Always great food and service! Their margaritas are the best! Our favorite local place! read more

Got some okay margaritas and average food in Sandwich at this Mexican restaurant that is a longtime local favorite. It happens to be about the only Mexican restaurant around it. Santa Fe is about the most basic of this cuisine style. Hardly authentic but it looks good. The prices are pretty okay for portions. Casual place because it certainly isn't fancy. It's one of the oldest restaurants in town. They haven't had much in competition so that's a reason why. Hard to mess up on these cocktails. It's about $12 for a margarita. We got a couple of these including the Tomarindo. It's about $12 for the Vegetable Fajitas. These came with broccoli, green peppers, guacamole, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. At least it was a lot. This was pretty mushy but it had a nice peppery flavor and spiciness. Have to say it's no longer meeting expectations. It's closed Mondays. The food isn't that bad but it should be a lot better than stuff like Taco Bell or whatever. read more

Santa Fe Restaurant - Tomarindo Margarita And The Vegetable Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Sandwich, Illinois

I've been coming to Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant for years, ever since we moved here in 2005. It has always been one of my favorite places for great margaritas and good food. Unfortunately, over the last few years I've noticed a significant decline in customer service. Today's visit really reinforced that. I sat at the bar planning to enjoy a margarita and a quesadilla, but service was slow and the bar was left unattended for quite a while. When I mentioned it, I was told the bartender was covering for someone else. I understand that employees sometimes have to help in other areas, but from a customer's perspective, that explanation doesn't make the experience any better. If the restaurant isn't staffed well enough to provide attentive service, that's a management issue, not a customer issue. I still enjoy the food and the margaritas, which is why it's disappointing to see the level of service continue to decline. I truly hope management addresses the staffing and customer service issues so this restaurant can get back to the experience that kept me coming back for over 20 years. After thinking about today's experience, I'm even more disappointed. My wife has been in the hospital since February, so nearly all of my time and attention has been focused on Northwestern in Chicago rather than around Sandwich. Today, someone stayed with her so I could take a short break and do something I used to enjoy: have a great margarita and dinner at Santa Fe. Instead, I found what feels like a completely different restaurant. After doing a little research, I realized there have been major changes, including Mario no longer being there. Unfortunately, it seems the excellent customer service left with him. Judging by many of the recent reviews about the food, I'm actually glad I only ordered what used to be their fantastic margarita, now more like a limeade, before deciding to leave. Everything suddenly made sense. Six months away, and this simply isn't the same Santa Fe that so many of us came to know and love over the years. It's disappointing because this used to be one of my favorite local restaurants. I sincerely hope they can turn things around, but for now, people should know that this is no longer the experience many longtime customers remember. read more

Well, Mario left and the place went to shit! The margaritas have almost NO liquor and the portions have been cut in half. So disappointing!! Only positive, the waitress was great! read more

Placed a to go order for a full order of nachos. Opened it at home and it barely filled the bottom of a square to go container. 7 chips. Very little meat. A few stands of shredded lettuce and no tomatoes. Called them questioning and was told by a woman that is a full order. I told her it used to be a lot more. As I was hanging up I could hear her saying to someone she didn't know what my problem was. It's being cheated on what my order should be lady. Never going here again. It used to be our go to for Mexican food. Never again! No stars. read more

Just as i dreaded when i had stopped in a few months ago & learned from the server that Mario had left & his sister had taken over- any change like this usually results in either disappointment or improvement in some way.... Sad to say, it's the former as I have eaten at this place for many years & although they had a period maybe 15 or so years back where the food quality suddenly had dropped, after waiting a year or 2 and trying it again, Mario must have realized that something was wrong & addressed it as the food was much better after that..... I stopped in for dinner late yesterday afternoon hungry after a long drive back from northern Wisconsin- got the chips and 2 salsas and the salsas tasted ..well, decent. The margarita i ordered, a signature of this place forever- was waaay different and very weak. So disappointed and then the guacamole, again usually delicious, came and had a pasty look and tasted just plain-jane substandard. The seafood enchiladas I always order had 2, not 3 enchiladas like Mario's menu always had. Beans & rice off as well. Told the server politely i was shocked at the changes in the food & especially the margarita- then low & behold: a CC surcharge of 3% as my 'dessert'!!!! If that's been there before, I never noticed it maybe due to what WERE excellent margaritas - without the proper tequila in the one i had, caught it. Server just gave me that 1000 yard stare & i bolted I'm done here- she has ruined what WAS a very enjoyable & dependable restaurant to dine in. There are way too many options nowadays to settle for this So disappointed..... Bull Moose- get my table ready! read more

I use to love Santa Fe but no more. Since the sister took over after Mario retired it has gone to hell. Good waitresses are leaving. The food is getting smaller portions and my strawberry margarita was lousy. Our waitress was terrible. Didn't ask us if we wanted refills on our drinks or chips and salsa. My son inlaw didn't get his food with the rest of our group they forgot it. We weren't even done eating and they were rushing us out of there by grabbing our plates. Some of us were putting our food into to go containers and the bus boy was reaching over us to grab empty plates. So very rude. It was not closing time yet . This was my favorite place to eat but can't say that anymore. Why did the sister have to rude a great thing they had going. Miss you Mario. read more

Dirty - Food and service were both good, but carpet and decor was dated, worn, and dirty. Just using the disgusting front doorknob makes you want to wash up. Kitchen???** read more

Three stars because they try. I believe this to be a Tex-Mex restaurant and not Mexican. Their food is not authentic and not very good. I've tried various dishes and I've been disappointed with all I've ordered. The last time I was there I ordered the Steak a la Mexicana. My food was so bad that I couldn't eat it. The steak was tough and the peppers, tomatoes and onions were salty and tasted like it came out of a can. I've also had the chicken quesadillas and while you can't really go wrong with that these were wrong. They were hard! Margaritas are ok and the guacamole was good. I've found better options to have REAL Mexican food and good Rita's so I don't think I'll be going back. Service has always been consistent. Can't complain there. read more

Amazing margaritas. Food is pretty good. It's usually fairly crowded (at least when I've been there), but the wait is never inconveniently long and staff are always friendly. read more

Let's start with the bartender, he is fantastic!! His personality makes the ambiance! He is so creative with the drinks and conversation. He is so personal with his service. Be sure you to walk up and walk home. read more

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Margaritas here are fantastic. I absolutely love the Tampiqueña. Service here is always excellent and super friendly.

Always great! Especially the steak tacos and the margaritas are amazing!! I especially love the strawberry and the mango margaritas.

You would think in the year 2023 a restaurant would display that they use LARD as a main ingredient in almost every item in the menu. This place is still stuck in the 1900s. They even use it in the salsa they give you when you sit down. Their rice and beans are cooked in lard! When I asked if they have vegetarian beans they said they have a small batch they cook separately, but if you conceal that you use an animal product that is not only not eaten for dietary but religious reasons for some; my trust is slim. I got the taco salad with no beans or meat. It was OK, but their idea of Mexican cheese is cheap deli sliced white and yellow American cheese rolled together and cut into strips. Not authentic chihuahua or cotjita cheese. I know this restaurant is in Sandwich, but I still expected better. I will endeavor to Yorkville for more authentic and transparent dining. Also, they have no draft beer; only domestic bottles. read more

So, like so many other restaurants i have really enjoyed eating at thru the years but then management make changes to either save money or think a change was needed- this Tex-Mex favorite of mine for so many years finally made some culinary changes that will now force me to find a new Mexican fav. For 20+ years, my family would make the 30-40 minute drive to enjoy the food and dining experience here and always were very rewarded for that trip. But alas- times change and so has this once wonderful gem.... 2 visits in 3 weeks and both meals very disappointing in obvious food quality changes Right off the bat, chips & 2 salsas brought to the table as usual but the chips immediately caught my eye from a much different appearance with dark spots on the chips that were never there before...yeah, I know- it's not anything dirty or such but a different way they are cooked. The taste of the chips not anywhere near as tasty as previous brand they used- Donkey or Tostitos would be a huge upgrade than these. The enchilada salsa- always my personal fav- lacked flavor it used to have... very disappointed. Worse change of all was the guacamole side order as in the past, always delicious and we always ordered the large portion and never disappointed. Last 2 times? Looked EXACTLY like the smooth, dark color green guacamole spread you buy in a can at a grocery store and flavor to match! =(( Previous guacamole always that light green, thick & lumpy texture w/ excellent flavor Only thing that avoided complete disaster was their famously delicious margaritas were still the same..... but I ain't driving 40 minutes to enjoy 2 margaritas and now substandard food..... Big letdown as it's been a very dependable dining choice for us for so many years... No more- not with so many other Mex choices out there to try read more

Very good food.We go there all the time.The service is amazing.The ambiance is happy and joyful.We know all the servers.

Fish tacos on Friday and Saturdays... me encantan. Chilaquiles también. Ask for the hot hot salsa. Mario is the man behind the bar, great guy! read more

Tried here for the first time. Margaritas are nice but the food is average. I ordered tacos; one chicken and one beef. They came with rice. The rice was over cooked. There was no lime, no salsa, nothing. The chicken taco was just made of shredded chicken, it was very bland and I can do it the same way at home.. The waitress was attentive and the service was fast, but not sure if I would be back again. read more

I love the margaritas great food and service. I had an amazing waitress and overall is a great experience. read more

Margaritas are Awsome!! Food best in the area and the staff is very pleasant and helpful!!

One word MARGARITA!!!! Always great service! Great authentic Mexican cuisine!Steak Tacos

I had the Carne Asada and Chuck had the Chefs special. Both were excellent and our waitress added to the experience with her great attitude and winning smile! We're definitely going back! read more

Food is not very good, very bland. Staff has always been friendly. Restaurant is clean and has lots of seating. They do sell margaritas by the pitcher, so that's a plus. read more

Margaritas are good. Food is average and kind of bland. We ordered 3 pitchers of margs, 2 mango and 1 lime. Everyone enjoyed the mango but I favored the lime. Mango was a little too sweet. Complimentary chips and salsa were given. Salsa was very bland, one resembled tomato soup. I ordered a chicken quesadilla because nothing on the menu sounded good or stood out. It came with rice and beans. Again more bland tasting food. No spices or flavors of any sorts. I was hungry so it was fine but if I was in the area again I wouldn't stop in unless I wanted to get wild on pitchers of margs. All of my dining companions agreed with this assessment. read more

Really good food! I have ordered the burrito and steak tacos. Both are very good but the price for the quality is a bit high.

If you enjoy Mexican food this is the place to go. What ever you order to eat you maybe taking home food. Prices are reasonable.

Wife and I dine in here every now and then. We never been disappointed, until tonight. We decided to get some tacos, beans and rice to go. A dozen tacos, beans and rice came to $84. They never even gave us any salsa for the tacos. We should have just told them to keep the food. I asked for the price when I placed the order but was told she couldn't figure it out just then. So I figured $40-$45 at the most. NEVER AGAIN SANTA FE. YOU GOT ME THIS TIME BUT NEVER AGAIN. YOU JUST LOST A COUPLE CUSTOMERS. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ read more

Its not the best, but its good food, good prices, clean, friendly and professional staff. I also know of no other place that has Margaritas to-go. read more

We ordered the skirt stake Tampiqueña To take out. The corn tortillas tasted funny but the food was tasty typical of a Mexican place. For the price the portion was skimpy that is why we are only given them 3 stars. I guess our standards are high because we are used to the authentic Cocula Chicago restaurants where you eat good for the same price read more

Best margaritas I have ever had in my life, no exaggeration. The food is great, the staff is always friendly and accommodating. I can't say enough good things about this place. read more

Had lunch at the Santa Fe today while visiting friends in the Sandwich area. I ordered the chicken Chimichanga dinner plate with rice and refried beans. All our food came out in quick order. The "Chimi" wasn't as large as others I've had, but was loaded with chicken and had good flavor. At $7.95 it was a good value. Service was great. Added an extra star for the very clean men's restroom. I would come back here again to try some of their other menu items. read more

We were very disappointed in how this restaurant's food has progressed throughout the years. We stopped by for lunch because we haven't been there in over 15 years. The waitress was attentive and polite. The food seemed to be geared to an older crowd. The tacos, enchiladas, and burrito were tasteless. They were bland with almost no seasoning. The food was cooked correctly but tasteless. I ordered a frozen margarita and it has to be the worst I've ever had. Seemed like it was all ice with sweet & sour mix. I detected no alcohol in it. None of the ice melted. I was staring at almost 1/2 glass of ground ice at the end. I guess my tastes may have changed, as I see this margarita wins awards. My tastes are more geared toward Jalapeños in Peru Illinois. If you like the Santa Fe, DO NOT go to Jalapeños. It will ruin you for this restaurant. read more

We ordered our 3 kids meals well before ordering ours however only 2 came out ahead of ours. So one child sat there watching the other two with their food for at least 6 or 7 minutes. Our food came out Luke warm at best but at least it tasted ok. The service was anything but pleasant. Our server had a bad attitude (I'm saying that mildly). She seemed annoyed by everything and everyone. Not a smile crossed her lips. After paying our bill she informed us that she forgot to charge us for our drinks and had to run my card again. read more

Nasty and tasteless. Owner is an ass! We use to go here about every Friday with a group of 8 to 20 people. We have boycotted this shit hole for 8 years. If you make reservations, your entire party better be there or your not getting seated. If 1 person doesn't show, late,ticket,died,your screwed! If and when you DO get seated, the food is bland and tastless. The ONLY thing they have going for them IS the Marquritas. Everyone says the ARE the best. But when your done eating.....and it doesn't matter how big your bar tab is, the Asshole, sorry, Owner is at the doorway staring at your party like a vulture waiting for the pack to get done with the carcass! TOTALLY RUDE!!!! To bad I couldn't tell you how I really feel! read more

Extremely salty food, unfriendly staff.they seem to be short of help. We seen one waitress trying to wait on the whole restaurant . The woman that was walking around was not friendly she maybe one of the owners, my first and last visit.My husband had to ask for a refill on his soda no one asked how things were or if we needed anything else. We asked for our check and it was brought. We paid and no thank you are any acknowledgment. We left thanking what a waste of our money. There are must better restaurants. Sandwich Illinois, need better choices.then maybe customer service at these places will improve. read more

Enchiladas with mole sauce! YUM! All I can say is thank G-d for Santa Fe! As a homeowner in the Sandwich/Plano area its sad how deprived we are of decent places to eat! Is Santa Fe the best mexican food you've ever had? No, but it is very consistant and good. Sometimes I wish the menu was more creative but I have never tried any of the specials, maybe I should some time. The service is always great and I can not complain about the price AT ALL! read more

Not a whole lot to say about Santa Fe because it's great! They have a fun atmosphere, excellent food and a wonderful, friendly wait staff that is prompt! They are well known for their margaritas and I always seem to get the steak tacos, enchiladas, or chile rellenos. Some of the specials that I've had which are tasty are the fish tacos and salmon azteca. Santa Fe is the place I have been going to for years with family and friends when we are looking to get some delicious Mexican fare-check it out if you're in the area! read more

I was so excited to come to Santa Fe since they re-opened after the covid shut down. My wife and I came in for lunch and it was the worst experience we've had here. There was one waitress covering the entire restaurant. We waited for our drinks and then they ran dry. She never stopped by to check on us because she was stretched so thin. We sat without service, chips or drinks until our food came. I was afraid to finish one drink not knowing if I would get another. I completely understand they have suffered financially from covid but you can't make up for lost revenue by offering poor service. We will be visiting Patrona exclusively from now on. Their service has been excellent through this entire ordeal and they have earned our loyalty. read more

Food was not seasoned well and salsa was watered down and tasteless. Margarita was plain and not pleasing at all. Food was not authenti at all. read more

When we're out this way, we always head to the Santa Fe Restaurant for dinner. The service is friendly and efficient, the feel is cozy, and the food is typical Midwestern Mexican, meaning not spicy. I had a combo with chicken enchilada and beef soft taco. It came with standard rice and beans, nothing remarkable. I should have gone with cheese or vegetarian, as the beef had a strange taste and the chicken was bland. That all being said, if you know what you're getting into, this place meets expectations. My dining companions liked their margaritas. read more

Santa Fe Restaurant - a woman sitting at a table with food and drinks - Mexican Near Me - Sandwich, Illinois

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