Covid compliant, limited indoor dining, carry-out available,
Family owned for 50 years, come taste the secret of our success.
The Story behind El Barrio
In 1876 when our great-great grandmother was born in Monterey, Mexico, no one could have imagined that the recipes she would create later in life would become the foundation of one of Chicagolands largest and most popular authentic Mexican restaurants. The recipes have remained unchanged for five generations and are offered to you by her proud descendants, The Arebalo Family.
Easygoing Mexican spot serving familiar dishes & margaritas in a cozy-festive, brick-walled setting. Based on 246 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.2 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No-contact delivery

Address:
1122 N Diamond Lake Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060
Phone: (847) 566-0475
Website:
Hours
| Sunday |
3–9 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday |
Closed |
| Wednesday |
3–9 PM |
| Thursday |
3–9 PM |
| Friday |
3–9 PM |
| Saturday |
3–9 PM |
Menu
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Photo Gallery
Reviews
Emily Eldridge
My husband and I have been here twice now. Both times, we had exceptional service. The wait staff was friendly and answered questions. We tried two different kinds of Spanish rice, at our waitresses urging. Both were outstanding. We haven’t had a bad meal here. It’s easily become one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the area to eat at. We will definitely be back again!
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Nick Zales
I had dinner with a friend there for the first time last night. What a beautiful restaurant. Excellent service and the food I would say was above average. Close to perfect but not quite perfect but on the other hand the prices were excellent. You really must check this place out. There is plenty of parking that is not any problem at all. The bathrooms were very clean just make sure you don’t almost go in the wrong one like I did. The menu is not overwhelming with too many choices and it was very easy to read, and very well laid out. One of the easiest to read I have ever seen. I will be back!
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Steve Auer
Great neighborhood feel!! Forget the big chains, this is a family owned, scratch kitchen with a fantastic staff and welcoming atmosphere. Incredible tequila selection. The new bartender is great, she really has an eye on customer service and a lot of great ideas. Hopefully some tequila tasting and flights in the future.
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Foeor
This was my first time here I thought the food was decent the 1 lbs of skirt steak 45 bucks nothing special and rice and beans on the side meat needed more flavor 3/5. We were also recommended a shrimp dish with garlic cilantro 4/5, Chipotle sauce shrimp that was ok as well 4/5. Overall the staff and owners are great the treat you like family. Enchiladas of mole 5/5
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Kimberly Wells
We come to this restaurant because of the bartender, who has been here for 30 years ….the new management has now moved him over to the dining room.. don’t think will be returning. He was the main reason we visit this establishment. Enjoyed talking with him and eating at the bar Major mistake by the by the new owners
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Ron
Fun ambience, but service was one of the worst I’ve endured. Party of a 8 called ahead, early 6:30. Almost left after nearly 25 minutes no water or menus. Food mixed up and sporadic. 45 minutes to check us out. 2.5 hour “experience”. I wish it was better
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Rahul Avasthy
Great Mexican food. Love the service and food. Great location beside the lake for summer evening dinner and stroll. Recommended. Georgia peach margarita is
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Angela Hill
Dinner & Dance at El Barrio monthly on a Sunday is the best! With Dress Up & Dance! On The Move is awesome.
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Aaron Rusnak
Pretty disappointing experience here. This little thing is what they call a “burrito”. Chips also tasted stale and the service was pretty bad.
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Lane McConnell
Its been a while and to be honest. Its just as great as I remember. Food is just the way I like it. Oh and if you like hot ask for the special hot sauce.
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