Look, I've been patronizing Mexican joints in Bloomington-Normal since antes de que fuera cool, and…read moreI need to talk about what's happening at Herradura. THE GOOD: The service here operates at quantum speeds. I'm talking food-to-table in approximately 5 minutes. Did they have a DeLorean in the kitchen? Did they start cooking when I pulled into the parking lot? I don't know, but physics was definitely involved. The presentation looked solid--everything arrived hot and reasonably photogenic. THE "WAIT, WHAT?": Friends, we need to discuss the Great Portion Shrinkage of 2026. Herradura has apparently discovered the restaurant industry's worst-kept secret: instead of raising prices a reasonable amount, just slash 10% off the menu and reduce portions by 35%. It's like getting a "discount" on a car, but they removed the back seats and the radio. The chimichangas arrived looking like they'd been on a strict juice cleanse--smaller than expected and committing the cardinal sin of sogginess. These weren't the crispy flavor bombs I remember. They were more like... flavor water balloons? Still edible, but not exactly chimichanga hall-of-fame material. THE CHEESE TAX: Here's where things got personal. I've been a loyal "little extra cheese on the rice" guy for years. Today? Nearly FIVE DOLLARS for what amounts to 4 tablespoons of queso. That's approximately $127 per pound if my mental math is correct (it's not, but you get the point). I've seen cheaper cheese at artisanal farmer's markets run by bearded hipsters in suspenders. The beef tacos were... fine. That's the review. Fine. They existed. They were tacos. Moving on. THE VERDICT: On the Bloomington-Normal Nickel-and-Dime Scale™, Herradura ranks on the lower end, which is actually saying something in this town where inflation is hitting Mexican restaurants like they personally offended the economy. Will I be back? Yes. Will it be soon? No. Next time I'm trying the cheesesteak because apparently I'm a glutton for punishment and also curious if it comes in "fun size" now too. Pro tip: Bring your own cheese. Save $5. Live your best life. Also i turned macro mode on for my camera. Objects look bigger than they appear in person. Atmosphere: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Food Quality: 3/5 | Value: 2/5 | Portion Size: 1.5/5

Choritacos (chorizo + another protein) and Dos Equis Amber are principally what I need every once…read morein a while and the lady really is a fan of good steak tacos, beans and rice. We like this place just as much as the more upscale East side joints...and ya know what...it's a bit cheaper and seems to stay pretty busy despite its 'back of the strip mall/behind a tire shop' location. Pretty fast efficient service too all things considered.

Everything was solid to really good. The fajitas for 2 came with a variety of meats, steak,…read morechicken, pork, and shrimp. All were good, but the pork stood out as moist and very tasty. Enjoyed the Guac as well as the complimentary Chips. The guac was creamy and very tasty to me. My wife said it was just ok. The beans and rice were standard, but that's ok. The sever handled the party of 14 with with 5 different checks excellently. Would definitely recommend.

Wife and I always have a good experience here - Great food, good service, very fast and efficient!…read moreHaven't found anything on the menu i didn't like. My wife also has celiac and she hasn't been sick from eating here. 10/10!

The service was good and the ambience was nice, but the food? Atrocious! Easily some of the worst…read moreMexican food I've ever had the displeasure of eating. From the watered down choriqueso to the bland street tacos, I could've had a better meal from Taco Bell for less money. The manager doesn't take his/her job seriously. If the food was being tasted at the pass (before leaving the kitchen), there wouldn't be so many negative reviews for this restaurant. But the fact that there is (so many negative reviews), it's a glaring indication that management simply doesn't care.

Food was terrible. Chips tasted like they were fried in old oil. Then my meal came out and it was…read morebarely warm. I didn't say anything to our waiter because I fear they will do something to it. I had a margarita and it was good but not anything special. My husband had a steak burrito and it was slim on meat and not very hot either. The ambiance is a normal Mexican restaurant. When we were leaving there was a meal that came out and it smelled like it was burnt. We will not be back to this restaurant.

First time in Bloomington and needed some tacos for Taco Tuesday. This spot was perfect. The tacos…read morewere flavorful and hit the spot, and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. You can tell it's more than just a restaurant -- it feels like a community space where people are genuinely welcomed. Definitely glad I stopped in, and I'd come back again next time I'm in town.

When you enter Veracruz you see an incredible listing of all of food choices. It would take a…read morewhile to work your way through the entrees. You order at the counter, find a table and they deliver your selections. I had the Al Pastor Tacos, which were well seasoned and very tender. My wife ordered the Chicken Quesadillas which was also very tasty. We've been looking for a good Mexican restaurant since moving here this will be our go to place.

My favorite Mexican restaurant ever- my usual is the quesadilla dinner with chicken and the veggies…read moreare my favorite and cooked to perfection. staff is always so nice. i've always had a great experience. bathrooms are super clean and the restaurant always is too.

Excellent food and awesome service every time! My entire family eats here multiple times per month…read moreand we always have a great experience.

Today was their opening day! I had the fish plate with watermelon lemonade! The fish was seasoned…read moreand cooked perfect! Please visit them at this location on today and tomorrow. 208 Parkinson St. in Normal- Turn on the street right before the railroad crossing! Look for the Orange Food Truck in the parking lot. You will not be disappointed!

Great service and great food. Didn't take long to make either. They've got fold out seating if you…read morewant to eat on the spot.

Do not waste your time at this crappy restaurant we had two online orders both were canceled…read morebecause they were busy yet. They didn't have the courtesy to actually call and let us know. I would never recommend this place even to my worst enemy. They are assholes..

Food with flavor !! Food selection is great , staff are still new and you can tell but mistakes…read morewill happen and you can tell they care just trying to get the hang of stuff. The food is like nothing else you can get in blo-no and the prices are good!

Initial impression after two 'partial' visits...if you don't mind waiting (or are partial to a…read moredelayed carry-out/delivery and you don't mind lemon pepper seasoning, there are fantastic fried wings and fish at this place. Not quite as light and airy of a batter as say 'On The Hook' fried fish, but the cornmeal crust here is tasty without being overly greasy and is liberally tossed with the aforementioned LP. For the first visit I was happy to see what looked like a pile of freshly fried wings come out through the kitchen window, and in kind ordered us only wings and drinks. They were hot and tasty, but still took 15 mins. The second visit was just for the fish and I watched them dredge and fry it. Turnaround time, just under 15 mins. Neither scenario was during peak lunch or dinner rush (2 & 3 pm timeframes) but in both cases the lot was fairly full and there were ~10-12 patrons, mostly waiting. Like everything in BloNo, I'll wait for things to die down a bit before trying what looks like a way more sizeable menu (Italian beef's?) than I anticipated.

I recommend! Generous portion sizes worth every buck…read more Food is well-made and fast! It's not greasy compared to fast food options.