Taqueria El Porton
901 N Main St, Bloomington, IL, 61701
Taqueria El Porton Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Bloomington for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Bloomington for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Bloomington for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
901 N Main St
Bloomington, IL, 61701 - Phone (309) 820-1625
- Website https://www.taqueriaelporton.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Jeff B.
Best Mexican food in Bloomington.
(5)Meghan B.
Los Potrillos, which to my palate, is a totally different style of food, used to be my favorite. And then one day the switch flipped, and El Porton is not only my favorite, but I want it all the time. It can be very busy at lunch time on a weekday, and the seating area is small. But I've never felt rushed, the food is always fresh and fantastic, and the prices are excellent. WHY, WHY IS TODAY WEDNESDAY*?? *(They are closed Wednesdays.)
(5)Larissa P.
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!
(4)Rebecca H.
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. We have eaten there twice now. Once just the two of us for dinner, and yesterday with a big group for lunch. The good: Family-owned and super local and authentic. Everyone we have encountered was nice, even if the English was a bit spotty (it IS authentic!). The tacos and enchiladas were well-received by everyone. 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!). 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. 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. Everything else we have had there has been relatively mild, so check.
(5)Kristen O.
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!
(5)Denny L.
First time here, food was really good . Will come back again for sure!!!
(5)Erika F.
El Porton is hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Bloomington-Normal. It is fresh and authentic. I especially like their tortas and burritos. 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. Always great salsa, guacamole and chips too. Definitely get an tamarind agua fresca too, so delicious. The service is always fantastic too. 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.
(5)Alex P.
Great carne asada burritos. One thing i learned is you can order the salsa to go! This stuff is great on other food too!
(4)country b.
Nice authentic Mexican eatery in the heart of central Illinois. Lunch special was quesadilla con huitlacoche, very tasty! Also had three tacos: al pastor - excellent, tripe - v good, lengua - just okay, was bit soggy and bland. The complimentary chips and salsa were excellent. Of course, a grande horchata was just the ticket. Recommended!
(4)Kyle M.
We went here the day after our friends wedding. This place hit the spot. Great food and good prices. Horchata was good too.
(4)John B.
As everyone says, not your average place, you can tell it used to be a shop or small dinner. 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. On recommendation, we ordered a side of Pico and would say if you don't order this, you've missed the best part. 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. I had the Combo platter with taco, tostada, & enchilada. You can't mix meats on a combo. Steak was chopped to a minced size which made it difficult to pick up with a fork. 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. 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
(3)S K.
Good chile rellenos. The salsa is good as well. Highly recommend dining option if you find yourself in Bloomington and need a place to eat. No frills type of place.
(4)Kim T.
We were visiting the area from California and looking for some local flavor. The yelp reviews steered us here and they didn't mislead. Great hole in the wall. Nice folks working there and authentic, tasty food. I doubt I'll ever be back in this neck of the woods again, but if I do, I'll seek this place out. Great chips, salsa and burritos.
(5)Laura M.
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.
(4)Caro O.
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. 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. You pay at the register. The waitstaff is speaks English and Spanish. They have beer by the bottle, but this isn't a cheesy giant margarita type place. 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. 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! Try it and you will not be disappointed.
(5)Andy B.
Nothing fancy, perfectly good food. Inexpensive diner furnishing in a welcoming, unique (non-chain), authentic-feeling little joint. A few interesting menu items. Nothing to write home about, but a good inexpensive enjoyable meal.
(3)Jessica S.
Carne Asada Burrito with Rice and Beans is fantastic and HUGE! Split with a friend, you will not be disappointed. The tacos are great too, so if you don't want to bust at the seams order two of those instead. 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. The chips are corn not flour, and the salsa on the table is medium to hot, so if you like mild, order the pico. Plus its really fresh, and I hear they make it daily. Oh and Mexican Coke... seriously... tastes different and better. They take plastic.
(5)Jamie L.
My husband and I are huge fans of Mexican food and we can't believe we waited so long to try this place! It's definitely not your typical tex-mex restaurant. It's authentic and fresh. I love the salsa! Beware, its super spicy! It's so good. They use a lot of cilantro, which I love. I had an Enchiladas dish with green sauce, it was amazing! My husband had a burrito and loved it. Our three year old had a cheese quesadilla and there were no leftovers. The tacos are my favorite. I have never liked corn tortillas much, but I love the simplicity of their tacos! Just meat, cilantro and onions. Yum! Definitly worth a try!
(4)Jonathan C.
OOO I miss this place. I'd get the burritos when I was in college (lots of food and cheap). They have pretty good breakfast too
(5)Thom Z.
Oh, man... this place... this place is something... I don't know how to describe it. It's halfway between fastfood and a proper sit-down restaurant. 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. 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. They're fast and their service at sit-down tables is fantastic. The servers are kind and quick and very understanding when it comes to dealing with "Americans ordering Mexican." 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! Fantastic. 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. 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. 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. It was a full fledged, hardcore burrito. 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! The tortilla wasn't anything to write home about, but was easily nothing to dissuade me from enjoying the burrito. 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. 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. 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. 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.
(5)Matt K.
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.
(2)Jason T.
I've had the tacos and carne asada here and they are fantastic. Guacamole is also really good, and the beers are nicely priced.
(4)Kelly M.
El Porton is becoming a fav for Mexican in our house. Had the Perchuga a la parilla this weekend...chicken with grilled onions. It was nice. No sauce, which was a great thing. 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. Their 2 salsa options that they serve with chips are ok. 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? Yes- seating is sort of awkward. Parking lot is also sort of awkward. Temperature of food not piping, which is my preference.
(4)GG G.
Great mexican food. Nothing fancy, but very good and fresh; portions are huge for the price.
(4)Gary M.
Very nice little taqueria, friendly service, excellent salsa. Had the Pastor tacos, one of the best I've had compared to some favorites in Chicago. Also the Chicken Verde, also very good. Would definitely recommend
(4)Dan S.
Excellent Mexican food for Blo-no! Kind of a hole in the wall place thats probably better for carry out than dine in, the food is just excellent, and the prices are pretty good. My favorite Mexican place in town!
(4)Austin A.
the best authentic here in town. Been here 100s of times never had a bad experience, family owned.
(5)Barbie F.
1st time fantastic I will be back tongue tacos holy crap
(4)Jamie M.
We tried it years ago and were not impressed, but based on great Yelp reviews we went back. It has become our destination place for Mexican food. Great enchaladas verde! Warning - it can get a bit drafty near the door or windows now that its winter! But once the food comes out piping hot, you won't care any more.
(4)m m.
D.Licious. For reals. The best authentico tacos in Blo-No. Their salsa is amazing, too. I love their carne asada tacos. YUM!
(5)Julia S.
I have driven by this place several time but always thought it was a Mexican grocery store...Ya I know I'm dumb. Finally realized hey you eat there, so we did! Very yummy! Todd got a huge chicken burrito that was delicious and I got cheese and chicken enchiladas. The rice and beans were really good! More of a quick dinner or lunch type of place but very friendly and quick bite to eat. You will need a to go box! For dessert chocolate banana mexican shake...pretty runny but not bad.
(4)Van M.
This is one of the true authentic Mexican restaurants in B-N. It's nothing fancy inside, but the food is solid and you get a free basket of chips when you sit down. I would recommend going with a friend and splitting a meal. The chicken quesadilla with rice and beans for example is enough food for two, making it even cheaper than the dollar menu at Taco Bell.
(4)Bryan R.
This is by far the best Mexican food in town, and the only place I've tried which takes a genuine stab at being fresh and authentic. It's a small, humble dining room which is built for townies, and it's all about the food rather than the atmosphere. I appreciate that they don't take the Americanized approach and smother bland ingredients in white cheese sauce and sour cream. Some of the other Mexican places I've tried in town are basically an upscale version of Taco Bell! But when I eat at El Porton, I can get some quality food, including nice vegetarian options, and leave feeling very happy. Their salsa is excellent. When we cook Mexican food at home, we always stop in and buy a cup of salsa to go for $5.
(5)Bill M.
Excellent food, excellent value, excellent service. It's addictive. The food is very authentic and a great value for a quick lunch. I prefer burritos and tacos to the platters. The pastor is amazing in burritos. Chorizo tacos are my favorite. Standards like chicken and asada are great as well. Add the rice and beans to a burrito for a buck. It's worth it. Chips and salsa are great and free when you dine in. Don't miss this one!
(5)Pete P.
Real Mexican Food, made by Mexicans. What more can you ask for? They have the best Horchata in town. If you are wanting a refreshing summer drink try the Jamaica. The burritos truly are bigger then your head, and your stomach unlike that other Mexican place that caters to the after-hours crowd.
(5)Kelly S.
The guacamole here is the best I've ever had...anywhere. Made right when you order it and so fresh. Fast and friendly service and the best authentic Mexican food you will find.
(5)Amanda R.
What? Not the best Mexican in town? I have no idea what those other reviewers are talking about. Every other place I've been pales in comparison, I would like to know which restaurants they are referring to. El Porton RULES. The food isn't outstanding, but it's very very good. The prices are incredibly cheap and the service is great. The cheese enchiladas and chile relleno taco are amazing. The large horchata is ginormous and costs like 2$. And the produce is always fresh! No gross lardy greasiness here.
(4)Andrew B.
I've only been to El Porton one time but I hope to return. The food and service were excellent!
(5)K S.
Best Mexican I've ever had. Love the burritos and the pico. LOVE the tortas! Nice people and great food.
(5)Chris Z.
Best tortas in town, hands down. A+ service every time I've been there.
(5)Kelly S.
This place is great. The tacos are almost identical to those I've had in Mexico. I recommend the carne asada and chile poblano tacos. the food is always piping hot and they have beer. EXCELLENT!
(5)T. K.
This place is wonderful. Despite its plain decorations the food was excellent. I would recommend the Chile Rellano Taco, it was out of this world. If you are looking for a cheap yet delicious Mexican meal its hard to go wrong
(5)adam e.
Went here with my girlfriend for dinner. This place reminds me of the taquerias back home in Chicago. Chorizo tacos were excellent and my favorite. Carne Asada was decent. My girlfriend's burrito was good but nothing to write home about, maybe because i'm used to la pasadita on division and ashland in the city.This is by far the best mexican food i've had down here in bloomington-normal.
(3)stacy c.
Great authentic Mexican food! Fresh and delicious! The flautas are delicious and so are the tacos! Fabulous place--best Mexican food in the area!!
(4)Jim A.
Not much to add except to say if you are there on a day they have mole rojo, get it! El Porton is a treasure. The shrimp cocktails and the rellano tacos are superb.
(5)Jason S.
Ordered tonight for carry out. Picked up steak burrito and beef tacos. Was very impressed at the quality of the food and authenticity. I was more impressed with the hot sauce that I requested on the side. It made the dish even better. Price was reasonable. We will be ordering again.
(4)Mike C.
If you want actual AUTHENTIC mexican food. Then this is the place for you. If you want the same old crap you can get at any of the regular mexican food places, then go to Los Potrillos, but not fiesta (i miss la siesta). Anyway, the rice and beans alone, will make you never go to another mexican food place again. The salsa is very spicy, and changes in spiciness each time i'm there, because its freshly made. The prices are insane, the chorizo is to die for, the tacos are where its at. They have plenty of other dishes that you can order by picture, all super authentic. The service isn't that great, know what you want quickly, but who really cares, the food makes up for it. And everyone once and a while, a song will randomly play on the jukebox. Is it a crazy Mariachi band, is it a christmas song in the middle of july, is it the national anthem? Who knows.
(5)Gary B.
This is the first time at this restaurant and won't be my last. The food was amazing, portion size is huge and the wait staff are very friendly and understanding of Gringos asking dumb questions. We had a grilled chicken breast and shrimp special...don't ask me what they call it because I don't remember and my spanish is not there. Anyway you won't be disappointed
(5)Dale F.
Again, forget the Mexican chains (Carlos O'Kellys; Chevy's You must be kidding??). There are two great AUTHENTIC Mexican places in Bloomington/Normal: El Porton and Carmella's El Porton is run by a nice Mexican family and has great food. It's where all the Mexican locals eat. Best recommendation I can think of. Carmella's is also owned and operated by a Mexican family. The added benefit here is that they have a very good American menu to complement their great Mexican dishes.
(4)nick t.
some of the best mexican in town. i recommend the flautas, burritos, and guacamole. good portions and good prices
(4)John N.
Excellent food. Generous portions. Three of us shared a loaded nachos. Very authentic. (We ordered the nachos because that's what my girls wanted). They both kept saying how good the food was. Diverse clientele (hispanic, black, white). Very short wait for our food. Cozy environment. Diverse menu. Clean restrooms. Great place for a break on the drive between Chicago and St. Louis.
(5)Mindy P.
Stopping through on our way to Chicago, good place... Tacos were not what I expected at all but they were good and the chicken had a lot of flavor. Shrimp cocktail was delicious and service was fast.
(3)Tara L.
My mom is from west Texas and has a high standard for Mexican food lol. So per Yelp, we tried this joint! Our waitress was a doll, the salsa and hot sauce is like no other and super good! The guac is def homemade and realllllly good! We both got a combination with a taco, quesadilla, and a tostada. HUGE portions and the food was great. A big thing for my mom is corn tortillas, and they make everything (that we got at least) standard on corn! I can see how this place would get crowded as it does not have a lot of seating, but all in all I agree with their high Yelp rating! Great spot!
(4)James S.
The food here is authentic! If you are looking for an amazing, decently priced, authentic meal, this place is for you. I had the huevos con chorizo torta, and it was a party of flavor in my mouth. The chorizo was perfectly seasoned and the huevos completed the sandwich. The refried beans here amazing. They are clearly fresh and not from a can-they are nice and creamy and pair well with the rice and the house hot sauce. They are command over the spices they use and put out consistent dishes. The only problem I have with this place is the lack luster service. No one there seems to want to help with menu selections or refills on chips, salsa or drinks. I'm also disappointed there are no margaritas on the rocks.
(5)Jess M.
I'm in town for work and decided to try it based on the reviews. What a disappointment. The food is not authentic (I'm Mexican - and live in Texas, I assure you, it's not). The food was "okay" but the service was terrible. The server forgot about my order (two people seated before me were done by time I got my order). Once I got it - it was wrong. I'll chalk it up to a bad day, but definitely did not live up the yelp high rating.
(1)Lisa M.
Practically lived here. The staff gets to know you and your order pretty quickly when you make a few appearances. Located conveniently close to Wesleyan, great for students. Not the cheapest unless you eat a la carte (tacos, tostadas, sopes). Grab a Modelo with your meal!
(4)Jill G.
We stopped by after reading the reviews on our way to St. Louis. The place looks authentic for sure and seating was hard to find at 5:30. The waitress was close to downright rude and I even saw other customers apologizing to her for asking to have the tables cleaned so that they could sit down. She was impatient. Anyway, the food looked really good and I did like that the inside of the menu had a lot of pictures. Prices are fair. Free chips though we waitress wasn't thrilled to bring us more salsa. The food was pretty flavorless. Skip the chicken tacos and do beef or pork instead. Large portions and rice and beans are like an extra $1.00. I would have given it three stars but the bathrooms were terrible. Smears of feces on the wall and other yellow dried shiny drips totally did it in for me. Sorry, totally needs a good cleaning. When I see that it makes me wonder about the kitchen.
(2)Darrell S.
This is one of our regular lunch stops when hungry for Mexican food. I am a fan of their soft shell tacos steak, pork, chicken or chorizo all good and cheap. Other than the Chicken which comes Americanized with lettuce and cheese the other tacos have cilantro, onions, and no cheese. They also occasionally have tamales on special which are really good and have recently added fish tacos. The fish tacos are a little different as they are deep fried with just the fish in them then you add the lettuce, guacamole, onions, and sauces on top of them. Service is usually friendly and fast and you get complimentary chips and salsa with your meals. Seating is limited but worth getting in for a visit right up there with LaCarnieria, and Luptias for the best tacos in town.
(4)Emory R.
As others have stated, this is the best Mexican food in town. I have been eating here for years, and generally order the same thing - steak tacos with chips and red sauce. We usually do take out, but sometimes eat in too. The staff is always friendly and the food is delicious every time.
(5)Chris B.
No doubt: This is the best Mexican food in the area. Unfortunately, I don't have a broad opinion of the menu because the first time I went to the restaurant I ordered the steak burrito. Since then I've been there dozens of times and have never ordered anything other than the steak burrito. The only down side is the restaurant looks low class but I'm cool with the environment being cheap because the food is amazeballz; You spend about as much as you would at T-Bell. Try the burrito de bistec then explore the rest of the menu and let me know where I should expand my El Portón experience.
(5)Barbie M.
If you want termex, don't eat here. This is honest to goodness, awesome authentic Mexican food. The salsa is HOT and delicious (they don't have mild) and the guacamole is perfect. Don't pull up expecting a large Don Pablo looking building. It is small and it was quaint. Definitely eating here again.
(5)MJ E.
I have been here 3 times now. Each time I hope that I will find the 4 star experience that others say they have had. I have eaten subpar Mexican food 3 times. I cannot figure out why this is a 4 star place. Probably the worst Mexican breakfast I've ever had. The restaurant is dark and dingy and the food is just ok. It is certainly slim pickings for Mexican food in the area.
(2)Tristan B.
I've been eating at El Porton for over three years 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 recently gotten nicer chairs and tables. They also have a small bakery case in the front of the store. 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 delicious 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.
(5)John P.
When i walked into this place to eat, i felt like i was in Mexico. Great Mexican food. Great price for the food. If you order a soda, it will be served in a can, so there are no refills. I ordered a mexican burrito with rice and beans. I prefer Veracruz over this place for the taste, but this is a great option and less expensive for what i order.
(4)César N.
Are you looking for real Mexican Food. This is your place! As a Mexican i can say this is the first place i have on mind when i'm looking for Mexican Taste. Nice place! But if you are looking for a "fancy" restaurant to eat... This is not your place!
(4)Kyle C.
Very good Mexican food. Everything is homemade. Everything is delicious. And the staff and owners are very nice. I used to eat at Fiesta ranchera. I will never eat there again after eating here. A little more pricey but well worth it.
(5)Kyle R.
That real real. That good good. Veggie burrito, no lettuce, side of rice and beans if you're trying to get swollen, and a large horchata with no ice. You know you moshin'. God damn. So good. So fresh. So small (the restaurant, not the food [that ish is big, son]).
(5)Vivian L.
I liked the service, food was inexpensive, but not as good as I expected based on the reviews I saw. I'm from Chicago, and the gordita I had wasn't comparable to what I can get at home. It isn't bad....but wish my thick tortilla was crispier instead of being soggy. And it was a lot messier than other ones I've had. Not my favorite Mexican restaurant, so I will definitely try the other ones in town! It wouldn't hurt for you to try it though if you haven't! :)
(4)Ray O.
Great food and staff , been here twice and very friendly place :)
(5)Stephanie R.
Traveling from St. Louis to Chicago and stopped in here on a Saturday night. The place was really busy which we took as a good sign. Not true. The salsa and chips were the highlight. The kids went with basic tacos which were below Taco Bell quality with canned refried beans and bland "Spanish rice". Absolutely no flavor. My husband's meal was equally bland. But the real disappointment was my order of chile rellenos which were watery and nasty. I'm sure that the locals find the sense of charm appealing. (And perhaps gnarly bathrooms are standard in town). But definitely not worth the stop.
(1)Lawrence C.
This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Bloomington/Normal. I always say you know it authentic when they have tongue on the menu. Trust me, it's delicious. The sala with chips is not the regular fare. It is pretty spicy so avoid it if you cannot tolerate that stuff. I recently ordered a chorizo burrito. It was huge. Next time I'm only ordering that. I really appreciate how easy it is to call in an order and pick it up. They are very fast about having your food prepared. If you're fan of Mexican food then make sure to stop by here.
(5)Supreet S.
OK food, OK Prices, OK Ambiance. Over hyped reviews.
(3)Gaytha R.
Very disappointed! We tried this place because the rating on yelp was so high. The food was NOT good. Will not be coming back.
(1)Olive B.
Found this place here on Yelp while traveling down state. Reviews are spot on and our Steak burritos were awesome!!
(4)Bob K.
Best Authentic Mexican food in BloNo. But, why did it take me ten years of living in town to finally try this place?!!? Tacos taste just like the ones I have had in Mexico. Salsa is fresh and a little on the spicy side. Lots of different Mexican beers available, but is soda is your choice, they have both coke and Pepsi cans! Yummy.
(5)Veronica M.
El Porton is probably the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Blo-No. The food is really good. The service has always been great as well. It is not fancy and is a bit run down. The restaurant is small, so seating can be an issue, but it's worth the wait.
(4)Joe R.
El Porton has bland food with an even more boring atmosphere. However the prices and portion servings make up for it (to some degree). Blo-No does not have a lot of great Mexican restaurants, so this place works if you're desperate.
(2)Jesse W.
Was a big fan of this place while I lived in Bloomington. After 11 years in California I was afraid I wouldn't find decent Mexican food in the Midwest, but El Porton was a very nice surprise. I can't say it's the best I've ever had, but this place would make it in L.A., which is a lot more than I can say for La Bamba. I'd skip most Mexican restaurants in Blo-No, but El Porton and La Mexicana are legit. As a vegan I couldn't sample the menu too terribly wildly, but their beans and rice are both vegetarian and quite good. Not the world's most interesting vegan menu, but their burritos, gorditas, and sopes are all solid. Their salsas are excellent and the guac is pretty good (by Midwest standards). Very reasonably priced, and nice that this spot is open for breakfast, too. If one isn't confined by dietary restrictions, the chilaquiles are apparently excellent. Good aguas frescas, too. My only complaint is that they're closed on Wednesdays, but I think it says something about the place that I found myself craving it on Wednesdays like clockwork. Bloomington is lucky to have this place.
(4)Leena J.
Since this place had good rating I thought that we should visit this place. So we went here for dinner. We were served nachos & salsa. The salsa was HOT ! But really good. I had my expectations up after trying the nachos. We ordered beef taco and chicken enchilada with homemade sauce. The food did not look great wen it was served. There wasn't enough sauce, all I could see was just tomatoes & cheese the tortilla had a diff taste, the tacos only had beef , onion & cilantro no flavor or sour cream. The food lacked flavor . Since the salsa was hot I expected the food to be hot too ! But was disappointed. The waitress was kind. They had bakery items too but I could not take a risk. I would not go to this place again. But the nachos deserves 5 stars.
(2)Mike T.
El Porton is phenomenal, this is THE place for authentic Mexican food in central illinois. I live up north and nothing compares to this places food quality and service. I would strongly recommend El Porton to many friends and colleagues!!
(5)Ed E.
Stopped by this place on my drive home from Wisconsin. It was excellent. The GF and I split a few items and everything was delicious!!! This detour was more than worth it. We tried Cóctel de Camarón, Caldo de Mariscos, and the Burro al Pastor. I wish we had Mexican this authentic & good in St. Louis.
(5)Kevin R.
Veggie burritos are excellent. Inexpensive and filling. Service is super fast too. I call in for pick up a lot and it is ready in 5 minutes. Make sure you ask for the salsa verde. If you have time to dine in it's worth it for the free chips and salsa. Favorite Mexican place in town.
(5)Ruby P.
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.
(4)Wade T.
Wow. I have had chipotle, moes, and qdoba burritos but none of them are in the same league as the burritos from here. A couple ppl referred me to this place and I checked out the reviews and finally gave it a try. I called in my order for take out. I got a steak burrito and it was huge, filling, and delicious. Recommend to anyone who likes Mexican food. Prices are not bad at all either.
(5)Rion R.
This place has the best authentic Mexican food in Bloomington. It is a great lunch for $6-10. My go to is the beef tounge tacos with rice and beans. Its better food than what I have had down in Cancun. The inside is nothing special as far as sitting in fot a meal but this place is a foodie gold mine.
(5)Shalini G.
The tacos (steak, chicken, or chorizo) are great! The carne asada burritos are very good too! This is the place i like the most in town for authentic mexican food. Very reasonable prices.
(5)Craig M.
Yes. There are limited food choices in midwestern towns. That's just a fact. So it is important to compare this taqueria contextually against the population and the food culture of the locale. That said, this is probably the best taco in BloNo, and an exceptional dive taqueria within many miles. I lived in Houston for many years, and this is not amazing like some taquerias there. But locally, this is fantastic and authentic. Go there.
(4)Brian S.
Amazing authentic Mexican food. The tacos are a must try and are almost a weekly dinner item for my wife and I. They offer a variety of other great dishes and all at an affordable price.
(5)T J.
Just moved here from Texas where 80% of the food we eat is Mexican or Barbecue. Been here twice now and was underwhelmed both times. Food was ok. Quality of meat\ingredients was cheap, tacos lacked seasoning. Tortillas were not homemade. Is it authentic Mexican, I guess you can say that. Would it succeed closer to the border, no. That being said, I've only been to one Mexican place in Bloomington that was better. So I'll probably be back.
(3)S B.
Really- just about as good as Mexican food gets. Every single thing our large group ordered was outstanding. Worth a long long drive if you want authentic California style Mexican. And breakfast all day!
(5)John J.
Awesome Mexican food. Party of 5 and everyone loved their meal. Salsa is some of the best I have had at a restaurant. Yelp reviews were spot on.
(5)L E.
i often debate this with peers but HANDS DOWN the best and authentic Mexican food in town. the super nachos are to die for
(5)Zach N.
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 entree 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.
(4)Matthew H.
NO MARGARITAS!!!! Other than that it was good food. Really struggledto get over the lack of margaritas though. I did enjoy the food though. Did mention no margaritas?? Can't get over that....
(2)Dakota H.
I'm in love with this place. Best Mexican I've had. It's not a super nice restaurant. Just a super authentic Mexican taqueria.
(5)Mike N.
Great tacos, free chips and salsa, and daily lunch specials. I pretty much stick to 3 asada tacos for lunch but their regular menu items are very good with huge portions.
(4)Traci T.
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.
(5)Val A.
Very great! Service was good. Food was fresh. I loved their rice and beans which I usually find bland at other Mexican restaurants. I got their vegetarian burrito which was very fresh and enough for two meals. Their horchata was very tastey.
(5)Wil W.
I've been going here for 5 years and the price and quality of the food never ceases to amaze me.
(5)Lisa D.
While not the cleanest establishment, or the most beautifully decorated, this is well worth the 5 min jaunt off the highway. Very fresh, good food. Tacos come with onion and cilantro. Yum! Chips, salsa, tortillas, all tasty. Pollo in red sauce is serious spicy, smoky and delicious. Skip the chains. This food will make you happy.
(4)Brad S.
Great!!! Authentic!!! Those are the two words that sum up this place. The restaurant leaves a lot to be desired. 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. The prices are just as good. I have had the steak, chicken, chorizo, and tongue tacos. All of them GREAT!!! The chorizo burrito is also huge and delicious. 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. If you go at lunch, expect a wait for a table, but not a long one.
(5)Ron R.
After getting turned on to Taqueria El Marendon by a friend, we decided to check out the Porton. Yelp reviews were pretty solid. The only thing I had was chicken tacos, my friend had a taco burrito. We both agreed that they needed some flavoring - badly. 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. I wonder if other dishes are better. I'll be back to try another dish - just not chicken.
(3)Marty B.
We just stopped in for lunch for the first time. Friendly staff and a nice menu. I wished I could of tried more but with little time and a small appetite my tacos suited me just fine. I tried a beef tongue taco and had a steak one as well. The tongue was a little too different as I never tasted it before but not bad. It was worth the experience. :)
(3)Bennett M.
This place would send Taco Bell out of business if it was open late. High quality at a low price.
(5)L G.
I've never been to anything other than border towns in Mexico, so I'm no aficionado, but this is plain good food. The chili relleño taco is awesome. Salsa is most often quite good, but varies in spice level. The Chilaquiles con huevos is also quite good. Very affordable good food...'nuff said.
(5)Kat H.
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.
(5)Joslyn S.
I recently stumbled upon this place when I searched for authentic Mexican food in the area.... This place is truly a hidden gem. Everything I have gotten from pork burritos, to steak tortas, tostadas... So delicious. I have been back three weekends in a row because it's delicious, affordable, and the portions are huge!
(5)Rick V.
I can't even begin to understand why people rate this place so high. It is barely passable. The salsa was bland, the meat flavorless. Absolutely nothing special here. For a burst of flavor, try the chorizo tacos at El Merendon. You'll never eat at El Porton again.
(2)Anon Y.
My favorite Mexican food in BN, easily. I love the chile relleno, the burrito, and the enchaladas. Prices are reasonable but not as low as competitors, however for a little bit more you get a much better meal.
(5)Scott N.
The spicy salsa and the tacos were great. Check it out if you are looking for some mexican. I had the beef, chorizo, chicken and pork tacos, the chorizo and pork were amazing. I travel quite a bit and always looking for a good spot. This place if simple, cheap and the food was really good, plus it isn't a chain. With that said, if you are looking for fancy, this is the wrong place.
(4)Julianna S.
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.
(5)Bob J.
I have to give this 1 star because it is farrr from the 4.5 star that it currently has. I always use yelp to find good restaurants and this is the first time I felt compelled to write a review because the current reviews are so inaccurate. This place is far from authentic like people keep saying. I've been to Mexico and that's as authentic as it gets. This doesn't compare. I have been to many Mexican restaurants and this place is in the bottom 3 for me. The salsa was veryyy spicy. Usually when a restaurant has very spicy salsa they also have a milder version but they didnt. So we got a cup of cheese sauce for the chips. The cheese sauce was like warm milk and had no flavor to it at all. I ordered the steak burrito and it had very little flavor but a TON of grease. The conclusion I have come to as to why it gets so many good reviews is because their normal customers are drunk ISU kids. Everything tastes good when you are drunk. I won't be going back and I won't recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Jarrod B.
This place is excellent and always worth the drive! Only gets down ranked because you can't order a margarita.
(4)David H.
Down home lovingly prepared Mexican food. Everything I have had has been very tasty. Try the ceviche tostadas if they have them. The staff is terrific as well
(5)S M.
Authentic Mexican.. Very very yummy!!
(4)