When it comes to a place like this, which is clearly a family-run "mom-and-pop" shop, I want to be a little more lenient. I recognize they are operating in a different environment, especially being over two hours away from the competition found in Chicago. In any case, I found myself hungry in Rock Falls, so I stopped in at La Familia. I had the opportunity to try a carnitas taco, an al pastor taco, and a tamale. I also ordered an horchata to drink. The food was a mixed bag, but with some notable high points. The highlight of the meal was the tamale. The exterior was soft and flavorful, and the interior was appropriately meaty with a good, mild flavor. I believe this was my first experience with a tamale, and it was an enjoyable one at that. For the tacos, I appreciated that the proteins, onion, and cilantro were all in balance and that they didn't skimp on the meat. I am a traditionalist and asked for my tacos with just onion and cilantro, rather than their standard of lettuce, tomato, and cheese. While the meat had a mild flavor and wasn't completely bland, it needed something more to stand on its own. To be fair, there is salsa, lime, and two varieties of El Yucateco hot sauce available. However, being the purist I am, it is my belief that food should be able to stand alone without condiments. That said, with these tacos, it felt like something was lacking--perhaps sauce, crema, or pineapple with the al pastor. I'd also like to call out the complimentary chips and salsa offered at the beginning of the meal. I loved that the salsa was served in a little spouted container and that the tortilla chips were clearly homemade. They were a bit unusual, with layers flaking off (not a bad thing, just not often seen in restaurants). I also liked that they had a little bit of salt... far too many places skip that, and how can you skip the salt? My horchata was an absolute delight with great flavor. It was a tad sweet for my taste, but that's more a matter of personal preference than a technical issue. The service was a major highlight. It was very kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. The staff was also quick and efficient. Final Verdict: La Familia is very solid and respectable as a family-run, home-cooking-style restaurant. While to be 100% honest it doesn't hold a candle to some of the things you might find in downtown Chicago, Pilsen, or Cicero, that isn't the expectation. With this in mind, it does its job well. While I'm not going to come all the way back to Rock Falls just to eat here, when I find myself in town, I can't say I would be totally against it. read more

La Familia - Chips and Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Rock Falls, Illinois

See all

Phenomenal spot I travel quite a bit . It's hard to find good food around here and this is definitely one that hit home for me. . And the service is incredible. Very clean. read more

La Familia - Mexican Near Me - Rock Falls, Illinois

Stopped in while visiting town. Food was great. Better than that, they CARE if you are satisfied! My daughter didn't eat much (she just wasn't very hungry) and they offered to change her food for something different when they noticed her mostly full plate. We had to insist that she liked it and just wasn't very hungry. That was REAL customer service! read more

We stopped at La Familia on the way out to Iowa and were in the mood for Mexican. While the ambiance is pretty standard mexican restaurant, we really enjoyed the family atmosphere down to the wedding pictures of the grandparents on the wall. The service was great and enjoyed meeting the family. Food was great. Enjoyed it all. read more

Very sad I go in there by myself I've been there. Plenty of times did on your give me chips they said no because you're only one person and then when I order my sopas, it's just a little bit of beans and a tiny bit of meat that they're charging extra for no toppings at all and they come back to give me toppings. It's OK but I'm never coming back here again. read more

I really like eating here. My grand fathers family I like seeing the family pictures on the wall. read more

10/10 food 15/10 service The food was affordable and delicious. The owner was so kind and the service was fast! Will be back next time we are in town for sure! read more

I haven't had true true Mexican lunch this good since leaving Tucson AZ over 20y ago. The food tasted incredible. It wasn't fancy, but you could tell that everything- even the chips? - were local or made in-house. Just fantastic. And the wait staff was really super nice. read more

La Familia - Free chips and salsa. Cup of spiced macaroni soup and a lunchtime beer with salt, lime and an olive! - Mexican Near Me - Rock Falls, Illinois

See all

Fairly good Mexican restaurant. We have lived in Mexico have high standards. They aim to please. The weight staff was OK. Not great.

In no way is this place fancy at all but the service is great and the food is flavorful and amazing. I don't pop in there often but when I do they never fail to impress me with the beautiful plates they give out. Not only that, all the waitstaff are very friendly so overall it's a great experience!!!! If you're ever in town I would highly recommend going there!! read more

I have eaten here a couple times . Both times had great food . And friendly staff and was helpful with suggestions prices were fare .

Carne asada was bland so we're the beans and rice. Pastor was alright. Just remember to bring cash!

Excellent! The owner is always there and says hello! I always get the same thing because it's so good! I should try something else but their chicken suizas are so good. read more

The short and sweet: The service was excellent an the gentleman serving us--who I imagine was the owner or one of them--knows how to run the place. He greeted, seated, served, and most likely had a hand in kitchen operations. The food was excellent. The details: People eating, laughing, having a good time, and everyone seemed very pleased with their service as well as their selections. Personally, we were passing through and are more acquainted with the various, authentic Mexican restaurants of San Diego, CA (near the Mexico border) so believe me when I say this was some of the best you're going to find anywhere (I had Saturday's carnitas). I'm certain a big part was how excited and proud the restaurant was of their items. Not in a boastful way but they had a genuine love for their restaurant that makes you want to share in their joy for the great food they serve. If our trip should take us back through this tiny little town I'll happily go a few miles out of my way to stop here just like we did the first time. Was looking for great food. Found it! read more

See all

Looks like a great place to eat and all but this place has maybe like a 25-30 minute wait time for your food.great food and great service the booths are really comfortable and the restaurant was looking really nice to.Definitely check it out when trying Mexican food!!! read more

Good Mexican food authentic specily the soup, friendly staff and cold beer. Cool little place to take the family.

This is very nice place to eat, Family style Mexican style. Also very friendly people and place that make you feel good and full of food too! read more

Great Mexican food in a place you might not expect it. Who knew that I could get quality al pastor tacos in Sterling, Illinois! My favorite type of taco inside of my favorite type of place. A real family establishment. Coming from the dusty borderlands between Arizona and Mexico, it's nice to know I can find a good bite out here as well. read more

La Familia - Mexican Near Me - Rock Falls, Illinois

See all

If you love spicy food like I do, then the 'Steak in Chile de Arbol Sauce' is for you. Beyond freaking good. 10/10 would recommend to anyone. read more

Authentic Mexican cooking at a fair price. Many people enjoy the food at La Familia. It's usually very busy there. If you would like authentic Mexican food with friendly sevice and delicious Mexican food than go La Familia? read more

This place serves legit Mexican food. Owners, Maria and David, and their staff treat customers like family. A gem in this town!

We're in Sterling only for my daughters swim meet and we looked for good restaurants in the area and found this one because of the yelp reviews. First walking in it really does seem like a family restaurant, nothing special as far as decor but all the staff was older and seemed related like family. La familia is an appropriate name for this restaurant. The waitress was really nice being patient with us as we practiced our spanish to order. The chips and salsa came with some tasty pork and was pretty good. She also gave us free soup which looked almost like chef boy ardee with macaroni pasta but it tasted much better. I ordered chicken fajitas and my daughter ordered fish tacos. The fajitas were good but nothing too special. The fish tacos were very good. The fish was fried in batter with a smidge of lime and were pretty big so you will definitely get full. I had to help her finish the 3rd taco. The prices are very reasonable plus yelp had a 15% coupon. If we have to drive out this way again, I would definitely consider eating here again. I like family run businesses and this is a good one. read more

Really delicious food and very friendly welcoming owners. I love mexican food and this place was an unexpected surprise. My family and I were on a long road trip and we just needed to stop and get a quick bite. They welcome you with chips and salsa and sample of their mouth watering carnitas (shredded pork). Needless to say, we all had the carnitas platter. I believe it's one of their specialties. Since we were just passing by, we may never see this place again but I encourage anyone that is heading east (probably to Chicago) stop by La Familia, they will make you feel right at home. read more

Grub looked like dog food- tasted a little bit better though. I took two bites and had to push the plate away. I will not be returning. Way overrated spot...... read more

Warm, friendly and efficient service! Delicious food. We loved this place! We were greeted with smiles as soon as we entered. Food and service were wonderful. Loved the chunky guacamole and fish tacos. Will return! read more

We found LaFamilia Restaurant in Rock Falls Il on a road trip to Chicago and are delighted we stopped for lunch. From the warm fresh chips and salsa to the beef taco salad and veggie quesadilla, we were delighted by the flavors and freshness. We asked for spicier salsa and additional cilantro on the salad and both requests were granted quickly. When we first entered we were impressed with the charm and cleanliness and tasteful decor. That first impression was enhanced further when the owner, Dave, came out and sat down with us. We exchanged stories about families and visits to Mexico. During the conversation, Dave introduced us to their specialty coffee cake business and even took us on a tour of the bakery and then sent is on our way with some samples. Dave and Maria run an authentic charming restaurant - so worth a stop! Thanks, Dave, we will be back! Dale and Rose, NE read more

Great Mexican food! Food is very traditional, and the weekend specials are the best, from seafood to steaks you will not be disappointed

Food excellent, nice people, goods hats, amazing service, and of course the complimentary soup is 10/10

Very good price and fast service. Out of towner that found it on yelp and was not disappointed. Order filled me up and was only $15.00. Great price. Easy to find... right down the street from the hotel and easy parking. Not fancy and not loud. Great for a casual cheap dinner. read more

I have been wanting to try this place. And shoot and scores. Really good authentic Mexican food!! I had tostoda with carnitas , it was delicious. The service was very good also. The soup not so much. I would definitely come back when I'm in the area. read more

La Familia - Tostoda with beans - Mexican Near Me - Rock Falls, Illinois

Easy to eat meatless or vegetarian meals here. read more

La Familia - Tostadas with fresh sliced avocado. - Mexican Near Me - Rock Falls, Illinois

Greatest fresh chips and salsa! Very crisp, light and fresh. Highly recommend the Gorditas or the giant burrito. Carnitas are very tender and flavorful! The place lives up to its name with many generations working there over the years. The owners are friendly and attentive to their patrons. read more

Welcoming and warm ambiance, great testing authentic Mexican foods that that would surely keep you coming back for more. Exceptional costumer service. read more

Let me start by saying I'm from Chicago and go to tons of Mexican restaurants every year. From traditional Mexican places to Mexican fusion. This is by far one of the best Mexican restaurants I've been to. We took a chance on it on our way back from Davenport and I'm soooo glad we did. The food is phenomenal and better yet the owners are some of the nicest people I've ever met!! Make this your stop, if you want super friendly customer service and fabulous food! read more

My group has been stopping here for many years on our annual bicycle ride. This is a wonderful family run restaurant. They are always so glad to see us and do their best to make us feel right at home. The food is great and the service is tops! read more

My girlfriend and I ate at La Familia tonight for Cinco de Mayo. Both the atmosphere and the food were excellent, as always. I don't think I've personally ever had a negative experience here. When the owner brought our check tonight, he noticed that I was wearing a Northern Illinois University jacket. He started talking about his children previously attending NIU. After speaking with us further, he found out that we are both teachers. He went on to tell us that he had previously served on an area school board for a number of years, and talked about how much he appreciates teachers. When we went to the register to pay our bill, he thanked us for our service and reiterated how much he appreciates teachers. He then told us to take a coffee cake on the way out. It's really nice to know that there are still people out there that appreciate teachers and education. read more

Clean, friendly, fast. The chips are homemade. They were flaky. Salsa was good. They served some "soup" with our meal. It can only be described as a tomato broth with a generous amount of elbow macaroni. It was tasteless. They had minimal margarita choices....lime and strawberry. I had a chicken quesadilla and my husband had a chicken chimichanga. The chimi was lettuce and tomatoes in the fried tortilla. It looked like a deep fried chicken burrito. It was just okay. read more

Awesome food and awesome people Their food has always been delicious timely and everybody there is very friendly great place to go and eat it if he reads this this is the son of Darlow the cable guy that always came in and got the soup LOL read more

I was very pleased with the quality of service and taste of food. This is short little review, but I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again if I'm ever in Rock Falls again. read more

Excellent. Well worth the stop and eat in. Very authentic - try the guacamole and side of queso. Do not pass this place up!