I've stopped in to try this place, I had the worst reaction to their mango marg. I have no idea what it was but it made me puke for a day. I tried one taco from this place and the authenticity isn't 100% The only great thing was the view of the lake and some sort of good customer service. read more

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Food was not very good the rice was dry and carne asada was flavorless . I asked for it cooked medium and it was over well done , my husband got the enchiladas and he only ate them because he doesn't like to waste food. The server was okay he only talked to us twice to take the order and to give us the check well three when he asked if we were good . The vibe was nice very pretty view a little cold tho. read more

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant - Carne asada - Mexican Near Me - Fox Lake, Illinois

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The food was terrible. The tortillas on my taco never even touched the grill. I made taxes out of tortillas straight out of the package. I'm never going back there again. read more

Used to love coming to this place but they went down hill, they only good for the view and drink. I I ordered 3 steak tacos and the server brought them out American style vs Mexican style. I asked her why they were not Mexican and her response was "I assumed you wanted them American " ‍ SMH she mentioned she forgot to ask how I wanted them. No apology, No other response, just no fuks given. And that is why I'll go to Taco Bell next time and not return here. read more

The location of this restaurant was very unique. The service was phenomenal the people were absolutely attentive and friendly. The view was stunning. The food was very authentic. read more

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I've been coming here for over 20 years. Enjoying Chips, salsa and margarita's while watching the sunset is one of my favorite things to do here! Great service & great views! It's packed in the summer because he has boat docks. The steak is always lean and the shrimps are big. Highly recommend! read more

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Checked out this Americanized Mexican place in Fox Lake. El Puerto has a pretty good view of it for sure. It's right next to the water. Besides that it's not that incredible and some things just aren't good. The drinks are better than the food to be honest. After going to the lake we came here to drink and eat. It's located at the end of a couple roads next to the lake. This place can be gotten to by boat, which may be the better way. Going here may get kind of annoying. It has a crowded ass parking lot and lots of drunks walking all around it. This makes it pretty easy to hit someone. It's about $5 for a margarita. These were a pretty good size. Better than the actual food. It's about $3 for appetizers such as Chips And Guacamole. Few vegetarian choices. The bad reviews about the food kept us from trying any more. Honestly the location is the best thing about it. It's the views of the lake I'm talking about, and not the horrible parking lot. The drinks are mostly okay, but the food is mostly pretty shitty. read more

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant - Margarita With Chips And Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Fox Lake, Illinois

The staff was very sweet, but unfortunately the food was disappointing. The mole tasted like what I imagine an old gingerbread house would taste like, the tacos were flavorless, and the tortillas were soggy. The shrimp was served on a large pile of old onions with excess oil pooled around it. The margarita, however, was good and strong, and it seems like a great place to sit by the water and have drinks. I just wouldn't recommend ordering food from the menu. read more

I don't know what this 3 star stuff is about, this place was amazing. Great chips and salsa, amazing chimis and hot sauce. Everything 10/10 read more

So enjoyed my visit. Food was fresh and good. Drinks were rather small but good. Being by the water was spectacular! It was my birthday and flan, singing and sombrero abounded! Fun!!! read more

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This is my second time in a very long time dining here. This is a great spot for boaters to pull in dock and get a beer and eats. Very very casual dining in plastic tables and chairs. Food is eh. O salsa had no flavor and was watery. Ordered a side of guacamole and it was thin and warm. Hubby love the beef enchilada. I had the bistice de la Mexicana.... No flavor. Would not order again. Not very tender and over cooked. Service was good and food came fast. My objection is that the website says fine dining. This could not be further from the truth. This is absolutely NOT fine dining. If you enjoy casual Dining in cut off shorts and flip flops this is the place for you. read more

Perfect stop when you're out boating and enjoying the summer! Pitchers of margs are a go to if your with a group. Service is wonderful, everyone is friendly and attentive. Loved the Pork Ranchero Suiza. They will give you tortillas as well, but you don't need them! Guac is ok, but I've had much better. We will definitely stop here again, great place to go to hide from the rain as well! read more

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant - Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Fox Lake, Illinois

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If I could give this place zero stars, I absolutely would!!!!!! Do not and I repeat do not ever go to this place for anything!!!!!! Took a nice motorcycle ride and decided to stop here again for dinner as we always do during the summertime, some manager came up to me and accused me of taking pictures of one of his employees which never happened. I will be pursuing this. This is absolute garbage, we spend a ton of money during the summer at this place every year and now they just lost all of our business, the gentleman who came up to us, and I can't even call him a gentleman and I use that very lightly was a pompous asshole. I had my phone out at the table because I was simply sending work emails, I even offered to show him my whole entire photo album, to show him that's not what was happening and he said " I don't need to see your photos" Me and my friend got up and walked out and didn't even eat dinner. read more

Area was not great, didn't feel comfortable. I went with my boyfriend and we were quite literally followed into the parking lot; however, staff made us feel very comfortable and safe in the restaurant, albeit admitting that it wasn't a great area. Waiter was awesome! Didn't catch his name, though. Staff is mostly made up of teenagers, but this might just be during the summer. The waiter is the only reason this is not a one-star review, but he did explain that he had only been there for 2 weeks at that point. It looked like, at the end of the night, a lot of staff were off hanging out at the sides of the restaurant, even when we were waiting for the check. They seemed super sweet, though. The food was disgusting, I'm gonna be so honest. It was hard to keep down, and I feel nauseous just thinking about it. My partner commented that the steak felt "synthetic". I didn't try the arroz con pollo, but the tacos I got were nothing short of gross. When the other reviews claim how the food is not good, listen to them. I literally thought in my head: "they must be exaggerating!" They are not. Tacos are not hard to mess up, but this place did. The fried ice cream was good, but not great. Too syrupy, and I would have liked a thinner layer of crunch as to really emphasize that "snap". Ambiance was amazing, especially for a monday night at 9:30. Not busy at all, and my boyfriend and I found it to be a nice date. We got to pick where we sat, and it was nice to sit right by the lake. Boat and car parking is available, and has a pretty large parking lot situation. Facilities were clean and comfortable, but a bit crowded around the bar. read more

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The view is great, and the staff is exceptionally respectful and kind. Their agua de horchata is outstanding. Unfortunately, the food falls flat; it's so lacking in flavor it might have you questioning your taste buds. If you decide to visit, go for the ambiance and drinks, but manage your expectations when it comes to the food. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in the world. I absolutely love their carne asada, it's the best I've had. I also really like their queso fondito and they chips and salsa are super good. The service is always quick too, the restaurant may be crowded but it is still quick. The inside of the restaurant isn't the best, there are some tables and a bar but it is a little dark, but the outside patio on the lake is second to none read more

We went here on a Monday night, got sat right away. The waiter was very attentive and friendly. The food was outstanding. We ordered the Queso Fundido (kids favorite), steak tacos, chicken burrito chapala & steak fajitas. I love their salsa. Dessert we ordered the flan & fried ice cream. The flan was absolutely delicious! I'd pass on the fried ice cream next time and order more flan! Yum! read more

My boyfriend and I came here on a random Friday night and wow! Such good food and drinks , the vibes were great and service even better! To be on the water was everything , can't wait to come again! read more

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Fox Lake, Illinois

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I wish I could rate El Puerto higher because I really do love coming here. It's right on the water with a great view, the complimentary chips and salsa are really good (we even order more to go!), and the margaritas are delicious. However, the service tends to be slow. We came here for a weekday lunch and it was over two hours from sitting down to getting our check. We ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas to share and they were only okay, not good or great. The safety precautions during the coronavirus pandemic are not up to the same standard we've seen at other restaurants on the Chain. The staff is wearing masks, but that's about it. A word of advice for any boaters wanting to come here: come by car! Although it has a great view on the water, it's located on a very busy area. The water is choppy and your boat may get a little beat up on the docks. read more

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It was good food, had very good service but people in there weren't that nice also wasn't clean found very dirty stuff in my water but other than that it's a Ok place read more

The setting is right on the lake with nice views from the covered patio and even better views from the uncovered section. The mango margarita was delicious and the Bistec Ranchero Suizo was amazing. The service was outstanding! I can't wait to come back during warm weather on the outdoor patio! read more

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant - Mango Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Fox Lake, Illinois

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Amazing food and atmosphere. The service is always great. Usually get Chicken Burrito Suizo or Quesadillas. Guacamole is always fresh!

Ok , first time Here . I have to say I'm highly disappointed. The margaritas had no flavor . The carne asada was also flavorless, On the Oder hand , it's on the chain and I didn't expect much . The only thing I enjoyed was the view ! read more

What an awesome view of the Fox Chain of Lakes! Stopped in a few weeks ago for lunch and it made for the perfect break in the day to sit outside and relax. The restaurant is very spacious, they have a huge bar and tons of tables inside, as well as an extensive patio outside. I ordered the Taco Plate, a huge portion of 3 tacos, beans, and rice. I was happy to see that they use grass-fed beef for their steak, but I will say that it was a bit tough. I also asked for a side of hot sauce or salsa and instead got a very mild salsa. But I still enjoyed it, and our server was very nice. I would be back, if not just to drink and snack! read more

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Great spot, great location and yummy food! I always enjoy coming here to eat outside on their patio on the lake. The food is good, I have tried many things on the menu my favorite is enchilada suisas. Staff has been kind each of my visits, and great overall service. Yummy margaritas too. Stop in here on a nice day and dine outside! read more

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant - Queso fundido - Mexican Near Me - Fox Lake, Illinois

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we took our grand children only to enjoy the view because the food was very dissatisfying the worse milanesas, beef fajitas, chicken tenders and chicken tacos we have had and the camarones al ajillo shall be cooked with garlic not sweet onions , don't plan on going back read more

The margaritas are OK but water down at the end with too much ice. The burrito suizo was mostly tortilla and very little filling, totally unenjoyable and very bland chorizo. Nothing like the good ones I've had at El Molino's in Carpentersville or from the grocery store. Best to skip this place even though it has a nice outdoor ambience. read more

I don't know when I called. Everybody told me that this place was good Mexican food here in Fox Lake. I was very skeptical you know because their menus didn't really describe or showed any type of plates or combination meals that they had our specials of the day, which is unfortunate for a Mexican restaurant that's on the lakefront I received the food wet greasy like no love and Mexican people cooking it so I'm thinking the food is going to hit home because I too am Mexican but unfortunately, the food like in flavor and in presentation the refried beans taste store-bought from a can the rice taste like box yellow rice so you can get from a with no flavor whatsoever not even salt everything is bland and then I ordered a steak burrito that's they didn't even cook. The tortilla shell soggy no lettuce no onion no sour cream. No cilantro, anything just beans and meat with supposedly a that has no which is the first time I've ever any type of restaurant where they put up good displays of their food and all absence of flavor. Really disappointed I would give zero stars if I could. read more

I've been coming here for years! Located right on the water. You can't beat the view on a summer day on the patio. Free chips and salsa when you walk in and their margaritas especially pitchers are so delicious! Service can be slow especially on busy summer days so just be prepared. Food is a hit or miss - I love their taco plates but their quesadillas are just ok. Their portion sizes can be a smaller end. If you're looking for a good time, definitely recommend as this is a staple for the chain! read more

The lake view is the only thing the resto has to offer that's okay. The food is not good at all. I ordered the burrito and it says on the menu "very Hot". it was not, I asked for another sauce that's spicier and they served a bowl that was even milder than the salsa they give you with chips. The mexican rice was very dry and the refried beans lack flavor. Service was non existent. I saw my waiter twice, ordering and setting the bill. I'll give them another try in the future, hopefully it was just a bad day. The resto itself needs some cleaning. I was inside beside the bar and there were flies. read more

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant - Burrito Pica-Pica - Mexican Near Me - Fox Lake, Illinois

The view of the lake is unique and amazing. Especially at sunset. There are options to sit outdoors by the dock or inside with the a/c on a hot day. The service is friendly and quick. The food is good with many options to choose from. read more

The food is wonderful. Homemade guacamole. Quesadillas and burritos are delicious! Fresh chips! The ambiance is wonderful especially sitting by the water at sunset. read more

We absolutely love the service , food is really awesome my Carne Asada was cooked to perfection, margaritas are great. Great beer selection lets party on the water front. The sitting is in and outside . Always lit up nicely. read more

After last visit I will definitely rate 3 stars or less.the food was dry, the waiter was rude !!!

Met a friend for lunch today, sat on the deck, which was lovely; storm came up with high winds and the staff was quick to pull across the canvas walls with window so we didn't all get soaked. The staff was very nice, altho not terribly attentive. The food was a 1* of four. We each had iced tea, we were never offered a refill, (don't know if they just don't do that or if the server just never came to check if one was needed). We both had steak and shrimp fajitas, the shrimp was dry, the steak was so rubbery we couldn't eat it and on top of it it seems there was no, or very little spice or anything- really no flavor. The beans, guacamole and sour cream were quite welcome, to add some flavor. When the busy boy came to take our plates he asked if we wanted a box, neither of us did, we told him the steak was not edible and he just took the plates, never showed any concern and apparently never told the waiter. The check was 52 dollars for two iced tea (no refills) and two orders of pretty bad shrimp and steak fajitas. We left a great tip (we've both waited tables), but we will not be back. read more

Went out with some friends on the Chain and docked at El Puerto for some food and drinks. The staff here is so friendly and it just seems like a family place to be. It was really busy but you wouldn't have known it with how quick we were seated and got our food. I can't recommend enough the margarita pitchers - they were great! We will definitely be back and if you have a chance to come in off the lake - do it! read more

Two stars because it's cool location and nice being by the lake. Let me preface that I grew up in Ingelside and now live in Phoenix. I was hesitant to go here after seeing the reviews but wanted to try for myself The food is terrible. The service was slow but they looked understaffed with servers but a HUGE amount of bussers. Ordered the queso- excuse my language but WTH was that? It was all grease and stringy cheese. You should be able to scoop it out and shared and have a great balance of flavors. Chicken and steak fajitas- chicken was so bland and the steak was very awkward and no flavor. Beans look like they're from a can. Carne asada- please help yourselves out and get arranchera cut. Super chewy and thick- not classic carne asada at all Guac- super salty, a bit sweet, needs some jalepeno for a better flavor profile and cilantro. Salsa - 7/10 it's decent Flour tortillas were equivalent to mission from the store If your tacos are served on flour - shame on you Please show the people in this area good Mexican food. I grew up not even know what it was and this was just not good. Consider offering shredded beef and a fundido sauce on top of your chimis. Please get better quality ingredients and meat. read more

I loved this place!... The view was incredible, the restaurant was clean and comfortable... the food was delicious... it tasted very fresh and homemade, as opposed to the commercial, pre-frozen tasting food at Chili's, for example. I had the nachos with a side of fresh guacamole... both were amazing and unlike anything I've tried elsewhere! The service was prompt and attentive... loved my experience! read more

Was absolutely insulted when paid by credit card and they added a $10 surcharge on a $50 tab. 20% is ridicules. I understand covering the 3 or 4% charge for use of card, BUT 20%!!!!!!!!! Beware!!!! I will never go back with that kind of crap. read more

I was there on Saturday 08.07 Maria was our server, she was beyond AMAZING very professional and friendly. We had a little conversation and she told me she was going back to college next month :( Please hired more people like Maria her positive attitude was just great. This is our second time going to El Puerto and delicious like the first time. Btw our server in our first visit was Jasmin! Again amazing service that is why we went back again. Thank you so much! read more