I was sad when the old Rick Bayless restaurant in this space at Old Orchard closed (Frontera Fresca I think?) so I was happy to see Tortazo with similar Mexican flair. Next to Macy's with indoor and a few outdoor seats, a nice menu and reasonable pricing. (Food prices have gone up everywhere so this is in line with other places.) Today I needed lunch but I was short on time, so I ordered the El Tortazo salad with chipotle chicken, to go. It only took a few minutes and I ate it in the car. It was delicious! I loved it and can't wait to come back and try other things when I have time to dine in. read more

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I had a very concerning experience at Tortazo, the Rick Bayless restaurant. I ordered a Chipotle Chicken Torta and an order of guacamole and chips. The total displayed on the screen was $30.36. I paid with my credit card and carefully signed the bottom of the electronic screen. The cashier then told me the payment didn't go through and brought the screen back. While I was still there, she suddenly pressed something on her side of the register. I went and sat down, and when I looked at my receipt, I noticed that a $6.07 tip had been added to my bill. I never authorized or selected that tip. What made the situation even more concerning was that the cashier initially seemed unhappy when I asked for a printed receipt. When I approached her after noticing the unauthorized tip, she looked away. I told her directly that I had never added a $6.07 tip. She simply responded, "I'll remove it." That response made me even more uncomfortable because it seemed far too casual, as though this was something that could easily happen and be corrected only if the customer noticed. I am sharing this because customers need to carefully check their receipts before leaving. Always ask for a printed receipt and verify that the amount charged matches what you actually authorized--including the tip. I found this experience extremely disturbing and unacceptable. A tip should only be added when the customer knowingly and voluntarily chooses to leave one. Please check your receipts. I understand your explanation that employees cannot manually add a tip and that a customer must select either a tip amount or "No Tip" on the customer-facing screen before signing. However, that is exactly why I am questioning this transaction. I did not select any tip amount, nor did I select "No Tip." I went directly to the bottom of the screen and signed my name. I did not authorize the tip that subsequently appeared on my final transaction. If your system requires a customer to actively make a selection before a tip can appear, please explain how a tip was added to my transaction when I did not make that selection. I would like you to investigate the electronic transaction record and determine what selection was recorded, when it was made, and how the tip was applied to my transaction. If your system shows that I selected a tip, I would like to know exactly what was selected and how that selection was recorded, because that does not reflect what happened from my perspective. I am requesting that the unauthorized tip be refunded and that you investigate this matter rather than simply telling me that employees cannot manually add tips. That policy actually makes my question more important: if I did not select the tip, how did it get there? read more

Tortazo - The tip she added without my consent - Mexican Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

This is another amazing Rick Bayless Concept. Well done, beautiful design in a great location! It's a super clean and fun casual restaurant. The torta is very gourmet. Fresh ingredients and well done with the flavor. I love the salsa verde, very good! Nice flavor on that. The fresh chips & guacamole I recommend. They have a large dining space with tables and high top counters. People are friendly enough. Super clean place and fun art. I think one complaint is the auto system almost immediately charges you 20-30% for Tip! Wait what??? It's not a sit down and be served restaurant. It's a order your food , pay and then do sit down with your number; your food will Be out soon. That certainly doesn't warrant even suggesting paying 20-30% extra for that. Get that fixed immediately please. People can't afford $23 for 1/2 sandwich "special". It feels less special at that price, for an order counter meal. But I love this Chef and he does have this same concept in other locations. Beautiful Skokie -Westfield Old Orchard Mall. Free parking in the lot for customers. Bloomies, Nordstrom, Aritzia, Tumi, Lush Soaps, Louie Vuitton and many other stores here read more

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I bought Super salty 2 pc tacos for 19$ i was too hungry and ate them with so much water. read more

Tortazo - Mexican Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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I did a pick 2 with half a torta and a chicken tortilla soup. I ordered a mango margarita as well. The margarita was delightful. I tried my husband's classic margarita and it was pretty strong! I wish I'd known the soup had avocado pieces. I don't typically eat avocado but the soup was okay. I had a chicken torta which was pretty good. This meal was a good lunch sized portion at a reasonable price. read more

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Went on a Friday night when it was surprisingly very busy. I ordered the fish tacos and my husband ordered the carne asada quesadilla. We also ordered the chips and guacamole, Jamaica and sparkling water. The food came out really quickly but I was shocked at how small the tacos were- like if it was a guy that ordered it, he would easily be able to eat one taco in two bites. Not just that you couldn't even see the tacos with all the salad that was showered on top of it- I almost thought the salad was my meal haha. Anyways, despite the size, it was really delicious- so delicious that I was seriously debating ordering it again. My husbands quesadilla was much larger in size and he devoured it. It was really juicy and flavorful. I would definitely come back here but I would like it if the tacos were just a little bigger. Check this place out for yourself! read more

Tortazo - Mexican Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

During our afternoon of shopping, we worked up an appetite and being a fan of Rick Bayless, were curious in trying Tortazo. I was pleasantly surprised when we stopped here by both the food and ambiance, especially for a mall type restaurant offering. Counter service didn't compromise the quality of the food and we appreciated the speediness of the food delivery to our table. I ordered the carnitas tacos, which were juicy and flavorful, nicely garnished with onion, cilantro and radish. Chips and salsa were on point and the perfect portion/ side to the tacos. The Rick Bayless episodes on the television were a nice touch and I would expect nothing less at his restaurant. The staff was also mindful towards the end of our meal in helping to clear our plates. I would happily stop back here for a quick, tasty bite during a shopping trip at the Westfield Old Orchard Mall. read more

Tortazo - Mexican Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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Order beef. It'll taste like Shrimp. Order chicken. It'll taste like shrimp. Order two small tacos. You'll pay 4-5 times what you would at a neighborhood place. Even the salsa seems watered down. Probably just skip it. read more

Tortazo a Rick Bayless restaurant can be accessed directly from Macy's & the courtyard. Excellent slow cooked carnitas tacos on corn tortilla green salsa, slivered radishes & lime. Excellent flavors w/tender slow cooked carnitas blended w/the crunch of the slivered radishes, green salsa & lime. This was an excellent blend of flavors. All of the staff were outstanding greeting us & providing excellent service The only negative I had were the size of the tortillas which were small w/only one tortilla as opposed to two tortilla so they were falling apart while I was eating them. I also felt the price point was a bit high for 3 tiny tacos $4.67/taco or $14.00 for 3 tacos. The flavors spot on Rick Bayless has once again created an excellent blend of flavors & textures read more

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Celebrated a friend's birthday of shopping, then dinner at Tortazo. Tortazo recently opened it's new location at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, IL. Plenty of parking available. Suggestion to park near Macys, east side, to be closer to restaurant entrance. Dinner: Chips and Guacamole-fully dressed Chicken Tacos Steak Tacos Drinks: Soda and Margarita Casual dining/seating options are inside or outside. Staff was welcoming and friendly and told us the history of the restaurant. Food was tasty, however prices were too high. If wanting flavorful Mexican food, Tortazo is place to go. read more

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I'm a huge fan of Rick Bayless, so when I was told about Tortazo having opened recently at Westfield Old Orchard, I was curious in trying them out! Tortazo's menu offers various snacks, soups, salads, tacos, tortas, and quesadillas, in addition to a beverage menu. I tried: +the Steak + Rajas quesadilla - this was filled generously with chile-rubbed sirloin, jacked cheese, and poblano rajas, served with a cup of avocado-tomatillo salsa +a lime agua fresca The food was SO GOOD! The quesadilla came in 3 large pieces, and the filling was just so juicy and cheesy! It is more on the saltier end, but so delicious! The agua fresca was very refreshing, with a strong lime taste - yum! Note that they also have HH specials. Staff were very kind and friendly! I was surprised at such low reviews of this place, but Tortazo is definitely worth a visit! The place is adjacent to Macy's, and there are a handful of seating inside in addition to some outdoor tables for those who prefer an al fresco dining. Plenty of parking in the mall lot. +Steak + Rajas quesadilla +agua frescas +friendly staff +adjacent to Macy's +located at Westfield Old Orchard +ample parking in mall lot read more

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Came to enjoy lunch with the family. For a very picky 3 year old, she really enjoyed her chicken tacos and guacamole. I had the chicken Milanese which was a good portion of chicken,was a filling sandwich. The black beans side dish was generous, it did not taste like straight from the can. Would order these again. My cousin ordered the Chipotle Chicken torta, he said would order it again, "good sandwich." The plantains were more memorable. Uncle got the Baja Chickens taco, "no flavor and seasoning, needed to doctor it up with the guacamole to give it flavor." Make sense the 3 year old liked it. Cousin ordered the Quesadilla with chicken and bacon " it was lovely." Horchata were good. The guacamole was good. Employees were very nice, knowledgeable of the menu and quick to assist. They have outside and inside seating, casual fast food like establishment. read more

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A Rick Bayless joint you can walk up and order some of the best food in the area? Yep!, if you are in the area, the food is delish! Definitely the most authentic Mexican cuisine on the north shore. The carnitas is smoked, the shrimp tacos, garnished to the ceiling with jalapeño pickled onion, everything we had was superb! read more

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food expensive salad meager & very few flavors besides lettuce soup salty tacos carnitas yummy but teeny & expensive Disappointed in Rick Bayliss quality and portions ! read more

So this spot is delicious and I hope they stick around. I had the tacos Shrimp dorados style, get it it's so good. And the drinks are strong! The service was great, round of applause to the staff. We went a couple days before Christmas and these workers were phenomenal they work so efficiently and professionally. It is a tight squeeze inside though there's not too much of a dining area overall but with the quick service and cleanup they turn over quickly. read more

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What a great place for a quick bite! Food is fresh and the employees are so friendly. This is a fast casual version of Rick Bayless's other places and couldn't be happier that it is back in Skokie! read more

In and out in 15 minutes, with a delicious and hot plate of fried shrimp tacos ("dorados") in my belly. Staff were efficient and helpful. Easy to sit for a quick meal solo or a group up to four during an outing to Old Orchard Mall. The food had all the flavor and freshness we expect from Rick Bayless. Not the best value relative to the amount of food, but it's quality food in a casual atmosphere. read more

Tortazo - Shrimp tacos "dorados style" - Mexican Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Came by while shopping for a quick bite with my partner. We started with the Queso Fundido (added chorizo) and the Citrus Basil agua fresca. The loaded queso was bomb! it was had a good distribution of toppings, and a fair portion of chorizo added. The chorizo wasn't too greasy and was flavorful. The agua fresca was refreshing and wasn't too sweet like a lot of places try to make them. For our entree, we split the Beef Quesabirria Torta. It was loaded with tender beef that was seasoned nicely. The bread was a bit thick but it helped hold together the sandwich when you dipped it in the broth. Overall the food was great and it was ready quick. I appreciated how they took our allergies into consideration and used fresh ingredients. As for the interior, its a small shop and seems more for quick bites. Its not somewhere you would go to sit-out with the family or a date. My only gripe is the cost - it's pretty expensive, even with us splitting an entree. Regardless, you will get good food, and I think it is worth a shot to try. read more

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I returned with my friend to Tortazo. They ordered the carnitas tacos. They liked the flavor, said the steak was tender, but would like to have 2 tacos for a lunch portion instead of 3. I tried the steak rajas quesadillas. This was a very large portion, cut into 3 wedges. The flavor of the steak was good, the meat was a little chewy, although the tortilla was very fried and very crisp (more than I liked). Still, the space was comfortable, the staff was friendly. I enjoyed the citrus basil Agua Fresca. I enjoyed catching up with my friend but I would not go out of my way to come back. read more

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Bayless does it again. The new spot at Macys has a great decor, is very welcoming and has an excellent outdoor seating area centrally located at old orchard mall. So far the menu options look amazing. I tried both the roasted chicken and the chicken Milanesa torta and they were both delicious. Oooking forward to coming back and trying more. Only drawbacks would be the outdoor area can be a bit scattered and messy and the prices are a bit high for what it is. It's priced a bit too much like a full service restaurant and at the end of the day it's a fast casual with drinks read more

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Food, 5/5, CHIPS + GUACAMOLE - FULLY DRESSED --topped with cilantro + red onion, bacon, serrano chiles, cotija cheese, pepitas, tomatoes, served with tomatillo salsa + chipotle salsa STEAK + RAJAS quesadilla -- chile-rubbed sirloin, jack cheese, poblano rajas, avocado- tomatillo salsa -- never had such delicious, crispy wrap BAJA CHICKEN tacos-- slaw, chipotle mayo, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro Service, 1/5, we arrived 620pm Sunday night and they were closing at 7pm. Worker said you cannot eat here and only take out. Then she said we could eat at the bar. My companion was not pleased. We were at Macy's about thirty minutes later and you can see inside -- the worker was still cleaning in there! No reason to rush or kick us out. Price, 2/5, this is a suburban mall. For two entrees and a small side of guac, it was $50 read more

The tortas were ok, the water was very sweet, the chicken was old, dried, maybe u came in the wrong day. read more

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Of course they just opened so perhaps there is some learning curve, but overall we had a pleasant experience. The chicken tacos were excellent. These were well filled and very tasty. It would be nice if they had a two-taco option to order. Three is a lot for lunch. We also ordered the Cubana Torta. While it was tasty and on excellent bread, I prefer my cubano-style sandwiches to have more meat. This seemed skimpy. I also believe that a good cubano should be pressed. The small order of chips and guacamole is just that - small. Very good chips and excellent, fresh guac. Finally we overheard a manager having a difficult conversation with a patron. She handled it SO WELL from our view as an innocent bystander. Kudos. We will go back, but order more carefully. read more

Tortazo - Chicken Taco - Mexican Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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There is no reason why this place should have less than 5 stars. Rick Bayless is a master of cuisine. I am so happy he reopened at Macy's. Try everything twice ;). I've been at least two dozen times. Pro tip: sign up for their rewards program!! read more

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Asked to use restroom, they said it was only for customers. I said we are eating here, they said place order first. I wanted their Cobb salad but I don't eat arugula. Asked if I could have extra romaine to replace it. They wanted an upcharge. I said the salad is half of each, if I'm not eating the arugula, you are saving money. Nope, no go. So I placed my order and said where is the restroom. They said nope you have to pay first. My husband still needed to place his order. We asked for the manager and they said he is in the basement. At that point my bladder was about to explode and I told my husband, we are leaving. I have never eaten at Tortazo and I NEVER will!!! read more

Overpriced, overrated, just meh. I really wanted to like this place. I've ordered 3 different items all with the same result...disappointment. The kid's menu is really sad. 1 tortilla folded over with cheese. $7. No sour cream, salsa, or guac to accompany it. It doesn't include any sides or even a drink. The chicken tacos are 2 measly street sized tortillas with a tablespoon of chicken. No cilantro, onions,lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, or even salsa. I think that was $11. This also came with zero sides or drink. I dont recommend. read more

Delish! I ordered the chicken quesadillas and it was really tasty, the tortilla was crispy which I liked. I'll be back. read more

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We were looking forward to dining at Tortazo in Skokie, at the Old Orchard Mall. Being a Rick Bayless restaurant we expected good things. That was not the case. unfortunately. Upon entering the restaurant we were immediately hit by very loud music. I mean LOUD MUSIC. We walked back to the indoor seating area. The same loud music was blaring from the speakers. The outside seating area was full and we knew immediately why, the customers were both enjoying the nice weather and avoiding the music. We will never visit this establishment again. Call us old geezers, that's fine but we suggest the management turn down the music. read more

Two stars just for flavor. Cashier was fine. Orders a crispy chicken tortas. The chicken was very thin and dry!!! It felt like I was eating a chicken jerky. Flavor was fine. No sides, medium size, $14!!! Water was served straight from the utility sink, yum. Was looking forward to this place since it was from Rick. Will I be back, I dunno. Will monitor the reviews before I spend my hard earned money here again. read more

Came to the Willis tower to go to the color factory. I saw that they have two of my favorite items to try when I'm on road Doughnuts and an celebrity chef that I actually follow and was just looking for an Chicago chef to eat from and lo and behold his was right there and the donut shop was right there so now I'm torn. Do I try donuts or do I try Mexican food from a celebrity chef that I follow so I picked both I went with Rick's place first. The menu is very simple. They have quesadillas and tacos and well it's a torta shop so of course tortas but I wanted to taste his Carnitas which I got in the cup and it is exceptionally good is some of the best Carnitas I've ever tasted and I'm so jealous that those people in Chicago get to have this all the time. I have not tasted Carnitas like that very good and I also had a steak quesadilla also very good. I'm not a guacamole person nor salsa. I'm just a taste of meat, the cheese, the tortilla exceptionally, and then I had some churros which were very crunchy season perfectly everything and that restaurant was very good on that day. I enjoyed Food the service was excellent. The lady explained the menu to me even though I came up twice because I had to order the churros when I noticed that they had churros, she was very nice everybody there was nice and Food was exceptional seating at the Willis Tower is very open. They are comfortable seating. They need to put more trash cans around, but other than that everything was very comfortable. read more

Stopped for a quick bite. I got a quesadilla and it was good. There isn't many options on the menu but everyone was very friendly.

I got the chipotle roasted chicken torta. What can I say, it was delicious! This is the only torta place I want to go to for quality ingredients. You can get a torta anywhere, but not like these. These are gourmet tortas with fresh ingredients, and lots of them. Plenty of guacamole slices, chicken pieces, purple onions, everything about it was delicious. The salsa that comes with it is fantastic. So so good. It's a little spicy, it has a kick, but not too much. If you don't like anything spicy then don't get it, but if you do then you'll enjoy how it pairs well with all of the flavors. I've had food from other chef Rick Bayless restaurants and always throughly enjoy the caliber of products he produces. Whenever I'm at O'hare, I always stop at his restaurant, it's such a treat! The prices are a little high, but you really get what you pay for. It's worth it. The restaurant is conveniently located in Macy's exactly where the old frontera grill was if you're familiar when it was there many years ago. So glad to see that it's back. read more

I wish I would've checked the reviews before coming in. This place is absolutely terrible. From the food to customer service I don't know which one is worse. Teach the cashier to say thank you. read more

Tortazo - Dry barbacoa. - Mexican Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Came here opening day excited to try Rick Bayless food. That will probably be the last time I eat Rick Bayless food. While I understand there are high food costs today, the value for what you get here is underwhelming. This is a fast casual place, not fine dining restaurant. I left hungry. Andddd Rick Bayless didn't even show up for the grand opening! That says a lot about how he views his restaurant and patrons. read more

An aggressively mediocre and ridiculously overpriced suburban outpost for people easily impressed by a known name. The act of eating here is what I imagine purgatory to be like - empty, unsatisfying, and with any luck ultimately meaningless. There's a Potbelly's twenty feet away - save ten bucks and a lifetime regret at having wasted precious time you'll never get back choosing to eat here. read more

Had three chicken tacos, chips and salsa, torta all were very good. Service was excellent, very clean, tables not crowded not noisy. A great stop for Mexican lunch read more

I had the torta cubana. It had almost no meet no lettuce and two slices of avocado. For the price I figured it would have more toppings in it. At a Mexican place you'd get one half the price and the torta looks fat. This one looked really flat and skinny. The bacon tasted a bit off like it was cooked packaged sealed and reopened. It had no pineapple pieces for a cubana. Came with beans and barely noticed the ham. The red sauce tasted a bit off maybe it's made with sweet chipotle. Service was awesome. Staff really attentive. The drinks were only 6 oz drinks and way too expensive for that price should have been at least 16oz. Next time I'll say no ice since the ice was over kill too. Had the kids chicken tacos. Tortillas got hard. For a kids meal they should just softer tortillas. And it did not come with a beverage for the kids meal. Come on it should be in that price already. We had the guacamole and chips and we got a little 2 oz container of guacamole. At a Mexican place they give you at least 6oz for that price. Even chipotle gives you more than that for a cheaper price. Would not go back unless they raise their portions on the food. Although the kids chicken tacos had a good amount of meat in it. Maybe I'll get that for myself next time. My wife had the chicken tenders and the crust was burned. It was nice and crunchy over all. read more

Rick Bayless should stick to cheeseburgers or something along that line. He definitely doe not know Mexican. These tortas have no meat and no flavor. You slap some avocado all of the sudden it's Mexican. I can find a better tortas any day with some street vendor. Save your time and money read more

My plantains were just a slimy mess. I think they might have used bananas instead of plantains. Texture and flavor were wrong and they were suspiciously small. Citrus basil agua fresca was weak. I've definitely had a better torta. read more

The food is very good overall. Purchased togo options, so can't speak for the service, but the inside is very nice. We got the guacamole fully dressed, tasted very fresh, and the carne asada torta was very flavourful. I would definitely recommend! Probably one of the best restaurants in the mall. read more