Great people serving great food. How about some chorizo and egg tacos for breakfast? Enchiladas with mole for dinner? Yea please!

Food & Service are very good. Don't sleep on their tamales as they are excellent. Intimate dining space , get there early on weekends.

Doesn't look like much just being a little mom and pop Mexican shop but their taco's are great!!!

Sorry the tacos werent up to par, especially if tacos cost around $3 each. It wasn't even that busy but the service was super slow. The reviews looked good, which is why I picked the place. Sorry to say I will not be back. Don't waste your money here. read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. My girlfriend turned me on to this place and has been going there for years. My favorites are the barbacoa tacos: 2 soft corn tortillas wrapped around moist and tender shredded beef dressed with steamed onions and cilantro - absolute heaven! She gets the poblano chicken with mole. Also the fish tacos are tremendous! And the soup! OMG, get the home made chicken soup! (apparently Rick Tremonto always orders it) 3 pieces of chicken (bone in or off) in a huge bowl of broth with carrots and potatoes. Comes with a side of tortillas, chopped onions, cilantro, and limes to season to taste. Atmosphere is modest but the food is awesome. The only thing I don't like is the picante they serve with the chips. It is too hot (jalepeno-ey) for my gringo palate. We order the guacamole (a bit pricey), which always comes out promptly, so that we can mix it with that. But you can order a milder version of the picante if you prefer. Service is always quick and friendly; free refills on drinks too. It is located right around the corner from the drum store on Palatine road just west a couple blocks of the Metra tracks on Brockway across from the hardware store. read more

Best Mexican food in palatine. I can always judge a food Mexican restaurant by its salsa, and theirs is excellent. chili relleno is fantastic! read more

My mom brought me here, saying "it's the BEST Mexican food in Palatine!" And then we came here and I felt really bad for her. If you think this is the best, you haven't had real Mexican. Even in Palatine. Mexico Uno is a bizarre mix between hole-in-the-wall and legit Mexican in terms of decor. It's weird. It's small. Like, uncomfortably small for dining in. But what's worse is the food. The chips and salsa were stale and watery, respectively. And I couldn't eat more than a couple bites of my enchiladas. They were bland, cold, and chewy. No good, no good at all. Being in the suburbs is no excuse for eating bad food! You're better off at Mago Grill for nicer, better food, or Pancho's for true hole-in-the-wall Mexican. read more

Beef was unseasoned, salsas were very bland and the food was slightly overpriced for the portion size. Did not have a great experience, could barely finish any food and I have been to multiple authentic Mexican restaurants. Might have just been a bad day, staff was friendly and attentive though. read more

The place is fairly small but it's nice. intimate. The staff is friendly and the service was definitely adequate. Prices are a little high but not too crazy. It's fairly in line with a sit down mexican restaurant. I got the combination plate. Beans n rice were good. Enchilada and tostada were dry and boring tasting. Taco completely fell apart and wasn't very good overall. The chimichanga my gf got was very boring and plain. The torta had too much bread and again was boring and not put together well. mini quesadillas were good, they add onion and what i think was a tomato sauce. It did, however, make me realize one of the common denominators in the bland tasting food was the tortilla. The tortilla and cheese just seemed boring for whatever reason. The onions really helped it pop. All those aside, the tamales are possibly the best i have ever had. They were sooo good. They were featured on Chicago's Best and now i know why. Also, the pico de gallo they gave was also really good. We ended up putting it on the other stuff so it would ave flavor and not taste so bland. I will definitely be back for tamales and i'll probably give the fajitas a go. Hoping to up the stars on my review. read more

Mexico Uno - Chimichanga & Quesadillas - Mexican Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

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This place is somewhat unassuming in, from what I been told, the downtown area of Palatine. I'm not too familiar with the downtown area, but if this is indeed downtown, I'm surprised how everything is so spaced out -- there's no one area of shops... but maybe I'm wrong. Anywho, this place is unassuming so its easy to miss it as its not on a stand-alone building, but sandwiched in between buildings. The area has plenty of parking and we had no problem finding a spot right in front of the restaurant. Inside, the place was decent sized. If I had to guess, it can probably fit about 50 people. The place has an open kitchen which is in the back. Bathrooms to the left and a tiny bar area on the right side near the front of the place. The service was pretty good -- they never allowed our water glasses to be empty and the free WARM chips and salsa was endless. The chips were salty and warm (thats what she said) and it came with pico de gallo and some kickin' spicy green salsa. We ordered the guac which came in a decent-sized oval shaped bowl. It was around $6 but it was tasty. I believe the price is reasonable and comparable to wherever you find guac. I ordered the shrimp fajitas, no cheese or sour cream and corn tortillas. The shrimp that came with this was HUGE! It should have been called prawn fajitas. It was extremely flavorful and the lady upon my request gave me a small bowl of hot peppers, carrots, and onions. Muy bueno! BATHROOM REVIEW: The bathroom as mentioned is near the back by the kitchen. It is a single stall bathroom. Upon entereing, it was a super bright bathroom. Mostly all white tiles with one hanging sink and a toilet. There was a big sign from the Palatine Department of Health informing how employees must wash their hand. Overall, pretty clean... and like I said, BRIGHT. sit or squat? I'd sit, and maybe go tanning while I'm at it ;-) read more

Recommended from a friend from my parish and he eats there (Hispanic Heritage). We tried it and the Staff was friendly, place is on the small side but welcoming. Food was tasty. Summertime, you can sit outside al fresco and soak in the neighborhood. Another good option for when it comes to good authentic Mexican faire in Palatine. Cheers! read more

Complimentary: Warm chips Pico de Gallo Very steamy cup of Tomato Soup - I think it's soup, it wasn't spicy to be hot sauce It's a nice family restaurant. Good smiley service and fast. I got the Verde Enchiladas. Typically you can pick from pork, chicken and beef. Since there were three rolls, I ended up getting one of each. If I had to pick, the pork is the winner for me, it's moist and nicely seasoned. Side of rice and beans - delish! There's specials on the blackboard priced pretty well at around $7.95 for entrees. Much better than the other Mexican chain place in the Deer Park Town Center if you want good food and don't care for atmosphere, better to come down here instead. read more

This place is authentic, delicious, and affordable. The staff is pleasant and attentive. And the food comes out VERY fast! So, if you want to enjoy an adult beverage first, stage your order. The multiple salsas are also a bonus. And there always seems to be parking. Last time I was there during Covid (Cinco de Mayo), they were doing curbside. Very much recommended. A hidden gem. read more

Been here a few times, every time has been delicious! This place always has very great servers and super yummy food.

I heard about this place from my Uber driver who was a local and I'm so glad he told me about it! Little hole in the wall hidden downtown Palatine, authentic Mexican food and great Margaritas. I've been here alone and with friends and I've gotten carry out as well and have not been disappointed. I feel like it's reasonably priced although, maybe I'm crazy but the portions have been kind of small in my opinion. At least compared to other places I've gone. My friend also ordered a chicken burrito and they brought one with only beans inside. She was just too shy to say something. Service has been quick and polite when I've gone, I'll definitely be going back. read more

A great neighbor place. Interior nothing fancy. They give you 3 types of salsa with chips. Food very fresh and authentic. The pork tamales probably best I ever had. If you want a quick dinner..dine in or carry out..definitely the place to go. read more

Came here with my wife and son and his girl friend and her parents. He told me the food was great. It is! It's a small place and they don't take reservations but we got there early on a Saturday. It was Palatine's tree lighting so downtown was packed and parking was tough. Ordinarily there's plenty of parking otherwise. Less than an hour after we arrived it was packed. But they move people quickly without rushing you. We had a table for six and chatted for a while and no one pushed us out. The service is very friendly. The food is super. I had enchiladas mole. The mole was excellent. My wife had an avocado burrito which was very good - even without meat! My son ordered a chimichanga and also was great. Very reasonably priced. Well worth the trip! read more

They are seriously SO nice here! The servers are friendly, competent, and quick. They really know what they're doing. The place is quite small but I've never felt crowded or rushed there, even when it was busy. The staff is just very good at timing and making you feel relaxed. They all seem like they get along well too. My fiance and I love the ambience of the restaurant. It is warm and cozy. The first time he took me there, it was a cold evening in October, and the moment we walked in, I felt warm inside. Some favorite things-the margaritas are delicious and come in adorable cactus-shaped glasses. The sangria is very good. The huevos rancheros meal is, in my opinion, to die for. I tend to order this when I go there, no matter the time of day. I have not ordered it since the pandemic began because until recently we could not dine-in, and I personally don't think eggs do well in a take-out situation, no matter how skilled the establishment is. But I look forward to ordering the huevos rancheros and enjoying the ambience again very soon! The frijoles at Mexico Uno are phenomenal as well. My stepmother is Mexican and she says the frijoles taste like the way her mother used to make them! read more

Love this place been going here ever since I moved to Palatine 30 years ago, was Located in a different place years ago. It is a family owned and run by family, and there food is great so fresh and not all seasoned up you can make it the way you like it. I like having a choice on how spicy my food is. Good food and good service what more can you ask for read more

I've been coming here for the past 25 years, a favorite restaurant; I love their enchiladas and tacos and they have this red salsa that is great on everything from chips to rice to entrees. It has a friendly atmosphere that gives it a nice balance between an authentic, yet local feel. Even during these trying times in todays world, Im glad I can do pick up with them and look forward to visiting them for dine in service! read more

Great service really enjoyed the atmosphere. The food was tasty and the meat was well done and tender.

I have to say that this was the first time Yelp let me down. I feel cheated. Over the last 2 years, Yelp has led me to 50 + excellent restaurants I would have never set foot into otherwise. It was my trustworthy companion. My best bud. My go to resource for all things great and holy. Trusting Yelp was like trusting Jesus. (let's ignore the whole water into wine business). Anyway, Mexico Uno was the first disappointment. It happens...I guess? With such high praise from previous reviews, I was expecting a wonderful taqueria sitting in the middle of Palatine. A hidden gem that no one else had found for one reason or another. Just take a quick look at some of the other reviews. The word 'authentic' is used more than anything else to describe the food. I was expecting authentic food served on authentic tables in an authentic setting with authentic music and authentic servers....you get the point. Well this place is anything but authentic. It may be authentic compared to Taco Bell but then again I'm half Polish so what the hell do I know. The steak on my steak tacos was gray. Not charred, not browned, but gray - the kind of gray that results from boiling meat until it's cooked through. It was tough, chewy, and had absolutely no taste. The mexican rice was yellow - I still don't know how that happens. It was beyond inedible and the only thing I ate half of was the beans. I hate to admit this but it was possibly one of the worst dinners I've had in the last few years. I'm not one to leave food on a plate and I left 1 and a half tacos uneaten, all the rice and half my beans. I'm still hungry now as I write this at 4 AM and may just head out for some food. Horrible... read more

This place may be small and simple, but the food is tasty and consistent! Downtown Palatine must visit!

We ate here because of the high praise/reviews. My hubs is from Mexico so seeing that they had Birria (goat stew) was the draw I had fish tacos - light breading in a Ranchero salsa - except the breading was soggy and fish was bland The goat stew was decent but lacked seasoning All food lacked "sazon" - authentic flavors The $8 guacamole was really small- again no flavor The food lacks flavor in general - Service is decent - we won't be going back since there are other options with better food read more

We stop in here every time we are in the area! My favorites are the mango margaritas, tamales, and enchiladas! The combo platter is a great place to start but it's a lot of food! read more

Mexico Uno - Mango margarita! - Mexican Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

The food was not good. I love Mexican food, and this does not cut it!!! The flan for dessert tasted like it was from a store. Definitely would not recommend this place! The restaurant was very load!!! The only thing good about this place was the wait staff. read more

This is a reliable neighborhood Mexican joint in downtown Palatine. Complimentary nachos and salsa were okay. Beef caldo was nicely done. Classic execution that yielded much umami in the broth. Taco a la carte menu offered many interesting choices. I got the beef tongue, pork skin, and spicy pork. The spicy pork (al pastor) was the best - very flavorful and unique. The other two were okay: pork skin was a bit dry (totally not what I expected), and the beef tongue was bland (but after added salsa myself, it was perfect). I also ordered horchata, which was good. Decor felt like a pub. If it weren't for paintings on the wall, the place would look completely generic. Service was friendly and efficient. All in all, I'd come here if I want authentic Mexican food. It wasn't a knockout, but it was Mexican comfort food done right. I saw a negative post on here saying that this place is not authentic - I'd have to disagree. It might not be the best food (more like home cooking), but it wasn't really Americanized (well, perhaps except for the taco salad). It is meant for locals - you shouldn't drive all the way from Chicago and expect to find a gourmet or theme-park experience. read more

Decent food and prices but not the best I've had as far as a small hole in the wall place .

Recently moved to the neighborhood, and decided to try this place on a whim. We found that the margaritas were excellent, as were the salsas that were put on the table with the chips. The chips seemed store-bought in quality, though. I went with the birria, on the theory that one is not likely to be offered goat on a regular basis. The meat was tender, and tasted OK, but the sauce was watery and lacked any punch. My wife's chicken, likewise, was bland and flavorless. read more

Whenever I visit my friends in Palatine (not often enough!) we have a meal at this sweet little place; consistently good food, the friendliest staff, a welcoming atmosphere and lots of other happy diners. My friends dine here regularly, 3 generations who consider this restaurant a neighborhood treasure. I have so many pix of celebration meals here, quick visits for absolutely authentic Mexican meals, staff who are like family members. I hope to be back soon----! read more

We've been going to Mexico Uno for around 20 years - since they were in a different location and were call Nuevo Mexico. That's probably the longest continuous tenure I've had with ANY restaurant! The reason is that my wife and I feel it's probably one of the best examples of a local, "family style", non-chain Mexican restaurants we patronize. (With the exception of some small restaurants I get to visit in California and Mexico when I travel.) The restaurant itself is small, and on some nights we've had to wait for a table. When we began coming to the restaurant, we were some of the only Anglos eating there - most patrons were Mexican and only spoke Spanish. Now, the patrons seem to primarly be Anglos. There are 4 dishes that we typically have: - Enchiladas Rancheras. Delicious tangy red sauce, and the enchilada shells are dipped in the sauce before being cooked. The RIGHT way! (Can't stand pasty white enchiladas I've been served at other restaurants.). Served with yellow rice and beans. It's a perfect sized, hearty portion. - Enchiladas with Mole sauce: Delicious dark sauce - I DO like the spicier mole sauces I've had elsewhere. - Bistek Mexicana: Thin sliced little strips of beef in a tangy red sauce. Like a light "stew". Served with tortillas on the side to sop up the sauce. Mmmm. My wife's fav. - Guisado de Res: A kind of beef stew (they have a great pork version as well.). A chunkier kind of stew, a bit less tangy. They offer two styles of salsa to dip your tortilla chips in: A chunky pico de gallo - mmm, so fresh and spicy. And a milder cooked salsa. We typically have either Mexican beer or margaritas or Mexican soda (Jaritos) to go with our meal. The staff is wonderful - many are part of the owner's family, and we've been served by them for years. Very attentive and nice. This restaurant has become our "go to" restaurant when we don't want to think about where to go out to eat - always good, very little wait for your meals to be prepared, and still a bargain after 20 years. read more

We absolutely love this place. Rarely a week goes by that we don't go eat here or order carry out. The steak quesadilla meal is delicious, and one day I'll start trying other things off of the menu. read more

This place is great and in a great neighborhood in downtown Palatine. The food here is great and I feel pretty authentic. The complimentary chips and salsa are good and fresh. I loved the chicken enchiladas verdes, I can't recommend them enough! The mango margarita is also great, strong, and actually has fresh mangos inside. The staff here is super friendly and accommodating without being suffocating. The inside is nothing special but they do have TVs to watch the game and a few seats to sit outside and enjoy the sun and the weather. The guacamole is also excellent and a worthwhile addition to the complimentary chips! read more

Mexico Uno - chicken enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

I don't see the appeal with this place. I've tried it multiple times thinking maybe I just went there on an off night. Unfortunately, 4 tries don't lie. I feel the prices are high, the portions are small, and the overall flavor of the food is bland. Best thing I had every time I dined there were the chips and the margaritas. I feel there are plenty of other authentic Mexican restaurants in the area that give you more bang for your buck. read more

This place is always a hit! The homemade salsa is so tasty and the burrito suezo is just sheer perfection. The chimmy is a good choice and they actually have horchada! (If you haven't had this tasty beverage- by all means- get some.) There's never been a bad meal and I am looking forward to going back. read more

I'm completely confused by the Ratings here! We tried Mexican Uno based on the Great Reviews, Rating, & Close to Work but unfortunately we were super disappointed. When there is a handful of salt packets when you open up your bag of food, that is a major red flag! I've never seen a Mexican Restaurant do that before! We were glad they did because the food was completely tasteless. We got guacamole (bland), chips (stale), steak tacos (bland), fajitas (bland). We really were hoping this would be a gem & a new go to Mexican Restaurant but no. We'll continue our search. read more

As others have said, it is a small place. We ended up eating at the bar, which was okay as it was full. Being full, it was rather loud, due to tile floors, and nothing else to absorb the sound. Staff was very friendly and polite. I had the Steak Tacos, and was a bit disappointed. I prefer it when the meat is grilled with a touch of char on it. The steak in the Tacos maybe was grilled on a flat top, in large portions, as there was no char on it at all. Also, even with the soft white corn tortillas, they doubled up the tortilla, when one would have been good. My dining partner had the pork in green salsa, and that was very good. Three salsas came with the chips, mild, medium and hot. They were tasty. We would go back, but perhaps on a less busy night, so it would be quieter. read more

Not bad. Some food is better than others. But I thought my tacos were dry and needed some seasoning. The steak is weird. The pork is super dry and sad. read more

If I could give this place zero stars I would!! Extremely disappointed , the staff is great and friendly but the food is trash . Definitely not real Mexican food and not worth the price either . The salsa has no flavor , they literally have red pepper to put on the food . The margaritas are small and are mostly ice and margarita mix . I ordered nachos and laughed when they brought my plate . Never going back . read more

Mexico Uno - "Nachos" a disappointment. - Mexican Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Really enjoyed our first visit here! I had a chicken burrito and the wife had the tostadas dinner. Quality and quantity of food to price ratio was great! Very authentic Mexican restaurant. Like other reviewers, I was disappointed by the salsa. With the (warm) chips, they served something akin to cool tomato soup (pass), pico de gallo (so so), and a ketchup bottle with hotter sauce (better). When I asked for salsa verde (best), I got another bottle and despite being a little watered down, was what I used on the burrito I'm no salsa expert, and have no set expectations, as I know restaurants vary on what they serve with chips, but nearly every place I've been has something better tasting. With a salsa makeover, this place would definitely get my 5th star read more