El Puente is a place worth visiting if for no other reason than a chance to spend some time in downtown St. Charles. It's a beautiful restaurant with nice Mexican food and good margaritas. I was a bit disappointed, however, because the menu did not have any fish tacos! I am a bit of a fish taco nut, so this was unfortunate. That said, I was perfectly happy with the other taco offerings that I was able to try. Definitely a nice place that's worth a visit. read more

I am extremely experienced in Mexican dining, so my ranking system is based off of four things - Chips and Salsa, Entrees, Margs, Waitstaff. Chips and Salsa - 5/10. Just meh. Nothing special (but definitely not bad) Entrees - 5/10 Same story, not bad, but nothing to write home about. Margs - ? Didn't try. Waitstaff/Atmosphere - 9/10. Can't complain! Great atmosphere, the waitress was extremely friendly and attentive. Had a huge smile the whole time and made me feel very welcome. Overall, 2/5 but nothing was bad! Just "Meh. I've experienced better." read more

Great chicken tacos! Salsa is a little spicy for my liking but my husband enjoyed it. Great friendly service. Clean place. Give it a try. Lunch specials. read more

I almost always order beef enchiladas when I go out for Mexican. But this time, I tried one of their specials (I believe it was a seafood enchilada of some sort). I don't know what came over me, but I decided to "live a little" and order something a tad different. Unfortunately, living on the edge resulted in a mediocre-at-best dining experience. I didn't care for my meal choice one bit. I was really disappointed. Sad day. I love Mexican food and it stinks to order something but not like it at all. It's a waste of money and a waste of a night out trying a new restaurant. Chips and salsa were pretty good. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. We had a baby with us and they set us up right away with a car seat holder. I do wonder if I gave it a 2nd try and ordered a regular enchilada if it would be any better. read more

El Puente is, hands down, my favorite Mexican restaurant. The food is relatively inexpensive and extremely FRESH. A lot of times Mexican food feels greasy and stale, but El Puente's is alive. They start you off with free chips and salsa. They have a warm, mild salsa that is out of this world. Generally I like a little more kick in my salsa, but the mild salsa is so unique its incredible. (They also have a delicious cold, spicy salsa, but its less unique). Their menu offers everything you'd expect burritos, tacos, frajitas, taco salads, etc. Everything is good. I think over the years my family has tried everything on the menu and not been disappointed. Their margaritas are great and also, for desert they have a strawberry-banana empanada thing that is off the charts! read more

Choose this restuarant because it was across from the Arcada Theatre and we were going to a concert there. WOW! What a wonderful surprise. El Puente, (the bridge) was very quaint, quiet and authentic. The chips were served with 2 different salsa's and unlimited. We had tacos, burritos, enchiladas and some special requests and all were done to perfection and authenticity. Service was outstanding too. Can't find a thing to say bad. Great time! Let's not forget to add the margarita's were very yummy as well and everything was moderately priced. We will be going back even when we don't go to the Arcada! read more

I met my cousin here recently on a Friday night and was surprised to see the main dining area rather empty, as I had heard good things and expected a crowd. We had reservations and ended up being slightly late, so I called...then realized why it wasn't a problem once we got there! I will definitely go back. I LOVE the al a carte portion of the menu. Food was good. Pricing is excellent...we each had a libation and plenty of food and our total bill wasn't even $30! read more

Authentic Mexican food, if authentic means bland, flavorless steak and soggy (not grilled) fajitas. The margaritas were strong but average tasting. Not recommended at all. read more

I had high hopes, but they were dashed. The cheese enchilada had a very strange flowery smell to it that kinda turned my stomach, although it tasted fine. The steak tacos, while ok, had more fatty steak pieces than I get from other places, plus the amount of meat in them was paltry. Service was very good (although we were the only patrons on a Sunday afternoon, so I should hope so), but didn't make up for the lack of wow factor. I'll stick to my favorite little "hole in the wall" (and I mean that affectionately) joint in Glendale Heights that I adore - Las Vegas on North Avenue. Visited: April 22, 2012 read more

Got an amazing burrito for just under $10. The quality of the food was great, and it's more than enough for the average person, even if it may not look like it. The waitresses seemed courteous, and it didn't take very long at all to get my food (but then again, I was at a table for one). The complimentary chips and salsa/mystery sauce were cool. The atmosphere was definitely nothing to scoff at. read more

El Puente - Chicken burrito. - Mexican Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

My first review and I dislike the fact it's not a good one. Alright, perhaps the wife and I went on an off night, but we left coming away as we won't be returning. Front door staff was very attentive. Asked us where we'd like to sit, said a table and was seated promptly. In retrospect, I should have spoken up about where we were seated. Chips and Salsa took about 3 minutes to get. Now, it wasn't too crowded and the table boys were always around. So I was a tad shocked to wait this long. Chips were warm and I do agree about the mild salsa, very tasty. I'm not that heavy into hot spices, but the other salsa was just too hot for me. For the wife it was fine. Waitress took about 5 minutes to finally head over and ask us what we wanted to drink. We order 1/2 pitcher of frozen margarita's. Now I'll give her this, she had a table of 20 and two tables of 4, plus us. However, any good wait staff should speak up if they feel seating more in their section will diminish the quality of service. (and in this case it did) Waitress brought out the pitcher quickly. It was nothing home to write about but still hit the spot. My wife and I ordered fajitas for two with steak and shrimp. You had the option of choosing 2 from Chicken, steak and shrimp for one price. We asked for both corn and flour tortilla's. Food came out hot, but in a small portion for two. As for the side plate with rice, beans and lettuce it was barely enough. Now, we're not large eaters but a side salad size plate for two with the above seems lacking. The quality wasn't bad, shrimp were butterflied open giving the appearance of more than there actually was. We ended up with 6 in total. The steak was cooked properly but size was the issue. I shouldn't have to cut up large chunks of meat for a fajita. Green, red peppers and onions were done just right. As I mentioned we asked for both tortillas, but ended up getting corn only. I had to ask for the other ones when she brought the food out. This was the last time we saw her before we had to ask for the check. About the check. I noticed a $1 charge for shrimp and questioned why I was being charged when the menu stated you have the option of shrimp when ordering this particular item from the menu. At first she didn't know why, then she said she would ask the manager. A couple of minutes goes by and she returns to say, it's built into the system as an upcharge if you order shrimp. From her attitude, It seemed like it was a big deal to remove it and didn't even offer an apology for the error. read more

El Puente is far and away the best Mexican restaurant in St. Charles. The food is always top notch. They come out with the chips and two types of salsa (even with carry out the provide this at no additional cost) which are great. The margaritas are delicious and very strong. I really really like the Chile Relleno. It is fried very well, the cheese is stuffed, and it is topped with a great sauce. The fajitas are great. Their special enchilada is delicious. It is filled with cheese and jalapeño. Arguably the best enchiladas I've had in my life. If you're looking for traditional Mexican food, go only to El Puente. read more

Good service. Pacifico on draft. What could go wrong? The food. The sauce on the enchiladas was Campbell's tomato soup. Which also was served warmed (???) as salsa. They must have 55 gallon drums in back. Try Taco Bell or drive further south. read more

Sooooooo disappointed in this place. I haven't been here in years and now I'm glad. I ordered the regular margarita. The bartender had no idea of the prices of the different margaritas. It was $6.00 for a small margarita, which tasted fine. The chips and salsa were okay. I ordered the seafood chimichanga. Initially, it had a very fishy taste and it was mushy. I opened it up and saw a few of the smallest shrimp that you could imagine. It also had the fake crab leg chunks. It also had diced potatoes. Come on, for this price have real grilled shrimp and real fish chunks. Very disappointed and I will not be back. All of the good restaurants in the area is why I'm really upset for dropping $25.00 while dining alone! read more

Some friends suggested this for our group who were looking for a place to go before the Arcada. The place is large and nice with 2 large rooms and a bar. Fist opinions were good, everyone was very friendly and the place was nice...Check. They had Bohemia Beer...Plus number 2. The menu is mostly what you would expect, the standard Tex-Mex stuff and a few less comin choices. They have quite a few Mole dishes that I need to try soon. I settled on the Chilaquiles and steak and my wife had the fish tacos. The Chilaquiles were excellent, I am usually more of a fan with them in Verde, but these were excellent. I was amazed the steak was actually cooked to my requested medium even though it was only about an inch thick, its a great combo that will be hard not to get everytime we go. The table salsas were both good as well and the chips were very fresh. The refried beans that came with the Chilaquiles were outstanding, maybe the best i have had, flavorful and light and ultra creamy. Cant wait to go back and try some other things, Great local place, excellent service with good prices and better food read more

The food is good, and they do have some nice specials here -- check the little special listing on your table. Anything with chicken and mole is bound to be worth a try! If you like spicy stuff, be sure to ask them for a side of grilled jalapenos -- awesome! The margaritas are good, but what's up with charging for refills on sodas? read more

Good food. I went there on a really busy saturday night. Service was a bit slower than normal but it was good overall. The food is yummy. I had a tamale as an appetizer and then got the skirt steak. It was very good. The portions are generous and the prices are not too bad. Check this place out if you are in or near St. Charles read more

When posed the options of either Irish Pub or Mexican for tonight's dinner (11/08/2008), with Mexican being El Puente, it was a no-brainer. This is the second time we've been to El Puente and once again it's hit the ball out of the park and I've walked away stuffed to the point of almost exploding. On this night, they were having to deal with numerous large parties (8+) and after we were seated, the owner came over and asked us if we terribly minded moving one table over so he could make a table of 8 for another group coming in. We honestly had no problems with that, but he still comp'd us a round of drinks for our inconvenience. MK had a Peach Margarita (yummy) and I, the usual Negra Modelo beer. You get the obligatory chips and salsa, with one hot and one mild. To be honest, the hot was too hot and the mild too mild so we just mixed them both and it turned out just perfect. Chips were hot and crispy too. We ordered a queso fundido (melted hot cheese) and you get your option of either chorizo or chicken. We always do the chorizo (mexican pork sausage). It came with flour or corn tortillas. For main course, MK had the Carnitas special of the day and it came with rice and beans. Carnitas is a slow-roasted and seasoned pork, then pulled/shredded. She said it was fantastic. I had the pork in green sauce (Puerco en salsa verde), which was small chopped bits of pork in a spicy green chile sauce. It's one of my favorites and at more traditional restaurants I'll almost always order it as a dipstick sort of test for authenticity. It rocked. Just the right amount of spice, along with the mexican rice and refried beans. For dessert we had the sopapillas. These are pieces of tortilla dough deep fried and then dusted with cinnamon and sugar, with a honey dipping sauce. Just to die for. Waitress was very attentive and food quality is fantastic. This is a don't miss if you're in the St. Charles area. read more

Still giving El Puente four stars for the food. El Pastor, which is usually very good, was the best I've ever tasted. You have got to try El Pastor tacos with everything on them. Lots of haters of their mild "salsa", very "Campbell Soup" notes. However, it's warm like a queso and has a kick at the end. It is addicting, but not for everyone. Also see a lot of complaints about the margaritas. Maybe they've listened and addressed because my wife and son had two each and said they were very strong, very good. Waitress Service is spotty, very poor last night. Place was 75% full and she couldn't keep up. Busboys were all over the place, but the waitress was AWOL. I would recommend that someone else deliver the food and drinks so the waitress can focus on taking orders. Overall, El Puente is our favorite full service Mexican restaurant in the Tri-cities. A bit more expensive ($80 for three, two drinks each) because of the Main St. location, but solid in most every regard. read more

A solid option for mexican in st charles. All elements of my meal were fantastic. I ordered steak fajitas, which came with 4 corn tortillas as well. The complementary chips and salsa were great as well. The best part of my meal was added the mild and/or hot salsa from the chips and adding them to my fajitas. UNREAL! Service was a bit slow, and that's why no perfect rating. read more

Good 'ritas, I always leave this place feeling SOOOO stuffed. There no lot to park in but if you head to the next side street to the west theres a lot just north of main street. The food is good... too good. I over eat and have a food baby every time I'm leaving read more

I must agree--el Puente has excellent food and drinks at reasonable prices in a comfy atmosphere. (Ttry mixing the two salsas together for a neat flavor). Closed Sundays. (Much better value and more room than Miguel's across the river.) read more

This place has the best mexican food ever. First off...chips/salsa...amazing and addictive. Im happy to find that a lot of reviews on here agree. The margaritas are amazingly good. They will knock you off your socks though so be warned!! I usually have enchiladas but my friend ordered pork tacos and let me try them and they were amazing!!! Enchiladas are very good too. If you are visiting on a weekend I would make a reservation. This place gets busy. read more

Came here with the extended family for dinner. Everyone was drinking margaritas when we got there, and all I could taste in it was the tequila. For dinner, I got the chicken chimichanga. I've never had a bad chimichanga and this place was no exception. The chimichanga was just okay. Nothing spectacular about it. The rice was okay and the beans were a little dry. Nothing spectacular, but it wasn't terrible either. read more

After a long day with two kiddos and e-learning, we ordered takeout from here. We ordered carnitas, chimichangas, guac, and margaritas to-go! Portions were large and and everything was spot on. read more

I'd give it a 6th Star if I could - the food in this place is beyond awesome, better than Las Palmas downtown Chicago (and I thought that place was pretty darn good already!) The salsa... o-m-g... I could eat a tub of that! The waitress was also really cool - we jokingly asked if we could have three more bowls of the salsa and she actually brought them. Mmm... And the pork in green sauce is soOooo good. In fact, that's the only thing I'd order there coz it never disappoints. Tip: Go during lunchtime. I had the lunch special for $7-ish, while the non-specials (for the same meal) is about $9-10. read more

Some old friends of mine always wanted to go to this place before bar hopping around STC and I never understood why. I always followed along, but never enjoyed the food and always thought the ambiance of this place as weird. Strange decorations that don't match or make sense. The food is bland and flavorless. Decent prices, but I'd rather pay the same for some bar food that has some flavor. I usually got the soft chicken tacos. I've had better tacos at Taco Fresco, Los Burritos and even Qdoba! Yikes..... If you want good Mexican food steer clear in my opinion. NO taste. read more

Found this place after searching Mexican Restaurant near us. It has really good fresh food. The Margaritas were very tasty!!! We've been back a few times and I always say I'm going to try something else but the Chicken Enchilada Mole is so yummy I keep getting the same thing!! Nice atmosphere too:) read more

El Puente - Yummy food and awesome drinks:) - Mexican Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

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I only really write reviews if the experience is super or poor. Unfortunately, this time it was under par. This is not my first time eating here, but its one of the only "authentic" Mexican restaurants in St. Charles besides Taco Bell. I ordered the steak taco platter and my wife had the chicken tostadas and enchilada. My steak tacos were completely flavorless. Even with salsa on them they were bland. My wife didn't enjoy her dish either. I didn't taste it, but she said it was gross. This was on a Saturday night, dinner. Space was cramped, small tables and I even saw one couple get up and leave because they were not getting enough attention from their waitress. I would pass on this place....either my expectations are higher, or this places food was sub par. You decide... read more

Terrible service. Terrible food. I ordered fajitas and they were terrible. They were swimming in grease, the vegetables were soggy and the flavor was not very pleasant. The beans tasted like they were out of a can and the rice was out of a box. An eight year old with a Taco Bell taco kit would have made a better more authentic meal than this place. read more

Stopped in for lunch. I had three hard shell beef tacos and they were very good. The salsas are excellent and the service was very good as well. The atmosphere is open yet cozy. Worthy of a try. read more

Excellent service, excellent food, excellent decor! Another great date night at El Puente!! Thanks

Even if you get mad at your children, you always give them a second(or third ) chance. Since I've been a customer of this families restaurant for 30 plus years my grandson talked me into going back. And I'm glad I did. Wife had the chicken flautas, I had Enchilladas, and the grand son had tacos. Everything was great! Service was fast and friendly. The food was hot, fresh, and very prompt. There's a big show at the Arcada Theater tonight, and quite a few musicians and roadies were having dinner. I was happy to see Jessie who owns the place. We had a 10 minute conversation on getting older, the cost of my dinner which used to be $ 3.00 and now is $ 11.00. The food was great and we had a very good time. I'm going back! read more

Tex- Mex totally. American Mexican food, which I don't love now that I am in the know from my Mexicana girlfriend, who has cooked me authentic delicioso meals. My favorite places are the hole in the walls were you are the only English as a first language speaker. Here it is the opposite. All gringos. Still for Tex-Mex, this place is good. We came on Cinco de Mayo and I enjoyed a quesadilla. My girlfriends were all drinking margaritas and seemed to love them. Everyone was very happy with their food. They had mariachis that were amusing and fun. Would not come back, but would recommend to those in the area. read more

My hunnie and I have been relentlessly craving great Mexican food and we found it at El Puente. Where we live there isn't much to choose from in terms of good food so we made the 45 minute trek to St. Charles..we were heading to another place to eat but when we spotted this restaurant we couldn't pass up..really happy we didn't. The salsas were insanely good, my taco salad was very fresh, and my boyfriend who's very picky with his Mexican food loved his dish with Mole. The only thing that slightly annoyed us is that we sat in a corner and our waitress forgot about us on more than one occasion...if I hadn't been enjoying my food and my company so much this would have been a really big problem. With all that said, I'm still giving this place five stars because it was really delicious. If in St. Charles, head to this place..you won't be sorry. read more

Never going back...EVER! Sooooo many better options! I've eaten at this place probably a dozen times in my life. I was also once part of a large group here as well. Every time I end up here it is circumstantial and my latest visit was no different. I had one of the worst dining experiences of my life. Actually, the dining experience was average, but the way we were treated by the manager was horrible. My wife and I stopped by El Puente prior to the St Charles Electric parade. The grand marshals were two local celebrities so it was a pretty big deal and getting a table anywhere was a gift. As we were walking by we saw a table for two that was available right by the window...we zipped inside and sure enough it was available. We sat had a couple of drinks, ordered our dinner and were having a good time. There was a large sign in the window promoting the restaurant and the nights events including a mariachi band. As the parade was beginning, we asked the waitress if we could take the sign down during the parade so we could see and enjoy the parade while we dined. She said she'd have to ask the manager. She came back and said no. I asked for the manager. The manager didn't even come to our table. He stood on a landing above the table and spoke down to us literally and figuratively. I asked if we could take the sign down during the parade or at the very least move it to the side of the window so we could see and again he said no. He said he needed eye balls on the sign and that if we were there for the parade we should have said so when we arrived. I again asked, so, you won't take the sign down or just move it to the side, just during the parade. He replied no. I asked him if he was comfortable with that decision and he said, I'm not taking the sign down and that's it he turned around and walked away. The people at the tables next to heard the entire exchange and couldn't believe it either. The food is typical Tex Mex that you can get anywhere. Average at best. With so many great Mexican restaurant options available locally (like Bien Trucha, or Al Tiro in Geneva) I can't imagine why anyone would come here. read more

El Puente - The sign at El Puente - Mexican Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

It was a cold and blustery day, when my partner and I, met with friends at this busy locale. Strange to think, we'd driven by so often, without ever going in...As we'd arrived in advance of our reservation time, a table was not yet available, for our party of six. How I wished we had not been so early. As we were left, awkwardly standing, for nearly 15-20 minutes..One of the staff, explained that he couldn't accommodate us just yet. But could he not have offered us, out of politeness, a place at the bar? After what seemed forever, my partner finally explained that he has bad knees, and at last, a table opened...Why is there not a waiting area for patrons? It would do well, to create one... Once seated, we were served the standard tortilla chips and salsa. Our friends arrived, and we ate the standard Mexican fare of rice and beans and meat. Our steaks were also, standard. Standard is the word here: by which to mean: Nothing Spectacular. I could not help making comparisons to our cozy Mexican dive, (situated not so far away) which serves Grande Sized Steaks and Grande Sized Everything, all tasting Espectacular-for Poquito Prices. My partner and our friends, seemed to enjoy this place better than myself though...So would we return? Segura. My rating: Tres Estrellas. read more

Decent food, but not too exciting. The guacamole was kind of bland, but the entrees (both steak) we pretty tasty. My margarita was average. Service was good and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I'd come back here again some day. read more

Oh man. I live in LA now, but El Puente is still my favorite Mexican restaurant. I have to eat here every time I come back. My most favorite meal here is the chilaquiles with steak. Add a Golden Margarita....oh my. I can't wait to get back to Illinois again! read more

El Puente is undoubtedly the best Mexican restaurant in St. Charles. Always friendly with quick service. Food is always good especially the endless chips and salsa. It is the most authentic Mexican restaurant i would want to go to. It happens to be on the way home from work which works out nicely. The frozen margaritas are also very delicious. read more