We ate there for the first time on Thursday when visiting family in the Bloomington/Normal area. I ordered a chicken quesadilla with beans and rice. My wife had the lunch special, which was two chicken tamales with beans and rice. We shared a half order of guacamole.
As is usual with restaurants like this one, they bring tortilla chips and salsa to start. Most of our party though that the salsa was too hot, but I loved it. It was some of the best salsa I have had.
The quesadilla was just perfect. The chicken was nicely shredded and perfectly seasoned. The balance of chicken and cheese in the quesadilla was perfect. The refried beans were very good and the rice was seasoned very nicely. The guacamole was very nice on the quesadilla and was also excellent. I tried a bit of my wife's tamale and found it to be good, but not great. I also had horchata, which was excellent.
I really recommend this place. It's not great on atmosphere and was a little loud at lunch since it was packed, but it was worth it.
When a mexican place has cow tongue on the menu, you know its real and good. My boyfriend and I LOVE good mexican food and this place hit the spot. My boyfriend discovered this place online and saw great reviews so we tried it after a long busy day. Loved it! we've been back a few times since and love it every time.
Review Source:I don't want to beat a dead horse and mention the lackluster decor, so I'll spare you. Kind of. even though I just mentioned it.
So I came in here with the main man and a couple of kids, and we were definitely the only white people in there. Good cultural experience for the kiddos. It took quite awhile for anyone to acknowledge we were there, and we were kind of confused as to if we were supposed to wait for a waitress or order at the counter. The waitress did eventually come and was so kind. She even thought to ask if the kids wanted lettuce on their tacos when they ordered, and seemed very attune to what the kids would and wouldn't like.
The servings were definitely huge, and the cheese dip we got for the chips came in a bowl twice the size of what I'm used to receiving. The food was a delicious gut bomb. I'll be back for sure.
One step into this place and you know people don't come for the decor. It's all about the food here. They don't even serve margaritas, but it's still my favorite for authentic Mexican. I get the Al Pastor Tacos every single time at lunch. When they arrive at the table I just sit and smell them for a minute before diving in. So.Darn.Good.
A zillion visits ago I had the Shrimp with Garlic (Camarones al mojo de ajo). I was amazed at the amount of shrimp and the amount of garlic. What more could anyone want or need? Just make sure the one you're with has a bite because no one will want to kiss you for days afterward. And it's worth it. Yum.
Oh. And it's super cheap too.
This place is fantastic! We are recent transplants to Bloomington-Normal and took Yelp advice to find a good Mexican place and were not disappointed. Â We have eaten there twice now. Â Once just the two of us for dinner, and yesterday with a big group for lunch. Â
The good:
Family-owned and super local and authentic. Â Everyone we have encountered was nice, even if the English was a bit spotty (it IS authentic!). Â The tacos and enchiladas were well-received by everyone. Â There is a picture menu for the more authentically Mexican stuff, and they will add extra cheese to anything ('suizo" style) since they serve almost all dishes with only a small amount of queso (I like that!). Â The homemade rice and beans are actually worth eating on their own and are not the standard filler. The place is kinda of a dive, but is very clean and comfortable.
The only-sort-of-bad:
They only have beer. No margaritas or sangria. That said, they have a great selection of reasonably-priced Mexican beer. Â Also, check the spicyness level of your dish. I ordered Camerones Mexicana (Mexican shrimp) the first time we went, and there were so many jalapenos in it I couldn't eat it after a few (very good, but very HOT) bites. The salsa also has a good kick to it. Â Everything else we have had there has been relatively mild, so check.
Great!!! Â Authentic!!!
Those are the two words that sum up this place. Â
The restaurant leaves a lot to be desired. Â The soda is served with the can, and the seating is that of a small office break room.
That being said, the food is phenomenal. Â The prices are just as good.
I have had the steak, chicken, chorizo, and tongue tacos. Â All of them GREAT!!! Â
The chorizo burrito is also huge and delicious. Â
With all of the reviews on here, and it being in the top listed restaurants in town, it is absolutely worth a trip in here. Â If you go at lunch, expect a wait for a table, but not a long one.
YUM!
There are so many worthy, glowing reviews of this place, that I don't have much to add except...
try the fried fish! It comes out whole and delicious with rice, beans and salad. It's so unique and fresh. Love it. Love this place. You don't  need margaritas to enjoy mexican food.
El Porton is one of my favorite restaurants in Bloomington, which isn't saying much, I guess.
But really, I think that El Porton could hold its own in any city. Their food is just plain good. Everything on the menu is simple, fresh, and delicious.
I usually get tacos al pastor, but I've had almost everything on the menu. Their entre plates are huge and worth the extra cost, but you can easily fill up on two or three $1.75 tacos.
Get yourself some fresh tacos and wash 'em down with horchata. Your day --no, your week-- instantly got better.
Came here on strength of other reviews and was not disappointed. Super nachos with steak was generously portioned. I couldn't finish it. It came with lots of meat and cheese, and was topped with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and avocado, plus sour cream and a whole jalapeño.
My husband enjoyed the chicken burrito, made perfectly to his custom order, and my six year old polished off a chicken-cheese soft taco and rice.
The place was packed, and for good reason. Service was fast and friendly. I would definitely come back next time we're in town. Oh, and the salsa: super hot.
Hardly a Thursday passes that my office doesn't go to El Porton for lunch. I've been eating at El Porton for over a year now and I still find no reason to try anything other than the tacos. They remain that good.
The pork taco is seasoned perfectly and gets extra flavorful when their salsa is added to it.
The steak tacos are also complimented well with the salsa.
The beef tongue tacos (trust me on this) are amazing. The beef tongue is amazingly tender. If the menu didn't tell you it was tongue you'd have no idea.
The atmosphere is nothing special. You walk in, you seat yourself and then you order delicious food.
They have bottles of coke from Mexico that are made with real sugar. They go really well with the tacos and are a nice guilty pleasure. Also good is the horchata.
On occasion I've stopped in for dinner. The food is the same, but it becomes socially acceptable to have some delilcious beer with the tacos. Decent selection of bottled beers. I'd recommend either the Negro Modelo or the Victoria.
One of the best places in town to eat.
El Porton is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Bloomington-Normal. Â It is fresh and authentic. Â I especially like their tortas and burritos. Â I had their enchiladas on my last visit and was very impressed. Unlike most Mexican restaurants in town, their food isn't smothered in that white cheese sauce. Â
Always great salsa, guacamole and chips too. Definitely get an tamarind agua fresca too, so delicious. The service is always fantastic too. Â Can't beat the prices either.
I no longer live in Bloomington-Normal, but this is always my first stop when I am back in town.
After getting turned on to Taqueria El Marendon by a friend, we decided to check out the Porton. Yelp reviews were pretty solid. Â
The only thing I had was chicken tacos, my friend had a taco burrito. Â We both agreed that they needed some flavoring - badly. Â Unlike the Marendon, they offer only one salsa - a somewhat spicy green one. They offered a red salsa, but I think this was only a Pico da Gallo and I already had some on my taco, so it didn't add much.
Since we both had chicken dishes, I really can't say too much. Â I wonder if other dishes are better. I'll be back to try another dish - just not chicken.
Los Potrillos, which to my palate, is a totally different style of food, used to be my favorite. Â And then one day the switch flipped, and El Porton is not only my favorite, but I want it all the time. Â It can be very busy at lunch time on a weekday, and the seating area is small. Â But I've never felt rushed, the food is always fresh and fantastic, and the prices are excellent. Â WHY, WHY IS TODAY WEDNESDAY*?? Â
*(They are closed Wednesdays.)
As everyone says, not your average place, you can tell it used to be a shop or small dinner. Â Our waiter couldn't help with suggestions because of language barrier, but the owner was able to help our fiends who arrived later.
The salsa is a Verde salsa and and as others had mentioned, a little spicy for my wife. Â On recommendation, we ordered a side of Pico and would say if you don't order this, you've missed the best part. Â Fresh with a touch of orange juice to give it a wonderfully unusual citrus flavor.
The wife had a Chile Rellano: Chili had good flavor as did the stuffing but was disappointed in the exterior coating. Â I had the Combo platter with taco, tostada, & enchilada. Â You can't mix meats on a combo. Â Steak was chopped to a minced size which made it difficult to pick up with a fork. Â A friend had a steak dish (didn't catch the name) but said it was great and very spicy (7 out of 10)
No Margaritas, only bottled drinks. Â Good selection of Mexican beer including 'Journey', not found many places.
Overall, Enjoyed the meal & friends but I'll try another place next time I'm in town
I agree with those that say this is the best Mexican food in the Blo-No area. Authentic and amazing. You can't go wrong with the steak torta or the chicken tacos.
And, GASP!, from the woman who could eat chicken tacos until my stomach explodes, I recommend the steak tacos. Small flour tortilla, delicious steak, cilantro and some onion-ahhh!! I curse Wednesdays (the only day they're closed).
Decent prices as well. Well deserving of my five stars!
I remember going to El Porton for the first time last year. I ordered the soup. Instead of explaining why it didn't fit the normative definition of what a "soup" is, I'll take an educated guess at the recipe:
1) brown 2 lb pot roast
2) fill large bowl with water
3) Add 3 bouillon cubes
4) Insert two sticks celery
5) microwave and serve
And, as with many authentic Mexican restaurants, you'll get a can and cup when you ask for soda. No need for a fountain experience -- can't get the syrup through customs.
In sum, if you're looking for a truly authentic Mexican-food experience, you'll be pleasantly surprised this place is in Bloomington-Normal. If you're on the fence but find yourself to wear large nonprescription eyeglasses, skinny jeans, and a scarf in the summer, you'll also enjoy this place.
And that, my friends, is a soup we can all chew incredulously.
The BEST mexican in Blo-No! Hands down! Everyone that I have brought here has loved it and has gone back themselves. It is my favorite place in town and the best that I have had in the whole Central Illinois Area. It is authentic, tasty, well-priced, and fresh!
It is very no-frills, small dining room, however the service is prompt and polite. Â It is a place where you sit down and order, they bring it to you (about 5-10 mins), check on you once or twice, and then bring the check. Â You pay at the register. Â The waitstaff is speaks English and Spanish.
They have beer by the bottle, but this isn't a cheesy giant margarita type place. Â They have domestics, as well as Mexican beers (Dos Equis, Negra Modela, Corona, etc).
I love the enchiladas rancheras con pollo and would recommend that any time. Â I think that if I had to eat 1 thing the rest of my life, this would be it!
This place is 10 times better than Fiesta Ranchera, Los Potrillos, or El Toro without question! Â Try it and you will not be disappointed.
Oh, man... this place... this place is something... I don't know how to describe it. Â It's halfway between fastfood and a proper sit-down restaurant. Â But, man...
Oh, first of all, the food comes in huge portions, I'm talking "La Bamba" style "Burritos the size of you head" type food at an equivalent price. Â To top it off, all the meals are offered with an option to get rice and beans for a couple bucks more (which would make it more of a "restaurant" than a "fast-food" joint).
They are a sit-down type place with a take-out option, but what's amazing is that both options are fantastic. Â They're fast and their service at sit-down tables is fantastic. Â The servers are kind and quick and very understanding when it comes to dealing with "Americans ordering Mexican." Â My girlfriend and I asked a lot of questions and the waitress was exceptionally kind and answered all questions very kindly!
They do serve beer, but don't have an extended liquor selection (or any as far as I could tell), they offer a wide assortment of Mexican beer (I opted for Tecate [or as I girlfriend called it "Mexican PBR"] and she got Negro Modelo), unfortunately they were both served with a lime, which I feel is not a practical method of drinking beer, though others would disagree.
Now, their chips... oh my god, their chips! Â Fantastic. Â The chips were a bit on the "heavy" side for a chip, leading me to believe they were corn, and were served with an exceptionally flavorful and exceptionally hot salsa. Â The salsa's not a blatant tomato based salsa with the standard affair, but a much more tangy and spicy sauce that offered a very... AMAZING chip and salsa experience. Â It was much spicier than I was anticipating, but it was absolutely fantastic.
When the food came, I was amazed at the size of the burrito, especially given the price. Â It was a full fledged, hardcore burrito. Â Inside of my veggie burrito I found not tons of beans, cheese and rice, but an assortment of perfectly cooked and prepared vegetables and even avocados! Â The tortilla wasn't anything to write home about, but was easily nothing to dissuade me from enjoying the burrito. Â There wasn't any kind of overpowering sauce or undercooking or anything, it was, in my opinion, an almost perfect fast food style burrito, which is also up there with full fledged "restaurant" style burritos. Â
I was rather put off by the cafe/diner/fast food style lay out of the restaurant and was expecting something more on par with La Bamba or El Famous Burrito in terms of quality. Â Walking in, there were less than enough tables for a proper restaurant and the lighting and decor made it seem more like a fast food joint. Â But, the food and service doesn't reflect that.
All in all, I have to say, it was a very welcome experience and I'll definitely eat here again.
Carne Asada Burrito with Rice and Beans is fantastic and HUGE! Split with a friend, you will not be disappointed. Â The tacos are great too, so if you don't want to bust at the seams order two of those instead. Â My coworker swears by the chorizo.
Be sure to order the pico de gallo the moment you sit down (it's made with avocados!) on the side to eat with your chips and meal. Â The chips are corn not flour, and the salsa on the table is medium to hot, so if you like mild, order the pico. Â Plus its really fresh, and I hear they make it daily.
Oh and Mexican Coke... seriously... tastes different and better. Â They take plastic.
First of all, I liked that the salsa was so frikkin hot that it prevented me from eating the usual basket of chips that I would eat with a milder salsa. I actually had room in my gourd for the entree that I ordered.
We drank Dos Equis and feasted upon chiles rellenos and a grilled chicken dish that was simple and out of this world. The refried beans were definitely homemade and delicious, the rice was fluffy and flavorful and the perfectly ripe avocado slice on the side was a nice accompaniment. The chiles were easily the best I've ever had and were rapidly gobbled.
Interior is basic and simple, but the waitstaff is attentive and there's a very authentic Latino vibe in there. It's not trying too hard (other restaurants come off like a Mexican theme park).
The location was very accessible to the B & B where I was staying and it's easy for anyone passing through Bloomington to stop at.
Yay tacos!
We tried it years ago and were not impressed, but based on great Yelp reviews we went back. Â It has become our destination place for Mexican food. Â Great enchaladas verde!
Warning - it can get a bit drafty near the door or windows now that its winter! Â But once the food comes out piping hot, you won't care any more.
El Porton is becoming a fav for Mexican in our house. Â Had the Perchuga a la parilla this weekend...chicken with grilled onions. Â It was nice. Â No sauce, which was a great thing. Â It was served with rice and beans and fresh avocado.
We ordered the pico with our chips and salsa, and I liked it a great deal. Â Their 2 salsa options that they serve with chips are ok. Â Pico was very good (with chunks of fresh avocado), which I like.
Cans of soda, bottles of beer, rice water "on tap", and water...so there are lots of options for drinks.
Everytime we have been there, the staff are working their tails off and are very attentive.
4 star? Â Yes- seating is sort of awkward. Â Parking lot is also sort of awkward. Â Temperature of food not piping, which is my preference.
I agree Amandarr r., others in town pale in comparison. Â Unless the other reviewers are referring to La Carniceria Mexican I just don't know where they have been getting better Mexican food in Blormal. Â Granted the decor leaves much to be desired and they are oddly closed on Wednesdays, but... Â
El Porton tacos are simple, fresh and amazing. Â Great shredded chicken, no weird flabby pieces. Â Chorizo tacos topped with onion and tons of cilantro. Â Best guacamole in town. Â Huge chorizo quesadillas drip with yummy greasy cheesey/sausagey goodness. Â They serve real coca cola in bottles. Â Service is friendly and fairly quick. Â Seat yourself and don't expect a check at the table, they never bring you one, you have to go up to the counter to pay your very reasonably priced bill.
Real Mexican Food, made by Mexicans. Â What more can you ask for?
They have the best Horchata in town. Â If you are wanting a refreshing summer drink try the Jamaica.
The burritos truly are bigger then your head, and your stomach unlike that other Mexican place that caters to the after-hours crowd.
What? Not the best Mexican in town? I have no idea what those other reviewers are talking about. Every other place I've been pales in comparison, I would like to know which restaurants they are referring to.
El Porton RULES. The food isn't outstanding, but it's very very good. Â The prices are incredibly cheap and the service is great. The cheese enchiladas and chile relleno taco are amazing. The large horchata is ginormous and costs like 2$. And the produce is always fresh! No gross lardy greasiness here.
Not the best Mexican in Bloomington, IL, but it will suffice. Some of the food on the menu is just off, while other meals leave my plate licked clean. :) I think the chile relleno was one of those finger lickin' good times...
The vegetarians in town really enjoy this place because they don't use chicken broth when cooking their rice.
All in all not so bad.
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