From start to finish, the experience was less than what we'd hoped for: We arrived around 4:30, hoping to beat the rush, but between it being a Friday and the restaurant being new, the parking lot was already quite full. We walked in expecting a wait and weren't surprised to see several parties ahead of us, all crammed into a very small, awkward front hallway. There were multiple parties of three and four; we were just two. What happened next is hard to describe--it was a gradual shift from excitement, to observation, to confusion, and ultimately disheartenment. There were several tables and booths clearly cleaned and available, yet people were being quoted 10-15 minute waits. The man seating guests seemed visibly annoyed that people were waiting at all. At one point, he told the entire group, "I'll be back in a few minutes," with no apology or sense of professionalism. Initially, I brushed it off--but as we continued observing, it became clear that the front-of-house staff was disorganized and confused. When we were finally taken to our table, I politely said, "Thanks so much." The look I received in return--pure disdain, with no response--was a pretty awful way to start the meal. Our waiter, on the other hand, was a genuinely friendly young man, which gave us some hope. He took our drink order (two horchatas), which arrived within about five minutes. The horchata itself was really good--made in-house--but the glass was roughly 70% ice and 30% drink. Which is also fine assuming they provide free refills, which I am guessing they do not. (Only guessing never found out). About ten minutes later, we were served a tiny bowl of salsa with a modest basket of chips. My husband and I tried the salsa at the same time and immediately looked at each other like... seriously? It tasted like watered-down spaghetti sauce--barely seasoned and with zero spiciness. It's complimentary, so I won't complain too much, but it wasn't enjoyable. The chips were fine--basic, unsalted, nothing special. For context, we're from the Oak Park/Berwyn area, where some of the best Mexican food around can be found. We aren't food critics by any means--we just love Mexican food and know what we enjoy. Given the menu prices here, expectations were naturally higher. We ordered fairly standard items: a burrito, tacos, sides, and guacamole. Here's how it landed: Rice and refried beans: Extremely bland, about half the portion size you'd expect elsewhere, and wildly overpriced for both quantity and flavor. Tacos: The soft shells seemed soaked in grease, causing them to fall apart within minutes. The beef itself was actually very good--well seasoned and flavorful--but there were no toppings at all. I had requested onions and cilantro so this may have been a miscommunication to replace other toppings, so not a huge issue. Guacamole: Very good flavor, but charging $2 for roughly two tablespoons is excessive. Their "mini guac" may sound cute, but it's comically small. We ordered a large guacamole afterward, but it was never made or brought out, so we canceled it when we paid the check. Other things we noticed: there were no extra napkins--just the two tissue-thin ones wrapped around the silverware. No salt, pepper, or additional salsas were on the table, leaving no way to adjust seasoning or spice levels. I know I could have asked, but these basics should already be provided as a courtesy... it's annoying for everyone when guests have to ask for little things every time their server checks on them. The check was incorrect--twice. First, it was an overcharge. After it was corrected, it became an undercharge, and we added the difference to the tip. Definitely check your receipt closely. They also charge a credit/debit card fee and list a suggested 22% tip instead of 20%, which feels a bit manipulative. We always tip generously for good service, but this was off-putting. We don't drink alcohol or order dessert, and we split meals to avoid waste. Had we ordered cocktails, appetizers, and dessert, this easily could have been $50-$60 per person before tip and fees. In the end, if this were a low-key spot with smaller portions and modest pricing, I'd be far less critical. But the menu includes $18 burritos, $14 "Pick Two" plates (one taco and a small burrito with underwhelming sides), and $4.50 mostly-ice drinks. Those prices aren't unreasonable if the food, service, atmosphere, and extras match--but they didn't. This felt like 6/10 food trying to pass as 9/10 based on presentation, in an establishment that assumed its corner-cutting and nickle & diming wouldn't be noticed. They did a few things well, but overall, what should have been an 8 or 9 experience landed closer to a 4 or 5. Maybe we'll try again after they've been open longer, but I don't see much changing. I still recommend others try it--everyone has different tastes and expectations. read more

Wait was a little longer, food was still amazing and got to take rest home. Margarita flight was good, but needed a little more flavoring personally. read more

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Food was not good burrito was mushy to sloppy and fries were half raw half cooked. The birria pizza was way too seasoned not good. Service was mid not much to say. The inside was neat and the bathroom was the very cool. read more

Azul Cantina - Burrito and fries - Seafood Near Me - Sterling, Illinois

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Love the food Great menu Great staff We will be back Decor is great Prices were good Extensive menu read more

What a nice addition to the Sterling area ! The food was fabulous, the service was great and they are so welcoming ! Love the atmosphere , and all of the greenery ! I will definitely become a regular when I am in town. I highly recommend ! I live in Charelston South Carolina, this restaurant measures up ! read more

I know this is a new established and the nerves are probably high, but usually when a new business (especially a restaurant) you want the wait staff, cooks, and greeters to be on top of their A game. I did not see this at all. First we walk in and are sat at a dirty table, our waiter did not offer to clean the table. He brings us our drinks (with no straws) but not a big deal with the chips and salsa (which were very good in my opinion), but then that is the last time we see our waiter. He doesn't check in, fill our drinks. He does eventually come back after about 35 min with our food. Again, he doesn't offer a refill on drinks or if we need anything else. The wait staff seemed to be all over the place, almost as if they didn't know who was covering what table. The food was okay. My meal included a lot of add ons that were not listed on the menu. Overall, you don't get that super friendly vibe when walking in. It could be a great place, eventually. I think the staff need more training and more knowledge on the menu. read more

Went today for my birthday. Service great, very attentive to your needs. Will go back again. Salsa was good. Someone ordered fajitas and will get next time I go. Decor was clean, fresh and upbeat. Enjoyed my birthday. read more

Friendly staff and great food! Looking forward to stopping by again with friends and family.

The restaurant is designed beautiful and the food was delicious We got the steak quesadilla and Yummy. The bartender was spot on. We could not ask for more. We really enjoyed the music and the atmosphere here. We will definitely be back. read more

I would suggest the manager help train the wait staff. Management by walking around. They are w pleasant, can use direction. Food was good.

I've been here a few times now food is always good even if is not what you ordered. Service is friendly when you can get it. I tried going on a Saturday around 3 figured it may not be busy we got seated right away then waited 25 minutes and walked out cause even though my father in law was making it pretty obvious our frustration and disappointment no one even came to our table for a drink order. When we were walking out another table said something to the waitress and she had no idea what was even going on she seemed like she didn't even know we were there or that we were her table. The first time i went I pointed at what I wanted on the menu and told the waiter what I wanted then the waiter read the item back to me perfect exactly what I wanted. then the food comes out and he says something different but has to be mine cause that's not what my wife ordered I cut into it and it's wrong. a stuffed pepper not the fish I ordered. I'm already done with the rest of the plate so I can't return it and I would have to have a competent waiter to return it anyway. He forgot another tables tortillas until they were paying the bill despite being reminded several times and they still left with no tortillas. I will be back because the food is good just going to give them a few months to get it figured out. read more

The food was good, but small portions compared to the price. The service was terrible. Was seated right away, but waited too long to order and even longer to get the meals. The radio station that was playing was very staticy and was cutting out often. And waited over 15 minutes to get the bill after we asked for it. read more

The food was amazing and the service was just as great. We're so glad to see a restaurant like this come to the area--can't wait to come back! read more

Gorgeous atmosphere and lovely food! Service was amazing highly recommend!! It's a new biz & was seamless especially how busy they were !