Driving through on a roadtrip & honestly wasn't expecting this place to be good. Shocked at how fantastic the food and margs were ( I'm not driving don't worry ) read more

Server was kind and quick. I had the chimichanga with shredded chicken. It was pretty good! Nice place!

Nothing even remotely good. Bland. Just gross. I was spoiled growing up in San Diego and have had to lower my standard of good Mexican food since moving here but in the eight years I've been in Illinois I have to say this was the worst food I've have ever tried to eat. Also, I don't mind paying top dollar for good food but the prices were way too high for the quality served here. Service was fast. Ambiance was nice. Sorry I wish the food had not been so disappointing. read more

Traveling thru, staying overnight in the area, we stopped in for dinner on a Monday night. I had combo number 2, a chalupa, enchilada & taco, which I really enjoyed. Husband got the chipotle fajitas, which he LOVED. The parking lot looked busy, but we were seated quickly& got food quickly. Staff was courteous & fast. Salsa s little bland but all in all, we had a nice meal. read more

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Completely underwhelming. I ordered the beef chimichanga. It was barely fried and more like a burrito than a chimichanga, additionally the beef had no seasoning. I asked for some hot salsa because what was served was very bland. They brought hot salsa which was decent but then charged me $3.50 for it. I probably would have got it anyways, but the server never said there would be a charge for it which he should have asked before bringing and adding to the bill. read more

The food was awful, I had Childs cheese quesadilla, no salsa and no sour cream was served with it and I asked for sour cream and was charged 1.25 !! All I needed was a small amount for my quesadilla, my boyfriend had a dinner and he said it wasn't even close to what they used to serve here read more

Just stopped in for the first time today on the way to Springfield: the menu was expansive, the wait was minimal ( although it was midafternoon), and the service was just EXCELLENT . A special shoutout to Andres, my server, BTW. I ordered a shrimp enchalada that was incredible: loaded with huge shrimp, perfect accompaniments and such a large serving I had to take about 1/3 home....to enjoy manana (insert wink). read more

This is a new to us place. We live in a nearby town and stopped on our weekly trip past Lincoln. There is an outdoor patio and the inside ambiance is very nice. Drinks and chips/salsa service was very quick. Hubs got fajitas. I got shrimp lettuce tacos. Both were delicious. I like that they had some lower carb options along with typical Mexican dishes. Will definitely be back! read more

The strawberry margaritas were very delicious--a bit on the sweeter side, but not heavy on margarita mix like amateurs tend to do. The servers were quick, but a bit too quick. They would ask, "Everything okay?" "Yeah, I--" and they'd be gone and asking the next table the same before I finished my sentence. Friendly, but seemed busier than they were. The atmosphere and decorations are nice, very reminiscent of restaurants in Mexico. Just watch your head when sitting next to the stone trim that sticks out at head level. The food was a bit of a disappointment. Large portions, the meat was seasoned well, but the chile relleno was very odd. Mushy and fried in a soft batter that fell apart. Absolutely everything was drowned in a red sauce that reminded me of Chef Boyardee sauce. Even the tamales were absolutely drowned in it. The only part of our plates that wasn't smothered in Chef Boyardee sauce was the lettuce. Very odd choice, and it really brought down the food enjoyment. From the beans, to the salsa served with the chips, the chile relleno, the tamales, and pretty much everything except the chips and lettuce were liquidy (liquidated in a blender), soft and/or mushy. Ditch the sauce, then we'll talk. read more

I had to go 5 stars, as I've been here probably half-a-dozen times while in town for business, and everything has been great, every time. Granted, I usually get the same thing every time (Chef's Special--which is actually Arroz con Pollo w/ queso). The chicken and rice have always been properly cooked, portions are good-sized, and the tomatillo salsa (available by request) has been great--same with the corn tortillas. Sometimes for dessert I'll get a traditional flan, which is always dense and properly cooked, unlike a lot of runny/egg-y flans you sometimes get at other places. And they don't load them up with a bunch of unnecessary whipped cream, chocolate, cherries, etc. without asking, like at some other places. They're big, too, which is a plus if you're splitting one (I wasn't, so Ieft more than full). Would definitely recommend. read more

Steak Fajitas, say no more. Very clean establishment and courteous restaurant employees.

Great location nestled quietly behind a couple truck stops. I ordered one of my common Mexican favorites - Beef chimichanga. I was not disappointed. The chimichanga itself was well stuffed with beef. The rice tasted good and beans had good texture but I did need to salt a little. The host, server and other staff were all courteous and extremely friendly. Even the guy that brought chips and salsa was super friendly. I think the best review a place can get is for a customer to say "I will return". And I will return; I have found my local Mexican fix. read more

El Mazatlan - Beef Chimichanga with complimentary nacho chips. - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Illinois

We were pleasantly surprised, the service and speed of our order was top notch excellent. The food was fabulous, just as order, hot right from the kitchen. This is definitely a place to try! read more

I have eaten here quite a few times now and it's been great every time. House margaritas are very good. I eat mainly chimichangas and it was exceptionally good this time. Guacamole is hit or miss at most places but so far theirs is always good. Decor and music makes it complete. read more

Very lucky to find this place off the expressway! Thank you. Good food, fast service, and just what we needed to get back on the road.

We came here for lunch as a group and we walked right in. The server seemed new, but I can't fault him for that. I ordered a dinner taco salad with chicken, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce. I was brought the lunch portion taco salad with beef, lettuce, tomato, and cream cheese. They still get four stars as what I ate was good. I was actually confused when I got it and I thought it was someone else's food. I said whatever and ate it. read more

Good food, nice setting, nice service and servers all wearing masks. Restrooms clean and nice. We enjoyed our Chori Chicken and Tostadaquac, which was not hot however. Salsa fine nothing special. Would recommend this place and would come back. read more

El Mazatlan - Chori Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Illinois

Good food good service menu hard to read as lights very low. We're traveling so probably won't return

Absolutely delicious Mexican cuisine! I drive 35 minutes just to eat here! My favorite has to be the California burrito! It is massive and you will be lucky to finish it. If you are driving past Lincoln I would definitely recommend. read more

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Had carry out and was very pleased. Probably now my favorite restaurant in Lincoln. Food was ready when I arrived and was very tasty.

My third time eating here, thought it was about time to do a review. Every meal I have tried has been outstanding and the table salsa is exactly the style I like to eat and put on my food when it comes out. Today, I went with the lunch special Speedy Gonzalez and added chorizo over the top of my rice which really packs in some hearty flavors. I love Mexican restaurants that have a great chorizo and every time I have been here I order some form of chorizo with my meal (in tacos, burritos, bed of rice, etc.)! The waiter is also of the rare breed that can take orders without writing anything down and not mess up your meal; he has waited on my table two out of three times and I have zero complaints! Today was a little slower than normal but it was at the lunch time rush and I do not typically hold that against anyone in a review. Only one of two places to grab Mexican cuisine in Lincoln; this is my go-to for sure! read more

El Mazatlan - Speedy Gonz Lunch Special - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Illinois

This used to be a great place but they are no longer that restaurant. New staff that has no idea what they're doing, messing up orders in the worst way, along with the downgraded sizes and no refills on chips and salsa. Terrible. read more

They are offering delivery right now. Last taco Tuesday we ordered kinda generic. Tonight we went for the special. I usually think I can cook better than any carry out. Tonight I stand corrected. There is no way I could have put this flavor variety together in 20 minutes. Awesome! read more

El Mazatlan - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Illinois

The food is the best,the staff are nice, prompt service.really friendly from the front staff to the back

Drove to a halfway point in Lincoln Illinois to meet up with a friend, found this delightful and authentic Mexican restaurant. The drink menu was diverse and the salsa was fresh and flavorful. It was a fun and tasty stop for a visit! They had a nice vegetarian selection and the service was wonderful! If I ever pass by Lincoln again I will make sure to stop! read more

El Mazatlan - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Illinois

I don't normally eat Mexican. I've never been a fan. But I enjoy this restaurant. I ordered the chori chicken and I love it. They also have quick turnover rates on the service. Which is good if your in a hurry. It's located just off the highway. So thats good for something different. Instead of the normal fast food restaurants normally located off every exit. So far this is the only Mexican restaurant that I return to time after time. Good food good pricing. I recommend giving it a try read more

Honestly not very good food. Been there several times. Nice people and quick service, but food is bland. Salsa tastes like it came from a can. Just not good food. Go get an old El Paso taco kit at Walmart instead, will be a toss up on flavor. Like a dungeon inside too. Reasonable prices though. Place is busy. read more

Great place nice staff and my nick is my family so treat him extra well :) ten outa ten stars

Muy Excellente! Great Enchiladas Supremas! We come here everytime we go to Lincoln! We meet with our relatives and Party Hearty! Highly recommend! Every entree is muy bueno! Checkout the renowned Chef's Special! Friendly servers and great customer service! See you there! read more

Ok, so let's be real about this place...it better than the Taco Bell on the corner, but not substantially. Authentic? Not in the least. It's cookie cutter Mexican food that you find in droves across the country. It's not bad food, but nothing that tantalizes the taste buds either. It's very filling. That's pretty much it. I knew I was doomed to be let down when I ordered a margarita on the rocks and the "bartender" poured the entire contents out of a gallon jug. I sat at the bar, and the "bartender" was largely absent after taking my order. He was covering way too much ground. So, the food. Had the burrito Matzatlan and a side of black beans. Lots of bland steak in the burritos. Lots, but that's it. Wrapped in store bought flour tortilla shells. The black beans came straight from a can. Throw in a few onions and heat. Chips were thick but an odd flavor on their own. Salsa was not salsa. Not really sure what it is, but pretty plain. Probably would've given 2 1/2 if I could give 1/2 stars. read more

El Mazatlan - Margarita from a jug. No thanks. - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Illinois

Decent, yet not gr8. I imagine the other places options are limited. Food good. Chips & salsa were warm. I ordered the steak milanesa.(breaded steak) I have had it at places near me. The steak was slightly overcooked but definitely more than edible. What bothered me was the breading was a lot thicker with a different texture than places near me. Flavor was a bit different but I guess thats just how they do it here. Still, it detracted from my enjoyment & feel of authenticity. Service was good. I particularly enjoyed their frozen margaritas. It was special night which meant the 12oz was $2.50 a good price but even better when the place makes them this good! I don't want to imply the place sucks. It certainly does NOT! Maybe Im a food snob, but while its good here, it isn't totally authentic. Given the supposed lack of quality places in the area then its worth the stop. read more

In my 45 years of life and eating at restaurants all of those 45 Years this has to be the worst Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten at in my life. I was born and raised in Chicago and I've understand that this restaurant is located in a town that is not of high city population. However, there is a lot in the businesses all around this restaurant off the expressway. And they're all chains which I try to avoid. That's why I chose here on a trip back home from Saint Louis. The restaurant interior is very nice and impressive. I felt it'd have decent food. IT WAS HORRID. Cheap out of a can food. It made me and my one daughter's stomach upset. The smart one was my youngest who is picky and just ordered a quesadilla. The salsa was a can of crushed tomatoes. Chips were stale. My combo consisted of ground beef enchiladas, steak and chicken. Beef was like Taco Bell's. Steak was tough, dry and bland. Chicken was dry with no taste. The waiter was very unatentaive, forgetful and absent minded. Had to keep reminding him on certain requests after the food came. Screwed our orders up and didn't realize it. Avoid this place and go to the gas station down the street and buy a microwaveable burrito. read more

I'm down here in Lincoln Illinois on a work project for the next two months and this place is right behind my hotel. They have excellent food and huge portions and they will even bring it to the hotel so you don't have to waste your money on door dash or Uber eats. read more

The service was exceptionally fast and the food was so flavorful. I got the veggie fajitas.

so disappointed in the salads my first time guest and i had. barely any lettuce at all. the cheese was completely melted and made the tortilla shell soggy goo. poor excuse for a salad. it was mostly hot chicken and onions. no tomatoes. not very diet friendly like a salad should be. the floor was so slippery ( greasy) that i slipped and nearly fell multiple times just trying to walk in and out read more

This place is okay but nothing above the ordinary. It's reasonably clean and the table arrangement is sort of cozy. The staff is largely absent. They are happy to wait on you, IF you can find them... The food is not bad, but it's bland and conventional. Thousands of restaurants all across the country serve the very same meals. If you want conventional, predictable American versions of Mexican cooking, then El Mazatlan is for you! read more

El Mazatlán is the unexpected gem on our tour of old Route 66 - great food and drinks, huge portions and low prices - I'd recommend anytime

Best Mexican restaurant in the area. Great atmosphere and staff is great! Portions are good size and they're always accurate and food comes out very quickly! read more

This is my partners favorite place to eat in our little hometown! We even order out sometimes. They definitely have a cool atmosphere with kind staff and the food is always reliably delicious. read more

Given the on-line rave reviews of the El Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, I was expecting a great dining experience. Overall I was somewhat disappointed. We arrived at 6PM on a Saturday. The place was bustling. Even so, we were quickly seated and within a couple of minutes a server arrived with complimentary salsa and chips and took our drink order (soft drinks $1.50 each). For the entire time we were there the staff was attentive and helpful. The El Mazatlan's menu is substantial and after some contemplation, we each opted for the single serving of fajitas. She chose beef and I opted for chicken ($11.25 each). Fajita meals come with re-fried beans, Mexican rice, pic-de-gallo and three tortillas (We passed on the sour cream and the guacamole). The chips were warm and not at all greasy. Very tasty. The salsa on the other hand, was a little off putting. I am used to salsa that is deep red with a good thick body. Good salsa (in my opinion) also needs to have chunks of onion and discernible bits of cilantro. This salsa was barely pinkish, and it had a thin texture like it had been pureed to a soup consistency. While it tasted freshly made, it lacked much of the zip that is normally associated with salsa. The fajita meat was well seasoned and tasty. Oddly, the chicken meat was diced into small chuncks rather than the usual strips. The fajita meal serving size was more than adequate and a leftover container was needed. I wanted to give this establishment a higher rating but in my opinion, it was only somewhat above average. Yes, I would eat here again. Would I drive 15 miles out of my way to eat here again? Probably not. It just didn't "knock my socks off". read more