4. Restaurants

Taqueria Don Pedro

1002 W Fayette, Effingham, IL, 62401
  • (217) 347-2216
  • Store is closed

Taqueria Don Pedro Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

  • Jamey M.

    Decided to try this place out for lunch while we were in town. It certainly ended up being a good idea! They have a very extensive menu with great prices and the ability to make your meal your own with options such as handmade corn tortillas, options for your sauce (cheese, enchilada, etc), many meats, and more. The waiters weren't over the top fantastic, but I don't usually expect much friendliness when I go to Mexican places. They have lots of different margaritas and other drinks. I got the blackberry margarita. It wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was decent. Now...all that said, the food. Oh, the food. They have fantastic cheese sauce, and our sampler platter was delicious. Be warned, the salsa is quite heated, and they only have one salsa. The corn tortillas were amazing. The guac is good, but oddly not very heated. Overall, we were quite pleased with our lunch.

    (3)

  • Mrs V.

    Traveling through. So glad we stopped based on reviews here. Tacos delicious, taco salad very tasty, tostado exactly what our picky eater wanted and expected, and the steak fajitas great without being tough or boot leathery. Clean. Friendly staff. Owners? Were pleasant too. We knew we'd chosen well when the local LEOs came in. Thanks for giving us something positive for the drive from Missouri to Michigan (several times a year) to look forward to in Effingham.

    (4)

  • Doug W.

    Solid call. In the road for work and like supporting local businesses. Good quality food, great friendly service.

    (5)

  • David A.

    Found this via Yelp, and it was as good as advertised. Stopped here last night. Excellent salsa, chips, margaritas. We each had the enchiladas - my wife with the red sauce and me with the green sauce. Tons of choices as to the meat stuffing. Just a very tasty and satisfying dinner. Another review said that they only have ten tables - not true, probably closer to 15 or 18.

    (5)

  • Wanda H.

    The chicken mole was excellent, the guacamole superb, and even the chips were better than most places. The salsa was too heavy on the cilantro for MY taste buds, but that's my preferences coming through. I did like that the salsa had some heat to it.

    (5)

  • Vanessa T.

    One of the better finds in Effingham and definitely the top Mexican restaurant. Being the "big city" in the area, Effingham has the most to offer in a 200 mile radius. I went today with a group of 4 other co-workers during lunch. Don Pedro is small and nothing fancy. Very casual and simple. We were sat at one of the ten tables immediately as there were only a few other groups in the restaurant. Our waiter was very prompt and took our beverage orders immediately. We ordered some chips and quac to start. Everything was fresh. The guac was good but nothing that special. The salsa was even better. A tad spicy which I liked. 3 of my co-workers ordered burritos and two of us ordered tacos. I ordered one with chorizo, one with pollo, and one with asada. The steak was great, the chorizo was good bit a tad over cooked, and the chicken was dry. Still delicious since I ate all 3. This price was very reasonable. For 5 people the bill was only $61. We were in and out within 30 minutes which was great since we were on a fast timeline. All in all we had a good experience.

    (3)

  • Rosa S.

    Quaint Mexican food restaurant. Food was a little bland. Clean bathrooms and friendly service. Many meat choices and lunch specials.

    (4)

  • Amanda S.

    This place is fantastic! Food is very flavorful and fresh! Margaritas are delicious....and are $2 on Fridays after 5pm!! Service is always on point, it's a family owned business so they take pride in service. Most authentic Mexican restaurant in Effingham!!

    (5)

  • Keith S.

    In town for business, went in for chicken fajitas to go, based on reviews from yelp. It was delicious and would recommend to everyone The dining area was quiet, but I would chock that up to being Effingham, IL on a Wednesday. If in town, I will definitely be eating there again. Congrats on a meal well done!

    (5)

  • Ann S.

    This place is the hidden gem of Effingham. It's my ABSOLUTE favorite. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but who cares when you can get delicious AUTHENTIC Mexican food made right in front of you. For the food, chips and salsa are free with the purchase of a drink (doesn't have to be alcoholic). The chips and salsa are both fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor and order a pork tamale a la carte for $1.99 and then choose something else to go with it. I recommend the Jade burrito with carne asada or the carnitas burrito. Both are excellent. If you're not so adventurous, the carne asada quesadillas are a good choice too. Also, the chorizo queso dip is divine! This place puts the other two "Mexican" joints in town to shame!

    (5)

  • brett d.

    Visiting from out of town on business and was recommended Don Pedro by the hotel clerk. I'm not a huge Mexican food connoisseur so my experience isn't vast but this is without a doubt the best Mexican food I've had in a very long time. Everything was fresh and well done. Staff was super friendly and knowledgable about the menu. This place does lack a bit when it comes to atmosphere and I was surprised the place wasn't packed after eating my meal. The only thing keeping this place from a five star is the generic setting. Looking forward to stopping here next time I'm in town.

    (4)

  • Steve R.

    I regret eating here. I saw the other yelpers' reviews praising al pastor tacos, but our experience was the opposite. They were fatty rather than tender, and really rather bland and unappetizing. I choked mine down because I'm too cheap to buy a second dinner, but my wife had to order a replacement. The replacement was a chicken taco, which was soggy. The waitstaff was sorta pushy. We are traveling with two small children, so we need a few minutes more than the average patron to at a menu. They also got our initial order wrong, then had to be reminded about the chicken taco my wife ordered later. I saw that it had come out from the kitchen and was just sitting on the counter. Maybe that's why it was soggy. I did enjoy the chile relleno and the place seemed to be sanitary enough. Otherwise, I might have given the place a lower score.

    (2)

  • John G.

    Had corn shell tacos with seasoned beef and one with chicken. It was out of this world! Coming back soon. Also the tamales were outstanding.

    (5)

  • Barbara H.

    Just the best ! Great service and the food is outstanding! Hard to believe you can get an authentic chile rejeno in small town Southern Illinios! They rival the chilis I have had in Arizona and are better than any I've had in Chicago ! The guacamole is fresh and flavorful and comes with great homemade chips. The tacos al pastor have just the right balance between sweet and spicy. And my husband had a gordita which was very authentic, with a homemade masa pocketed shell. They even had jimaca (hibiscus agua fresca) Well worth the short drive off the highway. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Mike Z.

    The food was good but the service horrible, when the food was delivered I asked for extra napkins, I was given two(two of us eating). Never were we asked how are meal was, never offered a refill on are drinks, while the tables around us were constantly waited on. When I informed the manager how the service was all I got was a "Hmm". No apology nothing. We will not be back.

    (1)

  • Regina S.

    This place has delicious food! I had a blackberry margarita, tamales and the chorizo & quest dip. The prices are good and the food is great!

    (5)

  • Scott C.

    Passing through as we move to San Diego. The food was very aquthentic but the service was horrible. Either way go for the food!

    (5)

  • Robert E.

    Effingaham? More like Effing awesome. Not many places to stop between Chicago and Nashville and this Mexican food did not disappoint. Eat this food (in your face). Also will accommodate vegetarian!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    I LOVE this place. Go every time I'm in town. Great, quality food that's definitely authentic. Enjoy this gem of a true Mexican place.

    (5)

  • Heather M.

    You can now get a wonderful, fresh tortilla soup (a lot like chilaquiles) rather than the basket of fried tortillas, no charge!! OH MY SO YUMMY and their Chile Rellenos are my new favorite. They are unreal good. Fresh pureed sauce underneath and a big, gluten-free/egg white covered, crispy, fresh poblano stuffed full of ooey gooey Mexican cheese. Just one fills me up! Also, Lily, the main server is so knowledgeable and super friendly!

    (5)

  • Jack F.

    100% authentic, delicious... Beats the hell out of any other Mexican restaurant in town.

    (5)

  • Cory H.

    If you are into "homemade" style Mexican food, this place it it! The facility doesn't look like much, but the food is incredible. I've tried many things on their menu, & never been disappointed!

    (5)

  • Rusty S.

    I wanted to give a better rating to Don Pedro, really I did, but I could only go three stars based on my experience this evening. I was in town on a business trip and I went in after looking at the fantastic reviews on Yelp. The salsa was good, very fresh-tasting with nice cilantro balance. It was a bit on the bland side, however. I don't smoke, and usually it's the other way around--having to send food back because it's been salted like they're trying to preserve it for the apocalypse, but I had to add a bit of salt, surprisingly. No big deal though, it was still very good. I ordered the Taco Platter for $10.99, which comes with your choice of 3 taco fillings on corn tortillas, garnished with onion and cilantro, just like at any authentic taco stand. I tried to get one of each--steak, a different type of steak with tomato and onion (can't remember the name) and barbacoa (shredded bbq beef), but my server informed me that it was an extra charge to get 3 different choices (even though it did not say so on the menu), so I got 2 steak and one barbacoa. The food came out quickly, the tacos wrapped in aluminum foil and rice/beans on the side. They looked great, but my first bite of steak taco rewarded me with a nice hunk of gristle. Not that big of a deal, I chalked it up to chance and kept eating. All in all I probably had a good tablespoon-and-a-half of fat and gristle out of 2 steak tacos, which is a bit much for my tastes. Also, the steak itself was bland--it did not taste like it was seasoned before it was grilled, or marinated in any way. I tried to get some other types of sauce to improve them, but gave up after 10 minutes of looking around for my server, who seemed more interested in chatting with her co-workers than keeping an eye on her guests (she did not come back once after food was served to see how I was doing, or even to ask if I wanted another beer--which is usually server 101, since alcohol is the quickest way to increase the bill and therefore the tip). Finally I flagged her down and she brought an interesting sauce in a squeeze bottle, which was a light green color, like pea soup. It was sweet on the front end with an evolving heat, but not habanero and not a lot of taste--my guess is they used the piths and seeds of the jalapenos and ground them to a fine paste in oil or maybe mayo? It was interesting but just ok. The rice and beans were excellent. Overall, I left stuffed, as I usually do at mexican restaurants, and I would recommend it--especially the barbacoa tacos. They have pork and chicken also, but I would not recommend the asada (steak) filling. The blandness, combined with the lackluster service capped it for me at 3 stars, but maybe la proxima vez...

    (3)

  • Dennis P.

    Made a stop in Effingham, IL on our way to Memphis, TN road trip and stumbled upon this little gem of a mexican joint. Pleasantly surprised with the food. Food was good overall. Decent flavor, unique creamy consistency red and green sauce and good zing and spice...never seen it before. I thought the steak could use a little more flavor and better quality steak. Chicken had good flavor, and the pork was the gem. The Gordita tortilla was great and had a nice fresh consistency.

    (4)

  • Shannon B.

    Really good food. Service was great. I mentioned I was cold so the waitress got me a very delicious tortilla soup ( for free). I had the chicken tacos. Delicious!!!

    (5)

  • Katie K.

    Affordable and delicious. The ingredients are simple, fresh, and straightforward. I shared the Taco Salad and Chimichanga. I found this place on my drive to through IL to Indiana and never would have stopped if it weren't for yelp! It was totally empty outside and inside, but we went at a weird time of day. Glad I stopped! Best meal we had on the whole trip.

    (4)

  • Charlie Isabel H.

    Stopped for dinner on a long drive along I-70. Glad we did. El Pastor tacos 5 stars. The homemade tortillas are worth the up charge. Chorizo tacos were good though not remarkable. Veggie burrito just fine. If we're ever in the neighborhood again, we will be back.

    (4)

  • Angela K.

    Loved the food! Stopped in with my family while traveling through and we all thoroughly enjoyed our selections. My son had chicken fajitas, I had chicken flautas, my daughter ordered the ground beef enchiladas and they made a vegetarian chimichanga for my hubby. Yummy! The most noticeable (delicious!) thing about the food was that it wasn't greasy and drenched in sauce! The flautas were crispy without being hard and were topped with fresh lettuce, tomato and sliced avocado. I also ordered guacamole and it was fresh and seasoned with onion and cilantro. The refried beans were soft and were very tasty mixed into my rice. Overall great food and reasonable pricing.

    (5)

  • Alicia K.

    Best.Food.Ever. The salsa and guacamole are delicious and FRESH. Had the vegetable tacos, beans, and rice. Ask for homemade tortillas, they're 50 cents extra and well worth it, best I've ever had! Can't stop thinking about these tacos! And friendly fast service to boot!

    (5)

  • Taylor C.

    I'm from south Texas and grew up on real Mexican food, this place is legit. The tamales were awesome and for the $ I'm not going to gripe about the slightly dated decor. Simply put, eat here is you like good food and aren't too worried about frills. Definitely worth a visit!

    (5)

  • C S.

    Yum! Had carnita burrito! Verde sauce was Spicy and tart, pork was great, portions were generous, prices low, service excellent. You can see them prepare your food.

    (5)

  • Rachel S.

    Having never been here before, I was skeptical that TDP was going to be another subpar Mexican restaurant. My friend and I sat down and we found out that we had to pay for the chips & salsa and they did not serve alcohol. Immediately, I'm looking forward to my 1-star review on yelp. However, the waitress explained that the restaurant was a BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) restaurant and could bring whatever alcohol they liked into the restaurant. My rating stepped up to a 3-star. How much money would you save on bringing in your own beverages? A drinker like me = half my bill. The chips and salsa were wonderful. Salsa was the perfect amount of spice and didn't taste like it just came from the 3 gallon bottle. I ordered the Quesadillas Don Pedro Platter and it was 3 small tortillas (hand made optional!!) with your choice of filling. Fillings include Al Pastor (pork with pineapple!) Carne Asada, Barbacoa (seasoned beef), Chorizo, Pollo, Picadillo, or Vegetariano. The Al Pastor was worth the longer than usual wait for the food. The food was outstanding. Total bill between 2 people was $26 My 1-star review immediately jumped to a 5 and I cannot wait to come back and sample more food. This restaurant also includes a Mexican Store in the back where it sells authentic Mexican food.

    (5)

  • Mychele L.

    Very good everything was fresh and tasty! My chicken burrito was one of the best burritos I have ever had!

    (5)

  • Andrew Y.

    Great place for some authentic, homemade Tex-Mex when in the area - like a pit stop off I-57 or I-70. Our family enjoyed crispy tacos with various meats (esp chx and pork), chimichanga, sopa, etc. ingredients were fresh, salsa tasty, corn shells crisp. The only thing I'd want to see improved would be a little less oil when cooking the chips. We'll come back again.

    (4)

  • Ariel R.

    Outstanding comida! After being seated we were served homemade tortilla chips with salsa that was fresh, flavorful, and just the right level of spicy. I wish I had thought to order a side of guacamole, because I'm sure it would've been excellent. I ordered a chicken burrito (although everything on the menu sounded tasty), and it was easily one the best burritos I've ever eaten, if not the best. (Take it from a girl who has enjoyed more than her fair share of burritos.) Shredded chicken, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, chihuahua queso, sour cream, beans... all wrapped in a warm, homemade tortilla. Full of flavor, very filling, and truly delicious. Be sure to ask for their red and green sauces. I got a little bold with the green sauce (the spicier of the two), so I was especially thankful our server was very kind and attentive to refilling my water several times. The sauces really made the meal! The only thing that was disappointing was the lack of customers in the restaurant. I went with a friend on a Saturday night, and apart from one other table, we were the only diners in the restaurant. Our server informed us that business picks up before and after the movies on weekends (we actually ate quickly because we were running a bit late for our movie), so hopefully the masses flocked there after getting their Django fix. If you're in the area and dream of genuine Mexican food that isn't sloppily stuffed into a Doritos taco shell (don't mistake me for a taco snob, but those were a bit of a letdown), I would definitely encourage you to stop in for a bite. Taqueria Don Pedro is a refreshing addition to the sea of fast food chain restaurants that comprise Effingham, IL, and it deserves to be around for years and years to come.

    (5)

  • Louis G.

    This was a yelp success. We found the reviews driving through town, stopped in for dinner, and had the best meal we've ever had on one of our long drives through the midwest. We've tried a lot of Mexican places along the way, but by far this was the freshest, most friendly, and best-bang-for-the-buck. I can't stress enough how fresh it was! We had a nice chat with our server and learned every item is made to order. Tortillas, chips, salsa, entrées, you name it. Not a single vegetable is cut until you ask for it. Also, the women who run this place are vegetarians, so they offer outstanding veg solutions, and most of what they serve is already vegan friendly. Also, they cook in soybean oil, which is much healthier than most other places! Since we're also veg and quite burnt out on Mexican places that serve way too much salt and oil per gram of anything nutritious, this place really came at the right time -- and for a really reasonable price! So for those yelp reviewers who wrote such superficial comments as, "I had to ask for chips and salsa. I will not go back," my advice to you is: know the product before you review it! This place offers a much needed alternative to cheap, unhealthy Mexican fast food. You might wait 1-2 short minutes while they heat up their homemade chips for you, but they're delicious and unlike anything you'll get elsewhere! If you really lack this little bit of patience, go to Chevys or Taco Bell and knock yourself out. If you want to debate the finer points of how many customers are dining or what kind of decor the place has, fine, but just know they're not helpful at all when it comes to assessing the actual food! The food was excellent and we were stuffed! We didn't get a chance to check out their awesome looking desert menu, but it looks great!

    (5)

  • Saffy P.

    Stopped here based on Yelp ratings on our way through town. Not exaggerated! We tried four different tacos, the choose-your-own nachos, and the chile relleno. I've NEVER seen that much meat on a taco! And delicious, too. My son couldn't finish his nachos... they were that large. Highly recommended. Have a horchata, too. It was tasty.

    (5)

  • Angela M.

    Support a local business! Based on the limited number of restaurants here in Effingham, we were happy to find a places that was locally owned. Inside, there is a large open window to view the kitchen/owners preparing the food. The family who owns and operates this restaurant, I was told by our server who is a relative, is from Acapulco. The food has fresh ingredients! The salsa ranked among the best I have had, containing a lot of cilantro. I had beans, rice, veggie chimichanga with guacamole. All very tasty and prepared ideally. Homemade chips were slightly over salted but airy. My friend had the chimichanga with carnitas. The carnitas was seasoned to perfection and moist. The verde was different than the verde I have tried previously. It was creamy, a family secret, and the server would not tell me how it was made. Note: They staff is extremely friendly however they are slow. Be patient, don't come starving or when your time is limited.

    (5)

  • Cole Y.

    We were first timers. We came in from New Jersey. The food had a great flavor. Happy we gave it a try. We would come back.

    (4)

  • Andrea H.

    Wow. Who knew that in a tiny Illinois town dominated by the interstate you could find this gem of delicious Mexican food? We decided to stop here with hopes of feeding both halves of the family, vegetarian and omnivorous alike. The atmosphere and space leaves a bit to be desired; they could do with a remodel and spruce up. Service was courteous and reasonably fast. Prices were very reasonable, super value for quality and quantity. The food however.... Mouth-watering! We went with the guacamole and cheese dip, both delicious. For lunch us vegetarians had the red tamale platter and a soft taco (between two of us). Both with vegetariano filling, which was the only filling available to vegetarians. The rice was probably the best I've had ever at a Mexican restaurant. I would eat this rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner :O refried beans were great. The filling was good too, although I wish it had more protein. The omnivores had the carnitas filling. Could not hear good enough comments! Definitely recommend!

    (5)

  • A.j. H.

    Great if u want something closer to authentic mexican. Just a small space but is sufficient for a few people . Never packed highly underrated.

    (4)

  • Stephanie W.

    We stopped here because of the great reviews on yelp. I had the vegetarian tacos and my husband had the steak chimichanga. Everything was awesome. Usually when I order veggies in a Mexican restaurant they sauté them within an inch of their life, but these were PERFECT. Chips and salsa were great, the chips are hot and made fresh, and the salsa was just spicy enough. Great value and fresh, authentic food!

    (5)

  • Jennifer E.

    Thanks to the Yelp reviews we pulled off the interstate on our way home for some good Mexican food. We were happy to see the variety of options on their ala cart menu. It allowed us to try several things without breaking the bank. First of all-home made tortillas....big bonus points! Second, the chips and salsa were very fresh and delicious. Sometimes salsa can be too spicy or too mild and this was a perfect medium. Third, the buffet of food we ordered included steak tacos, which were very flavorful and delicious, the rice was amazing, the chili rellano was very good, and make sure that you leave room for the fried ice cream, which was...hands down...the BEST fried ice cream I've ever had! All of this at a very reasonable price. If all of this wasn't enough, the service was great! I was never without a beverage refill and the pace was perfect. You can see through into the kitchen from the dining room. You can see the cooks and everyone in the kitchen had hair nets and the kitchen was spotless. I also noticed a big bottle of hand sanitizer that the waitress kept using after handling money, cleaning,ect. They definitely keep a clean restaurant and take pride in their food and sanitation. I hope the locals try this restaurant and keep them around. In this economy, we see so many restaurants closing and the residents of Effingham would surely miss out. Since we also stopped next door for gas and Walgreens before leaving town,we also patronized 2 other businesses that would have not gotten our business otherwise. We hope this restauraunt is around for years to come. Just a side note- I don't quite understand the negative review as they have no details on why it "wasn't good". But some people's idea of good mexican food is Taco Bell. Take it from a woman that married a Mexican....if you want authentic Mexican food...this is the place.

    (5)

  • Peggy H.

    Wow what a gem Effingham has in this place! While in IL visiting family, we got a craving for al pastor tacos. We didn't have high hopes since we were in Effingham. The majority of the people in the area would not know good food if it hit them in the face. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, I'm just stating facts. People in the area love the prepackaged/frozen/canned shit from Niemergs. It blows my mind, but it's true. Enough rambling and back to the Taqueria Don Pedro. The food here is the best Mexican food in Effingham. It was fresh, homemade tortillas and great service. The menu has a good showing of different types of Mexican favorites. From different types of tacos, to tortas, burritos, etc. It was a nice change from the slop available at another local Mexican place. Honestly some of the best al pastor tacos I've ever eaten. I was surprised to say they even beat my favorite taco place in San Francisco. Yeah, they are that good! Keep up the great work, I'm looking forward to returning here when I am back in town.

    (5)

  • Kai W.

    Really good and refreshing to have something authentic and not a chain, accessible on a freeway drive. Great chips and salsa, service, and a kitchen bustling with cooks who look to have learned the molè recipe from madre!

    (5)

  • John F.

    All 3 of the Toccoa I had were fabulous. White cheese is a must. Pico de galo is made correctly. Highly recommended. Make the drive off I 70 and 57. Wife Had the torta. very nice

    (4)

  • Cheri L.

    Found this restaurant by reviews on Urban Spoon. Excellent food, freshly made to order! Friendly host and server, customer oriented. Would recommend highly.

    (5)

  • Nate T.

    Im not a huge fan of Mexican food but I like this place. I would give it a higher rating but the dine in experience isn't quite there. A 19 90 ' s projection tv playing the Mexican music channel and just a few booths and tables. Don't let that discourage you from trying it but don't expect the colorful decor most Mexican restaurants have. Also, I wish they had alcohol. Bringing your own margarita mix with you sounds like a pain...maybe the guy from restaurant impossible can fix up the inside. Food is really good though

    (3)

  • Cathydebbie W.

    Great stop off the highway. Fast, very sweet service and delicious food. Especially like the salsa and freshness of all the dishes. Thanks to other reviewers for steering us here.

    (5)

  • Jenny G.

    I mean relatively speaking- I'd go 5 stars- for the surrounding areas. We were driving through and stopped based on reviews- that are all spot on. If I need to be driving through Effington- I'd stop in.

    (4)

  • Aileen B.

    We were told that if we didn't like something, we could send it back. My daughter did not like the beans they put on the nachos, so we asked if we could get them without. The waitress suggested we get the cheese on the side so the chips wouldn't get soggy and we said that would be o.k. We were surprised when we got the bill and we were charged for a half order of cheese (more than a few cents!). I inquired and was told that they had to charge for making the nachos again. She wouldn't take the charge off the bill. Though the entrees we had were good (al pastor flautas, chorizo quesadillas, barbacoa & steak tacos), the refried beans and rice were flavorless. We pass through Effingham regularly, but we will give El Rancherito our business next time for comparison. My advice to Don Pedro is not to tell customers that they can return dishes they don't like if they are going to bill them for the original dish AND its replacement. Disappointing experience.

    (3)

  • Deb D.

    Most delicious Mexican food! Surprise find for being on the road. Start with fresh salsa and chips I was delighted by their tacos made with incredible corn tortillas filled with tender and homemade chicken and beef I can't remember tasting at any other Mexican restaurant. Served with delicious rice, beans and a little salad with fresh guacamole. Oh, and the waitress was wonderful. 5 star restaurant!

    (4)

  • Deb K.

    Excellent authentic fresh Mexican food. Very friendly and efficient. Worth the extra 1/4 mile from 70 for sure!

    (5)

  • Jen B.

    Great Mexican food in a part of the state that is lacking it. We tried several items: tacos, sopes, gorditas, and a tamale. The Al Pastor taco on a homemade tortilla was my favorite. Excellent Al Pastor! I always get Al Pastor when it is on the menu, and this was the best I've ever had. The tamale was wrapped in a banana leaf and tasted excellent. If you've never had a banana leaf tamale make sure you give it a try. Like others said, the chips and salsa were super fresh. The Jamaica was very refreshing on a warm day. The waitress was super friendly and it was fun to see the kitchen through the window. We all cleaned our plates and hope to stop here the next time we're making a trek down I-57.

    (5)

  • Rachel V.

    I wanted to like this place based on the other reviews but it was strictly...meh. It was lunch so maybe dinner is better. I got a bean taco which came w/ beans inside and a sprinkling of cilantro, nothing else (no lettuce, cheese, tomato, anything). I got a soggy bean enchilda and the rice was what you would find anywhere.Chips and salsa were included but cold out of a bag obviously. Perhaps I would have enjoyed the food more if I ate meat but if you're vegetarian I can't recommend.

    (2)

  • Randolph M.

    I travel so much in the Southwest, it's hard to impress me with Mexican food. This was very enjoyable. Al pastor tacos were interesting, with the hint of pineapple. Carne asada tacos were tasty. Chili rellano was also good. Beans and rice were ok. Service was friendly and attentive. Probably wouldn't give them 4 stars if they were in the Southwest, but in southern Illinois... You betcha! Real good food at a very good value.

    (4)

  • Susan S.

    Flour tortilla lovers....prepare to get your corn on! The corn tortillas at Taqueria Don Pedro are not to be missed! I enjoyed them almost three weeks ago and still can't stop thinking about their corny goodness---slightly thicker than expected with a bit of a chewy texture. So fresh, I wonder, are they growing this corn out back? The zingy salsa was excelente! I wanted to drink it like gazpacho. As far as taco fillings, I liked the chicken and steak the best. The pineapple pork was an interesting change but the meat was chopped up a bit too much for my liking. The beans and rice were well-prepared and rounded out the meal nicely. Service was very pleasant and helpful. They were out of regular iced tea. So while it finished brewing, the server brought us some hibiscus iced tea to tide us over. Thoughtful and sweet (the server, not the tea.) No cereveza here---don't know if you can bring your own. If traveling in the area, use exit 159 for Fayette Street--not exit 160 for the bulk of the hotels and fast food. If local, delivery service is available. They'll meet you at the BP at Lake Sara, too, if you're that far west. If you like authentic, homemade mexican food and dedicated, interested service, Taqueria Don Pedro is the restaurante for you.

    (4)

  • James N.

    Hands Down the best Mexican restaurant within 60 miles. I love this place. I recently moved back to Effingham from Phoenix Arizona. When I first found this place i was skeptical. With places like el rancherito(mediocre) don taco i didn't expect much. Wow was i surprised. Ive ordered twice now from don pedro and it rivals my favorite Mexican joints in the southwest. These girls know how to cook. This is authentic Mexican food. I really dont understand why there aren't many people there when I drive by. Im sure it has to do with the people of Effingham only knowing El Rancherito style Mexican. Which is overpriced and overrated. Don't hesitate, Try this place now!!

    (5)

  • Kevin M.

    Very authentic Mexican cuisine. Especially enjoyed the variety of taco meats available - must try the barbarcoa beef taco. If you like spicey, you'll need to request it. Good variety of lunch specials. Decor not a strong point, however you're there to eat the food. Great service!

    (4)

  • Jenna W.

    I just had lunch here today and it was not good. I have had way better! The atmosphere was not good either. I had to ask for chips and salsa. I will not go back.

    (2)

  • Tomas S.

    I stopped here on the way to Shawnee National Forest. Thank god for yelp because I would never find these little gems hidden in a town you would never even stop at otherwise. I refuse to eat at corporate chain fast food restaurants because the food is complete garbage and I prefer to support the local economy's of these small towns. Well I never expected to find such an amazing mexican restaurant in this small southern Illinois town in the middle of nowhere. The tacos and nachos are top notch. Everything I have had here is really good and I have had a great meal every time I returned. They even have a really cute out door section out front that you can eat in. If you are road tripping through IL and want to get some delicious authentic mexican food you must stop here. Frankly, there is no other reason to stop in Effingham unless if you are going to Taqueria Don Pedro.

    (5)

  • Van M.

    I was passing through town and saw the Yelp reviews and decided to grab dinner at Don Pedro's. The woman working was very pleasant and offered a few suggestions. Another patron recommended chicken tacos and noted that they are served in corn tortillas (as opposed to flour). I went for the steak burrito because that's what I get at most Mexican restaurants I'm trying for the first time and therefore can easily compare to other restaurants. The burrito was great and had steak, refried beans, some cheese, lettuce and I believe some sour cream. I added rice and beans to bring the cost to $8.51. Overall, the meal was great. I'd also like to point out that it came with a little guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo on the side. Every city needs an authentic Mexican restaurant and now Effingham has Taqueria Don Pedro to fill that spot!

    (4)

  • Tj T.

    Good food an one of the few places to get horchata around. I go there for the horchata and enjoy the food every time.

    (4)

  • Casey H.

    I stopped here on the way down to southern Illinois with two guys with healthy appetites. Though humble on the outside, Don Pedro delivered big time. Each of us ordered a platter with a few different types of meat - chorizo, barbacoa, pollo, carne asada - and weren't disappointed with anything. The portions were generous and the sides were delicious as well. Major thumbs up for the guacamole, which was topped with cilantro and onions. My favorite part of the experience was being able to watch the señoras in the kitchen cook for us. Hopefully another road trip will bring me back this way so I can come again!

    (5)

  • Chris K.

    This is a hidden treasure, once we found this we stopped eating at El Rancherito and Puerta Vallarta (two other Mexican restaurants in town). This place has great food, great portions and great service. It's in a very non-discrete building with not much as far as atmosphere but the food is excellent. Definitely worth a try!

    (5)

  • Benjamin S.

    Great al pastor.... best I have had in a long time. Real tortillas, yummy hot sauce. Not much atmosphere but the food makes up for it... note: since they don't have a liquor lisc no margaritas The gal who waited on us was really nice and attentive. Best Mexican I have had since I lived in LA

    (4)

  • Su C.

    Excellent! Nothing fancy but very clean, good service and yummy food. Very inexpensive. Our family of four (including a 17 yr old and a 10 yr old) loved it and we only spent about $30. We tried nachos, burrito, tamales, and something else I don't remember because we'd never heard of it. All delicious. Highly recommend if you're traveling by Effingham.

    (5)

  • Christie H.

    The food here was great! The home made tortilla chips and the salsa was fabulous!

    (5)

  • Jesse C.

    Finally a reason to visit in Effingham! Driving back to Chicago from Louisiana and needed a bite to eat. Planned on eating at the Flying J, but stopped by Taqueria Don Pedro on a fluke after we exited the 57. Ordered the Molcajete Don Pedro (4 handmade corn tortillas, chorizo, chicken, skirt steak, al pastor, cheese sauce, beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo), a feast which easily fed both my wife and I. The chorizo was rich with a touch of cinnamon flavor and the pastor had a nice tangy hint of pineapple. The handmade corn tortillas were cooked to order, thick and incredibly fresh. I would be there 2-3 times a week if I lived within 10 miles. Owner was kind and attentive, explained that the restaurant has been in business for about 4 months.

    (4)

  • S K.

    The food here is fabulous! It's very authentic. The chips and salsa were great. Although the green sauce is spicy, the flavor is delicious. I had the enchiladas with the vegetarian filling and the carne asada. I actually prefer the vegetarian filling. It was so delicious! Michelle was incredibly friendly and provided great service. If I ever go back to Effingham, I would definitely stop here again.

    (4)

  • Randy K.

    Solid Mexican fast food!

    (3)

  • Vicki M.

    Ate here for the first time today, we've been wanting to try it based on the reviews. We were not disappointed. Yes, there is not much atmosphere....but it is interesting that you can see into the kitchen and see the food being prepared. Service was great, very friendly and attentive. Our food was ready very quickly. I really liked the menu which was a little unique from the zillions of little Mexican-American restaurants in all the small towns in the Midwest. I know most of them will prepare your food to suit you if you want something done a certain way, but it's nice right on the menu to pick your filling, sauce, tortilla type, etc. And the food is very light and fresh, not swimming in oil and cheap cheese as many of the Mexican restaurants prepare it. Salsa was good and fresh and we asked for more an put extra on our dinners. If you are stopping off while traveling on the interstate, give it a try, half the fast food places have longer waits, and this is MUCH better food. We'll be back!

    (5)

  • Ingrid F.

    stopped in for a quick meal while roadtripping. tacqueria don pedro has authentic mexican food, friendly service, great price. their handmade corn tortillas are thick and hearty. I ordered the pollo tostada and stole a few bites of the beef fajitas - both were fab. also warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa come out w/ every meal. in conclusion, if I lived near effingham I'd go to tacqueria don pedro way often.

    (5)

  • Susan S.

    Flour tortilla lovers....prepare to get your corn on! The corn tortillas at Taqueria Don Pedro are not to be missed! I enjoyed them almost three weeks ago and still can't stop thinking about their corny goodness---slightly thicker than expected with a bit of a chewy texture. So fresh, I wonder, are they growing this corn out back? The zingy salsa was excelente! I wanted to drink it like gazpacho. As far as taco fillings, I liked the chicken and steak the best. The pineapple pork was an interesting change but the meat was chopped up a bit too much for my liking. The beans and rice were well-prepared and rounded out the meal nicely. Service was very pleasant and helpful. They were out of regular iced tea. So while it finished brewing, the server brought us some hibiscus iced tea to tide us over. Thoughtful and sweet (the server, not the tea.) No cereveza here---don't know if you can bring your own. If traveling in the area, use exit 159 for Fayette Street--not exit 160 for the bulk of the hotels and fast food. If local, delivery service is available. They'll meet you at the BP at Lake Sara, too, if you're that far west. If you like authentic, homemade mexican food and dedicated, interested service, Taqueria Don Pedro is the restaurante for you.

    (4)

  • James N.

    Hands Down the best Mexican restaurant within 60 miles. I love this place. I recently moved back to Effingham from Phoenix Arizona. When I first found this place i was skeptical. With places like el rancherito(mediocre) don taco i didn't expect much. Wow was i surprised. Ive ordered twice now from don pedro and it rivals my favorite Mexican joints in the southwest. These girls know how to cook. This is authentic Mexican food. I really dont understand why there aren't many people there when I drive by. Im sure it has to do with the people of Effingham only knowing El Rancherito style Mexican. Which is overpriced and overrated. Don't hesitate, Try this place now!!

    (5)

  • Kevin M.

    Very authentic Mexican cuisine. Especially enjoyed the variety of taco meats available - must try the barbarcoa beef taco. If you like spicey, you'll need to request it. Good variety of lunch specials. Decor not a strong point, however you're there to eat the food. Great service!

    (4)

  • Jenna W.

    I just had lunch here today and it was not good. I have had way better! The atmosphere was not good either. I had to ask for chips and salsa. I will not go back.

    (2)

  • Tomas S.

    I stopped here on the way to Shawnee National Forest. Thank god for yelp because I would never find these little gems hidden in a town you would never even stop at otherwise. I refuse to eat at corporate chain fast food restaurants because the food is complete garbage and I prefer to support the local economy's of these small towns. Well I never expected to find such an amazing mexican restaurant in this small southern Illinois town in the middle of nowhere. The tacos and nachos are top notch. Everything I have had here is really good and I have had a great meal every time I returned. They even have a really cute out door section out front that you can eat in. If you are road tripping through IL and want to get some delicious authentic mexican food you must stop here. Frankly, there is no other reason to stop in Effingham unless if you are going to Taqueria Don Pedro.

    (5)

  • Van M.

    I was passing through town and saw the Yelp reviews and decided to grab dinner at Don Pedro's. The woman working was very pleasant and offered a few suggestions. Another patron recommended chicken tacos and noted that they are served in corn tortillas (as opposed to flour). I went for the steak burrito because that's what I get at most Mexican restaurants I'm trying for the first time and therefore can easily compare to other restaurants. The burrito was great and had steak, refried beans, some cheese, lettuce and I believe some sour cream. I added rice and beans to bring the cost to $8.51. Overall, the meal was great. I'd also like to point out that it came with a little guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo on the side. Every city needs an authentic Mexican restaurant and now Effingham has Taqueria Don Pedro to fill that spot!

    (4)

  • Tj T.

    Good food an one of the few places to get horchata around. I go there for the horchata and enjoy the food every time.

    (4)

  • Casey H.

    I stopped here on the way down to southern Illinois with two guys with healthy appetites. Though humble on the outside, Don Pedro delivered big time. Each of us ordered a platter with a few different types of meat - chorizo, barbacoa, pollo, carne asada - and weren't disappointed with anything. The portions were generous and the sides were delicious as well. Major thumbs up for the guacamole, which was topped with cilantro and onions. My favorite part of the experience was being able to watch the señoras in the kitchen cook for us. Hopefully another road trip will bring me back this way so I can come again!

    (5)

  • Jamey M.

    Decided to try this place out for lunch while we were in town. It certainly ended up being a good idea! They have a very extensive menu with great prices and the ability to make your meal your own with options such as handmade corn tortillas, options for your sauce (cheese, enchilada, etc), many meats, and more. The waiters weren't over the top fantastic, but I don't usually expect much friendliness when I go to Mexican places. They have lots of different margaritas and other drinks. I got the blackberry margarita. It wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was decent. Now...all that said, the food. Oh, the food. They have fantastic cheese sauce, and our sampler platter was delicious. Be warned, the salsa is quite heated, and they only have one salsa. The corn tortillas were amazing. The guac is good, but oddly not very heated. Overall, we were quite pleased with our lunch.

    (3)

  • Mrs V.

    Traveling through. So glad we stopped based on reviews here. Tacos delicious, taco salad very tasty, tostado exactly what our picky eater wanted and expected, and the steak fajitas great without being tough or boot leathery. Clean. Friendly staff. Owners? Were pleasant too. We knew we'd chosen well when the local LEOs came in. Thanks for giving us something positive for the drive from Missouri to Michigan (several times a year) to look forward to in Effingham.

    (4)

  • Doug W.

    Solid call. In the road for work and like supporting local businesses. Good quality food, great friendly service.

    (5)

  • David A.

    Found this via Yelp, and it was as good as advertised. Stopped here last night. Excellent salsa, chips, margaritas. We each had the enchiladas - my wife with the red sauce and me with the green sauce. Tons of choices as to the meat stuffing. Just a very tasty and satisfying dinner. Another review said that they only have ten tables - not true, probably closer to 15 or 18.

    (5)

  • Deb D.

    Most delicious Mexican food! Surprise find for being on the road. Start with fresh salsa and chips I was delighted by their tacos made with incredible corn tortillas filled with tender and homemade chicken and beef I can't remember tasting at any other Mexican restaurant. Served with delicious rice, beans and a little salad with fresh guacamole. Oh, and the waitress was wonderful. 5 star restaurant!

    (4)

  • Deb K.

    Excellent authentic fresh Mexican food. Very friendly and efficient. Worth the extra 1/4 mile from 70 for sure!

    (5)

  • Jen B.

    Great Mexican food in a part of the state that is lacking it. We tried several items: tacos, sopes, gorditas, and a tamale. The Al Pastor taco on a homemade tortilla was my favorite. Excellent Al Pastor! I always get Al Pastor when it is on the menu, and this was the best I've ever had. The tamale was wrapped in a banana leaf and tasted excellent. If you've never had a banana leaf tamale make sure you give it a try. Like others said, the chips and salsa were super fresh. The Jamaica was very refreshing on a warm day. The waitress was super friendly and it was fun to see the kitchen through the window. We all cleaned our plates and hope to stop here the next time we're making a trek down I-57.

    (5)

  • Rachel V.

    I wanted to like this place based on the other reviews but it was strictly...meh. It was lunch so maybe dinner is better. I got a bean taco which came w/ beans inside and a sprinkling of cilantro, nothing else (no lettuce, cheese, tomato, anything). I got a soggy bean enchilda and the rice was what you would find anywhere.Chips and salsa were included but cold out of a bag obviously. Perhaps I would have enjoyed the food more if I ate meat but if you're vegetarian I can't recommend.

    (2)

  • Randolph M.

    I travel so much in the Southwest, it's hard to impress me with Mexican food. This was very enjoyable. Al pastor tacos were interesting, with the hint of pineapple. Carne asada tacos were tasty. Chili rellano was also good. Beans and rice were ok. Service was friendly and attentive. Probably wouldn't give them 4 stars if they were in the Southwest, but in southern Illinois... You betcha! Real good food at a very good value.

    (4)

  • Jenny G.

    I mean relatively speaking- I'd go 5 stars- for the surrounding areas. We were driving through and stopped based on reviews- that are all spot on. If I need to be driving through Effington- I'd stop in.

    (4)

  • Jennifer E.

    Thanks to the Yelp reviews we pulled off the interstate on our way home for some good Mexican food. We were happy to see the variety of options on their ala cart menu. It allowed us to try several things without breaking the bank. First of all-home made tortillas....big bonus points! Second, the chips and salsa were very fresh and delicious. Sometimes salsa can be too spicy or too mild and this was a perfect medium. Third, the buffet of food we ordered included steak tacos, which were very flavorful and delicious, the rice was amazing, the chili rellano was very good, and make sure that you leave room for the fried ice cream, which was...hands down...the BEST fried ice cream I've ever had! All of this at a very reasonable price. If all of this wasn't enough, the service was great! I was never without a beverage refill and the pace was perfect. You can see through into the kitchen from the dining room. You can see the cooks and everyone in the kitchen had hair nets and the kitchen was spotless. I also noticed a big bottle of hand sanitizer that the waitress kept using after handling money, cleaning,ect. They definitely keep a clean restaurant and take pride in their food and sanitation. I hope the locals try this restaurant and keep them around. In this economy, we see so many restaurants closing and the residents of Effingham would surely miss out. Since we also stopped next door for gas and Walgreens before leaving town,we also patronized 2 other businesses that would have not gotten our business otherwise. We hope this restauraunt is around for years to come. Just a side note- I don't quite understand the negative review as they have no details on why it "wasn't good". But some people's idea of good mexican food is Taco Bell. Take it from a woman that married a Mexican....if you want authentic Mexican food...this is the place.

    (5)

  • Peggy H.

    Wow what a gem Effingham has in this place! While in IL visiting family, we got a craving for al pastor tacos. We didn't have high hopes since we were in Effingham. The majority of the people in the area would not know good food if it hit them in the face. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, I'm just stating facts. People in the area love the prepackaged/frozen/canned shit from Niemergs. It blows my mind, but it's true. Enough rambling and back to the Taqueria Don Pedro. The food here is the best Mexican food in Effingham. It was fresh, homemade tortillas and great service. The menu has a good showing of different types of Mexican favorites. From different types of tacos, to tortas, burritos, etc. It was a nice change from the slop available at another local Mexican place. Honestly some of the best al pastor tacos I've ever eaten. I was surprised to say they even beat my favorite taco place in San Francisco. Yeah, they are that good! Keep up the great work, I'm looking forward to returning here when I am back in town.

    (5)

  • Kai W.

    Really good and refreshing to have something authentic and not a chain, accessible on a freeway drive. Great chips and salsa, service, and a kitchen bustling with cooks who look to have learned the molè recipe from madre!

    (5)

  • John F.

    All 3 of the Toccoa I had were fabulous. White cheese is a must. Pico de galo is made correctly. Highly recommended. Make the drive off I 70 and 57. Wife Had the torta. very nice

    (4)

  • Andrea H.

    Wow. Who knew that in a tiny Illinois town dominated by the interstate you could find this gem of delicious Mexican food? We decided to stop here with hopes of feeding both halves of the family, vegetarian and omnivorous alike. The atmosphere and space leaves a bit to be desired; they could do with a remodel and spruce up. Service was courteous and reasonably fast. Prices were very reasonable, super value for quality and quantity. The food however.... Mouth-watering! We went with the guacamole and cheese dip, both delicious. For lunch us vegetarians had the red tamale platter and a soft taco (between two of us). Both with vegetariano filling, which was the only filling available to vegetarians. The rice was probably the best I've had ever at a Mexican restaurant. I would eat this rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner :O refried beans were great. The filling was good too, although I wish it had more protein. The omnivores had the carnitas filling. Could not hear good enough comments! Definitely recommend!

    (5)

  • Keith S.

    In town for business, went in for chicken fajitas to go, based on reviews from yelp. It was delicious and would recommend to everyone The dining area was quiet, but I would chock that up to being Effingham, IL on a Wednesday. If in town, I will definitely be eating there again. Congrats on a meal well done!

    (5)

  • Ann S.

    This place is the hidden gem of Effingham. It's my ABSOLUTE favorite. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but who cares when you can get delicious AUTHENTIC Mexican food made right in front of you. For the food, chips and salsa are free with the purchase of a drink (doesn't have to be alcoholic). The chips and salsa are both fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor and order a pork tamale a la carte for $1.99 and then choose something else to go with it. I recommend the Jade burrito with carne asada or the carnitas burrito. Both are excellent. If you're not so adventurous, the carne asada quesadillas are a good choice too. Also, the chorizo queso dip is divine! This place puts the other two "Mexican" joints in town to shame!

    (5)

  • brett d.

    Visiting from out of town on business and was recommended Don Pedro by the hotel clerk. I'm not a huge Mexican food connoisseur so my experience isn't vast but this is without a doubt the best Mexican food I've had in a very long time. Everything was fresh and well done. Staff was super friendly and knowledgable about the menu. This place does lack a bit when it comes to atmosphere and I was surprised the place wasn't packed after eating my meal. The only thing keeping this place from a five star is the generic setting. Looking forward to stopping here next time I'm in town.

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    You can now get a wonderful, fresh tortilla soup (a lot like chilaquiles) rather than the basket of fried tortillas, no charge!! OH MY SO YUMMY and their Chile Rellenos are my new favorite. They are unreal good. Fresh pureed sauce underneath and a big, gluten-free/egg white covered, crispy, fresh poblano stuffed full of ooey gooey Mexican cheese. Just one fills me up! Also, Lily, the main server is so knowledgeable and super friendly!

    (5)

  • Jack F.

    100% authentic, delicious... Beats the hell out of any other Mexican restaurant in town.

    (5)

  • Steve R.

    I regret eating here. I saw the other yelpers' reviews praising al pastor tacos, but our experience was the opposite. They were fatty rather than tender, and really rather bland and unappetizing. I choked mine down because I'm too cheap to buy a second dinner, but my wife had to order a replacement. The replacement was a chicken taco, which was soggy. The waitstaff was sorta pushy. We are traveling with two small children, so we need a few minutes more than the average patron to at a menu. They also got our initial order wrong, then had to be reminded about the chicken taco my wife ordered later. I saw that it had come out from the kitchen and was just sitting on the counter. Maybe that's why it was soggy. I did enjoy the chile relleno and the place seemed to be sanitary enough. Otherwise, I might have given the place a lower score.

    (2)

  • John G.

    Had corn shell tacos with seasoned beef and one with chicken. It was out of this world! Coming back soon. Also the tamales were outstanding.

    (5)

  • Mike Z.

    The food was good but the service horrible, when the food was delivered I asked for extra napkins, I was given two(two of us eating). Never were we asked how are meal was, never offered a refill on are drinks, while the tables around us were constantly waited on. When I informed the manager how the service was all I got was a "Hmm". No apology nothing. We will not be back.

    (1)

  • Barbara H.

    Just the best ! Great service and the food is outstanding! Hard to believe you can get an authentic chile rejeno in small town Southern Illinios! They rival the chilis I have had in Arizona and are better than any I've had in Chicago ! The guacamole is fresh and flavorful and comes with great homemade chips. The tacos al pastor have just the right balance between sweet and spicy. And my husband had a gordita which was very authentic, with a homemade masa pocketed shell. They even had jimaca (hibiscus agua fresca) Well worth the short drive off the highway. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Regina S.

    This place has delicious food! I had a blackberry margarita, tamales and the chorizo & quest dip. The prices are good and the food is great!

    (5)

  • Scott C.

    Passing through as we move to San Diego. The food was very aquthentic but the service was horrible. Either way go for the food!

    (5)

  • Robert E.

    Effingaham? More like Effing awesome. Not many places to stop between Chicago and Nashville and this Mexican food did not disappoint. Eat this food (in your face). Also will accommodate vegetarian!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    I LOVE this place. Go every time I'm in town. Great, quality food that's definitely authentic. Enjoy this gem of a true Mexican place.

    (5)

  • Cory H.

    If you are into "homemade" style Mexican food, this place it it! The facility doesn't look like much, but the food is incredible. I've tried many things on their menu, & never been disappointed!

    (5)

  • Katie K.

    Affordable and delicious. The ingredients are simple, fresh, and straightforward. I shared the Taco Salad and Chimichanga. I found this place on my drive to through IL to Indiana and never would have stopped if it weren't for yelp! It was totally empty outside and inside, but we went at a weird time of day. Glad I stopped! Best meal we had on the whole trip.

    (4)

  • Charlie Isabel H.

    Stopped for dinner on a long drive along I-70. Glad we did. El Pastor tacos 5 stars. The homemade tortillas are worth the up charge. Chorizo tacos were good though not remarkable. Veggie burrito just fine. If we're ever in the neighborhood again, we will be back.

    (4)

  • Angela K.

    Loved the food! Stopped in with my family while traveling through and we all thoroughly enjoyed our selections. My son had chicken fajitas, I had chicken flautas, my daughter ordered the ground beef enchiladas and they made a vegetarian chimichanga for my hubby. Yummy! The most noticeable (delicious!) thing about the food was that it wasn't greasy and drenched in sauce! The flautas were crispy without being hard and were topped with fresh lettuce, tomato and sliced avocado. I also ordered guacamole and it was fresh and seasoned with onion and cilantro. The refried beans were soft and were very tasty mixed into my rice. Overall great food and reasonable pricing.

    (5)

  • Alicia K.

    Best.Food.Ever. The salsa and guacamole are delicious and FRESH. Had the vegetable tacos, beans, and rice. Ask for homemade tortillas, they're 50 cents extra and well worth it, best I've ever had! Can't stop thinking about these tacos! And friendly fast service to boot!

    (5)

  • Taylor C.

    I'm from south Texas and grew up on real Mexican food, this place is legit. The tamales were awesome and for the $ I'm not going to gripe about the slightly dated decor. Simply put, eat here is you like good food and aren't too worried about frills. Definitely worth a visit!

    (5)

  • Rusty S.

    I wanted to give a better rating to Don Pedro, really I did, but I could only go three stars based on my experience this evening. I was in town on a business trip and I went in after looking at the fantastic reviews on Yelp. The salsa was good, very fresh-tasting with nice cilantro balance. It was a bit on the bland side, however. I don't smoke, and usually it's the other way around--having to send food back because it's been salted like they're trying to preserve it for the apocalypse, but I had to add a bit of salt, surprisingly. No big deal though, it was still very good. I ordered the Taco Platter for $10.99, which comes with your choice of 3 taco fillings on corn tortillas, garnished with onion and cilantro, just like at any authentic taco stand. I tried to get one of each--steak, a different type of steak with tomato and onion (can't remember the name) and barbacoa (shredded bbq beef), but my server informed me that it was an extra charge to get 3 different choices (even though it did not say so on the menu), so I got 2 steak and one barbacoa. The food came out quickly, the tacos wrapped in aluminum foil and rice/beans on the side. They looked great, but my first bite of steak taco rewarded me with a nice hunk of gristle. Not that big of a deal, I chalked it up to chance and kept eating. All in all I probably had a good tablespoon-and-a-half of fat and gristle out of 2 steak tacos, which is a bit much for my tastes. Also, the steak itself was bland--it did not taste like it was seasoned before it was grilled, or marinated in any way. I tried to get some other types of sauce to improve them, but gave up after 10 minutes of looking around for my server, who seemed more interested in chatting with her co-workers than keeping an eye on her guests (she did not come back once after food was served to see how I was doing, or even to ask if I wanted another beer--which is usually server 101, since alcohol is the quickest way to increase the bill and therefore the tip). Finally I flagged her down and she brought an interesting sauce in a squeeze bottle, which was a light green color, like pea soup. It was sweet on the front end with an evolving heat, but not habanero and not a lot of taste--my guess is they used the piths and seeds of the jalapenos and ground them to a fine paste in oil or maybe mayo? It was interesting but just ok. The rice and beans were excellent. Overall, I left stuffed, as I usually do at mexican restaurants, and I would recommend it--especially the barbacoa tacos. They have pork and chicken also, but I would not recommend the asada (steak) filling. The blandness, combined with the lackluster service capped it for me at 3 stars, but maybe la proxima vez...

    (3)

  • Dennis P.

    Made a stop in Effingham, IL on our way to Memphis, TN road trip and stumbled upon this little gem of a mexican joint. Pleasantly surprised with the food. Food was good overall. Decent flavor, unique creamy consistency red and green sauce and good zing and spice...never seen it before. I thought the steak could use a little more flavor and better quality steak. Chicken had good flavor, and the pork was the gem. The Gordita tortilla was great and had a nice fresh consistency.

    (4)

  • Shannon B.

    Really good food. Service was great. I mentioned I was cold so the waitress got me a very delicious tortilla soup ( for free). I had the chicken tacos. Delicious!!!

    (5)

  • C S.

    Yum! Had carnita burrito! Verde sauce was Spicy and tart, pork was great, portions were generous, prices low, service excellent. You can see them prepare your food.

    (5)

  • Nate T.

    Im not a huge fan of Mexican food but I like this place. I would give it a higher rating but the dine in experience isn't quite there. A 19 90 ' s projection tv playing the Mexican music channel and just a few booths and tables. Don't let that discourage you from trying it but don't expect the colorful decor most Mexican restaurants have. Also, I wish they had alcohol. Bringing your own margarita mix with you sounds like a pain...maybe the guy from restaurant impossible can fix up the inside. Food is really good though

    (3)

  • Rachel S.

    Having never been here before, I was skeptical that TDP was going to be another subpar Mexican restaurant. My friend and I sat down and we found out that we had to pay for the chips & salsa and they did not serve alcohol. Immediately, I'm looking forward to my 1-star review on yelp. However, the waitress explained that the restaurant was a BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) restaurant and could bring whatever alcohol they liked into the restaurant. My rating stepped up to a 3-star. How much money would you save on bringing in your own beverages? A drinker like me = half my bill. The chips and salsa were wonderful. Salsa was the perfect amount of spice and didn't taste like it just came from the 3 gallon bottle. I ordered the Quesadillas Don Pedro Platter and it was 3 small tortillas (hand made optional!!) with your choice of filling. Fillings include Al Pastor (pork with pineapple!) Carne Asada, Barbacoa (seasoned beef), Chorizo, Pollo, Picadillo, or Vegetariano. The Al Pastor was worth the longer than usual wait for the food. The food was outstanding. Total bill between 2 people was $26 My 1-star review immediately jumped to a 5 and I cannot wait to come back and sample more food. This restaurant also includes a Mexican Store in the back where it sells authentic Mexican food.

    (5)

  • Mychele L.

    Very good everything was fresh and tasty! My chicken burrito was one of the best burritos I have ever had!

    (5)

  • Ariel R.

    Outstanding comida! After being seated we were served homemade tortilla chips with salsa that was fresh, flavorful, and just the right level of spicy. I wish I had thought to order a side of guacamole, because I'm sure it would've been excellent. I ordered a chicken burrito (although everything on the menu sounded tasty), and it was easily one the best burritos I've ever eaten, if not the best. (Take it from a girl who has enjoyed more than her fair share of burritos.) Shredded chicken, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, chihuahua queso, sour cream, beans... all wrapped in a warm, homemade tortilla. Full of flavor, very filling, and truly delicious. Be sure to ask for their red and green sauces. I got a little bold with the green sauce (the spicier of the two), so I was especially thankful our server was very kind and attentive to refilling my water several times. The sauces really made the meal! The only thing that was disappointing was the lack of customers in the restaurant. I went with a friend on a Saturday night, and apart from one other table, we were the only diners in the restaurant. Our server informed us that business picks up before and after the movies on weekends (we actually ate quickly because we were running a bit late for our movie), so hopefully the masses flocked there after getting their Django fix. If you're in the area and dream of genuine Mexican food that isn't sloppily stuffed into a Doritos taco shell (don't mistake me for a taco snob, but those were a bit of a letdown), I would definitely encourage you to stop in for a bite. Taqueria Don Pedro is a refreshing addition to the sea of fast food chain restaurants that comprise Effingham, IL, and it deserves to be around for years and years to come.

    (5)

  • Cathydebbie W.

    Great stop off the highway. Fast, very sweet service and delicious food. Especially like the salsa and freshness of all the dishes. Thanks to other reviewers for steering us here.

    (5)

  • Aileen B.

    We were told that if we didn't like something, we could send it back. My daughter did not like the beans they put on the nachos, so we asked if we could get them without. The waitress suggested we get the cheese on the side so the chips wouldn't get soggy and we said that would be o.k. We were surprised when we got the bill and we were charged for a half order of cheese (more than a few cents!). I inquired and was told that they had to charge for making the nachos again. She wouldn't take the charge off the bill. Though the entrees we had were good (al pastor flautas, chorizo quesadillas, barbacoa & steak tacos), the refried beans and rice were flavorless. We pass through Effingham regularly, but we will give El Rancherito our business next time for comparison. My advice to Don Pedro is not to tell customers that they can return dishes they don't like if they are going to bill them for the original dish AND its replacement. Disappointing experience.

    (3)

  • Louis G.

    This was a yelp success. We found the reviews driving through town, stopped in for dinner, and had the best meal we've ever had on one of our long drives through the midwest. We've tried a lot of Mexican places along the way, but by far this was the freshest, most friendly, and best-bang-for-the-buck. I can't stress enough how fresh it was! We had a nice chat with our server and learned every item is made to order. Tortillas, chips, salsa, entrées, you name it. Not a single vegetable is cut until you ask for it. Also, the women who run this place are vegetarians, so they offer outstanding veg solutions, and most of what they serve is already vegan friendly. Also, they cook in soybean oil, which is much healthier than most other places! Since we're also veg and quite burnt out on Mexican places that serve way too much salt and oil per gram of anything nutritious, this place really came at the right time -- and for a really reasonable price! So for those yelp reviewers who wrote such superficial comments as, "I had to ask for chips and salsa. I will not go back," my advice to you is: know the product before you review it! This place offers a much needed alternative to cheap, unhealthy Mexican fast food. You might wait 1-2 short minutes while they heat up their homemade chips for you, but they're delicious and unlike anything you'll get elsewhere! If you really lack this little bit of patience, go to Chevys or Taco Bell and knock yourself out. If you want to debate the finer points of how many customers are dining or what kind of decor the place has, fine, but just know they're not helpful at all when it comes to assessing the actual food! The food was excellent and we were stuffed! We didn't get a chance to check out their awesome looking desert menu, but it looks great!

    (5)

  • Andrew Y.

    Great place for some authentic, homemade Tex-Mex when in the area - like a pit stop off I-57 or I-70. Our family enjoyed crispy tacos with various meats (esp chx and pork), chimichanga, sopa, etc. ingredients were fresh, salsa tasty, corn shells crisp. The only thing I'd want to see improved would be a little less oil when cooking the chips. We'll come back again.

    (4)

  • A.j. H.

    Great if u want something closer to authentic mexican. Just a small space but is sufficient for a few people . Never packed highly underrated.

    (4)

  • Stephanie W.

    We stopped here because of the great reviews on yelp. I had the vegetarian tacos and my husband had the steak chimichanga. Everything was awesome. Usually when I order veggies in a Mexican restaurant they sauté them within an inch of their life, but these were PERFECT. Chips and salsa were great, the chips are hot and made fresh, and the salsa was just spicy enough. Great value and fresh, authentic food!

    (5)

  • Cheri L.

    Found this restaurant by reviews on Urban Spoon. Excellent food, freshly made to order! Friendly host and server, customer oriented. Would recommend highly.

    (5)

  • Chris K.

    This is a hidden treasure, once we found this we stopped eating at El Rancherito and Puerta Vallarta (two other Mexican restaurants in town). This place has great food, great portions and great service. It's in a very non-discrete building with not much as far as atmosphere but the food is excellent. Definitely worth a try!

    (5)

  • Benjamin S.

    Great al pastor.... best I have had in a long time. Real tortillas, yummy hot sauce. Not much atmosphere but the food makes up for it... note: since they don't have a liquor lisc no margaritas The gal who waited on us was really nice and attentive. Best Mexican I have had since I lived in LA

    (4)

  • Su C.

    Excellent! Nothing fancy but very clean, good service and yummy food. Very inexpensive. Our family of four (including a 17 yr old and a 10 yr old) loved it and we only spent about $30. We tried nachos, burrito, tamales, and something else I don't remember because we'd never heard of it. All delicious. Highly recommend if you're traveling by Effingham.

    (5)

  • Christie H.

    The food here was great! The home made tortilla chips and the salsa was fabulous!

    (5)

  • Jesse C.

    Finally a reason to visit in Effingham! Driving back to Chicago from Louisiana and needed a bite to eat. Planned on eating at the Flying J, but stopped by Taqueria Don Pedro on a fluke after we exited the 57. Ordered the Molcajete Don Pedro (4 handmade corn tortillas, chorizo, chicken, skirt steak, al pastor, cheese sauce, beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo), a feast which easily fed both my wife and I. The chorizo was rich with a touch of cinnamon flavor and the pastor had a nice tangy hint of pineapple. The handmade corn tortillas were cooked to order, thick and incredibly fresh. I would be there 2-3 times a week if I lived within 10 miles. Owner was kind and attentive, explained that the restaurant has been in business for about 4 months.

    (4)

  • S K.

    The food here is fabulous! It's very authentic. The chips and salsa were great. Although the green sauce is spicy, the flavor is delicious. I had the enchiladas with the vegetarian filling and the carne asada. I actually prefer the vegetarian filling. It was so delicious! Michelle was incredibly friendly and provided great service. If I ever go back to Effingham, I would definitely stop here again.

    (4)

  • Randy K.

    Solid Mexican fast food!

    (3)

  • Vicki M.

    Ate here for the first time today, we've been wanting to try it based on the reviews. We were not disappointed. Yes, there is not much atmosphere....but it is interesting that you can see into the kitchen and see the food being prepared. Service was great, very friendly and attentive. Our food was ready very quickly. I really liked the menu which was a little unique from the zillions of little Mexican-American restaurants in all the small towns in the Midwest. I know most of them will prepare your food to suit you if you want something done a certain way, but it's nice right on the menu to pick your filling, sauce, tortilla type, etc. And the food is very light and fresh, not swimming in oil and cheap cheese as many of the Mexican restaurants prepare it. Salsa was good and fresh and we asked for more an put extra on our dinners. If you are stopping off while traveling on the interstate, give it a try, half the fast food places have longer waits, and this is MUCH better food. We'll be back!

    (5)

  • Ingrid F.

    stopped in for a quick meal while roadtripping. tacqueria don pedro has authentic mexican food, friendly service, great price. their handmade corn tortillas are thick and hearty. I ordered the pollo tostada and stole a few bites of the beef fajitas - both were fab. also warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa come out w/ every meal. in conclusion, if I lived near effingham I'd go to tacqueria don pedro way often.

    (5)

  • Saffy P.

    Stopped here based on Yelp ratings on our way through town. Not exaggerated! We tried four different tacos, the choose-your-own nachos, and the chile relleno. I've NEVER seen that much meat on a taco! And delicious, too. My son couldn't finish his nachos... they were that large. Highly recommended. Have a horchata, too. It was tasty.

    (5)

  • Angela M.

    Support a local business! Based on the limited number of restaurants here in Effingham, we were happy to find a places that was locally owned. Inside, there is a large open window to view the kitchen/owners preparing the food. The family who owns and operates this restaurant, I was told by our server who is a relative, is from Acapulco. The food has fresh ingredients! The salsa ranked among the best I have had, containing a lot of cilantro. I had beans, rice, veggie chimichanga with guacamole. All very tasty and prepared ideally. Homemade chips were slightly over salted but airy. My friend had the chimichanga with carnitas. The carnitas was seasoned to perfection and moist. The verde was different than the verde I have tried previously. It was creamy, a family secret, and the server would not tell me how it was made. Note: They staff is extremely friendly however they are slow. Be patient, don't come starving or when your time is limited.

    (5)

  • Cole Y.

    We were first timers. We came in from New Jersey. The food had a great flavor. Happy we gave it a try. We would come back.

    (4)

  • Wanda H.

    The chicken mole was excellent, the guacamole superb, and even the chips were better than most places. The salsa was too heavy on the cilantro for MY taste buds, but that's my preferences coming through. I did like that the salsa had some heat to it.

    (5)

  • Vanessa T.

    One of the better finds in Effingham and definitely the top Mexican restaurant. Being the "big city" in the area, Effingham has the most to offer in a 200 mile radius. I went today with a group of 4 other co-workers during lunch. Don Pedro is small and nothing fancy. Very casual and simple. We were sat at one of the ten tables immediately as there were only a few other groups in the restaurant. Our waiter was very prompt and took our beverage orders immediately. We ordered some chips and quac to start. Everything was fresh. The guac was good but nothing that special. The salsa was even better. A tad spicy which I liked. 3 of my co-workers ordered burritos and two of us ordered tacos. I ordered one with chorizo, one with pollo, and one with asada. The steak was great, the chorizo was good bit a tad over cooked, and the chicken was dry. Still delicious since I ate all 3. This price was very reasonable. For 5 people the bill was only $61. We were in and out within 30 minutes which was great since we were on a fast timeline. All in all we had a good experience.

    (3)

  • Rosa S.

    Quaint Mexican food restaurant. Food was a little bland. Clean bathrooms and friendly service. Many meat choices and lunch specials.

    (4)

  • Amanda S.

    This place is fantastic! Food is very flavorful and fresh! Margaritas are delicious....and are $2 on Fridays after 5pm!! Service is always on point, it's a family owned business so they take pride in service. Most authentic Mexican restaurant in Effingham!!

    (5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : Yes
    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 : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes

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.

Taqueria Don Pedro

Share with your social network

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.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.