This place is the primary reason I will never become a vegetarian! The steak burritos are habit-forming, especially with the green salsa! Our band will have gigs that last until 1am, so we pack up extra fast just so we can make it to El Burrito Loco before the drive-up closes at 3am or so. If we don't make it in time the disappointment is killer! It's not a fancy place, but you won't care once you start eating! You can't beat the people here either, they are always friendly and efficient.
(5)
Alisa M.
Came here for a quick lunch and was surprised at how clean the location is. The staff is friendly and the food came out fast. I got the steak torta and the bread came out warm and fluffy. Size was right and the price is cheap. They also have a big menu and small combo specials.
(4)
Grace A.
They used to be good maybe 5 or 6 years ago. Now the tacos aren't even average. People that are giving this such a high rating clearly have not tasted anything better.
(2)
Carissa P.
In a sea of dull fast food chains, it is so deliciously refreshing to have a restaurant like El Burrito Loco in Joliet. I have been a frequent and fervent customer for years, and the food is consistently amazing. Huge Portions, Great Price, Big Menu, Authentic, Friendly Staff. I usually get a veggie chimichanga, which isn't on the menu, but they always cook it to my preference. There are three locations in Joliet, and I've been to all of them. They're all great. If you haven't eaten here yet, GO NOW!
(5)
E S.
(I really expected by the reviews on yelp for this place to be a real restaurant, but make note, its like 1 tiny notch above Mexican fast food. No servers, no bar, etc.) For Joliet standards this place is a 4 star place, for Los Angeles or Mexico's standards this place is a 2 star, so I'm going middle of the road w/ this review. I ordered the combo platter to best gauge how well this place can do an assortment of Mexican's greatest hits: taco, enchilada and beans. Sadly, this place really could have been amazing, but the chicken was a little dry and flavorless, and the beans clearly didn't have that creamy lardy consistency that is synonomous with Mexican food. The salsa squirters on the table, however, were filled with delicious green and red salsa that completely brought the food to life. But by my standards one shouldn't have to rely on salsa alone! What I CAN say was delicious was their guacamole. I also use guac as the litmus test for good Mexican and this place wins on that challenge! The guac was seasoned perfectly, not watered down, nor filled with sour cream to beef up the guac. it was really good and I would go back just for it and the chips to dip in. They do serve beer there,
(2)
Jeff P.
I always used to get the steak tacos on corn with a rice water and it was so good until I got food poisoning from here, I thought I had the stomach flu but after my doc said it was from the food boy was I wrong. They always take awhile in the drive thru it's what to be expected for fresher cooked food but this time they didn't it was done in under a minute and I thought maybe they had more people there or just got done whipping up a batch of steak. I have an iron stomach but the tacos won. I woke up throwing up tacos with a side of explosive diarrhea. I missed work and couldn't leave the bed for the whole day with my stomach feeling like it was tearing apart. I'm not saying don't eat here just take my yelp as a warning I could of just been one of the lucky ones who had a lazy cook who didn't handle food properly.
(1)
Cathy B.
Worst Mexican food I have ever had. I ordered the taco dinner. Really the chicken tasted like it came out of a can and no flavor to anything. Rice was sooo dry.
(1)
Rebecca G.
Great place and cheap Only one thing drain out the chicken a little bit. It becomes super messy
(4)
Gianni S.
So with my kids worried about where to go and found this little gem great food clean place helpful staff be prepared you order and pickup your food at counter no wait staff or typical chips and salsa at table for you but I highly recommend the food great vegetarian options also!
(4)
Erikam M.
Very good food and catering. Been going with friends and family and they fall in love with their dishes. I ordered their catering for a small gathering and my coworkers raved about the meat for days.
(5)
Kevin V.
I stopped here with my wife and 3 older children for lunch after a morning hike along the Kankakee River. I would agree with the reviews already posted in that the food is very good with an average fast food type atmosphere. I loved the Guacamole and the burritos are huge (too big really) for one person to eat. Friendly staff. Fresh ingredients. We all liked it. Would stop again if in the area.
(4)
Alison V.
I grabbed a quick vegetarian taco here over the weekend. I thought it was really good, and cheap at $1.69. There's a bowl of complimentary chips and salsa on a table near the register, you can use the tongs to put as many as you would like into a paper bowl, or on the plate your food comes on. They did not have little cups for the salsa, so I just put it into a separate paper bowl (a little messy that way). A big thumbs up for the horchata (a delicious sweet cinnamony rice-water beverage). It was spot-on perfect in terms of sweetness and texture, very refreshing. I'll be back!
(5)
Jennifer V.
Wow...what a pleasant surprise. Decided to stop here for dinner at the tail-end of our recent road trip based on Yelp reviews. So glad we did. Although the interior looks quite uninspired and chain-like, the extensive menu was anything but. So many options, large portions, deliciously authentic! A particular treat was the rice milk drink (tasted like rice pudding...sounds odd, soooo good). Our only complaint, we don't have El Burrito Loco in Michigan. Would definitely stop here again. Yum!
(5)
Lisa T.
We eat here at least once a week. Love the food. A little disappointed with the steak burritos lately. I feel as if there is a lot of grissle with every bite. Makes me sad because it didn't used to be that way. Not sure if it is a different grade of meat. Seasoning is always good though.
(3)
Alex M.
Joliet's finest. Great prices with good food. This is Joliet's Chipotle, if you will. This place has good service and most importantly, the food is alwats served fresh. You really cant go wrong here. My personal favorite is steak and potatoe taco.
(5)
Candice Q.
I lived off of El Burrito Loco in college. There are a few Mexican restaurants in the area, but if you like authentic, delicious Mexican food, go no further. It's not the nicest place and not a place you'd go on a date or anything like that, but the food is so good. It's flavorful and juicy, every single time. And the portion sizes are more than generous. Also, I'd like to note that not all El Burrito Locos are created equal. The ones located on Cass St. and Plainfield Rd. are not half as the one on Jefferson.
(5)
Alex R.
Best burrito around! Gives El Farol a run for their money.
(5)
Johnny T.
This is where I first started eating Mexican food before I expanded my horizons so I can't bash this place for being what it is. Every now and then, I'll order a chimichanga here, since its not really offered at most Mexican joints, being that its more on the lines of Tex-Mex. The food isn't all that spectacular, but not bad at the same time. The chimy, most of the time, has more meat that lettuce/tomato inside and they cook it pretty damn fast. Not a big fan of their rice and bean sides since they hardly have any flavor so I recommend not to order them.
(4)
Emma A.
It can be difficult to try new things in an ethnic restaurant. Even though they're usually busy, they always take the time to explain the dishes. I also love how they great you with a smile and look you in the eye! The food is to die for, authentic, and abundant!!
(5)
Esteban P.
A surprising 5 stars for a suburban Mexican restaurant! I was introduced to this place a few years back by my friend Dean after a long day of paintball. I already had a tradition for breakfast, but dinner was always random. Well Dean lived near the area and recommended El Burrito Loco, and with a name like that, how can you refuse? I LOVE Mexican food - maybe that's why subconsciously the majority of the women I've dated have been Mexican, hmmm - so needless to say, I know good Mexican food and have had much exposure to not only great authentic food, but some just average food, and occasionally really bad food. Also, being so close to the Pilson and Little Village neighborhoods, I'm usually jaded when it comes to suburbanite Mexican establishments, which usually have 'Americanized' versions of the popular Mexican dishes; you know... like chimichangas. Lol Well first off, this place is entirely staffed by Mexicans, and I mean banda playing Mexicans; not third generation twice removed 'why isn't Jarrito spelled with an H, or is it pronounced Jar-ito?' Mexican... As a 'White' Americanized Puerto Rican, I mean no disrespect. :) I can't tell you about the first few meals I've had here, but my last meal blew me out of the water! I had the Chilaquiles con Carne Asada, and it was amazing! The chilaquiles were full of flavor and the carne asade had a nice charred flavor to it, while still being soft and moist. I was SO hungry that my eyes where bigger then my stomach (as my girlfriend Cindy) says, that I also ordered an Elote (corn) in a cup and an horchata; I NEVER order horchata! See, it's SO hard to find a good horchata, that I've just had to give them up; same thing with Long Island Iced Teas, but that's a different story. Also, once you've made your own horchata, you learn what to look for and expect; not that mine was that great. The elote had fresh corn (probably frozen rather then from the can) - I'm still trying to figure out what kind of corn I prefer... processed or cut from the ear. In any case there where generous portions of all the fixings, enough to last to my last spoonful. Only thing missing was the chili powder; but maybe you have to ask for that... I'll check next time I order one. The rice is real Mexican rice, not the 'Spanish' rice medley most Americanized Mexican restaurants pass off as Mexican rice, and the beans where great; another hard thing to find is great refried beans... Did I mention I was picky about my Mexican food? Things to note... The portions are pretty big, so if you pace yourself, you can have enough leftovers for lunch. The drinks are self-serve... Including the horchata and lemonado! You don't see that too often; I never have! The also have a self-serve chip and salsa station. The chip salsa is really good, so I recommend piling it on, and grabbing some for your meal. Also, they have a picture menu for most meal options. The food really does look like the picture! No tricks there. They also have specials on the door when you enter, so be mindful. All in all, this place has been consistently good and only impresses me more each time I'm there. I have no problems giving them the full five stars. If you don't like them, then you've been conditioned to like Americanized Mexican food. ;p but I hope you agree with me. :D ¡Buen provecho!
(5)
Dean D.
You can easily drive past this place but once you have the food here you won't ever get Mexican from Taco bell again (sorry inside joke). Seriously though, give this place a try, if you like fast, authentic Mexican food, this is where it's at. Yes it's a chain, but this place is Mexican approved (by 2 Mexicans and a Puerto Rican!) Also don't pass up the all you can drink Horchata, it's consistently great!
(5)
Bob J.
Fantastic, open til 4, steak burrito everything w/ sour cream and guac. Enough said. Oh and try the Mexican potatoes.
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 Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No 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.
Debra D.
This place is the primary reason I will never become a vegetarian! The steak burritos are habit-forming, especially with the green salsa! Our band will have gigs that last until 1am, so we pack up extra fast just so we can make it to El Burrito Loco before the drive-up closes at 3am or so. If we don't make it in time the disappointment is killer! It's not a fancy place, but you won't care once you start eating! You can't beat the people here either, they are always friendly and efficient.
(5)Alisa M.
Came here for a quick lunch and was surprised at how clean the location is. The staff is friendly and the food came out fast. I got the steak torta and the bread came out warm and fluffy. Size was right and the price is cheap. They also have a big menu and small combo specials.
(4)Grace A.
They used to be good maybe 5 or 6 years ago. Now the tacos aren't even average. People that are giving this such a high rating clearly have not tasted anything better.
(2)Carissa P.
In a sea of dull fast food chains, it is so deliciously refreshing to have a restaurant like El Burrito Loco in Joliet. I have been a frequent and fervent customer for years, and the food is consistently amazing. Huge Portions, Great Price, Big Menu, Authentic, Friendly Staff. I usually get a veggie chimichanga, which isn't on the menu, but they always cook it to my preference. There are three locations in Joliet, and I've been to all of them. They're all great. If you haven't eaten here yet, GO NOW!
(5)E S.
(I really expected by the reviews on yelp for this place to be a real restaurant, but make note, its like 1 tiny notch above Mexican fast food. No servers, no bar, etc.) For Joliet standards this place is a 4 star place, for Los Angeles or Mexico's standards this place is a 2 star, so I'm going middle of the road w/ this review. I ordered the combo platter to best gauge how well this place can do an assortment of Mexican's greatest hits: taco, enchilada and beans. Sadly, this place really could have been amazing, but the chicken was a little dry and flavorless, and the beans clearly didn't have that creamy lardy consistency that is synonomous with Mexican food. The salsa squirters on the table, however, were filled with delicious green and red salsa that completely brought the food to life. But by my standards one shouldn't have to rely on salsa alone! What I CAN say was delicious was their guacamole. I also use guac as the litmus test for good Mexican and this place wins on that challenge! The guac was seasoned perfectly, not watered down, nor filled with sour cream to beef up the guac. it was really good and I would go back just for it and the chips to dip in. They do serve beer there,
(2)Jeff P.
I always used to get the steak tacos on corn with a rice water and it was so good until I got food poisoning from here, I thought I had the stomach flu but after my doc said it was from the food boy was I wrong. They always take awhile in the drive thru it's what to be expected for fresher cooked food but this time they didn't it was done in under a minute and I thought maybe they had more people there or just got done whipping up a batch of steak. I have an iron stomach but the tacos won. I woke up throwing up tacos with a side of explosive diarrhea. I missed work and couldn't leave the bed for the whole day with my stomach feeling like it was tearing apart. I'm not saying don't eat here just take my yelp as a warning I could of just been one of the lucky ones who had a lazy cook who didn't handle food properly.
(1)Cathy B.
Worst Mexican food I have ever had. I ordered the taco dinner. Really the chicken tasted like it came out of a can and no flavor to anything. Rice was sooo dry.
(1)Rebecca G.
Great place and cheap Only one thing drain out the chicken a little bit. It becomes super messy
(4)Gianni S.
So with my kids worried about where to go and found this little gem great food clean place helpful staff be prepared you order and pickup your food at counter no wait staff or typical chips and salsa at table for you but I highly recommend the food great vegetarian options also!
(4)Erikam M.
Very good food and catering. Been going with friends and family and they fall in love with their dishes. I ordered their catering for a small gathering and my coworkers raved about the meat for days.
(5)Kevin V.
I stopped here with my wife and 3 older children for lunch after a morning hike along the Kankakee River. I would agree with the reviews already posted in that the food is very good with an average fast food type atmosphere. I loved the Guacamole and the burritos are huge (too big really) for one person to eat. Friendly staff. Fresh ingredients. We all liked it. Would stop again if in the area.
(4)Alison V.
I grabbed a quick vegetarian taco here over the weekend. I thought it was really good, and cheap at $1.69. There's a bowl of complimentary chips and salsa on a table near the register, you can use the tongs to put as many as you would like into a paper bowl, or on the plate your food comes on. They did not have little cups for the salsa, so I just put it into a separate paper bowl (a little messy that way). A big thumbs up for the horchata (a delicious sweet cinnamony rice-water beverage). It was spot-on perfect in terms of sweetness and texture, very refreshing. I'll be back!
(5)Jennifer V.
Wow...what a pleasant surprise. Decided to stop here for dinner at the tail-end of our recent road trip based on Yelp reviews. So glad we did. Although the interior looks quite uninspired and chain-like, the extensive menu was anything but. So many options, large portions, deliciously authentic! A particular treat was the rice milk drink (tasted like rice pudding...sounds odd, soooo good). Our only complaint, we don't have El Burrito Loco in Michigan. Would definitely stop here again. Yum!
(5)Lisa T.
We eat here at least once a week. Love the food. A little disappointed with the steak burritos lately. I feel as if there is a lot of grissle with every bite. Makes me sad because it didn't used to be that way. Not sure if it is a different grade of meat. Seasoning is always good though.
(3)Alex M.
Joliet's finest. Great prices with good food. This is Joliet's Chipotle, if you will. This place has good service and most importantly, the food is alwats served fresh. You really cant go wrong here. My personal favorite is steak and potatoe taco.
(5)Candice Q.
I lived off of El Burrito Loco in college. There are a few Mexican restaurants in the area, but if you like authentic, delicious Mexican food, go no further. It's not the nicest place and not a place you'd go on a date or anything like that, but the food is so good. It's flavorful and juicy, every single time. And the portion sizes are more than generous. Also, I'd like to note that not all El Burrito Locos are created equal. The ones located on Cass St. and Plainfield Rd. are not half as the one on Jefferson.
(5)Alex R.
Best burrito around! Gives El Farol a run for their money.
(5)Johnny T.
This is where I first started eating Mexican food before I expanded my horizons so I can't bash this place for being what it is. Every now and then, I'll order a chimichanga here, since its not really offered at most Mexican joints, being that its more on the lines of Tex-Mex. The food isn't all that spectacular, but not bad at the same time. The chimy, most of the time, has more meat that lettuce/tomato inside and they cook it pretty damn fast. Not a big fan of their rice and bean sides since they hardly have any flavor so I recommend not to order them.
(4)Emma A.
It can be difficult to try new things in an ethnic restaurant. Even though they're usually busy, they always take the time to explain the dishes. I also love how they great you with a smile and look you in the eye! The food is to die for, authentic, and abundant!!
(5)Esteban P.
A surprising 5 stars for a suburban Mexican restaurant! I was introduced to this place a few years back by my friend Dean after a long day of paintball. I already had a tradition for breakfast, but dinner was always random. Well Dean lived near the area and recommended El Burrito Loco, and with a name like that, how can you refuse? I LOVE Mexican food - maybe that's why subconsciously the majority of the women I've dated have been Mexican, hmmm - so needless to say, I know good Mexican food and have had much exposure to not only great authentic food, but some just average food, and occasionally really bad food. Also, being so close to the Pilson and Little Village neighborhoods, I'm usually jaded when it comes to suburbanite Mexican establishments, which usually have 'Americanized' versions of the popular Mexican dishes; you know... like chimichangas. Lol Well first off, this place is entirely staffed by Mexicans, and I mean banda playing Mexicans; not third generation twice removed 'why isn't Jarrito spelled with an H, or is it pronounced Jar-ito?' Mexican... As a 'White' Americanized Puerto Rican, I mean no disrespect. :) I can't tell you about the first few meals I've had here, but my last meal blew me out of the water! I had the Chilaquiles con Carne Asada, and it was amazing! The chilaquiles were full of flavor and the carne asade had a nice charred flavor to it, while still being soft and moist. I was SO hungry that my eyes where bigger then my stomach (as my girlfriend Cindy) says, that I also ordered an Elote (corn) in a cup and an horchata; I NEVER order horchata! See, it's SO hard to find a good horchata, that I've just had to give them up; same thing with Long Island Iced Teas, but that's a different story. Also, once you've made your own horchata, you learn what to look for and expect; not that mine was that great. The elote had fresh corn (probably frozen rather then from the can) - I'm still trying to figure out what kind of corn I prefer... processed or cut from the ear. In any case there where generous portions of all the fixings, enough to last to my last spoonful. Only thing missing was the chili powder; but maybe you have to ask for that... I'll check next time I order one. The rice is real Mexican rice, not the 'Spanish' rice medley most Americanized Mexican restaurants pass off as Mexican rice, and the beans where great; another hard thing to find is great refried beans... Did I mention I was picky about my Mexican food? Things to note... The portions are pretty big, so if you pace yourself, you can have enough leftovers for lunch. The drinks are self-serve... Including the horchata and lemonado! You don't see that too often; I never have! The also have a self-serve chip and salsa station. The chip salsa is really good, so I recommend piling it on, and grabbing some for your meal. Also, they have a picture menu for most meal options. The food really does look like the picture! No tricks there. They also have specials on the door when you enter, so be mindful. All in all, this place has been consistently good and only impresses me more each time I'm there. I have no problems giving them the full five stars. If you don't like them, then you've been conditioned to like Americanized Mexican food. ;p but I hope you agree with me. :D ¡Buen provecho!
(5)Dean D.
You can easily drive past this place but once you have the food here you won't ever get Mexican from Taco bell again (sorry inside joke). Seriously though, give this place a try, if you like fast, authentic Mexican food, this is where it's at. Yes it's a chain, but this place is Mexican approved (by 2 Mexicans and a Puerto Rican!) Also don't pass up the all you can drink Horchata, it's consistently great!
(5)Bob J.
Fantastic, open til 4, steak burrito everything w/ sour cream and guac. Enough said. Oh and try the Mexican potatoes.
(5)