Well, on my last and only review, I said we'll be back. But I didn't say when, and all of the sudden, yikes, 7 years have past (since the review, but "only" 5.5 years since our last visit and I only figured that from my photo dates). Oh well, tonight we picked up a carryout dinner of their Hay Caramba combo #1 dinner ($13.90) and their Enchiladas En Salsa Rancheras dinner ($14.50). They were both A-OK and met expectations in taste and quality. I would recommend they update their online menu pricing with the current actuals, as one dinner went from $13.50 to $13.90 and the other from $12.90 to $14.50. Having up to date pricing online seems to be a common problem for many restaurants, and I'll cut some slack at this time when any restaurant is doing a commendable job just to survive the pandemic and get to the other side. I also wasn't surprised upon paying at pickup as I've gotten into habit of checking prices when ordering. But when we get to the other side, I'd like to see all businesses keep their online pricing up to date, just sayin'. Thanks in any event for the decent dinner, Hay Caramba, and sorry about this untimely generalized rant that happened upon your review. read more

First time here. Wasn't too crazy about it. Maybe it's not what I'm use to. I came hungry but I left full that's why I'm giving it 3stars. I had the premium maragrita and he said something about adding something sweet in the drink I agreed it wasn't bad but just never heard of that. The food wasn't bad either but I've had better toastdos more neater. And I just didn't feel it was a nice vibe here. Only came to say I've supported. Don't think I will return. read more

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So I have always enjoyed the food and ambiance is very nice. It is beautifully decorated. However right before Covid March of 2020 I happened to have inside information that they were trying to sell this restaurant. Covid had financially drained every restaurant and for obvious reasons it was a ln uphill battle just to survive. So with that being said I begin my review. The prices in this place are unbelievably high. I frequent Rick Bayless's restaurant XOCO and they are not as expensive as Hay Curumba on Park Ridge. One single Chicken taco is $4? One more time "one chicken taco $4". The food is delicious but they are obviously trying to break the bank for all of their longtime customers. The prices have dramatically increased but my gosh this place to just blatantly ripping off customers. The staff that work here are just as nice as can be and have been there for quite some time. SonI give the staff 5 stars and I give the restaurant 1 star based on value. read more

Truly impressive for this awesome Mexican food this far north. Asada was so tender. Restaurant is set to look like you are outside in a courtyard. Service was as good as it gets. read more

Sitting outside eating dinner & can't believe the people walking past diners not wearing masks ! Even some of the diners coming in aren't wearing them ! I'm a bit disappointed they aren't enforcing the COVID 19 rules ! & they are now letting people inside without mask on ! ‍ read more

I went here one night based on recommendations, and I knew that there must be a reason I've never been to this place living in Park Ridge all of my life. That reason is because it's not that good. The decor is cute. The host was very sweet and friendly. Our waiter was fantastic. He was super attentive and I had people continuously filling my glass of water throughout my dinner. Our appetizer came out super quick (Queso Fundido - which was just OK. It was super rubbery and not so queso-like). Food came out minutes after we ordered. I ordered Steak and Chicken Fajitas and everything was good on my plate but the steak. Dry, lacked flavor and just bad overall. The guacamole is very good. My husband ordered the Carne Esada (Skirt Steak) and it was very good. Tender, juicy and tasty. That was probably the only good thing ordered. I ordered coffee and it tasted dirty and gritty. Kind of like instant coffee. I'm sure that's what it was. My husband ordered flan and he said it was terrible. I hate knocking this place because everyone was so kind, but the food just wasn't good and I won't be returning. read more

Hay Caramba - Chicken and Steak Fajitas at Hay Caramba - Mexican Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

I just over a year this place turned into a real disappointment. Tasteless beans and rice. Guacamole looked like Soylent green. No value, portions smaller . Won't be back. read more

Great food, great ambiance, family friendly. The owners were very gracious and accommodating! Can't wait to go back.

Placed a to-go order for nachos, enchiladas, the burro grande, and quesadillas! Service was so quick, the staff very friendly, sadly not everyone wearing their masks though.. The food was great! We got an order of 'free' chips and salsa (like they give at the table when you dine-in), the chips were crisp and thick, and the salsa so flavorful. Salsa wasn't smokey, just your standard tomato-onion based and it had a great mildly spicey kick! The burro grande was by far my favorite, I would go back for that alone and pick it up to take on the go anywhere. If you're a vegetarian like me, ask them to sub the protein in the burrito for guac and they won't charge extra for the guac! There was a perfect amount in there too, super fresh and green even after waiting a couple hours to eat it! Enchiladas were also good, slightly over-salted. I wouldn't recommend those as a "re-heatable" option, however. They would be best fresh. Nachos were also a favorite! They did get soggy by the time I picked up/drove home with them, but that's understandable. They would've been even tastier fresh. Quesadillas were standard, nothing special. We got all this food for $40, not exactly cheap, but a good price for the amount of food to easily feed 2-3 people. Excited to visit their outdoor patio seating on our next visit. read more

Great atmosphere- cute outdoor patio and beautifully decorated interior. Food is delicious- highly recommend the Pollo en Mole. Also love the enchiladas and tacos Al pastor. Margaritas were also enjoyable. A memorable and tasty dinner in a fun, spirited location. Don't pass it up! read more

Not really my favorite Mexican place. I would't say its the worst but i'm also comparing to to TX places. Overall I would say the food is just bland and not seasoned too well and the chips were stale tasting (at least on the day we were there). Maybe it was an off day but since I'm not from here I probably won't be coming back anytime soon. I didn't get to try their margaritas so I'll have to leave that up to others. Service wasn't horrible just wasn't anything to remember. Either way I hope they get their act together or they won't be around in a year. Justin read more

I alway come to Chicago because of my family. This was my first time coming to hay caramba all I have to say is love love LOVE the food here! The stuffing was very nice and welcoming. Our server was very nice and very talkative to us and I love that! I wish I got his name but very nice man! We enjoy our time here definitely would come here again! read more

A friend and I had dinner at Hay Caramba last Friday and ordered guacamole for an appetizer. The server came to our table and made FRESH guacamole right in front of us allowing us to have some input regarding the ingredients. Hmmm, delish. Then came dinner. I had the Pollo en Mole...fantastico !!! Hay Caramba !! I'll be back !! My friend however had the Milanesa and commented that it was just ok, a little dry. I should note that my friend is always fussy and should not be taken too seriously. Oh, I should mention that the place was packed. ( dinner time). You might want to get there early... Or.... after 9:00 pm when the crowd thins out. Then again, you can always wait at the bar and have a couple of pre-dinner drinks. I've eaten there before and will definitely return. The mole sauce is excellent !!! Hay Caramba , nos vemos en seguida. read more

This place serves bland overpriced food. If you're in the mood for that, go for it! First off, the service was very attentive and friendly. Other than that, I did not enjoy dining here. The "salsa" they brought out with the chips was definitely marinara sauce, perhaps with a little bit of hot sauce mixed in. It was so weird. The guacamole was overpriced and although prepared fresh tableside, we did not receive very much for the price and it tasted just ok. My tostadas meal was so bland and included old tomatoes and a pile of shredded iceberg lettuce and a few flecks of shredded cheese on top. It was some of the worst tostadas I've ever had. I won't be coming back - there are so many better options for Mexican food! read more

Amazing food and great atmosphere. A very cute place and blows the Mexican places around me out of the water. Definitely recommend.

This place continues the neighborhood tradition of Don Juan's in Edison Park of overpriced, poor service, horrible food Mexican food. The flavor in the combo fajita was non existent and the $10 nachos are the epitome of just how horrible this restaurant is. I would rather drive to Rosemont at go to Marie's or Cilantro. I'm shocked they are still in business. read more

Had a super bummer experience tonight here. The food wasn't good the tortillas were old and the "half pitcher" of margs is just two margs, which seems silly. The real issue was the service. We were seated right away and got our drink orders taken. We sat for over 20 minutes trying to flag down our server to order food. The restaurant had plenty of empty tables. When I finally did get him to come over and ask if we could put in our food order he just said "wait a minute" and walked away. No apology, no please and thank you. :( and eventually he did come back and we placed our order which took another 25 minutes. He did not check on us once during our meal or ask if we needed more drinks when our glasses were empty. It seemed like all the tables around us were having the same experience. read more

Great place for solid food. I ordered the house special with the steak and taco and it was delicious and well seasoned. The ambiance was wonderful and the live music really added to the experience. Service was quick, kind, and incredibly on point. You know when you're having a good time and you didn't even notice that your water was already refilled? It's that good. p.s. Fruity margaritas here are a must with your food. read more

We had just left from that place, I am shocked that I am writing this review. I am only being truthful. Ambiance is good. Food and service were HORRIBLE! Our server was non engaging. Not friendly and/or made an effort of small talk. Made our party very uncomfortable Food came to us COLD!! Seriously, we ordered 7 Carne Asada dinners. Each steak was cold. Our kids said their food was cold. I thought it was just me. I asked our server if he could put my steak back on the grill as my steak was cold. I was shocked that he came back two minutes later. He put it in a microwave to reheat it. Why would you do that? If you order a steak, it should be hot and fresh and not cold. Nobody in our group finished their food. As the kids mentioned, it was "Disgusting". I was surprised what our kids had said. Our server did not ask how was the food. I iiterally put on the receipt, Cold Food - Horrible! You think they will read what I wrote on the receipt. I am not looking for anything free but was shocked that no one cared what I wrote. Bottom line, go somewhere else. Their service and most importantly, their food was really bad. Never had a bad experience in any restaurant, but for me to write a negative review and my first review at that is very concerning. I understand one dinner plate can be bad, but all seven?! We will never go there again. We will be going to Maria's next time. HORRIBLE FOOD AND EXPERIENCE!! read more

I hadn't been to this place since the moved to the new location and that's many years ago. A friend and I decided to give it a try as I've heard good things about it. First off it's a nice looking place, very airy and bright and nicely decorated. Upons being seated chips and salsa were quickly delivered to our table , salsa was good with just enough heat, chip were chips. I had the skirt steak and one cheese enchilada , rice and beans , my friend another combo plate with a enchilada , taco , & chili relleno . My friend seemed to enjoy her's , me not so much. My skirt steak was pounded out to a thin piece of meat and my enchilada had no taste and was not hot or even warm. The beans were runny , the rice was fine. We finished up with the fried ice cream with honey and it was good but needed more honey then the dribble the put on. Wait staff was not very attentive . Would I go back, maybe if it's where people really wanted to go but obviously order something else. I think this place is way overrated and prices seemed average . read more

The service was bad, not very helpful and totally attitude when you ask questions about food. Wasn't that busy to excuse the service. Good wasn't that good either. read more

Nestled away in sleepy little Park Ridge resides "Hay Caramba"! A Mexican restaurant that certainly looked like a good one based on it's beautiful spansh inspired decor. Clean,airy, bright. This place nearly had me convinced, if I didn't have to eat anything! Let the games begin! Some stale corn chips and salsa eventually made there way to the table. The menu that was provided I was told was an older menu and would not reflect the actual cost of each item. I decided on the chicken fajitas. Man, how difficult is this dish to perfect!! I have no idea the challenges a trained chef has to face to make this somewhat basic dish. Truth be known, Hay Caramba is in line to win Spartan's coveted "I don't give a crap you'll eat what I give you and like it award!! 60 bucks lighter I feel like a complete idiot being duped with what just transpired. In a addition the beef enchilada entree by the looks of it appeared to have been frozen and reheated. This was evident due largely in part to the amount of water found on the plate. Im not sure what passes for fresh anymore. I didn't realize freshness and quality were based on a sliding scale. read more

Ay, ya, ya, yay, canta y no llores . . .yup, the Mariachi band was rockin' it. My first visit to this little restaurant in the village of Park Ridge. That's Indian for land of criss-crossed streets. The brightly covered tables and the band had me up doing a Salsa, while the others around me were busy eating their salsa. On a busy Saturday evening our wait was about 2 minutes. Everyone raved about their selected entrees, and no one wanted to share. Just an excuse to return to try something else. Service was just right providing a chance to visit and catch up with our dinner guests. Of course, the mariachi band did require us to use our outdoor voices, but then again, so was everyone else. Loved the décor and the whole enchilada. Packaged just right. Ole. read more

Great food. Great drinks. Great service. However, very disappointed seeing people get seated without masks on and walking to the bathroom without masks on. Won't be back until this has changed. read more

If your a straight up suburbanite American with no cultural of culinary knowledge you will love this place. Definitely a step up from taco bell. If you have any intellect or interest on dinning or cuisine what so ever you will stay away from here. Their pico de galo is loaded with salt in order to mask their poor selection of produce. The queso fundito was so watery that when I complained the owner told me it had mozzarella in it.... How is that a Mexican dish? Even Mozzarella should not be watery when melted. The only appealing thing about this establishment is the decor, it seems as if they put all their effort into the looks of the place, even tough they spelled Ay caramba, "hay caramba", where's Bart Simpson and homer? Do not eat here if you want quality food, stay away if you have any decency for quality. Try sol de Mexico or even a local taco shack. read more

Quacamole made right by ur table AMAZING! Real good Food awesome awsome. Saul was our server. What a great guy with great customer service and always making sure we are ok! Love this place always a good experience here read more

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We stopped for appetizers and drinks. Ceviche and shrimp and octopus cocktail -- refreshing and tasty. Great food! We will go back for sure! My wife had a special margarita which she said was the best she has ever tasted. read more

I was here recently and appreciated how they've upped their food and margarita game. The staff have always been wonderful, but the food has definitely gotten better. My husband loves the enchiladas mole and commented that the mole sauce seems to be spicier, which is good. I definitely recommend the taco salad which is fresh and the ideal size for me. The Cuervo Gold Margarita that I had was perfect! read more

We came here because we were looking for a place not far from the airport to have a late lunch with family. I used to live in Park Ridge but I don't remember this restaurant, even though it's been around for a long time. We arrived at 3pm on a Wednesday. The place was empty. So why was our server so inattentive? There were six of us, and while the food arrived quickly, any interaction with our waiter was sparse. So much so that by the time we left, I was worried we would not make it to the airport on time for our flight at 8:40. The food was mediocre at best. read more

No! Just a simple no would suffice in this dining adventure. I am not going to do my usual lengthy review. This is all you need to know to make a decision to visit this place and give them your dining dollars. The food is flavorless, the portions are weak to say the least. It's like a restaurant that is serving up Tostinos frozen rolls fresh out of the microwave. The overall experience was very impersonal, very robotic. Very disappointing experience that we will not come back. Actually went some place else to get something else to eat...sad!! read more

Hay Caramba - Mexican Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

Surprise! You have this HUGE Mexican restaurant smack in the middle of wha??? Park Ridge! I grew up here and I had to ask my brother if this was here when we were going to school. He said no. I was like, who knew? I mean the place is so misleading based on its location you think its going to be small and then its much bigger. Location is great. The place and ambiance is really good. The food though... is ok and meh. Chimichanga on the menu? Ohhh let me order it. It wasn't the smallest one I've ever had (I need to review that one time it was less than a hot pocket size) but it wasn't Chi-Chi's sized either. Chi-Chis... do they even have those anymore? Anyway... there was a table of 7 and a couple people got grilled tilapia, a mix of taco salad, tamales, enchiladas and chimichanga. Chimichanga in taste was ok... tamales were a little meh for me. (yes, I got to taste a few things.) Would I go back? If I'm really craving Mexican food and I can't drive far and I don't know any other divey places in Des Plaines that has better. Price wise its less than Uncle Julio's but I think Uncle Julio's is a little tastier. Service was good and given their small water glasses they had to keep coming to our table to fill the glasses (poor guys). Oh while I thoroughly enjoyed the table side guac... skip any melted cheese nonsense. Not worth the money. Just my two cents. read more

Great dinner. The owner "Bull" is a friendly accommodating guy that oversees the operation along with his kids. The drinks were great as was the guacamole and the queso for appetizers. The entree portions were plentiful between the fajitas and the skirt steak and tacos. All the food was delicious and flavorful and the room was warm and inviting. But the best part was the sipping tequila after dinner. It was a fun evening and we'll be back. read more

I loved their Al Pastor tacos, they were delicious. Great local taco place that my family and I have been eating at for years.

Hay Caramba was good, but nothing wow. In my opinion it deserves 3.5 stars. The place was beautiful. High ceilings, with great natural lighting. The decor was super colorful and if I may say probably the cleanest place ever. The service was great as well but the food was okay. We had guac, chiliquilas, enchiladas and chicken tacos. The guac and chiliquilas were fantastic but the main courses were bland. It is the kind of place that you don't mind going but it is quite forgettable. If I am in the area, I will stop by. read more

Hay Caramba - Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

This place is consistent - good, unfussy food and great service. They're quick to get all orders out and always helpful. Their current set up with curbside pickup is the best I've seen over the last few weeks. Give them a try, I recommend the tortas & fajitas. read more

Had a wonderful time here, really good frozen strawberry margaritas and they had a combo plate that was very tasty, cheese enchilada with mole' sauce, chicken taco and carne asada read more

Hay Caramba - Mexican Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

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Wonderful food and beautiful location! I highly recommend Hay Caramba to anyone in the mood for delicious, authentic Mexican food. Some of my favorite things to eat here are their guac, chicken tacos, skirt steak, and enchiladas rancheras! So yummy. read more

Went here recently for the first time. We sat on the patio and had a nice meal. I enjoyed steak fajitas and my husband had a chimichanga that he said tasted good. I took one star off because the tortilla chips and salsa weren't my favorite. I prefer the lighter and crispier type of tortilla chips. read more

Tonight was our second trip to this restaurant in as many years. The first experience was okay and I believe for the others in our party it was also at least okay. The first trip did not get me to remember the restaurant name and location,or make me want go back, and tonight's visit was pretty much out of location convenience for all in the party. I'm a little, Mexican steak and "chickened" out lately, so I was looking forward to the Caldo Seite Mares-Seven Seas Soup and all of the seafood that it is comprised of normally in most recipes. I have to say, it was okay, but disappointing. Maybe I had set my sights too high for the trip as we haven't been eating out very much in the past few months. The broth was flavorful and spicy, but the ingredients were lacking flavor and there was very little for the cost and bowl size. Bowl of soup was $18.90 and as far as size goes, it was a little bigger than a Fiestaware Gusto bowl. It would have been nice if they at least made up for the lack of seafood with more vegetables. That wasn't the case here. There was a lot of broth, though.Potatoes and carrots in the soup and cilantro and onions on the side to add to taste. Four tortillas as well with the meal.I know you don't want to go overboard on the carrots because the soup can get too sweet, but there was on piece of fish, a couple small crab claws, several shrimp, a couple smaller pieces of octopus and lobster, and 1 larger clam that took up a lot of space with its shell. It might be the norm at this restaurant, but when all I really saw at first was the edges of the clam shell sticking out of the broth, I should have known where we were headed. The others in the party noted their chicken and beef entrees were good, so maybe this is just not the place for Mexican seafood soup. I'd probably go 2.5 stars but not as high as 3 based on the soup. Second round of beers could have came with a new, clean glass also, rather than having to pour it into the same pint glasses we were finishing. I wanted to enjoy the soup, just didn't. I have other Mexican restaurants I would rather patronize when it comes down to a decision. Unless I have to meet a party of people there in the future, I probably would spend my time and money elsewhere. Your mileage may vary. read more

The food here is good and the portions are reasonable. This is not the "Typical" carb platter consisting of refried beans and rice. I had the Chimichanga which was the size of a hot pocket. I had steak and it was not over salty or tough. The prices are more on the spends side than some of the Mexican restaurants in Chicago. The chicken fingers for kids is $10. I asked the waiter if this was correct and he said it was. That is a bit high in my book. The service was good and the people working there were polite and friendly. Overall it was a pleasant dinner. read more