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    Hacienda Leon

    3.7 (22 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Margaritas
    Jessica A.

    I love the vibe of this one + the patio seating. The food is really consistent and usually pretty quick. Thursday half off margs are great but it gets busy! The chips and salsa are delicious.

    Chimichanga
    kat b.

    In town from California and had a big party. Food came out quickly and service was very nice. Prices were reasonable (maybe I'm just so used to CA prices) but the food was still not great. Nachos were dry and chimichanga was SO SMALL. Food quality/taste/flavor is overall why I gave it 2 stars.

    Mckenzie J.

    This is a newer restaurant right in Uptown Normal. I looked online and saw a large, intriguing menu, so I thought we should try it out. The restaurant is large, but was pretty empty when we went for lunch. I decided on one of the combos - they have tons of different combinations so definitely check that out! I also got a peach margarita. Everything was yummy; I just wish we also got rice/beans with our meal. Service was good and I have no complaints about that. Also, you get free chips and salsa which is always great!

    My partner and I enjoying the food (Shrimp Fajitas)
    Crystal C.

    The people were very friendly and although it was super loud and packed, they made a mean Paloma! My partner enjoyed a giant margarita. Definitely made for a great date night so I will be coming backn

    Especial Leon for two. An amazing value, and arguably enough food for 3 or 4!
    Chris E.

    Hacienda Leon is a newer addition to the Uptown Normal area adjacent to Illinois State University. The space is large and vibrant, and features a large bar area that basically runs into the contemporarily styled restaurant. We visited early on a Saturday evening, and as we were leaving, it was pretty obvious that the place was filling up. There are some good reasons for that. We were promptly seated and given menus. The menu at Hacienda Leon is extensive, and quite honestly, too extensive. It's was a bit overwhelming. My wife and I are huge Mexican food fans, and living in the 'burbs in Chicago, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by what I would call "authentic" casual Mexican restaurants. We understand, when traveling to smaller towns that you might not get the authenticity at an ethnic restaurant that you would in a more urban setting, however we realize there are exceptions. This being written, Hacienda Leon does a great job of mixing some authentic, traditional dishes while still offering a chimichanga smothered in queso. We were were kind of pressed for time, so rather than going through the extensive menu, we asked our served for a recommendation. Our server asked us a few questions (good sign), and then steered us to the Especial Leon for two. This was a fajita for two that featured the usual steak and chicken, but also added shrimp, chorizo and fried pork ribs. The skillet was served with tortillas, rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole and pico. In reality, the Especial Leon for two was big enough for four - making it a truly great value for $32!! Overall, the taste of the food was good. We received the standard chips and salsa when seated, and the salsa was tangy and no too spicy. The chips were warm and the drinks were cold. My wife got a margarita and I got a Dos Equis Amber. Our fajitas were also good. The pleasant surprise being the deep fried pork ribs, which were really tender, and the shrimp which were larger than expected and cooked to perfection. The only criticism I would offer is that the proteins could've used more seasoning. Either that, or they could've each been seasoned differently?!?! Admittedly, I am splitting hairs here. The food was good, and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere is energized, and the restaurant is clean and appealing. I would definitely recommend Hacienda Leon, and will most likely be returning when visiting my daughter at ISU.

    Fried ice cream

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    2 years ago

    The environment was great. The surroundings were visually pleasing, and the food was outstanding.!

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    1 year ago

    just awful service. do not go here the staff is rude and it's not worth it. we waited for over an hour and never got sat.

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    Herradura - Hawaiian fajitas. FABULOUS!!

    Herradura

    (123 reviews)

    $

    Look, I've been patronizing Mexican joints in Bloomington-Normal since antes de que fuera cool, and…read moreI need to talk about what's happening at Herradura. THE GOOD: The service here operates at quantum speeds. I'm talking food-to-table in approximately 5 minutes. Did they have a DeLorean in the kitchen? Did they start cooking when I pulled into the parking lot? I don't know, but physics was definitely involved. The presentation looked solid--everything arrived hot and reasonably photogenic. THE "WAIT, WHAT?": Friends, we need to discuss the Great Portion Shrinkage of 2026. Herradura has apparently discovered the restaurant industry's worst-kept secret: instead of raising prices a reasonable amount, just slash 10% off the menu and reduce portions by 35%. It's like getting a "discount" on a car, but they removed the back seats and the radio. The chimichangas arrived looking like they'd been on a strict juice cleanse--smaller than expected and committing the cardinal sin of sogginess. These weren't the crispy flavor bombs I remember. They were more like... flavor water balloons? Still edible, but not exactly chimichanga hall-of-fame material. THE CHEESE TAX: Here's where things got personal. I've been a loyal "little extra cheese on the rice" guy for years. Today? Nearly FIVE DOLLARS for what amounts to 4 tablespoons of queso. That's approximately $127 per pound if my mental math is correct (it's not, but you get the point). I've seen cheaper cheese at artisanal farmer's markets run by bearded hipsters in suspenders. The beef tacos were... fine. That's the review. Fine. They existed. They were tacos. Moving on. THE VERDICT: On the Bloomington-Normal Nickel-and-Dime Scale™, Herradura ranks on the lower end, which is actually saying something in this town where inflation is hitting Mexican restaurants like they personally offended the economy. Will I be back? Yes. Will it be soon? No. Next time I'm trying the cheesesteak because apparently I'm a glutton for punishment and also curious if it comes in "fun size" now too. Pro tip: Bring your own cheese. Save $5. Live your best life. Also i turned macro mode on for my camera. Objects look bigger than they appear in person. Atmosphere: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Food Quality: 3/5 | Value: 2/5 | Portion Size: 1.5/5

    Choritacos (chorizo + another protein) and Dos Equis Amber are principally what I need every once…read morein a while and the lady really is a fan of good steak tacos, beans and rice. We like this place just as much as the more upscale East side joints...and ya know what...it's a bit cheaper and seems to stay pretty busy despite its 'back of the strip mall/behind a tire shop' location. Pretty fast efficient service too all things considered.

    Hacienda Leon - mexican - Updated May 2026

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