Scoob18
Chips and salsa: crunchy and tasty chips with a sweet salsa that hits the back of your tongue and throat with a hint of spice.
Margarita: Mango and Strawberry flavor with a good sugar and alcohol balance.
Main dishes: My wife had the fish taco and thought it was a little sweet, but not overly sweet. She used the cilantro mayo to help add some savory/spice. I had the birria tacos, which had so much flavor and a consommé with a nice spice. I also had an Al pastor taco with some pineapple to provide a sweet taste.
Seems like they lean more towards a sweet flavor in their dishes, which isn’t terrible, and I like that twist, but I also like for my food to be more on the spicy side. Highly recommend others to come and try this place out.
… moreTylor Johnson
During our visit, the food quality was rated at 3 out of 5 stars. The standout dishes were the veggie fajitas and chicken fajitas, both served sizzling hot and well-seasoned, delivering on presentation and temperature.
However, the complimentary chip dip left much to be desired and did not meet expectations in flavor or texture. Service was efficient, and the overall ambiance was comfortable for a laid-back meal, but the culinary experience had room for improvement in terms of taste depth and variety.
… moreDenise Snyder
Went for lunch~ had never been there. So glad we went. We will go back~the salsa is fabulous and our lunches were fantastic~! Was very shocked that it wasn’t very busy? Great food, we will go back..
… moreJen Benningfield
My sister goes here often and loves it. I will say the bottomless chips and salsa was a better salsa than I’ve had most places. The margarita didn’t taste too strong. The shrimp tacos I expected to be bigger but were more of a street taco size. My boyfriend had a colder seafood plate that he was expecting to be hot, but it was good nonetheless. Their grilled shrimp in the fajitas were very tender.
… moreAlina Volkova
Much better than your average Mexican restaurant. Flavor, quality, and presentation are there. Price is right, too. Get the guacamole Mexicano. Won’t regret it. A la carte $4 carne asada tacos were solid, too. Hit the spot.
… moreNatalie Backes
This was our first time here and won’t be our last! My husband and I are happy that we finally have a good Mexican restaurant in EP! The restaurant was very clean and inviting. The chips and salsa were insanely delicious. The salsa was very fresh and had just a hint of sweetness. My husband got a strawberry margaritas and it was delicious, it didn’t taste artificial and syrupy like other places. I had the chori pollo fajitas and they were very good. My husband had a pork tamale and birria tacos.
The one and only negative thing I will say is that the service could have been better. Our waitress started out very friendly but as time went on and she got a couple more tables, her attitude completely changed and she almost seemed inconvenienced by us. Hopefully this was just a fluke thing and the service/staff will be better next time.
… moreLaura Patterson
This place is amazing. Fast freindly.service. food so fresh and delicious! And generous portions! We had the Fajita nachos appetizer…it was phenomenal!
… moreᗰคгรєlค ᗰ.
This was my first time visiting El Gallo bar and grill, I just happened to be right there in the area, so I decided to order something to go. I placed my order with Gabriella over the phone, and she said it would be ready in about 15 minutes. I ordered the Arroz con pollo for $15.75, a large order of chips for $3, and then a cup of queso for $4. My total was $24.68, which I thought was a bit high for one person. When I got home, I noticed that they forgot to give me the queso, so that was a little bit disappointing as it was $4, and I was looking forward to trying it. The food was served in a different type of manner, everything in their own section of the plate, but it mixed well together and came with a side of corn tortillas. I thought that the meal was decent, although the chicken did seem a little bit cool and rubbery if that’s the right word, but everything tasted pretty good together. The best part of the meal was the hot chips that I ordered on the side. Would have been better with queso, but they were still good chips. There were plenty of chips for a family of four!
… moreChristopher Bracken
Food was alright. Price just didn’t match the portions. $15.00 for the Birria quesadilla and you get more beans and rice then anything. Lady up front was very nice.
… moreLisa Wagner
Okay so basically, if you are looking for an actual authentic south of the border restaurant in the middle of Illinois look no further! I have found it for you! Here at El Gallo bar and grill they have the authentic flavors you are looking for. Starting with the fresh and super warm chips and the best made salsa I have ever eaten. I ordered the chili relleno and I ate it all. I am not a fan of Spanish style rice but the rice they make here is not only flavorful but light and fluffy as well. My husband ordered the birria tacos and was not disappointed either. To drink we both had a mezcal margarita, made with fresh jalapeño and rosemary, it was both smoky and refreshing. The husband and I have definitely found our New Mexican restaurant and I think you all will enjoy this place as much as we do. Try this place out for your next lunch or dinner date and you will not be disappointed. Thank you El Gallo for bringing the flavors of your country to the middle of nowhere Illinois.
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