Fronteras Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Palatine Township

Great Flavors, But a Few Missed Opportunities

I recently tried the new Mexican restaurant in town with a Chipotle-style setup and an open kitchen, where you can build your own bowl, tacos, burritos, tortas and quesadillas. Overall, the flavors were fantastic, but a few small tweaks could make the experience even better.

I opted for a steak bowl using arrechera (a well-marinated, quality cut), which was delicious—tender and full of smoky, savory flavor. My only complaint? The steak was cut into very small pieces, making the portion feel skimpy for the price. Larger, more substantial bites would’ve made it more satisfying.

The rice options stood out—I loved that they offered both white rice and Mexican rice(a nice authentic touch). They also had three bean choices (black, pinto, and refried), which added great variety. The salsas were a highlight mild, medium, and hot, all packed with bold, fresh flavors. The Chipotle sauce and sour cream at the end tied everything together perfectly.

A few downsides: Guacamole cost extra, which is fairly standard, but I was disappointed that water wasn’t free—having to buy a bottled water felt unnecessary. After tax and the added water, my steak bowl totaled over $17, which felt steep for a fast-casual meal.

That said, the flavors were so good that I’d absolutely return to try other proteins or menu items. If they adjust the steak portion size and offer complimentary water, this spot could easily become a...

Stopped in for dinner and I have to say, this place is a winner. I love the open-concept kitchen – it's great being able to see the food being prepared right in front of you. You can really see and taste the freshness of the food, which I truly appreciate.The steak arrachera was incredible, and I had the chance to sample several of the meats. They were all delicious, making it tough to pick a favorite! They also have aguas frescas! Horchata, tamarindo and jamaica!! The staff was also super sweet and attentive, making the whole experience...

This is my new favorite Mexican food spot in the area! Think Chipotle style options with all ingredients to choose from, right in front of you. My go to is the bowl with arrachera (skirt steak). The portions are large, delicious and filling. The service is great and they also offer the restaurant on Uber Eats. The only negative is that there is a 4% card processing fee, but honestly the food...