I have eaten at JC's at least a dozen times and I have never left unsatisfied. Admittedly, the food is not necessarily exceptional, but I haven't found a restaurant yet that I would describe that way. The food is certainly very good and unmatched in the immediate area. I think a lot of people develop their taste for a specific style of Mexican food and measure all others based on those expectations, but if you look at the food in terms of presentation, technique, and quality of ingredients JC's rates very highly. The dining space is small and with a nearby train station it can certainly be noisy; some may find this a nuisance while others allow it to add to its personality. Without any doubt the service is remarkable and for me that is what makes a great place -- I can usually make better food in my kitchen but that's not why I dine out. If you like chorizo I think JC's is top rate; they also have good chile rellenos, chicken fajitas, taco salad, and enchiladas. Their sopapilla is a tasty treat, too. Truthfully, I haven't had anything here that I wouldn't order again. Portions are generous and prices are good. This is a great place to sit outside on a warm summer evening or for lunch on a breezy afternoon -- just remember the proximity to the train. read more

We here many times but writing review first time... Very good food...they make fresh, specially for vegitarian choice. Red salsa is really HOT...green is medium HOT...and they also have regular salsa too. The service was little slow but mostly because they need to make most of all our order from scratch as our most of the order was vegetarian. The guacamole was ok... Veggie fajita was good, as well as the burrito. Veggie casadia was nice, with cheese and green/red bell peppers. We see little difference, $1 or $2 more in price of couple of item in check compared to menu price (half guacamole was $5.99, but charged $7.99...and this price was not in menu at all for any size of guacamole...same for chicken fajitas, charged $1 more than menu price)..We really don't worry for this extra charge, and I understand they may be charge some extra for the salsa because we asked for so much salsa :) Overall good experience... read more

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It had been more than a year and a half since I last tried JC's. My first visit was only memorable in it's disappointment. However, with an updated menu and apparently a new chef (or at the very least vastly new recipes), JC's on my second visit was delicious. Complex and bold but Hovering close enough to the traditional Mexican style I've loved since I was a boy, JC's has improved leaps and bounds. I've been a monumental fan of Mexican food for a long as I can remember, and I can say without hesitation that I will be quite happy to return to JC's again very soon. read more

Oh boy. I don't know where to begin, but here goes. Chips were really stale and the "salsa" was La Preferida with chunks of tomatoes in them. No water was brought to the table, nor suggested. The margaritas were guaranteed to be hand-made (not a mix) but came back with mostly handmade and mix in it. The color gave it away... Our guacamole was exactly one avocado mashed with a few onions and cilantro and had no flavor. I ordered Chilies Rellenos and one chili was flavorless with chewy steak and the other was hot and smoky flavored, just as it should have been. My husband ordered fajitas (gluten free option) that were very ordinary. This is not authentic Mexican food. Please visit Los Comales, Bien Trucha (bring $$$) if you want a true Mexican taco. We will not be back and are sad to not promote this downtown business. read more

I've never been in here to sit and eat but my husband and I have ordered carry out on several occassions. Each time we find that we love their food more and more. And their carry out is always ready so quickly making it super easy for me since I get off the train right there in the evening; I can just grab it and head home. We've tried several menu items and loved them all. Especially their steak fajitas! We also really liked the cinnamon chips for dessert - so yummy! My husband told me the last time we ordered from there that he could eat their food everyday. We won't go that far but we will return. The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because I can't comment on the dine-in experience and their guac isn't great. It's ok, but kinda bland and cound use a little salt or lime to kick it up. read more

Unless you have a palette that prefers Taco Bell rather than traditional Mexican Flavors, You have given JC's 3 or less stars. We don't blame you, you just are clueless as to how authentic Mexican should taste. Since moving to Bartlett from Las Vegas a year ago, we have been to JC's twice. Both occasions we have not been disappointed. As you could imagine, we come from the heart of the country that knows what these flavors should taste like.. They have a delicious Mole sauce that should not be missed, so try the Pollo en Mole. Really tender chicken under this beautiful dark brown sauce. We have also had the Pollo Ala Diabla ~ but those gentle taste-buds of most people in this area should probably avoid- especially if you have a heart condition. The Carne Asada is another excellent choice as is Bistek Con Rajas. Great Beef choices. YES - have a Mango Margarita~! Even the traditional Over Rocks ones are delicious. We are always too full for dessert, but they great People surprised our mother in law with a slice of Chocolate Cake for her birthday and I was told it was very very good! Every thing was incredibly fresh here ! The staff was amazing and the chefs are very very good at what they do...if you enjoy actual Mexican Cooking, and not the Chi- Chi's version of it.. you will like JC's ~ read more

Enjoyed the ambiance and delicious food at JC's. My bf and I went here for dinner on the recommendation of some of his friends, and they did not steer us wrong. We went in only about 1/2 hour before closing and were treated extremely well (something all restaurants don't do if you come in near the end of their day). The food we ordered was delicious, as was the guacamole (one of my favorite foods). I enjoyed the Sangria with my dinner as well. Service was great- very attentive despite the restaurant having quite a few tables for the hour. I also love the location and restaurant itself- very cozy. We will definitely be back when we are in the area! read more

I went here last night for a friend's birthday. I really enjoyed how it is a family owned establishment, and its location in their house! It has a very cozy atmosphere, and was surprisingly busy for a Saturday night. We had to watch at least 20 minutes for a table, which wasn't terrible, but odd for a small place in the suburbs. The food was delicious. I had the Steak Enchiladas with Green Sauce. I was impressed with how fresh everything was. I only ate about half my meal because it was so filling, and the price was great for the portion size. I tasted my friends' dishes like the Chimichanga, Steak Tacos, and the Vegetarian Tostadas. They were all tasty. I also had Horchata, and it was fabulous, so much, that I had 2 :P The only thing that didn't impress me about about this place was the service. We had two servers, which was unusual, and caused a lot of confusion when our drinks and food were being brought out. There were also big gap times in between drinks and order-taking. I had to take off two stars for that because it was pretty annoying, especially when we were all really hungry, but I am hoping it was just a one-time thing. I would not mind coming back here again if I am in the mood for some pretty good Mexican in the suburbs, though! read more

I just do not get the high marks this place is getting. We tried it again this weekend to see if things have improved and I'm sorry to say they have not. In my opinion (that's what this is all about) mediocre food, bad drinks, bland guacamole. I do not think we will be coming back, sorry, we tried. read more

This place is so cute, love the atmosphere! It appears as a family run business by hard working people. I live near by and love the string lights and colorful umbrellas, always makes me want to stop for a margarita. However this is a sit down place no bar in case anyone cares. Very friendly staff, and I've been several time and ordered the taco salad, chimichangas, burrito, quesadillas... I'm always happy, the food is very good! read more

Appetizers: guacamole was flavorless and pretty much a mashed up avocado. Entree: the quesadillas tasted like the cheese came from a giant tub of goop, borderline rubber-tasing. Drinks: the margaritas came from premixed concoction that you pick up from the discount aisle at Jewel. read more

Lousy service. I live in bartlett, and wanting to try this place for a year, my mother and I went on a Saturday afternoon and wanted to sit outside, we checked in with we found it later was that owner, god was she rude, we were sitting outside and she demanded that my mother die out her cigarette, were outside with no signs posted, and she really embarrased her like she was committing a murder right there. We wanted another bowl of chips and salsa and she said after 2 small bowls of chips, she will charge us, in fact that extra little cup of salsa was put on our bill for 3.00 dollars. We never got water refilled, had to beg for some water. I will NEVER go there again. read more

I have been to JC's a couple of times and each time is better than the last. Excellent food and fantastic (and friendly) service makes this an all-around great meal. Their prices are great and their portions are nice and big. Even the sopes, a generally small dish, is enough for one persons meal! They have a great atmosphere and a great location. Try and go on a day you can eat outside on their great patio. Can't say enough good stuff about this place! read more

I love mexican anytime anywhere and have to say this was a pretty good meal. I started with a mango margarita and it was lip smacking delicious. For appetizers I had the queso fundido minus the chorizo and it was oooie gooie goodness. For my meal I had to have the cheese enchilada in a red sauce accompanied by beans and rice. The enchiladas were delicious! and the beans had a kick of surprisely good heat that was unexpected. Overall the service was pleasant the space is cute and the food is good! read more

Just had takeout, my first time eating here and it may be my last. We ordered steak burritos which seem to be 85% salt. I was only able to eat less than half of it and that is where I discovered a teaspoon of sour cream. I was unable to douse out the salt taste with my own salsa on hand, the red and green sauce they gave was retched. There are tons of great reviews for this place and I wonder if they have had a change of chef's or did they get too cocky and give up on the food quality? read more

Yikes. To me there are only two kinds of Mexican food, Awesome and good. Unfortunately, this was neither. More like bad. I only gave it a star Because they had good margaritas. Two staples were bad: Chips and salsa: they must have bought Pace Picante and poured into a tiny bowl served with stale chips, likely from dollar store Quesadillas: filled with cheese that I imagine came From one of those 10lb. bags of disgustingness. Not many alternatives in bartlett, but spend 10 minutes at Jewel and you whip something up that is ten times better and cheaper. read more

After living in bartlett for 3 years, I finally made it here. I was mad I waited so long. Sangarita was great as was the Cerviche. I had the steak with poblano peppers and I enjoyed that as well. Only con? It was a little slow on the service side, but hey, what else do I have to do on a Friday night? read more

I'm sorry, but this place didn't impress me. JC's came across as being very loud. I spent my meal being virtually unable to hear the waitress or anyone else at my table. Food was ok, but I've had better for far less at other Mexican places. One member of my party got sick off of her dinner. I've had better guacamole at Chipotle (at least Chipotle had a better portion size and presentation of guacamole for the price). Service was ok, but I didn't appreciate having my dinner served 10 minutes after the rest of my party. For crying out loud, they should have been able to properly time everything so that everyone at a table gets served at one time. Overall, not impressed. Sorry :-( read more

I have been eating at this place for years now and I'm never really disappointed. Everything is well made and fresh. I have order mainly the burrito with and without suizo and it's always one of my favorite dishes. if you're looking for something more healthy I recommend the taco bowl which is always packed with food and you definitely get your money's worth here...just $6.95 for a big taco bowl. The service is always friendly and the wait staff always has service with a smile. The bathrooms are also very clean and the tables are always prepared by the time you get there. There is an option to eat outside, however the restaurant is located by the Bartlett Metra station so it can be noisy at times. Regardless, the food will always keep you coming back to this place. The guacamole is always tasty. The salsa could be better since it always tastes sweet. The chips could also be better. They tend to be too thin and a little greasy. However, the golden goose of this place are the huge entrees that are fresh and are definitely worth the money. Other than the salsa and chips, there is not much at all I can complain about this place. Happy eating! read more

So went there for a late birthday dinner got therre on a Sunday ten minutes before closing 1 the good Taco salad is massive and good Pork tacos out of this world My mom who hates eating out loved her food Servers were very nice and accommodating Margaritas were excellent 2 the bad No combos I am a gringo I want my enchilada taco combo mind you u can build it but it seemed more expensive Vegetarian options are available but unfortunately both rice and beans use chicken stock there are a lot of vegetarians in that area I would consider adding the option I love this place but a bit more consideration for veggies would make it the best read more

The food here was decent, but the service was not good. Although the wait staff seemed friendly, some were forgetful and seemed like the had A.D.D.. Maybe there was a miscommunication, but we ordered two different margaritas from the menu, but we received the same margarita. I didn't say anything and let it slide. Whenever we asked for a refill of water they would say yes, but would not come back? I had to keep flagging them down to get water and you would think that if I kept having to flag them over they would notice that they were not providing good service to us. When we went, it was early before the dinner crowd where it was not busy, so not sure why they weren't paying attention to us. Also when we first entered, the two girls in front were having a personal conversation with each other and we had to wait about a minute for them to end their girl talk before they acknowledged us and seated us. Like I said, my wife and I thought the food was just okay, but the staff seems forgetful or out in space. Place is very small and cramped, so I wouldn't recommend this as a place for a big group of people. read more

Loved it! Had 2 tacos- one American and one Mexican. Both were excellent. Really liked the salsa even though several reviewers didn't like it. Met a girlfriend there for lunch who has been there several times. She always takes home aSteak quesadilla for her son. Nice little place. Can't wait to back and sit outside. read more

JC's is a gem of downtown Bartlett. They have terrific Mexican Food and a decent price. The Sopes are terrific. My wife and I had never had them prior to JC's. We've tried them now at other places and JC's have the best! The only small knock on the place is their small location. Only because we have small kids and like to have some room between other diners and us (for the other diners sake). read more

I love this place. The food is always good and very fresh. You get more than you pay for here (I always take home leftovers!). Sometimes the service can be a bit slow, but they always take care of you. Highly recommend giving this place a try. read more

I really liked this place. My husband and I met friends there for a casual dinner and enjoyed it very much. The decor is quaint and food is good. I just wasn't wowed. I don't know if it was the empty dining room, lack of music, or what. I would definately go back, just not right away. Maybe in the summer when the patio is open. Be sure if you are unfamiliar with downtown Bartlett to watch out for the one way streets. read more

had to update after trying something other than my delicious garlic shrimp... silly me went with chicken enchiladas...as soon as they came out I knew I would not like them...they just LOOKED unappetizing drowned in that weirdly too red sauce...The chicken was like chewy little nubs...barely resembled chicken and looked almost undercooked (I thought it would be shredded)...then the dish had no flavor, spice, or seasonings...The salsa was terrible this time too...again no flavor or spice...very flat...Pace makes a better salsa and I (a gringa) make better Mexican food than this crap...I hate paying for a nasty meal! I chose to not even take home my leftovers and I think that is a first ever! read more

Went here for lunch with a coworker; weekday afternoon, only ones in the place. The service was prompt and attentive, but the food was less than satisfactory. I got the three taco plate: 2 chicken, one steak, comes with rice & beans. The food was lukewarm on arrival (seriously, the chips they brought to start were warmer than the meal itself). The chicken is either canned or just boiled & chopped, no seasoning to speak of. The steak was decent - what there was of it; had a large chunk of fatty gristle which took up most of the taco. I generally got the impression that they just have a bunch of pre-cooked ingredients that get thrown in the microwave as orders come in rather than being freshly prepared. For the $11.00 they charged for 3 tacos, 1/2 cup of rice, some beans and a handfulof lettuce, I don't think expecting freshly prepared food is out of line (especially since we were literally the only ones there for the duration of our meal). Perhaps we just want on a bad day - I see many positive reviews here - but with so many other good Mexican places within a short drive of this place, I doubt I'll ever go back. read more

The best Mexican food that I have had in Illinois!!! The wife and I frequent JC's at least once per month and find new favorites each time we go!! Would recommend JC's to everyone I know!!! read more

I really love the food. In fact my entire family loves the food. My son is 15 and daughter is 13, both love the taco's, baby burrito, quesadilla's and the guacamole is very good! All of the dishes are very authentic, portions are generous and atmosphere is nice and quaint - small town feel, which it is. Love the owner, Luz and her kids (extended family) run and manage the business and they give back to the community. Great experience, great food and great drinks and a fair price. Carry out is good too! read more

My family LOVES JC's! We have been looking for a new place after another local Mexican restaurant closed. Family owned, very friendly place. Very small but have never waited longer than 15-20 minutes to be seated. Great guacamole. Other food ordered: tacos, burrito, chile rellenos, enchiladas. My favorite is the chicken enchilada plate with salsa verde. The BEST tomatillo sauce I've ever had. The margaritas are very good. Never had a bad experience go there. Parking is sometimes hard because the parking lot is shared with the train station. There is seasonal outdoor seating. read more

Delicious food. Excellent service and reasonable price. I will highly recommend it to neighborhood community

We LOVE JC's!!! Their Chicken Enchilada's with mole sauce is like none that I have ever had - it is the best!! We also love the family that runs the business. So grateful to have this amazing restaurant here in downtown Bartlett!! read more

My husband and I decided to try this spot on this beautiful summer evening. We were able to sit on the patio which was very nice. The staff was very friendly and polite, the drinks were outstanding and the food was delicious! I ordered the steak enchiladas with their poblano mole (if you like mole negra then I definitely recommend that dish) and my husband had a burrito dinner. It was a perfect dinner all around. We'll definitely be back. read more

JC's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Bartlett, Illinois

I want to tell you that this restaurant has the best food and margaritas. This has been my go-to Mexican restaurant since the day it opened. Unfortunately, my New Year's Eve experience has left me crossing this place off my list of recommendations. Why? Our margaritas tasted like they had no alcohol in them (or very watered down alcohol). After we pointed this out to the server, we ordered replacement drinks. Unsurprisingly, the second round was made with alcohol; we still had to pay full price for both rounds of drinks. We assumed this was a mistake ("Gee, did I put alcohol in that margarita yet?"). After our food was ordered and consumed, the bill came and the price of what we ordered did not match the menu price. Focus on the "after the food was consumed" part of this. When this was pointed out to the server, and subsequently the manager, we were told that there is fine print on the bottom of the menu stating "prices are subject to change." Hmmm. The manager said the menus are four months old. This is a very small restaurant; how many menus could they possibly have that it would take four months to change prices? They could have used a permanent marker to change the price on the menus. The server could have pointed out the price change when the item was ordered. It would take about 5 minutes to print out new menus. I wonder if they ever heard of Post-it-Notes? What they cannot do is sell you a menu item with a stated price, not tell you that the price has changed, wait until you consume the food, and then surprise you with whatever price they felt like charging you on your bill. I'm not talking about pennies. The discrepancy was a 63% menu price increase. 63%. The manager admitted this was not a mistake in the menu price, but a market fluctuation in food costs that after four months, had still not been reflected in the menus they hand out. I believe this is in violation of a whole lot of laws and the restaurant should not be able to operate in this deceptive way. It not only ruined our New Year's Eve celebration, but they lost a table of loyal customers. If you go, enjoy their great food, but ask for the alcohol in your margarita be put in a shot glass so you can make sure it is alcohol, and ask the server, in front of witnesses, "Can you please go over your entire menu with me and give me the real prices so I know what I have to pay you at the end of this transaction." This will take the server a very long time to do if he/she is even able to do this. I'm sure the owners have worked very hard to build their restaurant business and their food and drinks have previously been well worth the visit; however, this new turn of events leads me to cross this one off my list. It just isn't right. read more

Recently moved to Bartlett and heard a lot about jc's. To my surprise the food was amazing and the service was great!!! Since trying jc's, my boyfriend and I have actually agreed that this is our new favorite place. We highly recommend the Cadillac margarita and pretty much anything on the menu! Definitely worth trying if you have never been. read more

In all my years around Bartlett, this place is by far the best Mexican restaurant you can find. I will start off by saying if you live in Bartlett, and never have been to JC's, then I feel bad for you. Because this place will change your life, and it is a simple, authentic Mexican restaurant. To start, make sure you order a margarita. Easily the best margaritas you'll find in this area. Chips & Salsa is another customary item that will get you, and it is excellent. The food ranges, from carne asada, to chicken enchiladas (get the enchiladas!). Can't say much more besides the service is ok, but the food is good. Try the guac as well. read more

I rarely give a one star review. I'm willing to update this review if there is an improvement. This place used to have good tacos, I was shocked at my recent take out order. I placed an order for 6 chicken tacos and 3 steak tacos to go. When I got home the chicken tacos stunk so badly, I open up the foil wrapping and the onions were smelling very bad, and in addition the chicken breast was heated chicken breast from a can. It wasn't their boiled chicken breast it was cubed perfectly and stringy just as canned chicken. It tasted like warmed can chicken, when you heat it it has a stink odor like a chicken coop. The steak meat was very tough and not chewable. I was greatly disappointed. The food here has either changed or they ran out of food that day and gave me scraps, I don't know. read more

This place is AWESOME!!! Designed for a town that doesn't like your traditional mexican greasy spoon taco places, JC's has great authentic food, in a small intimate atmosphere. It is family run and they treat you like family when you come in, I've been coming here since they opened and have never been disappointed. They are a bit pricey depending on what you order but he portion size and quality are worth every penny. read more

Great Mexican food and margaritas. Very polite waitstaff. Outdoor seating for summer.

Not going to say much about this place other than the staff is very friendly, but some of the waitresses are a little inattentive. The food is absolutely great, I've never had a problem in that restaurant nor a bad experience, their food tastes like great, authentic Mexican food. I hope you consider trying this great place read more