I went to this restaurant with my wife and the food was good not the best in town I truly prefer Brothers Mexican Grill on Lagrange Rd I left them a review also - As for Cafe Salsa the atmosphere is terrible in fact they have given ZERO attention to the ambience the lights are regular house bulbs few and far between, its dim (not nicely dim) when a restaurant doesnt care about its ambience or look, they dont care about me. I told my wife on the way out the food was okay but not a place I would return to. Cringey read more

The first three or four times I ate here it was very good - 4 stars. The last three times have only deserved 2 stars. The management was very nice and very apologetic, but after the 2nd not great meal, I don't know if I will go back. The chips were super greasy and too dark, like they'd been sitting under a heat lamp for a long time. None of the food had great flavor. This restaurant is super cute inside, so I wish the food were better. I don't know if they've had a change of management, owner, or cook over the past year or so, but I'm just not getting good food here lately. read more

Very Good! They have Carnita's everyday! Nice salsa, good prices, plenty of room, plenty of choices, huge portions! No cons here, except I wish they were closer! read more

I have nothing but positive things to say about Cafe Salsa. They have THE best steak around period, no matter how you get it, as carne asada, fajitas, or their delicious (and my favorite) steak tacos. The service is bar none the best in town, and I felt like a regular here after just 2 or 3 visits. I usually come in with my toddler during the normal hustle and bustle of weekday lunch hour, and they are so sweet to him, and take time to talk with him, give him crayons to color with, and just generally pay attention to him (letting him order, help pay, etc.) which is so refreshing for me as a parent. I can say it is most certainly his favorite restaurant as well, as he runs up to the hostess station ordering immediately "rice and beans!" (we haven't quite worked out wait staff vs. hostess yet). I moved into the area half a year ago from West Town in Chicago, where I had been going to the same burrito joints for years (upon years), so naturally, when I came out here, I began my search for both the best casual sit-down Mexican and the best burrito joint. Burrito joint? Still looking. Best casual sit-down Mexican? Right here, baby! On the weekends, when I go with my wife, we take our time a little bit and order a couple margaritas up. One is all you need, and they make it in the traditional way without all the sugary lime-aid you find at many Mexican restaurants. We eat the always piping hot, fresh chips, which they give to you for free, and as many baskets as you want. Their salsas are excellent! Thier table salsa is a lightly spicy cilantro and onion based mild tomato jalapeno, but if you ask for something hotter, they'll bring you the Brava salsa which packs a bit more kick, and has a slightly nuttier/richer flavor! I recommend it. Though my favorite meal has been just the simple three steak tacos on flour tortillas, I have tried many other things on the menu and none have been dissappointing. You know that feeling you get when you got a restaurant and you have your "favorite" thing so you don't try anything else? Well, I have that here as well (literally their steak tacos are THAT good) but I have been loving their chile rellenos, quesadillas, flautas, carne asada, and everythign else I have ordered off the menu! Their prices are amazing considering the portions you get, and the perfectly fresh chips that come with the meal. Their children's meals are all 3.99 (I think) and I always get two meals out of it. I typically get out of here after tip and a meal for my kid for under 20 bucks, and have left-overs for him at the very least. Honestly my favorite casual sit-down restaurant in the area, and bar none the best Mexican in the area, and I've tried them all. read more

Cafe Salsa has been one of our favorite resturants for years. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and good food. We recently visited the restuarant and noticed some changes: - New reduced menu - Increased prices - Ala Carte pricing (for sides and chips) I couldn't believe my eyes.... When I questioned the server he responded don't worry, we still have everything from the old menu. Great, can I see the old menu :-). We ordered our drinks and started to look at the menu. The new menu while trendy, misses the mark. I thought $18.99 was already high for scallops, but now $21.99 made me think twice.. o.k 3 times, but I enjoy their scallops and decided to splurge. Much to my dismay the portion size and scallop size had decreased. This used to be one of the best Mexican restuarants in the suburbs. I realize owners want to make changes for the better to bring in new clientele, but they missed the mark this time. read more

We have been going here for a long time (Over a decade). The food is very good and mostly Tex Mex style Mexican. They recently changed their menu up and have added many new items. I've eaten almost all their items on their old menu and everything has been at least good. Excellent salsa and Margaritas (strong) Very reasonably priced, great service every time we are there, easy parking, full bar, kid friendly and a nice outdoor patio. So much to like. Yes there are better placed in Chicago for authentic Mexican food, but overall this has always been a great experience with very good food. read more

We went on a Wednesday at about 5pm. The place was fairly crowded and we were seated in the very corner booth, right next to the fire exit. The booths are a tight fit and seats too low. Next time, we would ask for a table. Our server came immediately, we ordered drinks and guacamole app. We were informed Wednesdays were Margarita day, getting the larger size for less $ than the small. The drinks tasted like it was a bottled mix. Expected better from a Mexican place. The entrees were okay but the guacamole was fairly tasteless without proper seasonings. Good service but seating and food were lacking. We'll try again, perhaps when it's not a "special" day. read more

How have I not written a review for this place yet? We have been here numerous times, the food and service is always good. The only thing that was bad tonight was a bunch of out control kids between 5 and 9 years old crawling on the floor & running around like it was a playground. I even saw a waiter almost trip over one of them. Now yes the staff and owners can't really yell or discipline these demon spawn kids. HOWEVER, the staff should talk to the parents and ask them to get their kids to stop treating the restaurant like a playground. The parents of all these kids were real assholes for not disciplining their demon spawn kids! read more

I come here with my family at least once or twice per month. They have great 2 for $22 special on Mondays and Tuesdays. The margaritas are also great! Wish they still had the belly rewards system though, we definitely came more often when that was running... read more

I can I really craft a good review right now because the food on my play is too delicious and I don't want to just stare at it. I would suggest coming here. So far everything I have ever had has been amazing. And the chips and salsa are incredibly great. read more

We just moved from the city and we were in search of good Mexican food. I had a combo with a vegetarian tostada and taco. They were both on the bland side. My husband had a steak borrito and it was ok. My daughter had the chicken kids meal. She ended up eating the rice off of my plate and my son did not like his hamburger. The service was very good and the drinks were also good. I give the chips, salsa, and sangria good ratings, but the food needed some spice and flavor. We are still in search of a good Mexican resturaunt near La Grange. Those who like more Americanized Mexican food are probably the ones who gave it a high ratings. read more

I recently held my son's First Holy Communion reception at Cafe Salsa and wanted to say THANK YOU for making our day a GIGANTIC success! Our party of approximately 20 people were so thoroughly impressed that each and everyone of them vowed to make Cafe Salsa a staple in their Mexican food dining! Most impressive was the attention and care provided by Chendo, our server. None of my guests felt rushed or as if they were "bothering" Chendo as he mingled with them or asked for incidental extras. Not only was everything handled for our party, but we also noticed Chendo was providing the same care and attention to other patrons at the same time. The food was AMAZING and plentifull and the prices were phenomenal! THANK YOU to Chendo and the entire staff at Cafe Salsa!!! read more

You guys are awesome!! Knocked it out of park again. Thanks for being so awesome to our family over the years. Southwest Chicken Salad Rocks!!!! read more

This place sucks got Carne asada, worst I ever tasted. Thought I was chewing gum. Worst Mexican food ever.

We went to Cafe Salsa as a recommendation from a local. The staff was friendly and good and drinks were delicious. Thank you for a tasty dinner! read more

This is the best Mexican restaurant in the Chicagoland area. The staff is hardworking, kind, and funny. Their positive attitudes are contagious. The chips and salsa are to die for and the margaritas really hit the spot. read more

This place has it all in local suburbia! Excellent, authentic food, great prices, great atmosphere. The bar is usually packed on Friday nights, so get there early. The patio will be welcomed in the summertime The steak taco dinner is sooo freakin' good, it would likely be my last meal if i was slated for execution! The staff is courteous and professional. This is a great restaurant, don't hesitate to go read more

One of the best Mexican restaurants in the suburbs with great food and fantastic margaritas. The cadillac margarita on the rocks with no salt is my kryptonite. It is always served with a smile and a joke from the friendly bartenders. I wish I could review more of the menu, but the truth of the matter is, every time I go in, I get the chipotle shrimp quesadilla and I am never disappointed. read more

Ok,so we are regulars, have been since the owner, Ray had Pepe's across the street. We are regulars because the food is consistently stellar. Service is always top notch. Love the salsa and chips, and they are not stingy with them. The margaritas give a nice buzz! The Chirasco steak is about the best steak I ever ate. Comes with an out of this world dipping sauce. Order it with the charro beans. Chendo and Juan are veterans there and provide professional courtesy and service continually. Always a full house on weekends. Why, it's that good! read more

This was probably one of my least favorite Mexican restaurant experiences in the area. First, I ask if the enchiladas are made with flour or corn tortillas. The waiter replies, "Corn tortillas because if they were flour tortillas they would just be quesadillas." This just sounded crazy because I eat enchiladas with flour tortillas far more often than corn tortillas. Enchiladas were less than adequate. They were dry and fell apart trying to eat them. Terrible plate. I only gave it one star because I liked having my own salsa cup with the chips. Would not have given a star otherwise. Pass on this place and recommend just taking the 10 min drive to Lalo's on Harlem Ave. read more

The carne asada is so yummy! Request it with Charro beans and you will be amazed! Have a pitcher of margaritas and you will leave with a smile on your face. read more

I have gone to this restaurant several times and it's always a good experience. The chips and salsa are very good and they give you plenty of them for everyone. My 9 yr old son ordered the carne asada and it was a huge piece for his tiny body but to my surprised he finished the entire piece. I ordered tacos and the meat was very tender and just delicious. The chicken in mole that my boyfriend got was also excellent. Definitely a place to recommend if you're in the area. read more

Just finished with dinner only after finding a hair in our chips, another hair in my daughter's noodles and to top it off -- an eyelash in the noodles they brought to replace the one with hair. DISGUSTING , DISGUSTING, DISGUSTING. To make matters worse, the management came to our table & basically accused us of lying. Ok - if I was going to try to get a free meal, don't you think it would be in the one that costs $15 NOT $4? Not great customer service at all. If you decide to go there after reading this review ... check your food! read more

Caution.....Do not waste your money! I have given this place the benefit of the doubt and way to many second chances over the past few years only to find myself constantly disappointed. The food orders when being delivered are always late, incorrect and cold. The staff is rude and never takes accountability for their mistakes. The food is not even that good. If you want better Mexican food try out El Fuego in Brookfield. Its a much friendlier staff with better quality dishes. Cafe Salsa had so much promise when moving in to town and has let everyone down. read more

Pros: The food and beverages are very good. Prices are one notch above reasonable but you get what you pay for and I would rather pay a little more for better fare. Cons: The service is moderate at best. I have been there a couple of times at dinner time where I requested a lunch menu item, and the answer is "no". Really? Is it that complicated to make a burrito bowl after 4 pm? I was there last week and there was one roll of toilet paper in the entire bathroom, which was only moderately clean. read more

Worst service I've experienced in over 20 years. Our waiter was MIA even after seeking help from other staff.

There is better Mexican food out there, and there is better services out there too. All in all, it's a decent place for a quick meal with your friends/family. I do love their freshly made chips and salsa though! Usually I end up getting fajitas, and they're pretty tasty, and satisfy my hunger. Be careful for the margaritas. I refer to them as "toxic margaritas." One sip of them not only will you be addicted, but you will be quickly knocked on your behind! read more

Came here over the summer. Coming from a Latino, this place is like an upscale-ier Pepes (coincidentally there is one across the street). My friend had the fish tacos, which he raved about and I had the enchiladas. Won't be coming again unless I have to. This restaurant reminds me of Santa Fe Rest. In Glen Ellyn. read more

With roots in California, I am always on the search for authentic and good Mexican food. This is not it. If you're looking for bland Americanized Mexican fare, you might enjoy Cafe Salsa. Chicken Fajitas were served luke warm, no sizzle, on a plate with soggy onions and bell peppers. The advertised special sauce is not so special. The guac was good but the portion was so so small. Salsa tasted like it came from a can. Note to management--if salsa is in your name, it best be rememberable in a good way. Finally, my server needed more training. Had no clue on beer selections. Won't be back. read more

My latest dinner experience here was not the quality I have received in the past. The did wasnt nearly as good and I think it might be time to find a new place for good Mexican food read more

Sat outside with our family on a nice evening and had to return three dishes in which we found hair. One meal with hair was replaced by another dish with hair! The manager claimed this happens rarely and only offered a free dessert. Like we would want dessert after being so disgusted. Stay away until hair nets are required. read more

Not true Mexican food. I'm Mexican and disappointed. 2 stars only because the bus boy was attentive.

Really great food! So impressed. Every Mexican restaurant is usually same same same. This place has different choices. We had sweet potato spinach Quesadilla and it was AMAZING! Mazatlan salad was so fresh and they didn't skimp on the ingredients like most places do! Beef Tacos had fantastic flavor and the rice and beans were very good. Our bill was only $29 and we were stuffed! Warm chips were nice too. Chenudo was our waiter. And he was excellent. Attentive but not bothersome! Great service. Fast service! Maybe almost too fast. read more

I've been going cafe salsa for years, I feel like the quality of food is going down. The salsa just seems like canned tomato sauce now. Very runny and basic tasting. Last time I was there, I had a taco salad, served with hardly warm chicken and the end of the lettuce head. I have also had an experience in the past where I was with a large group and we were asked to leave for being there too long!! Mind you we ordered apps and multiple drinks. Only saving grace is those margaritas- they serve them with a good kick, so be careful! They are on special on Wednesday. read more

Not enough vegetarian options and overpriced!! But the service was excellent, chips were too oily but tastes good and the salsas were ok. We got the goat cheese quesadilla, it was decent at best. Would not be back! read more

Americanized Mexican food. Good chips and salsa, but overall the food is "Pepi's" quality.

Warning this is NOT traditional mexican food, it is just simply a place to sit down and eat your american-mexican food- like burritos and tacos. Been here quite a few times over the past 3 or 4 years. I have noticed that both the quality of food and service have taken a nose dive. A few years back they received a decent review in one of the Chicago papers or T.V. shows and have since jacked their prices and lowered food quality. So, here's the deal: If you want to eat frozen, dark meat, shredded chicken in your burrito, taco, or other entree, order your selection "De Casa". If you want fresh meats, including fresh flavorful, not frozen TOO long, grilled chicken then you have to order your dish "Char-grilled" and pay about a 50-60% UP-CHARGE!!! Burritos de casa are 9.99 and char-grilled are 16.99. The last few times I have ordered a margarita straight-up. (No rocks, no salt, not frozen). Today, the glass was delivered 3/4 full at best. When I asked the server about it, he told me that the manager will not allow them to fill the glass because I would have received more beverage than if it had ice in it. ARE YOU FOR REAL???? COME ON, Im already paying $9.00 for that drink - fill it up! Even $9 drinks at the United Center come larger and filled up! To be quite honest, I really don't get some of the previous reviewer's claims that they serve the best chips and salsa they have ever tasted. It's really not that good - not terrible, but not really that good. Perhaps this is the ONLY salsa they've ever tasted. I don't think I can justify another return visit given the rising costs and decreasing quality in food and service. Truly a SAD story of a good restaurant gone bad. read more

I actually have nothing good to say about this restaurant. I had a horrible experience there. This place is totally not so authentic; the food is very pricey compared to other places where they have fancy and most of all AUTHENTIC Mexican Food. The waiters, waitresses have horrible attitudes, and it seems like you're going into a Hooters instead of a Mexican Restaurant. I honestly didn't expect a bunch of blonde bimbo looking waitress with fake boobs at this type of place, and most of all WITH ATTITUDE!!! I asked for an Horchata (which is typically Mexican), and the waiter gave me a dirty look and told me in a horrible tone of voice, we don't serve Horchata!! The chicken was not pure white meat, and you can tell it was processed and most of all expensive. I don't know why people give this place such high ratings? Is it because they don't know what truly authentic Mexican food can be? The food is ridiculously priced and with such horrible quality. To me its just an upscale Taco Bell! read more

Great Mexican food, and even better margaritas! (Really strong) The restaurant is off the main drag, but it is well worth the trip. The cheese enchiladas are my personal favorite. During the summer months, their outdoor dining can't be beat, and on Friday nights they have a Mariachi band walking around, which is great for the ambiance, but if you are trying to have a conversation, can get kind of annoying. The service is friendly and efficient. I have been here for a couple of birthday celebrations, and instead of singing, they put a large sombrero on your head and take a picture so you can have a keepsake of the night you had one too many shots of tequila. (Even if you have not been drinking, the sombrero somehow makes you look like the town drunk) read more

Food is beyond excellent! And the staff we encountered were so friendly!!! Would definitely return!! 10/10