I FOUND YOU! My favorite restaurant and so close to home !!! My sister came across this cafe but it is so much more It is a piece of Chicago history sitting quietly in the suburb of Hillside. Don't take my word for- this is Mexican cuisine at its finest. If I'm not mistaken the family began in 1961 in the south side of Chicago There was a fire and a few spinoffs followed Tequila on archer in Chicago is another must've but CAFE NUEVO LEON is great! Service is great, so friendly and welcoming. Food will not disappoint. My first visit I tried the Caldo de Res- great Than the weekend special - barbacoa - also good. Nachos are a must order and family had chile relleno - must try Carne Asada Great Milanesa - great Do not go without trying their tortillas de harina And Flan for dessert You will probably run into me because it's that good! I feel like I can save so much time going to eat here instead of cooking LOL The cafe is very roomy but do expect to wait on the weekends for a seat and sorry Caldo de Res is only during the week. read more

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I took my g-dtr last week because I heard they were the same family that had the one on 18th. I was very disappointed. G-dtr ordered her tacos plain, they had onion & cilantro, which she picked off. Otherwise, they were ok. I ordered mole enchiladas. The mole was not as good as I remembered and the beans tasted like they were straight out of a can. I know the restaurant on 26th street is owned by a different branch of the family, but their food is much better. Did you change the recipes to fit the neighborhood? read more

Disappointed!!! This past weekend we tried "the nachos" for the first time and will never order them again! Don't get me wrong, they were ok it's just that the were not worth the price we were charged for them, almost $14 for 6 (literally) chips topped with mostly beans sour cream and guacamole, we added steak but honestly it would have been better to just buy a taco and use the meat from the taco for the chips. Just saying. I guess what I'm trying to say is "warn" the customer of what they will get so there's no surprises because you don't even get to enjoy your food! Please accept this constructive criticism! Based on reading past reviews, the owner doesn't seem to care about what customers have to say. read more

Cafe Nuevo Leon - These was my nachos order for almost $14. Was shocked when I opened the box and saw this! - Mexican Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

Today was one of the hardest days our family has ever experienced, as we gathered to celebrate the life of a beloved mother after her funeral service. We had called ahead and made a reservation for our large group, and we were assured the restaurant could accommodate us. When we arrived on time, we were immediately told it would be another 30-40 minutes because the tables reserved for our party had been given to other customers. Apparently, no one had informed those guests that the area was reserved. At that point, the reservation we had taken the time to make meant absolutely nothing. To make matters worse, we repeatedly asked to speak with the manager. Each time, the employee working the front counter told us the manager was "on the way." We waited...and waited...and the manager never appeared. It became painfully obvious that we were simply being strung along instead of someone being honest with us. Our group consisted primarily of elderly family members and several small children. Many had traveled a significant distance to be together after an emotional funeral service. Instead of being welcomed into a place where we could comfort one another and share memories, we were left standing around wondering if anyone actually cared. When we finally decided to leave and find another restaurant, the attitude from the employee behind the counter was astonishing. Rather than apologizing or showing even the slightest bit of empathy, her demeanor suggested she was annoyed we were leaving and felt confrontational instead of compassionate. I almost never leave reviews. I've had bad meals and poor service at other restaurants and simply moved on. This experience was different. This wasn't just about food or waiting for a table. It was about a business making commitments it had no intention of honoring on one of the most emotionally difficult days a family can experience. If you value your family, your time, or are planning to gather after a funeral, birthday, graduation, or any meaningful event, I cannot recommend this establishment. There are businesses that understand hospitality means more than serving food--it means treating people with honesty, respect, and compassion. Unfortunately, that is not what we experienced here. Unfortunately zero stars is not an option. read more

This was a busy brunch spot on a Sunday afternoon and luckily my dad and I snagged a high top table for 2. The service was quick overall and we loved getting a small tortilla with bean dip as a free appetizer along with the chips and salsa. I ended up ordering machacado con huevo and the texture was just okay. Prices are reasonable as well. read more

Cafe Nuevo Leon - Machacado con hue o - Mexican Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

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The food there it's was good and I loved the service they gave me ! I ordered some steak tacos and the steak was amazing the ambience was good not to quiet not to loud just perfect to hang out and talk. I loved that the waitress asked me several times are you okay ! Do you need anything she was really nice to me and my friend read more

EVERYTHING WAS GREAT LOVE THIS PLACE . Always have a great experiencie love the good and staff are friendly and sweet

Overpriced, mediocre quality mexican food to say the least. Nothing like your local Mexican food from a family owned establishment. I wanted to love it. I tried twice so I'm fine never walking in there again. read more

The good is totally comfort home (casera) cooking...always savory, consistent, and never disappointing. If you request the flour tortillas, they are the original home made ones from when they were in Pilsen. They just did some redecorating and it's so inviting. read more

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The staff was super friendly. Food was delicious. As soon as we sat down we got chips and two different kinds of salsa. read more

Cafe Nuevo Leon - Barbacoa plate with rice, beans and tortillas. Delicious!! - Mexican Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

Well I made two visits before I gave my review here. The first visit was several months ago for lunch and my experience was fine. We came here 2 weeks ago to a mediocre experience. I was really hoping to give a better review but can't based a few reasons. When we arrived on a Tuesday about 6pm, there was another table there an that's it. We had a wonderful server who gave us a Caldo de Res (Soup) appetizer. It was good, a bit salty but fine. Then I really wanted the Quesadillas Raul (remember those from the 18th st NL?) and their Nachos. The Quesadillas Raul were a little cold and the onions they used on top were raw. I always remember them being a bit sautéed. The Nachos were a little cold as well. We were so hungry we just wanted to eat and didn't want to bother sending back since there was only one other table there. I ordered the Guisado de Puerco en Salsa Roja. While the Puerco was perfect, the Salsa Roja was a bit runny on the thin side the beans were awful. I'm not sure if the Manteca (Lard) went away with their beans but I've had better beans and I expected more from CNL. We did enjoy the homemade Flour tortillas as they gave me just 3. I think we'll stick with the one on 26th or just deal with noise at Tequilas to get that taste. read more

Cafe Nuevo Leon - Guisado de Puerco en Salsa Roja. At least the Puerco was good. - Mexican Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

I was so happy to find out that this place is a sister to the ones in pilsen! I missed the machacado and flour tortillas! Now they down the street! Same great taste, same friendly service and same great prices! read more

Small parking lot but street parking on the side street. Nice smaller restaurant. Music but no TVs. Self seating but if it's crowded they may seat you. Friendly staff and quick service. They serve breakfast and lunch/dinner. Not a ton of options but enough to choose. No alcohol or wine. Soft drinks, tea, horchata, and coffee options. They gave me a appetizer sample of barbacoa and it was delicious perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. Chips and dip while you wait for your food. I prefer the green salsa as it has a kick. The red seemed mild. But hey I love spicy. I ordered tacos sabinas I believe and they were yummy my only concern was too much bean in a taco for me but still great. It was a combination of steak, cheese, onion, jalapenos, bean and tomato with a side of rice. Confession: as a person who doesn't like flour shells they have some great flour shells that are perfectly grilled. I would return for a meal as everything felt very authentic and cooked from scratch. read more

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Great Mexican food freshly cook and the employees are all the spot to help the customers, really enjoy this new place close to Westchester.. we keep going back every week. Yummy! Philomena.. read more

Have patronized Nuevo León Cafe every time I visit Hines VA. I love their Machito plate the steak is outstanding! I make it a point to always follow up on my VA appointments, in order to keep enjoying my succulent steak! Their caldoes are also delicious! read more

It was absolutely delicious!! Customer service top notch and beans and machacado was exactly like the 18th st Nuevo Leon!

Amazing food and awesome service. A must try. From the free pork appetizer to the main course, it's all delicious read more

Cafe Nuevo Leon - Mexican Near Me - Hillside, Illinois

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This is far and away the best Mexican food in the area. Try the taco sabinas as a start but you can't go wrong with anything. The owners and staff are always friendly as well - highly recommend. read more

Delicious, handmade cuisine. Excellent, friendly, attentive service.Clean, lively, and welcome environment. This restaurant is a true gem.

True to the old recipes from 18th street. It's nice to have options to old childhood memories. Highly recommend. read more

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Homemade tortillas. Delicious barbacoa. You can taste the lard in the beans which makes them even more delicious lol. Friendly staff.

It was ok. The rice and beans could have been better. The service was great, waitress was very attentive. The food was just ok.

The food is athletically Mexican well-prepated and delicious The restaurant is very attractive and clean The waitresses are friendly and efficient. read more

Steak Burrito was cold, small for $12 and the tortilla was flaky like it was old. We won't be returning. read more

I live close and will go there for breakfast. The staff is great. The food is good as well EXCEPT for the refried beans. They were bad every time. I thought maybe because they used leftovers from the day before. They tasted like it and like they were reheated. I tried dinner instead. Carne asada was excellent. The beans were horrible. Reasonable amount of food, good staff, horrible refried beans. There is a discount for paying in cash so if you can pay in cash and leave a little bigger tip. FIX THE BEANS read more

We had a great server. She was very nice and attentive. Food wasn't that good. My husband and dad had the menudo. It was tasteless and it was more caldo than meat. I had the mole enchiladas it was good I finished it but the mole wasn't thick and the flour tortillas weren't like the old 18th street Nuevo León. read more

We just came here for lunch. It was our first time here. My partner use to go to their location on 18th street all the time before it burned down. She was so excited to drive past this place and see that it had opened a location here in the suburbs. The service was great and everyone was SO nice. One of us had a cup of the beef soup and a Chile Relleno. The soup was fresh and outstanding s well as the chile relleno. We also had a steak burrito that was outstanding. The steak had such good flavor. The chips and tortillas were also so fresh. The salsa were also delicious! We are from Elmhurst and have tried all the Mexican restaurants around the area. This is by the best we have found. If you like fresh delicious authentic Mexican food then this is your place and you must check it out. read more

We ordered 3 dinners online. Two of the 3 were all wrong. My husband called to tell them and the woman who answered the phone had to call someone to ask what to do?????? When my husband returned the food to them, they just gave us the right dinners with no apologies or restitution for all our trouble!!! We won't be going back for the foreseeable future. The food is only average and they need to learn how to run a business! read more

No homemade tortillas today. Disappointing. I hope that was a fluke- as it's a long haul out here!! The service is polite and friendly- for the most part, but slow. Everyone is busy, thats for sure, but no one busing tables to refresh water, refill coffee, etc. Food is excellent, and this family has been a community staple for me and my family....I'm happy to continue to support and I wish them continued success. read more

Wow. It's been 4 months since they've opened. Great food great service and its nevi Leon and old favorite the bistrec a la mexicana was perfect. The eggs with chicharon were out of this world. Definitely have the touch. Check them out. Oh I can't forget those home made tortillas. Ambiance was calm peaceful. read more

Beans ( not authentic) barbacoa ( very runny and small portions) chips ( too hard and cold) flour tortillas ( very stingy! Only 3!) The service is amazing but the place lacks love, feels cold and read more

Amazing food and service! Will return soon. I missed the Nuevo León on 18th!! Glad to finally have the same food as before. read more

Delicious authentic Mexican food. Place is nice. Chef came by tables to check to see if we were enjoying and if we needed anything. Accessible parking. I recommend it! read more

this place was spotless. The food was all amazing!! lots of the meals that they prepare are homemade. Your greeted with a little special that they make only served on the weekend so they give you a little taste during the week to entice you to return and boy does it ever Maria was so attentive. She was running the place and the pick up orders. I'd recommend this place a 10 out of 10. read more

An absolute gem in Westchester. Delicious and affordable, my 3rd visit in a week. Highly recommended.

This is going to be my go to favorite Nexicsn restaurant. Service was great. I had caldo de res my favorite. It was fresh and delicious. My husband had tampiquena steak. It was seasoned just right. I had a great experienced. The food was just as I remembered like the original Nuevo León. Everything was excellent & tasty. read more

My wife and I got takeout tonight for the first time from Cafe Nuevo León and were blown away. My tacos Sabinas were some of the best tacos I've had in a long time. And I eat a lot of tacos. The tortillas seemed to be freshly made flour tortillas and had tender steak, beans, cheese, grilled onion and jalapeños with a tasty red sauce. My wife loved her flautas too. We finished the meal off with some delicious tres leche. What an amazing meal all around. read more

We had a late dinner at Cafe Nuevo Leon tonight. It was delicious! The service was fast and friendly, the food was fresh and hot, and prices were reasonable. I loved the one in Pilsen in the city and am so glad to have the same family so close to home now. We will be back! read more

The food was reasonable priced. The restaurant smelled like grease. Poor ventilation. I had to go home and change my outfit before my afternoon meeting. read more

They tout that they are the same family as Nuevo León. Maybe by blood but it doesn't mean that they have their recipes or their cooking skills. The food today at Cafe Nuevo León does not stack up to the great cuisine I was used to eating at the Pilsen Nuevo Restaurant for almost 40 years. The quesadillas Raul was awful, thick tasteless red sauce, no meat flavor at all. It was over salted and overpriced and even one less quesadilla than the Pilsen location. SO NOT WORTH IT! 4 scantily filled cheese tortillas in horrible sauce, with only a few onions on top. Asked the price for rice and beans to go along with the 3 beef tacos we ordered. Was told $3.00. When the bill came it was $2.50 for a tablespoon of beans and $2.50 for less than a tablespoon of rice. I questioned it and said it didn't come with the Q.Raul. The tacos we ordered came in a preformed hard taco shell which had to be sent back. We told the waitress when we ordered that we needed to have the softest food for my senior friend. When I questioned her and told her I've never had a Mexican restaurant serve that type of pre folded hard tortilla on tacos. I asked her if the menu said they were crisp She said "no, but that is what we serve them on." She never asked if we wanted corn or flour. I saw the waitress tell the older women that we were upset and when we were leaving. Instead of talking to us she blurted out to have a nice day! She was rude if she cared about making her customers happy maybe she would have had more to say than a sarcastic have a nice day from across the room. I wish they had other customers in there to see the uncalled for attitude this woman showed towards a customer. This place doesn't stack up to Nuevo. They are deceitful. Small servings, Poor quality, horrible food. Don't waste your money on them. I should have known when the restaurant was empty when we walked in. The parking lot is a disaster. There are two huge sewers that caved in with large holes surrounding them. They are not roped off. What a very bad experience. Never again! I'll be checking out my car thoroughly!!! They don't deserve one star rating, but I couldn't take it away once pressed! read more