El Torero - Palatine

I suppose if you are a regular the service is good. But until then, I felt the service was lacking. The hostess did not appreciate it when we asked to sit at a different table than selected, in a fairly empty restaurant, with one server. About 4 minutes after we were seated, an other couple, appeared to be regulars were seated. The server when to them first, and spoke with them about 5 minutes, taking their drink and appetizer order, when to get them before she came to us. The food was decent, although the rice was dry. No one came to see how we were doing, until I waived someone over for more napkins. Even then, they did not ask how the food was, seems they did not care. Oh well, may be back if in the area, but won't make a special trip.

With the recent Remodeling and streamlining of the menu I think it's time to rethink my last review. The secret to a good dinner here is to avoid the obvious so-called Mexican items like burritos and enchiladas and dig deeper into the menu to try some of the more exotic items. With the remodeling came a new view of how this place operates. It's much cleaner than before as exemplified by the high Health ratings from the Palatine health inspector. The best items are some of the steak items made with skirt steaks like the carne asada, and its variants. The chiles rellenos are also quite good. The shrimp dishes are especially good also; my favorite is the Shrimp Diabla and the variations made with Tilapia. If there is a sore spot it's that the lunchtime traditional Mexican-American items are rather dull. Service can be variable but lately has become very competent.

I have been coming here for years every time I come here it seems that they have updated or improved the place in some way. This is one of the only Mexican restaurants in the area that feels authentic. The restaurant decor is pretty nice gives it an authentic feel. The place is always clean when I have been here the staff is very friendly. The staff is the kind to remember repeat customers they are very quick. The outdoor seating area is nice is a good option on a nice summer day. The food is fantastic for a nice Mexican restaurant the prices are not bad. The fajitas are delicious every time the chips salsa are fantastic. Overall I have been coming here for years I look forward to coming here again when I am in the area.

Best ever until Portofinos came and ruined it. I was over there 40+ plus times. They knew me well!

I dropped in for lunch. It was about 12:30 and the place was dead. Granted, it was Good Friday, but nonetheless, I was the only customer. The place was nice, clean, and well maintained. I ordered the burrito grande from the lunch menu for $6.50 and chose beef. It didn't say in the description that it was topped with raw onions and cilantro, but that's how I received it. It also came with a side of rice and beans. Okay, the burrito was hot when it came out and that's where the fun ends. I had already been eating salsa that was basically crushed tomatoes and salt with no hint of spice. The meat was under seasoned and the beans were not to be found except as a side. The sauce that topped the burrito had no taste either. I was shocked that the canned beans and the flavorless rice were there too, but whoever calls this Mexican food needs an education. Taco Bell has more flavor than anything on the plate that was sitting in front of me. The only way my tongue knew I was eating Mexican food was from the high fives it was getting as the Modelo Especial washed over it. My waitress was nice, but there was a waiter there that I got a weird vibe from. Like he's wondering what part of your food he should spit in before he brings it out. Just my intuition though. I conclude that this place isn't worth going to due to the lack of food quality.