Food is good and large amount. Service is top notch. Friendly atmosphere. Owners are nice.

A really solid little place, based on my experience. Went in while in Peoria-area for work. The regular salsa was good, the salsa picosa (available by request) was fantastic, as were the corn tortillas. I had the Arroz con Pollo for lunch, and everything was hot and cooked properly. Added bonus was a side of Pico de Gallo, lettuce, and sour cream (usually Arroz con Pollo is just that--no sides). Service was prompt and friendly as well. Would definitely go back next time I feel like Mexican Food in "Chilli." read more

El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant - Arroz con Pollo - Mexican Near Me - Chillicothe, Illinois

I've eaten here twice and on both occasions found the food and service to be satisfying and on point. I've ordered their "Burrito Loco" both times. It's a 2lb burrito stuffed with your choice of steak or chicken then stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, and cheese, and covered with cheese sauce and our homemade hot sauce, laid on a bed of peppers, onions, and topped with a fried jalapeño ($12.99). First occasion to drink, I ordered their 18oz House Mango Margarita on the rocks ($7.00). It was sweet, smooth, and the salt on the rim made for the perfect drink. Other available flavors are strawberry, lime, peach, and raspberry. Second occasion, I ordered their 18oz Blue Jalapeño Margarita ($12.00). This consists of fresh lime juice combined with their house tequila along with slices of jalapeño, fresh orange juice, triple sec, orange and blue caracao. It had a good Margarita taste with some heat to it - especially when encountering the slices of jalapeño. My burrito came out steaming hot each time. The fried Jalapeño on top was a nice touch and addition. However it was absent on my second order. It was good and the ingredients were plentiful. I ordered steak but quickly discovered it wasn't chunks of sliced steak, but ground steak or beef... I enjoyed my meal, but after living in New Mexico, the "hot sauce" wasn't the hatch green chili or red sauce that I'd grown accustomed to and loved. The service was exemplary with our server coming by throughout our meal checking on us and seeing if everything was to our liking. This is a good, solid restaurant for Mexican cuisine and drinks. I'd recommend you check them out. I'm sure I'll return. read more

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Been going since they were in the Green Building! Tacos are so good, that's all I ever order. Tacos are second only to Pete's in San Antonio! read more

Upon entering you are coated with the greasy atmosphere. The waiter who seated us wasn't bilingual, so my Spanish came in handy. The drinks were okay, but they seem to think that every margarita needs Curacao in it. I don't agree. I had the carnitas. They are the only reason that I don't give this place a one-star. They were very tasty, although the large oval plate was 90% rice and beans. I won't be returning. If you are desperate for local quasi-Mexican food, Taco Bell is down the road. If you want real Mexican food and can drive 20 minutes, go to Los Cabos in Peoria. read more

So sad! Place is horrid. I've never had such horrible salsa- tastes like marinara sauce. We waited 15 min for cueso only because I went to the kitchen and asked for it. We get the cheese dip and HAD NO CHIPS! Honestly we eat out probably too often, so this was very frustrating. Especially since it was 8:00 at night after sons soccer game; we were hungry and tired and then let down with horrible service and tasteless salsa. Food came and needless to say, just as disappointing. We almost walked out however the alternative being Mcdonald's this time of night, we sat. Gave it a 1 star because ZERO was not an option. read more

Love the food here we go once a week at least. Staff is always so sweet and helpful. Prices are good and quick with there service. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant - Margarita flight was awesome - Mexican Near Me - Chillicothe, Illinois

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I have never had a worse experience of my life and my two friends also experienced this! I got a table early for my friends to celebrate cinco de mayo. One of my friends came alittle later and then my other friend was a bit late and the waiter seemed annoyed at waiting so long. We had the worse experience from our waiter. I can understand being busy on this day but he hardly acknowledged our table after and any time I asked for something he seemed annoyed. My friend asked for extra cheese on hers and got hardly any cheese on her nacho fajitas and the guy said there was the cheese on it and then she never got her pico de gallo and lettuce side plate and when I got mine it was pretty sad looking and small like wtf! The guy was so rude and as I was asking something he walked away real fast and told me one moment with his finger, just felt that was extremely rude! The food was okay and the queso dip is always the best anywhere. Then he looked super annoyed when my friend asked for more chips. We wanted to try the dessert there but with the quality of the food and how horrible we were treated we were too nervous to ask! We wanted to go somewhere fun especially since I was having a bad day anyway and had a worse day going here. I still gave him a 20% tip but only because he was literally hovering over me and I felt claustrophobic. He also didn't speak English very well and one time needed a translator so not sure if he was frustrated from not speaking English. He was a bulky thin guy didnt catch his name. I chose this restaurant because it was alittle closer to home but now I wished we went to Los Cabos or Sweetwater for dinner!! read more

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They have the best salsa ever and great prices. It's beautiful inside. Helpful staff too.

Taco Bell is the better choice. The first time I came here the food tasted like it had cleaning products in it. I vowed that would be my first and last time. Today, I accepted a free lunch offer from a friend and wish I had gone to Taco Bell instead. The beef was not fresh. That's the only way I know how to describe it. My stomach is making very strange sounds and I need to stay close to home if you catch my drift. I'm shocked the place has such a good rating. read more

Es la primera y última ves que vengo a este restaurante. Pensando que iba comer el plato mejor de mi vida, creo que fue lo opuesto. El molcajete que ordene era de pollo, carne y salsa verde. Mi problema era la salsa verde que no tenía sabor. Lo único que sentía era el sabor del tomate de la salsa. El pollo no era fresco ni la carne. El arroz era recalentado y podía notar cuando lo sirvieron. La textura de arroz era muy diferente pero cuando la traté ya me avía dado cuenta que era arroz calentada. No recomiendo el restaurante al menos que se estén muriendo de hambre. Lo único bueno era el servicio. read more

I really wanted to like this place, after reading other reviews I was very excited to give it a try. I had the sampler plate and everything on it was way over cooked. My guest ordered the enchiladas and it had way to much cilantro which over powered the taste of everything-else. read more

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This place is an oasis! We were very hungry and tired, and this restaurant was everything we needed and more. Super good margaritas, chips and salsa, fish tacos, and the SERVICE. Everyone here looks happy, and they made us feel welcome and like part of their little family. Also, their decor is homey and classy at the same time. Their restrooms are even stocked with little extras, like lotion (and not a bottle that looks old and scary but an actual nice bottle of lotion). Anytime I'm back in this area of Illinois, I will come back here. Keep doing what you do, El Molcajete! Our server, I didn't catch her name, but we figured out that we have the same birthday when she was checking my ID, was very good. She even left a pitcher of water on our table at the beginning and was super on top of our salsa refills. If you need good food in a relaxed, family-like environment, you should try this spot and see what you think. read more

Taco bell with waiters but not quite as good tasting. Service was prompt and polite, but not good enough to make up for the food. Complimentary chips were colorful but the salsa was almost tasteless. Food assembled from a steam table. Nothing seems fresh. There has to be something better in this town. read more

This is a fantastic restaurant in a small town. I really enjoyed their version of street tacos. Also had a tamale. Very good. The only thing I could suggest improving is the corn shells of the tacos. The meat was exceptional seasoned, retried beans and rice were great. My friend had seafood quesadilla which looked really good. He really enjoyed it. Great job! read more

We had the Steak Tacos, and tacos Mexicano. The steak tacos were along the lines of what I would make, thus very good. The tacos Mexicano carnitas meat was tender and flavorful. The mole sauce (included with the food) was very good with a good balance with the flavors. The complimentary chips and salsa was very good and they filled them when they became empty (I pretty much ate one basket myself). The do sever Pepsi products and 7 beer choices 4 of which are Mexican. VERY casual, only seven tables and the service is prompt and very friendly. They do offer carry out and several people took advantage of that service while I was here. Meal was $17 for two diners with one beer. Yes, I will come back again. read more

The food was fabulous and the server we had was very friendly. We would definitely recommend this restaurant.

After years of eating Mexican I have found out the decor and exterior of the restaurant has zero correlation with how amazing the food is. This place is not a huge restaurant with a bunch of room to sit down it is a smaller Amazing Mexican restaurant!! One of the best I have eaten! read more

Went to this nice little jointy joint joint with my good ol pal Reecebob! Queso will blow your balls off tbh. Idrk thoooo liiiike overall GOOD not GREAT but yeah good. But like idk it was good. It was ehh but really I mean this from the bottom of my heart, it was good. It was good I guess. The grilled chicken quesadilla looks like heavily seasoned jack russell terriers pee pee. Fine ass soda. Me and reecebob we're thinking about getting an Alpaca idk. I'll let you guys know if we do. Do you ever feel like a plastic bag? GOOD place not great. How bout them bears eh? Shit anyways I'll update you on the Alpaca situation. Good place really but eh not great but yeah it was good!!!!! read more

I can't post one after sitting down at La Gondola. My son and I had wished to stop in here as hidden behind the main road. Hopefully someday can give this place a try. Keep in mind to stop by if happen to be in the area again. read more

Great service! Quick, professional, polite. Chips and salsa adequate. Burrito lunch special with beans and rice was uninspired, what ever that means. B&R was fine, tortillas had a nice toast to it. Chicken was sorry and tasteless. The red sauce was not to my liking either. Price for the meal was right, but $2 fountain sodas rubs my cheap ass the wrong way. Overall seemed totally inauthentic. read more

Great food! Always quick service. Workers are really friendly. We go a lot. I've tried a lot of menu items and I've loved them all!

Best Mexican restaurant in Peoria county in my opinion small town hospitality with authentic Mexican flavor fresh ingredients everyday my friend works there and then go to the farmers market every other day to ensure that they're fresh ingredients are fresh everyday most restaurants order from a food truck or a food service of some type not these guys everything is from scratch to your plate and to your stomach if this yelp had 10 stars this rating would have got 11 stars lol read more

I've eaten here several times, and the food is always great! Chicken Fajitas are seasoned perfectly. The rice and refried beans are nice additions. The free chips and salsa are good too. Well worth stopping by! read more

Great place to go for some Mexican food. Excellent service. Employees are very friendly and always checking on you. Food comes quickly. We prefer this place over most of the Mexican restaurants in Peoria. We have enjoyed every meal that we've had here. The rice is soft (unlike some places where it is dried out and hard). They have daily specials and happy hour everyday. The fish tacos are very good. read more

Great Mexican. It is a small place so service is fast and personal. Plus free chips and salsa with your meal.