There is a reason this restaurant is packed on a Friday night! Delightful service, authentic Mexican food, and delicious margaritas!

This wonderful and charming restaurant serves the best Mexican food I ever had! The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the taste is out of this world!! The beef burrito I had was the largest I've ever seen! I had enough for another meal the next day, and it remained perfectly fresh. Did I mention the salsa is phenomenal? I bought a huge container to go, because I crave it. We had them cater a party in the fall, and everyone raved about the beef and chicken fajitas. We were blessed with leftovers for days. Please patronize this restaurant, we need to keep them running. read more

El Cortez Mexican Restaurant - Beef burrito with suiza - Mexican Near Me - Cntry Clb Hls, Illinois

They must have sold - they were so good for so long. I haven't been here in 2 years. Different chips, different salsa, both a downgrade. Enchilada dinner is boiled chicken, flavorless. Did 3 specialty tacos, they were all dripping in sauce, all tasted the same, which was basically flavorless. This place used to be packed, Friday night no problem getting a table, easy to see why. Service was fast and friendly. read more

Their salsa= excellent, fajitas=excellent enchiladas in mole sauce=excellent Guacamole=excellent Tamal=excellent read more

They CHEAT you out of your order. ESPECIALLY if it's to go!!!! I spent $50 and I ordered a meal that included steak,shrimp, refried beans AND rice. They argued me down that I had to pay extra!!! For things that come WITH THE MEAL! THIS is the steak and shrimp fajitas and they charge 2.50 per shrimp. read more

El Cortez Mexican Restaurant - Where are the shrimp??? - Mexican Near Me - Cntry Clb Hls, Illinois

I went here the first time in 1991 when I moved to CC Hills. I was very disappointed. I said I would never go there again. I didn't for 30 years. However, my best friend suggested we go because of their lunch specials. Fine. It was good. Went back again. The last time, it was terrible. The meat in the burrito was inedible. I think it was the beef/potato mixture. I did enjoy my beef taco and the chips. Lastly, the salsa needs more onions and cilantro. read more

We stopped by here on a Friday night and were seated immediately. The customer service is good, but the food is not so good. We ordered a torta and chimichangas. The torta was not very tasty and I am used to chimichangas being deep-fried and hard, but they were soft. The chips chips are not bad, but the salsa leaves a lot to be desired. Overall, I would probably not return since there are so many Mexican restaurants that are a lot better. read more

Great food but can be inconsistent. We loved the old location in Orland Park. We come to Country Club Hills every month, the food is still fantastic! Tacos, Cook's Especial, Plato Mexicano, papas mexicanas, cebollitas are all delicious. read more

Love them so much very good tacos and drinks . Always bring myself and kids here they lock there tacos and have nice music

Back again with a couple friends for a little dinner on their covered patio. Tonight I ordered The Manny - which is basically a smothered grilled chicken dish.. poblano peppers, tomatoes, onions and avocados... served on top of their rice.. it's incredible. They serve it with a side of this hot sauce that's really good. The couple with us got the Pollo Carbon and Chorizo and Eggs. My wife went with one her standbys - Beef Enchiladas Verde. Washed down a great meal with a couple pitchers of their house margaritas... again, these drinks are like candy. You can't stop at just one. Service tonight on the patio was a bit slow, and that sometimes happens when you eat on their patio. Didn't bother us much because we weren't in a rush. read more

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Love their mole sauce on enchiladas. May be jarred but I do want mole when I order enchiladas. Love their guacamole.

Loved the hospitality the vibe and the food ! MUST TRY ! The mini burritos ! Thank your I the staff I will be back ! read more

El Cortez Mexican Restaurant - Loved the hospitality the vibe and the food ! MUST TRY ! The mini burritos ! Thank your I the staff ! - Mexican Near Me - Cntry Clb Hls, Illinois

what happened to this place, charging extra for cheap tortillas, limes, cheese and then a fee for using a debit card. the next insult is suggesting 18,20,25% tip on top of all that. almost $70 for 1 meal guacamole 2 soft drinks. never again I'm not gonna be robbed by being nickel and dimed. at least the server was nice. read more

Great drinks and the best chips and salsa In town. Overall the food is good and worth a trip.

Been eating at Cortez since original Blue Island place ,. for e over 30 years. A must try !!!Authentic !!!!!!! read more

El Cortez Mexican Restaurant - Fillete Estrella - Mexican Near Me - Cntry Clb Hls, Illinois

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Great staff and authentic food. Tacos r fire. But i get the skirt steak just make sure u get it medium not rare othetwise u cant even chew it lol. Pina colada they got strawberry versioms too plus they let u vape but overall great mexican joint. It has a bar and two dining areas, with gambling too. read more

El Cortez Mexican Restaurant - Skirt steak - Mexican Near Me - Cntry Clb Hls, Illinois

We were traveling in the area and looked for great Mexican restaurant. El Cortez was listed as #1. I try to share good parts of places during these times. There is ample parking and there are even slot machines in front area of restaurant. Bar area seems like a good space. Not sure why there are so many great reviews because I found food and service below par. Prices are decent, and sides tasted ok, however the meat in the taco dinner was lacking seasoning. We had to ask for water, additional chips/salsa and hot sauce for our food. Overall 2 stars. read more

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Ordered for the first time in a long time and was thoroughly disappointed. The food had no flavor other than what you could get out of a can. Ordered the Plato Cortez, the taco was boiled chicken without any kind of flavor, the tostada was soggy, same issue no flavor and the enchilada had the same tasteless chicken with the canned sauce over it. Don't bother with this place, they've gone to hell! read more

El Cortez used to be a place for great quality food, I was extremely disappointed in this location. If you want to eat in an environment that is filthy, this is the place for you. And if this is what there front of the house looks like just imagine what the kitchen looks like ! The Service was absolutely horrible for a Thursday afternoon. We were there for 45 minutes, two tables were not bussed when we first arrived and they still were not when we left . The staff sat around talking instead of performing numerous task that were more then noticeable to anybody who would walk in. Attend at your own risk. I'm pretty sure the health department would shut them down. read more

We had ordered some food and drinks at the location. The food was acceptable, but the drinks were terrible. He's why I labeled the drinks terrible. We ordered Margarita's with an upgrade in tequila. We ordered top shelf tequila Casamigo's but received a mixto or lower than tequila, making us feel illness. We both had a Hugh headache like never before. The next was ruined because of substandard alcohol. We wanted what we paid for, but now they have lost our business. BUYER BEWARE! read more

El Cortez Mexican Restaurant - Proof of payment. - Mexican Near Me - Cntry Clb Hls, Illinois

The food was good and the service was great. It was not over crowded but was busy and everyone seemed to enjoy the meal. read more

Omg! My first time here! I was hungry and Mr. Selected this spot for lunch. Yeppie! Hadn't had Mexican in a nice while. I was ready! So... its bit amazing decor wise. It was early afternoon, so there weren't many people there. The server was friendly! She came and asked for our drinks right away! We also ordered an appetizer. It came right way! Then lunch was order- it too came in a flash!!!! It was tasty! Very tasty. I had steak tacos. They were huge!! Meat was tender. SO FREAKING GOOD! EVERYTHING WAS FRESH!!!!!! Go get you some!!!!! read more

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There were no issues with the delivery of the food. The issues rested with the preparation of our meal. The rice was stuck together like it wasn't freshly made. The limes were dry and there was too much garlic. My family has been coming to this restaurant for years ans we've ordered this many times before. Before writing this review we called to provide feedback but the reception was poor. The woman we spoke to immediately tried to blame ubereats for the meal but there was no issue with delivery and instead of hearing our feedback, she immediately said "no refunds or compensation". Again, we've gone to this place for years and weren't expecting anything in return but hopes of them doing better in the future. However, is they're comfortable treating us like (poor meal on top of poor service) then we'll look elsewhere in the future. read more

Good Mexican food at reasonable prices. I like and recommend this restaurant. Would gladly eat here again.

I hadn't been to this restaurant in quite some time I suppose because there are so many New Mexican restaurants opening up. This old favorite is still one of the very best. The service is phenomenal and the food is authentic and delicious. Their Margaritas are great and you can get them in a variety of flavors and consistency. The staff seems to enjoy serving you and is very proud of the food they have to offer. My return to El Cortez will be soon and often. read more

Great Mexican food in your area! We have been coming here for over 20 years and will Never stop. read more

Every time I get the chance to go back to my old neighborhood, I stop at El Cortez. I order a meal to eat at the restaurant, and another to go. Usually, I start with the Tilapia a la Vizcaina. I cannot finish all of it. I still order the Bistec a la Mexicana. It all goes into a special box that I take home to enjoy. The staff check on myself and other family members, making sure we get refills of iced tea. Enough for me to drink on the way home. Families are there, with members of all ages, relaxing and enjoying themselves. read more

The food was really good! Fast and fresh! Definitely will be my go to spot for authentic Mexican food.

Went for Mothers Day. We have gone there in the past and hoped it was still great. The food was okay. Nothing to write home about. The salsa & chips used to be to die for, best in the area. I think they changed the recipe cause they were "meh". Probably won't go back. read more

One of the best Mexican restaurants in the south suburbs of Chicago. The chicken enchiladas are my fav as well as beef tacos & the Cortez taco which is a chicken taco with sauce & guac mixed in. Really good! read more

It's really disappointing, it looks like a pretty cool place from the outside. And you know it's sort of historic building because it goes back to before it was even a restaurant. But it had the cheapest fast food restaurant tables and furniture you could imagine and a bunch of annoying gambling machines making a bunch of noise and seriously distracting kids that can't play them that you're trying to feed there. I don't recommend it, especially if you have kids. And the food is kind of unimpressive as well. It would seem that they stake their business on people getting really drunk on Margaritas that are supposed to be good, and not noticing the lack of quality interior. Or very good food. And you think they could have developed some decent recipes after all these years in business... Very underwhelming read more

Food good but my dish was suppose to have sour cream on it. So I finally got some but was then charged efor it. Service ok Ambiance terrible. Place was filthy. read more

Food was delicious! So much we took enough leftovers for another meal! Good service-nice ambiance. We want to go back to sit on the patio when it's a little nicer out. I think we found a New Mexican place!! read more

Ok I grew up in this area and had NEVER visited. Luckily fiancé wanted Mexican, we wandered in El Cortez. The food was actually seasoned pretty well, very flavorful. I give them 2 stars because the bartender sucked. She had no idea what the specials were nor prices, after looking over the menu she actually overcharged us for our margaritas. Other than that, we ordered shrimp fajitas and they were delicious. Peppers and onions were seasoned to perfection. read more

El Cortez Mexican Restaurant - Cool bathroom sink - Mexican Near Me - Cntry Clb Hls, Illinois

My guy and I had date night here for taco Tuesday. This was my first time experiencing their services and I wasn't impressed. We ordered margaritas and upgraded to top shelf, let's just say we were robbed . They gave us crappie tequila. The margaritas were not good and we were sick the next day. They have definitely lost our business. read more

Food was great, margarita pitchers even better!! Big outside patio, although it was closed in and kind of dark. Service was really good, they kept up with our drinks and the server was attentive. Be back again ! read more

I usually cook my meals but I decided to stop by and grab a quick bite to eat and I did not regret it. I ordered the Ricky. Idk who the heck Ricky is but his food is super flavorful the steak was tender and had just the right amount of juiciness it melted in my mouth with the fajita peppers and grilled onions. I can't wait to order from here again . Awesome service! read more

The food was very tasty. I ordered the manny! It was a huge serving and full of flavor. Place doesn't look like much as you drive by but it has an outdoor patio that is very private from traffic. Service was good. They have daily specials. I will definitely go back. read more

Catered for a Mexican party at my home and so impressed with the order and portion size. Everyone enjoyed the food very much and I have a ton of left overs . Its a place to cater than dine in, Olga was very helpful when I placed my order. It was worth hiring my babysitter to drive all the way south to pick up the food! Will certainly order again. read more

My husband and I went here last night. We will never step back in this place!! We came in sign said seat yourself. We had a hard time finding a table because all the tables were dirty and nobody looked like they were to ambitious to clean them. The table we sat at was still dirty with food all over the floor. I went to the washroom to wash my hands because there was still salsa on the table that wasn't cleaned up. While in the bathroom there was soap all over the counters and water in the floor. I went back to the gable and I said yo my husband let's get the hell outa of here. This place is nasty!!!! Oh yeah and people sat after us and the server went to this table first. No server ever came to our table. read more