The absolute worst. Can I give it Zero Stars? Mexican food is my favorite food and I am definitely a connoisseur of all things related to Mexican food. This place was immediately terrible, dirty environment, terrible service, over priced food and disgusting food. I expected better due to some of the reviews, but unfortunately this place was beyond a big let down with horrible customer service and service recovery. THIS RESTAURANT DOES NOT HAVE QUESO!! I am positive that summarizes all of the issues in one statement! Go to any other restaurant besides this one, save your money, time and experience!! read more

Wonderful and amazingly not busy on a Sunday evening. I highly recommend the quesadilla. Unlike any I've had before and delicious. Good price for food but the margaritas will get you to pay the price. read more

Glad they're back open again - they were closed through much of the pandemic - we missed them. Great for lunch tacos after building up an appetite biking along the Fox River trail. read more

So I order 3 tacos with a fountain drink. No beans and rice, just the tacos and coke. The guy rings me up and says $18.75. I said oops, I think you made a mistake. He says no, our tacos are $4.95, they are bigger then the competitors. So I get one taco and a drink- $8.79. The taco tasted so so and was the same size or smaller than typical mexican restaurants. Oh yah, and the 20 oz. flat coke was $2.89. Wtf. One and done. I ain't going back! read more

Authentic. Delicious. Best service. Perfect ambiance. Everything on the menu is good. The quesadilla is out of this world. Something so simple has been mastered by these guys. When it comes to mastery, the name of the game is consistency. I came back here over a decade and a half later, and these guys are still on top. I wish them continued success. read more

Everyone seemed to like their food and our three pitchers of margaritas. They didn't bring us all of the tortillas that were supposed to come with our food. They charged us $1.50 for extra chips and salsa (and there were multiple extra orders because of their initial inertia in taking our orders). In the end, after discovering how expensive the pitchers were, we ALSO discovered that the bill (over $325) was handwritten and hard to slit up fairly between my 13 friends and family. We ended up just splitting it into 13ths, which really wasn't fair for the handful people who intentionally got less expensive food and didn't drink. But wait. I'm not starting from the beginning. It was Cindo de Mayo and we had reservations. I saw on their website that there was supposed to be specials for the holiday. My group of about 13 friends and family walked over to El Taco Grande after a 15 mile bike ride. I don't know if El Taco Grande ever had a group that was readier to eat and drink. Our reservation was at 12:15. It was 12:17 and we were literally crossing the street when they called to ask where we were. When we arrived, the guy who called me explained that they were going to be packed in about an hour and that they were going to give up reserved seats if they were unclaimed within five minutes. They suggested that we get pitchers of margaritas. I asked if there were any specials - that I saw the specials on their website. The server checked with someone and came back. There weren't any specials. So we got our three pitchers: traditional, mango, and peach. (BTW, I checked their website again today and it is still advertising Cinco de Mayo specials). Oh - and only one other table of four came the entire time we were there. They sure as heck weren't THAT busy where they would be compelled to give away tables if people didn't show up within five minutes of their reservation. Certainly not busy enough to call me two minutes after my reservation to see where we were. read more

I have been enjoying this authentic delicious food for years! I have never been disappointed and it's about time I yelp them appropriately! MUCHO GUSTO!!! Gracias!! read more

El Taco Grande - Best torta - after many years of searching, this one can not be beat!! - Mexican Near Me - Batavia, Illinois

Slow service. Dirty bathrooms. Mediocre and overpriced food. No full bar. Too-sweet and not boozy enough margaritas. I will not be returning. read more

Best. Mexican. Food. Ever. Period. read more

Husband and I went there for takeaway lunch one day. I ordered a burrito that had chilequiles in it (I am a sucker for eggy tortilla mush, what can I say?) and I was concerned at the price I paid for a burrito. It was something like $14. OUTRAGEOUS BY NON-CHIPOTLE STANDARDS! I got the burrito back home and this thing was quite literally the size of my head. It was HUGE. I didn't think the grande taco part translated to the burritos as well. The bad part? It was all quantity, and not quality. It just wasn't good, especially not compared to Taqueria El Sazon down the street or my beloved El Molcajete in Geneva. The plus side: they make their own horchata. It was pretty good, but not good enough to warrant another visit. read more

My wife likes the food here, but I'm not really all that impressed. If you don't call for a reservation, you'll stand at the front counter for several minutes while everyone races by you not really paying attention. Eventually, they'll stop and grab a couple of menus and seat you. While you're waiting, try not to notice the condition of the coolers just inside the front door and don't look too close to realize that they're reusing containers that probably aren't NSF rated for reuse and storing food in those items. And for sure don't notice the rust on the shelves... The food is ok. It can be quite salty, especially the spicier stuff, so be ready for that. Chips are good, guac is good. Margaritas are nothing special. If you're in the neighborhood and craving Mexican, it's worth a stop , but I wouldn't go too far out of my way... read more

I do not know what all of these bad reviews are for, this place is awesome! I am from southern California and know good Mexican and this place delivers. People complain about prices and say El Molcajete is better and cheaper, not quite! This place is great, will be going back frequently! read more

Great food great service - Kevin was our waiter - explained the menu and was very attentive - the owner checked in on us and was so nice- fantastic fajitas and margaritas- 1st time there and will definitely be back read more

I have no idea why this place has gotten some bad reviews. I've been here numerous times, and once celebrated my birthday here, and each time has been fun and the food has been delicious. The place does look like a little hole in the wall, and you can easily walk by and miss it. But inside is very nicely decorated, and the place is actually quite large. The margaritas are delicious. The house margarita is tasty, but the premium ones are even better. We usually order a pitcher for the 4-6 of us. The portions are generous. The quesadilla dinner can easily feed 2 people. My favorites are the enchiladas suizas, the Taco Grande combo, or the fajitas. It's especially nice to go in the summer, as this place is located near the river, and we often go for a long walk around town afterwards. read more

By FAR the best mexican food in the suburbs. We always start off with a fiesta quesadilla ( although you could make more than a meal just out of that)... which is outstanding. I usually either go big for their Taco Grande Combo, which is a large serving dish with one of just about everything on it, or the bulls burrito. I'm normally not a fan of salsa verde but after trying a family member's enchiladas with green sauce I am going to start ordering those. The green sauce is unreal. Good margaritas, very reasonable prices, I've been coming here for 15 years and have never had a bad experience. read more

Our favorite place for well prepared, delicious Mexican food at a decent price. The margaritas are great, particularly if you splurge and go for the better, smoother tequilas such as Centenario, but that also adds to the bill. We've eaten satisfyingly all over the menu, but we keep coming back to our usual, tamales with mole sauce and an assortment of tacos. My wife loves the camarones (shrimp), and I'll typically go for a hat trick of carne asada, chile relleno, and pescado (catfish) on the best soft corn tortillas this side of Frontera Grill. Muy sabroso! read more

Wide selections of Tex-Mex and Mex-Mex. The chips were cooked thick and served warm with a nice, fresh, surprisingly tasty salsa. I loved the lengua taco. It was well dressed and sported very tender and tasty chunks of tongue. The mole enchilada was almost as good with plenty of white chicken and a nice dark mole - just needed a little more of that savory black sauce. The huge drink menu includes an extensive selection of quality Mexican tequilas and beers. The service was friendly, informative, and patient. You should try this place after (or before) a quiet walk on the nearby Fox River. read more

Delicious authentic food at a reasonable price. Big portions. Love this place. I had the chicken burrito and it was huge. Lots of flavorful chicken. Can't wait to go back. read more

Hands down some of the best authentic Mexican around! Homemade chips and salsa - all food freshly made - margaritas are incredible- burritos the size of footballs (chances are ... You will have leftovers!) I personally love their chicken tacos, but have seen people eat everything and love it all! This place is a must and for sure a favorite anytime I'm in the Batavia area! Even if I just swing through and grab chips and salsa to go :) Outstanding family owned business and you can always find one of the Martinez family members there too! True business owners! read more

El Taco Grande - Mexican Near Me - Batavia, Illinois

So sad, I rated it 2 stars because "Meh, I've experienced better," particularly at this very restaurant. This used to be our favorite spot. It was good, home-cooked food. How the mighty have fallen. The salsa was salty. At first I thought it was the chips, nope the salsa. When I commented about the saltiness to the waiter I got a spiel about how each batch is homemade. Well throw it out and start anew. When I suggested he take a spoonful and try it himself (after a nearby table agreed) he didn't really respond. My husband continued to eat the salsa which irked me... we just complained and he's eating it.... I order two shrimp tacos. I asked for the cilantro and onion version. When my husband asked if they made their own tortillas the answer was no. Our waiter confirmed that I wanted soft flour tortillas, I said I really wanted soft corn and he said they didn't have any. Really? What is this Taco Bell? Scratch that, even Taco Bell has soft corn tortillas. The food came and I had to dig my shrimp out of a sea of cilantro. They dumped it on, I estimate a good 1/8 of cup on my plate. The tortillas, while soft flour, were hard and two of them per taco. (come on, double up on the corn as is tradition... but with the flour it was too too much.) And it was salty. So salty. But I could sense that our complaints weren't being heard. My husband wouldn't eat his beans... they did taste terrible and after him consuming the salty salsa this meant he really didn't like it. He's like Mikey, he'll eat anything. I told our server the food was salty. It was,and now in the middle of the night a good six hours after our dinner, I still have what I suspect is a MSG headache. I can only suspect two motives for salty food: 1) customers will drink more and thus increase the alcohol profits or 2) if the salsa -- which is normally delicious -- is so salty customers won't ask for seconds, thus saving money. What I really don't understand is how salt/MSG?? can be the overwhelming spice in a mexican restaurant and 2) why our tacos -- the staple of mexican cuisine -- just had cilantro dumped on it... had the kitchen staff never eaten tacos like this. Doubtful. I'm perplexed. (and sad -- it's been my favorite place for five years) read more

Terrible experience! Why I go: I work around the corner I'm pregnant and craving Mexican food Why I regret going: They are completely overpriced ($21 for 2 tacos, a soft drink, chips, and guacamole) They use cheddar cheese, not Chihuahua cheese They use four tortillas, not corn Their $8 guacamole lacks flavor and you can taste too much mayo in it They charge an extra $3 for chips with your guacamole They charge extra for condiments (such as hot sauce) They say chips, salsa, and hot sauce is free if you dine in because they charge more if you dine in? But you only get one free salsa and chips, even though they charge more Their food is mediocre, I feel I spent 3 times more than taco bell, but got only slightly better quality. I would not recommend this place to anyone who works hard for their money and actually likes authentic Mexican food. Go to Los burritos mexicanos or sergios cantina, pepes would be better read more

One of my friends worked here in high school and has been raving about it every time we go to any restaurant that has Mexican food. 7 of us purposely booked a hotel in Batavia after a relay that ended in Chicago just to go to El Taco Grande. It was definitely worth the drive. We ordered two pitchers of margaritas - one original http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=CBNuPttCj2uUmHIxDTwDmA&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw and one frozen strawberry. The strawberry was delicious but I preferred the original. Each table gets a free order of chips and salsa, both of which are made in-house. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=lUjoLVVsCnvBDHScqcQoOw&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw The chips are made daily and the salsa has just enough heat to be interesting but still mild enough for even the most tame palate at our table. In addition to the chips and salsa we ordered a large serving of the guacamole http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6bpUqImJX2JrJcFhmzUGcQ&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw and the queso poblano. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5wgClVWEe4qTZz3q021q3g&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw The guacamole was some of the best I have ever had - I think the only one that beats it is the one I had in Mexico that was made table side. All of the ingredients were obviously fresh and cut so that you didn't end up with a huge piece of tomato or chunk of avocado without anything else. The queso poblano (cheese, chorizo, tomatoes, peppers) was served very differently from what I expected. I assumed a bowl of cheese would appear on the table next to a basket of chips. Instead at El Taco Grande, the queso poblano is served on a plate alongside a container of soft, warm tortillas. It was creamy, spicy, and I am sure quite unhealthy. I would order it again in a heartbeat. We then moved on to the main dishes. I knew that I wouldn't be able to resist the guac or queso and so I just ordered a taco al pastor and two pork tamales with mole of the appetizer section of the menu, http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=yp2ZXTu-m_iADygIyjzpig&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw The taco was simple in a good way. Meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes in a tortilla. The meat was cooked perfectly and spiced just right, but I wanted a bit of heat so I asked for hot sauce. The server brought a small bowl of the diablo sauce - tasty and spicy. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=eofM_QrSayaGKGljR8NSGw&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw Usually when I ask for hot sauce or spicy food in an ethnic restaurant I get the "pale, blond, girl version". Not at El Taco Grande. The diablo sauce was so spicy it had me (and one of my male lunch companions) sweating. I highly recommend it. The pork tamales with mole were amazing, moist and savory yet sweet. Too often I find tamales a bit dry but these were perfect. All of my friends raved about their food as well, including a simple hard shelled ground beef taco. The woman that ordered it commented three times on the deliciousness of the meat. The other orders were the cheese enchilada platter, http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fuJDF522uik6_wEBsv6thA&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw a carne asada torta, http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=_sug1Z_PDu1qygMwLvq5OQ&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw a tamale and a chicken taco, http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=_dyvIekgaJxu_YEHmIPbKw&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw the tamale with mole platter, http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=VQ9QLUKWZrnEtKUyfyPwpA&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw and a platter that consisted of a chile rellano and two different meats. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=znE6tMoyS2f90qn9eFqbQg&userid=eqeIvuHRTp8ezyfqWPVxlw When the food arrived the table went completely silent for two solid minutes with the exception of the contented sighs. I'd consider moving to Illinois for this restaurant. If you are in the area run, don't walk to El Taco Grande. read more

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The best Mexican food around, without question. Nothing else even comes close. Order a pitcher of margaritas with their homemade mix and some Cabo Reposado tequila, the best! Everything on the menu is excellent. I have been coming here since the beginning and been sending friends from out of town here for years. They all reach the same consensus.... the best! Yes the place is a hole in the wall, but anyone who knows food knows that hole in the walls are the best. If you think OTB, or Pepe's is what Mexican food should be like then you either need to get out more, or actually spend time in Mexico, because you won't find better Mexican cuisine anywhere. I spent 5 weeks in Mexico last year and still craved Grande the entire time. Just like any small restaurant that serves excellent food, this place gets extremely busy, especially on the weekends, so making reservations is recommended. The staff is extremely friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu as they are either family or have worked there for years. This is the place to go if you want the best authentic Mexican food outside of Mexico City. read more

This is one of those places that, from the outside, doesn't look like much and I had walked by it a few dozen times in favor of another spot that has half priced margaritas every week. My girl and I decided to try them just for a change of pace and now, it's really the only option when we want great Mexican food. First off, the place is much bigger than they look from the outside and the menu was far more elaborate than we expected which made it rather hard to choose from. A margarita helped out with that. The service was top notch. Friendly and attentive without being annoying and the server didn't mind when I butchered the pronunciation of the menu items (they have numbers on the side for people like me). The chips are house made as well as the salsa and you can always tell if a place like this is going to be good by the house chips and salsa. The drinks where on the smaller side but much better than most other places and well worth the price. My girl and I split two items and I have to say I was beyond impressed. Large portions of real Mexican food, not Americanized bullshit that most places serve. The only complaint was that the food was almost too good. We didn't want to stop eating and had to take the leftovers home (they were eaten about two hours later). This is truly and hidden gem and well worth a trip to an otherwise boring town. These people clearly love what they do and it shows in the service and quality (and quantity) of food. I've eaten all over the place but after two visits this place has won me over and earned and loyal customer. read more

This was my second visit to El Taco Grande, though the trips were a few years apart. Not much has changed at El Taco Grande. The food was good- the burritos ordered at our table were huge- at least two meals. The fajitas were also enough for two people. I had the beef tortas- I thought they were good and also the perfect size for an individual meal. My favorite part of our meal was the margaritas and the service. There were plenty of people working at the restaurant, and they moved as a fluid team. It was hard to even tell who are particular waiter was because so many people came by to check on us, clear plates, bring more beverages, etc. I would definitely go back to El Taco Grande- good food, great service, and a fun atmosphere. read more

El Taco Grande doesn't offer any mockmeats or soy cheese options, but their vegetarian tacos and burritos are quite tasty and filling. The food here is prepared freshly and feels home-cooked and labored-over, rather than just "assembled" at cheaper Mexican joints. The portion sizes are huge and prices are fairly low. They use a ton of vegetables (broccoli, zuchinni, bell peppers and more) as the fillings for their dishes. Avocado is optional. Make sure to ask about their beans and rice, as I'm not sure they're vegetarian (lard and chicken broth, as usual). read more

I've eaten at the other El taco Grande several times and I was a little hesitant to try this location due to it being located in the sub basement of an old castle looking building. No, the atmosphere isn't hip, and the crowd isn't happening, but the food is really good. I know they're owned by the same people but to me this food just tasted a lot better, fresher. Their menu is extensive, and you'd be hard pressed to not find something you'll like. My main qualm with this restaurant is the guacamole, seriously. First, it's $7. I'd be OK with the price if it was tableside, but it comes out in this little cup, and it looks less than fresh, it's got the pale green color that makes me think it's been blended with sour cream, which makes my stomach turn. Avoid it, so not worth it. Pretty decent food, but really if you can't get quality guacamole at a Mexican restaurant, what's the point? read more

Stopped in to our favorite Mexican restaurant El Taco Grande. The queso pablano is excellent. It's an appetizer that my wife orders as an entree and shares with some with me. I get the Pancho Villa burrito. It's huge and very tasty ! Service is typically quick and the waiters are friendly. This restaurant has been a staple of downtown Batavia for longer than we have lived here which is 23 years. read more

El Taco Grande - Pancho Villa burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Batavia, Illinois

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You can't go wrong with El Taco Grande. Huge menu full of delicious Mexican items from the authentic to the truly "American' Mexican". Delcious food, big portions (if you care) and great Margaritas. Friendly service too. Right downtown Batavia - convenient for a date or a group. read more

Definitely my favorite Mexican Restaurant anywhere. Family recipe's well beyond taco's and burrito's. Especially favor the Steak dinner plates. All are great with their margaritas and fresh salsa. Yum! read more

mmmmm me belly is happy. I've been here twice now and both times I've been very satisfied. I first tried the Al pastor torta. very yummy and quite large. I returned again to explore more of he menu and found my one negative aspect of the restaurant, many dinners are a bit costly and no lunch menu. ok that was two. so again I found myself on the torta list. I tried a torta with chorizo and steak (I forget the name) but it turned out to be one of the best tortas of my career. very very good food, service was great. nice atmosphere once you get past the entryway, could use a little work in that area but overall very satisfied. read more

El Taco Grande - Al pastor torta - Mexican Near Me - Batavia, Illinois

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I'm sorry, but all in all I have to give this place a "Meh" I'm a al pastor connoisseur of sorts... which is what I had here. It was OK... but not great. And with a $10 price tag, the burrito was not impressive in either size or taste. There are many better, and more affordable, mexican restaurants in the area. read more

El Taco Grande - Al pastor burrito - Mexican Near Me - Batavia, Illinois

Bueno. Having been here quite a few times, I've invigorated my taste buds with more than one item on the menu. On my last visit, I scarfed down the Enchiladas de Desebrada (shredded beef or chicken, dipped in red sauce, topped with chopped onions, crumbled white cheese and served with rice and beans). The shredded beef had good flavor and the red sauce was exceptional. With a house margarita on the side, my stomach and taste buds were satisfied. Will return yet again... read more

The place is a little dirty, but the food (the menu is huge!) more than makes up for it. I true to make it to El Taco Grande every week if a can, if anything for the amazingly fresh Margaritas. Affordable, casual, and nice local feel. Staff is friendly and I take my friends here all the time (especially when I'm paying). read more

My family ordered curbside from here. The staff were helpful and using extra precaution in their food handling. Our meal was complete and delicious, it was a great experience and a great change of pace from home cooking during the "stay at home" order. read more

Large portions with average flavors...Over priced, especially when there is an event and they have a pop up tent; 'Mexican street corn' for $4 and the servers don't even know what they're being asked for if you were to order an elote...I'd call this your prototypical suburban Mexican restaurant that caters to large portions rather than mouth watering flavors. read more

Been here a few times before. Food is decent for the location but the service is atrocious. I just called to place an order and the guy who answered was a complete a**hole and didn't even let me finish my sentence before he hung up on me. If you're reading this dude, I was just gonna place my order based on what I've already had. I know you're busy at this time, but you could be more pleasant when talking to your customers. I wont be back nor will I recommend you ever again. read more

Visited on a Saturday evening with a large party compromised of repeat customers and people who had never been. I'll just say no one left hungry or disappointed. There was a wide variety of food. The food came out quickly, was delicious, and very authentic! The service was perfect and the owners chatted with us about our group. Our only complaint was the endless supply of house made chips and salsa which we couldn't stop stuffing our face full of! Will definitely be back! They also do take out so this could get dangerous! We loved it! read more

I'm from Dallas so I'm accustomed to great Mexican food. I've tried only a handful of Mexican places since moving here and been disappointed by all. El Taco Grande, however, does not disappoint. HUGE menu, excellent margaritas, fresh chips & salsa, and great service made this place very enjoyable. I had the chicken fajitas and they were outstanding. I will definitely be back soon to try some of their other great menu items. read more

Excellent food every time I go here. Not cheap but the burritos are good for a second meal as they are huge. Home made chips. Great salsa. Great service. I really need to try out the other entrees but I get a burrito every time as they are fantastic. Azteca burrito is monstrous and so flavorful. See my picture read more

El Taco Grande - Mexican Near Me - Batavia, Illinois