We arrived at 710 on a Saturday night. We were seated promptly. I thought we were in for a pleasant mexican meal... boy was I wrong.
My friends started off with some Margaritas. They each wanted the 9 dollar triple g. The waiter offerered them a $33 dollar deal, 5 Margaritas for the price of 4 i.e. a pitcher of the stuff. Now we didn't know this at the time, but our waiter was a complete moron.
First off all, after a 25 min wait (for drinks),there was not even 4 margaritas in the pitcher. Secondly, he spilled some while pouring their first one (it was insignificant, but every last drop wouldn't have made it even close to 5 margaritas. Strike one.
They offered complimentary chips and salsa, like every mexican place in the city. They were average at best. probably the most positive aspect of the trip.
Along with the margaritas, we were all ready to order. Unfortunately, our waiter didn't feel the same way. This guy had 3 tables; Our group of 4, a huge group of about 12 (who the waiter seemed to know), and another group of 4. After staying that we were ready to order, the waiter said this:
"Sorry guys, I've got 2 tables ahead of you so I can't take your order."
What the hell? Since when did that have anything to do with when you can take our order? And now you're telling me you are going to take the orders of the table of twelve, who all arrived at different times (some after us), put in their order, take another order, put that in, and then take our order, after making us wait 30 minutes for our drinks? Strike two.
So, after seeing the table of 12 receive their food, and the other table have their order put it, it was our turn! Someone also sent food back from that table, so there's another delay. I Â also saw 3 parties who entered after us receive their food well before us, and they arrived after us too!
Honestly, it doesn't matter what we ordered, but I'll tell you. Our group of 4 ordered these items: Chicken Oxaca (sp?), which was chicken and mushrooms cooked in a bag with a side of rice and veggies. Another ordered the combo plate of a stuffed pepper and tacos. Another ordered the carne asada burrito. Finally, I ordered the chicken lime dish. Came with refried beans and veggies (doused in cheese which I asked for dry). Our order was taken at about 805. We received our food at about 9. Strike three.
Mexican is hard to screw up; nothing was that good. Meat, Veggies, Rice, Beans, Tortillas. That basically all mexican food is, right? Anyways, nothing stood out, besides them screwing up my order. I ordered an extra side of veggies (sans cheese) because I was super hungry and my dish was the smallest (and of course I'm the biggest eater). I sampled everything else, and it was 'eh' at best.
After finally eating, Our waiter had no problem getting that check in and out to us. The guys' margarita was 35 bucks (individuals were 9, they got ripped off bc the waiter was a liar). My dish was 10.95. I even tipped 3 dollars for some godforsaken reason. I wasn't charged for my extra veggies, so I guess there's some silver lining.
This place had decent reviews, and it was close, so we decided to go. I should have looked a bit closer at the most recent reviews, they all are just average or very bad. This one is no exception.
The old lady at the front (carmen, the wife of fernando, the owner, who might be dead, or maybe I missed him) is definitely just a figure head for the place. She sat upfront and walked really slow and did nothing. I'm sure she worked very hard earlier in her life, as evidenced by a picture on the wall where the place was featured in the suntimes about 15 years ago. I almost had the heart to tell the sweet old lady how bad my experience was, but it didn't come to that.
Listen, I give everyone a fair shake, especially restaurants. Fernando's did nothing right, nothing well, and was just plain awful. Our waiter was a liar, and he checked on us about 4 times all night, showing much more attention to his other 2 (!!!!) tables. He had a bad jerry curl too (sorry I'm getting personal, but yeah).
I would venture to say this was the worst restaurant experience I've ever had. Slow service, subpar food, and generally, just nothing good gained from the experience.
I LOVE FOOD, and I never, ever think about stiffing businesses, but it definitely crossed my mind, and i'm a very honest person, but they pushed me to the limit. The only good part was the company of my friends. I'm surprised we didn't walk out during our extended waits.Thanks for nothing Fernando's.
Maybe this place was good at some point in time, but my god, good would be the last word I would use to describe this place.
AWFUL. BAD. TERRIBLE. SH*(&(Y. CRAPPY. Insert any other negative adjective here.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS! THIS PLACE SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was a treat coming to Fernando's on a Saturday night, not having partaken in Mexican for quite awhile. On that Saturday, the rooms were full and festive. The atmosphere in the bar felt like a busy college place, largely due to a younger crowd. That didn't stop us from being seated in the dining room fairly quickly, after a brief stint at the bar with a pitcher of margaritas, for us three. We had had a margarita at my friends' home, so I was surprised to taste the ones here. I will call them "bandaid margaritas." What I think happened was on this busy night, they were re-using pitchers and glasses so fast that there wasn't time to get the disinfectant off the glassware. Â I suppose it's better than having garbage-infused margaritas, but overall it took away from enjoying the drink. Not to mention keeping me more sober!
The menu is very adequate, as standard Mexican goes. I let my friends order, so we had a combination of dishes: Chiles Rellenos, Enchaladas Suizas, and Carne Asada. The Carne Asada was sliced very thin and was extremely tender. Chiles Rellenos were rich with cheeses and a spicy oilyness which slid down the throat quite easily. The chicken enchiladas were tasty, too. We cleaned our plates. Without appetizers or dessert, the bill was pleasant, too. Only $36.00. Actually the pitcher of margaritas cost more than dinner at $40..00. But all in all, for drinks and dinner, it was a good value. Service was fast and the staff treated us like old friends or family. Fernando's is a great spot for neighborhood Mexican, and probably a good place for groups or birthdays, too. Â Me gusta mucho!
Service was good, they got us in right away on a busy Sat night. Â Kids loved it they dont usually like Mexican restaurants. Â Margs were tasty and strong, fajitas were good and enough to share, soup was very flavorful. Â The hostess reminded me of my grandmother. Â
took off a star becuase I wasnt a big fan of the tortillas they use for their chips/salsa.
I was very disappointed in my experience at Fernando's. Â We went with a large group of people for a birthday dinner. Â The waiter brought out two fried ice creams at the end of the dinner. Â We did not order the fried ice cream, and assumed it would be on the house. Â When our bill arrived, we were charged for the desserts. Â We assumed this was a mistake and informed the waiter who just smiled and nodded. Â We told him to take the desserts off the bill. Â The person whose birthday it was could not even eat the dessert because she has celiac's. Â Nobody liked the dessert and most of it was left uneaten.
The waiter went to speak with his manager, came back to the table, and said he would remove one dessert from the bill. We asked to speak with the manager. Â The waiter disappeared and came back about ten minutes later stating that we should talk to the elderly man behind the bar. Â The manager did not have the courtesy of even coming over to the table. Â In the end, we paid for one of the desserts. Â It's disappointing that a restaurant would have such poor customer service that they would charge for desserts we did not order and the manager could not even bother to come to the table to address our concerns.
This has been a go-to spot for the gang of friends for many years now. You can always count on a decent meal, strong drinks if you care to imbibe, and good service. There is better food to be had i am sure, but there is a lot to be said for that feeling of warmth you have when you leave Fernando's. Great little neighborhood spot that has a very loyal fan base. I always enjoy this restaurant.
Review Source:Went for dinner with friends, sat at the bar, the bartender was a little crusty but he made great drinks! Chips and salsa, perfect blend of a lil spice but not kill your mouth. Tacos good, Roberto steak burrito, flavor heaven and sooo good - recommend the Mango Marigarita!! Best pasrt, you can take a picture with an ass when you leave, love the stuffed donkey!
Review Source:When I say I wanted to love this place trust me I truly did especially after reading some of the reviews!
First I got the carne asada and the steak tasted like it was boiled then bake and I'm use to having that savory taste of a good char broiled but not here! Â It just lacked flavor!
The salsa and chips that they placed on the table was okay but it wasn't the best I had by any means!
I do give them kudos on the rice and beans but I wanted Mexican not Mexican't!!!
The drink was okay it wasn't anything that I would come back for so I don't understand what all the hoopla was about!
Now, the food wasn't the only thing I had a problem with while I was here!
The group I was with had a <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> coupon which took 15 dollars off of our bill which the cashier took off then replaced!
So, we let him know we were over charged we get all of that together and he asked did we want another drink for our troubles...I say yes and what we received was just the margarita mix without the liquor and all I could do is shake my head! Â Why offer us a margarita for our troubles and give us a virgin one while you sip on a shot of tequila!!!
Will I be back, No, NEVER!!!
Our Favorite Mexican restaurant Las Pinatas lost their lease and closed which prompted our search for a new Mexican go to place for margaritas and burritos. Fernando's is close to the house and I had driven by numerous times so let the search begin. First off I had a hard time finding the front door on the way in that is opposite of me usually not finding the door on the way out because of to many margaritas. The door is black with no knob or window just a few eating utensil attached to pull it open seemed like a entrance to a secret club or dining dungeon. Atmosphere is a mix between boring and odd with a life size donkey or was it a ass near the front door and some odd nick nacks hanging from the ceiling. There is a big bar as you enter seemed like might be fun in kind of a biker bar kind of way after a shot of tequila or two. My opinion the inside needs a little makeover as it seems old and dusty. Big plus for Fernando's no mariachi band the kiss of death or El beso de la muerte for a restaurant.
Ok onto the food and drink we started with a pitcher of the Fernando's Margaritas the taste was good but they seem a little light on the tequila and for 32 bucks a pitcher I'd like them to have more of a kick. We ordered queso fundido for our appetizer  the cheese was not very flavorful and there was not alot of chorizo in the dish kind of bland start. For entrees I ordered the steak fajitas the meat was very good they only use tenderloin according to the waiter and the onions and peppers where flavorful. A good size serving that came with all the Mexican condiments to doctor your fajita up.  I asked for corn tortillas as I did not care for the flour tortillas that came with the queso fundido maybe a personnel opinion but the corn was not corny like my wife says I am and the flour was to thick and chewy. My wife had the chicken burritos and the meat was great but Fernando's burritos come suiza style which means with a red sauce and cheese on top kind of like a enchilada. She did not like it and neither did I. We both like a burrito grilled in the wrapper and topped with sour cream and guacamole no sauce or cheese on top. Funny the table next to us ordered the same burrito and asked the waiter if it was a burrito. On the bright side we where told the restaurant will prepare the menu how ever you want to our request which means hold the pickle hold the lettuce special orders don't upset Fernando all he wants to do is serve it your way....I heard that song somewhere before hmmm. The service was very good no problem there and no wait ever on chips or water. We went on a Saturday night about 8:00 and the place was loaded with kids 3 and under with their margarita drinking parents also there seemed to be alot of the 60+ crowd seemed like a strange mix. In retrospect the crowd and the semi bland food kind of fit. We will give Fernando's a try again and put in our special order and report back I would not be surprised if they get another star or two. I think this place has potential and by no means is it bad but not the holy grail of Mexican restaurants either.
Best fajita quesadilla I have ever had in Chicago!! Â The only slight grievance I have is that their "pitcher" of margaritas is supposed to be enough for 5 drinks, it was barely 4 and very watered down, though somehow we managed to get a little buzz off of them. Â
The food gets 5 stars, margaritas get a 3.
Oh Fernando's.
The restaurant itself is fun, if you like that giant fake plant, cheesy decor, giant donkey in the window kind of thing.
The food is, well, meh. Â I wasn't impressed. Â At all (except for the chips & salsa, I could eat bowls of those). The margaritas weren't very good either. Â Our table had queso fundido, steak fajitas, enchiladas, and the Avocado salad. Â The Avocado salad was so sad looking-as soon as they sat it in front of me, my friend and fiancee both immediately offered me some of their meals. Â Seeing their meals, I wasn't sure if I really wanted them either.
Now the service on the other hand-that was fantastic!  I would come back just to have our server-who's name I'm kicking myself for not remembering.  He was so nice, so accomodating, he just really put  me in a great mood which is something that does NOT happen these days.  I may come back....but only for unlimited chips and salsa and our cheery waiter.
This review is in response to Ashaki's review from 6/8.
We were seated at the table behind her table, we were a party of 8 and we experienced nothing but exceptional service considering we're a larger party. Â My grandmother who is highly allergic to garlic asked our server what they could make her b/c of her allergy. Â Our server went to the kitchen to ask the chef and came back with a list of suggestions for her. Â After we ordered, we didn't have to wait very long for our food or drinks to come to our table, maybe 15-20 mins max. Â The staff continually came back to our table to refill waters, drinks, etc. Â I see nothing wrong with the service we experienced, again considering we were a large party.
On our way out the door Ashaki's husband yells at us "Don't ever come back here, the service is horrible" and frankly there's no reason to yell that at other diners, you have no idea what someone else experienced. Â It makes you look immature and lacking of any class, which we quickly learned was definitely the case of this guy. Â My aunt responded "we had nothing but great service!" and my cousin was the one who responded "we don't want your kind here" and by that he meant morons, not because of ethnicity. Â Complainer guy appeared to be of the same race as we are, white, but I also heard him speaking in spanish to the owner, so maybe he was hispanic. Â
As we walk out the door, this guy's wife, aka Ashaki, begins talking trash to my cousin and making immature faces at him. Â So naturally my cousin begins defending himself as we're trying to leave. Â Ashaki's husband followed us outside and started picking a fight with us IN FRONT OF THEIR TWO CHILDREN! Way to be a role model for your kids, who btw were alone by themselves at their car while their parents had more important things to deal with (sarcasm). Â This guy was adamant he wanted to fight my cousin and I continually yelled back at him that he's a grown adult who needs to walk away and take care of his kids. Â But no he continued to push the issue. Â Askaki did NOTHING to stop this situation, in fact she provoked it more and more. Â So I can see why the cops were called on them by the owner of Fernando's. Â I was ready to pull out my pepper spray to diffuse this guy and his wife, instead we left. Â
What had been a nice dining experience in celebration of my cousin's college graduation was ruined by Ashaki and her husband. Â
BTW the neighborhood Fernando's is located in is a mostly white neighborhood in West Lakeview. Â It would be expected that white people are the majority of people eating here based on this fact.
I love Mexican! Â Fernando's was sub-par. Â I went here with my siblings on a Friday night. Â We've been on the search for awesome Mexican in Chicago. Â There has to be a great place on the north side right? Â
We walked in and were seated right away. Â The service was good but the food not so much. Â The servers brought chips and salsa to the table right away. Â The chips tasted kind of burnt. Â The salsa was ok. Â It had a little kick which was nice. Â
The menu wasn't what I expected. Â I tried the quesadilla fijita with chicken. Â I like both of these things separately but together isn't the best.
The portions were a decent size.
Fernando's is maybe a step above Pepe's. It's not a dig or anything, it just the whole atmosphere and experience reminds me of them. Saturday night, families all piled up in the dining room and the non-children having people are all in the bar area. The food is... less face it, average. It comes out the kitchen door fast (maybe too fast), Â hot, has some flavor, and it will fill your belly. Nothing to complain about (except maybe the worst Flan ever) but also nothing to rave about. Still, there is some skill in the cooking (hence the step up from Pepe's). I recommend anything cooked here in banana leaves, they do it well. The service is friendly but hard to reach sometimes. There is a lot of people working there and I'll say they work hard. Our waiter, along with stocking the bar with ice and what not, also had a few other tables besides ours. He was running almost the entire time we were there, so I give them major props for that. As for the rumors... Yes, it is true the chips and salsa are awesome and No, the margaritas aren't strong. Â Â
It's kind of sad to me that there are so many only average Mexican places to eat. I love the food and after you've eaten some of the best it's hard to be subjective with places like this. What are you going to do.
Hi,
Went here tonight with a friend to get a quick bite to eat... We were seated right away and were brought chips and water... It took a while for our server to take our order and yes it was busy. The portions were huge and enough to take home... The drinks were good and the atmosphere was ok. They could have had a little louder  music and a variety of Mexican songs (instead just a low thump)... But overall it's a good place for family to friends dining.
They will earn the 5th star maybe next time
One of favorite spots in Roscoe Village/Lakeview area. Â Great service, strong Margaritas and a good atmosphere. Â It's pretty busy in here about any night of the week, but we've never had to wait. There is also good seating in the bar area and it's fairly comfortable too.
Also, my favorite meal here are the Chile Rellenos. They are a good size and great flavors. Throw some of the hot salsa (might have to request from waiter) on them and you are good to go!
Will be back..again and again and again...
I think the thing that draws you in the most when you see this place from the outside is the stuffed donkey. You stare at it, trying to figure out if it's once real or not.
As I live in the neighborhood, I figured that it would be cool to stop in on a Saturday night. It didn't hurt that I had a Travelzoo voucher for a dinner either. Food was mostly OK; had nachos, guac and chips, and some soft tacos. The steak kabob was tasty though; I think it was the honey mustard sauce that sold me. The margaritas were good, but not great.
Now for the bad parts of my experience. The noise level was very loud. We walked over there hoping for an early dinner to beat the crowds but the place ended up getting busy anyway. We got seated next to a bunch of kids and they all kept walking back and forth, brushing up against our table as we ate. The adults at that table weren't of help either; I could hear one guy's entire drunk conversation to another person at the table. Was he talking to me or him? I know that it wasn't the restaurant's fault, but I can tell you something that was: I found HAIRS on a scoop of the fried ice cream I got served for dessert. What.The.F*ck.
The only redeeming quality about this place was our waiter. (I guess I was too distracted to get his name). He had a positive attitude and our food got brought out in a timely manner. Although I did notice on this night that he was the only person taking orders in a restaurant full of people and there were ten busboys all around the room serving food. Wow, really guys?
My sister had visited this place about half a dozen times before, and when asked about her experience she replied, "eh, just have low expectations." I guess I should have listened to her.
Bought a Groupon Now! for Fernando's. Â Decided to Live Blog the experience for all you Yelpers out there... on Yelp.
7:40 - Found way easy parking across the street. Â Easier than I anticipated, definitely. Â Free, residential parking! Â Is there anything more beautiful? Â
7:45 - The Boyfriend and I are seated. Â Oh my God when they said "stuffed donkey" I thought they meant like a rocking horse. Â Eff to the no. Â This is a real Goddamn donkey and it is looking at me. Â Oh my God. Â Oh my God.
7:46 - Ooh! Â Chips!
7:55 - Their margaritas start at $8.25. Â Kinda steep. Hope they're enormous. Â These chips are amazing. Â The salsa is pretty great, too. Â We order chile con queso.
8:00 - Oooooh, this margarita is crazy strong. Â I steal the lime off the Boyfriend's, since he doesn't seem to want it and I need to add not-booze to the booze mix. Â The Chile con queso is also delicious. Â Kinda thin, but extremely tasty. Â Could use more spicy, though.
8:15 - Tequila and spicy make tummy all warm. Â Heather need real food soon why margs on empty stomach why. Â Bad idea. Â More chips nom nom nom
8:20 - THISIS TEH BEST CHILE RELLENO EVER ATEN BY ME. Â HOMG. Â But wheres teh rest of my rices? Â No enuff rices. Â Beans so goooood. Â Urk. Â I think thisis a tomato wit sour cream schmeared on it???? Â Wtf
8:30 - WAITER! Â Uno mas margaritas por favor. Â Snap snap! Â Omg, so full, fuller than posbly evar. Â I'ma go pet the donkeys.
8:45 - Back frm donkee n bathroom times. Â Omg. Â Ith ink someone ate up my food. Â Is all gon. Â No, Boyfren. Â Iun wan no more tequeela. Â Pls drink it. Â No, YOU drink it. Â
8:55 - Sleepy. Â So sleepy. Â Boyfren slides me in2 car, buckle seatbelt. Â Click! Â I'ma finish thi s review tomorow. Â Fwfhioops. Â Droppd fone.
Fernando got off to a rocky start, but ended on a high note. Â
I've passed the neon pink-lined windows, the large stuffed donkey and the many plants lining the front windows of the restaurant for some time now - curious about what this Fernando's is all about... Finally, I checked it out. Â And... I liked it! Â
My sister and I came to Fernando's for a casual weeknight dinner and loved their fresh chips + salsa. Â After waiting for our server to take our drink orders for what seemed like way too long of a time, we went all or nothing and ordered a pitcher of margaritas. Â They were good and strong - just like I like 'em.
I ordered the chicken chimichangas, and sister ordered the veggie burritos. Â Both entrees came with sides of beans, rice, and a little salad/salsa/sour cream garnish. Â These 'changas were okay - I've definitely had better, but they were still good. Â And even though we waited a long time to get our orders in, once we did order our food, it came out in no time! Â Making up for lost time? Â I don't know...
Prices were fair, margaritas were strong/good, food was decent, service started slow but improved toward the end - so, yes, I'd return to Fernando's.
My only regret: I wish I had taken a photo of the donkey. Â Next time.
Margarita's Margarita's Margarita's thats all folks. The food is good many of the dishes are served with fresh steamed veggies, like carrots, cauliflower, zucchini. Prices are really low and the chips and salsa is all you can eat. But really it's the Margarita's,
pricey and well worth it. The bar has a friendly atmosphere and easy to go on your
own for a bite to eat and a Margarita.
This was our second trip to Fernandos. Â The first time was a Friday night it was packed and the server was surly...we complained about something and he became defensive. Food was OK. Â Margaritas are strong and I always complain that margaritas aren't strong enough. Â We left less than pleased.
Fast foward a year, we were in the neighborhood and decided to give it another try. Â It was busy but plenty of empry tables. Service was just as surly and defensive.
Won't make that mistake again.. Â Too many good Mexican restaurants in this city.
This place is a bit oddly placed on Lincoln and the entrance to the restaurant definitely could use some updating. Once inside, it feels quite dated and a little dark and maybe dingy but if you can get past that, you're in for a treat.
The chips are warm and crispy and by far the best I've had at a Mexican restaurant. The salsa has a little kick but won't burn your mouth. I had the grilled chicken skewers with steamed veggies and vegetarian refried beans. Delicious, huge portions and healthy! I would come back just for those beans. I mean wow, they were amazing!
My dinner partner had a steak stew on top of rice. It was shredded steak in a tomato-based soup/gravy. It looked great. He ate it up with sheer joy.
Wonderful service. Great recommendations by our waiter. Definitely not your local cheapo Mexican joint!
After three margaritas I found myself singing "With Arms Wide Open" by Creed (with hand motions similar to my Yelp picture) at the top of my lungs in front of an extraodinarily large crowd of people at Finley Dunne's. Â No, it was not karaoke night. Â If that doesn't tell you anything, I don't know what does.
Also, don't skip out on the queso fundido. Â MUY DELICIOUS!
I didn't try the margaritas. I'm just letting you know that up front as it seems the margaritas are the huge draw here. I'm more of a beer girl.
Anyway, Boyfriend and I were in the mood for Mexican so we decided to try Fernando's as it's nearby. We're adventuresome like that.
I expected the place to be nearly empty as we were there on a Monday, but there were a surprising number of other diners and the main dining room continued to fill as we ate. (I can tell you for sure that there were patrons at the bar area as they were quite loud).
I had the enchiladas with mole sauce (as I always have the enchiladas with mole sauce - I told you I'm an adventure-seeker), and they were pretty good. I love me some mole sauce, so it takes a lot to mess it up in my mind. This wasn't the best I'd ever had, but definitely up there. I'd eat it again.
Service was a little slow, but not crazy-making.
Finally tried Fernando's after 20+ years of driving by the place.
if you are like us and have two kids under the age of 6, this is a good place to add to your list of kid-friendly haunts.
However, If you like really good food, you will have to lock your inner foody into a cell for the night.
We got there at 5:30, maybe only 4 tables occupied. Â 45 minutes later, the place was packed and there were folks waiting. Â Like us, everyone had 1 or 2 kids. Â That earlier funny about calling it Chucky Queso's is pretty funny but it's also accurate. Â Like my experiences when we've dined at Rockwells, there were 50-60 kids in attendance though they were all pretty well behaved.
My kids loved it, screaming out knock-knock jokes to each other while demolishing the kid quesadillas and two baskets of chips.
My inner foody was quiet, mute. Â Usually he whispers dark comments, or belts out effusive compliments in an almost operatic baritone. Â But tonight... No. Â I asked him to take the night off, with pay, and he acquiesced but did add a long drawn-out melodramatic sigh to let me know that he would be taking notes while I plowed through my overly greasy steak fajitas, my incredibly bland beans, and rice so forgettable that I wonder if they also make them for school cafeterias and VA hospitals. Â Finally he whispers, in a soft tone, as if sensing my pain... "Some day... some day, the boys will be old enough and you can take them to a Rick Bayless restaurant instead." Â My reverie was interrupted by my oldest son exhorting me to accompany him so that he could pet the stuffed donkey. Â I pounded my coke and did my dadly duty.
The only reason I'm giving one star is b/c they have good queso - but Rotel and Velveeta is just as good - so I will not miss one thing about this place - b/c as of today - this restaurant will be what my friends and I refer to as 'BANISHED'! Â
Incident #1 (about a year ago): Â My husband and I went in on a Sunday for lunch and it wasn't crowded but what you should know is that the staff at Fernando's ONLY care about their regulars - and don't really care about making new regulars. Â We ordered queso and chips but the meals came out first so we sent it back but it was still on our bill - we waited about 30 min to get our bill (dishes were never cleared) then another 15 min for our server (who was busy chatting it up w/ his regulars) to revise the bill - then he stood over my husband as he was signing his receipt to make sure he got enough tip. Â I told my husband to wait until he left and our server yelled at me, 'WHAT? Â YOU DIDN'T GET YOUR FOOD? Â WHAT? Â WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?'
Incident #2: I decided to try this place again today hoping that the d-bag waiter was gone. Â Basically we walked in at 1pm on Sunday for lunch - no hostess, no bartender, no wait staff - just the "regulars" watching the Bears game in the bar - we waited five minutes, no one showed up and then left. Â
Food is not that great to deal w/ the bs of this place!
Fernando's is just around the corner from where I live (for all you stalkers... ;) ) therefore, it happens to be one of the places that I gravitate towards on a night when dinner seems impossible. Â But let me tell you, I'm not complaining. Â I'm a creature of habit when I find something I really love and their fajitas are delicious. Â I love the idea of supporting a family owned business where the people who own it are the people who work there.
The 5 brothers take pride in their restaurant and it shows. Â I love their salsa, it has a nice little unexpected kick. Â I've had the fundido and let me tell ya, take a zantac because it could cause a little heartburn/indigestion , BUT it's worth it because it's so delicious.
"Let's meet Rob for one drink before dinner", we said. "Okay, we'll have an appetizer of taquitos (delicious teeny tiny tacos) and one more drink, but then we really must go", we said.
4 hours later, having entered some mysterious mexican time warp, we called it a night. Somehow I made it home, where I spent the night curled up on the bathroom floor using a towel for a blanket.
Well played, Fernando. Well played.
Fernandos is great if you're looking to grab some impromptu Mexican food and don't want to deal with the drunkards at La Pasadita or waiting weeks for reservations at De Cero (yes, I'm still waiting...). It's a middle of the road joint with a cute atmosphere, huge bar and KILLER chips and salsa. I'm all about a swift chip first impression - they must be warm and fresh with homemade salsa or I'm running for the border. Â
A good percentage of their food is way above decent and items like the enchiladas rancheros and steak tacos are actually pretty rockin'. Do yourself a favor, stay away from the chile rellenos (mushy) and the guacamole (has no kick)... oh and just stay away in general on Cubs game nights, this place gets out of control with loud, wastoid Chubbies fans. Well, unless of course you are one... and in that case grab a margarita and be sure to ask for salt, Senor Fernando is forgetful at times.
For years I have been hearing from my friends about how strong the margaritas at Fernando's are and how much fun they have when they go there. Â I finally got a chance to try Fernando's this weekend and all I can say is meh. Â
I don't drink margaritas on the rocks. Â I only drink the blended margaritas, and I suspect that the blended drinks are not as strong as the margaritas on the rocks. Â I had to order a double shot margarita and I still wasn't feeling it! Â
The food was average. Â I ordered the chicken enchiladas and they were really dry and flavorless. Â It was basically dry chicken wrapped in a tortilla and covered with cheese and mole sauce. Â Not very good.
The service was bad. Â Our waiter kept disappearing on us. Â We were celebrating a friend's birthday and our margarita glasses need to be kept full!! Â Maybe that's why I never caught a buzz...it took too long to get a refill.
I would give Fernando's another chance, but only because my friends are always raving about it. Â After this visit I feel that Fernando's is just eh.
I once had so many margaritas here that I thought it would be prudent to poke the couple seated next to us, point at their newborn baby, and ask why it "looked retarded." Â Apparently the baby was perfectly normal; I just (a) don't really know what babies are supposed to look like, and (b) insist on using completely un-PC terms like "retarded" when I drink a lot.
So what's the point? Â Well, first of all, if you're the couple I offended, I'm sorry. Â I'd offer to buy you a pitcher of margaritas, but it seems like that might be counterproductive. Â And secondly, there's a lesson to be learned here: don't drink and talk. Â If you're me. Â
Oh yeah, and the food isn't bad, either.
This place is like so many one night stands: a tequilla-fuled frenzy  followed by a headache and feelings of regret the next morning.
I walk past this place alot and having eaten there once and been really underwhelmed, I just couldn't figure out why it was so crowded all the time??? Â Its one of the cheesiest looking restaurants on that stretch of Lincoln...I mean c'mon, there's a donkey in the window! Â There's an "old man alchoholic" bar in front??? Â What is going on here?
I asked a friend of mine who swears by it and asked her questions like, what is so great there? Â Is it the food, the service? Â Do they give you free somberos? Â She really couldn't answer. Â In fact, she couldn't remember much at all and just shrugged her shoulders.
Then it hit me: I did not have a drop of alcohol when I was there. Â The secret to this place's success is that they get you so loaded before your food comes that you think its the greatest place EVER. Â You will probably say that a few times during the evening, and once right before you fall off your chair.
Anyway, I guess its a good place to go if you want to "accidentally" find yourself wasted on Tequilla. Â If you just want mexican food, go someplace else...
This place is the real deal for Mexican food!!! Yes, you can talk about margaritas all you want, but you come to a restaurant for food, and Fernandos hooks it up!
I've had the tacos and burritos here, and they are second to none. Not all that much else to say but go here..........do it.
I love Fernando's. Â Plain and simple this is a great place. Â Fernando's is not for you if you like your Mexican specially prepared by a renowned French chef. Â Fernando's is for you if you want to be loopy after one margarita and like authentic Mexican food (at good prices) in a restaurant atmosphere (rather than a taqueria- not a big fan of the taquerias).
The margarita's are the best part of Fernando's. Â Try them all- just not at one visit. Â Pitchers are reasonably priced and I find enough for three people (rather than just two) The food is not the best Mexican I have ever had, that would have been in Mexico, but it's some of the better traditional Mexican I have had (for it's price) in Chicago. You can't compare it to say an Adobo or Salpicon because at Fernando's it is old fashioned tacos, burritos, chimichangas and quesadillas- nothing fancy- although they do have a more spendy entre menu of seafood and meat. Â If I am going to spend that kind of money I will go to Adobo or Salpicon. Â Also, when going to Fernando's you must be patient. Â The service is a little slow, especially on a busy night, but all the servers are very friendly. Â
Overall, I do not think this is the place to go for a romantic date or for the best and most spectacular meal/experience of your life. Â It is a place to go with friends for incredible margaritas and pretty darn good inexpensive food.
The Mexican food is so so, but the RIBS are TREMENDOUS! Â I know, who would have thought you would come to a Mexican joint to eat ribs - but that is what Chicago is all about! Â A full rack is like $13 which makes it not only good, but well priced! Â I lean toward ordering take out because the restaurant does not have anything to offer by way of ambiance. Â Go for Mexican but EAT THE RIBS!!!! Â
P.S. Â Queso Fundido is exceptional but of course on the greasy side!
I had a couple of margaritas with my dinner last night, and they were so strong that I had to take a couple of aspirin BEFORE I went to bed. Â Fernando's bartender definitely knows how to make a cocktail!
The food here is pretty excellent. Â As simple and uninspiring as it may sound, they make some awesome chicken tacos. Â The meat is unbelievably moist and perfectly flavored.... honestly, some of the best tacos I've ever had. Â I love their chips and salsa, especially when the chips arrive at the table all warm and super delicious.
The decor isn't really anything special; in fact, it can be a little TOO dark in here. Â And service can be slow sometimes. Â But these things don't seem to matter all that much when you're 1 1/2 sheets to the wind from a single sip of your first margarita.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this might be my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. Â Yay tequila!
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