First time here, visited on a Friday night for tacos. The trio of tacos al pastor was dry, lacked any real savory character internally, just whatever spice is rubbed on the exterior of the chopped meat with onions on top for $16.00. The bar was busy serving many varieties of tequila and margaritas, the latter poured from premixed gallons of plastic containers. Beer here but no local brews. Not sure why this place is so popular when there are far better selections in the area. Clean, friendly service, but those are my only two stars. I'll look for tacos elsewhere on my next visit to Arlington Heights. Anyone have a recommendation for better Mexican food in Arlington Heights? read more

Our family has been going to Javier's for years. Yesterday I went to lunch with a friend. On a positive note, the service was very good. However, I ordered the taco salad, which I have done so before, and it came out with no seasoning, uncooked ground beef, and soggy lettuce. The lettuce was so watered down. It broke through the taco shell. Overall, there was water pooling on the plate. Would NOT recommend the taco salad. For the first time I saw the restaurant was rather empty so maybe there's a new chef or just an off day. Was very disappointed. Would not recommend based on this experience. The ambiance was very dark and cold - almost empty in restaurant. read more

Great service and yummy food. The portions are generous and the mole is delicious. Also there's two for one Margaritas!

The food at Javier's is excellent, and the kitchen supportively accommodates requests to ensure diners fully enjoy meals THEY prefer. All servers and table support staff are amicable and remarkably attentive to the diners' needs--even during busy times. The environment of the restaurant is perfect for meeting a friend, gathering with friends and/or family, or simply dining alone. A+++ A must-go (often) restaurant! [Stellar sangria and salsa are bonuses] read more

Service prompt food delish as always and House marg on special on Monday. Staff is welcoming and they are open on Monday. !!!

My only deterrent is parking. I am partially disabled and although I had a good parking place on the side of the building, it was a good walk to the front entrance. This is why I probably won't be back. The food and service were excellent. I was with a group of about 20 ladies and everything went smoothly. read more

We were there 8-25-25, on a Monday for lunch. I ordered the spinach enchiladas. About 16-17 dollars. No sides offered, and I was asked if i wanted rice or beans with it. I asked if there was meat in it and was told it did not come with the enchiladas. So I asked "why did you ask me? " I just wanted to know if you wanted it." Never answered the question. The enchiladas were bland, tasteless, and the cheese was like Velveta. No sour cream or guacamole served with it or a lettuce leaf. I ate one and took the rest home to fix it, or put it out for the raccoons. YUK! The complementary salsa and chips were subpar. This is not a place to go for good Mexican food. Way overpriced and bland. Salsa 17 will be my go to. read more

The food is pretty good. I couldn't decide between the tamales or the enchiladas. The waiter recommended the enchiladas. I asked if he preferred the chicken or the tinga. He suggested the chicken. I requested the green verde sauce. The flavor was really good, however they were the flattest enchiladas I've ever had and they were smothered in the verde sauce. The cheese that was melted on top was burnt. There was a helping of rice, but I had asked to have extra rice as I didn't want the beans that came with it. We got chips and salsa as part of the service. The chips were flavorful and crispy. The salsa was weak with a little kick and watery. It actually looked like watered down tomato soup. I had dined with three other people. One person got the steak fajitas. There was hardly any meat and a ton of peppers, onions and tomatoes. He was able to eat three tortillas with meat and could have made four-to-five more with just the vegetables. The other couple shared the Steak a la Tampiquena (close to carne asada at other Mexican restaurants). They also got a small guacamole. They liked the guac and really liked the steak. Overall, our food was pretty good albeit the fajitas and enchiladas portions were on the small side. The service, on the other had, was just okay. Our waiter was constantly running back and forth checking on drinks, and checking other tables, but in parts. He took one order, then left and came back as he forgot to take mine and my friend's order. Then after taking my friend's order he left to get me a refill. Then he took my order and left again, although, be fore leaving, my friends asked for more chips. He left without the basket and came back with drinks for the rest of the table - no chips. Then my other friends asked again for more chips. The waiter said yes and was about to scamper off when we asked another person (a "runner") if she could bring more chips. She said sure and the waiter ran over with the chips. It seems so trivial but it seemed like a competition to bring chips. Initially we asked if we could get separate checks. The waiter asked who would get what. There was a couple (husband and wife) would get one check, my friend would get his own, and I would get my own. The waiter had trouble providing three separate checks and so he didn't. He gave one to the couple and one to my friend and I. It was not a big deal, but seemed weird that he couldn't separate the orders. With so many Mexican restaurants, Javier's is an okay spot to visit: the food is decent enough, but the service was a bit off. Overall, it was an okay experience neither bad, not awesome. Just okay. read more

We stopped at Javier's with the family for some tacos. Our granddaughter ordered tongue tacos, but found she really didn't like them. When the waiter came to clear the table, he noticed that she hadn't eaten very much, and offered to have the kitchen make her a different taco order to go. We really appreciate his kindness and concern for his customers. He fixed a problem that wasn't even the restaurant's fault. Fantastic customer service! read more

I just wanted you to know and write another review how much I love this place. My family has been going for years! I just had my first baby and haven't been able to go and all I think about is Javier's! The food, the margaritas, the smiles! I hope this place stays forever! Can't wait to come back! They also have a fantastic coupon program!! Everything is outstanding! read more

The mixed drinks are not good pina colada taste like water , mai tai isnt made properly, Bacardi premade are better than what is made here. The food bland and dry no cheese on or sauce on chimichanga , guacamole tastes oily, chicken taco has no flavor, never thought i would ever taste a flavorless tamale, it's like they are afraid of or don't know how to season, anyone that likes this has a boring palate, only thing likable was the beans and rice and i dont even like mexican rice, first and last time read more

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This is a good place for a solid meal. The ambiance is nice, and the service is good. It's a nice place for a date or a family outing. It's a good restaurant. I've eaten there many times read more

Javier's is our go to for authentic Mexican food in AH. Always fresh and delicious. Staff are always smiling and upbeat. The vibe is homey and cozy. read more

Lovely, colorful, spacious place with great service and great food! Would definitely come back. Tamales were delicious!

Our group had an excellent dinner and service. They accommodated our request for separate checks. My Chicken Fajitas were sizzling and delicious! Combos were ordered and everyone was happy with their food. The only complaint was the salsa was not to everyone's liking but the tortilla chips were authentic, crispy and a great starter. Highly recommend. ​ read more

Love the atmosphere, prices, food , staff is authentic and good service. Totally recommend read more

Always consistent. Great service. Authentic Tex-mex. Try the Don Javier margarita.... It doesn't disappoint !

I was really pleasantly surprised by Javier's. Excellent drinks and the food was above average. The atmosphere of the place is fantastic.

The food tasted great and was plentiful, the service was good and quick. Prices are reasonable and the menu has plenty of options. This is our favorite place for Mexican cuisine in the area. read more

Going here for years, sometimes a few times per month! Food is fresh and delicious. Servers are attentive and knowledgeable. Love the bar area and high top tables with a cold Margarita! Jorge the host is always smiling and friendly! read more

We love the menu here. Nice selection and consistent cooking make this a go to place. In summer it has a very nice outdoor area. Service is always good, sometimes great. Inside is ok. It's worth it to stop in and give it a try read more

Food is decent, service is ok but my biggest complaint is the up charge for using a credit card. Unfortunately, the service staff is getting the brunt of the ridiculous rule. Customers automatically decrease the tip by the amount of the up charge. Restaurants are making enough profit to absorb the credit card fee. read more

Javier's - Mexican Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

It's a cute place in downtown Arlington heights! We were there as soon as they open and that was nice because we sat at a little secluded room where no one else was around us! I had the steak quesadilla and it was a big one, of course I had leftovers! The steak was very tender and it had just a little spice! It needed some sour creme and some sauce to bring the flavor out! They gave us chips and sauce for starters! Price was moderate! read more

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Great margaritas, and fajitas. Tacos are ok. They have a patio from spring to fall & its always enjoyable to spend a beautiful night outside. Serves are friendly and attentive. read more

Great spot in downtown Arlington heights! I've been here numerous times & the service is always top notch. They have a handful of flavors for their margaritas (raspberry is my fave!). I've recently been getting their chicken tinga options - I've had their tacos and enchiladas. The enchiladas option may be my new go to. SO good! read more

Javier's - Chicken enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

Portions are huge. I had the grande burrito and brought half of it home. Wife had the chicken fajita tacos and she brought one home! Beer is cold and food good. Service very attentive read more

The best guac, always perfectly cold. The chicken tinga tostadas are always incredible. Manuel is a pleasure!

3.5 stars. The service is excellent, and the restaurant is really fun. Beautiful decorations, tables and booths, and a lively bar area. Complimentary chips and salsa for the table. The menu is large with a lot of options - tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and combo platters. Portions are big, but unfortunately, the food is very bland and under seasoned. I've had the chicken mole negro, which looked great, but the mole sauce was disappointing. Even the fajitas could use more spice - cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano.....anything to add more flavor. Enchiladas and tamales were also underwhelming. read more

One of my favorite restaurants, always delicious and great service. I've been going here for 30+ years

I had yet to have visited a low quality and poor service Mexican Cuisine Restaurant until I visited Javier's just this last week. Most entrees in Mexican restaurants usually come with a side of beans and rice of some kind. No, not at Javier's. Aside from their over priced poor quality and ridiculous small portions ranging from $14.99 and up, they will charge you and addition $3.99 for a side of beans and rice which if it is not from the day before, they must burn their rice and over fry their refrained beans. And like their entrees are not already a joke. Their "House" Margarita which to me tasted like a lemonade with what seems like a teaspoon of Tequila, is just awful. Now, I am not much of a drinker but even I could tell that was a store bought Margarita. To finish off, their ambiance is just dead, and this was just after 12:30pm. For a restaurant that should pride themselves in a lively Mexican environment, you couldn't bury a dead in their grounds or it would get itself up and leave. I hope they read this, perhaps it will give them an ideas as to why they had a slow Friday afternoon. read more

Javier's - 3 Tacos plus a side of burn dry rice and dry beans. - Mexican Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

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I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to find many different seating areas both inside and out. I ordered the Agave Margarita and found it quite good. The medium was the perfect size! My taco trio was awesome. Honestly the size was good, slightly larger than recent restaurants. The flavor of each different type was excellent. One was a Bass Fish taco. It was grilled and very tasty. I thought that selection was unusual, not one you regularly see. I will return. read more

The food came out at an appropriate time but it just wasn't very good. Two out of six people didn't like it. One had a chimichanga and said it was like mushy bread on the outside. Another person who likes spicy food said their tacos were barely edible. Others said food was ok. The atmosphere was good. Service was fine. Their policy was that they would not split the check for each couple. They of course can set whatever policy they want, but just one more thing that means we probably won't be back. There are lots of better options in the area. read more

If 0 stars were an option, I'd have a more accurate rating. My daughter's Communion celebration was booked here 2 months in advance. Despite having multiple party rooms, there was no party menu! The expectation was that my 25 guests could order every menu item ala carte, from drinks to food. I requested for three taco options to be put on a separate menu. It was not an option to add a kids item despite multiple kids attending. The $14 tacos didn't include rice or beans and there were no pitchers so everyone would have to order their own drink. The night before I got a call during a Saturday dinner rush from a manager who spoke broken English. She said that she was confirming my "reservation" for 25 guests and that they would be ordering off of the regular menu. When I said, no I had a specific menu approved, she said, "yeah I don't know about that-- how are you paying? One check?" I said, can you please confirm the menu we discussed is going to be at the party? She said "I can't we're busy!" This place is a money grab, doesn't appreciate their customers and offers zero accommodation for parties. I strongly recommend that if you're planning a party, or even just going out for a nice dinner, that you'll go to a place where they appreciate & respect their customers instead of taking advantage of them. read more

Cute Mexican spot downtown Arlington Heights! Our lunch came with chips and salsa. Their tortilla chips are crisp & tasty, and their salsa has the perfect kick. My enchilada style burrito was smothered in cheese and a spicier salsa that I requested. Perfect amount of spice that I wanted! The burrito was massive! Bigger than my hand. It had a ton of steak that was cooked perfectly too! The sangria was super good, and the flan was out of this world! We love stopping by this place whenever we're in Arlington. read more

Javier's - Massive Enchilada style burrito - Mexican Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

This place has been a fixture in Arlington Heights for years. Good food and great for large parties.

The food at Javiers is consistently excellent. The drinks and service also great. It is one of our favorites!

Not bad but definitely not great not even worth trying again. Vary bland and unattractive presentation. The price was a little high for the quality and portions. The service was decent but again not a go back place read more

Food and service was great, but when you get a margarita pay extra for a higher quality tequila... the house tequila isn't good... highly recommend the place... read more

First visit to Javier's for dinner and drinks with friends. Margaritas were great! Food and services were good too. Would like to come back to try other options on the menu. Got the combination 2, veggie bean tostada and veggie & bean taco. The only thing I did not like was the taste of the Mexican rice which was unusual, not sure if it was the seasoning or what. Typically rice is good at Mexican restaurants but didn't care for the taste of theirs. read more

Javier's - 12oz House Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois

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We went to Javier's for the first time on Saturday night. We wanted Mexican and were in the area. The restaurant looks like a traditional Mexican place without getting carried away with fake decor. The place was full but there were still some tables available. We chose to eat at the bar which made it much easier to stay in touch with the servers here - who were great by the way. We got chips and salsa as soon as we sat down. The salsa was a killer. I was joking when I asked if they had anything hotter. They did, but we decided not to try it. There was a lot of activity behind the bar, and the Margaritas were particularly popular. I prefer Corona on draft and my wife doesn't drink. I had the Calamares Fritos from the appetizer list. Calamari is my usual choice for an appetizer. These were prepared like I had never tasted before. I was told up front it was a unique recipe and I loved them and will definitely have them again when we go back. There were a ton of traditional Mexican dishes on the menu and we were struggling to decide what to order, so we both told the server what we liked and let her bring us what she thought we would want. I added tacos to that order just because I like to judge Mexican restaurants by how they do their tacos. They were good but I couldn't enjoy them as much because there was just so much other food. My wife ordered a fish taco out of curiosity and the feedback was she liked it and that there was a lot of fish. We had a combination platter, as determined by our server that included enchiladas and burritos. They were without a doubt the best I've had for a long time, and possibly forever. Wife had something similar and loved it. This would also be something we will have when we go back. Even though we really didn't have any room left, we shared a fried ice cream which turned out to be the perfect ending from a meal that was somewhat heavier than we've had in a while. But it was great and even though it is a bit of a trek, we will be back. read more

Javier's - Mexican Near Me - Arlington Heights, Illinois