Quick, cheap, tasty, and filling — not the fanciest food but satisfies taco binges well, especially on Taco Tuesday.
Greg H.
Place rating: 5 Rolling Meadows, IL
Taco Freakin Tuesday! 1.45 per taco. 2.10 otherwise. I don’t live close to this little dive but I always seem to find myself there. The other locations pale in comparison to the delicious fast grub served at this place. Very authentic. Always fresh. Made to order. I highly recommend the pork/steak combo taco, burrito, or torta. You cannot go wrong. The green and red salsa is on the table and both taste home made. You can hammer down the dally combo for under 8 bucks. Includes 3 tacos or a giant burrito or hand crafted torta w/rice and beans or fries. Can’t really go wrong. I just wish it was closer.
Natalie G.
Place rating: 5 Wheeling, IL
Taco Tuesday is the best day to come in at el famous burrito!!! They have the best tacos and fresh guacamole
Joe R.
Place rating: 5 Wheeling, IL
Best nachos everrrr Been going for 20 years love it there
Bryan T.
Place rating: 5 Wheeling, IL
My mouth is watering as I write my review! This is the restaurant to go for authentic Mexican food. Both in terms of how they prepare their food on a heavy-duty griddle, and even the fact that the people behind the counter will just barely know enough english to communicate with you. As a Mexican-born person, I truly enjoy the ambiance and their freshly made food. If you’re in the area, I recommend you try them out. Also, sneak a peek inside their bathroom. You’ll be sure to find true modern art!
Iesha P.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
My first time visiting this place, and I’m so happy we stumbled upon it. The food was delicious and the pricing was fair. I had a burrito and it was delicious. My husband had some steak tacos, equally delicious. We will be back!
Melissa D.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
The food is great there. The steak burrito is my absolute favorite! Their salsa and guac is also great. The service is super fast, and they are super helpful. I will be returning very soon!
Kayla H.
Place rating: 4 Wheeling, IL
My family and I have ordered food from here for YEARS. We never have an issue. But the one time I ordered a platter of beans for my sister in laws baby shower, they messed it up. I ordered a small platter the night before and when my dad picked it up the day of the shower, he told me it was $ 50. I told him there was no way because the guy on the phone the night before told me itd be 30 for a small. Well my dad told me that this was no small tray… It was huge. Frustrated and beyond stressed because I was in charge of this shower, I called the restaurant with my complaint and got a guy on the phone who didn’t even know what I was saying! I argued with him for about 10 mins before I told him I was coming in to get the correct size and to get most of my money back. So I went in and got the correct size and everyone gave me dirty looks. I didn’t even get an apology. I am so sorry that I ordered a small and received a large because someone didn’t understand me. Not my fault.
R N.
Place rating: 5 Palatine, IL
Always fresh and hot. Can’t beat the price for the quality of food. Opened til 11 on weekends so great to grab some tacos on the way home from going out.
Elizabeth F.
Place rating: 4 Arlington Heights, IL
My family is obsessed with El Famous. Despite the chain restaurant name and the hole-in-the-wall vibe, it’s our go-to spot. Their chorizo has the perfect amount of kick and the chorizo & egg option is always my go to. Id say the best things off the menu are the tacos and junior burrito(which is still huge). Their salsas are good as well and I always get the horchata. Cheap prices, especially on Taco Tuesday and Sunday. Used to be even cheaper($ 1/taco) but now I think it’s around $ 1.50. Either way, the food is always reasonably priced and arrives quickly. The staff is super friendly as well!
Bones J.
Place rating: 5 Arlington Heights, IL
Excellent steak burrito. Haven’t been to El Famous in years but I went there today and got a regular steak burrito and a large Pepsi. Cheaper and tastier than Chipotle, the steak was flavorful and not chewy at all. The ingredients seemed fresh and the tortilla was very hot. The woman who took my order was kind and I got my food in about 60 seconds. I will definitely be returning soon.
Amanda W.
Place rating: 3 Elk Grove Village, IL
My company goes here(almost) every Tuesday for Taco Tuesday. They have delicious tacos for $ 1.45 a piece. The tacos are always delicious but sometimes the chips can be rather stale tasting. And even though I call in our order ahead of time, they always seem to forget tomatoes or cilantro on a portion of our order.
Elina S.
Place rating: 3 Chicago, IL
Okay so sometimes when you’re looking for some quick Mexican food to go, this is the place to go. Granted I only did carryout so I wouldn’t say I had the full dine in experience, but that’s how I prefer quick«fast food» type Mexican in the burbs. I just want to grab it and eat in front of the TV. How healthy, right? But anyways, I got a few el pastor tacos which is marinated pork in a spicy sauce, a few steak tacos and a few ground tacos to go. On Tuesdays they are super cheap at like $ 1.50 a piece and the portions are big so 3 of them would totally fill you up, or at least with 3 I was feeling stuffed. They give you the option of corn or flour tortillas and I clearly do corn since its healthier and more authentic to me. I gotta say I didn’t like the steak nor the ground beef tacos as they were really missing that flavor and spice that I look for in my tacos. However, I did love the pastor tacos and wish that I ordered more of those. The flavor was all there and next time I’m just going to order these to carry out. Would be better if they added pineapple to them just like some other places do pastor tacos *just a suggestion* wink wink, but I’m okay with them the way there are too. We also tried the quesadillas and once again, low on flavor profile with them, more on the bland side for me. They do give you two types of salsas to go, the green tomatillo and the red salsa and those were delicious to dip if you wanted to get some salsa chips or on top of those tacos for extra flavor. I will definitely be back since it’s close, convenient and cheap when I’m not feeling Chipotle and I want a more authentic Mexican dinner. Maybe next time I will even dine in since the staff seems pleasant. El famous burrito, I don’t know how famous you are, but you’re okay, definitely worth another shot. People talk about their burritos so I may just have to do that next time.
Diana S.
Place rating: 1 Berwyn, IL
Food is good but ever since they hired a lady to work the counter and take orders their service has gone downhill! She gets the orders wrong every time! She charges you for the wrong things and give you your order all wrong. When you try to go and talk to her about it she argues with you which by no means is acceptable. I think management should have a word with her and the cooks. Everyone there has an attitude problem but she’s the queen of attitude. Double and triple check your order before you leave. Definitely not wasting more money here. There are way better places with better service!
Kurt B.
Place rating: 4
Generous portions, generous service. I love this location. The steak is a little on the lean and cheap side, but it’s OK. The real sells here are the picadillo, chorizo, and bean-based options. The best item menu — and it’s destination dining for Chicago junk food(my highest complement) — is their«nachos», which are really three tostadas covered in protein, beans, and cheese, and then thrown under the salamander before being cut up into chip-like shapes. Best nachos in Chicago, by far, with generous heaps of sour cream and guacamole on top. Any time I have a great day or a terrible day, I have dreams about El Famous nachos…
Robert E.
Place rating: 2 Lake Zurich, IL
Won’t be returning. I know it’s just a Mexican Fast Food Store. And they have pretty good food. But I’m not sure how good the food has to be to tolerate the kind of service I receive. And I’m talking about counter service. The last time I was here I had to wait a few minutes before ordering.(I was the only one at the counter). He missed my beverage order.(I only ordered a burrito and a beverage). No cups of peppers were out, and none in sight(I always take a cup), but because none could be seen, I didn’t ask) From where I was sitting, I could see him reach under the counter and give them to other customers. So, I have been patronizing, and often, praising EFB, over the years(since mid-1990’s). And have been to a number of EFB locations. This now comes to an end. I don’t think the counter service at EFB is very good to begin with, but when I feel unwelcome, I cease to patronize these places. There are other options
Vera Lynn W.
Place rating: 4 Northbrook, IL
I’ve been going to El Famous for years in several locations. This one is the best, IMHO. Is it a dive? Yes. Is it greasy? Yes. Is it delicious? YES! I swear, everytime I drive near one, my car makes me turn in their parking lot. Love their nachos. And I like watching them be made, as I do all their food. Yes, I linger at the counter waiting. :-) I get the ground beef burrito(yeah I know) and I use the red sauce on the tables. A bit of a kick, but not too overpowering. And just so you know, I’ve NEVER had a hot sauce that was too hot. So a bit for me, may be a lot for you. The tables are clean, or not. The seats are clean, or not. I’ve not used their washrooms, so I cannot comment. There is a funny drinking fountain in the front of the house. Always cold which is good if you ride your bike there. Only cola is RC, but small concession to be made for what you get. Prices are fair(read«cheap»), and I never leave hungry for under $ 10. If you want sour cream on your burrito, tell them when you order. I don’t need it, but if you prefer it, ask for it. My review for the Wheeling place is far different than Mt Prospect. Wheeling is sooo much better. Almost can’t compare,
Cherise P.
Place rating: 5 Washington, DC
This place is the best!!! Cheap, authentic, delicious, friendly staff, fast service. Love the tacos especially– lengua, al pastor, chorizo– can’t go wrong!
Jennifer L.
Place rating: 4 Buffalo Grove, IL
Delicious tacos and humongous burritos! I really enjoy their food. Great flavors! Not your typical boring, unseasoned restaurant food. This stuff tastes great! This is more of a «fast-food» type place, or a lunch place that you would hit up. They have a small seating area, and it’s not comfy seating. There’s only a couple hard booths, and the rest is high-tables. But when you’re just gonna hit them up, eat quick and go — it’s fine. Otherwise, pick up your food to take home. I agree with a previous reviewer — NO free refills is just annoying. It’s kinda like giving your customers the finger. Don’t be so cheap! What would it actually cost you to give your customers refills??? c’mon. Overall — i def recommend this place.
Andrew M.
Place rating: 5 Palatine, IL
Taco Tuesdays — Even though they bumped the prices up to $ 1.25, it is still a great deal on some excellent food. 2 Corn tortillas(you can get flour if you prefer) wrapped nicely around your choice of steak, chicken, al pastor, beef, even lengua(not my preference, but whatever makes your day). I like my tacos with onion, tomato, cilantro and a pack of the spicy peppers and carrots. The place is always packed on Tuesdays after work, but they have a good system. It is definitely worth the wait. Also grab a glass bottle coke to wash everything down with. I am sure there are plenty of other great places like this in Wheeling, but Taco Tuesday makes this my go to place.