The food is always amazing; the guacamole must have crack in it because my boyfriend and I always get a large and never leave enough room for the actual entrees. Service is quick and you can easily eat in or place the order for takeout. Bonus Points: Inexpensive!
(5)
Patricia W.
Visited for the first time on June 21, 2011 and the food just blew us away! THE BEST authentic Mexican food I have had, outside of visiting Mexico! To hell with On the Border and all the other fast food and other Mexican restaurants that cut corners. Everything was FRESH, HOT, and cooked to perfection! The wait ladies were on top of their game and we will return !! The place itself might not be much to look at, but it is CLEAN inside and out! The staff was constantly cleaning the tables and making sure that what they were working with was CLEAN!
(5)
X C.
Burrito as big as a Football! Carne Asada is my favorite. They make it better than anyone and it is filled with rice, cheese, frijoles or no frijoles, and lettuce. Horchata there is good as well. I choose the #3 location because it is easy to get to and park and they are always the friendliest bunch. I've been to many Mexican places but the El Faro Carne Asada burrito is the best I've ever had!! 5 STARS!
(5)
Jill S.
Favorite restaurant in Elgin, never come here without a trip to the Faro. Can't ever get enough El Faro. Complimentary chips and salsa as with most Mexican restaurants, but their salsa is more like pico de gallo and it is wonderful! Burritos and tacos are wonderful, the steak is great, but also enjoy the pulled chicken. Warning, the Jr. Burrito is big enough for most people, and also a phenomenal price. This is authentic mexican food at its best. Would also highly recommend the guacamole.
(5)
Angela P.
We have gotten food from here a couple times...and I thought it was just okay, but I also live in Elgin, so I live around like a million other little places that I find to be better. I think we both got burritos and I got mine with al pastor and it had chunks of pineapple in it, which I am not a fan of, so maybe I should try it again with another kind of meat. I can't remember what I had the other times, but I know my husband had the carne asada and thought it was just fine. So maybe I'm just picky...but I will probably try it again late night sometime! Because the portions are pretty out of control and the sides were delicious...I won't swear them off! =]] **Edit...on 04/24/08 we went here to get some takeout because I was on a baking frenzy and couldn't use the oven to make the pizza I had originally planned for. So I opted for us to try this place again and had to add one more star. We shared a steak burrito with cheese, sour cream, rice and avocado inside and an order of enchiladas suizas. with a side of beans with chorizo served with flour tortillas to eat it with. Everything was very tasty. Can't complain about anything except the burrito and beans were too salty. But not bad enough to not eat by any means. We will most likely be back if we are in a pinch and need somewhere fast and not too expensive!
(4)
Amanda R.
Love this place! As a former elgin native now living in aurora, whenever my family and I want GREAT mexican food we always drive up to El Faro. They have the BEST steak burritos and tacos EVER and on wednesday they even have a burrito special! The peppers and carrots give the perfect compliment to the meal making it a definate 10!
(5)
K H.
Went back here last week and it was better than I remembered! They have the best spicy carrots and jalapenos I have ever had. I have tried it everywhere else and nothing compares to El Faro's. The chicken tacos are great and you get great value for the price!
(5)
John H.
Good taqeria. Food is consistently good. Expect the floors to be greasy, and don't look too closely at the bathroom fixtures. On weekend evenings, there's a wait and always a group of people pushing their way in to pickup their carryout. Bulbous.
(3)
Evan K.
Decent food to grab when you want some quick Mexican. Nothing special.
(3)
Jesse F.
Everyone loves the steak burritos here, but they are just okay. Al pastor gorditas are where it's at.
(4)
Andy D.
El Faros never disappoints! I miss this place so much I've been playing catch up by eating a steak burrito every day since I've been here on vacation! They start with a lightly toasted tortilla, spread on a layer of refried beans and proceed to fill it with a combination of browned, marinated carne asada, mild cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. If yopu get the dinner you also get sides of spanish rice and refried beans. I'm not sure what they put into their green tea but its somewhere inbetween a unsweetened tea and a sweet tea. Put a lime on it for more SABOR! The hand made salsa comes in green and red. Redder is better. (I like spicy) Ok, they also serve rice water, tamarind, and cokes in glass bottles. ENJOY!
(5)
Tish D.
Great authentic Mexican food. Waitresses speak very little English which is fine because menu has pictures you can point to. Large portions but cheap and there are daily specials. Very small place located on busy road and parking is tough to get when busy. Love the chips and pickled condiments they offer. Be sure to ask for the pickled garlic, spicy and hot.
(4)
Delilia H.
Always come to get the "Platillo Arriero" for the hubby! The Orden De Flautas is great choice too.
(5)
David N.
Great food. Great prices. My buddy got this fajita dish that was ridiculous. Full of shrimp and steak that came out sizzling. Atmosphere was ok. Not much ambiance. That said the food... Wow. Close to Elgin CC too!
(5)
Rochelle S.
Best Pico you will find in Illinois.
(5)
Daniele B.
Not what I expected. I got a steak taco dinner. The guacamole was very bland the rice and beans were the same. My beans came out cold. My bf got the burrito dinner and he said his was so greasy. I heard from so many people that it was so good I was excited to go too I'm so disappointed.
(2)
Mark E.
Bland boring burritos, tasty tacos and a bit pricey. I've had better Mexican and don't think I'll be going back to El Faro. Nothing wrong with it, just had higher hopes going in.
(3)
Kaye D.
The seating in the restaurant has only 12 tables (give or take a few). The salsa they bring to your table while you look at the menu/wait for your food is just okay. I've had better. The chips tasted a bit stale to me too. The positive: food portions are great for the price. I am definitely full when I leave. I like the combo platters when I don't have a specific craving. It's a good place to go to for late-night grub.
(3)
Vanessa S.
As much as I try to avoid Elgin, sometimes it can't be helped. After a client visit, I dropped into El Faro for lunch, and am pretty glad I did. The place has a diner feel, and the seating is small but comfortable. I purr like a kitten when waiters speak to me in Spanish, means my spray tan is working - so I order up asada tacos and get a free side of compliments on my fluency - bonus points! The asada was tender and free of any fat goblets which always turns my stomach, the tortillas tasted fresh and weren't greasy, and the tomatillo salsa was just the right amount of spicy. I had a fast, quality meal for a great price. If you're ever in the area, try it out!
(4)
Rick M.
Watched them dump the Salsa out of one customers serving into another bowl, add more and serve it to another person. When I brought it to the waitresses attention she said that is what the owner wants us to do. The restaurant decor is very outdated, would categorize it as a sh*t hole. Service slow with attitude. Certain dishes are good.
(1)
Jen R.
We love Mexican & this is probably the best (take out) Mexican in the Elgin area. It's quick. Good portions and affordable. Tiny restaurant, but huge menu. Our favorites are the Combinacion Galilea & steak burritos. Can't beat home-cooked, but this restaurant is great for the price, portions, and flavor.
(4)
Jeff J.
I love this place for several reasons, I live 3 blocks away, it's open late, good prices and amazing food. I usually bring it home, there aren't a lot of seating options inside. Parking can be limited as well, due to a narrow alley right beside the building, parking is in the back They have a pretty good choice on the menu, pictures of dishes all around, fast service, and real authentic Mexican cuisine. My only issue would be the size of the dining area, and a "cheap" feel to the place. But for a great meal, I will always overlook that. I feel the food outweighs the parking hassle, and less than amazing decor. I recommend them to any lover of Mexican cuisine.
(4)
Jaime S.
Such good food when you want Mexican! They are fast and you get what you want when you want it. Lots to choose from on the menu. Great chips and guac!
(4)
Michael P.
decent mexican food joint. the steak isnt that good but the lengua is fire. my favorite meal is the lengua suizo burrito. everything else is meh or ok. burritos are really big. finish about half. that lengua suizo burrito is good enough for 4 stars alone.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Mollie O.
The food is always amazing; the guacamole must have crack in it because my boyfriend and I always get a large and never leave enough room for the actual entrees. Service is quick and you can easily eat in or place the order for takeout. Bonus Points: Inexpensive!
(5)Patricia W.
Visited for the first time on June 21, 2011 and the food just blew us away! THE BEST authentic Mexican food I have had, outside of visiting Mexico! To hell with On the Border and all the other fast food and other Mexican restaurants that cut corners. Everything was FRESH, HOT, and cooked to perfection! The wait ladies were on top of their game and we will return !! The place itself might not be much to look at, but it is CLEAN inside and out! The staff was constantly cleaning the tables and making sure that what they were working with was CLEAN!
(5)X C.
Burrito as big as a Football! Carne Asada is my favorite. They make it better than anyone and it is filled with rice, cheese, frijoles or no frijoles, and lettuce. Horchata there is good as well. I choose the #3 location because it is easy to get to and park and they are always the friendliest bunch. I've been to many Mexican places but the El Faro Carne Asada burrito is the best I've ever had!! 5 STARS!
(5)Jill S.
Favorite restaurant in Elgin, never come here without a trip to the Faro. Can't ever get enough El Faro. Complimentary chips and salsa as with most Mexican restaurants, but their salsa is more like pico de gallo and it is wonderful! Burritos and tacos are wonderful, the steak is great, but also enjoy the pulled chicken. Warning, the Jr. Burrito is big enough for most people, and also a phenomenal price. This is authentic mexican food at its best. Would also highly recommend the guacamole.
(5)Angela P.
We have gotten food from here a couple times...and I thought it was just okay, but I also live in Elgin, so I live around like a million other little places that I find to be better. I think we both got burritos and I got mine with al pastor and it had chunks of pineapple in it, which I am not a fan of, so maybe I should try it again with another kind of meat. I can't remember what I had the other times, but I know my husband had the carne asada and thought it was just fine. So maybe I'm just picky...but I will probably try it again late night sometime! Because the portions are pretty out of control and the sides were delicious...I won't swear them off! =]] **Edit...on 04/24/08 we went here to get some takeout because I was on a baking frenzy and couldn't use the oven to make the pizza I had originally planned for. So I opted for us to try this place again and had to add one more star. We shared a steak burrito with cheese, sour cream, rice and avocado inside and an order of enchiladas suizas. with a side of beans with chorizo served with flour tortillas to eat it with. Everything was very tasty. Can't complain about anything except the burrito and beans were too salty. But not bad enough to not eat by any means. We will most likely be back if we are in a pinch and need somewhere fast and not too expensive!
(4)Amanda R.
Love this place! As a former elgin native now living in aurora, whenever my family and I want GREAT mexican food we always drive up to El Faro. They have the BEST steak burritos and tacos EVER and on wednesday they even have a burrito special! The peppers and carrots give the perfect compliment to the meal making it a definate 10!
(5)K H.
Went back here last week and it was better than I remembered! They have the best spicy carrots and jalapenos I have ever had. I have tried it everywhere else and nothing compares to El Faro's. The chicken tacos are great and you get great value for the price!
(5)John H.
Good taqeria. Food is consistently good. Expect the floors to be greasy, and don't look too closely at the bathroom fixtures. On weekend evenings, there's a wait and always a group of people pushing their way in to pickup their carryout. Bulbous.
(3)Evan K.
Decent food to grab when you want some quick Mexican. Nothing special.
(3)Jesse F.
Everyone loves the steak burritos here, but they are just okay. Al pastor gorditas are where it's at.
(4)Andy D.
El Faros never disappoints! I miss this place so much I've been playing catch up by eating a steak burrito every day since I've been here on vacation! They start with a lightly toasted tortilla, spread on a layer of refried beans and proceed to fill it with a combination of browned, marinated carne asada, mild cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. If yopu get the dinner you also get sides of spanish rice and refried beans. I'm not sure what they put into their green tea but its somewhere inbetween a unsweetened tea and a sweet tea. Put a lime on it for more SABOR! The hand made salsa comes in green and red. Redder is better. (I like spicy) Ok, they also serve rice water, tamarind, and cokes in glass bottles. ENJOY!
(5)Tish D.
Great authentic Mexican food. Waitresses speak very little English which is fine because menu has pictures you can point to. Large portions but cheap and there are daily specials. Very small place located on busy road and parking is tough to get when busy. Love the chips and pickled condiments they offer. Be sure to ask for the pickled garlic, spicy and hot.
(4)Delilia H.
Always come to get the "Platillo Arriero" for the hubby! The Orden De Flautas is great choice too.
(5)David N.
Great food. Great prices. My buddy got this fajita dish that was ridiculous. Full of shrimp and steak that came out sizzling. Atmosphere was ok. Not much ambiance. That said the food... Wow. Close to Elgin CC too!
(5)Rochelle S.
Best Pico you will find in Illinois.
(5)Daniele B.
Not what I expected. I got a steak taco dinner. The guacamole was very bland the rice and beans were the same. My beans came out cold. My bf got the burrito dinner and he said his was so greasy. I heard from so many people that it was so good I was excited to go too I'm so disappointed.
(2)Mark E.
Bland boring burritos, tasty tacos and a bit pricey. I've had better Mexican and don't think I'll be going back to El Faro. Nothing wrong with it, just had higher hopes going in.
(3)Kaye D.
The seating in the restaurant has only 12 tables (give or take a few). The salsa they bring to your table while you look at the menu/wait for your food is just okay. I've had better. The chips tasted a bit stale to me too. The positive: food portions are great for the price. I am definitely full when I leave. I like the combo platters when I don't have a specific craving. It's a good place to go to for late-night grub.
(3)Vanessa S.
As much as I try to avoid Elgin, sometimes it can't be helped. After a client visit, I dropped into El Faro for lunch, and am pretty glad I did. The place has a diner feel, and the seating is small but comfortable. I purr like a kitten when waiters speak to me in Spanish, means my spray tan is working - so I order up asada tacos and get a free side of compliments on my fluency - bonus points! The asada was tender and free of any fat goblets which always turns my stomach, the tortillas tasted fresh and weren't greasy, and the tomatillo salsa was just the right amount of spicy. I had a fast, quality meal for a great price. If you're ever in the area, try it out!
(4)Rick M.
Watched them dump the Salsa out of one customers serving into another bowl, add more and serve it to another person. When I brought it to the waitresses attention she said that is what the owner wants us to do. The restaurant decor is very outdated, would categorize it as a sh*t hole. Service slow with attitude. Certain dishes are good.
(1)Jen R.
We love Mexican & this is probably the best (take out) Mexican in the Elgin area. It's quick. Good portions and affordable. Tiny restaurant, but huge menu. Our favorites are the Combinacion Galilea & steak burritos. Can't beat home-cooked, but this restaurant is great for the price, portions, and flavor.
(4)Jeff J.
I love this place for several reasons, I live 3 blocks away, it's open late, good prices and amazing food. I usually bring it home, there aren't a lot of seating options inside. Parking can be limited as well, due to a narrow alley right beside the building, parking is in the back They have a pretty good choice on the menu, pictures of dishes all around, fast service, and real authentic Mexican cuisine. My only issue would be the size of the dining area, and a "cheap" feel to the place. But for a great meal, I will always overlook that. I feel the food outweighs the parking hassle, and less than amazing decor. I recommend them to any lover of Mexican cuisine.
(4)Jaime S.
Such good food when you want Mexican! They are fast and you get what you want when you want it. Lots to choose from on the menu. Great chips and guac!
(4)Michael P.
decent mexican food joint. the steak isnt that good but the lengua is fire. my favorite meal is the lengua suizo burrito. everything else is meh or ok. burritos are really big. finish about half. that lengua suizo burrito is good enough for 4 stars alone.
(4)