Checked out this Mexican restaurant that's pretty basic. Don Jose's is one of the many such places in New Lenox. It has about what is expected which is margaritas along with burritos and tacos. Good enough. The prices are kind of high for being average as well as portions. Big restaurant with lots of room for groups. It's got a bar area along with the rest of it. There was more than enough space as there was hardly anyone in it though. Even with it being in the evening. We were the only ones at first then a few more came later. A few pretty good things here. It's about $11 for a margarita. Got the Prickly Pear and it was pretty good. They at least use strong tequila. It's about $16 for a burrito. We each got the Veggie Burrito, which is one of the few options without any meat. Comes with cheese and crema which I left off, but still had enough in it. There were beans, lettuce, and tomatoes and it came with beans and rice. For sure it's pretty okay for Americanized Mexican food. It's not authentic but it's still way better than Taco Bell junk. There's many other restaurants around here with the same kind of food at better prices meaning we aren't in a hurry to get back here soon. read more

Don Jose's - Prickly Pear Margarita And Veggie Burrito - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

When you win Best Taco in New Lenox 2025, you set the bar high--and Don Joses absolutely lived up to it. The interior is modern, festive, and inviting, with a lively bar and an open, clean layout. Right off the bat, we were treated to complimentary chips and salsa, and let me tell you--this might have been the highlight of the night. The salsa was bursting with flavor (hands down the best I've had at any Mexican restaurant), and the chips were clearly fresh, not just poured from a bag. For drinks, we tried the Santo Horchata and the Coconut Margarita. Both were strong, balanced, and refreshing--no watered-down cocktails here. We ordered a spread of dishes to really test the menu: Tortilla Soup, a Chicken Burrito Bowl, and five different tacos--Al Pastor, Crispy Pork Belly, Shrimp & Chorizo, Tajin & Agave Chicken, and Carne Asada. * The Tortilla Soup was immaculate--rich, flavorful, and carrying just the right kick of spice. * The Chicken Burrito Bowl was generous and far superior in quality compared to chain restaurants trying to do the same thing. * And the tacos? Worth the hype. Here's how I'd rank them: 1. Crispy Pork Belly - an unexpected standout, tender and packed with flavor, elevated even more by the sauce. 2. Tajin & Agave Chicken - no wonder this one won Best Taco. 3. Shrimp & Chorizo - unique and hearty. 4. Carne Asada - solid and flavorful. 5. Al Pastor - tasty, but outshined by the others. All in all, Don Joses is easily the best Mexican restaurant we've had in New Lenox. From the atmosphere and service to the unforgettable chips & salsa, strong drinks, and outstanding food, this spot is a 10/10 must-try. read more

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Firstly the chips and salsa wow, the slasa was great with the perfect crispy tortillas chips they went together so well. For the main course I order the crispy Pork belly.. absolutely love it! The bean and rice beautifully made. Idk what's as up with the past review on them but wow. You gotta mix them that's the only way to enjoy beans and rice. I had a cucumber cilantro drink and wow best paired with the pork tacos for sure. For The environment on a Monday it was great. Not so pack or not so crowed. The service was great very attentive answered all my first timer questions. Lastly for the check, reasonably priced for a solo eater it was great. Definitely going to be coming back. read more

Don Jose's - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

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Went here at prime time Friday night with some family and I was satisfied with the food and service. I recently moved down here from closer to the city, needless to say I've been spoiled with good Mexican food for my whole life. It was a little different than what I was used to, but the salsa and both queso's were among the best I've had while the steak burrito was solid. It sort of reminded me of Los Comales since it's less about the seasoning and more about the meat. The margaritas were fine but they definitely made me wish I was in the city again. I've had a lot better. It happened to be my birthday and we got a free dessert too! Honestly I'm not sure what it was exactly, but it was easily a top 3 dessert that I've ever had. It was basically a really crunchy churro with salted caramel. So SO good. The ambiance and decor was really cool too! If I could rate it 3.5 I would, since im being nice by saying the service was just ok (it was busy but we had to remind them about missing items more than once, and I never received a side salsa for my burrito) But they are 100% deserving of a 4 because of where it's located. I'd love to come back for a date night! read more

The Elote fritters Yummo , burrito yucky and every expensive , will come there to try something else to make my decision read more

Don Jose's - Elote fritters so yummy - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

What a pleasant surprise for a spontaneous Cinco de Mayo lunch! Crowded, yes but the speediest bus person* cleaned, swept both the floor AND the room to see what needed attention and responded with lightning speed. Seriously this guy bussed tables, directed the confused host on where to seat people, etc. Had to rip him. Anyhow the chips and salsa were superb and the burrito (him) and elite (me) were both sublime. Will return for the food any time we are in a 10 mile radius. *Asked about the bus person as my mind had him pegged as an adult undercover boss. The prickly pear margarita (2) helped fuel that idea, but this employee could and likely should run the joint. Great employees make for fabulous customer experiences. read more

Can here to celebrate a friends birthday. Everything was fantastic! the chips & salsa were some of the best. My group all enjoyed their meals from our appetizers, main course, desserts & drinks! This place will be our new regular Mexican food spot. read more

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First time visit: Sat at the bar, the bartender, Karen aka Kirin - wink, side joke, was very friendly, informational and open to chatting. Ordered the Roasted Salmon with rice and veggies.....a bit too much sodium for me...if lower, I could have polished it off. I will be back for other items on the menu to balance my review. read more

Don Jose's - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

Good was great. My fav was the corn fritters they have a unique taste. Service was good and very tentative. I had a strawberry basil drink so delicious. The music wasn't too loud which I liked . Will definitely return. read more

Don Jose's - Pork Belly Tacos - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

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Not traditional by any means, but does have a more Americanized take to the food. Flavors were great! read more

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Great Service. Their interior decor is beautiful and makes such a welcoming/fun vibe. Homemade tortilla chips!!!! That's when you know the food is gonna be delicious and Authentic! Taco meat (Carne asada) was favorable and juicy. Margaritas and other cocktails were super tasty as well! Looking forward on coming back! read more

First time patron & last time patron, initial impression, not impressed. Brought my family to have dinner, my wife ordered the burrito bowl with steak, expected to be wowed for what was charged instead came out average. I ordered the al pastor tacos & was given 2 al pastor tacos with huge chunks of pineapple & no salsa options on the plate, when I asked for salsa options I was told that there were extra charges for the salsa, I don't understand how you could sell tacos & try to charge for salsa upgrades?! I now understand why the parking lot was empty on a Sunday. To say that you're hurting without saying that you're hurting is what I call upselling salsas. Don Jose, we will not return! read more

I went again to this god awful restaurant. I wanted to see if it would be better if I went again. Nope. The hostess I asked her name (it was ava) was RUDE. She told me she wanted to fuck the waiter.... super weird. Then went on to ASK ME FOR A TIP...... I will never be returning and telling everyone I know not to go here. Thanks bitchass. read more

Don Jose's - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

Tried this place this past weekend and I was pleasantly surprised. Lots of seating and decorative art. I chose to sit at the bar. The bartender was amazing and made the BEST cucumber margarita I have ever had. The chips and salsa were great, the beans were great, but I probably wouldn't get the Barria tacos again. The meat was not as tender as it should have been, which was kind of a bummer. read more

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The entrees and tacos are so good here you this is a place I will continue to go to. The food the drinks all perfect. read more

Don Jose's - Mexican Espresso Martini!!!!!! The tacos you have to try them all!!! Why go anywhere else for tacos. - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

First time here. Seated quickly in booth.Sweet waitress. Ordered Fajitas for us both. They were burnt. Never brought plates to eat off until we asked. Never asked if we would like a refill on our drinks. Considering the price and our first experience there it will be our last time. read more

The food was very good and the slot machines were fun! I loved my cheese enchiladas and would order them again.

Really wanted to like this place but. Nah. Food was pretty bad. Staff and drinks were good. Chips and salsa were good. But omg the tacos... shrimp and chorizo were $7 each and barely had any meat. Al pastor taco pretty nasty. The shell fell apart halfway through. Lots of fat and gristle. Chicken taco wasn't good. Even the steak taco was flavorless and super greasy. Even the rice wasn't good. It was like hard. Beans were good read more

Don Jose's - Super skimpy shrimp taco for $7 - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

My husband and I just had dinner at the New Mexican Restaurant in New Lenox, Don Jose's. This is not your typical taco and enchilada restaurant. When seated you are given a basket of chips and dish of salsa. The salsa puts a little zing on the tongue, but not your typical salsa. I think it is better described as a salsa purée. My husband and I started with an appetizer of chicken empanadas ($10.00). I rounded off my dinner with 2 tacos; one Al Pastor and one crispy pork belly, both on corn tortillas ($11.50). My husband ordered the beef burrito grande ($18.00) and 2 Modelo Negro ($12.00) The crispy pork belly was sooo delicious with a little kick, I can't wait to have it again. (Read the description in the photos) The Al Pastor was just ok for me. My husband had no complaints with the burrito and happily took half his meal home for lunch tomorrow. Just an FYI, the to-go boxes are NOT microwaveable. They are cardboard, but have a wax coating inside. This is in the old Chicago Dough Pizza, next to Sherwin Williams on Rt 30. It has been beautifully remodeled, and now has a bar where a salad bar used to be. The colorful mural behind the bar and at the front door just add to the ambience. In a nut shell, delicious, with an elevated flavor palette, great wait staff that appeared highly organized, especially for opening night with fast and friendly service. However, if we had small children, I don't know that we would take them there. Although, they could possibly make special off menu orders for kids ‍. We highly suggest giving them a try. We will be going back. read more

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Food was very good, but the portion size of the $21 burrito was very small, lunch for my wife and I set us back about $80. Service was great, our waiter (who I suspect was the owner) was very personable and helpful. Not a bad spot at all, but a bit pricey compared to the similar options nearby. read more

Food was delicious! Fast service, cute little place. No wait at all will definitely eat there again read more

Don Jose's - Chicken burrito bowl - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

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Don Jose's is seriously one of the few places that my entire family (including 4 picky kids) agree on and ask to go to constantly! We have tried many of the menu items and have really enjoyed all of them. My go-to has been the short rib dish. Mouthwatering!! In my opinion, one of the most important things about a Mexican restaurant is the chips and salsa...let's just say I have ordered the chips for carryout on more than one occasion. Portions are generous, drinks are great, service was attentive. I really can't say anything negative. Love the decor and ambiance. The "Halloween" additions were great too. read more

Don Jose's - The Vampire Margarita - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

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Food was not as it good as it was the couple times before actually gave me a horrible stomachache and headache not making my way back real fast Service was just ok read more

I've been there three times and I've never been impressed with the food, but this last time the food was very bad. The chicken had a foul smell to it and I bet it was old meat. I doubt any of the food is fresh. I will not be returning. read more

This place is an experience that MOST aren't ready for. And it is PHENOMENALLY different than any other "Mexican " food I have ever had. If you read the the ingredients they are using and can understand that they have created a menu to set them apart from SO MANY OTHER TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD TECHNIQUES, you will understand and appreciate how INCREDIBLE the food is here. It is honestly unbelievable how amazing this place is. I had the Quesbirria taco dinner, it was a GAMECHANGER from bite no.1 . Any negative reviews about the food here is probably bc a lot of people just only want the traditional Mexican food EVERY other place puts out. You will spend a bit more money here, but you get what you pay for here FOR SURE. A lot of the meats and dishes they are providing here take so much time to prep. Reviews are funny to me, bc everyone has different taste buds, budgets, and the ability to understand culinary skills and techniques, This place deserves 5 stars across the board for every single item and n the menu, right down to their house made chips and salsa, (they're so good) , top notch salsas (in house made fresh) All I can say, is hope if you chose to spend money here, that you understand Don Jose's clearly designed a Mexican Food experience like nothing you're ready for or have probably ever had, I crave their quesabirria tacos.. UNBELIEVABLE. I'm happy to pay the prices they're charging. read more

Lauren behind the bar is fantastic! First time here and we ordered elote fritters- PHENOMENAL! Highly recommend! Also recommend the blueberry mint margarita! read more

Don Jose's - Elote fritters - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

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The food portions and quality were great!!! We had the Nachos Verde for an app and it was awesome!!! The complimentary chips and salsa also great!!! Very fresh food for everything we had. The service was top notch and the place was slammed. I can't say enough about our service and waitress. The ambiance is very modern,cool and on point. I think the owner or manager was there helping and checking on tables and customers which I thought was very nice. I would suggest some benches are doors for people waiting so they aren't watching people eat, felt a little uncomfortable. It was also very chilly in the restaurant, some people close to door especially were eating with the jackets on. Overall great place and we will for sure be back!!! Coat was $$$ but it was quality food and drinks were really good. Overall I think this place was Home Run!!! read more

I've been to Don Jose's twice. The staff is very friendly and the food is above average. My problem with this restaurant is the portions are extremely small. The first time I had the carne asada and the portion of steak was small. This past visit I ordered the steak burrito dinner. The amount of steak I received inside the burrito was the smallest I've ever had in my life. I paid $21 dollars for it. Just to be clear, they give good portions of rice and beans. However, when it comes to the portion of steak it is much smaller than the surrounding Mexican restaurants. Unfortunately, I will not be returning. read more

Went there today for lunch. There were three of us and everyone loved the food, service and decor. The portions were great, and tasted great. The service was great too. Highly recommend. We'll be back! read more

Service was good. Food not so much. I had fish tacos I didn't care for them at all . They were greasy and I thought reheated. My daughter ordered chicken quesadillas one of the pieces literally had one piece of chicken. Way overpriced and food is not great at all. Would not go back. read more

We have been here a handful of times since they opened and always a great experience. Tonight with all the snow it was slow but we had the opportunity to meet and talk to the manager/ bartender Lauren for an early valentine's celebration. Food and service amazing!!! read more

Don Jose's - Chicken burrito bowl - Mexican Near Me - New Lenox, Illinois

Went to Don Jose's for lunch with my wife. This was actually our second trip here in 4 weeks. The other visit was with our adult kids on a Saturday. Both visits the food quality was excellent. The complimentary chips are the best anywhere, similar to Zapp Taco in Mokena. Salsa is very good also. Over the two visits we sampled a number of dishes. Our favorites were the pork belly tacos, shrimp and chorizo tacos, carne asada tacos and the Chile rellenos dinner. Service was excellent both visits. Lunch visit was not busy and our server Roxy was very nice and joked around. If you go for lunch ask for her. The Saturday night visit was very busy and service was still great. It would easily be a five star review except for cost. I don't mind paying for quality but it's on the border of being too high. We still will be back as it is a very nice treat, it just won't be as often. read more

Nice classy Mexican restaurant. Service was outstanding, atmosphere was really unique, food was delicious and fresh. Very happy with our server DJ and definitely look forward to coming back soon. read more

We were sat quickly but it took at least 10 minutes before we even got water. Then, probably took at least another ten minutes before chips and salsa. The chips were very greasy and full of oil. Finally, the server came over and took our order. I ordered a steak burrito bowl and my boyfriend a steak burrito. The food came out quickly and hot but the taste was sub par. Although hot the steak was very greasy as if cooked in too much oil and some pieces were under cooked. I honestly could have made better food at home or gone down the street to Chipotle and had a better experience. All for $20. At nearly $60 for dinner and two non alcoholic drinks I'm going to have to pass on this place next time. read more

Super fast service on a busy Friday evening. Salsa and chips were excellent. Tacos were just "ok," the fillings were flavorful but tortillas fell apart. Rice and beans on point. Overall nice trendy spot that just opened up but food was pretty average. read more

Great food! Great ambience. Had a ground beef taco and rice. Will be back! My only wish is that they had outside seating.

Let me start by saying I've tried this place twice, and both times I felt disappointed. The fact that they don't claim their establishment on Yelp speaks volumes. While the service was good, the food left much to be desired. On my second visit and last, my husband ordered the Grilled Prawn, which tasted overly dominated by pesto--almost like an Italian dish. As for the crispy fish taco, it was quite underwhelming. read more

Tried it tonight for dinner. Drinks, food, and service were outstanding. Glad we have another sit down restaurant in the area now. Tacos, and Enchiladas were very good, and had great flavor and presentation. Salsa is really good too read more

This place is a must try! The service and food were great! Ari was our server. She was knowledgeable and very friendly. Great positive energy. I also really like the ambience. Authentic, with a modern twist. read more

Went on a Friday night for the 1st time for drinks only. We sat at the bar. Beautiful mural! My husband ordered margaritas and I ordered ranch water. Both were delicious. The chips and salsa were good. We prefer the salas to be a bit more spicy. The female bartenders were very busy but yet attentive to us. Teresa (i believe was the bartender's name) was very friendly. We would definitely go again. Another plus for us, we are of Mexican descent, they actually played spanish music! It would be great if they added an outside patio or even better, a roof top! read more