Delicious food!! I first came here as a teenager and it was great back then... haven't been in years and came back tonight on a whim. Got the taco salad and the chicken burrito--both amazing! Friendly service from Bridget, one of the co-owners. Will definitely be back. Thanks for a great dinner!! read more

Great atmosphere and food, service, cleanliness and dessert not to mention the mix drinks.

Chewy steak fajitas plus a very disappointing experience this time aka our last time. We have had decent meals and experiences in the past, so I am not sure if there are new owners or what. My wife asked if they had Tito's or what kind of vodka they had. The server apparently did not understand English and said oh, you want Jose? No, she did not want tequila. After getting another server that understood the word vodka, she held up a bottle of Smirnoff. My wife agreed to a vodka / soda. I am happy I had water after receiving the check. They charged my wife $12 for a Paloma - tequila drink when she had 1 vodka / soda. When I pointed out their mistake, they said this is the button they have to push. I said you can buy a bottle for that price. In an unfriendly tone, she stated that they don't set the prices. Smirnoff is a small step above rail vodka and a full 750 ml bottle can be purchased for $11 at Target as noted in the pics. The max price on Smirnoff should have been $5-6. A Tito's can be had for that price at most bars and restaurants. We came for food and not drinks, but this over-inflated and incorrect pricing was extremely disappointing. read more

Chewy steak fajitas plus a very disappointing experience this time aka our last time. We have had decent meals and experiences in the past, so I am not sure if there are new owners or what. My wife asked if they had Tito's or what kind of vodka they had. The server apparently did not understand English and said oh, you want Jose? No, she did not want tequila. After getting another server that understood the word vodka, she held up a bottle of Smirnoff. My wife agreed to a vodka / soda. I am happy I had water after receiving the check. They charged my wife $12 for a Paloma - tequila drink when she had 1 vodka / soda. When I pointed out their mistake, they said this is the button they have to push. I said you can buy a bottle for that price. In an unfriendly tone, she stated that they don't set the prices. Smirnoff is a small step above rail vodka and a full 750 ml bottle can be purchased for $11 at Target as noted in the pics. The max price on Smirnoff should have been $5-6. A Tito's can be had for that price at most bars and restaurants. We came for food and not drinks, but this over-inflated and incorrect pricing was extremely disappointing. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Cheaper than a single drink - Mexican Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

See all

Their salsa is enchilada sauce. The service is ok. I do know what noodle thing is inside the "salsa" and the whole place is americanized. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - "Salsa" - Mexican Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

What have they done to their chips n salsa? Chips don't taste like they used to and the salsa was so bland I couldn't eat it!

Alvarez is the best restaurant I've ever been to. The food is amazing, the waiters waitresses workers in general are really kind of you, The owner is amazing. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - tables, chairs, and a television - Mexican Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

See all

The quality of the food overall was decent, I've only got a few things to say about what we ordered. First off, the menu has very outdated prices unfortunately. You could see they had tried to go and correct it but I ended up paying over $20 for a seafood soup that had one piece of octopus, one mussel and the rest was shrimp and tiny bits of a white fish filet. Keep in mind it was supposed to have crab and other ingredients in it. Price on the menu was 17.99 ? On the bill it was 22.99. Also there's a fee if you pay with card that I wasn't made aware of. Again not a big deal but it would've been nice to have been told that in advance. Instead of crab legs they put in japanese rice cakes which wasn't bad but it was strange to say the least. I have a feeling they maybe thought it was the imitation crab ? Close but not really, and considering the price of the soup it was disappointing. The chips and salsa are very simple and I think the salsa was enchilada sauce out of a can. No other options were offered when it came to that. The guacamole was super good though ! They must have a high quality avocado they buy so thank goodness. Beans were normal, rice was a smidge undercooked as some of the grains were hard. Sucks when you mess up Mexican rice. Service was good though ! The waitress was very sweet and attentive. Sometimes even if the food isn't great the service is what's makes the place worth the while. read more

Came for dinner at 6. People that came after us ordered and got food before we even ordered. Then we FINALLY ORDERED after about 40 minutes and about 20 minutes after that I asked where our food was and they said that they forgot to put my order in. Very upset and disappointed!!! read more

We've come here for multiple occasions. I've brought my in-laws and my family from Ohio to eat here. They're always so nice and friendly. The margaritas are the best in town. This place is right across the street from our house and we love their delivery. When I had my daughter we brought her here, she was only a few weeks old. It was so quiet she fell right to sleep. They were so nice to my son who is a year and a half, they always made sure his drink was full. Our favorite is their fajitas and cheese dip. As locals this is our favorite casual dining restaurant for our big and crazy family. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Me and my Family enjoying their great atmosphere. This was the first place we took our daughter to eat she was only a week old. - Mexican Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

Was recommended by a business partner while I was in town here in lovely Rockford. When I got here I thought I have been taken for a ride! Looks small and a little lack luster but the inside is charming, staff is friendly and everything is clean and well managed. Chips and salsa slapped on the table so fast and my drink was made quick and strong...We are off to a good start! Agree with previous reviews; tasty but not what I was expecting. In a good way! I arrived a little before 6 and watched the tables quickly fill around me. It turns out that this tasty hidden gem isn't a secret after all! I ordered the recommendation, fajita lover, which is steak, chicken and shrimp. Skillet came out quick-still sizzling and steaming. Lightly flavored/spiced which tastes fresh and not overly done up. Rice and beans seemed plain but I'm not a big R&B fan and they always taste that way to me. I got the fried ice cream because why not! It was worth the calories! Woah, now someone needs to roll me out to my car! read more

See all

I love the chips and salsa, their margaritas are awesome, but the food doesn't really sell me completely. It's definitely a good dive for Mexican food, and great for apps and a Margarita. It's pretty cheap too, just don't come here expecting excellence. It's good food for a low price with great drinks. read more

Let me start off by saying that I am from Southern California and I know my Mexican food. My wife and I went here because I have been trying to find a decent restaurant that doesn't cater to the "authentic Mexican" food dish, boy was I relieved when I walked in. No music blaring, no big murals on the wall and no over done menus. We walked in, got waved down by a nice young man who sat us immediately and promptly served our chips and drinks. And yes the place was packed (had to drive around the building to find a spot to park). To my surprise they had lenguna tacos!!! That's when I knew this place was the real deal for food. I will be coming back! read more

I really liked this food. It's very different from any other Mexican food I've had--tex-mex or otherwise--and this is nothing like any of it. But that doesn't mean it's bad. The enchiladas were awesome and the burritos were really yummy! The mole sauce was definitely tasty. But it just didn't hit the Mexican craving I had. I would go back, but not when I'm wanting run of the mill Mexican. Service was awesome, I'd give them 5 stars if it was all about them! read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Burrito and enchilada combo with a side of mole - Mexican Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

We were in town for a soccer tourney and ate dinner here. It's a great casual place that offered great service and food. We had flautas, tostadas, tamales, enchiladas, quesadillas and margaritas. All the food was very good and Pedro, our server, really took care of us. If we are ever back in the neighborhood, we will come back. There is a park down the street that was nice to sit and look at the river while the kids played at the park. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - These are the lover margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

Been here many times, always good. Extensive menu good drinks, good service. Food comes out fast, so if you want two drinks, drink up.

Interior was nice, dated but well maintained and very clean. Service was friendly and fast. Enjoyed the food, especially the Bistek Huasteco. Just one suggestion though, perhaps the 'Buggy Burrito' is sending the wrong messege. read more

I can say ... after 13 years of going to alvarez restaurant as very regular patrons ... and very happy to do so. Tonight was our last visit we went just before pre covid and I broke two teeth and had to have them pulled due to the stones in the refried beans. Never sent him a bill. Yet he took the stone and knew it happened. Blood coming from my mouth yet still supported during covid. and happy to do so. And tonight we go to dinner. And our Bill says $17.95 for his margarita. I questioned it. He stated more liqueur..... not so true. Same glass. Same liquor.. just price gouging!!!! Shame on you alverez. we are not Chicago night clubs !!!! are you kidding. My business will not make or break you ... yet you lost our business tonight forever. read more

Ok so as far as Mexican restaurants this place is the worst place I've been too! And I've been to a lot of Mexican restaurants. Outside of the Spanish music playing loud and the colorful walls is as unauthentic as Taco Bell, in fact Taco Bell might have more flavor. The salsa they brought with the chips as soon as you sit down taste like can tomato sauce, I orders huevos rancheros and they tasted or looked nothing like huevos rancheros at all, my wife ordered huevos con chorizo and they tasted like the chorizo was bad and could not eat them. After we told them that they still wanted to charge us for them. If I could give a zero I would! read more

I have been a regular customer for years. The food is good enough. I dine in and order take-out frequently. At least I used to, but I will never do so again. Tonight my order was made wrong, and very wrong: filled with meat when I am a vegetarian and was very clear about what I wanted when I placed my order. My meal also did not have the sauce that I requested. When I called the restaurant I requested a refund or a credit for the next time, but the manager told me that he didn't believe me about what I ordered and only offered to exchange my 3-item combination meal for a lone cheese enchilada and a container of sauce the next day. What am I supposed to do with a container of sauce? Poor it on the food from the prior day that they made wrong? Why a cheese enchilada, of all things? All I wanted was a credit for a meal for the next time, but the manager instead told me that he didn't want my business. I ate frozen pizza tonight, and I suggest that you do too since frozen pizzas don't argue with you. If you *do* eat here, which is entirely inadvisable, at least pay with a credit card so you can dispute the charge when you get ripped off. This man's brother, Hector, does a much better job at the Bell School store, so go see Hector and tell him where you think his brother can put that day-late cheese enchilada and cup of sauce. read more

I had a chicken chimichanga, that was delicious!!! The margarita was also good (traditional Mexican restaurant margarita, but still good)!!! The salsa was different but good and the chips were very crispy and fresh! The service was great! Very friendly faces with a cute atmosphere! read more

Was not authentic Mexican food at all. The chips and salsa were gross! The salsa taste like it was made with ketchup and black pepper. The margaritas sucked. Service was slow. Food took forever and it wasn't even busy. Taco bell taste better. read more

We have been eating at Alvarez for years and have never had bad service or a bad meal. Wait staff is always friendly and prompt. All our needs are attended to. The food is who we compare other Mexican restaurants too and we have yet to find one which can surpass the great taste and quality of Alvarez. read more

food totally sucks!!! service sucks!!! music, tv's n dining room decoration, space n sittin ok. read more

I ordered Mexican Food from Alvarez for the first time. I had it delivered by "Food Dudes" the food arrived hot and fast. Overall pretty good food. Maybe could use a little more flavor but still fine. The fact that you can have delivery is awesome! read more

Great authentic taco salad. Service is great. Place is clean.

We really enjoy coming here for lunch. Hubby gets their margarita and says it is one of the best around. The large is probably 16 oz or more. Service is friendly and the food is really good. Give this place a try! You know you like authentic Mexican cuisine! read more

Service is amazing, food is amazing. Different than other chair restaurants. Way better atmosphere. I always let chef pick for me and he hasn't disappointed me once yet. If you go there you have to have their big margaritas. Best in USA. But don't have more than 2 :) read more

I am a big fan of Mexican food and I heard good things about this place so I took my lovely lady here and I was not impressed. First off there guacamole was around $6 and it was terrible. It was pretty much just avacodos with NOTHING else. The margaritas were decent, nothing special though. The food was actually great, the reason why I gave this 2 stars. I got a combo platter (enchilada, chile releno, and burrito) and everything was delicious. If I come back, it will be due to this. The atmosphere was pretty much a run-down bar and I was not very impressed at all. However the atmosphere does set you up for the food so I guess that's a good thing. read more

Worst experience ever. Our waitor was wearing an oh-so professional wife beater and answered the phone while my boyfriend was placing his order. Food was slightly better than the service, but nothing to write home about. read more

This is the Best Mexican Restaurant in Rockford, probably the midwest. I travel extensively and eat local foods all over the world and still look forward to the Pollo Ranchero here. read more

We ordered take out from here tonight, which we have done several times. there was a mistake in the order and when we call to tell them about the mistake and wanted a credit to our credit card the man on the phone told us to take our business else where. which we are now read more

My husband and I got a gift card as a wedding present. Thank God I didn't have to spend my own money! Service was awful. The waiter spend the whole time flirting with some girl at other table. The food was cold!! read more

I stopped in on my way home to grab a bite. It wasn't busy which was good because there was only one server. The service was decent although I had to wait for a refill on my drink. I ordered the fajitas which were decent, hot and sufficient quantity. My big complaint here is that I have never seen a restaurant that gives you enough tortillas. As usual I ordered extra and only finished 2 of the 3. When the check came I realized I was charged for the extra tortillas. I have never been charged for extras before. I told the server when he came to get the check that I had never been charged for extra tortillas before and would not have gotten then had I known. Not sure if I will come back or not but if I do I won't order the fajitas. read more

I LOVE their food. Whenever my fiance and I go out to celebrate or for dinner, I almost always pick Alvarez, we go to the one on Bell School Road by Cherryvale mall. read more