Very nice evening, dining on the patio at mocajete. Ambience was good with background music, lighting, etc... our server Joss was great, and the food, chicken chimi, steak tacos, enchiladas and their chips were good. The margarita was good, but small, with lots of ice, so not worth the price paid. But that would be our only complaint. We had a wonderful evening. read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Lovely Mexican restaurant right on 3rd street. I go here every few months and it is always fantastic. During the warm months the outside seating is nice but during the winter the inside is just fine. The portions and prices as well as their drinks are very good read more

Delicious guac and salsa and tacos! Shrimp dish amazing. Outdoor rooftop dining is nice. Staff is attentive and friendly. Great margaritas.

Getting into the restaurant was a sketchy ride through a ghetto elevator, but the restaurant itself is of higher stature. The patio was fantastic and the inside looks very nice. Service speed was just a hair below average, but makes up for that in quality. In my opinion this place was much better than the local bien trucha. It has more space, the quality is similar, there's great specials, and the music isn't overwhelming. I really enjoyed the tamarinde margarita, which is a specialty item you won't find in many restaurants. Plus, all the drinks were made with fresh ingredients. My two favorite tacos were the steak taco with guacamole and the chicken taco with pineapple. read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

My first and probably last time at this establishment. Came in with another couple for dinner and was not impressed. Portions were good on the tacos themselves so bonus star for that but in all honesty experience was flat. We tried a large traditional guacamole, and the guac trio. Portions on both guacamoles were small. In my opinion you could get better guacamole premade at jewl for larger portions and spend less. Next i had the bistec con queso - steak and cheese tacos. Will say that the tacos were stacked as far as ingredients on it- but to be sincere the meat quality was good! But negatives were it wasnt the most flavorful . I felt meat should have been the top flavor on the palette noticed on the tacos but it wasnt. Felt it was overloaded by some sort of sauce added. Same goes for the chicken tacos as well with pineapple. Finally lets talk service. Some of the mistakes seemed similar to a location thats in its first month of business. Beverages went empty, our food was brought to other tables first then when mistakes were noticed , brought to us. Maybe the place was overwhelmed, but literally everything from appetizers to meal made it else where. Also when it did get brought to our table we had to make sure we said this is mine, ect. Also when the bill came the couple that came with us - who suggested this for our group for a double date- were double charged on some items leaving their bill 25.00 higher than it should have been. My friend was lucky to have caught it- and mistakes happen but based on all the mistakes i cant give this place better than 2 stars. Im being generous today and dont believe anything is worth 1 star unless horrendous. But cant say this was a great experience read more

The food here was really good and I love a good outdoor patio, but the service was really lacking. I truly think this could be at least a 4 star experience if El Molcajete would just hire more help! Beautiful days in Chicagoland are few and far between, so when the temp goes above 60 degrees and the sun is out... you best be outside somewhere. Which is why my mom, sister, grandma, and myself chose to stop at El Molcajete for a bite to eat. The entrance is a bit confusing if you're a first timer, but there is signage to guide you. EM is located inside a building with a few other businesses -- one being a candy store which smells heavenly when you walk past! If that's not ideal marketing I don't know what is. This restaurant offers a nice rooftop patio. The patio furniture itself is so-so, but it's nice to dine outside regardless. Their special of the day was bacon corn guacamole so we ordered that for the table. I mean, how can you pass that combo up? It was delicious! We did need to ask for my chips though, because we were given complimentary salsa as well. We weren't super hungry, so my sister and I split the compechanos which comes with three tacos filled with carne asada, chorizo, melted Chihuahua cheese and topped with salsa, cilantro and onion ($10.95) -- we ordered it without the cheese though. I thought the tacos were really flavorful and they come with rice and beans! I would have appreciated more meat in the tacos, but they were tasty nonetheless. To drink I went with their classic margarita on the rocks (no salt). It was strong and delicious! The food came out fast, but drink refills, the clearing of plates, and waiting for the check took a while. It seemed like their was literally only one waitress and a bus boy for the entire patio which was full. My only other complaint is that the tables are just too small for the amount of dishes that come out! With four of us at a four person table, we barely had enough room for our drinks and plates, so we had to get creative and consolidate often. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if the tables were cleared more often, but regardless the tables are on the smaller side. Overall I think El Molcajete is A-OK. Will I be back? Sure. Do I think this is the best Mexican food experience in the area? Maybe not. Hopefully they will hire additional staff for the summer! read more

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This place is so underrated. High quality food up and down the menu. The tacos are SO good, would put them up against any other place in the area. It's a little hard to find being on the 2nd level but it's a must try!! read more

Me and my friends LOVED it here! We had Alison as our server and she was amazing! So kind and attentive. The drinks were amazing! Not too strong and flavors were there. The guac appetizer was so good. The esquites and poblano rice was AMAZING! We had the tortas and chicken burrito and it was so great! The rooftop is so cute and we had such a great time. Highly recommend! read more

The food is AMAZING! The rooftop patio is so nice on a good day, but there are also heaters. They have an awesome authentic menu, service is wonderful, great margaritas and drinks available from the bar. I got enchiladas, the tortillas were STUFFED with chicken and there was tons of sauce. I will definitely be back read more

Their campechanos are always so GOOD for no reason. and as someone who hates alcohol, their jalapeño marg was the best i've ever tasted. I think it's a great place and it has quickly become one of my favorites. read more

Had a super late lunch / early dinner here on a Saturday afternoon. It was beautiful out, so we got to sit on the deck/patio outside which was lovely. Got the taco sampler which was yummy! I remember the menu being a little on the pricey side. Service wasn't great... servers seemed noticeably nervous/unsure what they were doing. at first, a server insisted that they couldn't serve me hot water because they didn't have any; turns out they did, as another server confirmed. Usually I wouldn't be a stickler for tiny things, but to me, it's important for servers to be on the same page for the basic things like this. Wouldn't recommend this place as a must-go, but it was fine as a one time thing. read more

El Molcajete - Taco sampler! Yummy - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

I think chips and salsa should be complimentary if you order dinner and drinks. Just sayin.... read more

I'm very disappointed after our visit to El Molcajete today. We had a reservation for 9 people including 2 high chairs. I called and let them know that we were running late and confirmed the number of high chairs. They said this was no problem. They asked for my phone number and said they would see us soon. We arrived 8 minutes late and they had decided to give away the table and the high chairs. The host (ironically) rudely said to me, "I'm not trying to be rude, but you were late". Yes, I understand that, we were 8 minutes late after calling to let you know we were going to be late. And this family was already sitting comfortably with their kids set up in high chairs, which makes it seem as though they must have given away the table at our exact reservation time. I'm disappointed that we ended up having to find a new place to eat on a Saturday night, but I'm more disappointed that we lost a favorite place that we have enjoyed bringing family and friends to. read more

I visited El Molcajete on Cinco de Mayo with my brother that was in town visiting with his fiancee from Columbus, Ohio as we wanted to have a margarita on the patio like many others. Upon arrival we were told there would be a 45 minute wait so we left our number and walked the area. We decided to come back 30 minutes later right as an 8 top was being seated (that came in after us) and we were never contacted that our table was ready. Once we were seated at our table we then waited 20 minutes for our margaritas and had to ask the waitress where they were, we asked for extra chips with our guac and waited another 20 minutes for the chips. After waiting nearly 45 minutes for our dinner I asked the server how much longer it would be and she informed me at least 15 more minutes as 3 tables were still in front of us as they were short staffed. We made the decision to leave since we realized enjoying a nice meal on Cinco de Mayo wasn't happening. Upon leaving the manager never stopped by once to apologize for our horrible experience and we left with a $60 bill for drinks and one app and had to settle on fast food at that point! read more

Three of us ordered takeout for lunch. I ordered chicken tacos, Mexican style. I was disappointed in how dry the chicken was. Among the worst chicken tacos I've ever had. The taco sauce was excellent and needed to cover up for dry chicken. Others I the party that ordered steak and pork tacos had a better experience. The guac and chips were fresh and excellent. read more

A very Nice atmosphere and lovely rooftop patio. The food was very good and the portions satisfying. The staff are attentive but not particularly friendly based upon our initial experience. The facility is clean and welcoming. The patio is comfortable, however some fans would make it more pleasant for those seated in the direct sun. There is a nice selection of drinks including Mexican beer. They even have Carta Blanca which is difficult to find in many Mexican restaurants and is in my opinion the best Mexican beer. read more

I've been to enough Mexican places to be able to tell which ones are and which ones are not. This one does not seem to be the most authentic. I came here with a friend and we were pretty disappointed. They advertise that they have the best guacamole in the area and that was definitely not the case. It seems like this place caters to non-Mexicans who do not know what real Mexican food is supposed to taste like. However I would say that the tortillas are decent but not above average. This is one place that I would not be coming back to you. If you do happen to come here check out the patio in the back which is probably the best seating this place has to offer. I cannot comment on the servers because they were constantly moving around. The drinks were OK but nothing to go crazy about. read more

El Molcajete - Taco Asada - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Great food, service, location, and drinks. What more could you want!? In the Summer sitting outside with a great view of 3rd street is a wonderful experience. read more

What a wonderful dinner on the patio tonight! The downtown area was crazy busy as it was Swedish Days. The weather was nice, finally felt like summer in Illinois. Even though the restaurant was crowded, the staff handled it well. The food and service were really good tonight. First, the complimentary chips and salsa were delicious, the chips especially crunchy and satisfying. Salsa was very tasty and the server was generous with refills. We ordered the tacos, hubby had the taco sampler and I had the carne asada queso tacos, all were delicious! The traditional margarita was tart, cold and so good! We will be back soon, I loved the patio vibe and the town of Geneva was hopping so there was some great people watching. read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

We moved to the area recently and this is our go to spot. Great drinks and really fresh food. The owners and wait staff are very friendly and attentive. Food is always spot on, I've never had an item on their menu I didn't like it. Some of the favorites are chicken quesadilla, steak burrito, steak/chicken enchiladas in verde (green) sauce. Inside is OK, we only wish it had a bigger bar area but their outdoor patio on the roof is awesome for people watching or relaxing on a summer night. read more

This must be a hit or miss place based on some of the reviews. Unfortunately it was a miss when we went. Had cheese enchiladas with small small side of rice and beans. Wasn't hot but lukewarm. Sent it back. Returned the exact same way. So of course cheese wasn't gooey but hard. Ate the two spoonfuls of beans and rice and one enchilada. Left the rest. $16.75. Two stars for the patio overlooking downtown Geneva. read more

I've eaten here a couple of times and was not disappointed either time by the main dish. I would say that the salsa is not great for a more authentic Mexican restaurant and unfortunately that left a lasting impression with me. It's nice having the outdoor seating for the summer but the inside just doesn't have a great atmosphere. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars but unfortunately half stars aren't allowed. Improvement on the chips/salsa or general atmosphere would be an easy 4 star read more

Great patio, margaritas, and the food is always solid. It has become a go to. Half off margaritas on Thursdays. read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Have walked past this restaurant many times only to learn the entrance is in a very unassuming building with a number of boutique shops. The food was very good and the ambience on the outdoor patio was not spectacular but was perfect for our expectations. The server was very patient with our multi-generational party and was mostly attentive. Would definitely place it on my list of restaurant options to consider. read more

Our waitress was kind of intense. We sat on the patio and I understand that it was a busy Friday night but it took over 30 minutes to get our order in. One of my friends was ordering a drink and she cut him off mid order and asked for ID. The torta sandwich bread was very stale and the waitress just said "ok" when we told her about it. We weren't expecting a refund at all, just wanted to give her a heads up. Not too expensive but definitely not somewhere you'd want to go with friends for a laid back Friday night as our waitress was not too attentive and we'd have to ask other staff to get her for us when we wanted to order more drinks. read more

Please save yourself some stress and several hours of life and skip this place. People go out for a break from their daily lives & kitchens and pay good money to have a decent meal prepared. Let me tell you what we experienced & the family sitting next to us experienced (from us hearing them complain about incorrect food items)... 1. You'll walk into a tiny space where several groups are eating and one sever is frantically taking care of all of them. When you are acknowledged finally you'll be seated and continue to wait until you go back to the front desk and bar and remind them that your huge party was seated. 2. Unless you're being waited on you're invisible and pretty much need to be rude abs ask for a manager (who isn't available) before the staff gets the hint that you're not planning on spending the night there. 3. You'll order something simple like chocolate milk or veggie tacos and even though it's on the menu you'll be told they don't have it or can't make it... But wait! They do have it and CAN make it. The waitress just doesn't care enough to go the extra mile. 4. Even if they have it they'll mess it up... Chocolate milk has no chocolate and veggie tacos came to us as chicken tacos, they removed them from the bill which was nice But also tried to remove the chicken tacos so while our friends all ate we'd be sitting there waiting for them to fix their mistake. I was very hungry and asked for them to be left as an app while we waited and the server tried to take them again! We were like "put it down". 5. You'll ask 2 or 3 times for drink refills, you'll wait forever for chips and salsa & then they'll only bring chips... Wait 10 minutes later the salsa shows up & it's the consistency of water, or tomato soup. 6. We eat at a lot of Mexican places and buy a lot of Mexican foods at home and know almost for certain that their black beans are straight out of a nasty/dry dollar store can & the rice is white rice colored to look like Mexican rice. No taste. 7. The hot sauce jar that came with the meal was empty. The margaritas were weak & $9each! 8. The bill charged all soft drinks separately even though they all came included with kids meals. THE GOOD -Horchata -kids chicken fingers and fries read more

With the COVID-19 going on this restaurant took great precautions. Waiters/waitresses had gloves on besides the mask. Tables and chairs sterilized. Our waitress was very nice. The food and drinks very good. I enjoyed sitting outside on the rooftop. read more

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Came here for the first time and I absolutely loved it. Food was great!! Service was great too! I'm not a big margarita fan in general but I had the spicy marg and a blackberry marg and they were both excellent. Definitely the best margaritas I have ever had! I will be back here soon for sure. read more

Best and favorite restaurant. There service is always great! They have the best environment. The margaritas are the best! I've personally love El Molcajete sampler taco appetizer it's so delicious! Wish I lived back in Chicago to go to this place again! read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

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What a great place! All the dishes we ate were delicious and all with their own flair. Fish Tacos, fajitas, chicken tacos, queso fundido....all great. Special shout out for the delicious coleslaw on the fish tacos! read more

El Molcajete - Cabos tacos - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

This review is for a beverage only group trip to El Molcajete. This particular location is upstairs in a building full of shops in downtown Geneva off of 3rd street. I was here with a large group of people, and the restaurant employees were able to rearrange some bench seating to accommodate us for our round of margaritas. Our service was excellent both in taking our orders and bringing the drinks. I selected a mango margarita and it was delicious. Hoping to come back here sometime in the future to try the food, but I love their outdoor space! read more

El Molcajete is quite enjoyable for Mexican fare and certainly easier to get into than Bien Trucha. It is a place we frequent often when in the mood for Mexican. Service has always been fine, nothing you would rave about but always decent. Atmosphere is fine, nothing exciting, but in the summer they do have a nice outdoor patio space. I think the food is really good. Everything from the chips and salsa and guacamole to the tacos and other dishes. There is a nice taco sample to try 5 smaller tacos if you haven't been here before. The hongos (mushrooms) tacos are also very good. Burritos, enchiladas, tortas are all good. Margaritas are also very tasty. Above average Mexican and typically not to difficult to get in. read more

This place is pretty good. We came here for lunch and it was such a nice day out. We sat outside, they have 2 separate outdoor areas. This restaurant looks nicer than their State street location. It is also on the 2nd floor of I guess a little shopping area. There are 2 entrances. Just follow the signs. We ordered traditional margaritas, they were good but nothing amazing. I had the al pastor tacos. They were also good. My husband chose a 4 taco platter. He said they were just ok- but mind you he ordered chicken and ground beef regular tacos not anything special. I would return here. read more

For the record, I preferred the original location, but C'est la vie. I swear the salsa and chips were better at the original location, had more tomato, onion, and cilantro in the salsa, but still 5 out of 5 for the balcony on 3rd. I love the steak fajitas and my wife love the chorizo-queso tacos. Service was solid, and I like that different servers step in and help service other tables on the fly. Our drinks were delivered by our server, chips and salsa delivered from manager/owner(?), and food delivered by yet another person. I take that as a sign of efficiency and making sure food/drink gets to the tables as quickly as reasonably possible. Other than the salsa being meh, I have been and will continue to be a fan! read more

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Last night we visited El Molcajete, and I was a bit hesitant after reading the previous reviews. I am SO glad we went. First of all the staff were friendly and kind. Our drink order was taken promptly and our sever immediately offered to put in an appetizer, we declined as we were waiting for the rest of our party. The patio was fantastic and it was age groups night for outdoor eating. We ordered a chips and guacamole appetizer- the chips were delicious the guacamole was also good, but the chips were different than the standard tortilla chip. I ordered the campechanos tacos after quite the internal debate, everything sounded good. When they arrived I was a little disappointed by the size - they looked small. It was more than enough and they were so delicious! I do wish the side of guacamole was larger, and that they offered a sour cream and salsa. I'm sure I could have asked but didn't... I'd definitely go again. read more

We came here on a "spring like" Sunday afternoon and decided to sit outside on their rooftop. FYI-There is a spiral staircase that leads to their rooftop. Do not climb those they are not meant to be used. After being seated we were promptly greeted by our young server (looks like it's a family owned and operated restaurant) and we ordered two traditional margaritas which were good. We ordered the pina guacamole which was ok. Overall, good atmosphere, food and drinks. Will definitely be back for a meal. read more

El Molcajete - Traditional margaritas and pina guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Geneva, Illinois

Went here on Father's Day while walking through Geneva. The service was better than I expected based on other reviews. The patio was nice and peaceful. Drinks were cold and tasty. The food was good as well. They are trying hard to be Bien Trucha and the like here and doing a nice job of it. Definitely get the esquites and the fish tacos! read more

There are 2 el molcajetes, one on third and one on state. They both have excellent food and service. They are family owned with a wonderful collection of friendly, pretty waitresses and nice busboys. Isaiah and Erica are the owners. Isaiah runs state and Erica 3rd with the help of their son Oscar and daughters Catalina and Alexandra. Good service makes the total experience so much better. But the food stands on it's own. My favorite is the skirt steak, tampiquena, always done perfectly medium rare by Estefan. The prices are fair and reasonable. And finally I must give a shout out to Nareta, a very special server. And Erica keeps everything running like a well oiled machine, which is saying a lot considering all the indoor and outdoor seating. Third street has the balconies and is more elegantly set up, while State street is rustic and cozy. read more

It took almost an hour for our drink order. Then when the drinks came, they were accompanied by our entrees. The food was not good and the plates were burning hot, an indication that they had sat for a while. We decided to cancel our appetizer of chips and salsa at that point. The the food was not good because it had sat for so long and they made substitutions to the meals because they were out of stuff. This wasn't communicated until we asked questions. We were polite to the server and understand places are short staffed, but they had lots of staff there. read more

I can't believe I have lived here this long and never tried El Molcajete before. Our meals were, by far, the best Mexican food we have had in the area. We did take out. The Enfrijoladas were so delicious. And we will be back many more times. read more