Pro: They offer a lot of shrimp options for someone who may be a pescatarian. Cons: beyond overpriced. The horchata was half-assed. Atmosphere was definitely lacking. Non authentic vibe. Go here if you want to over pay for a minimal amount of wanna be artistic modern Mexican food. You'll definitely get what you pay for. read more

The dessert empanadas were wonderful!!! It is worth a trip just for those!!! The chips were warm when they arrived at the table, fresh and not too thick. The salsa was spicy, but not too spicy. I had the axteca soup. The soup was a tad bit salty. The enchiladas with spincah were ver tasty and a nice portion size. The refried beans were very good!!!! read more

Very nice atmosphere. Menu causes a dilemma as way too many great choices. They have some spicy food but there is plenty of flavor in those dishes. Long to return very soon read more

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I thought the food and the service was fantastic! The ambiance was great as well, once you walk inside you don't feel like your in a dinky strip mall off Milwaukee Ave. I'm gluten free and most of their menu is naturally gluten free. I had 3 tacos and the jicama salad which was a lot of food. I had the short ribs, al pastor and the mushroom tacos; I love that you can mix and match the tacos. This area is in dire need of a good taco place and they were very good tacos. They were not the best, the best are still at Big Star, Antique taco and other places in Chicago. But for the suburbs they were very good, I would go back and get the tacos again. My wife had the enchiladas and my friends had the fajitas and they all seemed to like it. My only two complaints are that it took some time to get silverware and they love onions! They used way too many red onions on the salad and too many pickled onions on the tacos. Use less onions and everything will be a lot better! Overall it was great and we plan to go back. read more

This location isn't as great as the location in the city, but it is still pretty darn good. There really isn't any good Mexican food out near Park Ridge, so I'm glad they opened a location close to home! The strawberry margaritas are great, frozen or iced and definitely get the pastor or deshebrada tacos. Their menu isn't exactly as the location in Lakeview, but it's close. I'd definitely recommend it, if you want good Mexican food. :) read more

Awesome service, food, and drinks! Great quality food and drinks! Mexican mules are beyond amazing! New favorite spot in the neighborhood! read more

Cafe El Tapatio - Awesome Mexican Mules! - Mexican Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

This place is a cute and atmosphere is great. The server's were very attentive. The prices are a bit more expensive than other Mexican places we have been to. The only reason I give it a 3 star is that we didn't like combo fajitas. It costs about $23 but it has very few pieces of meat it was mostly loaded with onion and orange pepper. read more

Cafe El Tapatio - Combo fajitas Steak Sincronizada - Mexican Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

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Beautiful decor. Kind servers. Really wanted to like this place. The $10 margarita was disappointing tiny, weak and flavor wise bland. The menu clearly states "jicama salad" served with the dish but received lettuce with oil instead. The menu states that the steak taco is topped with "pickled" onion but also incorrect as it's served with raw onion. Some tacos are served on corn tortillas and some on flour with no explanation. I just expect to receive what is on the menu or the staff to warn you about substitutes! I would have ordered differently had I been informed. Also how can you serve a Michelada and forget to run the glass!? My whole experience left me disappointed and wouldn't make the trip again :( read more

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Great food great service the owner is very nice Introduced himself and chatted with us good location we will be back read more

This used to be a great restaurant but not anymore. The food was terrible during our last visit in July '20. We used to go to their original location. read more

EAT HERE!!!!! This is BY FAR my favorite Mexican restaurant, and everyone that I have brought to eat here is quick to agree! I am modest when making a restaurant recommendations because I do not want the person to feel underwhelmed....except for El Tapatio! I actively refer this place (I have a menu pinned to my cubicle wall), and each person who has poked fun at my "obsession" has come back and apologized, as after eating there they instantly understand. The food is amazing, drinks are delicious, and the place is clean, fun, and SO welcoming. The owner and staff make you feel like family! Eat here, or get delivery, and do so often!!! read more

This place isnt the same anymore. Might have a new chef in the back idk not my business. I used to love the food but now its not even close to being anywhere near ok. They need a better head chef because what my son got today was not ok. Step your game up dont let something you've built slack in any way. read more

Frozen margaritas were good, but had a lot of ice and was hard to drink because the ice chunks got stuck in the straw. Had the LA califa burrito with chicken and it was good, but slimy, so didn't really have to chew much to eat it, but the potatoes inside were soft and had a lot of flavor. read more

One of the best tasty small Mexican restaurants u can experience hi quality food and great service generous portions ,Joe is the owner always around and explaining the food if u do not know , it is Jewel hidden in Glenview Visiting this place will enrich ur love to the Mexican food . read more

1st time here, replaced a 30 plus year Pinocchio's Pizza, big shoes to fill and succeeded. Welcoming decor and atmosphere, friendly staff including the owner who introduced himself and worked the room. Great tacos, good flavor and textures best accompanied with a house Tamarindo margarita. Give it a try for dinner or lunch; won't disappoint. read more

Cafe El Tapatio - Tamarindo Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

This is the best Mexican restaurant in the northwest burbs, hands down. If you're looking for a quick, cheap taco fix go to Taco Burrito King. If you want authentic Mexican cuisine in a very relaxing atmosphere with genuinely great service, please come here. The drinks are 10/10, the food is superb, and owner may be the nicest business owner in town. I have yet to order something that I haven't enjoyed, but don't skip out on the revoltijo. The menu is diverse, unique, but authentic. Whether out for a date or a night out with the family, this is the place to be. Cheers!!! read more

Just had dinner here , carne asada was tender and flavorful , great service , staff very helpful and friendly, nice portions , will definitely go back to try other dishes read more

Cafe El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

Love, love this restaurant, Joe and the rest of the staff are wonderful. Food is amazing and drinks flow easily. Menu is a great mix of traditional and insspired choices. read more

This is such a gem! I've been here twice now and both times were amazing. The restaurant itself is so charming and cute. The service is wonderful. You are greeted with a smile and everyone working there makes sure you are taken care of. The food is delicious. This has quickly become my favorite Mexican restaurant. I've had the enchiladas verde and the camarones monte alban. Both were amazing! Can't wait to go again. read more

Great margaritas and ambiance. The food is good and filling but didn't really stand out for us. We are in the neighborhood and will never pass up a margarita here. Willing to try a few other dishes as well. read more

Hands down, one of the best mole I have tasted. I had the Pollo en Mole de Reyna - thigh, it was grilled and crispy. The rice on the side is flavorful, you can taste it was cook with good stock. I forgot the name of the drink, but it was smoky and strong, the pineapple on the rim was bathed in tequila and would probably get you drunk. Sadly, I was not able to try their dessert. There is a cafe by the entrance and it seems very popular. Definitely a must try if you like Mexican foods. read more

This is the best Mexican in the surrounding Chicago area! The micheladas, margaritas, and food were amazing. I highly recommend!! We will always miss our Tex-Mex (we are from Texas), but we definitely found our new local Mexican joint. Service was spectacular and the owner is great! read more

For 15 bucks I got 3 flavorless steak tacos. Did I forget to mention that they came plainmeat and cilantro and that's it anything else added, like tomato, onion and cheese were an extra 2 dollars a piece. Anyway the tacos had no flavor whatsoever. The cashier was rude and I will never go back there. I could have gone to Taco Bell and had better then this garbage read more

Oh yea, what works in Roscoe Village can work quite well in the 'burbs! Tucked in a small plaza near the corner of Greenwood and Milwaukee, CET serves awesome, authentic Mexican food in a laid back and friendly atmosphere with great service and a nice menu. We ate here for the first time last night, couples date night, and we will def be back. The owner is visible and engages in a sincere way (not the check the box flyby). The red and white sangrias and Mexican Mules were a big hit, along with the goat cheese and guac apps. Chips and salsa (both excellent) were served upon seating. Everyone ordered taco plates and there were smiles across the board-- beer battered and grilled shrimp, portobello mushrooms, steak, chicken-- I had the jicama salad with mine and really enjoyed the combo of peppers onions artisan greens and jicama. The sweet finish was a peach dulce de Leche crepe. Why not a 5? The modest view of a parking lot and the brick bungalows in the 'hood. Eat here you'll tummy will thank you! read more

Cafe El Tapatio - Beer battered and grilled shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

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Don't be Black and go to this restaurant. We initially sat at the table for almost 15 minutes before anyone ever came to check on us. We placed our orders, then proceeded to watch a family of two, three, and five be seated after us, get their meals before us, and one party finished their food. All while we were being told that our food would be up shortly, "we are just busy". After 45 minutes of this nonsense we left BEFORE our food was served. Ridiculous! read more

I was there the other day and my experience wasn't too pleasant. The food was okay and the waiter didn't put in part of it and I guess he forgot because he looked at me as if I had four heads?! All in all I'm not a big fan of this place any longer. I did have to wait a while to be waited on and that wasn't cool. The worst part of this fiasco was that when I went to the ladies room there was no soap in the dispenser and that's just one of my pet peeves. So, I used the guys bathroom (to wash my hands - of course)! read more

I love this place with my whole heart. I am always craving the food and the employees are nothing short of friendly, welcoming, and accommodating to every extent possible. read more

Please support this business. We have always talked about going but were too busy. Now with time on our hands we got the taco and margarita kit. So delicious. We are our a family of five and have leftovers for tomorrow. read more

Cafe El Tapatio - Chicken tacos and margarita - Mexican Near Me - Glenview, Illinois

I have now come here twice. Once with friends and once alone on a quiet Saturday. It was excellent both times!! The cocktails are delicious and well balanced. My first visit was tacos, fillings were perfectly cooked and plenty in there. Salsa is a little spicy, but fresh! The second visit was queso fundido, a plantain/beef appetizer and the caramel filled rolls, SUPERB!! so much flavor. Great service! Even though I was alone, the waitstaff and owner checked in on me and asked each time if I needed anything. Love it! I think this is a much better place than the pizza restaurant that was there before. What an improvement! Great selection with more than just tacos/enchiladas. Try something out of your comfort zone! read more

Food was absolutely delicious! The arrachera XX was cooked perfectly and the guac was very good! The costumer service was also very good! Will definitely come back soon! read more

I'm not sure where to start....this place is phenomenal!!! It's small and chaotic but worth every moment and if you have to wait it will be worth it. The food and drinks were great, the service great and the atmosphere made the experience fun and inviting. We will definitely be returning. The salsa & chips are wonderful, but just be prepared for a kick! My head was sweating but it was worth every bite. My wife had the steak burrito and I had the Carmones Al tequila and both were flavorful and way more food than you should get. I lost count at 10+ jumbo shrimp and the flavor with the peppers and onions was one of the best meals I have ever had. The burrito was stuffed full of ingredients and great flavors and the sides fresh and flavorful. Also, the margaritas are really good too! If you want a great meal, great service, and a great dinner experience this is a place to try!! read more

Ever wanted to try authentic Mexican food, but don't have the time to go to Mexico? Come here! This is as good as it gets to the flavors and culture of Mexican food! Delicious! My compliments to the Chef! read more

All the food I ordered was delicious! Burrito was good, the beans and rice were delicious! The elote de la calle was the best from everything I ordered! I definitely recommend this place!! read more

Since moving to the suburbs it has been a struggle to find places worth eating out. Mexican restaurants in the area have been unimpressive so far (and we've tried most of them), but this spot, despite it's odd location, is totally fantastic. Somehow they decorated the inside in a way that makes you forget you're in a strip mall - great mood lighting, bright colors and beautiful murals in the decor - a welcoming and festive space. The drinks are fantastic and the servers all seem to mix them well. Everyone who works there is friendly and the food comes pretty quickly. Salsa is made there, which means some days are spicier than others, but it's always delicious. The vegetarian options (fajitas, salads, burritos, enchiladas) have all been quite good (and I've tried almost all of them) with the exception of the Jicama salad which was so/so, but I think there was a weird chef in the kitchen that night because they made everything differently than usual - maybe it deserves another try. The poblano soup is to die for (and actually will probably kill me since it tastes like mostly sour cream). Worth it. This restaurant has the caliber of food you'd get at a good restaurant in the city, and the ambiance to match. It is the only place I'd consider going for Mexican food in the area. read more

This place has higher prices than most Mexican restaurants, but it is worth it. The fresh salsa with free chips gets things off to a good start. I loved my carnitas tacos. The option of having jicama salad instead of rice and beans is fantastic. Everything in the salad was fresh, and it had the right amount of vinaigrette. The horchata was as good as others say. My friend had rice and beans with her fish tacos. The refried beans were much better than most places. The only negative was the rice: mushy with an overcooked taste. That and the loud music and slightly brusque service makes me take off one star. But very impressed overall, especially for the burbs. read more

The food: 5 stars The price: 4 stars: a little pricey for Mexican food. The low down: friendly service, excellent quality, freshness and uniqueness to the sauces , presentation and salad. The food is very very very good. The atmosphere is very relaxing with a dimly lit but colorful decor. Outside patio looks very nice too. Happy hour from 4 to 6 on week days featuring half price appetizers and $2 tacos. $7 lunch burritos are an excellent value. read more

This is the absolute best Mexican Restaurant I've ever been to the food was outstanding and the service was great. Once you walked in the door you felt like you were home. read more

I really liked this place! The setting was cool and they had good guacamole and salsa. The waitress was nice and welcoming and we enjoyed the food! I just got a soft drink so I personally can't say much about the drinks, but my friend enjoyed hers. Overall I think it was pretty good- a great spot to grab a bite to eat! read more

0 stars. Only received 1/2 of our order and their phone doesn't work so there was no way to request the remainder of our meal. Definitely won't order food here again. read more

The food was amazing and our server was great at keeping up with drink refills and recommending food. I ordered the salmon cítrico and it came out delicious! They accommodated our party of 8 but put us right next to the bathroom with little space for people to pass through, so we kept getting bumped. Most frustrating thing was before we started ordering, we told our server that we would have separate checks but at the end of dinner we received one check. We asked our server to split it but he insisted on us writing our credit card # on the back of the bill & putting the amount ($) to charge next to it. We didn't put down our credit card #'s, but we did have to calculate what each person would be charged including tax & gratuity. (Larger parties will have 18-20% gratuity added to their bill). It was a huge inconvenience. read more

Cafe El Tapatio - Salmon Citrico - Mexican Near Me - Glenview, Illinois