Frontier Chicago: Your Gateway to Culinary Adventure in Wicker Park

Welcome to Frontier Chicago, an award-winning culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Far from your average restaurant, Frontier offers an unparalleled dining experience, blending rustic charm with sophisticated flavors, all inspired by the spirit of the American wilderness. Located at **1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 6042**, this establishment is a must-visit for food adventurers and those seeking a truly unique meal. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world where open-fire cooking, whole animal roasts, and an exceptional array of game meats take center stage. The ambiance is inviting yet distinct, with a lodge-like feel that combines exposed brick and reclaimed wood with subtle, artful taxidermy and communal tables, fostering a warm and spirited atmosphere perfect for shared meals and unforgettable memories.

Frontier Chicago is dedicated to providing an accessible yet extraordinary dining journey, catering to various schedules with their extensive opening hours. You can embark on your culinary quest during the week from **Monday to Thursday, 4 PM – 11 PM**, ideal for a unique dinner or after-work drinks. As the weekend approaches, the hours extend, with **Friday service running from 4 PM – 12 AM**. Weekends are a special affair, featuring delicious brunch options available on both **Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 3 PM**, with dinner service continuing until **12 AM on Saturday** and **10 PM on Sunday**. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a lively brunch with friends, or a grand celebration, Frontier’s doors are open to welcome you. Should you have any questions or wish to make a reservation, their friendly team is readily available. Don’t hesitate to reach out by calling **(773) 772-4322** or sending an email to **info@thefrontierchicago.com**. Prepare to dive deep into a menu that celebrates bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and innovative cooking techniques, promising an experience that truly stands out in Chicago’s bustling food scene.

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Menu Highlights at Frontier Chicago

Frontier Chicago’s menu is a testament to culinary innovation and a celebration of flavors often overlooked. It’s meticulously crafted to showcase the best of seasonal ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and, of course, a remarkable selection of game meats, whole animal roasts, and exquisite seafood. Each dish tells a story, prepared with passion and presented beautifully, promising a dining experience that is both adventurous and deeply satisfying. Get ready to explore a world of bold tastes and unforgettable textures.

Signature Appetizers – Begin Your Expedition

Kick off your Frontier adventure with an array of starters designed to awaken your palate. These small plates are perfect for sharing, allowing you to sample a variety of unique flavors before delving into the main event. From exotic game to comforting classics with a twist, our appetizers set the stage for a memorable meal.

Wild Boar Chili Nachos: Spicy wild boar chili, melted cheddar, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro blend beautifully.
Smoked Duck Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls bursting with succulent smoked duck, vegetables, and sweet chili sauce.
Antelope Tartare: Finely diced antelope, capers, shallots, Dijon, quail egg, served with grilled sourdough.
Gator Tail Skewers: Crispy fried gator tail, creole seasoning, served with a zesty remoulade sauce.
Roasted Bone Marrow: Rich roasted marrow bones, vibrant gremolata, pickled onions, alongside artisan toast.
Elk Sausage Poutine: House-made elk sausage, squeaky cheese curds, rich gravy, atop crispy fries.
Whiskey BBQ Rib Tips: Tender pork rib tips, smoky whiskey BBQ glaze, crowned with crispy onions.
Fried Frog Legs: Delicately fried frog legs, garlic butter, fresh herbs, a true Southern delicacy.
Kangaroo Meatballs: Savory kangaroo meatballs, spicy tomato sauce, fresh basil, grated Pecorino Romano.
Smoked Fish Dip: Creamy, smoky fish dip served with crispy house-made crackers and fresh lemon.

Main Courses – The Heart of the Frontier

Prepare for the main event, where Frontier Chicago truly shines. Our main courses are carefully prepared, often using open-fire techniques, to bring out the deepest flavors of our premium ingredients. Whether you’re drawn to robust game, perfectly cooked poultry, or fresh catches from the sea, there’s a dish to satisfy every craving.

From the Land & Sky: Bold and Robust Flavors

Experience the untamed flavors of the wilderness with our selection of game meats and expertly prepared poultry. These dishes are designed for those seeking an adventurous palate, offering unique textures and profiles unlike any other.

Whole Roasted Pig (for groups): Slow-roasted whole pig, carved tableside, served with an array of delicious sides.
Bison Meatloaf: Hearty bison meatloaf, smoked tomato glaze, creamy mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
Duck Confit Gnocchi: Crispy duck confit, soft gnocchi, earthy wild mushrooms, decadent truffle cream sauce.
Venison Osso Buco: Slow-braised venison shank, tender root vegetables, saffron risotto, finished with gremolata.
Ostrich Burger: Lean ostrich patty, gruyere cheese, sweet caramelized onions, truffle aioli, brioche bun.
Rabbit & Dumplings: Comforting rabbit stew, tender dumplings, fresh herbs, immersed in a hearty broth.
Quail & Grits: Pan-seared quail, creamy cheddar grits, braised collard greens, spicy honey glaze.
Smoked Brisket Plate: 12-hour smoked brisket, fluffy cornbread, tangy coleslaw, choice of BBQ sauce.
Elk Chop: Pan-seared elk chop, juniper berry reduction, sweet potato puree, crisp grilled asparagus.
Pheasant Pot Pie: Flaky pastry crust, tender pheasant, mixed vegetables, rich creamy sauce.

From the Water: Freshness and Flavor

For those who prefer the bounty of the sea, Frontier Chicago offers a selection of impeccably sourced and skillfully prepared seafood dishes. These options bring a refreshing contrast to our game-heavy menu, ensuring there’s something for every preference.

Blackened Red Snapper: Cajun-spiced snapper, savory dirty rice, seasonal greens, bright lemon butter sauce.
Seafood Boil (seasonal): Crab legs, succulent shrimp, mussels, corn, potatoes, all tossed in spicy butter.
Smoked Salmon Platter: House-smoked salmon, capers, red onion, cream cheese, toasted artisan bagel.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Thoughtful and Delicious

Frontier Chicago believes in offering exceptional options for all dietary preferences. Our vegetarian and vegan dishes are crafted with the same care and creativity as the rest of our menu, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying experience.

Smoked Portobello Burger: Grilled portobello, roasted red peppers, tangy goat cheese, balsamic glaze.
Wild Mushroom Risotto: Creamy arborio rice, assorted wild mushrooms, rich parmesan, hint of truffle oil.
Roasted Root Vegetable Hash: Seasonal root vegetables, aromatic herbs, fried egg (optional), luxurious hollandaise.

Sides – Perfect Companions

Enhance your main course with our selection of hearty and flavorful sides, each designed to complement and complete your meal. From rich and creamy to fresh and crisp, our sides add an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience at Frontier Chicago.

Truffle Mac & Cheese: Creamy macaroni, blend of cheeses, fragrant truffle oil, crispy breadcrumb topping.
Smoked Gouda Grits: Rich, creamy grits infused with smoky gouda cheese, offering pure Southern comfort.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Pan-fried sprouts, savory bacon lardon, sweet balsamic glaze, delightful crunchy texture.
Garlic Parmesan Fries: Golden fries tossed with fresh garlic, grated parmesan, and vibrant parsley.
Grilled Asparagus: Perfectly grilled asparagus spears, lemon zest, sea salt, light and incredibly fresh.
Cast Iron Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread, slightly sweet, served with luscious honey butter.

Brunch Specials – Weekend Delights

Join us on Saturdays and Sundays for an extraordinary brunch experience that elevates classic morning fare with Frontier’s signature adventurous twist. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend with unique flavors and a lively atmosphere.

Game Meat Hash: Pulled game meat, crispy potatoes, onions, peppers, fried egg, rich hollandaise sauce.
Smoked Salmon Benedict: Perfectly poached eggs, house-smoked salmon, creamy hollandaise, on an English muffin.
Churro Waffles: Crispy waffles coated in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with dulce de leche, fresh berries.
Wild Berry Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes, seasonal wild berries, pure maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream.
Breakfast Burrito: Scrambled eggs, choice of meat (bacon, sausage, or game), cheese, salsa, wrapped in tortilla.

Decadent Desserts – A Sweet Conclusion

No adventurous meal is complete without a delightful finish. Our dessert menu at Frontier Chicago offers comforting and indulgent options, crafted to provide the perfect sweet ending to your culinary journey.

Skillet Cookie: Warm chocolate chip cookie, vanilla bean ice cream, gooey caramel drizzle, served in a hot skillet.
Bourbon Pecan Pie: Classic pecan pie, hint of bourbon, served with fresh, airy whipped cream.
Seasonal Fruit Cobbler: Warm baked fruit cobbler, crisp oat crumble topping, a generous scoop of ice cream.

Signature Cocktails – Crafted for the Explorer

Our bar at Frontier Chicago is just as adventurous as our kitchen. Explore a curated selection of signature cocktails, each concocted to complement our menu and enhance your dining experience. Using unique spirits, house-made infusions, and fresh ingredients, our mixologists craft drinks that are both innovative and deeply satisfying.

The Pathfinder: Bold bourbon, sweet maple syrup, aromatic bitters, orange peel, finished in a smoked glass.
Wicker Park Wild: Crisp gin, delicate elderflower, cool cucumber, fresh lime, hint of basil, truly refreshing.
Smoked Manhattan: Robust rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, classic bitters, cherry, subtly smoked table-side.
Campfire Old Fashioned: Smoked whiskey, raw sugar, angostura bitters, orange zest, embodying campfire coziness.
Prairie Rose: Tequila, grapefruit, lime, a touch of rosewater, creating a bright and floral concoction.
Hunters Brew: Coffee liqueur, dark rum, cold brew, cream, a perfect pick-me-up or after-dinner treat.

Beyond the Plate: The Frontier Experience

Frontier Chicago offers a unique rustic-chic ambiance, blending industrial Wicker Park charm with a wilderness lodge feel. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and artful taxidermy create a warm, inviting space perfect for adventurous diners. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff expertly guiding guests through the exotic menu and extensive drink list. Expect an upscale casual dining experience, where the lively atmosphere encourages shared plates and memorable conversations. Pricing reflects the high-quality, specialty ingredients and artisanal preparation, positioning Frontier as a premier destination for a distinctive culinary journey.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Culinary Expedition

Frontier Chicago stands as a true culinary pioneer in the city’s vibrant dining scene, offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. Famous for its daring whole animal roasts – especially the legendary Whole Roasted Pig – and innovative game meat dishes like the Antelope Tartare and Venison Osso Buco, it’s a place where tradition meets audacious creativity. The Smoked Brisket Plate and the Duck Confit Gnocchi are also crowd favorites, consistently earning rave reviews for their depth of flavor and exquisite preparation.

This is the perfect destination for food enthusiasts and adventurous eaters eager to explore beyond typical restaurant fare. If you’re a foodie seeking unique proteins, open-fire cooking, and a lively, rustic atmosphere, Frontier Chicago is your calling. It’s also fantastic for groups looking for a shared, interactive dining experience, thanks to its communal tables and family-style options. Our mini-review? Simply spectacular. Frontier Chicago isn’t just a meal; it’s an immersive culinary journey that will excite your senses and leave you with lasting memories. Highly recommended for anyone craving an unforgettable and distinctly Chicago dining adventure!

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