Sunday evening and we were looking for Mexican food. We've never been to Chula's, always looking for something new for us. The parking lot was empty walked in and we were greeted right away, would you like a table, booth or a spot at the bar? We chose a booth, but the seating surfaces looked like they had seen better days. Our waitress gave us menus and asked if we'd like to order drinks. For the three of us we ordered up two coronas and a tequila sunrise. We looked over the menu and ordered up our choices, pork enchiladas, chicken fajita and a shrimp cocktail. For a Sunday evening I expected more customers. The bar had six customers and we were the only other customers. The pork enchiladas were fine but just ok. The shrimp cocktail for the price was ok too. The chicken fajita was nice too, but some chicken strips stayed a little too long on the grill. Our waitress was great, she checked in on us several times asking if there was anything else. Dessert how about churros, just plain, sorry can't do it. Ordered flan, nice presentation, good taste. Maybe 7:00 on a Sunday is a off time. We'll have to come back again and try some other choices. read more

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This place is a winner! I am surprised that the place is not packed on both times that I've been here. Parking is easy, the place is clean, the service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are very reasonable. Now about the food, I've tried: STEAK FAJITAS- one of the best I've had. The steak strips are big and tender and the vegetables are fresh. I also love the side of rice and beans plus the tortilla. STEAK BURRITO- my son devoured this. It's packed with everything good. QUESABIRRIA TACOS- Perfectly amazing. STEAK TACOS- the tortillas are filled with flavorful meat and all the fixings. Their margaritas are outstanding. They serve them in plastic margarita glasses but that doesn't take away how good they make the drinks. The chips are fresh and the salsa is spicy but delicious. I will definitely come back, no doubt. 'Til next time! read more

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We went in tonight, excited for their live music on Thursday's and $6 marg deal on Thursday's. It was busy, but there was no live music. We were seated within 5 minutes, and our server came around promptly for our drink order (a marg and a water each). She dropped off the free chips and salsa and we never were visited by anyone who worked there again. We waited for 30 minutes and saw other tables receive multiple rounds of drinks and we still never got a water. We left the $2 in cash we had on the table and walked out. I've never done that before, but they had forgotten about us entirely and ignored us as we walked out. Can't say I'll be back. Chili's also had marg deals, and they actually serve you so that's cool. read more

My son and I loved the his place. I don't know how we haven't been here yet. The nachos were awesome. We got them work the chorizo and they were delicious. I got the al pastor tacos. The pork was super tender and they stuffed the tacos. My son got the mole enchiladas and they too were tasty. Well worth it! read more

Been here a few times and food is okay. Last time I went we placed our drink orders, and then waited for over a half hour before leaving. We didn't see any servers in that time span but the restaurant was packed. Can't say I would return or recommend read more

The environment is like home, the staff are always friendly and attentive. The tacos were amazing and the salsas are delicious and spicy too. They have daily specials on drinks and of course Taco Tuesday ; come try for yourself. read more

Chula's Bar and Grill - Love these salsas, and great tasting tacos with daily specials, come try for yourself. - Mexican Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

This place is our No.1 Mexican restaurant so far. Servers are friendly and come around to check us often enough. Food is awesome. Quality of meat is great. Rice and beans are flavorful. Can't go anywhere else anymore. read more

Very disappointed this last visit. Two things in the first 20 minutes that made up get up and walk out. First there was a sign on the front door saying only accepting cash. When husband asked waitress why and if it will be a standard she said no that something was wrong with their cc machine. Ok not a deal breaker no biggie. Then we ordered two diet cokes and they came to the table in cans and straws. We asked the guy who brought if we could get them from the soda machine as it would get warm after a While or at least ice. He said he would ask. Our waitress came back and apologized that the diet pop only came in cans. We've been there several times and it never came in cans. Getting ice would be one thing but then I asked her if we would get refills on them since they were in cans and she said if you want them but they would only be $2. $2's????? She said there was something wrong with the gas to the soda machine that's why the cans. I looked around and I saw other tables with sodas and glasses and I said you're kidding. We have to pay for every single refill and she said unfortunately yes and my husband and I said no that's OK. We'll go somewhere else. She apologized and she said she would see if they would allow refills for the diet soda and we just told her don't bother if those two things were just a prelude of what was yet to come. We decided to just walk out. that was the first 20 minutes of our visit. Who knows what would've happened after that so we were thoroughly disappointed. I really don't think we will go back. read more

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We went as a family and did not have a good experience. They said their system was down so they can only accept cash. Ok I can understand that. But hardly anyone there and they said they no chips and salsa ready to serve. Service was poor very little attention to our table. Entree took a long time to get. Had to ask again for chips and salsa ready salsa was very oily for some reason. The carne asada was grisly. I would not go back again. Looks like this place is ready to shutdown. read more

First time trying this restaurant. The atmosphere was casual dine in and of I'm not mistaken there was a live band playing I did pickup for the family for dinner. I tried chicken and steak tacos. The steak tacos was pretty good and tasty. Honestly the chicken taco were NOT good very bland and just tasted like boiled shredded chicken. It was worth a try i may give it another shot and possibly dine in read more

Food was honestly really good, the tacos al pastor were so good. The hot sauce is actually spicy and tasty. Definitely would recommend

Amazing food. Nicest people working here. I've came here over 10x for their Tuesday taco special! Their burrito is grilled and taste amazing. read more

I'm so glad we gave Chula's a try one Tuesday last November. Ever since then, we have been coming back every week for their margaritas and tacos. Taco Tuesday's call for a $2.50 taco and let me tell you-- they are fire.! They are so full of flavor and the green salsa adds so much more to it. Thursdays are half off house margaritas ($6) got so tipsy after one margarita. We took advantage of trying different dishes aside from tacos this time around. Both were so delicious. I can go on and on about how good their food was but I'm still so tipsy that I'll have to cut my review short (I had 3 margs tonight). I love Chula's and I think you should all give it a try! read more

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Love that they served my chile relleno on a hot platter with rice & beans! Most Mexican restaurants don't do that anymore. The food was also delicious. I can't wait to go back. A couple of things they could improve on for perfection imo: I would ask for no crema unless someone requests it. They drizzled sour cream all over my chile relleno. It was not disclosed on the menu. They served black refried beans. I prefer the regular, pinto refried beans. Two of the three salsas were way too hot. I wish they had an avacado salsa verde that wasn't to hot. I like hot salsas. But, theirs are inedible for most diners. Bottom line, they are friendly and make great food. I will be back. read more

Amazing food! Wonderful family staff! Atmosphere perfect! I had the salmon and it was cooked to perfection :) Can't

Really good food . Great service . They were really nice to my young kids , even though they were being picky .

Food was meh and was just bearly warm at best. First time here and see no reason to return. Service was ok, but a bit slow

Consistently great food. Probably the best queso in the 50 mile radius. Just unmatched.

The exterior of this restaurant looks a bit rough, so I've been hesitant to try out this local spot. But I'm glad I finally did because I was pleasantly surprised when I ordered take-out. Specifically, the carnitas tacos were very good. Great flavor, moist and tender. The beans were also very tasty and not just a forgettable side like at most places. I also thought the salsas were decent. I've been back a few times already and so far this is my go-to place for Mexican food. Give it a shot. read more

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For average mexican food, this restaurant is crazy expensive. Chips and queso (just plain cheese with cream) was $14! Two tablespoons of sour cream was $2. Everything was just overpriced. As a kicker, they charge a surprise 3% fee to use a credit card. Lots of great Mexican food options in the area, save your money and go to a different one. read more

We went here for lunch. This place has been here awhile but me and the wife never went. Her because she never really noticed it, me b/c it seems to be a bad location. It was a Mexican restaurant than a pizza place now a Mexican restaurant again. Enough with the backstory let's get to the real story the food. The meal begins with complimentary Chips and a tomato based salsa it was tasty. My wife really liked it. My main meal was the taco dinner. 3 tacos, rice, and beans. I went with 2 steak and 1 al Pastor. I'll have to say they were good. The rice was ok and the beans were very very good. My wife enjoyed her steak burrito. They have a bar, the 3rd member of our party got a dos equis. The waitress was nice as well. Overall I would definitely recommend going here. read more

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We have been looking for a great Mexican food restaurant for 2 years. Finally after 2 years of looking we found it!! The food was delicious and the staff is super attentive!! The salsa and homemade chips were to die for too!!! read more

Fiance and I went here last night for an impromptu dinner date. Found this joint and said lets give it a try. Very welcoming people, service was great, they wanted to make sure we were having an enjoyable time. Chips and salsa were good, but we had to ask for the spicier sauce. They brought two additional sauces that were spicy and hit the spot. Main course came, we ordered the enchiladas suizas and the chimichangas dinner. Food was great, fantastic, will definitely be going back. Appeared to be a family run place, so it was very warm and welcoming. If I had to dock it for anything, while the initial chips and salsa are free, the second basket would come at a charge (with it being unlimited thereafter), but that was probably a good thing, so that we didn't overeat and fillup on chips. Good portion sizes as well. Will definitely be going back. read more

The food here is so fresh and delicious. The chicken they serve is all white meat. I have had their carnitas the quesabirria that is not pictured but also excellent. I love their cocktails and on Thursdays their margaritas are on special. It is family owned and ran by the sweetest people. We will continue to go here when we are looking for authentic Mexican food. read more

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Really friendly and attentive staff. Very good, standard Mexican food. Quesadillas Taco Dinner Steak Burrito Steak Burrito read more

Chula's Bar and Grill - Restaurant area - Mexican Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Just attended the second night of Chula's three night Cinco de Mayo celebration. This family-owned restaurant remains a favorite. Their usual excellent food and stellar service was perfectly complemented this night by the music of mariachi's. The restaurant was packed and the staff added to the festive atmosphere. Despite tariffs and the bird flu, this restaurant continues to hold the line on their already reasonable prices. Can't wait to return. read more

My wife and I went last night, they had a Mariachi band there for Cinco de Mayo. The band was excellent and added to wonderful evening of tasty cocktails and delicious meal of fajitas and chimichangas. very good service. read more

Food drinks service excellent I love it I have been 3 times in one week It's family own they are so nice accommodating Just everything read more

I'm between 3 and 4 stars on this but going with 4 because of Maritza. They haven't really changed the decor since it was Roundheads except adding some paint. I think the ambiance could certainly use a bit more to make it feel Mexican. They also have a few strange dishes on the menu that have nothing to do with Mexican cuisine. Their online menu says chips and salsa have a cost but they actually are complimentary. One of the issues is that they don't have wifi, which is kind of a given at this point. During the day they show a variety of TV so that is good. Maritza was the only person working the entire floor so I give her complete props for being able to do that on her own. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. I tried the Spicy Affair cocktail. While it wasn't very spicy, it was refreshing and I enjoyed it. Their salsa was average and very tomato-forward. They could definitely improve on that. However, the quesadillas are definitely above average. They have some tomato, onion and cilantro inside which adds to just plain chicken and cheese. I was a fan. The Cuban was super good. It is one of the better ones I've had. My only critique on that is to add more pickle and have them thinner. However, I definitely would order that again. Overall a decent replacement but could use a few tweaks. read more

Chula's Bar and Grill - Cuban - Mexican Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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Oh my, we almost didn't go in because it looked closed. Thank goodness we went it. The outside does not do the inside justice to this authentic Mexican restaurant. I am from Mexico and this restaurant has real tradicional flavorful Mexican food. It just opened two months ago. Absolutely delicious, incredible drink specials and everything from the chips and salsa, totally fresh made, from the tortillas to the caldo de pollo, to the steak Tampiquena was unbelievable. This place is not Tex Mex but real real Mexican food. Highly recommend, great sitting area, music and can hold big gatherings. A must try! read more

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Portions were less than other Mexican restaurants. I asked for sour cream. I was charged 2.50 for a tiny amount that was watered down. The amount of tortilla chips was the smallest I have ever been served from any Mexican Resturant. I requested more only to be told it would be 3.99 additional. The burrito also did not have the equal amount of filling ( ex beans) as other restaurants. We were there in the evening. Only 3 tables had customers in the entire restaurant. The decor and music were pleasant. The waitress came back to check on us. The food was average. I was also with another party. They also felt that the dish itself was much smaller than other similar restaurant's. read more

So this is my second time here and let's just say it was when they first opened and the experience was such that I never thought I'd be back. Totally glad I decided to give this place another shot. Staff was in-fact super friendly, my waiter/bartender was Hanna super nice and the owner when not in back cooking pops out to the front and also seems nice. I got a cup of their soup which was delicious l, would come back just for it (even better when you add the spicy taco hot sauce to it, no charge for that). Also got the enchiladas rancheros which were very good as well. Beer on tap was fresh, cold and washed everything down perfect. Will definitely be back! read more

Damned good Tex Mex food. Caldo tlapeno was deelish, thick & hearty, with just a tiny bite. I got Chulas Nachos & holy smokes. Well, best nachos I ever had. Were literally layered to the bottom with cheese & meat, broiled. Then topped! Man. Deeelish! I couldn't eat more than 1/4 of it. Hubby had chicken enchiladas mole. Very nice! Since it was Cinco de Mayo, $5 margaritas! And there were live strolling singers. 2 girls in costume - just adorable. Closely followed by a lady that I assume was their Mom. Nice change from the often too loud mariachi players. Lots of parking. Good sized bar area that was jumping! read more

Chula's Bar and Grill - Mexican Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

We had Chula Salmon and Chula Chicken Fajitas. Both were very good. Service was very attentive and got all our requested drinks and food correct. Very accommodating for the addition food we ordered for carry out to be delivered to table at conclusion of meal. Family operated restaurant and they are very proud of their restaurant and cooking. Please be patient with staff and time to prepare food. This is not some franchise cranking out diners. read more

Chula's Bar and Grill - Chula Salmon dinner - Mexican Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

I was worried when it was less than half full on a Friday night. Now I know why. The food was not good, the service was not good, and it was ridiculously overpriced for what it was. I should have gone down the street to El Famous Burrito to get better food at half the price. I can't remember when I've been so upset at having to pay a check. Definitely won't be going back. read more

Great food and drink- has a nice vibe going. The steak tacos with the sides were soo good. Definitely recommend read more

We passed by Chula's a million times. Finally, we decided to stop in and we're glad we did. Margaritas are fabulous. Carne Asada is wonderful. Veggie Burrito is outstanding. Plus, they have a great Old Fashion for those old souls. Give it a whirl. Mom & daughter biz deserves our support. read more

Chulas, is a very nice and clean and fun environment. I love Mexican food. With that being said. This place is one of the better Mexican restaurants in the area. Food comes out hot and fresh with lots with flavor. They have a large bar area and abundant of sitting. So if you see the a lot of cars in lot, don't be discouraged. There will be sitting. The people are super friendly will help you out with special request. Great place for a party too. I would love to celebrate my birthday here. The margaritas are delicious. I'll be back to Chulas many more times. If You have not tried it, you should. read more

Chula's Bar and Grill - a margarita - Mexican Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Delicious home made Mexican food. The salsas are phenomenal and the service is attentive.

The food was decent, not great but not horrible. But the main thing this review is about is the hidden prices in this restaurant. There is nothing in the menu denoting to add ~$4-$5 for saying yes when they ask "are rice and beans okay with it?". Additionally, $10 extra for getting a Strawberry Margarita Pitcher just for it being Strawberry flavored. Needless to say my friends and I will not be coming back here. We do not recommend the place, unless you don't mind these hidden prices and below average food. read more