Jonas B.
Never thought I'd see the day when an airport had food good enough to get me to change my schedule to make sure I can make a stop for it. But Bayless has done it again. Love the Pepito and the Cubano. Molettes are terrific when I'm in a hurry, and the guac is amazing (especially loaded up with all the extra goodies).
(5)T D.
This may be the best airport food, but to me it was pretty underwhelming. At those prices, and having been to Frontera Grill, I expected more. So I'm going to say that this place is overrated. Paid over $15 for a sandwich and water, and got a small sandwich on crusty, very toasted (almost burnt) bread that did not have much filling. I was expecting to be blown away, and definitely wasn't.
(3)Glen W.
Arguably the best airport food in the world, at least for the price. Not as good as Xoco or the other Bayless places but worth a serious effort to stop here on your way across the country.
(4)Edward B.
Gourmet food in an airport!?!? I am all in! Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless is a fantastic spot to eat if you have a little time as the menu is very creative and made me want to order two meals just to try things out! I ordered the Milanesa (breaded chicken) with black beans, pickled jalepeno, chihuahua chesse, cilantro creme and avocado tomatilla sauce. To drink I added a Mango Lime Aquafresca. The sandwich had a lot of flavors going on with some definite kick in the heat department. It was a little saucy for my taste, but overall I appreciated the flavor combinations. The drink was over-powering....it had way too much sugar/syrup and felt like I was drinking a desert, not the refreshing flavor I was hoping to get. Next time I am flying in Chicago I will definitely swing by to try something new!
(4)Eliza C.
Rick does it again. I ordered the egg and chorizo. Danny picked the sausage and egg. Even though we ate our tortas about an hour later, they were still DELICIOUS. I bet they would have been ridiculously delicious freshly made. Now that I know that both Terminal 1 and 3 have a Tortas Frontera, I'm never settling for sandwich in a plastic box ever again!
(5)Jimmy W.
Seriously the best airport food EVER! I always get the same thing - the roasted garlic and mushroom torta, and if I'm especially hungry, some chips and salsa. The service is quick, but make sure you have time in your layover to wait for your torta to be made fresh. It's worth it!! The food is always fresh tasting and super flavorful, and the guacamole is beyond what I could ever expect in an airport. There is always loud music playing in the restaurant. Also, there are TONS of outlets under the booth chairs and at the little countertop looking out onto the tarmac - charge your phone while you're there! The prices are not as high as other airport food for what you get - you've gotta get in there!
(5)tracey c.
best airport food ever!! lots of choices. took it on the plane and couldn't have been happier. terminal 3 at o'hare near american airlines!! shared 2 different sandwiches and they were delish! don't miss it.
(5)Ekow M.
Wow!! Had the pepita..... Amazingly tasty, just knocked it down due to the ten minute wait.
(4)Jessica W.
Every time I venture through O'Hare, I make a point to stop at Frontera. It is by far the best airport fare I've encountered. For my pescatarian self, Frontera offers excellent (and healthy!) meatless options. The guacamole is amazing, the orange juice is fresh-squeezed & the Taqueria Salad is by no means an average taco salad. My one remark is that my salad was particularly spicy this time (and I can handle heat), so take note of that if you're not tolerant of spice. Outside of that, all of the food tastes incredibly fresh & flavorful.
(4)Scott D.
This is my second visit but first post. This place blew my face off the first time with some great food and spicy salsa, I loved it. My second visit I was not as lucky but happy. I should be happy enough they open before my 10:50am flight. Unfortunately, I was stuck with a limited menu and only breakfast options. Luckily it was still better than expected which is why I gave it a four. Please open up the menu...
(4)Steven U.
I ordered the cochinita pibil (pulled pork) and aguas frescas (classic lime). Let me just warn anybody who orders this sandwich, avoid contact with your lips. Because the salsa that comes with this sandwich will burn your lips off. But since I love spicy food, I thoroughly enjoyed this sandwich. The aguas frescas was exactly what I needed to combat the spiciness. Just wished that I had a jug of it. Best airport food I ever had.
(5)Long P.
this place gets a 5 star for best airport food (along with the Earl of Sandwich in Detroit! I got the chipotle chicken sandwich. It was really good. It comes with a small cup of salsa which I completely used up. This place is probably the best thing about having a layover in Chicago!
(5)Ulanka B.
The only restaurant in concourse "B" with steak and eggs, yea. Though flavorful & yummy, the downed was how oily and fatty the meat was. Not to mentioned I chomped on a small bone that was left in my beef.
(3)Stephanie L.
Amazing food...by far the best in O'hare. However, the worst service I have ever had...the staff at Denny's is more attentive. If the bartender has black curly hair do yourself a favor and get your delicious tortas to go!!!
(3)C. J.
Surprisingly good food, 4* for an airport location. Prompt service. Was stuck with a long layover and did a quick Yelp search. Glad I did! I had the chipotle chicken torta. was pretty huge. Very tasty, probably enough to share for 2. I didn't find the food expensive at all given the quality and portion. Definitely on my stop list when I have to be at OHare.
(4)Taln S.
Repecting Bayless's talent as a Chef and having seen good reviews for the location in Terminal 1, I was looking forward to this. And that made things even worse. Without hesitation I can say this is the worst food I have ever had in an airport, and I have been flying since 1960. Since I only wanted a light snack I ordered a raspberry-prickly pear agua fresca, chips & salsa and a side of guacamole. What I received was closer to a frozen syrup, stale, hard, wafers of salt that looked like tortilla chips, and a cup of chopped onions with a spoonful or to of avocado. The salsa may have been good, but since there was nothing edible to put it on, I can say for sure. The one bite off it I had could not compete with chip that was more like what I would imagine a salt lick tastes like. Basically I paid about $4.00 per bite before I tossed everything but the drink in the trash. Then I went to the water fountain and diluted the syrup into something consumable. And if you think I am just oversensitive to slat I tend to lick it off my margarita glasses and then add a bit more to the drink. This was just badly prepared, vile, garbage. Mr. Bayless seriously needs to check on his business some Sunday night.
(1)Ava D.
So I've eaten here 2x now. The first time was pretty good: I got chicken soup and another dish that honestly I can't remember but it was good. I was here just last week again and this time I was disappointed with the food. I ordered tortilla soup and shrimp Tortas. The soup was AWFUL! I felt like I was drinking oil with bits of avocado and the shrimp Tortas was so-so. Next time I fly through ORD, I'll look for another place since there isn't a shortage of restaurants at ORD.
(3)A M.
The mango/lemonade was very bitter. $9.00 dlr tortas? I had the molote (flat old hard tortilla) Im giving this place because the salsa they give you makes you forget about the old tortilla they are using. I know its airport food.... better than mcds
(3)Juan V.
Layover at O'hara and wondering what to eat? Consider yourself lucky to be in terminal B with this place. As a bonified Texican, this place is legit! A little pricey for a torta but it's the best one I've had aside from the ones mama makes. Try the milanesa torta if you like your food delicious with a spicy kick!
(5)Jeffrey L.
Best airport food I've had. Drinks were well poured as well. No skimping on the tequila! Food was fresh with plenty of heathy choices.
(5)Mark S.
Great food for the airport. Everything is fresh and have yet to eat something I wouldn't order again. The lime/mango frescos are great. Interesting beer list.
(4)Mads S.
I have never reviewed an airport joint, ever. But after eating here yesterday, I felt compelled to direct all Yelpers stuck at the B terminal at O'Hare to grab a bite at Torta Frontera. I'm looking at you, dude standing in line at Wolfgang Puck! Don't do it! What struck me about Torta Frontera is this: It's a meal I would buy even if I weren't stuck at an airport. Usually airport food is overpriced, not worth it, and generally gross. Plus, you feel totally ripped off after you're done eating. Torta Frontera was a nice change from that. No, it's not cheap, but neither are any of the other places around (unless you really want that Big Mac). And no, it's not exactly an authentic torta - it's more of a cross between a panini and a torta. But whatever, it hits the spot when you're wandering around O'Hare in search of food, you have a 5 hour flight ahead of you, and don't want to board a plane feeling bloated and disgusting. I got the mushroom torta (I can't remember the exact name) - it was a generous size and loaded with mushrooms, a nice schmear of goat cheese, and arugula. It comes with a pretty tasty salsa. I also got a side salad (worth it at $4 - it comes with carmelized onions, roasted poblano peppers, and this effing delicious creamy cilantro lime dressing). I got my side salad dressing on the side - a tip: mix some of the dressing with the salsa, and eat it with your sandwich. It was about $14 with tax and tip, so not bad for a sandwich and side salad. The only negative was that it took about 10 minutes - they had a huge line and were backed up. But, it's worth the wait, knowing that they're making the tortas from scratch. And they warn you about the wait when you're ordering, so it's not a surprise. Finally, you get a buzzer so you don't have to stand by the counter to hear if your number's been called yet. There's also a full-service bar (but they tout their margaritas). You can sit at the bar and get your food from the bartender, if you want more of a sit-down atmosphere and have some time to kill. If I was traveling with someone, I would get one torta, a side salad, and their guacamole to split (the torta comes sliced in half - perfect for sharing). The couple sitting next to me did just that and they couldn't stop raving about the guac. Your meal would probably be around $20 for 2 people. Not bad for airport food that's made to order, tastes fresh and not greasy, and leaves you feeling satisfied.
(4)Michael C.
I've had every tortas on the menu. I'm so glad they are in both the United and American terminals. The juice options here are super concentrated - I don't recommend it.
(4)Elizabeth S.
Wow this place is awesome! Such a nice treat during a hectic travel day. I will say the prices are a little high...but this seems well worth it for something that tastes this good. Next time, I'll definitely get a cocktail and bring it to my gate. I was so jealous of the girls calmly sipping margaritas while waiting to board!
(4)Tom K.
This place is really good. When traveling through gate 3, I always grab lunch for the plane from this place. Limited menu but that is ok. Most everything prepared fresh.
(4)Chris H.
Amazing. The tortas are a must every time passing through here in need of a meal, along with the naked guacamole. The piblanos and the cubana are my favorites, but I've even had the various Mexican pizzas when I was in a hurry and couldn't wait the 10 minutes for the tortas to be freshly made. Yum.
(5)vic f.
I gotta say this is some of the best airport food I have ever had. The torta was hot and savory and the juices are a nice way to cool it all down. Came here while passing through ORD on our way to CDG. Given we were going to the food capital of the world, I was still looking forward to coming back thru on our way home. The chicken breast and jalapeno combo is the killer app, the aftermath was firery but worth every bite.
(4)Ava T.
Ewwwww! My grilled mushroom sandwich (torta) was delish; the guacamole fresh and well seasoned and the margarita was top notch. Why only one star? I saw a food handling practice that completely skeeved me out. The sandwiches are assembled on pewter platters and paced in an open warming oven awaiting time in the press before being cut in half and put into to-go boxes. I noticed the sandwich guy was taking plates from a stack of dirty dishes. And not just a few specks but full of black bean smears, melted cheese and grease. I asked why the plates looked dirty and he said, "I can make you a new sandwich on a clean plate if you want." He then carried the stack of filthy plates into the back and returned with a stack of clean ones. I was so gobsmacked I mentioned it when I picked up my order and the two guys at check out looked at me like I had lobsters crawling out my years so obviously this is SOP. A fact I confirmed when I walked by later and again saw a stack of dirty plates being reused! Granted, no one ate off the plate and I've never worked in food service but this can't be right. What about cross contamination to say nothing of the growth of perfringens! Bizarre.
(1)David L.
Food: 2 Decor: 3 Service: 3 Got dinner here at 8:30pm Sunday flying back from home. 1. Cubano torta, 12 Disappointing. Ingredients were fine, but there just didn't seem much to it. That said, I didn't eat it until about 20 min after I picked up the order, but it shoudn't have made a huge difference. I'd order another torta, even though the cashier said this one's the most popular. Tip: you need to get napkins and utensils yourself, and there's a 10 min wait after ordering
(2)Ross L.
Rick bayless's Mexican food is flawless as always. A bit more expensive than in the city but when you're trapped in the terminal, what can you do?
(5)Ryan G.
Best food option in O'Hare. Worth the wait
(5)Tricia C.
Great service and amazing food is not something you would expect from an airport eatery but Rick Bayless and his staff at Tortas Frontera have raised the bar in commuter dining. Consistent, fresh and authentic. This might be the one restaurant in Chicago I stop in at every time I pass by.
(5)Jenny U.
I. LOVE. RICK. BAYLESS. I love him. Most of all, I love his Tortas! This is by far the best thing to happen to O'Hare! If I have to take a flight with a layover anywhere, I try to make it happen at O'Hare just so I can get some Tortas Fronteras. So far, there are two locations, one in Terminal 1 (Gate B11) and Terminal 3 (Gate K4). If you have a 45 minute layover in either one of the 4 terminals there, that is plenty of time to get to Tortas, order a sandwich, wait for it and then head back to your terminal. Overall the process takes at most 20-25 minutes, depending on what sandwich you order. Now for the food, gosh where do I start? First of all, I was already a fan of XOCO in Chicago, so when Tortas had some items on the menu from XOCO, I was pleasantly surprised. I've had the best sandwich experiences of my life at Rick Bayless's restaurants so I can't rave enough! My favorite, hands down is the Cochinita Pibil. That pork and the tangy red onions? That Habanero sauce that lights your mouth on fire? Spicy but SO worth it. Sometimes if I can't handle the Habanero I'll get the Verde Salsa, it's more mild, but still complimentary enough to suit any sandwich. I also like the Pepito! I will continue to try more things on the menu and update this as I visit Tortas Fronteras in the future. For now though, I can't wait to get back on another layover just to have a bite of a Torta. Sighhh.
(5)Karen M.
I don't normally pass through O'Hare but I'm so glad I did last week, and I'm so glad I happened to be on American. I had the Choriqueso, a fabulous chorizo sandwich with avocado and cheese, on bread that had just the right amount of chewiness and crustiness, with a nice green salsa on the side. I wolfed it down, possibly the best sandwich I have ever had. I also had a limeade thing which tasted like it was actually made with limes, like you could taste the little bite from the rind or oil or something. It was all very fresh and delicious. When I got on my flight the woman next to me was having the tortilla soup. She practically licked the inside of the container. If you are lucky enough to live in Chicago, offer to pick up all your friends at the airport if they will just stop at Terminal 1, corridor K and get a sandwich for you.
(5)Daniel C.
Seriously 11 bucks for a torta that isnt true Mexican cuisine? Rick Bayless has made himself the ultimate American Mexican chef. I'm very surprised this overpriced place is still running. You passengers are absolute suckers. If you guys think your getting the real deal in Mexican cooking? ROTFLMAO!!!!! Especially you business travelers who i see the most. Apparently you haven't visited Chicago and some of the best Mexican restaurants. So does that fake torta look good in your million dollar makin deals hands?
(1)Dan R.
Best breakfast around, inside or outside the airport. I love that they roast peppers in their salsa. I am so glad they have this option. No need to eat greasy breakfasts elsewhere.
(5)Aaron K.
Tortas Frontera to the rescue!! I am so glad TF now has multiple O'Hare locations. This is the best airport food Chicago...or most any city... has ever seen. Be prepared to wait a bit (5-10 mins) for your food as TF actually cooks things rather than reheating some processed garbage in the microwave. While it isn't as great as the other Bayless restaurants around Chicago it is definitely passable. Perfect for an introduction into his style and creativity if you only have a few minutes or are stuck in Chicago on a layover. Sidenote on the 4 stars. It would be 3 if a downtown location as there is a bit left to be desired, but you get an extra star for pulling this off in the airport.
(4)A M.
I travel frequently and eat here frequently. I've had most everything on the menu and really enjoy the food. My only repeated complaint here is the service. In contrast to the other Rick Bayless restaurants in the city, several of the staff members here seem miserable. There is frequent infighting among the bartenders (relating to everything from who is responsible for wiping down the bottles at the end of the shift to who is responsible for preparing mixes for a shift at the beginning of the shift), which results in slow service and a generally uncomfortable environment for customers. My solution has become to just avoid the bar when I see particular people bar tending and order everything to go, as the to go counter has historically been immune from the unpleasant service issues. However, recently it seems that the to go counter is now beginning to function a lot like the bar. During my most recent visit, the person in charge of calling/paging customers when their orders were ready was in a particularly foul mood (especially for the day after Christmas) and was yelling at customers in the same unnecessary caustic tone as she was using towards the kitchen. She kept yelling things like "check your order number people!" and shaking her head in disappointment at the customers when they arrived a few moments after they were paged. I hope things improve. The restaurant does a huge volume of business and delivers a great product and it shouldn't be tainted by the negative attitudes of a few staff members.
(2)Dana G.
Oh. My. Torta! I want to eat at Tortas Frontera's Guacamole Bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of my life. I hope they don't mind me camping out at the airport. This kind of food will make you want to actually show up early for your flight or pray for a delay. I got the fully dressed guac. Its a cup of freshly made guacamole topped with Nueske's bacon, Toasted pepitas, Sun-dried tomatoes, Spicy roasted peppers, and Queso Cotija-fresco mix. You also get plenty of chips and two cups of their amazing salsa (which I was a huge fan of even before visiting.) All of their ingredients are local and listed right on the menu board. I can't wait to try more and I am planning my next vacation around terminal 3.
(5)Dennis J.
Tortas is so good, it makes going to ORD (with its terrible on time record) worthwhile. All of the sandwiches are delicious. All of the margaritas are good. It's just a matter of what you're in the mood for. Even the coffee blend they serve is good. And Marisol, the Goose Island collaboration they have! What I'm trying to say is, I book all my flights out of ORD so I can eat here.
(5)Derrick C.
I'm having awesome luck finding great airport food lately. Frontera, run by world-renowned celebrity chef Rick Bayless, has branched out to several different shootoffs w/ Tortas being one. My only other experience w/ Frontera had been Frontera Fresco in the Macy's in Downtown SF which was woefully disappointing and luckily, Tortas lived up to the hype. I've had my fair share of awesome Tortas in SoCal but the Cubano here is so worth the $12. Note that it takes a solid 5-10 minutes to make the sandwich so not so great if you're in a rush to catch your flight but the smoked pork loin, cheese, cilantro crema, chipotle mustard, avocado along w/ the side salsa that came w/ it was divine. On my return, I got the Pepito (beer-braised beef short ribs and arugula) which was great too but I'd take the Cubano over it.
(5)Jessica Y.
Corn chowder soup was delicious but, grab a knife! There are chunks of onion and pepper in the soup. Sandwiches are heavy but this is a welcome change from the standard airport food stands. Guac is good but the salsas are better. I would recommend saving a few $ and skipping the guac.
(4)Dave D.
For Airport Food and always one high quality beer on tapp, this is awesome for airport food. The Tortas are all good. I have had almost all of them now, and they have not disappointed. Carry out or sit down available.
(5)Arnaud S.
As a foodie, I am the first one to HATE airport food. I honestly wasn't in the mood to try another mexican fast food even if Rick Bayless was the man behind the scene. Overall, I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Not being a mexican food fan, Tortas is definitely a great airport option with fresh produce, actually cooked and prepared in front of you without being greasy or fried... I tried one of their torta which is basically a sandwich and when the cashier told me it takes 10min to prep' it, it actually put a smile on my face. On top of that, they add a side of green chile sauce which is wonderful with a small kick to it. I really hope other celebrity chef bring really food to airports and that food courts close down!
(4)Sean S.
It was 7am. I was feeling somewhat cold, very hungry (you know, that feeling when you got up too early in the morning). I was transitting in O'Hare, and had already woken up 3 hours ago. Outside a plane was preparing to pushback from the gate. I had just ordered a shrimp torta from the counter. And now was waiting for it before I dug into my limeade (cause that was cold). I thought it was sad the girl at the counter so was non-plussed. This was the best restaurant in O'Hare! She should be happy, energized. I certainly was becoming alive, as I sat listening to the upbeat Mexican music. The scenery outside was nice. Clear blue skies with clouds. I like watching the ground crew prepare the plane for departure. But the girl at the counter had phrased words in a way that reminds me I'm in an airport. "You'll have to wait 10 minutes, is that ok?" She should have said, "we have to freshly prepare the shrimp. It will be 10 minutes, but don't worry, it'll be worth it!" The sandwich is great. It isn't a torta, but you don't go to good places to eat what you want to eat. You eat what they want you to eat. Cause you trust them that it'll be good (it is more like a panini). The shrimp was not soggy. Its firmness contrasted to the crunch of the bread. There was just enough of a spiciness to give it a kick, and to add to the taste. But alas, I cannot forget the girl at the counter. She didn't seem excited to be here. She didn't exude the same vibe as the music does. It isn't In-n-out, where the customers are happy to be there, because the employees are as well. Again, like another customer, the whole experience isn't a 5 star, given the service (well, it is order at a counter and serve yourself) and price (that is why people go to McDonald's. $16 for a sandwich and a drink. Even McDonalds at the airport isn't that expensive). But given it is at a junky airport, and the best you can get here.
(5)Prairie P.
Thank you Rick Bayless! When travelling, you usually expect to eat underwhelming and overpriced airport food. My go to is almost always McDonald's because it is fast and the same no matter where you are. Frontera at the O'Hare airport is a treat. Fast, affordable comfort food that is worth every penny you spend. The quality of the food is not compromised despite being in an isolated food court. The shrimp and garlic torta had plump and juicy shrimp cooked with a bite to it, and the bread was crispy and toasted. If only every domestic airport had a Frontera! It made my layover in Chicago all the more pleasant on my flight home.
(5)Matthew M.
Probably the best "fast" Food in O'Hare. I eat here every time I am traveling through. The tortas do take 10 minuets to make but they are great sandwiches and worth the wait. Recommend: Chorizo and Egg Torta for breakfast Pepito or Milanesa Torta for lunch / quick dinner
(5)Jenna S.
As far as airport food goes, this place was super delicious! For $12 I ordered the short rib torta. It was spicy, the meat was tender, the arugula went well on top and the side of salsa was fantastic! I wouldn't normally pay $12, but for an airport to get real food like this, it was well worth it.
(4)Kevin J.
Food: 4.5 Stars Service / Wait: 3 Stars Aside from a 10 minute wait, the Tortas (sandwiches) were amazing. I'll say this is probably one of the best foodie places I've found in an airport before, and it really stands out from the rest of the drab nearby like cold sandwich shops. I ordered the Milanesa Torta and it came out hot and fresh with both pieces of bread crispy and smokey. The spreads were also very flavorful and adding a bit of the side sauce on top gave the sandwich a nice kick. Unfortunately, the price for a sandwich is quite steep at ~$12-13 a pop.
(4)Lisa G.
It may seem expensive but it's totally worth it! The ingredient quality is high and many are locally sourced. Some ingredients even come from the urban garden inside the airport! Can't get fresher than that. After a ten minute wait, I tucked into my Garlic Shrimp torta and it was absolutely delicious. The menu includes breakfast sandwiches, salads, chips with dip and desserts. If you have the time, eat here and don't settle for soulless fast food!
(4)Chris V.
How in the world I didn't know about this place as many times I've been to O'Hare. I ordered the Cubana torta and it was deliciousness. Pork with bacon, jack cheese, avocado, and black beans. If you're in Terminal 3 and not in a rush, it takes about 10 minutes, do yourself a favor and come get a torta. I definitely will make it a point to get to the airport early.
(5)Rob L.
Wow, probably the best food I've ever had at an airport. You definitely need to try the Pepito - so, so good. The bread is incredibly fresh, the beef short rib so tender. I also love the Milanese which is a massive, crispy fried chicken torta. If you're looking for a drink you should give the Bloody Mary a try. It has a nice smokey salty spicy rim. Really it's the only place I'll eat next time I'm coming through O'Hare.
(5)Steve C.
This place has okay sandwiches for the price in the airport. You'll end up waiting twenty minutes to get them though, as they are a very popular option here. The staff could help this by streamlining their process, but they don't really seem to care as they watch the lines just grow and grow.
(3)Delia S.
10 minute wait but well worth it. Very fresh for the airport. They have a few locations in O'hare. Coffee is pretty good just be aware add your own cream. They have a bar if you need a drink and a charging station.
(4)Adam H.
I am on a mission to find the best Airport Food. I am not sure where I picked up this mission but I can't stop. Here is one of my favorite travel food joints. This is a Rick Bayless invention I believe. It has his mark all over it, and he should be proud! This reasonably priced stop will surely leave you satisfied. I got the Pepito and Iced Tea. The Pepito was killer, down right delicious. It was tender and FULL of flavor. I couldn't have asked for a better sandwich. I highly recommend this. The service is pretty good and the prices are what you would expect for a premo airport spot. There isn't much seating but that is ok. You are in an airport and there is seating in the other spots of the food court area. Make sure to stop here when in Chicago!
(4)Alan D.
Flew into Chicago while on my way to D.C. and this was a pleasant surprise. I remember talking to some folks around here about where I should get a decent meal on the way to D.C. and they pointed me here. I was a bit worried because the line was a bit long but it flew by quick. When you see a long line here, don't worry, just wait, the line goes by pretty quickly thanks to the staff understanding the pressure of folks trying to catch their flight. The tortas are hella good and remind me of the ones my friends made back home. I highly recommend the chipotle chicken when you're here!
(4)Peter K.
Thank you Rick Bayless for this gift to one of the busiest airports in the country. Seriously, I would fly through Chicago just to have a torta and margarita here again. Great staff, wrecking-ball strength margaritas (that can be given in to-go cups as you run for your flight), and some amazing dishes. Whether you're ordering a torta to go or sitting down for a bite, it is worth it. As a note, it IS terminal three so you're going to have to fly in on jetBlue, American, or one of their affiliates.
(5)Anna B.
I love Mexican food, and I'm a big Rick Bayless fan. I also fly American out of O'hare at least weekly. Frontera has been my go to spot, but after today's, and a couple of my last experiences, it won't be any longer. First off, the concept of the restaurant is great. Fast casual, made to order, tasty food. Most items are really tasty and put to shame the flavors in other airport venues. There are downsides: 1. It takes forever. Even if you get a salad or yogurt. Why are these in the same lineup add the sandwiches? There so much faster to make! 2. Food safety. This is why it got a one star today. I ordered a mollete (open faced ready to go sandwich) and the cashier kept on her gloves from the previous money transaction and used her hands to get my food. I discretely mentioned she can't do that. She shrugged and said, "i know, sorry." And gave me my food. Also, the floor, counters, and employees often look dirty which is not up to par with Ricks establishments in Chicago. 3. It's expensive. I would not pay $12 for a sandwich with my own money. 4. Accuracy of order. I mentioned my order in #2 above. I ordered a bacon mollete. I got the smoked pork and fig. Another time they didn't put on the cheese, cilantro, and give me salsa. These are standard with the sandwiches. 5. Recipes that missed the mark. All the sandwiches are great. Meat in salad is not done well. Chilled shrimp in chipotle mayo plopped on lettuce? No thanks. Breakfast yogurt is more dessert than a healthy way to start your day. Compote on yogurt is pie filling, you could buy the caramel sauce in a grocery store, and seasonal fruit is dried fruit. Soup is good, but it comes in in shelf stable jugs so they only have to heat it up. After many visits, I give up. I gave Frontera so many opportunities to wow me, but it keeps missing the mark.
(1)Lolita T.
Best airport food ever! Thanks to chef Rick Bayless for creating this restaurant inside the international terminal. The food is Latin American with Bayle's twist. Yum. Yum. Yum. I ordered the Choriquezo torta and I loved it! The torta was panini style - with the bread toasted and flattened. The torts had chorizo, grilled green peppers, onions, avocado and cheese. Yummy. The cherry on top was the green sauce that comes with the sandwhich - a green salsa that's not too hot and not too mild. PS the service is phenomenal.
(4)Gerry T.
The cubano, milanesa, pepito (my favorite), coffee, orange juice - are all sooooo (O's added for emphasis) much better than the other choices. Which are - McDonald's, Reggio's pizza , Baja beach club, etc. You can get something different and exciting by Rick Bayless right before your flight. What more can you ask for while in terminal 3? I often can't wait to visit this place, I start to salivate (Pavlov's theory rings true) once I get through security. Great job Frontera!!!
(4)Dana L.
By far the best airport food everrrrr! Thanks again to Yelp for helping me find this place. The Pepito aka shortrib torta is god-send especially when hangry from a taxing layover/flight experience. The torta is made fresh in front of you and packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Takes 10 minutes to prep-which the cashier will ask whether or not you have time for it. Also got the loaded guac with a million toppings on it including bacon (whaat!? so good though) sunflower seeds, cheese etc..., the tortilla chips are fresh and compliment the dip perfectly. Can't wait to go back to O'hare for these tortas (and I will in a few days...woo!)
(5)Annette J.
For airport food this place is legit. Even for non-airport food, this place is legit. But when you're traveling all day and you've got a two hour layover and you're hangry? This place rules. Being a former resident of Chicago I know Rick Bayless well and have an affection for Frontera, especially since their outpost in Macy's on State was my very first Yelp review. I've been to several of his restaurants and in general I'm way more into his casual style spots. Xoco was a personal fave in particular. So, I was happy to dine at Frontera and see some of the Tortas I loved here. They're all solid options but this particular time around I went with the roasted mushroom torta (cremini, shiitake + oyster mushrooms, smoky garlic mojo, poblano rajas, goat cheese, black beans, wild arugula, & lime) and it was excellent. I also got a naked guac and chips to go for the plane later. GOOD CALL! Especially for a 5+ hour flight. Not a lot of seating so be mindful when you order during a busy period. It may be harder to eat some menu items on your lap.
(4)Rory B.
Turned a terrible piece of travel into a satisfied respite to digest my wonderful breakfast sandwich. You are leaving touches of gold where ever you go, Mr Bayless. Weary travelers can now rejoice when they normally have to suffer through o'Hare.
(5)Canny F.
I usually don't get airport food but this is beyond airport food. I kept telling myself that it's normal but I couldn't help staring at the menu and people eating here. So I finally did it! I stood on that long line and ordered: Corn and poblano chowder - wow do I miss chowder. The flavor was to die for. It was so rich and creamy and ahhh I wanted more!! Roasted mushroom sandwich - this was less satisfying compared to the soup. The portion was small too. As for the flavor, you can definitely taste good quality mushrooms with greens but I guess I was just disappointed by the size. This is how you know I'm a total fat ass.
(4)Sonia S.
To be honest, I haven't even heard of Rick Bayless, but the music at this place was popping and it definitely seemed like the most exciting of all the airport options so here I went! The tortas looked amazing and huge, but I wanted something slightly lighter so I got the tres queso open faced sandwich which was reallly good and flavorful. The goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes really made it. And make sure you use the salsa on the side. Good job, Rick Bayless, I approve!
(4)Brian M.
It exists! It exists! Airport food that is locally sourced, made fresh right in front of you and delicious! I knew we needed to check this place out during our incredibly long layover. My wife and I both got the Cubana Torta and it didn't disappoint. It's a grilled, gooey concoction of the famous Cubano ingredients and its deceivingly filling so be ready to be full. We also got the chips and salsa with guacamole and my wife was a big fan of the guacamole and so was I. You can really tell that it was made fresh just moments ago. Lastly I got the fresh squeezed orange juice and that also was delicious. This place is fresh, fresh, fresh!
(5)Jessi G.
Is it bad that Frontera is one of the main reasons why I choose to fly through ORD instead of other airports?? I love this place! As far as airport food goes, it cannot be beat. I always get a torta. I really like the cubano, but everyone I've had has been good. Be aware that when you order a torta, it will take at least 10 minutes to make. BUT they give you a buzzer so that you can just grab a seat and wait for your food, without waiting by the counter. Their sandwiches are about 1000000x better than anything else you will find in an airport...They are full of flavor and made from fresh, local ingredients. Beware of the habanero salsa! It really is spicy. I also love their frescas and iced tea. If you're looking for something refreshing, go for those instead of a bottle of water! Rick Bayless, you beautiful bastard. Thank you for making airport food actually enjoyable!
(4)Patrick T.
Expensive, overpriced bread and cheese, etc Long wait. Not sure what the attraction is for this place. I recommend going virtually anywhere else in the airport.
(2)Paige W.
I went there today for the first time after hearing such great things about them. I finally went today of all days because the line is usually really long and it's well known that it can take over 40 minutes to get your food. So I ordered the garlic shrimp torta. I couldn't taste any garlic but I usually put a lot of garlic on things so I could have just missed it. What really miffed me about the sandwich is that I HATE onions and I was happy that onions weren't on the list for this particular sandwich. But oh guess what!! Cooked onions ALL over my torta, more than peppers and way more than black beans that I wouldn't have thought were there at all except I saw a slight dark tint to some of the bread, so I'm guessing that was them. For $12 and a long wait time, this place isn't all it's cracked up to be.
(2)Suzanne P.
I'm ashamed to say that this is my entree into dining at a Rick Bayless restaurant. Actually, scratch that, I'm more ashamed to admit that before spotting this place, I was about to have breakfast at Chilis. Womp womp that would have been disappointing! So I'm stuck in O'hare airport waiting for my fiancé to join me from Minneapolis. We're on separate flights because of work. So while I wait, I'm on a mission to explore this airport. I ordered a breakfast torta with eggs and rajas. Mmmm, rajas. I love you. I thought this sandwich would be spicier, but with the green tomatillo salsa on the side - it will do. The salsa also helps with the dry factor - the bread on the torta is delicious, but dry as a dead dingo's donner. [aussie slang!] Not a ton of cheese but a surprising addition of an avocado slice so it's super creamy. I didn't notice their agua frescas until after I had paid, but depending on how long I'm stuck here, I might come back for an afternoon (okay, late morning...) drink. Their margaritas look awesome. With places like Frontera, it doesn't suck to get stuck here.
(4)Quoc N.
I'm still not sure I understand the legend behind Rick Bayless but his restaurants seem to have a cult following. I've tried Xoco and enjoyed it, especially the green salsa that came with the chips. Amazing. However, I randomly found this place while waiting at O'hare and was pleasantly surprised. The station and bar here (K4) is always packed with people rolling in and out with their luggage. I tried the pepito sandwich and it was by far the most money I've ever spent on a basic sandwich. It literally is about 3 banh mi sandwiches for me that could easily last a week. However, the braised beef short rib is excellent and complimented with the green salsa (same one at Xoco?!) they provided. The arugula provided a nice subtle flavor to the sandwich that reminded me of parsley in Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. One thing that stood out was the crusty bread. I've never had an authentic torta before so I can't compare but the bread was great. It had a nice crunch that contrasted with the softness of the beef and other ingredients.
(3)Daniel B.
Airports can be a culinary disaster. It doesn't matter if you eat before you leave home, by the time you drive to the airport, check your bag, and go through security, you're going to be ready for a snack at the very least. And more likely than not, there won't be any edible food on the plane. It's really really hard for any food to be worse than airplane food. But airport food comes close. I went to the Chili's in the airport, and I couldn't stomach their chili. Really, it just tasted like salt and despair. In fact, after having one bite it killed my appetite for anything else. That's why having a place like Tortas Frontera in the airport is such a blessing. And thanks to Yelp for helping me find it in a sea of mediocrity. I'm even happy to pay the outlandish sum for a sandwich. I'm not even going to complain about how long it takes to make it through the line and leave with an overpriced sandwich (don't be fooled into thinking this is fast food). My fried chicken sandwich was delicious. But I think the roasted mushroom one may have been even better. The pre-cooked scrambled eggs for the breakfast torta looked dried out, but fortunately you can order from their lunch menu in the morning. It was only after my second sandwich that I realized all the ingredients are sustainably sourced, including the meats. So next time I'm in Chicago, I'll be trying the pork torta, which I think will be the best of the bunch. Mexican sandwiches shouldn't cost over $10. But in this situation, not only am I glad to pay it, I'm thankful for its existence.
(4)Isaac S.
Another location at ORD. fantastic, quality food. Now we have a Tortas Frontera conveniently throughout the airport. I always enjoy flying through ORD just because Tortas Frontera is here. Get an agua fresca with your meal. Also if you don't want bread, they'll substitute for beans and arugula. Yum!
(5)Henry A.
NPS = 8 Wow, what a surprise! Happy I stumbled upon this place while waiting at the airport. I just happened to grad some food here because I was craving Mexican food and this place looked cool. Turns out it is one of the best places to eat in the airport! Designed by Rick Bayless, this place makes delicious tortas (think Mexican sandwiches). Now...I am a very harsh judge of guacamole. And this guacamole tasted fantastic! And then you add the fact it is in an airport...it makes it all the better! I went with the Pepito. You should go with the Pepito too. I promise you will not be disappointed. The meat is succulent and the bread is perfectly toasted. And don't get me started on how perfect the melted cheese tastes as it hits your mouth. Fan-freaking-tastic. Do not forget to ask for extra sauces when you get your meal. And if you're a nice person, ask for extra chips...the clerk might just give you a refill. :)
(4)Elisabet R.
Pretty darn good!! And to be honest, a nice surprise considering most airport food! The pepito torta had the perfect heat!! The pickled jalapeños were a wonderful addition! The tortilla soup was also quite good, as it also had nice large chunks of avocado. The chips and salsa was also a nice surprise-- they were warm, fresh out the fryer.
(4)John N.
Final Chicago meal on our way out of town during flight delay this morning. Best meal out of several from real restaurants during a family visit. One shrimp sandwich and one mushroom sandwich. Excellent value with generous portions. Food is made to order, so allow 10 minutes for yours to arrive. Fresh and delicious, even hours later near the end of our flights. Extremely tasty. Nice kick to the spiciness that lingers long after the final morsel is consumed. Have some sort of drink handy. Grab plenty of extra napkins and utensils if you'll be eating on an airplane. Hint: Just behind you at Frontera is the hallway between K and H concourses. Brand new attractive and comfy furniture and tables. Far better place to eat than at the cramped and noisy area within Frontera's space.
(4)Sheila E.
Had a 3 hour layover at O'Hare and wanted to grab something to eat. I knew O'Hare had some great food options, other than Starbucks and Subway, so I checked out the options listed, and came across Tortas Frontera. I love Rick Bayless, so I headed over. Sadly I wasn't really hungry, or I would have gotten one of the Tortas, because the majority of them on the menu looked delicious. I just ended up getting guacamole and chips, which really hit the spot. The guac was freshly made, with a little bit of cilantro, just the way I like it. I would definitely come back the next time I'm at O'Hare and have some time to kill.
(4)Margaret M.
I decided to stop at Tortas Frontera while on a layover in Chicago. I opted to try the breadless chiptole chicken torta, which was probably a mistake going breadless at a TORTA place. The dish was packaged nicely and had a ton of flavor. It was a bit salty but probably would've balanced out had I chosen the torta bread. #regret It's nice to have airport food options that are freshly prepared. They also had a ton of freshly squeezed and brewed juices and teas. Next time I stop in Chicago, I plan to get the bread and try the juice.
(4)Paul V.
Apparently I visited 46 airports in 2014. That's a lot, and for the most part, the food was consistently bad. As if a golden light at the end of the tunnel, starting off 2015 with a visit to Tortas Frontera provided me with easily the best airport meal I've had in ages. Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? You're in an airport, so there's limited seating and often long lines at TF, but the process is relatively straight forward and the staff friendly. Be prepared to wait upwards of 15 minutes for your order, but know that it's worth it. Star Granted. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? $12 would often be on the edge of "too much" for a sandwich, but considering that you're in the mecca of anti-value that is an airport, $12 wasn't too bad for this sandwich: yelp.com/user_local_phot… Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? Wow. This was honestly an excellent sandwich by all accounts. The bread? Lovely, and perfectly toasted. The braised short rib was equally flavorful, and went great with the spicy pickled jalapenos and fresh arugula. The one downside came in the form of what looked like standard soup carrots and green beans that were crunchy to the point of throwing things off a bit, but besides that, what a sandwich. Dual Stars Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? Again, this is probably the best airport meal I've had, and with as often as I'm in airports, that's deserving of five stars. Star Granted.
(5)Arthur M.
You would think I would have had my share of tortas already- but no! I always eat at this Tortas Frontera (and the one in Terminal 1) when I fly out of O'Hare. Tortas were built for this kind of energetic environment, and with all the thousands of passersby they practically sell themselves on sight and smell alone. The fact is they live up to the reputation of the Chef. My favorite part of Tortas Frontera is that it's always changing and exciting. During this visit I had a sweet and savory that weren't on the menu just a few weeks ago. The chefs special was an amazing torta albondigas. Spicy, smoky, acidic and most importantly, meaty! For dessert, we tried Lucila's Chicago-made alfajores- crumbly Argentinean cookies sandwiching soft and sweet goat's milk caramel. Tortas Frontera has some of the best tortas I've ever had, and the dynamic style of service perfectly suits one of the most bustling airports in the country.
(5)Stephanie K.
Solid airport food, but the lines are long! Thankfully there's an app you can download, which speeds things up a ton. After ordering on the app, it takes around 20 minutes so you can plan accordingly when you're going through security...for those who are thinking about food in line. I did make it to my gate right in time for boarding, but with the pepito torta and guacamole, it was well worth it. Usually airport food is overpriced and bland. This one is just slightly overpriced, but delicious.
(4)Stephanie T.
People, people, people. I know we're all stuck in O'Hare desperate for grub, but have you actually eaten a torta before? A torta should be on telera bread which is much softer and lighter. I didn't care for the hard crust version from Frontera at all. It's not a true torta. The description on the menu for the mushroom torta sounded mouth-watering, but the bread and lack of spice left me really missing the tortas I'm used to in Arizona. The salsa on the side helped a little, but my torta needed some grilled jalapenos and avocado. This is a popular spot, and the staff did a great job at getting orders out quickly. I wouldn't come here again though when I'm in O'Hare.
(2)Tim R.
Tortas in the airport? Sure why not? Went for the Milanesa $11 and Pepino $12 tortas. I enjoyed the Pepino (short rib) much more. I did have to take some of the jalapenos out. I know, I know.... weak sauce. Also tried the Tortilla soup with chicken $7. The chicken was good but the broth was too salty. Solid margaritas $10 to wash down the meal and get a buzz going during a long layover. Good stuff, especially for an airport.
(4)Mike N.
Look no further. This is the best restaurant at O'Hare. Notice the line and the wait. Just make sure you have 15 minutes once you place your order. Recommend the Taqueria Salad and the Chicken torta. Farm to table at O'Hare. What a concept!
(5)Alex L.
The best part of O'Hare is Tortas Frontera. Without Tortas, I would consider O'Hare to be some sort of uncomfortable purgatory, but at least with the restaurant here it's a bit more bearable to spend time at the airport when you have some phenomonal Tortas (and associated food) waiting there for you. I had a chorizo Torta when I dined here and the meal itself came to less than $10. There's a board posted out front with a list of the farms the meats and ingredients are sourced from (with specific ingredients called out and linked to each farm). The chorizo was tender and delightful, along with the melted cheese and other ingredients that were part of the Torta. The line looked fairly long, but moved quickly and I had my Torta about twenty minutes after I first stood in line. There are also various freshly squeezed drinks that you can buy. I believe the OJ is freshly-squeezed and they even have a vegetable drink of sorts (I can't remember what it was now) that was delicious. All in all, if you're looking to dine somewhere at ORD, there is no contest. This is all there is.
(5)Jeff F.
Some of the best airport food anywhere and now I'm conflicted about my long held disdain for ORD. Chips and guac - exceptional by airport food standards. Pepito (braised short rib) was fantastic Realized after the fact they have online ordering. Great option.
(5)Andrew S.
I had done some research and thought I found the hidden gem of O'hare (ORD). The service was terrible. No smiles. Everyone seemed to hate what they were doing. The buzzer thing makes it even less of a personal experience. I was watching as they threw my sandwich in a box and threw in salsa. When I opened the box the torta was in pieces. When I said thank you the woman looked like she didn't understand and just shook it off with a "yep". The torta was ok. There was a huge amount of pickled onions and it was lacking in the meat and beans. I think they could have a good Airport gem but they need to work out the staffing and presentation. It goes a long way if I think you care about what you are doing.
(2)Richard K.
I used to have cable television until I pulled the plug 5 years ago because paying exorbitant amounts of money for 100+ channels of which I watched less than 10 made no sense. But prior to pulling the plug, I remember watching Season 1 of Top Chef Masters on Bravo where Rick Bayless was crowned the "Top Chef Master". Therefore, I took a mental note and said one of these days I am going to see how masterful this gringo really is. Fastforward to 2014 and while waiting for my flight from Chicago's O'Hare (oh hell) airport back to Los Angeles, I noticed that Rick Bayless had not uno, not dos, but tres freaking Torta Frontera places inside the airport! ¡Ay dios mio! So I made a beeline to the Terminal 3 location after showing my moobs, penis, and nutsack to the TSA X-ray scanner. I looked over the menu for about 5 minutes and decided to get the cochinita pibil torta ($10.50) and the agua fresca of the day, cucumber lime ($2.50). The cashier told me the cochinita pibil torta would take about 10 minutes and gave me a vibrating pager. Upon finding a stool and waiting 10 minutes, my pager vibrated and I picked up my torta, which came with a fiery habañero salsa on the side. Before trying the torta, I took a sample of the salsa, but it was way too hot, so I went back to the pick-up station and got a mild salsa verde. After unwrapping the cardboard box that contained my torta I took one quick photo (no I did not make a stupid unwrapping video like all the iMorons) and then thought, wait, this hunk of bread is $10.50? Look, I understand that Chi-town is far from Mexico and that most of Chicago hasn't had real Mexican food since Chipotle does not count... also, I know that I was eating food in an airport with inflated prices, but seriously, the size and contents of the torta were underwhelming and the price was unjustified. The cochinita pibil consisted of pulled pork, black beans, and pickled red onions sandwiched between a doughy bread. However, there was hardly any pork in the torta and the black beans were pretty much non-existent. Why so stingy Rick Bayless? More like Dick Shameless. Also, the torta lacked any depth and was really boring. Maybe some cotija cheese or some actual seasoning would have helped. Definitely overhyped by all the Top Chef fanboys and overpriced. I've had really good tortas in Los Angeles that blows this mierda out of the water. Meh meh meh. I guess this is what happens when a chef gains "celebrity status" and sells out. Reminded me of how Skinner from the movie Ratatouille started marketing Auguste Gusteau's name on frozen food after his death except in this case Rick Bayless is doing it to himself. These tortas, like the name of their creator, were flaccid and not worth putting in your mouth. Definitely not masterful. What a joke Top Chef is. Like his annoying brother on ESPN, Skip Bayless, you can "skip" this place. Tortas Fronteras? More like Tortas Frustrante (frustrating)... or Fracaso (failure). ¡No quiero mas! 2 stars since the agua fresca was okay.
(2)Jeanne K.
I knew Rick Bayless from watching Top Chef Masters, and when I heard he had a place at the airport and I had to wait an hour for a friend to arrive, I made sure I stopped by. I got the braised beef pepito torta, even though it was breakfast time. The meat was tender and flavorful. I thought it lacked a little crunch (aside from the toasted bread) and freshness of fresh vegetables or something pickled. It's a little on the pricier side for a sandwich lunch, but it's very solid for an airport location of a restaurant. Probably one of the best, especially since airport food is usually terrible... You order from the counter and pick up from the back. Seating is limited but there are other places to sit in the airport. It's pretty popular, so if its busy be prepared to wait 10-15 minutes.
(4)Michelle G.
The fam and I were visiting Chicago for an extended weekend. Before catching our flight out, I stopped by to grab the hubs and myself dinner to go. The woman who took my order appeared to be frustrated, and otherwise unwelcoming. Right off the bat she said that the wait would be 10 minutes and asked if this was ok, I agreed since I felt it was fair for the line that was ahead of me. I ordered the pepito torts and the garlic shrimp torta. I waited patiently and noticed everyone around me getting their food and off to catch their flights. I found the receipt and realized that 17 minutes had passed and asked the man at the counter. He could not find my order but began trying to figure out the problem. He asked the person who was in charge of bagging and handing out orders but he seemed unconcerned. After another 8 minutes they finally managed to get my order together and send me on my way. Luckily(or annoyingly) my flight was delayed so I was not in danger of being left behind. The food was delicious, they gave me chips, guacamole, and extra salsa for the inconvenience. The guac should not be missed. The green salsa was to die for. My torta had goat cheese and I felt it was an odd combination and would have preferred a different cheese. My husband enjoyed his torta. Overall I would give them a shot in the future and hope that their service improves. Service: ** Food: ****
(3)Rafe J.
Being my first time to frontera I went with what I thought would be two staples, tortilla soup and a margarita. The tortilla soup was quite tasty and had quite a bit of chicken. This being said, the cheese was all at the bottom of the bowl in a gelatinous glob that was not as appetizing. It seemed that no care was put into actually preparing the soup which was surprising as their ingredients are locally sourced and great quality. The 12$ margarita was served in an abysmally small cup for the price. It was as if they fill the cups every hour and leave them until the ice is melted and then serve it to customers. No one likes a flavorless and watered down drink. Worst margarita I have ever had and would never come back or tell anyone else to with this lack of care in prep. Love the idea which brought me in and love supporting local but no more frontera for me. Walked away feeling cheated.
(1)Jenna Y.
I thought I would grab a "quick" bite here during a layover. There was a long line for to-go orders with only 1 cashier. Once I ordered, I waited in their "waiting area" that consisted of standing in the way of the restaurant patrons/servers or standing in the middle of the airport walkway. They were quick to provide my order (about 5 minutes). This place appealed to me because they had a sign that showed what local suppliers they use for their ingredients. I ordered a side frontera salad that was overloaded with dressing and soggy peppers. I could only force down a few bites and threw away the rest. I also had a side order of guac and chips. The guac was mediocre but nothing like Chiptole. The best part about my order were the chips. I loved the lime flavor and light salt on the chips and they tasted very fresh.
(3)Christine T.
I do love Rick Bayless, never been to his restaurants, but his recipes are great. I'm disappointed in this Tortas Frontera, I understand it's airport food. It has great flavor, but it's expensive, not too filling, maybe it is better if you actually get the torta... anywho I ordered a Pepito - breadless. Says it comes with tortilla chips, it doesn't, it comes with tortilla strips on top. Also if you're going to use cotija cheese, DO NOT sprinkle it at the bottom of a dish and pile hot food on top of it. i was po'd that there was no cheese, then i get to the bottom and i have the melded disk of cotija at the bottom, what a waste. My advice, try it once if its the only chance you're going to have RB's food. If you're a frequent traveler through O'Hare like I seem to be, and you want Mexican go across the way to Burrito Beach, Chips and Guac $3 instead of $6. Also not the place to go if you're in a hurry, it takes about 10-15 to prep depending how busy they are.
(3)Brittany S.
If only all of O'Hare were filled with inspired options like Tortas Frontera. This was my second visit to this bustling eatery that uses local ingredients (bacon from Gunthorp Farms in Indiana!) on their menu. I opted for the Tortilla salad filled with avocado, peppers, lime vinaigrette, corn, black beans and so on. I paid $3 extra dollars to have pulled pork added to the salad (smart thinking, Brittany). The woman at the counter informed me that the mango juice and lime cucumber juice are the only true fresh juices (I asked) - following her recommendation, I savored every last drop of the cucumber lime juice. (I can't recommend this juice enough!) As is the case with popular eateries, expect to wait a good 15-20 minutes for your food. Frontera uses waiting pagers to notify customers when their food is ready. While waiting, enjoy watching the crew whip up fresh eats behind the glass "wall". Only complaint: it felt that they could have been a little more generous on the pork and less generous on the salad dressing. Other than that, moto delicioso!
(4)Kimberly K.
Tortas Frontera is an awesome option to have, especially in an airport. Fresh, flavorful, and quality ingredients used. Super tasty tortilla chips, salsas, guacamole, tortas, and drinks. The bread. Is toasty on the outside and soft within. Guacamole was very fresh, smooth and clean. The tortilla chips were thick, crisp and sprinkled with sea salt. It had a nice corn flavor. Counter seating is available. There is also a bar at the restaurant. It can get difficult to find seating at times. There is a cafeteria right across the restaurant with plenty of seating. Cashier is friendly and quick. The food takes some time to prepare, but it's worth the wait. Cashier was friendly and quick. Mango Lime Aguas Frescas was a hit. Definitely try if you want a refreshing drink. Ask to mix the Mango and Raspberry drinks..soo good.
(4)Christina F.
Ok, I came to O'Hare earlier just so I'd have time to eat here. I have to say that after having eaten at Rick Bayless' Xoco and now Tortas, what stands out the most is how despite the fact they are more fast food in nature, he doesn't let that limit his menu offerings and instead, strays from what Taco Bell and Chipotle (admittedly a guilty pleasure) have made typical of Mexican-American food. I mean, come on: Slow cooked pork carnitas? Braised short ribs? Smoked pork loin? Beats having to choose between grilled chicken or ground beef. Anywho, I ordered the Cubana torta, Fully Dressed Guac, and Mango Lime juice. The smoked pork loin slices in the Cubana were thin but SO flavorful. I love anything smoked. The cilantro crema and chipotle mustard were also subtle enough to compliment rather than overpower the pork loin and bacon. The guac was really yummy, especially when I got to the bacon bits. Lasty, I was worried the Mango Lime juice was going to be too limey but it was pretty good...although the lime waaas getting to me towards the end. Overall, check plus!
(4)Mike V.
Wow! Good and fast, fast food at an airport? I am dumbstruck. Right next to the place with the yellow "M". Don't be afraid even if you are short on time. The Tortas make good carry aboard food. Great tortas. Three great flavors of fresh lemonade. Not sure there is anything bad on the menus. Prices are airport, but what can you do?
(5)Jeremy S.
Who doesn't love a good torta?! Actually had a couple of menu items at this place as I was passing through o'hare. The salads are awesome chipotle chicken torta is highly recommended, especially with a Perrier to flush it down...
(4)Ben F.
This place was pretty good. A somewhat healthy snack in the airport is hard to find. I'm sure I will be visiting this place again next time I'm at ORD
(4)Debi E.
Great flavors! I got the vegetarian portobello torta (whichever one that was). I'm a big condiment fan, so wishing I would've asked for some aioli or something, but not at all necessary.
(5)Zulfiqar A.
Based on the yelp reviews, I decided to try it. The corn chowder was a smashing success. The texture of the soup is the winner. Creamy, sweet, cheese bits, pickled pepper pieces small and large. The best chowder ever. Salad was great as well. Airport food redefined.
(4)Annette V.
Are you hungry at O'Hare? Do you like things that are delicious? Then Tortas Frontera is the place for you. While working on a project in Chicago, I became unfortunately well acquainted with the zoo that is ORD, but I always knew that the light at the end of the tunnel (aka the million years it takes to get from downtown to the airport in a cab) were my beloved tortas. The cubana, pepito, and cochinita pibil are my favorites (skip the choriqueso). My one wish is that it would serve a tomatillo guacamole similar to the one at Frontera (seriously delicious stuff), but I can make due with the awesome chips and salsa. A gem in a sea of questionable chain restaurants.
(4)Luke M.
Best airport food ever. Had the garlic shrimp torta and an obscene amount of chips and guacamole. One of the best sandwiches to ever enter my mouth. I typically don't salt my food, so everything was just a tad salty for my tastes, but that is a minor complaint. My aunt is travelling with me and she said she would have added salt, so yea, minor complaint. Auntie had a corn soup and loved it. Would eat here again, no doubt. Attached bar has good (not great) selection of tequilas and other spirits. Food and liquor both are airport prices, but not to killer. We spent under $50 for a main dish, soup, one drink, two bowls of chips and salsa, and two sides of guacamole. Excellent guac! Tad salty :p Anyways, if you're passing through Chicago O'Hare, give this spot a go. If you enjoy Mexican fare, you won't be dissapointed.
(5)Najah H.
How many times have I eaten here... Umm I'm not sure if I can count. Pretty much at least once every other week everytime I fly in and out of Chicago. I do love their sandwiches. Pepito is hands down my favorite. Lately though sometimes I feel the quality is inconsistent. It's supposed to take 10 mins for tortas and mine came a bit sooner today and the meat seemed a little undercooked. That doesn't mean I won't come back though. Because it truly is hands down the best airport food ever! So good that I walk from terminal 2 to terminal 3 everytime just for a torta
(4)Chris W.
Delicious food. This is the first time that I have been in the Rick Bayless restaurant, however I have made many of his recipes at home. The torta Pepito was spectacular. The cream sauce was amazing, I wish it had come in the side dipper instead of the spicy green salsa. I enjoyed the ambiance and the people watching from the bar facing Barbara's Bookstore. $18 for a sandwich and a SmartWater.
(5)Georges S.
This place is really good and priced pretty moderately considering the quality of food you get. If you're looking for gluten-free, candida diet, healthy choices, you can't go wrong with their taqueria salad (if you're super picky, remove the things you're supposed to). Glad I found this place, order double chicken if you're craving protein on the salad.
(5)Chris T.
The only place I eat when I'm at O'hare! ...and since there is always a flight delay here, I always have plenty of time to get it. I'd say my favorite thing on the menu is the Pepito: a delicious torta with beer-braised beef short ribs. The flavors are great and and the jalapeños bring the heat. The tortas do take time though. They warn it takes 10 mins, but it always feels longer than that. And I see folks complaining abou the price - it's an airport, so everything is pricier.
(5)Paige K.
My boyfriend and I literally plan our meals around going to this Frontera when we travel. Thank you Rick Bayless for making down time spent in the airport so much more enjoyable. Eggs and Bacon breakfast sammie, mango lime juice, and guacamole bar are my favs.
(5)Allen H.
Fantastic food, the sandwiches are best at ORD. Great breakfast tortas and a bitching Bloody Mary too. Ask for the habanero salsa for your chips and sandwich. Warning only a tiny bar for seating, that's it.
(4)B P.
Love it! Creative twist on Mexican food. Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also have a pretty good bar menu... Try the bloody Maria.
(5)Richard S.
I'm going to be honest I do not have much experience when it comes to tortas. However I have been to this place the past two times I have been to O'Hare airport, and both times it was equally amazing. Yesterday my friend dropped me off at the airport and I had some time to kill. I knew there was one place to go, frontera grill. I chose to go with the short rib torta which was excellent. The bread was fresh-baked and crispy. The short ribs were succulent and seasoned to perfection. The sauce that they used and vegetables only complemented one of the best sandwiches I've had in my life. This $12 sandwich is well worth the price.
(5)Scott R.
As a frequent flyer (Chicago based), I call terminal #3, American Airlines my second home. Therefore, I have eaten at every single restaurant in T3 and you will not find better airport food than Tortas Frontera. The tortas are incredible, made with high-quality, fresh local ingredients. FYI--MADE TO ORDER: Make sure you have enough time prior to your flight because it does take 10 to 15 minutes for your food to arrive. This isn't the place to go if you're in a hurry.
(4)Ka L.
Tortas frontera is the only reason I look forward to visiting ORD. And I have been upset for a long time that this luxury was only available for domestic flights. But finally, all good things are worth waiting for, and so is tortas frontera. It is one of the only two food places available at the international airport. Right outside M12. But beware, you need to have at least 20 minutes before boarding if you wish to succeed in getting your tasty tortas! For something quick, grab the guacamole and chips. I love the naked guacamole. The all in guacamole was kinda spicy. Chips are thick and crispy, awesome for digging out guacamole. But you probably still need to factor 10 minutes for queuing up. The aqua is really tasty - mango was my pick. You probably wanna share it with someone as your mouth gets a little dry after half a cup. And the highlights for people who can afford the wait time. Tortas!!!! All amazing. I love the garlic shrimp. Cubano, cochinita pibil. Haven't had any I don't like. The salsa is really spicy. And for a female appetite, half the tortas is really enough. I recently tried the open faced mollete and that was really good! Yay. Bacon was a little salty but oh wonderful crispy bread and cheese.
(4)Joel C.
Have eaten here many times on my through O'Hare, and absolutely love it! The Cubana sandwich is a must have. The only bad thing about a place this great is that there is typically a long line!
(5)Eric L.
We're talking about some of the best airport food: a mini Rick Bayless restaurant inside O'Hare. It's not cheap. No airport food is cheap.
(4)Matt P.
One word - impressed. Not your typical airport grub - dare I say it, but maybe the best airport food I've ever had. That's because the eatery is the brainchild of some celebrity chef named Rick Bayless, whom I'm not hip to, to begin with. Whatever he's known for, it really doesn't matter, because the only thing that they really serve up are those Mexican flat breads that bear the namesake of this (though they do have separate breakfast & bar food menus). As you look to order, you'll notice a chart of where all of the ingredients come from. This isn't just local Chicago stuff, but rather very specific items flown in to make these sandwiches. Sitting at the bar, I ordered up the Cochinta Poblano. It's a simple combo, pulled pork, black bean and red pickled onions. Light on the beans, the mix of everything just gelled really well. A few dips of their hot habanero salsa was the perfect compliment. The bar ares seats maybe 15 and features four beers on tap - Bud Light, Negra Modelo, and 2 of their own brews (Marisol) - a white ale and IPA. The white ale was weak and would not recommend, but the IPA was decent. Not bitter at all, but closer to a full bodied Belgian than pale ale. Definitely worth a pit stop when passing through at O'Hare.
(5)Kathleen K.
BEST AIRPORT FOOD EVER! I devoured my guac and was almost grateful it was gone because if it was a bottomless pit of guac I would eat myself to death. The short rib sandwich was also very good and I had a tasty Mexican beer to round out my meal nicely I will definitely go out of my way in the future to come here when flying in and out of this terminal
(5)Julius W.
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(4)Jon-Paul B.
Cubana was really good. The whole menu sounded extremely tasty and I'm sure it's all great. The line was very long, especially compared to the other places in the terminal, but it moved fast. Not your typical airport food by any means. Highly recommended for anyone passing through.
(5)Aaron A.
Highly underwhelming. Home made taco meat has more flavor. Tried 2 sandwiches and both were really boring and bland. Was pretty excited for this and really disappointed. Guac tasted like grocery store brand and chips were so thick and crunchy you couldn't taste the Guac anyway. I'll admit I'm a tough critic but I'm reading all these other reviews and I just don't know where the heck they are, because it doesn't seem like the same place.
(1)Neel K.
This is a must eat when in terminal 3 at ORD. The sandwiches aka Torta's are awesome. They also give you a side salsa to go with them that adds a nice little kick They have an attached bar which serves fresh margaritas and chips and salsa. The food takes about 5-7min to prepare but it is well worth it. As others have said, there are outlets at the table area so it's easy to plug in. Definitely will be back for breakfast or lunch next time in ORD.
(5)Donald S.
Your best bet for good and tasty sandwiches at OHare airport! The sandwiches are Mexican tortas designed by Chicago Chef Rick Bayless who owns Frontera Grill and has a show on PBS ! Try the Chorizos or Shrimp and also the chips ang Gaucomole ! Average price with a drink is about $ 15 ! A great airport deal
(4)Sonny S.
I can no longer look at airport food the same way... After a 14 hour flight with gross airline food and a 3 hour layover until my next flight, I decided to explore the food options. In the back of my head, I had already decided that I'd go with the usual airport grub...McDonalds or another fast food joint, until I laid my eyes on Tortas Frontera and boy am I happy I did! I've been a big fan ever since watching Chef Rick Bayless on Top Chef Masters and having him come to my school, so I was excited to try his food. Everything on the menu looked great, but I ended up going with the smoky garlic shrimp torta, which was uhhh-mazzzin! All the components on the sandwich were really tasty - everything from the shrimp to the black beans to the goat cheese to the arugula. Basically a party in my mouth - every bite was packed with flavor! Considering how overpriced airport food can be, this place was surprisingly affordable! Go. now.
(5)Jose G.
I got my money back :( The meals are good, but it's O'Hare so there is lots of good places on this terminal. I'm ok with $12 sandwiches (their pepito) and I was even excited about the ten minute wait because this place does everything handmade. I've had their sandwiches before and they are good. Today I think I got them off their game because they totally forgot about my order and I went up to them they basically said to wait about 2 minutes! I looked at the glass and while they were well meaning, the bread wasn't even done (the person couldn't slice it in half---pepitos are roasted crisp). So I thanked them for their microwaving powers of bending time and politely got my money back. What's annoying isn't the fact they forgot, but the fact they were willing to rush an order that was clearly going to be on par with the airline sandwiches I could have simply gotten on the plane. They quietly obliged, what else can you say.
(3)Peter C.
Great spot to eat if you have the time. The times I've eaten here, I've had to wait at least 15 minutes before getting my sandwich, but it is worth the wait. Really creative sandwiches and other options. Its hard to get better food than this in the airport unless you grossly overpay for your food at one of O'hare's full service restaurants.
(4)Jenny L.
This is located in an airport. Which makes it even more crazy. How can this delicious restaurant be inside an airport?! I ordered a salad and chowder and both were delicious.
(5)Paul G.
I'll give this place 4 stars even though I think it's more of a 3.5. Running late to my flight as usual, it good to know food is quick at Ohare. Even at a nice restaurant like frontera. At the counter they told me it would be 10 minutes but it was more like 3-5. Which was great. Who likes to wait anyway?? I order the first torta on the menu. The cubana. // The cubana - $12.71 - kinda expensive for a sandwich but I kno how rick bayless rolls. It's cool. I paid for it because I was looking for some quality, for once, at the airport. The sandwich comes on a crispy yet soft torta white bread. Bacon, avocado, and ham I believe. The ham was a bit chewy. It was hard to take a good bite into the sandwi h because the rest of the meat would pull out. I don't know about you. But I hate when my meat pulls out ;-) haha. But seriously, the first bite, I couldn't cut the bacon with my teeth so I just ate the whole slice. Not as it should be. So the bacon and ham were a bit chewy. The rest of the ingredients were great. I did enjoy my Sandwich and it was relatively big sized. I would go back, but maybe try a different sandwich. A good spot to stop if want quality food.
(4)Nancy Z.
Pepito is my go to sandwich whenever I'm at O'Hare. The bread is warm and crusty. The short ribs are tender and the flavor is one of a kind. Makes my 4 hour layover bearable.
(5)Suor K.
On my most recent layover at O'Hare, I was looking for something different than the standard fare. Thanks to Yelp, I was able to find Tortas Frontera. They offer grilled sandwiches, called tortas, with different types of fillings including chicken, pork, beef, vegetables, and shrimp. I ordered the shrimp torta and a mango lime agua fresca. Once you order, they give you a buzzer and you simply wait about 10 minutes. So if you're in a rush, this is not the place for you. The shrimp torta was decent. I didn't think it was particularly mind-blowing. Just your standard fare. I wasn't impressed with the mango lime agua fresca. It tasted too much like lime and not enough like mango. Seating is limited, but across the way is the food court, so you can always find seating. But you'll have to wait near the restaurant in order for the buzzer to work.
(3)Victor B.
Good fare in O'hare. Living in LA I'm used to good Mexican food but in an Airport in Chicago I'm surprised. Yes it has a chainy vibe but it's quality local food, did I mention some of the food was grown at the airport! Urban gardening, good food makes this a must stop at O'hare
(4)Kathleen C.
I'm so happy this is still open after delays! Dinner at home will not be freezer burned mystery food after all!!!!
(5)Shayna Y.
Overall: Love! Best option in the airport, by far! If you enjoy flavorful Mexican food, you are in for a treat. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Likes: - Delicious, fresh Mexican food - Love the Tortilla Soup and Taqueria salad! - Breakfast bowls with eggs and bacon are delicious - Plenty of gluten free options, which is rare in an airport full of sandwiches! Gripes: - Like all airport restaurants, prices are jacked up - but at least this food is delicious - Prepare to wait - because the food is prepared fresh, it takes at least 10-15 minutes - The international terminal has more seating than others. The other locations are sometimes cramped with long lines.
(4)Steven D.
I never heard of Rick Bayless before until I decided to stop by and try this place out in the ORD airport. I'm a sucker for Mexican food, so I'm always willing to try new Mexican food places. The sandwiches are a little pricey for just the sandwich, but it's the airport, so it's kind of expected. The sandwiches don't have too much bread which I like and the ingredients taste pretty fresh. I've had the short rib sandwich and the meat was tender and flavorful. I've also had their egg chorizo breakfast sandwich which was good as well. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the wait. Both times I've had to wait about 5-10 minutes for a sandwich even when it's not crazy busy. They give you a buzzer though, so you can feel free to wander around if you wanted to. They have a pretty wide selection of juices that I want to try as well.
(4)Padma A.
I like to stop here when @ O'hare. I ordered Tortilla soup and Chicken Sandwich, no crispy tortillas strips for my soup were packed and the sandwich was mediocre. Disappointed!!
(3)Olena P.
Had a layover here from NY in the am. I was super happy and surprised to see this place. I have been a fan of Rick Bayless for a long time. I ordered the breakfast torta with Bacon! Waited a while for it, but it was well worth it. I thought the bread was great along with the bacon and salsa! Highly recommended, if you have enough time to wait!
(4)Kunjal T.
A great airport eatery - thanks Rick Bayless. Often when I board aircraft with Tortas Frontera bag, the staff comments 'you know where to find fantastic food at the airport! O'Hare by B12, stop by if you get a chance..
(5)Dave M.
Good food; very slow service. I would not have expected chips and guacamole to take 15 min, especially at a to-go counter in an airport. If you have the time to wait, go for it.
(2)Lauren U.
I ordered the Pepito Torta. The crema was tangy and the meat tender but somewhat lacking in flavor (this could have something to do with the fact that I ordered a lunch sandwich at 5:30am). The really knocks their rating down for me though is that they burnt the bread pretty badly, but served it to me anyways.
(3)Jessica T.
For airport food, this has got to be the best food I've had waiting for my plane to arrive. I was traveling thru Chicago and decided to grab a bite between my connecting flights. I'm so glad that I opened up Yelp to see if there was anything worth while and came upon this place. I grabbed their Cubana torta which was amazing. Great flavor of meat and texture of the flattened bread. That shredded pork with slice of cheese and pickles, it has definitely been the highlight of my 8 hours of travel.
(5)Betty C.
This place is yummy! I love all the food and all the sauces. If you have to travel through O'Hare airport, make sure to go to B concourse in the United terminal for delicious Frontera, you will not be dissapointed.
(5)Greg R.
Is it weird that I may try and get to O'Hare just a little extra early so I can grab a meal pre-flight from Tortas Frontera? This is, no question, the best airport food I've had. Fresh made tortas with quality ingredients, delicious teas and juices...it's great. I had the special Torta Albondigas - delicious meatballs in this torta! And the salsas they serve with them are fantastic, super flavorful without being too too spicy. And the various drinks they offer are super tasty and refreshing before cramming onto a plane. They also have great breakfast tortas for the early travellers. For what it's worth - this is the only place I'd want to eat in the airport any more...and it's clear a lot of folks agree, as they are always pretty busy.
(4)Mike C.
One of the best sandwiches I've ever had - and I don't mean from an airport, I mean ever. Everything was prepared perfectly, and even with a line out into the terminal I got my food in ~10 minutes. Was going to save half of my chipotle chicken gotta until the second leg of my flight. But yeah, that didn't happen.
(5)Elena N.
Last meal before flying out of Chicago last month. Since I was at the airport, I had to find something I couldn't get in San Francisco. That lead me to Tortas Frontera. It actually wasn't close to our gate at all, but was still in our terminal, so we decided to walk over there. Corn and poblano chowder ($4.50) - Corn, green chile, vegetable broth, caramelized onion, cilantro crema and queso cotija. A little brothier than I expected. Since the description said chowder I expected something heartier. Flavors were still good even though they were a little muted. Pepito torta ($12) - Beer braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapenos, chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema and arugula. This was the sandwich I ordered. I loved the toothsome chew of the bread! And the short ribs had a nice balance of savoriness and slight sweetness. The pickled jalapenos, cheese, cilantro and arugula balanced it out. Cubana torta ($11.50) - Pork loin, neuske's bacon, chihuahua cheese, chipotle en adobo, cilantro crema, mustard and avocado. I didn't like this torta at all. It just tasted like a ham sandwich. And I don't like ham! Not a bad last airport meal. A friend of the roommate's actually told us we should check out a Rick Bayless spot while we were on Chicago. Guess I can check that one off the list!
(3)Gabe M.
WOW! What a treat! I've never had a torta and came here based on a friend's recommendation. I wish we had these back home. I had the Chipotle torta and it kinda blew my mind. Make sure to try this place out. The wait can be a pain, so make yourself comfortable and have a seat at the side bar. You won't regret it!
(4)Opal D.
Tortas Frontera had so much potential, the menu looked interesting, the idea is fresh and unique for an airport restaurant - unfortunately, the food was terrible. The sandwich took 10 minutes wait to get but it tastes worse than the starbucks premade sandwiches that take a minute to heat up. The breakfast sandwich was extremely bland, the eggs were slightly green, and there wasn't much chorizo in it at all. The granola cup had this thick jam-like substance at the bottom, lacking any resemblance of "fresh fruit", it was heavy and overly saccharine. The best item at Tortas Frontera were their alfajores which were not made in house. Verdict: Starbucks is a better choice.
(3)Winnie C.
Whenever I'm at O'Hare, which is not often enough, I make a point of taking a meal at Tortas Frontera. Yes, the food arrives fast--you get a buzzer alerting you to pick up your food, which in my experience has always been ready before the amount of time the cashier has specified--and is easy to eat, but it's all fresh and made with excellent ingredients. In the past I had had only molletes, because I was there in the morning, and these open-faced sandwiches were the only breakfast-appropriate meat-free option that wasn't stuff like yogurt that you could get elsewhere. Today's roasted mushroom torta was a delicious, filling bite. The mushrooms' glorious umami heft was complemented by cilantro, arugula, and (I believe) queso fresco, grilled in flavorful, assertive bread. Those watching carbs can sub out the bread for black beans and arugula, but that wouldn't be a torta. As I said, the food arrives fast, but pretend you don't know that and grab a drink at the attached bar. Why only four stars? The food is expensive: $10 for this torta, before Chicago's steep taxes. TF is also a bit precious about sustainability, and its earnestly labeled compostable cutlery and sauce containers are a little lolworthy, given the surfeit of packaging required (?) for fast food. At Tortas Frontera as well as the other eateries in this food court, skip the bag. There's already too much packaging, compostable as it supposedly is.
(4)Mark G.
Tortas Frontera takes airport food to another level, this place wants to be the best gourmet restaurant for an airport stop. They have a great menu and take their time with cooking their dishes. They give you a list of were the food is sourced from, this definitely is a must try. I have tried two different kinds, the Pepito is a sandwich with beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapeños, Chihuahua cheese,black beans, cilantro crema, and arugula that comes with delicious green sauce. The Cubana is smoked pork loin, Nueske's bacon, black beans, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema, chipotle mustard, avocado, and served with a red sauce. They have absolutely great gourmet cooking here!! They do take up to 10 minutes to make and there usually is a line for them. This is one of the best airport options you will find.
(5)Cami R.
I had the Pepito. It was dry and bland.
(2)Angie K.
Great for airport food! Guac is amazing! I also love that they offer great drinks (I had the Cucumber and Lime juice), and it was refreshing. You can't really go wrong with the sandwiches- I've tried three, and they were all equally delicious. The Tortas in Terminal H also has bar seating with outlets, which is awesome!
(4)Liana K.
Best fast airport food you can grab. Only thing is I wish they used a more softer roll. Meh on Chabata roll. Corn chowder is amazing too. Made my flight a lot more tolerable.
(4)Jamar T.
This place stands out amongst all other food options at the airport. I come straight here every time I'm flying out from O'hare. Everything here is good! I've had the eggs and chorizo, chipotle chicken tortas, the pepito, and the chips and guac. I also like that they list where all their food comes from. Everything is made from local Chicago food companies. If you're flying American Airlines, Frontera is a must try!
(5)Tiffany Y.
This was my first time at a Rick Bayless restaurant, and after this time it definitely won't be my last. I was able to come here on a Thursday afternoon, which for some reason it wasn't crowded AT ALL, which is very rare, because every other time I have walked past this location they are super crowded and have at least 30+ people waiting in line / waiting for an order. I ordered the cubana which is their best selling sandwich, it is a spruced up cubano and has avocado as well as a slightly salty spread on it. The sandwich came out within 10 minutes, and it was delicious, except it was a little bit saltier than I would have liked. I am not sure why it was so freaking salty. $11. The salsa that it came with was ACTUALLY SPICY. I loved it. Next time I will probably just get chips, guacamole, and salsa instead of ordering the cubano. I also want to try their hot sandwiches, and the nut bars, etc. that they have. I would not come here if I was in a rush, because it takes a bit longer compared to the other restaurants that they have in the airport.
(4)Amy B.
Really excellent airport food--heck, really excellent food, period. I had a steak torta and it was absolutely delicious. I wish I'd ordered a side of chips and dip, since the people around me were giving me food envy, but I was trying to be at least a little healthy. The sandwich was a bit on the smaller side but very tasty. The Tortas Frontera location is crazy-busy and I found myself constantly jostled in my seat at the bar by people jostling for drinks. The ambience was decidedly lacking. Still, worth it for the fabulous torta.
(4)Denny C.
I had an extremely long layover at ORD after taking a redeye (four hours, to give you a sense). I came here upon recommendation of a friend, and I was happy to discover that Tortas Frontera opened super early at 5:30 in the morning! I came and opted for a braised short rib torta. The price crept up into the double digits (yes, I realize it's airport food) so I had, particularly after the recommendation, some high expectations. The torta was okay. It was a bit small. I wish there were more braised short rib, but it was pretty soft, tender, and flavorful. I also thought that the bread was kind of hard. Overall, it was fine for airport food. In fact, I can see how this place is so popular among Yelpers and foodies given the dearth of selection at airports for good food. Service: You can either order at the counter or sit at the bar and place your order there. It's not a huge restaurant, but they have five or six people working, so you feel pretty taken care of here. Bottom line: Maybe if I were under similar circumstances I'd come back and try a breakfast torta or something else, but I'm not in a rush to do so.
(3)Jen B.
My go-to guacamole stop each time I pass through Chicago O'Hare! I also buy Rick Bayless salsas at the grocery store. Always fresh and high quality.
(4)Jason A.
Great food for a lunch spot, world class for an airport. The full loaded guac was killer and both sandwiches we had were great. It wasn't airport expensive either.
(4)Jennifer K.
What Tortas Frontera offers is really good for airport food. I was kind of excited thinking I can finally enjoy some real food before I get on my flight at ORD. Maybe my expectation was a little high. There were limited seating but we were lucky to secured 3 seats at the counter. Only one lady working as the bartender/server so expect service to be slow or non existent most of the time. I tried Cubana ($11.50) & Pepito($11.50) Tortas. The short rib sandwich was ok but pork loin Cubana sandwich was bland tasting and chewy. The Corn & Poblano Chowder ($4.50) though was amazingly good! The Margarita I sampled were so so on the weak side. But I love my Witbier Bottom Up Wit from Revolution Brewery which was so refreshing! I might give Tortas Frontera another try when I routing through ORD again, which is quite often.
(3)Christina L.
The thought of craving airport food, let alone an airport salad, seems like the biggest oxymoron. Strangely (and awesomely), the taqueria salad here is in my top 3 favorite salads ever. Their other menu selections (tortas, soups, etc) are also good, but on the unhealthier side (but delicious!) This place is often the deciding factor on which airport I should connect through and is one of the few things I look forward to on a cross-country flight (signs you know you travel too much). With no free WiFi and the over-abundance of fast-food at ORD, this place is my saving grace for this airport. I would eat the salad here at least once a week if I had a Tortas Frontera by my house. With arugula, romaine, radishes, avocado, caramelized onions, roasted poblano peppers, tortilla strips, and avocado-lime dressing, this is a tasty and filling salad. It's not necessarily cheap at $8.50, and like to add chipotle chicken (+$2), but you can't really get a good meal at the airport for less than $10, so this is on par with what you'd pay elsewhere. They make the food fresh-to-order, so you're not picking up a salad or sandwich that was made the night before. If you're looking for a sandwich, the Tortas are all pretty good - I've had the Chipotle Chicken and Milanesa, but they tend to be a little heavy on the cheese and on the greasier and heavier side. They will set you back $10-11. The sandwiches also take a long time to make, so be prepared to wait. The soups are also tasty. Be warned, this place can get busy and the wait can often be about 10-15 minutes, depending on what you get. If you want your salad with dressing on the side, or you get a sandwich, be patient. They are making your food on-demand, and it's hot and fresh, so if you are in a hurry, go elsewhere and get a cold sandwich or gross salad. 5 stars for one of my favorite airport meals, and one of the few things that makes transferring via ORD bearable.
(5)Jackie K.
BEST!!! COME HERE!!! This is great for food in general and for it to be at the airport is AMAZING. While I cannot account for a "true" torta, I can say that airport food is usually terrible and this food is reasonably price for fresh food made to order. Their tortas are delicious and you can get the chicken one with the chicken for vegetarians. The mushroom torta has argula ewhich adds a nice taste. It's always busy and you have to wait up to 15 minutes to get your food. The moulettes are good too (although I prefer the tortas) and the guac is great. I also like the sauces they include and their fresh juice is great. I like the breakfast menu more than lunch but I look forward to layovers in Chicago so I can get this food. COME HERE! Best airport food in the country.
(5)Victor W.
This place is an operational wreck. They tell you it takes 10 minutes for the tortas to come out, presumably so they don't gets lot of angry complaints for slow service which I understand. However, I ended up waiting 27 minutes for what is basically a sandwich and some guacamole. Chipotle could have made my food 9x in that time period. They were mixing orders up left and right. People who ordered long ahead we're being passed up. When I finally asked where my food was after 20 minutes of waiting they couldn't find the corresponding ticket in the queue. This happened with 1 or 2 others ahead of me too. They had no real system of clearing the backlog or getting old orders remade when they found the food or realized they hadn't made it yet. I would give it one star if the food was terrible but when it finally came out, it was okay. No apologies were given for the delay or offer explanation. Terrible customer service... For an airport place, they should have better operations in place. I wouldn't trust it if I had a flight taking over anytime in the next 30 minutes. As a frequent flyer, I'm sad that I'll have to stay clear of it.
(2)Craig D.
Despite the 10 min wait for my food and the slightly higher price tag, this joint is pretty darn good!
(4)Liz S.
The classic tortilla soup was nothing but a bowl of grease! Not fit for human consumption!!
(1)Vikram K.
Usually I hesitate eating Mexican food outside, but my friend suggested me to try it. Try whatever on the menu, it will taste fresh. The flavors just make you eat more and more. Their salsa and guac is super good, I finished whole chips and salsa on own. Cilantro soup, chipotle chicken and tres queso we had & was the best. All the frustration of flight cancellation melted in the form of flavors from "frontera". Kudos!!!
(5)Elizabeth K.
They are best tortas in the midwest! I made it right before they closed to order thank goodness. The cubano us my favorite! Salsa is the bomb
(5)Brian S.
Very good sandwiches. Guac is delicious! Nice to have quality airport food available. Will be my go to when flying through ORD.
(4)Jenny K.
Don't even think about eating anywhere but Frontera Grilll if you are at terminal K or H. My favorites are the Choriqueso or chicken Milenasa. Hot, crunchy, salty yummy sandwich goodness!
(5)Teresa C.
I've loved all of Rick Bayless' restaurants, and Tortas Frontera has always been a stop for me whenever I fly out of O'hare. I've had at least 5 sandwiches from here, and they all have been great, but the pepito torta that I ordered from here yesterday was burnt. By the time I discovered that it was too late, as I was already 5,000 feet in the air. :( I am disappointed...
(3)Charlie F.
The food is what Xoco's food would be like if it went through a washing machine. It was still pretty good.
(3)Mikey U.
Having arrived at the bleak morning hour of 8am, far ahead of the 10:45am departure time for my flight, I was less hungry than I was deluged with restlessness. Also, yes, I was hungover - a night of liberal libation on the generosity of company capital. What better way to quell a bit of headache and convince the body that its getting food of a sort than having a spicy, peppery, acidic Bloody Mary? Garnish is considered a food group, right? Tortas Frontera (an abridged airport offshoot of famed Chef Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill in Chicago proper) serves up a few plates in addition to the namesake tortas, but they also had a full bar. Zoom. So there's that. ... what is it about airports that makes pre-noon drinking permissible and norm? Not complaining. With an hour to twiddle away before boarding, I enjoyed a passable (mostly premixed?) Frontera Bloody Mary, but mostly enjoyed the company and conversation of a lovely bartender/manager, Justene, who was rather tickled by the idea of San Jose's fandom of hockey (GO, SHARKS!). Someone else had mentioned the "zeal for teal" to her. Thanks, Justene, for the company and the giggles and the time; I'll definitely be back (and maybe try some food) the next time I'm in town! ________________________________ Hey, Sharks fans: "zeal for teal" is a horrible, horrible way to express support for a team. Sharks: tough! Hockey: tough! Zeal: not so much. Stop that. No.
(4)Kim K.
As tempting as the McDonald's is next door, TF offers *slightly* better options. I come here almost every time I fly through O'Hare and have yet to be disappointed. The food tastes great and I love that they list all the food sources. Local food! Win! Plus, they are playing salsa music and honestly, who can be in a bad mood when salsa music is playing? If you're running late for your flight then this probably isn't the best option and there is about a 10 minute wait but it's totally worth the wait as they put together your food after you order it rather than it just sitting there for an infinite period of time before serving. Great stop at O'Hare if you're looking for good quality and tasty food!
(4)Ted C.
So, after having to wait a little longer to get picked up because well, sometimes it works out that way I finally had the chance to eat at Tortas Frontera. Bad morning+airport+pick me up= Breakfast torta+feeling weird that I'm eating at the airport I've arrived in. Unfortunately, a little after I ordered I was told they were out of eggs. AGH! Well, I got the Pepito instead which had short rib jalapenos. The Pepito was, well as I ate it I thought "I would eat this on the outside" and then finished it quickly waiting because my bag was waiting. If you're in a rush, I wouldn't suggest coming here since it does take some time, they cook it right as you order and just because it's an airport restaurant doesn't mean they don't take their time. It's a good thing if you're looking for good food but if your flight is close to boarding I wouldn't come here.
(4)Kamran J.
The pepito, and this airport restaurant, are for real. This is what airport food dreams are made of. Go here if you are hangry and you will leave happy. It's a bit on the expensive side, but that situation is no different than that of any other airport restaurant, so I won't ding them for that (gotta love those airport taxes).
(5)Vivian C.
So, if you're in Terminal 3, and your flight departs from gate K something, don't go to the McDonald's... well, unless you're hankering for Mickey D's, which is always a possibility... head the other way to the food court where there is a selection of options. One of the more interesting choices is Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera. Place your order, pay with charge or cash, and pick up a buzzer that will let you know when your order is ready. Mine took nearly 20 minutes, and there was no line ahead of me, so keep that in mind. My $11.50 Cubana (smoked pork loin, Nueske's bacon, black beans, Chihuahua cheese, chipotle en adobo, cilantro crema, chipotle mustard, avocado) without spice still had some heat, but was tasty and way too filling after I stuffed it all in. Oops. According to a friend, however, I should have had the Pepito (beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapenos, chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro crema, arugula) $12... well, next time!
(4)Gar B.
I had a 4 hour layover in O'Hare so did some research before I arrived. Tortas Frontera seemed to tick all of the boxes, so I gave it a try. I had a beer and the chicken salad, both of which were good. The start of the show had to be the bar man, he was friendly and entertaining! This is probably the best option if you're in O'Hare.
(3)Alden V.
Hard to beat a bar seat at Tortas Frontera in O'hare. Crispy chicken with pickled jalapenos plus beer was the perfect late-lunch time-killer while waiting for my flight. The bar was packed, but service was a little shotty. Thankfully I was already leaving, because one of the two super busy bartenders/table waiters went on break with a full house, haha. Which I felt was sort of like a DMV-attitude... you're inside the terminal at O'hare, where the hell else are you going to go?
(4)Natalie M.
I honestly went here just because of my great experience LAST time I went here. I was hoping my gate would be next to this place because I couldn't remember where it was! Luckily, yelp came to the rescue and saw it was sort of near the gate I was going to be near. I got chips and salsa just to try the salsa and the pepito. Get this! Beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapenos, Chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro crema, and arugula. It's $12. It takes about 10 minutes to cook. You'll just want to sit there and consume every bite! It's simply flavorful, the meat is tender, the bread is perfectly toasty, the combination of flavors is amazing. I was so happy I got this. It's very filling as well! I was so satisfied. One of the better options to eat around here in Chicago! Go with Tortas Frontera!
(5)Faith S.
Fresh and beautifully prepared! Breakfast is amazing. Not fast food, though. Be prepared to wait 5-10 minutes for your order. Leave time for this when you're at O'hare! If you have more time, sit at the bar. Amazing guacamole!
(5)Andrei K.
Pretty impressive quality for an airport restaurant, especially one in Chicago. I fly quite frequently and had quite a lot of negative experience with airport food: expensive, tasteless, greasy and full of sugar. Chicago O'Hare is notorious for the last two and I was happy there is now an exception to that rule.
(4)Kevin Q.
This is really good for quick airport food. It's not a typical fast food place and instead offers higher quality, fresh tasting Mexican style sandwiches. I got the chipotle chicken torta, which was tasty and just filling enough. I also had their iced tea which was alright. When I went it was on a Sunday afternoon and there was plenty of seating available. Keep I mind that my torta took ten minutes to prepare so don't come here if you need to pick something up immediately.
(4)Tom H.
This is amongst the best quality airport food I've come across and I've been choking on airport food for a long time. The waits can be a bit long and the line for ordering can go slowly but it's worth it. Once you've order you'll be handed a pager. It all works if you've got time between connecting flights but if you're in eat and run mode (for planning purposes) you may want to hit a spot that gets the food out a little faster. Recommendations: I'm a big fan of the chipotle sandwich. It's really good. The Cubana is also consistently awesome. When they hand you your pager walk across the hall to the bookstore. The pager's range reaches there and it makes the wait go quickly.
(4)Jane W.
I fly in and out of O'hare multiple times a year, and I'd say that this place is easily one of the best airport food I've ever had. I stopped by Tortas upon finding out that my flight was delayed by 2.5 hours, and ordered the Pepito (beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapeños, Chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro crema, arugula) for $11.50. I also ordered orange-passionfruit juice for $2.95. The sandwich itself was solid - not too big, but the flavors were great, meat was tender, and sure beat the pre-packaged $10 sandwiches at Starbucks. As other reviewers have said, this is not the place to go to if you are in a rush. I stood in a pretty modest line, and it still took about 10 minutes for them to prepare my food. But if you have time, this is definitely the place to go. Fun fact: apparently, they get some of their produce from airport gardens in O'Hare. In my four years of traveling, I have never seen this before, but apparently if you head over to terminals 2 and 3, they have vertical towers with vegetables and herbs.
(4)Jen K.
This is my favorite place to stop when I am at the airport. The food is so delicious and fast. There is a bar attached too. You have breakfast options up to late night options. Though the tortas are legit, I usually go for the mollettes. They are a good price and filling. Plus, they all have unique flavors. Overall, I would highly recommend getting to the airport 10 minutes earlier so you can stop by
(4)Jennifer H.
This is my go to place to eat in O'hare. Always a treat. Don't miss out.
(4)Patrick L.
Great food if you're around the way. 10 minute wait for a sandwich so challenging if you're in a hurry. But worth it if you have just a bit of time. Food is 4 stars for sure - especially given the terrible other options around. I drop two-stars though based solely on the terrible bartender. I ordered food at the line, went to grab a seat and saw to my surprise that there was an attached bar. Nice I thought. Sit, have a beer, eat my sandwich. When I walked up the bartender threw a nasty look at me and said "you wanna sit here?" of course, I said I just ordered food. Sneered at me. Really rude. So I ask is it "uncommon for folks to sit here?" she said no but "this is how I make my living." apparently, she was pissed off that I didn't order food at the bar. But then didn't realize or ask whether I wanted a beer or anything to drink. just sort of ignored me. Her face was priceless when I asked her to get me a beer - like shocked that I actually wanted something to drink. Fail. Gotta recognize that the layout doesn't scream "order at the bar"
(2)Rob W.
We had 2 very very long layovers in Chicago and this was by far the best meal in the airport. I ended up having the pepito which was nice. Braised beef was flavorful, slight spice, nothing overwhelming. We had a nice order of guac. The salsa for the chips was a little spicy for los ninos, but they're wimps.
(4)Rënë R.
Very disappointed about their tortilla soup and the "Torta" was just OK. I mean, I guess for being airport food it was alright.
(3)Cheryl W.
Excellent food, especially for an airport. My new "go to" spot when I'm hungry. The Guacamole Bar is really good!
(5)Michaela A.
Thanks to the other Yelpers, we were rerouted through Chicago O'Hare airport and wanted some "real" food for dinner. My expectations were both hopeful and elevated after reading other reviews - and they were exceeded. The quality of the ingredients at Tortas Frontera was excellent - their meats come from local farms. The service was friendly. The choice of menu items was good. I had the Pepito Tortas which was pieces of short rib beef, black beans, cheese, arugula. It was a perfect combination of good flavor and some spice. My partner had the Cubana which was sliced pork. Next time we fly through Chicago we would very happily do a re-run and would highly recommend to other travelers. Oh, the fire roasted red salsa is delicious too.
(5)Dale G.
Okay now i'm amazed. I just tried the Cubana Torta and it was flavorful, filling, and some of the best food inside of an airport. I'm noticing a trend. Less of the fast food garbage and more good food for travelers. I'm a happy man.
(5)Jessica S.
Love the sandwiches normally but was told by the cashier that it will be a 10 minute wait for food (we had 20 to make our flight) but 20 minutes later we were still waiting. Did not end up getting our food because we had to catch our flight. Didn't have time to get a refund either!!!! $20 down the drain just like that. We weren't the only ones complaining. If the cashier had told us an accurate wait time, I would not have bothered. So only come if you have plenty of time because they are really SLOW.
(2)Aimee M.
The great thing about being a mom is that you can use your kids as an excuse. "I have to get to ORD early because I need to make sure they give me and W seats together". is code for "I have to get to ORD early because I'm finally flying out of terminal 3 and I want enough time to buy a torta" And another perk of being a little early...NO LINE at Tortas Frontera! I know that's not the norm, but Wednesday 1030ish, I was 2nd in line. I'd gladly wait in line, like I did at Rick's other place XOCO, but I have a kid, we're in a busy airport, I don't have lots of time to wait in line (my excuse again! see how it works?) I ordered Pepito's for both me and my mom. We saved it for the airplane and when we opened it our flight attendant had to comment on how we were so smart to get those sammies to go. Save the cash you'd usually spend at Mickey D's. TF is a bit of a splurge even for airport food but totally worth it! The torta was fan-freaking-tastic. OMGosh, I have no shame in saying I finished the whole thing in one sitting (I'm a mom, I was famished, I didn't have time for breakfast. see how those mom excuses work?) The short rib was tender and flavorful. The pickled jalapeno, chihuahua cheese, beans and arugula add so much flavor to the sandwich too. Loved every bite! I got a coconut horchata and it was delightful too. Very refreshing and perfect with the torta. Alas, arriving back at Terminal 3 we were in a hurry and toddler boy was very cranky, the line was huge so we didn't stop. Talk about bummed out. I need another Pepito fix!
(5)Mark M.
Guess people don't know great Mexican food. Coming from NM we do and this was not that great. Edible it was. Was just a little disappointed. Service though was very good do kudos to that.
(3)Denise L.
Wow! I never thought an airport restaurant could blow my mind. I was wrong. As usual, my trusty Yelp app came to the rescue and told me this was the highest rated restaurant there. Fortunately it was located very near my departure gate. Score! Even as I opened the box, the air was filled with tantalizing aromas. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the yummy contents. The **Pepito Torta** was mouth-wateringly delicious: beer-braised beef short ribs, chihuahua cheese, cilantro cream, and arugula. The flavors of this griddle-baked sandwich blended so well together. I topped it off with the **Mango Lime Agua Fresca**, which had the sweet mango taste offset by the kick of lime. A totally new sensation for my taste buds. Best airport meal ever, hands down. You order your food at the cashier and are assigned a pager, which alerts you when your food is ready. If the food item you're ordering will take longer than a few minutes, the cashier informs you that your order will take X minutes and asks if that is okay. It's nice that they are sensitive to your traveling needs. TIP: Try to stop here for a meal if your gate is nearby. Otherwise, change your flight so that you can depart from a different airline/gate. Trust me, it's worth it!
(4)Emily H.
Skip getting the guac as Rick Bayless's O'Hare airport branch gives out unacceptable containers of guacamole for 5.75. My container, which I ordered without he toppings was half filled and chintzy. I would like to recommend but cannot. The poblano soup was good but I was so disappointed by the guac, the soup hardly made up for it.
(2)Kate D. B.
If this place were in my hometown, I'd probably want to give it 3.5 stars, but it's in an airport ... so it gets ALL THE STARS! Thank you for saving me from a prewarmed high-calorie in-no-way-yummy meal, Tortas Frontera. I had the sausage sandwich (which I chose largely because it was one of the few items with no cilantro, and there was no way I was special ordering with that kind of line). It was well-seasoned and quite tasty. I wish it had come with a wax-paperish wrap, because the sausage fell out onto my lap out the back of the sandwich when I bit into the front. The only downside was all the veggies were in the middle; the veggie bites were far superior to the just-sausage bites. I also wish I'd gotten some of the guac -- it looked delicious. It took almost 20 minutes to get my food, but they'd warned me when I ordered -- definitely the way to go in an airport where half the folks have all day to wait and half the folks need to get out NOW. They even offered my friend a taste-test of one of their specialty juices when she asked what it was like. How's that for airport service?
(5)Matt W.
Ok, I have to say off the bat that I am NOT a fan of Rick Bayless, as a person. He's spent a lot of time profiting off of Mexican food while doing his best to push the actual Mexican people and culture behind it into the background. That said, if you're stuck in O'Hare terminal three, this is probably your best option if you'd like food that doesn't come from McDonald's. The taqueria salad with smoked pork was incredibly good - the only issue I'd mention is that they put it all into a conical "to go" pod, which is good for taking it with you, but makes it awkward to actually eat the salad. The salad was assembled into distinct strata, and you had to really dig around to try and get a bite that wasn't just pork, or just lettuce, or just avocado. The fresh aqua frescas are a nice option, but the prices on the drinks are highway robbery (even the bottled water is $5!) and the side of chips & salsa or guac don't sound bad when you look at the menu, but then you get the food and realize you paid $2-3 for a tiny to-go cup of salsa or guac and a handful of chips. Still, it beats the hell out of McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, or Macaroni grill. You win this round, Mr. Bayless, but we'll meet again...
(4)Jeffrey Z.
By far the best food you can get at an airport (and I travel a lot). The corn and poblano soup is spot on and full of flavor. My favorite dish is the Milanesa torta. Every element works so well. The crispy chicken and perfectly hot and crispy bread with the creamy avocado and beans, the spice of the jalapeños, and the salsa verde on the side are an incredible combination. Definitely stop here if you have some time at O'hare. Also, good to know, especially if the line is long: you can order food at the bar.
(5)Brandon B.
My preferred stop at the airport for a bite if I have time: this is so much better than the other airport options. You generally will have to wait at least 10 minutes for them to prepare, but this guarantees freshness on the spot. A little pricey but what isn't at the airport? They give you a buzzer and you can go enjoy your drink while you wait, there is a bar there too. It's hard to explain what makes it so good: the balanced spices, warmth, crispiness, and comforting taste with a twist of original and unexpected, simple but artful.
(4)Thanh B.
This is a review for their breakfast tortas, I got the egg & chorizo tortas since I felt the egg and bacon would be like getting it at some American restaurant. The cashier was nice and quick, was informed it would be 10 minutes for them to prepare the torta, which I had no problem with. After 10 minutes, I picked up the torta and asked for habanero salsa as I've heard it tastes really spicy and good. Quick inspection of the sandwich, it looks really good but noticed it was stuffed with eggs, where my chorizo go??? Let me provide a a pros & cons: Pros: Quick service for being busy. Cashier was nice. Bread of torta was toasted and provide a great I total crunch. Salsa was spicy and good. Cons: $10 dollars for a breakfast sandwich??? Eggs eggs eggs, I love eggs but it took away from the flavor of any of the chorizo and peppers and onions. Very minimal amount of chorizo compared to the egg fillers, I was expecting a good amount of chorizo. I could only taste a subtle hint of chorizo. Mexican spices were overpowered by the eggs and did not shine through to provide an appetizing flavor. I was disappointed as I could have gone to McDonalds for a fraction of the price of this "egg torta". To be fair, most of the recommendations have been for their lunch and dinner tortas so I will try again when I do not have later connections out of Chicago. To sum things up, I wouldn't recommend spending the money here for their breakfast torta, you can have a more fulfilling meal at one of the other stands serving an egg sandwich with ham or even bacon! Again, I am only reviewing a breakfast sandwich and not the lunch or dinner tortas.
(2)Christian M.
Affordable TASTY airport food!!!! YES ITS TRUE!! I wonder how many times Rick Bayless sat in the American terminal wishing he had GOOD FOOD. Bottom line, whether for breakfast with yogurt and coffee or a full dinner... Frontera grill is just quality. Enjoy .. I actually chose NOT to eat before I left so I could enjoy a meal here. Justine was my bartender and she pulled me out of line so I didn't wait for food then hit the bar. She was professional and fast. Great attitude for an airport bartender.
(5)Matthew M.
great place to waste time. very very sloooooow. food is OK. its mexican street food. not bad for airport food.
(1)Ian L.
A very good offering by Rick Bayless. It really pays to be picky and order the "few good ones". The second last time I ate (can't remember which terminal), it was really delicious. Ordered 3 of them mmmm. Cubana (MMMM) Pepito (MMMMMM) and Cochinita Pibil (MMMM). I didn't eat all of them, I split them with the partner. There are some duds. For example the Milanesa; since I'd already tried 3 of the best previously, I went against tried and true. Paid for it. It was mediocre, can't even remember what was in it just that it was not done very well. The chicken was good;
(4)Alex H.
Found myself back in ORD last week, and I'm happy to say that TF is still worth going out of your way for. The habanero salsa is insanely good - even better than I remembered. I was simultaneously in tears and dumping more on my toasty cochinita pibil torta. And they've expanded the seating area, which is a nice upgrade, which comes with a side of schadenfreude as you look out on the poor souls eating at the food court across the way. Coming through this otherwise terrible airport and not stopping in is the biggest mistake you'll make today.
(4)Jelena Z.
Crazy, but true: I actually look forward to layovers at O'Hare because then I'll have time for a torta and adult beverage at Tortas Frontera. Though Tortas Frontera can't compete with Rick's downtown dedicated-to-the-torta restaurant, XOCO, it's still outstanding. Is it the best airport food in the U.S? Quite possibly, yes. If your timing is right, snag a seat at the bar and order a Goose Island Marisol while you wait. Of all the Goose Island brews, Marisol is my hard-to-find favorite... she's a Belgian golden ale flavored with coriander, tangerine zest, and Ugli fruit (a hybrid of Sevilla orange, grapefruit and tangerine). Depending on the length of the layover, I may also order a michelada (get it with a Victoria beer!). Back to the food - though I enjoy the breakfast tortas, my HG sandwich is the Cubana: smoked pork loin, Nueske's bacon, black beans, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema, chipotle mustard, and avocado all pressed between griddled bread. Don't balk at the price; keep the line moving and trust that your $11.50 will be money well spent. Protip: you'll have to walk over to the bar to order your beer or cocktail separately... it may seem annoying, but I promise this system keeps everything moving efficiently. In Rick we trust!
(4)Katrina D.
Yum!!! It's great to see a local restaurant in O'Hare instead of chain after chain after chain. If this was a stand alone restaurant not in an airport, I would give it four stars. Compared to other airport food, it's five stars. The ingredients are fresh, prepared quickly, and the bread is amazing. The red salsa is a must try! Skip the Manchu Wok and get yourself some Tortas! P.S.- One of my coworkers is OBSESSED with this place and will go out of his way to get his tortas when he's passing through ORD.
(4)Gerald Z.
Here's the one thing bad about frontera, you will over eat here every time. You can not NOT get the loaded guac and you can not NOT get the cubana. They are absolute musts. This however leaves you in a carb coma 30 min later...well worth it though.
(4)anjum a.
Food may be adequate, but perhaps you should consider packing plastic silverware in your to go bags. Am I supposed to eat a salad with my bare hands in the airplane? For the price, you can and should do much better.
(1)Jason B.
its probably the best airport food you can get. amazing bread. i got the pepito everyone recommended but id get something else next time. i wanted it to be life changing but i want that all the time with my food. pepito was marinated chunks of beef rib with cheese and some stuff which i can't recall. takes about 10 minutes fyi. its good and different. dont hesitate to get fries next door at mcdonalds and eat it together in the lounge. just a random thought. JEANS: OK by far since you're in the aiport ORDER: Counter
(4)Matt M.
Airport food game changer. If I'm ever in Terminal 3 at O'Hare, this is a must-go. Rick Bayless deserves all the hype he gets in the Windy City- his food is quality goodness, and in an airport? Count me in. Their guacamole with pepitas, thick cut bacon, peppers, queso fresco and sun dried tomatoes is the perfect snack in between flights. So good, I need to recreate it. Pair it with a raspberry prickly pear agua fresca if you're in a hurry. If you're not- you gotta get one of the margaritas at their bar. Yeah, pricey, but staff was friendly and talkative, and they even have charging stations at each seat at the bar (and at the counter, if you're an agua fresca type). Sad thing is now every option in every other airport just looks like a Chili's.
(5)Rozann M.
The quacamole is good, but the tortas are like shoe leather and the tortilla "broth" is greasy and overpriced.
(2)Alfred G.
Long layover in Chicago so I decided to try Frontera. A lot of positive reviews on yelp so Figured let's give it a shot. In short, this may have been the best airport food that I have ever eaten! The Pepito was excellent. Highly recommend it.
(5)Dustin P.
Had the salad with garlic shrimp. Very filling and delicious. Avocado was fresh, lettuce was crisp, and carrots were crunchy. I also really liked the poblano pepper.
(5)Steven C.
The best freshest airport food I've had. Yum! And very filling too. I ordered the chipotle chicken tortas and was very satisfied with what I got! So long fast food options!
(5)Nanditha G.
Decent tortas (after having the authentic ones, this doesn't really come close) and good soup and salad! Actually reasonably priced and good for airport food :)
(3)Janni V.
This is not only the bar by which airport food should be judged. No, my friends -- this is simply good food. I'd go to this place all the time if it wasn't in the airport. As it is, I'll be happy to go here whenever I'm stuck in ORD waiting for a flight. Things experienced: smoked pork mollete with caramelized onions, queso fresco, fig jam, and cilantro; corn and poblano chowder; mango lime agua fresca; raspberry prickly pear agua fresca. That mollete was ridiculous. I wanted more, but I wanted to leave room for the soup. HAD TO try the soup, especially because the day I was flying was really gloomy and chilly and perfect soup weather. The soup did not disappoint; I'd love to make something like it at home. The mango lime agua fresca was a star among drinks. Raspberry prickly pear was just OK -- a little too sweet for my liking, but I probably would have loved it when I was a kid. I didn't try one of their famous margaritas because it was only 10am, but if I'm ever there later in the day, I probably will. I end up flying for business quite a bit, so here's hoping I get to work my way through more of the TF menu soon! :9
(5)Laura T.
Grabbed the fully loaded guac for my flight home. You get a huge serving of guac topped with (from memory) bacon, pepitas, roasted red pepper, pico and crumbed mexican cheese. They also include 2 small servings of salsa... a red and a green. The thick tortilla chips come in a box and are topped with an oddly yummy lime salt. The serving amount was perfect. Every chip got a hefty spoon of guac and the leftovers were used for the salsa. I found myself looking for grains of that salt to taste after it was all gone. I must figure out how to make it, or where to buy it. The whole thing was easily enough to serve as a rather hefty meal and is easy to consume on the plane. I pushed the chips over and placed the cup of guac in the box with the chips. No muss, no fuss. The whole thing was less than 7.00 and probably my most favorite airport food... and I fly a lot (for work). Just try it!
(5)Jack R.
Airport food is generally lackluster. However, I was pleasantly surprised on a recent layover at Chicago O'Hare when I tried a torta at Fronterra. I got the Pepito, which is a braised beef short rib sandwich. It was delicious with a little heat and the tomatillo salsa on the side was outstanding. The sandwich was $12, which is pretty average for an airport. As I ate the delicious sandwich I could see people lined up at the typical fast service restaurants within view of the Frontera and thought if only these people knew what they were missing, they would be eating over with me. You will have to wait 5 or 10 minutes for your food, but it's well worth the wait. I would defiantly schedule future trips through O'Hare just to hit Frontera on my way through.
(5)N. D.
An airport eatery this good -- wow!!! You don't find such good places easily inside the city; to find it at the airport was a pleasant surprise. The food was just great -- the tortas were very nice and the salsa with the chips had wonderful nuanced flavors; drinks section nice; and most importantly, it was super clean -- full points for a hygienic and organized kitchen. Would love to come back!
(5)Kiki K.
This place is awesome for quick airport food. I had the Taqueria Salad + Chipotle Chicken. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount and quality of the food. Exactly what I wanted. Would definitely eat here again!
(4)Duy N.
Delicious! The best airport bar restaurant I've been to! There's both a bar area and a to go order area. Other reviews say that sitting down may give you fresher food, but all I can say is my food was fresh. I got the Pepito - beer braised beef short ribs, picked jalapeños, chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro crema, Arugula. So tender, so juicy. The margaritas are good. Never blown away by margaritas anyway. They have a selection of tequilas including tres generaciones. Must try! I highly recommend.
(5)Valerie J.
Wow, that was delicious. I ordered the pepito, braised beef, cheese, pickled jalapenos...yum! Spicy but yummy. The line moved fast and my order was ready in around 10 minutes. Not too bad when you've got a flight to catch.
(5)E K.
Rick Bayless ( rickbayless.com ) may not be as well known in the west coast beyond his Red O consulting job in LA ( bit.ly/1sGR5ko ) and Newport Beach ( bit.ly/1iM6X1O ), which I fear is off-puttish with pricier menu considering the sprawl of cheap Mexican eats all around. But I guess this is one way to be more "accessible," albeit only if you're at O'Hare for some reason. Let's call it a Frontera Fresco with a limited menu at airport prices. But who am I kidding? He's not going to win over SoCalites much less me winning over anyone in Yelp. This would be a good introduction to what you would expect from a Bayless joint, although dining at Frontera Grill ( bit.ly/1supHqB ) or fine dining at Topolobampo ( bit.ly/1jlXPg4 ) would be the ultimate Rick Bayless restaurant experience. Onto the food, finally.. So the featured items are the tortas, molletes, and guacamole bar. There are also salads, soups, and chips & salsa. There are also breakfast equivalents along with a yogurt option and dessert. Tortas - Mexican sandwich, with a variety of pork, beef and chicken options, as well as shrimp or vegetarian Molletes - beans, cheese and other toppings on half a bolillo and then grilled or baked Guacamole bar - plain, Nueske's bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, cotija cheese (Mexican feta is the closest I could describe it) There are also Mexican aguas (flavored drinks), licuados (smoothies) and alcoholic drinks available, with featured cocktails. I arrived at the airport around 6:45 AM and headed straight for Tortas Frontera. I had the Pepito torta of Xoco ( bit.ly/1hIx1qP ) fame along with a michelada (beer with lime juice, chiles/spices, possibly clamato). Gotta love booze for breakfast! I was looking forward to Goose Island's collaborative beer with Rick Bayless called Marisol, but it appears to be no more :'( I guess this makes sense since his restaurants feature Revolution Brewery currently. Some of the best airport food I've ever had. Making another trip to Chicago this Fri, so I'll be giving this place another shot.
(4)Dan L.
Nested across from the H-K food court in Terminal 3 resides Torta Frontera. Why eat McDs or DD when there's flare and flavor right across the corridor? I've actually never had Bayless' famous tortas here, but everything I've tried is delicious, especially the soups and salads. The chorizo and eggs over beans is fantastico! It's all a welcomed break from traditional travel "food" (if you can call it that) in one of the busiest airports worldwide. If only I could get Rick to make breakfast or lunch for my family at home. Saunter or salsa over to Torta Frontera. It's a little more money than the grub across the hall, but you won't have to pay your physical trainer as much. ¡Que bueno!
(5)Chen S.
I happened to have a 12 hr connection in This airport...Geez. But I did enjoy their Pepito a lot! Nice beef! It automatically comes with the pickle, (and also jalapeño I guess?) recommend it!
(4)Parker K.
I seriously wish I flew all the time, just to eat here. The food was incredible (I had the cochinita--pulled pork--upon the recommendation of the person taking my order). The service was also decent. It was crowded but I was able to get a seat at the bar only after I'd placed my order through the food-only line. However, the waitress was able to track down my order when it was ready and bring it over to me at the bar. One tip: do NOT eat the salsa that comes with the cochinita unless you're used to ridiculously hot things. At a very minimum, try just a little bit to see if you can handle it.
(4)Radhakrishna D.
I'm bowled over by the freshness! Will definitely eat here again when I come back to O'Hare
(5)Sidney E.
The absolute best Tortas you will ever taste. That goes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you have more than an hour before boarding time, this is the place to go. I will warn you right away that they do take the time to make the perfect Torta and it is worth it. Honorable mentions include the Cubana and the Pepito. Honorable breakfast mentions go to the Egg & Chorizo. But all of them are really good. I never ever ever thought a sandwich tasted so good until I came here. The combination of textures of the bread and the ingredients go so well together. There are also the soup and salad. I'm a sucker of the Corn Chowder there. Salads are quite good too. They give you a hefty portion. I'm a pilot based in Dallas and everytime I get the chance to fly through ORD I come here. I've got some for my crew and those who never tried it are always impressed. Like I said before, don't rush perfection. Make sure you have enough time, at least a good 30-45 min before boarding. There is a line for a reason at this restaurant in the airport. I've seen countless time people get mad because it takes that long to make a sandwich and they storm off. Those the ones missing out.
(5)Ken G.
This was a good spot for quick airport food that was definitely better than most of the other options around. I got a breakfast sandwich and really enjoyed the chocolate pecan pie bar. I'd definitely recommend this spot for anyone who enjoys food, but wants to have something different than the typical chains.
(4)Arun M.
Okay, I am not from Chicago so every time I come here for a connection I have to eat here. Out of the option to select, Tortas has been very best. I have had their mexican sandwiches and they have been very good. The food is fresh and flavorful. They are right not the mark when it comes to predicting the time for preparation. I will recommend it to anyone who is looking for real food at O'hare.
(4)Janet E.
I am a huge fan of Rick Bayless tortas. I always get the Pepito. The sandwich has beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapeños, Chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro crema, arugula. At $11.50, the sandwich is ridiculously expensive. But it makes me a lot happier on my flight. =) Can't wait for my next in flight meal from Torta Frontera! FYI, the sandwich can take up to 10 minutes to make. So if you dont have the time, skip this place!
(5)L M.
Food quality always positive. Poor to very poor service levels are a consistent issue here. Ten minutes minimum to get your food. Don't believe that the online app will get you food faster. Ordered today and watched the line. Ten people behind me got food before my order was ready. Never go here if you are in any kind of a rush.
(3)Pete S.
I don't fly out of this terminal without a Rick Bayless michelada. Great appetizers, super fast, and outlets for charging within reach of most seats at the bar. Probably tough with more than one or two folks, but otherwise makes the food court invisible.
(5)Robert A.
Being from Chicago...Frontera Grill was always treat for my wife and I...many great memories.... The O'Hare experience is one rife with ill trained staffers who have no ideas of what it takes to be member of the hospitality community. Last Saturday arrived with time for a nice lunch at the grill...ordered lunches paid and waited over 30 minutes only to be rudely told by line person she never received my order and had to go the cashier...walked away frustrated never to come back.
(1)M C.
Located in the American Airlines terminal. They have a lot of food choices but I'm glad I went with Frontera. The best airport food I've ever had and one of the best tortas I've ever had as well. It's a good choice if you want to eat it on the flight as it's not too messy and they pack it in a sturdy cardboard box. I had the chicken torta and it's anything but plain. The chicken was moist and it had layer upon layer of flavor. The sauces and ingredients melded perfectly together. I love arugula and it went so well with the chicken. I think I'm going to try to replicate this at home. They really need to figure out a way to get their food out quicker since people are in a hurry. They didn't start making my torta until at least ten minutes after I ordered. There was a backup with one guy at the grill and torta press. Only two tortas were in the press at a time when the other presses were not being used. Your order will go through the hands of at least three employees who have to read the little order slip until your pager is buzzed.
(5)Michel F.
Having a quick tortilla soup and iced tea before my flight to Austin. Both excellent! A must go in ORD. Amazing quality considering price and location.
(5)Lisa Y.
What a gem to find in the airport! Had the pepito torta with a side of chips and guac and everything was delicious! Some of the best airport food I've ever had! Everything is fresh (and locally sourced!). I hope I get the chance to travel through O'Hare Terminal 3 again! Just need to make sure I have enough time, as there was a long line and since everything is made to order, it takes some time for the food to be made.
(4)Onno K.
Not that good. Sandwich with eggs and peppers was mediocre
(3)Fiona G.
Tortas Fronteras is the gold standard of airport fast food. The sandwiches are flavorful and delicious and you can get great fresh drinks, chips and salsa, or even a margarita if it suits your fancy. The wait can be a bit long at times and it's more expensive than some other places but it's totally worth it in my opinion.
(5)Jackie S.
I'm a sucker for eating at celebrity chefs' restaurants, and this place was created by Rick Bayless. I went to Fontera which was nearby my departure at Chicago Airport and enjoyed my sandwich. You order at the front, receive a buzzard, and pick up your food. I had the mushroom torta which came with crimini, shiitake, arugula, and cheese. Sandwich was around $10.
(4)Melanie B.
Veerry long lines so I always have to time it just right, but I looooooove Rick Bayless' food. What a gift to travelers to have such delicious fares instead of the standard lukewarm tough pretzel. Even just quick chips and guac are a huge step up. --seriously good stuff. Their drinks are SO good too. --don't miss out on those! Just don't stay so long in line, waiting for your tortilla soup that you almost miss your flight to Paris. ;)
(4)Rose L.
Pretty darn good for airport food. I'll probably make this a tradition if my layovers are long enough. The wait time is between ten and fifteen minutes to get your food and about 5 to stand in line. Food is delicious!
(4)Preet S.
Awesome. Period. Won't get better food at an airport. A bit pricey, but worth every penny!
(5)Claudia S.
Delicious place to stop in the airport. Your food will take about 10 minutes,longer then most airport food but definitely worth the wait. They have awesome sandwiches as well great time smoothies! You can see everything being made to order and can taste all of the freshness is the food!
(4)Craig D.
(3.75) ~ Good overall food & Service....seating is kinda TIGHT though....as people seem to hang around after finishing... MY MENU: * Cubana Torta(sandwich) = (3.5) good...comes with a small container of Frontera salsa;) * Guacomole(small) = (4) very good
(4)Joe P.
This is one of my go to places at the airport. The "chips and guac naked" is what I usually get. You'll get used to saying that after ordering it a few times. The service is pretty quick for the chips and guac, but if you're ordering any of the fresh made items it is usually a 10 minute wait. The salads are also pretty tasty but are a little on the pricey side. This is one of the better restaurant choices in the airport and they have never disappointed.
(5)David S.
This place is a miracle; Tortas Frontera redefines airport food and has given me a reason to switch from Delta to United (more layovers here for the food!) Great margaritas, Torta sandwiches (which take about 10 minutes), or if you're in a hurry, open-face Molletes (ready-to-go half-sandwiches/flatbread 'pizzas'). The corn and poblano chowder is one of my favorites. Tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa are excellent. Nothing here has been disappointing, although it can get busy quickly here. If you can get a seat at the bar or by the window there are lots of power outlets for charging, which is great when traveling. Prices are reasonable; a bargain for great food at O'Hare.
(5)Saul G.
Have tried these several times at the United and American terminal locations. We always go for the tortas, which are high quality, not airport food. The short rib is very good, the milanesa can be a bit dry. Yesterday's special of carnitas may be the best of all. I wish they did cemitas. One of those would hold you for a long flight. The aguas frescas are the beverage of choice - lime mango being my favorite. The chips could be better, they are not as fresh tasting as advertised. The guacamole is pretty good, if not up to the level of table-side molcajete guacamole. While the kitchen is well set up for efficiency and the staff work hard, the wait always seems to be longer than necessary. Give yourself time.
(4)Grant S.
What do you do when your home-bound flight is delayed four hours? Scour O'Hare for the famous Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera, of course! Located at Terminal 3, Gate K4, this sleek tortas "bar" is a saving grace for empty tummies. yelp.com/biz_photos/sMoR… I'm not too keen on Chinese and Mexican food, pretty much ever, but something about Tortas Frontera is magical. With an Americanized Mexican menu, the choices run deep and you really can't make a wrong decision. Actually, the only wrong decision you can make is NOT to visit Tortas Frontera. This casual Rick Bayless establishment not only produces delicious food, but is also a role model for other airport eateries with the O'Hare urban eco-farm where much of the produce for the restaurant is grown and cultivated! ourlittleacre.blogspot.c… After ordering one of their delicious offerings, you get a buzzer to remind you when your order is ready. This is such a nice and friendly perk of ordering here, no guessing, I can be surfing the net, preoccupy myself with a great book (This trip was "Life on the Line" the Grant Achatz autobiography, fantastic read). yelp.com/biz_photos/sMoR… When summoned, you receive your meal in a great recycled take-out container that is a roomy, yet temporary home for your delicious torta. yelp.com/biz_photos/sMoR… A long time ago I had a cubano that changed my life. Since then I have been on a mission to find the best cubano in the world. Tortas Frontera is now at the top of the list. yelp.com/biz_photos/sMoR… This masterpiece should need no introduction. Start with a savory, salty smoked pork loin, sliced thin and folded. The succulent, juicy loin is a nice foundation at the core of the cubano. Next, crispy Nueske's bacon, the depth of flavor in these strips compliments the smoked pork loin. These two elements harmonize so well, unforgettable. Now add a little bit of black beans to round out the strong flavors of the pork and bacon. Chihuahua cheese is melted, cilantro crema is spread, and avocado is layered which all give this torta the richness of a five-star restaurant. Add a dollop of chipotle mustard and a side of freshly made salsa and you have yourself the best friend a delayed traveler could have. Next time I'm in Chicago whether arriving or departing, Tortas Frontera is my first and last destination.
(5)Tian Q.
I made sure to wake up by 5:20AM on a filthy airport bench just so I could be first in line for the much raved about tortas frontera because it was supposed to be the best-airport-food-ever-omg. Either my tastebuds were being cranky bitches at the crack of dawn, or there was nothing at all magical about the chipotle chicken torta I got, or maybe we'll just blame it on tortas in general for being a shitty sandwich category. My torta was plain and lacked flavor, I should've just gone to a subway. In addition, the guac and chips tasted straight from a chipotle stock room. Yeah, obviously better than all the fake mexican stands and those wok n' roll counters at an airport. Regardless, mind not blown at all.
(3)Ann L.
Probably the best airport food there is - I always stop here when I fly in for conferences. The pepito is my go-to but the others look good too. While you're eating don't forget to charge your cell phone! It's one of the few easily accessible places to do so.
(5)Andy K.
Great service! Had to run without Tortas to catch a plane and the manager (I think) finished our order and ran after us - meeting us at the gate. Thanks!
(5)Reid Y.
Located in Terminal 3 near gate K4. This was a surprise find in the Chicago airport. I normally get McDonald's while in transit, but I decided to try Tortas Frontera on a recent trip. Glad I did! I got the Pepito - a fantastic torta sandwich. Check out the ingredients: beer-braised beef short ribs, pickled jalapeños, Chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro crema, arugula. It's an incredible sandwich. You can eat it while looking across at poor souls eating food from McDonald's and ManchuWok (or whatever it's called). Also, here's a great tip: there are electronic outlets along the bar facing Barbara's bookstore It's a bit pricey, but I think the price is worth it. Will definitely stop by next time I'm back in Chicago.
(5)Maria L.
I must be spoiled by all the very good taco spots in Chicagoland because this place was disappointing. Tortilla soup was oily had no chicken. Just cheese, tortilla strips, cilantro and avocado. Needed salt and lime to cut the grease. Pepito sandwich was tender but not enough flavor & very bready. Almost Italian bread instead bolillo. For the money, I was expecting a more authentic Mexican flavor. Needs cilantro, cebolla, sal y crema. Overall it still beats McDonalds.
(3)Jay B.
Best airport food ever. Although the cochinita pibil was good I couldn't help but wish I could order everything on the menu. Bar service was good too, didnt know you could order food from there or I couldve skipped the line.
(5)Winston W.
Very tasty food. Never expected to find this kind of quality at an airport. This place is excellent.
(5)Tian Y.
I love Rick Bayless! Consistently delicious food worthy of airport prices. They're actually pretty reasonable, even for airport... If you've got time to kill in terminal 3, it's definitely worth coming here instead of whatever overpriced crap is near your boarding gate. It's worth the five minute walk over. Hell, I go even if i'm not too hungry. But seriously, this is not fast food. The food can take up to 15 minutes to be ready if there are a lot of orders... but I've also gotten mine in 5-10 if there's no rush. If you have a lot of time, sit and eat in the bar area and grab a margarita. They are really freakin' good... and the bartender is super friendly! I've also seen the bloody mary ordered particularly often here, so perhaps give that a try if that's your thing. As for what to eat, my favorite torta/taco/whatever at any Rick Bayless location is the cochinita pibil - the pickled onions just seal the deal for me. Ask for the milder salsas if habanero isn't your thing. Staff everywhere always recommend the pepito, but I can't say I'm as big a fan. Sidenote: this location is bigger than the one in terminal 1, which is sandwiched between gates and doesn't have as much seating or as big a bar. As a result, it's much more crowded. So... it's one reason to choose AA over United? :D But that's a review for another post...
(4)Laura H.
Guac is really gamey. Like a punch in the mouth, but not in a good way. Tortilla chips oversalted and blah. BF says his torta is also gamey, and the service was rude and stressed, granted its the holiday rush. Wish I would have gone for a burrito at Burrito Beach or a salad at Smoothies and Salads.
(2)Gregory B.
The chicken was a little dry but the flavors were excellent. Amazing limeade. Very fresh ingredients in the salad. Not the fastest service, so go elsewhere if you are late for your flight.
(4)Z B.
At first... When I spotted Torta Frontera from across the food court I was excited. Here, I thought, is something different from the usual (poor) selection of airport restaurants. I ordered the Milanesa sandwich and found a place to sit... Second impression... For some reason the counter and seats are covered in crumbs and bits of sticky salsa. Even though I've been sitting here for 45 minutes and other patrons have come and gone no one has come to wipe down anything. The food... My sandwich was spicy, but oddly bland. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE spicy food. I love the complex interplay of flavors offered by, for example, Thai, Korean, Mexican, etc. food. There was no complexity to the flavor in my sandwich. It was hot... That's all. What a disappointment!
(1)Meatdowntown C.
Spectacular but a bit pricey. However, everything is pricey and crappy in airports so this is a good choice for good food and natural ingredients. The best choices: Carnitas, Shrimp and Cochinita Pibil. The guacamole is great and the Margaritas are to die for! This place is a MUST visit.
(4)Alex S.
This was freaking awesome. Conveniently located and pretty fast! The sandwiches are fairly large and filled with delicious, fresh-tasting ingredients. I got the chipotle chicken and it was really filling!
(5)Moe B.
It's like going to PF Changs for authentic Chinese food. Sure it tastes fine and the people flock to it for its safe tastes but it's just another fancified white boy "locally sourced" corporate take on the real deal. My $12.50 torta was ok but you can get the same thing twice as good for $4 anywhere in San Francisco's Mission or on the streets of Fresno.
(2)Lindsey L.
Wasn't impressed with the food, but they had charging stations, so it's worth it just for that. I had the Cubana; I expected shredded pork, but it was sliced ham. :-/ salsa was good though.
(3)Michele E.
Frontera is a great spot to spend a layover at O'Hare. Boasting hand-crafted mexican specialties by chef Rick Bayless, the menu offers tortas (mexican griddle-baked sandwiches), molletes (warm open-faced sandwiches), soups and salads, fresh guacamole, desserts, aguas frescas, beer, and Margaritas. In the morning there is a great breakfast menu featuring a yogurt bar, fresh fruit smoothies and juice, and breakfast tortas and molletes. As other yelpers already mentioned, expect a 15 minute wait for your food. The prices are on-par for a sit down restaurant without the the service. There is some limited bar-style seating that is great for people watching. I ordered the Cubana sandwich, a side salad and an agua fresca and it came out to $20+. The Cubana is flavorful, spicy, meaty, and very filling. It was a little too mustardy for my taste and it would have been overwhelmingly meaty had I not ordered the side salad. You could easily share the Cubana with someone else and order a side to supplement. I would probably order the taqueria salad with smokey garlic shrimp instead next time. But, the mango line agua fresca is a MUST. Soooo good. All in all, a great spot in terminal 3 with a menu that's sure to please just about anyone. P.S. if you're ever at MIA (Miami International airport) and in the mood for a delicious Cubana, there's a great little shop that sells them.
(4)Alex V.
This place would normally be a 4 star review, but the ORD is such a bad airport that this place deserves a 5 star review considering the culinary desert that surrounds it. I've been to this oasis twice, and both the cuban and chicken tortas were excellent. The ingredients are fresh, and they have a few decent beers on tap. Just be prepared to wait about 10 minutes on average, the food is prepared fresh and its a popular spot.
(5)Heather W.
The best freaking airport food I've ever had. I love Rick Bayless and this torts restaurant does not disappoint. I had tortas both coming and going as I had long layovers in Chicago. They were spicy, fresh and the perfect combo of flavors. The salsas totally make the sandwiches, too. I had the chipotle chicken coming and the milanesa going and both were super tasty. Also, I had the lime aqua fresca coming and if you are a lime lover, order it. It was so tart and fresh - so cold and flavorful and refreshing! They are totally worth the extra wait as long as you have time to spare.
(5)Nicole W.
When you're faced with a delay at ORD (and, unfortunately, delays happen far to often at this 'port), Tortas is a saving grace. Consider the Rick Bayless sammies a treat if you're forced to mill around the airport or stuff yourself next to someone with questionable hygiene or phone etiquette. For one, there's often a line at Tortas, but just stick with it - they move you pretty quickly. During my last visit I ordered up a the Chipotle Chicken Torta: poblano rajas, black beans, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema, avocado, arugula. The bird was tender, the toppings flavorful and everything ended with a nice kick in the mouth. I washed down that tasty torta with an iced rishi tea. I was perusing the menu and am definitely intrigued by the breakfast tortas (carmelized plantain or bacon & queso FTW)...next time, ORD, next time.
(4)Danny W.
By far the best part about flying out of O'hare. This airport can suck the life out of you on any given occasion, but at least there's always the option of an amazing torta to settle your transportation frustrations. Everything I've had is delicious, but if you've never been you gotta go with their Cubana. It's #1 on their menu and will be #1 on your taste buds. Also highly recommended is their tortilla soup which is a magnificent medley of cheese, avocado, and chili. It might be a bit more expensive than any other sandwich in the terminal, but trust me, when you finally get in the air your stomach will thank you.
(4)Laurence K.
Really the only place to eat at ohare. food is fresh and very tasty. Rick's food has a great quality about it all the tortas are fresh and even the coffee rocks. Its a must try when at O'hare
(5)Nathan K.
This place is excellent -- by far the best food at OHare and a taste of Chicago-based chef Rick Bayless' take on fresh Mexican.
(5)Sebastian B.
Love Rick bayless food and I've been to almost all of his restaurants. From xoco to frontera to red O. Unfortunately my excitement with finding a frontera at the airport was quickly crushed by the dried cochinita pibil( completely different than what I had tasted before) dirty tables that don't get cleaned... I asked the waitress to wipe it down and she literally looked away. What happened? Very disappointing and not coming back.
(2)Heather C.
The best food to get before a long flight back home. I love frontera food and products! Wish we had one in Portland (if we do, I didn't know about it :-P) Luckily they are vegan friendly - just ask for no cheese or meat! I had the mushroom torta -- sandwich -- which came with some hot salsa. Yummm! There was a wait but that's expected because this place is so darn good! We waited maybe 10-15 minutes and then an additional 10 minutes for my food. Absolutely worth it. Don't come here if your flight is about to leave though!
(5)Jackie W.
Nestled in the insanity that is Chicago O'Hare Airport, my mom and I checked this Rick Bayless original after reading about it in the newspaper en route to Dublin, Ireland. Let me tell you...yum. I had the Pepito Torta with Mango Lime Agua Fresca. The torta was so flavorful with the perfect amount of spice and the break was crisped to perfection. The Agua Fresca was the perfect refreshing accompaniment too. My mom and I love it so much, we ate here again after our flight back from Dublin. This time we each had one of their delicious margaritas and the chips and guac. Equally as good as the torta and Agua Fresca (complete with an actor sighting at the bar). Prices are pretty reasonable at about $9 - $11.50 per torta. The Aguas Frescas are $2.75. Margaritas are a little pricier at $8 - $10 a pop. Seriously though, if you have even a decent layover at O'Hare, even if you have to take the tram airport bus or whatever, stop here if you want some quality food. You need fuel to get you through the horrors of flying these days anyway!
(4)Michelle V.
My first time having a torta. My first time experiencing anything Rick Bayless has to offer. My first time actually falling in love with a meal from an airport restaurant. I ordered the Milanesa Torta. The airport security dude and even the guy behind the Tortas Frontera counter recommended the Cubana but I wasn't feeling like any pork that day. So I went for some chicken. :) I also ordered the Naked Guacamole Bar which is basically just a medium-sized cup of mashed avocados, onions and some salt & pepper. Yes, I probably should have went for the Guacamole Bar fully dressed and topped with all those special toppings they had, but I just didn't want to consume that much dairy before our long flight back home. Let's just say I wasn't impressed with their guac at all. The chips weren't airy with a nice crunch like I normally prefer my tortilla chips. They were a lot harder to much on and were pretty salty. Now, back to my torta which is the main reason why I'm still keeping my rating at 5 stars. The bread is basically like a nicely flattened out Vietnamese Banh Mi bread with the right amount of crunch to it. The chicken breast was soooo flavorful with a nice kick of spice to it. The black beans, pickled jalapenos, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema and avocado made this torta a masterpiece. Especially those pickled jalapenos. I told myself I'd only eat 1/2 the torta, I ate half, then walked over to our gate 5 minutes later to take a seat and couldn't resist opening up my box and devouring the second 1/2 before we boarded our flight. I can't wait to come back and visit Chicago to try Rick Bayless's actual restaurants in the city!
(5)Oscar R.
Phenomenal Tortas! Especially Chicken Chipotle has an amazing tasty kick with blended great tasting flavors. Also recommend the chorizo torta and the garlic shrimp was so so. Expensive treat though I paid $60 for 5 Tortas!
(4)Paul K.
Everyone I travel with always loves this place, but personally I think it's overrated. There's always a wait (15 mins to make a sandwich?), and while all of the sandwiches sound good, I find them just average- somehow they don't put on quite enough toppings so I never fully taste all of the flavors. That being said- when at O'Hare, you only have so many options so all in all it may not be a bad choice.
(3)Brian F.
Are you kidding me!?? Doesn't Rick Bayless know that airport food is supposed to suck. I had the torta Milanese and it was the best sandwich that I have ever had. Perfectly balanced!
(5)B R.
Great alternative to typical airport food. Nice to see quality food at a Chicago airport!!
(4)Mike A.
The sandwiches here are very good, but the wait is ridiculous. They should post a sign that states: 15 min wait times for orders! The line was relatively short, so I decided to grab a breakfast sandwich, which is a pretty decent size, but @ $9, should be. I should have known I was in trouble when the cashier handed me a pager. Again the food is decent and if you have plenty of time to burn, then go for it. If you are in a hurry and need something different (from McD's,etc) then grab a decent burrito at Burrito Beach, as nothing else in the food court is a worthy option. If you have all the time in the world, then grab a stool at the bar; where you can order off the menu and enjoy a cocktail as well.
(3)David M.
Breakfast Tortas are great! Try the bacon and egg with pablano peppers. The bacon has a rich smoked flavor and the bread is perfect!
(4)Andrew E.
Right next to a sub par food court, this is a true gem. I normally just grab a quick slice/sandwich and cozy up to a bar with a tv at airports but this place has such great reviews. I had a noon flight, wanted something substantial and the egg/chorizo torta did not disappoint!
(5)Sonia R.
Granted I did not check out the cuisine, I simply wanted a yummy Margarita to take aboard my flight. I happily forked over the $12.50 for the cocktail expecting to get a regular sized drink, and was handed what looked to be a cup that could not have contained more than 4-5 ounces of fluid. It reminded me of the tiny cup that one would serve a kiddie scoop of ice cream in. Now, I know we are in an airport and things tend to be more expensive, but this was just a joke. And I must say the margarita was only so-so. So folks, just sayin', it might be worth waiting for that margarita.
(1)Erick N.
Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera has become our vacation kickoff tradition every time we fly out of O'Hare. Not just good "airport food" - but this is good food period. Prices are quite reasonable and portions sizes are fair. I love the molletes (warm open faced sandwiches) for breakfast, especially the bacon & queso. If you want a bit more food, order a side of gauc (lots of nice fixings you can add on). Not the largest menu, but great sandwiches (tortas) using high quality, fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Good beverage options as well including margaritas, beer, licuados (Mexican fruit smoothies), fresh squeezed juices and more. While you probably won't spot Bayless himself at Tortas Frontera (unless he happens to be flying out of Chicago), this venue is head and shoulders above the other options at O'Hare. Now if only Bayless could open a sister venue at Midway!
(4)Claire M.
If you're here, stop reading this and order a fully dressed guac. Once that's done, come back. And thank me later. I travel through ORD dozens of times in a given year...enough for the staff at Frontera to remember me. And I remember them, and their food, for good reason -- it's fantastic. I'm a huge Rick Bayless fan and think this airport eatery exemplifies a lot of what any good gastronomic empire should: consistency, creativity, accessibility and responsible sourcing. I've breakfasted and lunched here and been happy every time. My favorite lunch tortas are the Pepito, Cochinita Pibil and Smoky Garlic Shrimp. For breakfast, I just get whatever I'm feeling. Added bonus: there are power outlets in the bar! I plug in my phone/laptop and leave them in my bag so they can refuel while I do. :)
(5)Adam R.
Super tasty Cubana Torta! You may have to wait a few minutes while they make it (fresh to order) but it's worth it! A great mix of flavors. Also recommend the guacamole. It's fresh and a generous portion. I will definitely stop here again the next time I pass through.
(5)Glenda C.
Amazing good no wait great food. Perfect airport food stop! I actually had it for breakfast well it was 11am. 1st time and it was sooo I took some guacamole and chips with me k. The plane as a snack. Even the flight attendant had something to say about this place. Best part when I looked it up they have a spot in Philly !!! It just keep getting better can't wait to go again (;
(5)Melissa A.
I had a fairly early flight out of O'Hare so I wanted to grab some breakfast before boarding the plane. Originally my sisters and I planned on going to Starbucks but we passed Tortas Frontera first and decided to try it out. I ordered the Egg and Chorizo torta and I wish I hadn't! The torta cost about $9 which is a bit on the expensive side at least in my opinion. They do give you a good portion size but the quality of the food was lacking and the service was extremely slow! The torta mainly consisted of egg, very little chorizo, and completely lacked flavor. I literally had to pour the green salsa that came on the side all over the torta to give it a kick. As for the service, that was really really poor. We ordered the food to go and if we were in a rush to catch a flight we probably would have missed it. We had to wait a good amount of time to get our order. The people making it were literally standing around chatting with each other and then had the nerve to start dancing while holding the partially made torta...very unprofessional. I don't know if their other non breakfast tortas are any good but based on this experience I wouldn't recommend or come back.
(2)Alex R.
Easily the best food in O'Hare. They have a wide selection of locally sourced food. Best of all are the outlets on the bar for charging devices.
(5)S D.
Gets worse. Service atrocious. Their staff convey they are understaffed. The company needs to do a better job. Maria the waitress there was super-rude. If you want to catch your flight - AVOID ! Frontera the main restaurant in Chicago was fantastic. This was a complete let-down
(1)Kristy A.
There's a reason Rick Bayless has a great reputation. The Pepita Torta was really great - tender short rib with several flavorful accompaniments on a pressed roll that held up really well without being too chewy. The guacamole was one of the best I have ever had. It's airport food, so I expect it to be pricey and it was -- but I enjoyed every bite, so I didn't really mind. Way better than anything else I would have found in the airport, for sure.
(4)Alden H.
High expectations because it has Rick Bayless' name on it. I had the bacon and egg tortas. Bread was soggy, bacon was undercooked, overall was a big soft mess. I'm in here often so I'll try something else on the menu but I was greatly disappointed.
(2)Jon C.
Based on the reviews I went straight here. The food is very spicy and they have few options that aren't. The service is very slow for grab and go in an airport so make sure you have some extra time if they are busy.
(2)Tara S.
This and Vosges Haut chocolate are 2 reasons I can tolerate ORD. The guacamole is TO DIE FOR. I've made the mistake of ordering the fully dressed guac with other menu items before, and I can't eat anything else. The chips are amazing and are totally filling with the guac. You don't need anything else!
(4)Paige B.
Food was ok nothing special but better than other fast food options in the airport. Sat in the bar area and service was fast and friendly. Looking forward to trying his restaurant the next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)Megan S.
I understand that all airport food is expensive but this was ridiculous. A salad, chips and a water were over $20. Thank god I could expense that. The salad was ok. The chips were the highlight but I just wished that the (2) salsas didn't suck. The major positive, its better than all the other fried crap at the terminal.
(3)Tom C.
A great place to get a bite to eat before a flight! I also stop here on my arrivals and get a torta for my wife! We love the Tortas de Milanesa!
(5)Krits R.
Its a testament to the chef that people get excited to know their flight is flying out of a particular terminal so they may grab a torta or a mollettes ... Fresh pretty authentic and not nasty airport food unlike umm most airport food. Chicago is slowly upping their gourmet food game and no one is complaining
(5)Melinda G.
This is among the best of Mexican food restaurants in any airport. Try the chicken tortilla soup rich with deep red broth and chicken and the chicken chipotle salad! Five stars every time!
(5)Jeanette L.
Oh man, Rick Bayless, you have created my favorite part of flying cross-country. I used to complain about my layovers, but then I discovered Chef Bayless' Tortas Frontera. This isn't just good airport food, this is amazing food, period. Plus the prices are INCREDIBLY reasonable. My usual (yes, I have a usual order in an airport terminal), is the roasted garlic mushroom torta and naked guac from the guacamole bar, all for $15 and change AFTER tax. That's a friggen steal for an airport meal, especially when you take into account 1) the sizable torta, 2) the generous amount of guac (literally 3/4 - 1 full cup) and chips, and 3) the fact that the food is fan-f***ing-tastic. Worth every penny. I now arrange for all my layovers to be through ORD with enough time to grab a meal at Tortas Frontera. And time might become an issue, esp if you've gotta travel across terminals to get here (totally worth it), because it takes up to 10 minutes for them to make your food to order. I think the longest I've waited in total, from getting into a fairly long line to actually getting my food, was 15 minutes, so the "up to 10 minutes" is a generous estimate, it's probably closer to 5. Either way, there are worse places to be stranded at than ORD. Goodness knows I wouldn't go hungry.
(5)Howard T.
I had high hopes given Rick Bayless's sterling reputation and the high scores, but I had to say that I was pretty underwhelmed. I'm visiting from the SF Bay Area, and for those of you reading this who are from SF and/or know the place Tacolicious, I'd say the food from Tortas Frontera's got nothing on Tacolicious in terms of guacamole, salsas, and overall food flavor. We got the chips and guacamole--they were decent, but not impressive. In terms of sandwiches, I ordered the garlicky shrimp and goat cheese--this sounded great, but lacked flavor. My wife's sandwich the choriqueso just didn't have much flavor either. Look, maybe I was jet lagged from traveling for over 24 hours or so, but I was definitely disappointed.
(3)Khoa N.
Excellent airport food! There is such a thing. The pressed sandwiches are delicious. I couldn't believe I yelped at an airport and was glad I did. This place had raving reviews and well deserving of them. No, you won't be smelling the aroma of their food a terminal away like the Chinese stalls, but the food, once eaten, is much more fulfilling and satisfying than those dry orange chicken pieces that smell so damn good all the time (and that make you fall for it 90% of the time). Theses sandwiches are made fresh, with real avocado, and they are a filling portion. If you're ever on a layover in O'hare, skip the usual food court shenanigan and those overpriced restaurants for a quick sandwich here. I did not regret it.
(4)Claudine V.
Good food, long lines, fast service, little on the pricey side but worth it. Surprised to see this in terminal 3 in ORD. However in this place, they do not serve any Asian food, only Mexican. I only had the salad with roast pork. Not enough pork but it was good. Would definitely try their tortas and open faces sandwhiches next time.
(4)Anu M.
All Time fave at O hare. Cant go wrong with grilled shrimp - torta style or the amaze balls salad. Wish they had a larger seating area.
(3)Nishan P.
I didn't push slow moving grandmas out of the way. I didn't cut in line at security. I didn't mow down the gaggle of Japanese tourists in surgical masks who decided to plant themselves in the middle of the walkway. But, I did everything else possible to get my Bayless torta fix before boarding a plane. Most people very kindly got out of the way as they saw me rushing down the terminal with my bags in tow. They probably thought I was late for my flight. I hope they didn't notice me seated in the food court a few minutes later savoring a delicious egg and chorizo torta. My favorite from the torta offering is the beer-braised beef short rib Pepito. Unfortunately, it isn't served until 10 AM. If you get to Tortas Frontera earlier in the morning, give the egg and chorizo a try. With poblano rajas, Chihuahua cheese, and slices of avocado, it is one exceptional breakfast torta. Chef Bayless has taken airport food to the next level with Tortas Frontera. I now actually look forward to spending time at O'Hare.
(5)Jon M.
Local/Organic/Natural? At an airport? Yes, please. I usually starve myself due to the lack of any natural/organic/local/healthy options at 99% of airports in the USA. Thankfully that's changing, slowly but surely. I give them 5 stars for giving me a place to eat at ORD, if nothing else. --Food is great, and service is pretty good for an airport. --Seating area is always packed and noisy; grab it to go and find a quiet chair elsewhere.
(5)Philip R.
Would happily miss a connection to eat at Tortas Frontera, and since discovering the flavors I've not eaten anywhere else on my monthly trips through ORD. Grateful for not finding Tortas Frontera anywhere else as I imagine I'd over indulge and potentially lose interest. There isn't an item I've ordered that hasn't been flavorful, tender and delicious. Current favorite is the Pepito and I am actually crazing the Pibil now that I'm thinking about it. Time to check the travel schedule to see when I might taste the deliciousness again. As others have noted, you can occasionally experience a 15 minute wait but its one hundred percent worth it. This is the first review I've written and salivated thinking about the food - and its not a posh restaurant but a casual fast-food place. Ridiculous.
(5)Fei W.
Probably the best to-go airport food in terminal 3, but make sure you plan ahead of time if you want some of the tortas... they'll take about 10 minutes to make. The corn chowder was tasty as was the pork belly torta. I like the redundancy of having pork belly and bacon in the same sandwich. Overkill is delicious.
(4)Prajakta A.
Nothing less expected from a Rick Bayless establishment.. Best breakfast tortas to go at the airport. Takes time to make them, so not ideal when in a hurry but if you want a filling breakfast, freshly made and wholesome when you have the time passing through, this is the place!
(5)Peter D.
Quite literally, the best airport food in the nation. The Cubana is always a winner, and the egg and chorizo sandwich makes McDonald's seem like the utter shit that it truly is.
(5)Megan K.
After many trips to O'Hare at ungodly early hours in the morning and midnight arrivals, I finally had a trip that conveniently placed me at O'Hare around lunch time. After getting through security I sauntered up to Tortas Frontera at 12pm sharp. I quickly put in my order which consisted of the pepito torta and the fully dressed guacamole with chips. I was informed that the wait for the pepito would be roughly 10-15 minutes, which was fine by me as I had more than enough time to kill. I settled in at the bar and ordered a Goose Island Marisol to sip on while my food was being prepared. When my buzzer lit up, I picked up my order and brought it over to the bar where I was told I could eat. An important detail to note is that you can order the full menu from the bar versus going through the restaurant and bringing it over to the bar. It wasn't made incredibly clear that you could do this, so I felt that it was worth mentioning. I resisted the urge to dive directly into my sandwich and began with the chips and guacamole. I was intrigued at the idea of the fully dressed guacamole, which consists of bacon, toasted pepitas, sun dried tomatoes, spicy roasted peppers, and a queso cotija-fresco mix. To be completely honest, I don't really think that the fully dressed guacamole really warrants a purchase. To me, only the spicy roasted peppers added much to the guacamole, which is fantastic on its own. I'll definitely get it naked on a future trip. The chips were good, but nothing incredible to write home about. I'm not for sure if they're made on site or not, but they weren't warmed or anything different than a bag of Frontera chips that you can buy at the grocery store. As for the torta, I was absolutely blown away. It had been awhile since this girl has had a sandwich, and this one was incredible! The bread was perfectly warmed and crunchy, but retained its fresh soft texture as well. The beer braised beef short rib meat was tender and had that melt-in-your-mouth flavor and texture. The pickled jalapenos added a slight punch of spiciness that was mellowed out by the cilantro creama. The arugula was thrown on there to create some semblance of healthiness, which I appreciated. The torta came with a green salsa that was fantastic, and I found myself happily slathering each bite with it. Tortas Frontera will always be my go-to when airport dining at O'Hare, everything else just pales drastically in comparison.
(4)Shah S.
Best airport food ever!!!! I actually look forward to layovers in ORD so that I can get my Frontera fix. Keep in mind there are 2 of these in Terminal 3 and Terminal 1. My favorite is the Milenasa sandwich and a Michelada to wash it down. BTW., their Micheladas are awesome. They are best with Victoria beer. If you are super hungry, add an order of chips, salsa with guacomole and you are set. It generally takes them 10 minutes to prepare your food and so plan accordingly.
(5)Eric R.
During a 6 hour layover between a transatlantic flight and home we got some tortas. They were pretty expensive ($10+) which was expected for airport food. But the taste was outstanding! The bread itself was pretty special, crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, with some excellent pibil chicken inside. Full of flavor (especially after visiting Baltic countries) with some nice salsas (I liked the yellow one) as accompaniment. Also, you can recharge your phone much faster there than at the other low-voltage outlets throughout the airport.
(4)Stuart Z.
If you're in O'Hare and you need to eat something, do your taste buds a favor and eat here! The flavor of the food here is simply amazing, and when compared to regular airport fare makes you feel like you are dining royalty. The chorizo is where it's at; any torta with that on it is instant success. Plus, the prices are rather reasonable for airport food of this caliber. Combine those things with the fact the ingredients are regional farm sourced, you've got a winning hand. Take some time and an extra dollar or two to mosey on in. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Will D.
I was so disappointed in Xoco, but I'd read reviews indicating that Frontera is the best food at O'Hare, and I was craving Mexican, so I have it a go. My Cubano sandwich was pretty good (though I've had many better), but it was too salty. As well, I was told they don't serve their Intelligentsia coffee except at breakfast. Hello, people need coffee 24/7! Not bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)Mira S.
I'd been meaning to try this, but hadn't been in the neighborhood yet. Finally a trip came. I was dying of thirst and the mango agua fresca hit the spot, and I'm pretty sure was all or mostly actual juice for a decent price. The milanesa chicken sandwich was fresh-cooked, but I didn't realize it would be a fried patty. The bread was fresh and toasty, and came with a good sauce to dip in. It's legitimately good food, and is especially good for airport food. This will be a highlight and a reason to get to the airport a few minutes early.
(4)Jenny H.
I'm so glad they've since opened up a second Tortas Frontera... 1) I no longer have to make the trek all the other over to T1 to get my fix 2) they serve their delish brekkie-style tortas in the early hours (I'm talking like 7am) 3) I can patronage happily without cramping other people's style There's definitely a better customer flow at the T3 locale, ample space where I can gawk and stand awkwardly in anticipation of said 10-minute torta. I got the Eggs & Rajas, which was just what I needed to fuel me for that extra early flight. Definitely a place I stop by everytime I'm at ORD!
(4)WmTomas S.
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever available. Killer guacamole. One of my faves at O'Hare.
(5)Angela M.
Nom nom, just finished their tortilla soup and I'm satisfied. It was a hint of lime and the right amount of spiciness. I will be back for sure. This place was recommended to me by a flight attendant for having good tortilla soup. Music is lively too.
(5)B C.
In the world of airport food, this is such a refreshing standout! The food is full of flavor and much higher quality than other airport options. Had the pepito sandwich with corn poblano chowder. Sandwich had delicious crusty bread, cheese melted, and tender short rib. Corn chowder was thinner than I anticipated but very tasty. So glad I stopped here!
(4)Ashley L.
Googled must-try places at O'Hare and found Tortas Frontera recommended by many reviewers. Ordered the roasted garlic mushroom tortas and LOVED my sandwich on my first bite! I would have liked to try everything on the menu however it is rather expensive for a sandwich, perhaps double what I would have paid if I were not an out-of-towner. The bread might be a little thick for those who aren't a fan of carbs but overall, the flavors worked really well! Although it may be called "Mexican food," the sandwiches are quite familiar. The napkins are also very thick and of good quality.
(4)Joe R.
I always watched rick shows one Mexican food especially living in So-Cal where u can get Mexican food in every corner. Well the Torta was airport basic. One slice of ham, some bacon and avocado. Very depressing from where I come from. I was expecting something more out than a basic ham sandwich as what this was. Not to say that the bar sold you alcohol separate from your food check so it makes it hard to expense it when you travel... Sorry Rick try a little harder
(2)Erick H.
Love, love, love their breakfast Tortas. Every time I fly out in the morning I get one. This time I had the Egg & Chorizo Torta. Tasty. Also had the Mango Lime Juice. Packs a very powerful punch. Loved it.
(5)Salil G.
Best place to eat in ORD! Love the molletes. Love the margaritas! Overall, makes ORD just a little less miserable.
(5)Charles S.
When this place opened up. The quality was good as well as service. I know it's in an airport but come on. I love tortas and understand the love that needs to go into them. But this was the worst tortas I have ever had (fried chicken) it had no taste, no care in the world and the service showed it as well. I would not recommend this place anymore. Horrible is all I can say. Good day.
(1)Joel R.
Tortas Frontera is just great. You could call them the Chipotle of tortas, but this unabashed Chipotle fan would admit that are a little better than that. The sandwiches here are fresh, flavorful, and come with Bayless' awesome salsas. The guacamole "bar" is a great idea. This is truly a solid four-to-five star establishment that rates about ten stars on the airport food scale. Seriously, airports, stop serving crap. I'm looking at you, LAX. I am glad that Rick Bayless doesn't attach his name to questionable establishments like a certain Austrian composer / recurring Shakespeare character.
(5)Steven C.
Skipped the crappy lunch from BOS as I knew I would have enough time to grab something here. Goose Island Mirasol is amazing and I went back to the Cubana. ¡Mi amor, tu eres la torta más increÃble en el mundo! Paradiso. The bartender was semi-rude today but that's been unusual.
(5)Calvin Y.
I don't know if it's the low expectations for airport food, as Tortas Frontera seems to put "normal" restaurants to shame. I was a bit bummed that my friend put a Xoco ban during my last trip to Chicago, but luckily for me as I flew out of O'Hare I found Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera. They do great sandwiches airport or not. The Milanesa Sandwich is highly recommended with its crispy chicken and melty cheese, it packs load of flavor! At $9.50 for this sandwich, it is very doable considering how much airport food costs!
(5)Elio L.
This is my second time at this place. Had the Pepito... Talk about a good sandwich- short rib on a baguette. Delicious, an immediate fav for me every time I hot O'Hare.
(5)Meghan N.
I had the Raja item in the Chicago airport. It took 10 min but I was notified ahead of time so no problem. It was exactly 10 min and was delicious (though pricey but you shouldn't expect differently in the airport). Bread was fresh, and avocado and queso fresco (or was it cotija? I can't remember) cheese made the Rajas extra special. Totally loved it. Wish I had this near me in LA!!
(5)Jimmy J.
Tortilla soup was disgusting and made me nauseas. And im no Yelp basher. Just click on my reviews. You ll find better casual mex in any Chi Town hole in the wall. I recommend going to Wolfgang Puck Cafe on other side of Terminal. This is hype.
(1)Bill M.
Can airport food be good? You betcha! Chipotle chicken with a Negro Modelo. Awesome. Can't wait to go back and try the short rib torta. Not cheap but great value.
(5)Robin R.
Delicious, fresh, and fast. And margaritas to go?!? Lots of gluten friendly options. I recommend the big salad with either chicken or pibil pork. Also the guacamole!
(5)Max P.
I purchased the Taqueria Salad with chicken and was very disappointed. The container was only half full, there were no radishes, no caramelized onions, and no poblano peppers. That's 3 missing ingredients, and a container only half full of lettuce. I only noticed this when I opened the container on my flight. This is not what I expect from a Rick Bayless location, or from spending $11.60 for a salad.
(1)Eric F.
By far the most delicious airport food I've had yet, no joke. Per the bartender's recommendation, I went with the Pepito and loved every bite. Crunchy bread, tender beef, gooey cheese and lovely spice to round everything out. Matched very nicely with the salsa verde on the side too. It's on the pricier side at $10.50 for a moderately sized sandwich, but the quality of the ingredients and execution make it well worth the money.
(4)Jeff S.
Terminal 1 no longer has a lock on the best food in the 60666 area code! The new Terminal 3 location is nearly identical to the original but sits in a larger, more open space right across from the main food court in the K wing. Usually I only have time for a breakfast torta from the Terminal 1 location but tonight I had an hour to kill before my flight so I was able to actually sit down at the bar and try the Cochinita Pibil with a nice glass of Goose Island's made-for-Frontera brew called 'Marisol' which is a Latin-style white ale. The roasted habanero salsa that is served with the pork is no joke, don't even think about dunking the sandwich in it but just dab it on sparingly instead. It's proper eye-watering spicy! The torta bread is just as good as what they serve downtown at Xoco; has a nice crunch to the crust. The pork was excellent with just the right amount of moisture and the pickled red onions packed a sweet tangy flavor. Added a side order of chips and salsa which were really good too, other than being just a tad on the salty side, with margarita-sized salt grains baked into the chip. The two salsas did not leave me wishing I had added the side of guacamole either as the tomatillo cilantro was a nice mild option and the chipotle salsa was super smoky with nearly no spicy heat. Easily the best food I'll have this entire trip and it was in my home airport of all places.
(5)Liz K.
Probably the best food to eat at the Airport....but I wasn't too impressed. I had high expectations since anything associated Rick Bayless is amazing. We had to wait about 10 minutes for our order which was fine since we weren't in a rush. We ordered a chicken chipotle torta. I thought it was good but there was something about the mix of flavors that was off. The tortilla soup had very little pieces of tortilla (I should have asked for extra!) and mango lime water was way to sweet. Considering the other food court options though it was a good meal. :-)
(3)Nyota W.
We've all had overpriced, unappealing airport food. This is not that...at all. Lots of appealing options:salads with flare, and interesting sandwiches. You can also watch as your food is being prepared. This takes time though so don't expect to have your food in 2 minutes. Bacon and queso molletes were delicious. They also offered margaritas, which I thought was a cool addition, though I decided that wouldn't help me during my jog to my departure gate. Listen, I'm a fan of the Golden Arches too which is a standard option in airports, but Tortas Frontera, makes me anticipate traveling through what once was my least favorite airport in America.
(5)Brett H.
Bes Airport pit stop around.
(5)Cody B.
I always look forward to flying through/to O'Hare Airport simply because I love Tortas Frontera so much! The Chipotle Chicken Torta is delicious and the accompanying salsa is the perfect amount of tomato and spices. At $10, the price is a bit steep, but what can you expect from an airport?
(4)Ali C.
This is really my favorite place at O'Hare. The quality of the tortas is high and all made fresh. Fabulous.
(5)Johnny T.
So this is what I was missing by flying out of Midway all these years. TF is as good as advertised, people. What makes it even more special is that it sits -- like an oasis -- amidst all the foolishness of airport 'dining' and it beckons you forth... and takes your wallet. I get it. You're at the airport. You're at O'Hare airport. You're at O'Hare airport and you're hungry. Prepare to make a deal with Rumpelstiltskin (spelled w/o spellcheck, I might add) and gets ta grubbin'. A $9 breakfast torta may make my side-eye the person who'd even propose such foolishness but... what are you gonna do? Fork over the money and feast on a much more delicious breakfast than you would have otherwise. For my money (literally) you can't pass up the egg &chorizo torta. Eggs, chorizo, poblanos, Chihuahua cheese, and avocado is about as good of a 'how do you do' that you can get in the am at a busy airport. Even as airport food, TF benefits from the Bayless touch and the flavors blend together to form a breakfast sandwich you'll be thinking about come dinner time. As at XOCO, forgo all other beverages in favor of the agua frescas. I'm a Prickly Pear kinda guy, myself. Naturally. You already knew this, right?
(4)Carlie C.
I stopped here twice on my layovers and Frontera Grill was on my list to try! Since I couldn't get into the city for the real restaurant, this was the next best thing. If you sit at the bar area, there's a plug under the seats you can recharge your electronics under. Get the naked guacamole and the tortilla salad! On my way back, I opted for the tortilla soup which was way too salty and I could only have a few bites before tossing it out.
(4)Mike U.
I had my doubts despite the reviews and the "Rick Bayless" name, but this place makes a legit torta! Good portions, nice crisp to the bread, not skimpy on the meat-(on the pepito torta), excellent salsa- I'm a fan! Prices of beer are not listed, but will run about as much as the torta, about $10ish. Hit it up again on the return trip, choriqueso was not greasy but very satisfying and therapeutic for hangovers.
(5)Tim H.
As good as airport food can get. I think the food is a bit pricey here, but it is at the airport so not entirely unexpected. Every sandwich and salad I have tried here is good. You may have to wait 5-10 minutes for them to prepare your food fresh.
(4)Emel S.
I have been to this place a few times while traveling through Chicago and its pretty delicious. The sandwiches are huge and very filling. I've tried both chicken ones and I have to say that the one with fried chicken is better. That probably should have been a given. I once tried the naked guacamole bar and that I didn't love so much. I didn't think there was anything great about the guacamole and actually prefer my own homemade one. You definitely get the tomatillo flavor but that's about it. I did enjoy the chips though. The menu also said that it came with salsa but I didn't receive any. I was already at my gate by the time I realized it and didn't really feel like making the long walk back through the crowded airport. There is also a bar that has some pretty delicious sounding margaritas. I haven't had one or those but I have a feeling that it won't be long before I do. I'd also like to try a salad here. I've seen them prepared and they are also huge (and somewhat daunting). Maybe on my next trip!
(4)Heather s.
If you've got time for a meal at O'Hare, Frontera's not a bad choice to grab classic Chicagoan Rick Bayless food. If I was a Rick Bayless virgin, I might've been impressed by the offerings here. Unfortunately, I've had Frontera that was amazing... And this outpost falls a little short. While similar in concept to his other "fast food" locations, it fails to deliver the fresh amazing flavors. I had a cochinita pibil torta ($10.50) - the pulled pork was a little tough, with not enough complex flavors having just a scant topping of pickled onions. The bread was over toasted and blackened. A mighty attempt that flops. But it's still Rick Bayless in essence - I'm willing to give it another shot on my next stop through ORD.
(3)Kathleen M.
I have eaten my share of airport food, not proud of it, just stating the facts. Flights delayed, connections missed, weather or a myriad of other reasons can add up to eating a bunch of meals that I would rather forget. This all changed last Friday when I got to O'Hare early for a flight to D.C. It was just all around an amazing airport morning. While checking my bag I got a first class upgrade offer. Yes, me! I had to read it twice before I eagerly accepted and as a result skipped the 45 minute security line. SCORE! Before you could say Rick Bayless, I was standing outside Torta Frontera. I ordered an eggs & bacon torta, a yogurt cup, coffee and lime water. Everything but the torta was premade but I waited ten minutes for the torta as I chose not to select a premade one. The set up was pretty standard for a non sitdown restaurant in an airport. It is located directly across from the food court seating area so I took my food over there to eat. It was far and away the best airport meal I have ever had. The coffee was fresh, hot and strong. The lime drink was sour and refreshing. The yogurt was fresh and tangy with fruit compote and crunchies. The torta was fresh with scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado and spicy condiments. I ordered more than I could eat because I wanted to try both breakfast choices. Is this five stars because it is as good as the Rick Bayless restaurants in the city? No way! Are you loco? I have been lucky enough to eat at all three in Chicago and they are actual restaurants. But this is a restaurant in an airport. And it is five stars in comparison with other airport joints I have been eaten at before. At terminal three and looking for a great airport meal? Head over here! Otherwise, head to his places in the city! And sÃ, this is review número 600. ¡Olé!
(5)Larke S.
It probably is the best "fast food" in the terminal. The Tortilla soup was a little oily for my taste, but the torta was amazing, crunchy and flavourful. I would get it again. There will be a ten minute wait and a line. And the pick up was a bit confused, but best quick meal in the terminal.
(4)Wayne C.
pretty good, will try again next time in ord.
(3)Sarah G.
"Finally, a reason to get delayed at O'Hare!" - Chicago Tribune Be still my heart... this place is legit. Generally I fly into Midway, but for these sandwiches I'd consider making a change. The fact that they locally-source all of their food makes it that much better. I ordered the Chipotle Chicken (poblano rajas, black beans, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema, avocado, arugula) and was probably the most excited I've been in a long time for a sandwich. My expectations were met also (even better) as this thing delivered a load of flavor on toasty soft bread. Washed it down with loaded guacamole and a spicy bloody mary at the bar. Take a 2-hour layover, spend some time here, and thank yourself for using Yelp.
(5)Kristin S.
Best grub in the airport. My husband and I both will sometimes leave early for a flight so we can go and eat here. Last time, I had my food served on a bed of lettuce instead of bread. Got to love the flavors that Rick Bayless puts together. I had the Pepito... beer-braised short ribs, pickled jalapenos, Chihuahua cheese, black beans, cilantro cream, and arugula. Nice flavors, especially the pickled spice. The major downfall is the freshness seems to be lacking somewhat and the price vs portion - but hey this is the airport. Don't expect to get this in a hurry.
(4)CatwomanRoar M.
If you have a little extra time, sit at the bar and order. The chances ur food will be made fresh is higher. Its worth it to pay a little extra for the tip. Otherwise, Most likely ur sandwiches were pre-made and have sat out. Mine was pretty gross dried out, crusty and gave me the runs. The guy who got his at the bar looked much better. In terminal 3, there are a lot of options. I'll go somewhere else next time. I got the pork molleta & also the 3 cheese one
(2)Brian C.
The location in Terminal 3 is much better than Terminal 1 - a ton more space and you can actually find a place to sit. Imagine that! The wait is still about 10-15 minutes which can be long in an airport and the prices have gone up but if you've got the budget you still can't find better airport food than Tortas Frontera. The bartenders are often overworked and/or not the friendliest but the food along with solid margaritas make up for it. If you're flying American, look for this place or Bubbles Wine Bar where the H and K concourses split in Terminal 3.
(5)Joy B.
The last time I tried to eat here, the stand had run out of everything. I tried again tonight and it was perfect. I went with the chipotle cream chicken sandwich which was delish anf I usually eat vegetarian at restaurants. If you find yourself in O'Hare with a few minutes to spare, go here.
(5)Mike M.
OH EM GOSH. Why would anyone spend $10 at the airport McDonalds when you can have real, hot, made to order deliciousness like this? I've been to Xoco down town and there's a large overlap in menus, which is just great. Most tortas have a bit of a kick to them, so delicate tongues beware. The pibil is a mouth scorcher, but oh so tasty. Honestly some of the best food I've ever had in an airport. Don't slum it up at the food court across the isle, THIS is where you want to be. Excellent.
(5)Anthony M.
Welcome to the American Airlines Terminal 3...the food court area gets a welcomed addition of Tortas to go! The restaurant is located in an old gate right next to K4. Terminal 1already has one of these so it is nice that Rick is giving a little love to the American Airline fliers in Terminal 3. As you walk up there is so much to look at and read...there are breakfast tortas and lunch/dinner tortas, soups, salads, and homemade chips and guacamole...and the kitchen is right in front of you...you can see them make your food and see all of the fresh ingredients...everything looks so yummy and fresh...I wish I could go back there and start making my own torta...I might put everything on one! After minutes of looking at the menu...and everything looked so good...it was really hard to decide. I finally had to pick one and I went with the Chipotle Chicken Torta it had poblano rajas, black beans, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro crema, avocado, and arugula. I asked for the cilantro crema on the side and I am glad that I did...I am not a big cilantro fan...I did taste it and it was good and fresh but it had to much of a minty taste for me and it would have ruined my sandwich. I then handed my credit card over and was informed it would be a 10 minute wait. This did not bother me because I was not running late to a flight but if I was then I would have been in trouble. I then figured I would get a beer if I was going to have to wait and the girl informed me that I would have to get and pay for that at the bar around the side. I was not really happy with that because beer was on the menu above. It should not be on the board if I can not get it here. She should be able to take my order on it and then give me a receipt and tell me I have to pick it up around the corner. That would have been the right thing to do. Never tell a customer no when they are trying to buy something. Just so you know I did not get that beer because it seemed like too much of a hassel for me. Please take the beer off of the menu board if I can not get it here. So I was handed a pager, which I thought was cool and a bit of an overkill, for my torta. I hung out and watched the guy make my torta and he piled on the ingredients nice and high. I will give Rick the credit of making a nice sandwich full of ingredients...the sandwich is worth the $9.50 price tag. One thing that I hate at a Rick Bayless fast food place is how stingy they are with there salsa. I asked for a green salsa and the girl told me she put one in there already. I said was it green or red...she told me that it was red. I said that's fine can I have a green one too...she kind of gave me that look like no but here it is anyways. (The salsa hording has been experienced by me at other fast food locations of Mr Bayless. It is probably the best thing on the menu and it needs to be shared and not locked up) The torta was really good and all of the ingredients worked really well together. This is one of the yummiest things you can get on pre-fight or for your flight. The packaging is really nice too...it is kind of an Asian type paper food box...so everything fits in there and steam is not trapped in making the sandwich soggy. I can tell you from my first experience...the sandwich was still good an hour and a half later. I can hardly wait to see how good it is when I eat it fresh out of the oven. I also love that Rick shares where his food items come from...he tries to keep it all local... *Miller (ORLAND, IN) all natural, antibiotic-free chicken *Berkridge (SIOUX CENTER, IA) Berkshire, all natural, antibiotic-free pork *Ruprecht Co. (MUNDELEIN, IL) Meyer naturally-raised black angus beef *ATK Foods (CHICAGO, IL) all natural pork chorizo & chipotle chicken breast *Nueske's (WITTENBERG, WI) applewood smoked bacon *Labriola Baking (ALSIP, IL) fresh-baked bolillo & telera breads *El Milagro (CHICAGO, IL) stone-ground corn tortillas *V&V Supremo (CHICAGO, IL) Chihuahua cheese, queso fresco & aged queso Cotija *Rishi Tea (MILWAUKEE, WI) organic iced tea *American Spoon Foods (PETOSKEY, MI) jams & fruit preserves *Klug Farms (ST. JOSEPH, MI) fresh fruit *Kalona Organics (KALONA, IA) sour cream, eggs *Intelligentsia Coffee (CHICAGO, IL) Frontera blend coffee *Milk & Honey (CHICAGO, IL) Frontera granola *Goose Island Beer Co. (CHICAGO, IL) Marisol & Matilda beers *Seedling Orchard (SOUTH HAVEN, MI) seasonal fruits I am glad that I now have a new food choice when I am flying on American which happens often...I have my old favorites and seem to always get them based on time of day. Now I have to work Tortas Frontera into my mix of food options. If you decide to get a Torta to go make sure that you have an extra 10 minutes because u can not rush freshness. If you want something fast, then u know there is a Mickey D's right behind you and they will be more then happy to give you some highly processed frozen food in 30 seconds!
(4)Jason S.
Surprisingly good food. Fresh ingredients, served to order. The loud, accordion/tuba polka music are stroke inducing in the AM. Still the only place I'll eat at O'Hare.
(4)Paul S.
So I read about this place in gq while on a plane flying into Chicago and thought " wow I'm kinda hungry now." Then I spotted this place while heading to baggage claim. Must be fate, I've got to try this place. I thought the food was just ok, which was a little disappointing given gq had it listed As one of the best airport "restaurants." You order at a counter and wait for your food, which I have to say was freshly made, but a little bland. I had the chipotle chicken torta and grabbed a beer at the bar. Not sure if it was the hype but I left feeling a little let down.
(3)Chris B.
I would absolutely recommend this place if you want something a little out of the ordinary. For the causal eater that is sick of airport McDonald's this is a great alternative. The sandwiches seem to be perfectly balanced among the ingredients and pack tons of flavor. The size was just about the right portion for waiting on a flight without becoming overly full. Granted it is a little pricey, but you're in an airport so that is to be expected.
(4)Roland W.
I probably don't need to review Tortas Frontera. Way too many reviews already, but I absolutely LOVE the place. One of my co-workers turned me on to this place last year sometime. I travel through and to O'Hare frequently and typically always went to the right when I go to the split between the H & K concourses at Terminal 3. Boy, what a mistake that was. All that time I was missing Tortas Frontera. Now I make it a point to stop there every time I'm at ORD. After eating there a few times I made it a goal to work my way through everything on their menu. At this point I'm down to just one Torta to go and then I have to start my way through the rest of their menu. I have to say I've enjoyed every single Torta I've had there. Some were more memorable than others, but you just cannot go wrong with this place. Just be prepared for a wait, the Tortas take 10 minutes.
(5)Max T.
Had the chipotle chicken and the corn soup and i am fighting to figure which was better. Put it for you this way, i already know where I am eating 10 days from now, on my way back home...nough said....Awesome sandwich with Avocado, chicken, spicy chipotle sauce So ten days later it is just as good as the first time, I wish we could get one in MIAMI area
(5)Stephanie G.
Hands down, the best "airport" food you will ever find! Ohare is pretty good with their restaurants, and this gem is a great addition. Their breakfast sandwiches use the best chorizo you can find. I do not know where there is another Tortas Frontera, but I swear I would drive to O'hare just for breakfast here. I had to wait about 10 minutes for my food, but it was WELL worth it. Just make sure you have enough time to catch your flight. It is in terminal 3 at O'hare, I suggest a flight on American just so that you can try this restaurant! *Warning*, the people you sit next to on your flight will gawk with envy as you consume your Tortas Frontera meal. Just ignore, and chow down.
(5)Kathy S.
Not mind-blowing for me but definitely good. And as many reviewers have already said, this is probably the best food you'll find at the airport (I also think Rick Bayless is the bee's knees so..) Tried the shrimp, pork and braised short rib tortas and I was surprised to find I like the short ribs the best (I thought I would like the other two better). And I know good guac (or airplane food) isn't always cheap but the side of guac was so itty bitty. Perhaps they can call it something else so people aren't surprised by the size...even just something simple as "small side" would suffice. I'm still so glad for this option at O'Hare.
(4)Angela M.
When finding out that there was a Rick Bayless sandwich shop in the airport, I knew I had to stop by here before leaving Chicago. After eating at his other restaurant Frontera Grill the night before, I was skeptical about the quality of food at his airport location. Needless to say, I had such a great experience at Frontera that I decided to take the chance anyway and go to Tortas Frontera. I ended up ordering the Cubano Torta. Although the wait to receive my food was longer than expected, the sandwich was nothing short of AMAZING. I truly wish he had a restaurant in NY, so that I could eat his food more often. I was surprised by the freshness of the ingredients and the huge flavors of my sandwich. I will definitely be stopping here the next time I fly into O'hare!
(5)Kyle H.
What did you say, ORD? There's a long delay for my flight? Yay! Tortas Frontera, here I come! Rick Bayless brings his Mexican sammiches to O'Hare, and to all those standing mere feet away from Tortas Frontera at Burrito Beach- y'all crazy. Fact: TF will take the 10 minutes to make your food- they tell you this up front. Fact: TF is pricier than the Beach or McDonald's, but it's (you're) worth it! I've stopped here a few times while waiting at O'Hare, and I'm a fan. Mostly. On my last visit for breakfast I got a coffee and their breakfast torta with egg, cheese, bacon and green chile salsa. Although I was seated at the bar, I still had to pick up order at the cash register. Seriously? Just bring it two steps! And they forgot my coffee. Minor improvement suggestions, the torta was good- but not as good as the more lunch-like versions. Pepito- with braised short ribs is excellent! As is the Cochinita Pibil, pulled pork with pickeled red onions. I'm a sucker for pickeled red onions. So get to O'Hare early, and bypass Starbucks, Dunkins, and the Beach for Tortas Frontera. Eat it pre-flight, or open up its steamy goodness mid-flight and watch mouths water! Menu: rickbayless.com/pdf/Tort…
(5)Corinne V.
Ok, this was my favorite airport food of all time until it gave me and my husband the worst food poisoning of our lives. It was so bad we saw two doctors, both of whom said it was likely salmonella or another foodborne bacterium. My husband and I both had the Milanesa torta and guacamole on 12/27/14. I hate that this happened and I have to write this, but this week of illness has been so scary and awful that I can't eat at Frontera or even think about recommending it. Given what we went through, we really feel we have a responsibility to warn you.
(1)Y J.
I didn't know the reputation of the restaurant or the chef while ordering a "Mexican sandwich" at this stand in O'Hare. But the menu looked pretty good, especially for an airport restaurant. As soon as I took my first bite of the smoky garlic shrimp sandwich, I knew there had to be a story because it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. The smoky slightly spicy sauce was fresh and excellent. The bread tasted fresh baked and the texture was perfect. I immediately went to the web to see who the chef was. I figured out quickly that he was famous, and this guy really deserves it. So many "famous" places just ride on the hype, but I loved frontera without knowing the hype, so this one honestly delivers.
(5)Tung L.
Every was so salty. The Cuban was supposed to have pulled pork. However, it was a slices of ham and bacon.
(1)Holly O.
Pricey and you have to wait for your food - but they tell you that up front, and it's REALLY yummy. Tortas obviously are great - but I had a ROCKIN salad with arugula and avocado that made me very happy.
(4)Rick F.
You really cannot go wrong with Rick Bayless, he has taken Mexican Cuisine to an art form and has been able to execute at a high level for many years and this airport location did not disappoint. Cubano Torta was great! I did not like the wait.
(4)Eduardo C.
Pepito sandwich had slow cooked tender beef that was certainly prepared right, which is very surprising at an airport. The jalapenos, cheese, and other seasonings on the toasted bun made for an interesting sandwich. Also had the 3 quesos open face sandwich that wasn't bad.
(4)Stuart O.
OK, so I've had worse airport food. but their 4+ star rating is wholly undeserved. I had the Milanese, sort of a Mexican Cuban sandwich with a thin breaded fried chicken patty and some green sauce with jalapeños and white. cheese. the chicken reminded me of a bad fried chicken sandwich off the burger king dollar menu. the bland, plentiful white bread buns were mediocre. for $10 its barely OK even for airport food. added a $10 Margarita to kill the pain, which was made with typical high fructose bottles mixer. won't be back.
(2)Melissa F.
Once again, unsurprisingly, Rick Bayless leaves a trail of deliciousness wherever he goes. This time, it's in an airport, so a legitimately good food option awaits you - no, not just "I guess it's good compared to whatever else there is at O'Hare/[airport of choice]." I had the short rib sandwich, which was a delicious blend of flavors. I forgot what was on it, but tender short ribs, avocado, slowly caramelized onions...mmm. The guacamole was also splendid. The sandwiches hover around $10, so they're not the cheapest ever. But everything in an airport is around that price. So you can spend more than usual for crappy-to-OK food or for insanely amazing Bayless-stamped food. You pick.
(5)Ben R.
Who knew airport food could be so good? The shrimp torta was the best I've ever had. It takes about ten minutes for them to make the sandwich so factor that in if running between gates.
(5)Niti B.
yum yum yum! By far the best terminal food yet! I get excited everytime I get a chance to eat here. The food may be highly inflated in price but delicious! I don't leave feeling like I ate fast food and about to have my stomach churn on the plane ride. I love that the food is made fresh to order and even better that they have another location at Old Orchard Mall!!
(5)Laura G.
This is as good as it gets at any airport anywhere. Not just great for an airport restaurant, it's just GREAT food, quality ingredient and fantastic beers. Beer braised torta with pickled jalapeno and arugula. Creamy, delicious corn chowder, AWESOME Belgium style beers, good salsa for the chips AND a menu telling me where my food came from! Beautiful. This is testament that quality does not have to be sacrificed at airport restaurants. I had the worst sandwich of my life at LAX and it cost more! I really appreciate that the vegetarian options (and there were plenty) were not an afterthought. Next time your at O'Hare do yourself a favor and try a Torta.
(5)Deepan M.
This a great place to try something new that is Mexican that you probably never had. The Tortas were great and the service was fast in case you're in a hurry to catch a flight. The prices were a bit high for what I was getting. Definitely worth a try!
(4)Liz G.
If you're at the airport and your hungry look no further. Assuming you have the 10 or so minutes that it will take your food to be ready, you should probably eat here. The food is excellent and full of flavor, worth the price. Yes it's a little more expensive then other options but you can really taste it in the quality of the food. I've had awesome sandwiches, breakfast and salads here. I could go on and on about my love for Tortas Frontera but I think my growing number of checkins will serve as testament to how much I enjoy it here. This food is so good that I would eat it even if I wasn't trapped in an airport with limited options.
(5)Rob B.
Oh I wish this place was bigger. I waited about 10 minutes to get a chair and another 5 to get one of the 3 bar stools. I had the Deal Breaker margarita, perfection in a glass. Missed flight, delay, thunderstorms come here and have a margarita and your troubles will fade away. Enjoyed the Pepitos this time, beer braised short rib with cheese, jalapenos and cilantro creama. It's enough for 2, I took the other half home. I noticed a pilot walk up and showed his phone to the cashier and left with an order. Not sure but perhaps you can order on line or call ahead?
(4)Jamie T.
I had the pepito, a side of guac, and the tortilla soup which I read yelp reviews on and was excited to try. The pepito is amazing ~ beer braised beef short rib with chihuahua cheese and pickeled jalapenos and cilantro crema...The torta is super crispy on the outside - toasted to perfection and the salsa was good. Guac was good but I didn't get to do the guacamole bar. So the verdict from me is the tortilla soup is way too salty for me. I absolutely loved the pepito though - that was the best hot sandwich I've had in an airport!
(4)Anya C.
Becon open face sandwich. Bread is good, but was very spicy and couldn't taste the flavor of bacon.
(3)Colleen C.
Let's be real, eating in an airport...not the first reason you are "in the area." However, I think Tortas Frontera may be an exception to that rule. Of course you're only going to be able to eat here with a paid ticket to leave the airport, so consider that...BUT, if you happen to be trudging through ORD, here is your beacon of shining light in an abyss of craptastic food options. Frankly, I don't fly O'Hare all that often but since my travel companion is a devout United flier, I found myself here over the weekend and bookmarked Tortas Frontera as my special treat for surviving a flight with him. I kid, I kid! He's fine. I was just excited to eat some really good Mexican food at an airport. It's weird to say it, but its true. Tortas Frontera is obviously an airport extension by the much loved and adored Rick Bayless of Topo, Frontera and XOCO fame. It's a pared down version of XOCO and if you're a tourist and didn't get a chance to taste the Rick Bayless love...well you've got a chance here. A nice selection of tortas (sandwiches), salads, sides, yogurt, a bar with margaritas, fresh drinks (I had the raspberry! very tart!), iced teas, etc. They even have breakfast, which can easily be the hardest meal at the airport. Granola and yogurt? Some Mexican breakfast sandwiches? Eggs? You got it. It can take a bit (our two sandwiches took about 10 minutes), and its pricier than say...McDonald's at $11 a pop, but its worth it. And you don't have much choice out here in the ORD oasis, ok? Just stop in and order to your heart's content knowing you are eating the best of the best that this airport has to offer. There, we did the research for you, fill your belly and avoid crappy peanuts on the plane! The Cubano was DELISH. And enough for two meals, seriously.
(5)Shane S.
If I hadn't eaten at A Rick Bayliss restaurant before, eating at the airport location would make me think his food is overrated. If you can, do yourself a favor and skip the airport location and at least go to the Frontera at Macy's on State Street - better food and friendlier staff. Even better, treat yourself to Topolo or Xoco to truly experience the brilliance of Rick Bayliss which you will not come close to experiencing at the airport location.
(1)Thomas C.
Flying out of or through O'Hare? Flying American Airlines? Hungry? Skip McDs and get some real food at Tortas Frontera. The prices are airport, but the taste is NOT. All of the sandwiches are tasty, and I especially love the tortilla soup on a cold wintry travel day in Chicago. The service is reasonably quick even when busy. Approximately 10 minute wait, and they have electronic pagers so you don't have to stand RIGHT in front of the pick up window. They also provide nice to go packaging if you want to grab and go. You can find me usually picking up and heading to the Admiral's club around the corner.
(5)K V.
Really great food at what must be half of the price you'd pay at a Rick Bayless restaurant. If you have time, the location by the food court in terminal k is worth the walk relative to the location in terminal b where there is extremely limited seating. This is not like Woflgang Pucks, where someone has slapped their name on Sysco sourced food. Don't come here if you have 2 minutes to spare before a flight. They're slow even when they're not busy (both locations), not just with the tortas (for which they warn you will take 10 minutes)
(4)Taylor Z.
Today I was at O'hare for a three hour layover. I arrived groggy (from half sleep), sore (falling asleep in awkward positions) and HUNGRY(trying to avoid plane food) from the 10 hour flight from Rome I had just experienced. After standing in a customs line that made Disney's Space MOUntain line seem like breeze, I got to go stand in yet another line to get through security ... but there was a light at the end of the tunnel ... Tortas Frontera! I decided to check out this place based on the good reviews from Yelp (thanks Colleen C. ! ) and the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable man at the Information desk, who recommended the soups. Well I didn't try one of their soups today, as I wanted to keep my meal under $10* and like I previously expressed ... I was really hungry so I decided to order one of their specialty tortas (which are like panini ... as told to me, again by information desk man ; ) did I mention how helpful he was?) I chose to get a mushroom garlic torta that came with their TF salsa for $9. Wow !! It was fantastic, it almost made me forget that I just paid $9 for a sandwich (almost). The garlic mushroom torta contained a variety of mushrooms with goat cheese, arugula and a cilantro sauce, all of this on a fresh baguette. The sandwich also came with a little container of their salsa. It was just was just what I needed. Tortas F. has breakfast sandwiches and soups, next time I am here I am definitely trying the corn and chile soup ... they also have open faced sandwiches, which are like half sandwiches. Actually I was about to order one of those, but at the last minute I saw that unlike the tortas, they were pre-made and sitting under a heat lamp and that did not appeal to me. (although you could ask them to make you fresh one?) Around the corner is their BAR, where I saw lots people sitting at the bar drinking pretty martinis, other cocktails, beer and wine. There is not a lot of space at the bar but their is a counter next to it where you can stand and eat your sandwich and charge your phone (me), drink a glass of wine while browsing the internet (lady to my left) or just take up space and charge your phone ( lady to my right) : ) whatever you decide, I don't think you will be disappointed in choosing Tortas F. *maybe I should clarify ...small soups are about $4, if I bought a soup and torta it would be over $10. You can also order food at the bar.
(4)Penny L.
Hands down best airport food ever... well maybe not ever but best at O'Hare! Next time I will get there early just to eat at Frontera. Mmmm mmmm delish :)
(5)Ryan B.
Gee whiz. Green salsa for days. Waited in line for a while, bartender invited me to the bar to eat. excellent service and an excellent bloody maria. Egg and Chorizo: Wowowoweeowow. Game Blouses.
(5)S M.
The five stars should be taken in context: it's in an airport. It is, in fact, the best airport place I've ever been to and I travel quite a bit. Take it out of the airport and it drops a star. The review is for each meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner (the latter two have the same menu); all are excellent.
(5)Megan H.
I am not a big fan of connecting through O'Hare. Notoriously frequent delays, older facilities, sitting on the dirty floor to connect my phone to a power outlet... these are not things I generally enjoy. However, I now go out of my way to route all my flights through O'Hare JUST so I can eat at Tortas Frontera. The setup is strikingly similar to Xoco in downtown Chicago. You can either place your order at the "to go" line, or take your chances getting one of the few-and-far-between seats at the bar. If you don't mind standing at the back bar until a seat opens up, there's a good chance you'll get to sit. Best of all, once you've taken your hard-won seat, there are power outlets every three feet in the wall! (Those who have searched in vain for an outlet in O'Hare will understand just how exciting this is.) Anyway, the food. It's really an insult to compare Tortas Frontera to "airport food" in any way, even just to state the superiority of one over another. It's like saying Michael Jordan is a better basketball player than my four year-old nephew. Sure, Tortas Frontera is better than anything else in the airport. It's also better than a lot of the food in Chicago, period. They have a full bar, including a custom Goose Island beer brewed especially for Frontera, but I always order the bloody mary - it is just the right amount of spice and flavor. I've ordered several of the tortas and molletes, and everything I've tried has been excellent. I love the Pepito so much, I really have to force myself to order anything else, but occasionally I do branch out. Last time I went with the spicy garlic shrimp torta, which was really excellent. And the fully loaded guacamole is so good, I've been known to purchase it right before my flight home so I can serve it to my boyfriend at dinner. I used to route all my flights through Dallas, but I have been hanging out at O'Hare a lot more since Tortas Frontera opened!
(5)Lily W.
Best airport you can get. The quality is equitable to its restaurant in the city.
(4)Emily R.
This place was a godsend during my layover today. I had the chipotle chicken torta and it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had in my life. Really outstanding. Super fresh ingredients and locally sourced when possible. Nice selection of tequila and local beers. I sat at the bar and it was a tight squeeze, but the bartenders were entertaining. I received exceptional service. You can tell the employees like their jobs and are treated well. Can't wait to pass through ORD again to get more tortas and tequila!
(5)Anuj S.
Pretty good sandwich and definitely a good choice at O'Hare. The one I had came with a variety of mushrooms. The bread was good. I think the black bean spread made the sandwich kind of drippy/messy, but that's also probably where the flavor was. It was on the pricier side for what you get, but as others have stated this is to be expected at an airport location. Given the other choices, I'd definitely come back and maybe give the quac and one of the open-faced sandwiches a shot.
(3)