I visited here shortly after they opened because I noticed they had tofu tacos on their menu online. Im vegan, and recently moved to the suburbs, and have been on the hunt to find really good mexican food.
Its kind of hard to find, its hidden in a strip mall, the decor is adorable, very DIY/etsy-ish, but then there is black boards all over with handwritten, neon-y menus and suggestions and it makes it clashes with the cool city-feeling she was getting of the details and feel very strip-mallish. We also went in the winter, and it was freezing in there from the door opening and closing.
We found out that there wasnt actually tofu tacos on the menu anymore, and i was pretty dissapointed. However, the owner was there and she suggested a combination of veggies that I honestly, was kind of skeptical about, but went with one, and ordered  one my way. The food arrived, and i have to say, her suggestion was definitely delicious and worth it! My tacos were great!
The green homeade salsa they have here is A-MAZING, and the tortillas are fresh. The owner was VERY friendly, came to our table and talked to us, asked us how we liked everything etc. They were also being interviewed by the local newspaper when we were there and seemed that there were alot of regulars who had lots of good stuff to say!
One thing i was MAJORLY dissapointed about was that even though we dined in, all the untensils were plastic. AND they did NOT recycle anything. I even asked, and they said they didnt :( Â I probably would not dine in again for that fact - so hopefully they can get working on making that better. Im knocking off one star for that reason, otherwise i woudl have given this four stars!
But overall i was pretty happy to have a vegan and vegetarian friendly place, near home to enjoy delicious tacos!
Ok, haters, back off. Â First of all, they've only been open for four months, so give them time to get the kinks out of the system. Â I had a great experience there, personally, but for those who had complaints, give them a hot second to figure it out. Â
Moving on to the food...this place is fantastic! I am a Mexican Food junkie. I love it. I literally travel all over the city (and country) trying to find "the best" Mexican food out there. Â I have eaten a lot of tacos. I would say this place is up there with some of the best I've had. Â My carne asada tacos were delightful. Â Not at all greasy, and the tortillas were tasty and didn't break on me, while the toppings were fresh and appropriately proportioned. Â The guac was good as well. (It's a smoother texture, and I personally prefer chunkier guac, but the flavor was great.)
The decor is fresh and fun, and the place is very clean. Â We have NOTHING like this in the Glenview area, so I am THRILLED and welcome El Mexican with open arms. Â Don't listen to the haters; just go and decide for yourself. You'll probably see me there.
Welcome, El Mexican!!
I ordered carry out. The food was wonderful. My wife thought the guacamole was too salty. Overall though we enjoyed it very much. The take-out containers was recyclable cardboard. A really nice change from Styrofoam! The only thing we couldn't recycle was the wax paper the food itself was wrapped in. Very nice touch. We will be back.
Review Source:My wife and I have been twice now in the past 10 days. She had the fish tacos both times and raved about them. I had both the Barbacoa burrito and the three taco meal, each time there was so much food, there was no way to finish it all. Loved the barbacoa, carne asada and the carnitas. The chips and tortillas are top notch as are the salsa's. If you're trying to imagine the place, think of Chipotle, but with a sole proprietor feel and ambiance.
We'll be back.
There are a few things that El Mexican does remarkably well. Â For example, chips and salsa. Â Yes, indeed. Â Chips, thick and toothy, fresh but not greasy; salsa, the brightest, liveliest pico de gallo I've ever come across. Â Who knows what kind of magic is sprinkled onto this stuff, but to the eye it's nothing more than tomato, cilantro, red onion, and some kind of diced pepper. Â Second, their al pastor is THE BEST. Â In every bite, you taste both a flavorful marinade and great quality pork. Â And the tortillas...hot damn, the tortillas. Â Thick, soft, and flaky, these pack a lot of earthy corn flavor; they are more than just a vessel.
Their vegetarian burrito is another favorite of mine; this is coming from a person who never orders burritos when tacos can be had. Â The vegetarian mix is fried tofu, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, maybe one or two other things, and it's got so much flavor that no accoutrements are needed. Â My ideal burrito here is simply beans, rice, and the salsa de avocado making beautiful music with this vegetarian filling.
A couple of things are not ideal but understandable. Â First of all, $3 per taco is definitely a North Shore price; however, you do get a lot of filling in each tortilla and the quality is generally high. Â Secondly, the service is not geared towards a quick meal, even at weekday noontime. Â Most of the customers don't seem to be business lunchers, and many of the guests are previous acquaintances of the employees so there is a lot of socialization. Â There's really nothing wrong with that; this is just a word of warning to anyone who might be in a hurry.
Falling in the middle are a few items including the table salsas (green good on vegetarian stuff but underwhelming on chips and meat; red all-around serviceable but could use both more heat and more flavor), the carne asada (surprisingly bland), and chicken tinga (okay flavor but dry).
But for a place so close to work, all it takes are a couple of solid items to make me a semi-regular, and the chips and salsa, al pastor tacos, and vegetarian burrito definitely fit that description. Â Welcome to the lunch rotation, El Mexican.
Nitpicker's note: Â There is a blurb on their signage about how Aztecs enjoyed tacos 3000 years ago. Â Er, the Aztec people did not exist until the second millennium A.D.
Well, on Jeff G.'s recommendation, I tried the competition in Northfield today. Sorry I can't agree...EMR has the definite upper hand in my humble opinion - and that's what it all boils down to - opinion. That is why there are different choices out there for everyone to hopefully find their favorite.
I've been to El Mexican Restaurant three times in the past couple of months and after today's lunch I will definitely go back there. Everything tastes so fresh here and the accompanying salsa's are a real treat. You can tell that a lot of thought and love has gone in to the planning of this place. I'm not crazy about the decor and the seating for eat-in is limited. I've never eaten in but the times I've been there (not during typical weekday lunch hours) I've always seen open seats available.
They also evidently run a catering business out of this place and I'm anxious to try the next time I have the opportunity. In the meantime, I'm content with lunch here on occasion. I need to try the burrito - tacos are amazing ! ! !
I very much like the idea of this place--humanely raised meat, green utensils and such, but the execution is a bit on the poor side. Â First, please don't call your flautas/taquitos "empanadas." Â Just because you fold a corn tortilla in half to make the shape of an empanada doesn't make it one. Â I'd actually love it if you served actual empanadas made with dough!
Second, almost everything we had--several choices of tacos and "empanadas" were far too salty. Â Even this chips/salsa were a bit on the salty side. Â I'd rather not have to raise my blood pressure in exchange for visiting your place.
Because two new relatively nearby order-at-the-counter organic Mexican joints opened up around the same time, a few of people have compared the two. Â I have to say that hands down, Taco Nino in nearby Northfield kicks the pants of El Mexican. Â But this doesn't have to be a winner take all proposition and I'm glad we have such great Mexican choices in the neighborhood.
We'll El Mexican another shot or two and try out the burritos, but so far I'm not buying the hype here on Yelp.
I have since been back twice and have eaten in both times. Â Take out and in house is like night and day. Â A lot easier also to add and adjust your tacos etc. Â Still in need of some acidity and more cilantro. Â They did however tell me they don't put much cilantro directly on as a lot of people don't like it. Â Plenty on the side chopped with onion. Â WOuld like to see them double up the taco tortillas as they get soggy quickly. Â Now if only they served or allowed me to bring my own beer. Â Tacos need beer or margaritas.
Review Source:Noticed this place a few weeks ago clearly by accident as it still has no sign outside. Have to think that all of these people that are effusing about this place are much, much younger because the vibe here is clearly either goth or punk!
Had only two tacos, one carnitas and a pork al pastor. It was pluses and minuses for both. The corn tortillas are very tender and flavorful but they have a nearly neon color to them that was off-putting. The fillings have great promise, the issue is that they do seem bland as the previous reviewer mentioned because they clearly lack enough salt.
The young gentleman at the register seemed very unsure and uncomfortable in his role. The cook that came to the window was rather scary looking (think stereotypical gang-banger look) and I believe that on the North Shore there are not enough young people who would appreciate the appearance of this place and it's workers for it to survive. Will return knowing that I need to add salt to my dishes and hope that they can improve on the attitude and the lack of signage in order to make it. If not,I give it less than 10 months. These two restaurant storefronts in this mall behind the Panera just south of Willow have very bad track records for the restaurants that open here as you have to know to come here - it is not something you see from Waukegan. Without some serious advertising or extremely strong word of mouth and social media I fear it will not make it.
I was truly excited when I noticed this little place while heading to Jewel. I finally had a chance to head there today. Some things were impressive and some were not. I tried the carnitas tacos and they have potential. The tortillas were very good but each taco had about a tablespoon of meat and very little toppings. Also tried the beans and rice and they were just ordinary nothing to write home about. I asked for a few of the green and a few of the red salsas and when I got back to work I had one half full container of each. I'm hoping it was an off day and will definitely give it another try.
Review Source:Being Mexican, I really enjoy my cultures food, so when I saw this place I thought I would give it a try.
Absolutely LOVE this place !
I give this place 5 STARS, which is rare for me to do. In my experience, most places are not authentic enough for me. Definitely not the case here !
The meat is seasoned to perfection & tender, and the ingredients all taste fresh. I recommend the empanadas too, they are very tasty!
I have been there now on multiple occasions, and the food has been on point each time.
The service here is excellent. In my opinion the service element makes or breaks an establishment. I can truly see this place having continued success !
Came here after reading an article in the Patch, I then Yelped it and was super excited to get to this place. I've been on the quest for a local decent burrito and have constantly been disappointed. I've been a resident of Glenview for 12 years and this town is seriously hurting as far as cuisine is concerned. I have finally found a burrito worth Yelping about. Today I ordered the Tinga del Pollo burrito with everything & it was divine. It was served quickly & I savored every juicy little morsel. As we were walking in I told my hubby I was getting the chicken burrito. He replied, "How boring." I'm having the last laugh because it was bleeping delicious & I will definitely be returning just for that. I'm obsessed. Hooray that there is not just decent food in Glenview but delectable food. Please don't move EMR & I hope business booms so you stick around for a long time. Now we just need a worthy Chinese restaurant in this town.
Review Source:Only opened 7 weeks ago and already a destination. Â The locally grown produce and local meat really liven up the flavors. Â
I had the Tinga del Pollo burrito stuffed with everything. Â When it first arrived I thought I would take half home for lunch the next day--WRONG- I can't believe i ate the whole thing. Â
The three taco "If you're hungry" plate looks tempting now that I know I can really eat the whole thing. Â
Atmosphere is cute and non- assuming. We were given chips and salsa at our table to distract us from the wait and to soothe our grumbling tummies. Â Everything is made fresh and the tortillas are made fresh to order.
-
Ooh. Yes. They certainly gave me something to taco 'bout.
I had the good fortune of meet co-owner Jen Eisen while checking out the farm-fresh, sustainably raised rations at Glenview's El Mexican Restaurant today.
Opening the day after Thanksgiving 2012, this still sign-less establishment is certainly on it's way to making a name for itself. Jen Eisen can be found at EMR most days, while the rest of her time is devoted to working under Chicago's Top Chef, Stephanie Izard, of Girl and the Goat fame. Not a bad mentor in any scenario, and unquestionably *THE* ideal mentor should one want to open any sort of restaurant-related business in the Chicago-area.
I wasn't able to meet Eloin Amador, Jen's partner and co-owner at El Mexican Restaurant, I was able to to taste the fruit of Eloin's endeavors. Raised in Mexico and working his way up through the restaurant ranks in America, Elion's specialty are the made to order corn tortillas. Jen had attempted to describe their splendor, but no words could do these maize-born miracles justice. I've never, EVER, tasted a tortilla like this. Like an out-of-body experience.
With that being said, we had to try EMR's tacos on the famed homemade tortilla's, along with their burrito, just because it was calling out name, though we heard from another table that the empanadas were noteworthy as well.
The burrito was fantastic, BUT the tacos are the true star. Again, the tortillas. THE TORTILLAS. I pledge my devout and undying love to those heaven-sent tortillas. We got the veggie tacos, all the trimmings, and added guacamole for a dollar and added the house-made hot sauces to enhance the flavors, though the tacos stood on their own without. The refried beans were tasty, as well as being vegan, the lime rice was outstanding and the cous-cous salad was an unexpected favorite. So much more flavor and absolutely the perfect light, dish when topped with a dollop of salsa.
We washed our eats down with grapefruit and tamarind Jarritos, or 'Mexican Zima' as some would call it. I'd love to see them serve some house-made horchata in the future, but honestly, they've got me hooked enough with the tacos that it doesn't even matter.
The restaurant is counter service-style, pretty small, and meant mainly for carry-out orders, but there are three tables with a total of 10 seats hanging out in there, if you're lucky enough to snag 'em. There's also a few tall stools with a small ledge running along one of the windows, but there isn't a ton of room so I'd imagine this as being a better spot to sit and wait for your carry-out order, but eating here is totally possibly, though likely a bit cramped.
As far as pricing goes, the prices are definitely higher than your standard Mexican stop or the likes of large chains like Chipotle, but there's good reason, and that reason is honest to goodness good and good for you food. Sustainable, locally-farmed, hormone-free meat blended with old family recipes from Eloin's upbringing in Mexico and fresh-off-the-vine produce that give way to unbeatable flavor and the ability to taste the individual ingredients, as they work to compliment and enhance the character of every taco, burrito, salad and empanada El Mexican Restaurant puts it's name to.
Just got back from this place and am writing the first Yelp review ever. It was awesome. Corn tortillas made fresh daily, empanadas to die for. Great owners and service. They do catering as well. Highly suggest this local place and would go here over any other suburbs Mexican restaurant. It was the BOMB!
Review Source:Good tasting food. Good concept. Good logo. Good all the way around. Bad location. I think this restaurant would do a lot better in a "downtown" or higher foot traffic location. I really liked the chips and salsa. The chips were deep fried, crunchy and just delicious. I would go back for the chips and salsa alone. I don't like the strip mall location, but I guess everyone's gotta start somewhere.
Review Source:We dropped in by accident and was pleasantly surprised at the new Mexican dine-in carry-out that just opened 1 month ago. I liked that they served non-GMO and non-hormonal meat products and recycle. I had the burrito with pork and enjoyed it but wished they served rice as an option.
The chips and salsa are tasty, but not the best I have had. I like the green and red sauce that tastes homemade to go with the burritos and chips.
I will definitely give the tacos a try next visit.
EL Mexican Restaurant is the replacement business to the previous Jimano's Pizza, and before that Mama's pizza, basically it is in a doomed spot. Hopefully the failure of the last two places won't loom over EL, because it is pretty good.
The atmosphere is very modern and spacious, with only one large table in the center and 3 tall chairs by the window. When you walk in you are greeted by friendly staff, who seem appreciative of your business, as they should.
My boyfriend and I came in on a Thursday evening, and were the only two people there, which doesn't surprise me since they had been open less then a week. They are proud to post around the restaurant that they are locally sourced, and use no hormones in their food, which only proved more appealing to me. I ordered the Empanadas Combo with Al Pastor, which comes with 3 Empanadas and a drink. My boyfriend ordered the Taco Combo with Tinga Chicken, which also comes with 3 Tacos and a drink. This place does not serve Chips and Salsa free so we purchased it, for 2.50, and the Cashier gave us Guacamole for free, nice! The empanadas were very good, very crispy, and piping hot, but don't expect more then just the meat inside. The Tacos were also very good, my boyfriend ordered everything on them so they came with pico, chorizo beans, lettuce, queso, and creme on top. The hot sauces that come with are creamy, which was unique to me, and very tasty.
I give it 4 stars because it was good enough food, with a great atmosphere, and friendly service, but it is very pricey, and isn't the best I've had. I still prefer La Taquiza.
Tonight we checked out the El Mexican Restaurant which is located just south of Willow and Waukegan intersection next door to Jewel-Osco. Â We ordered the three taco combo, a burrito, and a kids meal. Â The tacos are great because you can choose from 6 different fillings: Puerco al Pastor, Pork Carnitas, Beef Barbacoa, Carne Asada, Tinga de Pollo, and Vegetarian with Tofu. Â So if you do the Taco combo you can try 3 different fillings, one for each taco. Â The tacos also come double wrapped with two tortillas each. Â
The burrito was sizable and filling, but not particularly memorable. Â
The kids meal was a nice combo of a cheese quesadilla, sliced pineapple chunks, and a juice box. Â My kid ate about half the quesadilla and then we saved the rest for tomorrow's lunch.
So who is this place for? Â Well if you are a downtown Chicago worker who loves the Mexican food trucks, then this place is for you. Â The flavors and filling choices are very similar to what you will find downtown. Â However if you are a lover of Taco Bell, then you will probably be upset at the lack of hard tacos or processed meats.
That reminds me, this place prides itself on using locally grown meat and produce. Â So no worries about GMOs and Hormones. Â (I do wonder where that locally grown pineapple comes from?)
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