We ordered some catered tray over the weekend for my hubby's celebration at work and it was a hit!!! Everyone loves it and complimented that it was really delicious - 2 trays lumpia, pansit bihon and 2 trays beef kaldereta. Nothing leftover. Thank you!!! read more

Smc Pampanga Express - Filipino Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

Great customer service. Friendly staff. The breads were delicious. But felt the food was just average, plus the beef had too much fat on it for my liking. read more

Recently stopped by Pampanga express for lunch. They serve authentic filipino food. I got fried fish with rice and lumpia. The fish was pretty tasty, had a nice seasoning, and lumpia was fresh. Everything was nice and hot. Everything was reasonably priced. When you walk into the restaurant, they have a hot bar set up, they have pricing near containers to make it easier to order at the register. They also offer catering. Unfortunately there is no seating available. So this is definitely a grab and go place. I can tell they sell out fast of some of their more popular dishes, so I would definitely order ahead if you can. They were out of the pan it, I'll have to go back to try some. read more

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Their lumpia is delicious, their pancit guisado is a favorite. Employees and owners are friendly and very welcoming as soon as you walk in

I really wanted to like this place, as I enjoy pancit and was happy the business was in my neighborhood. I placed an order for pancit two days prior to pick up, and when I arrived, the business owner failed to greet me. I waited for 7 minutes before the owner asked me if I was picking up an order. The business owner had an agitated tone and appeared to be annoyed. When I asked if everything was okay, she replied she was tired. I thought this business owners behavior was unacceptable. If you're easily annoyed with the thought of having customers, and too tired to run a business, you shouldn't be open. This business made me very uncomfortable, and I will never return. I did find it odd that the owner was very nice to the filipino customer that was present, but I will leave the assumptions up to you. Will not visit again. read more

The food here is quite flavorful, but it suffers from the same thing a lot of places do when they keep saucy foods in warming pans: As the water evaporates, the salt gets more concentrated in the sauce and the food becomes far too salty. I'm not sure if there is a solution for this that does not involve making each dish fresh, but as for right now, I recommend getting an extra helping of rice and a squeeze of calamansi to help offset the saltiness. read more

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Been here a few times in the past, but their hot dish selection is typically limited, call ahead

Place in a bit rundown area where other businesses have closed and moved or just went bankrupt Didn't even bother trying the food-- front of the space is cluttered and disorganized plus what little food was available is no better than 2 day old below avg cooking-- not worth the money-- go to Lola Adangs instead read more

Before coming to this place we made sure to read the reviews and they were very positive. It really made my wife and I very excited to try it out. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype and it's very far from what we expected it to be. When we got to the restaurant they didn't have much of a selection, maybe 4 dishes and some mini lumpia bites as I like to call them. The food was very salty and the servings weren't that big. It's not just something we want to come back. For the amount we paid for the food it's not worth it at all. Might as well go to a buffet or better yet cook at home. read more

Excellent food. Nothing more needs to be typed...but, of course, I will type more. You walk in, and at the back of the restaurant there is a glass counter with a steam table. Walk up, take a look, and tell the friendly dude you've never been here before. He will give you a quick description of each item and often times a sample. I've been coming here for 4 years and I've enjoyed everything I've tasted. My favorites are probably: Kare-Kare, paksiw na pata, and Pancit Guisado, but I've probably tried a minimum of 10 different dishes and they are all very good. A couple of people commented that it isn't as good as their mom's cooking. Really? If I used my mom's cooking as my five star standard: no restaurant in the world would get more than two stars! People - don't compare restaurants to your mom's cooking! You will drive yourself nuts, and you will always be disappointed! I'm not filipino, but I've been to many Filipino restaurants, and the food at this restaurant is excellent. read more

Smc Pampanga Express - Two choices and rice for $6.95. Great deal. - Filipino Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

I recently found this place and what a find it was. Let's start with the owners( Nicest people ever) so friendly. Now for the food Diniguan is out of this world SO GOOD ....Beef Asado pork adobo Kaldereta we're all amazing. I have been driving by this place for years and I guarantee you I will be there at 3-4 a week. Ok last my husband is Filipino and he loveeeeeee this place read more

Love this spot! Yummy Filipino food! They're so welcoming. They give generous proportion of entree's. My Husband & I were new to the town and when we looked this place up and check it out ourselves we were highly satisfied with the service & the food. Open everyday except for Wednesday. Highly recommend this to families attending a Navy Graduation for a weekend at Great Lakes, IL. read more

Smc Pampanga Express - Pork adobo & Beef Asado with rice - Filipino Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

LOVE THIS PLACE. My graduated from Navy boot camp and was really homesick. Norman and Nora showed much homeland love. Grateful for their kindness. Will go here again. read more

I called late on a Friday night two weeks ago and asked the gracious hostess Cindy, if they had any lumpia. She said that they had run out for the day and were about to close. SMC Pampanga Express makes lumpia (Filipino pork egg roll) daily and it is very labor intensive. I asked her if I could place an order for 40 in two days, and she said yes. I also asked about pancit ( Filipino noodles) and she said that they had them also but usually run out by the end of the day. I ordered my lumpia (twice) and they are the best that I have ever eaten in any Filipino restaurant in the United States. If you are looking for pancit and lumpia, call first to make sure they are available. The hot table is excellent and the classic tastes of the Philippines is what you will get. don't overlook the packages of pastries that you cannot find anywhere! Halo-Halo is a must. This is a fantastic Filipino restaurant and it is very inexpensive. read more

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Great hole-in-the-wall spot. The food is authentic but not intimidating- if you've never had this kind of faire all you have to do is ask and the ladies who work here will happily explain the dishes to you. I had coconut chicken which was delicious! The price was just right too- for two entrees and rice or noodles (which was more than I needed) it was under $7. If you're looking for a new lunch spot to try, come here! 10/10! read more

Great affordable spot close to Great Lakes Naval base to get your Filipino dish craving satisfied. They have different dishes served trough out the day and your combo meal comes with 2 dish and a scoop of white rice. $8 I believe is what cost me so that's always a plus so I don't have to cook anymore. I will definitely return since I'm too lazy to prep my own meal. Wish they had more vegetarian options though. read more

The lumpia and pancit are delicious!! Everything was yummy. Prices are more than reasonable.

"This is your home." Ay nako tita, kung itong ang bahay ko, siempre ako mag ta-taba dito." With orange island-like walls and a karaoke stage inside, this turo-turo style Filipino restaurant is rather homey, just like tita said. Okay, so she wasn't my blood related aunt, but as far as respect is concerned, tita and tito can cook. Turo-turo style translates to literally mean "point-point." Dishes here are precooked and and are given to you once you've turo-turo'd your ulam (dish/food). I came here with my mom, brother and boyfriend and we all opted for the kare kare as our main ulam. Dios ko, napaka sarap, just like how my dad cooks it, save for the generous slices of tripe. We also had a serving of the lechon kawali, lumpia shanghai and loganisa. Let me take a moment to explain this as I'm sure I'll probably never go back to any other kind of longanisa. The owner's dad (who owns the Waukegan Oriental Mart next door) makes the longanisa with a special Pampangan family recipe. This longanisa is fresh and sweet with a hint of spice. I was told it was made with all lean meat so there's no need to slice the longanisa when cooking it - YUM. Tita was very sweet and accommodating, I'd definitely go back. Just one suggestion: I believe the true Filipino dining experience should include Royal Tru Orange and Sarsi in glass bottles...unfortunately there were none stocked in the fridge. read more

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Staying at the motel 6 around the corner for 5 days, I ate here 3 times. The food is outstanding, the selection will vary a bit from day to day, and Norman and his wife are incredibly friendly and offer samples of everything. Plus, they offer a two-item with rice combo for $6.50. I will be back whenever I'm in Waukegan. read more

We've been craving fresh lumpia for a while now and it is the hardest thing to find. After calling around, I called Pampanga and man am I glad I did. I had to place the order a day in advance, but it was well worth the wait. That was the best fresh lumpia I've had in a long long time. I also grabbed an order of asado and some ube and mongo hopia which were all really good too. The woman that helped me out was very friendly. Definitely ordering from here again! read more

As a highly Americanized Filipino, I never really now what to expect when it comes to Filipino food places. BUT, I have to say I was quite impressed. The food was decent, the workers are more than willing to let you now what you're about to get yourself into, or what you're putting into your mouth. The overall customer service was just what I imagine "Filipino hospitality" to be. If ever I'm in the area, I would come back, not gonna lie. read more

Smc Pampanga Express - I guess it feels like home for some, which is always nice! - Filipino Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

Great Filipino food and very personable service. I didn't have to eat alone, they explained the dishes, provided samples and were super knowledgable and sweet. read more

Smc Pampanga Express - Taro and sweet beans and ice, yummy! - Filipino Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

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They serve various kinds of Filipino dishes. All of them are good. Crispy Lechon Kawali, Kare Kare, and many more. If you really miss Filipino dishes, this is the place to go. They serve Balut too!! Totally recommended read more

The staff is SO friendly. The food is amazing, I try to come here whenever I can, the prices are not expensive too. If you haven't come here before, I highly recommend lumpia, dinuguan, pancit, and sinigang!!! Everything tastes amazing and it's always fresh and homemade :) read more

Ordered Pancit and Lumpia for a birthday party. They were priced very well and the food was delicious. The Lady that helped us was very nice and pleasant. Will definitely return again. read more

This establishment deserves more than five stars, for service, food and overall atmosphere. As my wife drove us on our way to a concert in Waukegan this past Saturday, I scanned Yelp in search of a place to have dinner. "How about Filipino?" I offered. We'd never had filipino food, and it was on our list of things to try. And by the end of our experience, it's become a fast favorite. What a place! What food. Ever go to a restaurant and start eating and everything you taste is better than the last thing? That's how it was for us. "You have to try this!" and "This is amazing!" were batted back and forth for a good ten minutes. The young man who put our order together was as friendly and welcoming as could be. We soon learned he was the owner's son, and on his way to see the same show we were later that night. He was patient and explained each item to us. The food is served cafeteria-style and kept warm in a chafing table, so we were able to see everything they had to offer. The price for our entire meal, which consisted of two two-entree/rice combos, two drinks and a side of stir fried noodles was only $22. $22!!! Can you even??! While we sat and ate, the owners came out and sat down at a nearby table, and talked to us. Again, like their son, they were incredibly welcoming, gracious and friendly. Their warmth made the experience even better. Some of the things we tried and loved: - Fried pork - Curry stew - Goat stew Everything was amazing, and there was a dark brown sauce the young man recommended we try as well, which he put in a small sampler cup for us to dip the pork into. It made every amazing bite even better. I guarantee we will make the hour drive again just to have this amazing food once again. read more

When I don't feel like cooking at home, this is my go to place when I have a craving for Filipino food. I went here many times when I was pregnant because I would crave their lechon kawali. If you are craving lechon kawali, I would recommend calling ahead if they have it ready. It's very family friendly here, and it feels just like eating at home. read more

Food is very tasty and fresh. I love their lechon kuwali and mongo beans. I order that every time I go there. I highly recommend for great Filipino food. read more

Food is great, usually have a pretty good selection of different meats and dishes. Lunch special is affordable and the women that work there will walk you through the dishes if you need that. Food is buffet style so no waiting required! read more

Like homemade. The Lechon Kawali is simply amazing!

Always in the mood to try something new, my husband and I ventured into SMC Pampanga Express on a weekday evening for dinner. I refer to this eatery as something new because the family-owned establishment prides itself in serving homemade Filipino food - a cuisine that's new, but exciting territory for me. Before entering the restaurant, I noticed the wooded, fenced-in patio, which I imagine would make for a fun warm-weather dining experience. While many restaurants pride themselves on making you feel like a guest in their home, the experience was more like we were intruding in this family's home. I don't want to be rude and elaborate, but it seemed like we had just stumbled into a large family's living room - with dad or grandpa (the owner possibly?) playing the karaoke machine to a greatest hits album...awkward. This restaurant serves its cuisine in "turo-turo" style, which means "daily dishes are served on a steam table and the customer chooses what food items they would like to eat," according to its website. When my husband and I entered, we were waved over by someone - we would later learn he worked there - to the buffet at the front of the room. We are by no means restaurant snobs, but it would have been nice to have someone greet us and show us to our seats - or at least tell us to put our stuff down somewhere before getting our food. Maybe even a glass of water? Although the website says the buffet features daily specials, I was surprised to see fewer than half of the more than 30 items listed on the website available at the buffet; those missing included the noodle and vegetarian options. I can understand, especially during the week, that it might be impractical to have the buffet fully stocked, but as the server was describing different dishes we frequently heard, "Oh, looks like we're out." However, the person at the buffet stressed he would be happy to create an accommodating dish, and I accepted - it was okay, not very memorable. Being unfamiliar with Filipino food, we were disappointed that there was no menu or descriptions of the food items on the buffet table. I did appreciate that the server seemed happy to answer our questions, but we both felt uncomfortable that there was no literature for us to work off of. He also described one dish as "garlicy and bloody-ey." Maybe that sounds appetizing for some palates, but at that point I felt auditorily traumatized. Despite some of the server's descriptions of food causing us to lose our appetite, my husband ordered the three-entree combo, which included sweet sausage, fried pork and ground pork sides atop white rice. After returning to our seat from the buffet, no beverages were offered. SMC Pampanga Express does not serve alcohol, but our server did not offer us any water or a general beverage menu either. When my dish was ready, we ended up taking the food to go. Some adjustments aimed toward those not familiar with the cultural experience they aim to deliver might help make this place better appeal to a larger variety of diners. As my husband noted, it might be more of a destination spot for lunch diners, with the buffet and quick, serve-yourself approach. Those more familiar with Filipino cuisine and looking for a family-friendly atmosphere might enjoy dinner here as well. Maybe we visited on an off night, but I don't think we'll be going back. read more

Went here for lunch today, and had the 2-item combo. I don't even remember the names of the 2 beef dishes I chose, but I will never forget the flavors. A nice sized portion of white rice is included to soak up all the deliciousness of the gravies, and at $8 and change for the food and a bottle of water, I think I'm going to swear off fast food forever. It's a bit small and cramped on the inside, but it just adds to the charm. read more

I first had their food at a work luncheon so it was catered in. I went home and told my husband how good it was and we went the following night. Yes I was a little creeped out when we first walked in because it's not fancy but I knew the food was good. I've since been back probably 10 times and have never been disappointed in the food, one time they didn't have lumpia but they did offer to make some for me and I declined. I do wish they had fountain soda and unsweetened iced tea but that's my only issue with this place. I've always been treated very nicely they are all very sweet folks. Hmm it's almost lunch time maybe I'll go there again today read more

Come here when my family visits me during school. It has become our go to filipino place in the northern suburbs. 4 stars for friendly owner and workers, helps when you are filipino, but nevertheless still friendly people. Just like any local owned filipino restaurant, the food is like eating home cooked meals. The style of service is like a cafeteria, you can pick you're entrees and it comes with rice. I will say my favorite dish is the longganisa(filipino sausage, usually sweet). According to the owners, they make their own sausages with their own spices and meat. So its not as sweet as you would get from the asian grocery store and it tends to be more dry but still delicious. read more

Excellent food and great staff especially Nora. I will recommend it to my friends and next visit to Great Lakes I will have great lunch or dinner to your very beautiful restaurant. read more

Smc Pampanga Express - Filipino Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

This is my new spot... the lehon was crispy to perfection, the lumpia was made when i ordered it, the beefsteak and onion was on point... and the piece of resistance.. The Adobo was the thing thats gonna bring me back over and over... wish they would offer military discount... other than the the prices were fair... oh and they didn't have it on the menu but they said they can make me some bibingka if i ordered in advance..how cool is that. read more

The best place for flip food in waukegan. They cornered there market here. This place has been here since forever. read more

Smc Pampanga Express - Food cafeteria style - Filipino Near Me - Waukegan, Illinois

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The prices are totally reasonable. I have to admit this is only the third time I have had Filipino food, and I am still learning. I liked that I could see everything that they had and the woman who helped me, walked me through the dishes and even gave me a little sample of something spicy. I settled on the beef stew with rice and a chicken stew in coconut milk. Beef stew was a real winner! Finish off your dinner with a bag of coconut rolls to go home. They are like a cocadas wrapped in a sweet dinner roll, save yourself the hassle of returning 5 minutes later and just start by buying two bags to start. read more

Food was somewhat decent. I was disappointed in the pork adobo, there was a lot of fat and hardley any meat. The service wasn't that great.

The food here is fantastic. It was a Filipino food lover's dream come true when I saw all the options to choose from Lumpia, Pancit, Caldaretta, Longaneisa...Man! I was like what to choose? Where to start? If you are looking for islander flavors with a touch of Spanish and Asian...this is the place to go. The food is quite similar to Cuban and Puerto Rican food which make the flavors highly interesting. read more