La Bamba

Authentic Quality That Live Up to the Hype!…read more Our hotel concierge recommended Hacienda Leon, and it turned out to be an absolute highlight of our trip. Walking in, the place was completely packed out--which is always the best sign that a spot is doing something right. Having lived in and eaten around San Diego, finding truly great, authentic Mexican food can be a challenge, but Hacienda Leon delivered on every level. The flavors were spot-on, the portions were generous, and the quality was fantastic. We literally ate ourselves to sleep afterward. If you're looking for genuine Mexican cuisine done right, this spot comes highly recommended. We'll definitely be back.

If starting a GLP-1 (Ozempic, Manjouro, etc) sounds not-so-inviting but you really want to control…read moreyour consumption, try eating at Hacienda Leon instead. I guarantee the meal will shut your appetite down for good (and,...not in a pleasant way). Our food was terrible. It lacked flavor and the meat hardly resembles actual meat. I guess the chicken was chicken but there was no seasoning whatsoever. The beef (if you can call it that) does not resemble any beef I've ever eaten (perhaps it's Argentinian). I'm super puzzled as to how this place is packed all the time. They must have the best margarita specials every day of the week to draw that sort of a crowd. I ate about a third of my meal and my wife and daughter at the bare minimum before we simply tossed it in the trash.

Art

Especial Leon

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Tulum Special

Ancho & Agave

3.7(355 reviews)

3.4 mi

We had a table of 10 and the service was great. I had the steak asada enchilada, and I enjoyed the…read moremix of flavors.

Went to have lunch there. Accidentally forgot my Looki 1 camera there. I called and immediately was…read moretold by Stefan nothing there without checking then I called in the afternoon Skyler put me on hold said she checked lost n found and of course nothing found. I asked Stefan to check the cameras he said no cameras only above the registers. So it's FOUND AND KEEP no lost n found. I'm devastated that little camera is $250.00 bought on AMAZON. A gift to myself for a retirement/birthday present to myself.

Inside

They don't over feed you, that's for sure!

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Taqueria El Porton

4.2(260 reviews)

1.7 mi

Small place... no bar but bottled beer available- food is great- servers so great. Salsa is amazing…read moreand good food for the price.

I called this restaurant as I was entering Best Buy to return an return was pick up for the…read morecall was I was asked to hold and they laid the phone down. I was on hold for nine minutes and then someone finally hung the phone up. I immediately called them they left me on hold she apologized, but by that time I was a block from the restaurant because I still needed to pick up something for an individual for dinner that they entering the there was one person here the restaurant about this was a pick up I would've just said forget it and went . I don't believe I'll be back.

Combo special

Combination and taco plate.

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Guac

La Carniceria Mexicana

3.9(54 reviews)

3.1 mi

This market has a good selection of Hispanic foods for your needs in BloNo …read more Prices seems reasonable as well

Been to the restaurant & grocery store many times over the years, starting back in 2017 - it's…read morealways been great. Once took my friend from Mexico in there for dinner & some snacks, he said the food was delicious, and that the whole place reminded him of home :) highly recommend!

Mexican plate. always tasty.

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Herradura

4.0(123 reviews)

2.6 mi

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.

Inside restaurant

My different enchilada lunch plate. I had to request salsas with a bite.

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Interior

Los Potrillos

3.8(162 reviews)

1.4 mi

Everything was wonderful very good food I recommended very authentic sauce were the best meat cook…read moreto perfection on point

The restaurant is really quaint. The staff are attentive. The food has generous portions and is…read moredelicious. There's plenty of parking.

Fajitas Poblanos with Premium Margarita

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Fajita Burrito

Hacienda Leon

3.5(25 reviews)

0.1 mi

Food quality was poor. Ours came out cold. Waitress NEVER checked on us after food was delivered…read more Serve dishes at appropriate temp.

Hacienda León has an extensive menu with something for everyone. The variety makes it easy to try…read moresomething new each visit. I think the setup is nice and inviting, which is perfect for both casual meals and family dinners. I saw a table of ~12 when I visited! Overall, the service is friendly, but I felt a little neglected towards the end. If you're looking for a place with a big selection and consistently good food, I recommend! -AD

Bar area

Tequila Sunrise And Bean Burritos

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Bahama Mama

Veracruz Restaurant

4.5(131 reviews)

2.5 mi

Came all the way from Peoria for take out. Got here with 15 minutes and they tell me they close the…read morekitchen before they close. Not one word about that anywhere in description. So disappointed. At least make that clear and I would have phoned my order ahead!!! Really sucks!!!

First time in Bloomington and needed some tacos for Taco Tuesday. This spot was perfect. The tacos…read morewere flavorful and hit the spot, and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. You can tell it's more than just a restaurant -- it feels like a community space where people are genuinely welcomed. Definitely glad I stopped in, and I'd come back again next time I'm in town.

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Fiesta Ranchera Mexican Restaurant

3.3(37 reviews)

1.9 mi

Absolutely the worst service I've experienced in a very long time. Not overly busy. Several workers…read morewalking around. We sat for over 20 minutes before we asked someone for drinks- then another ten minutes until we asked someone to take our order. A couple behind us didn't wait as long and got up and walked out. Not going back until I hear it's improved. Also, I'm sure they over charged us at the checkout stand - since the guy who did take our order had it on his handheld device and there wasn't a printed check to review. I'm kinda done with this place.

The new building is gorgeous! Parking is a little tight…read more As big Fiesta fans, we were excited to try the new location since they moved across the shopping center. There was not enough staff to assist the busy the dining room on a Saturday night. Our cheese dip sat on the bar for 15 mins and was ice cold. We watched the waiter jam glass margarita glasses into the ice chest - major code violation. 2 of our 3 orders were severely messed up. The waiter took the wrong food from our table and gave it to another table. The waiter tried to correct our food but got it wrong 3 times in a row leading to us just wanting to leave. Hopefully they can work out the kinks but we will prefer to frequent the other locations.

Decor

Taco Bowl Before

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Really good guac, salsa and chips.

Tony's Tacos-Bloomington

4.0(27 reviews)

2.7 mi

Jesus was amazing. Excellent service and food. Top notch tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Would…read morehighly recommend for families, friends, party's or whatever event you may have. Their food truck is also exceptional.

We are a big fans of Tony's tacos and I've been a customer over there for many years. However, I…read morehave never ordered online previously. I always simply go to the store order my tacos and wait and sit until the tacos are ready, which usually is less than 12 or 13 minutes. However, this time, I went to the trouble of ordering online from home, and then showed up at their Normal restaurant to pick up my Tacos 20 minutes later and they had not even begun preparing them. May have to do with what's going on in the US labor market, but I do notice they're hiring new, young employees. So be forewarned about ordering online.

Chimichanga Platter

Birria tacos, enchiladas, and tamales!

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Loaded bbq pork nachos

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3 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Sean H.

15 years ago

So tonight the creepy owner guy threatened to have my car towed. That's funny, 'cause I was just eating at your restaurant. Guess I won't be making that mistake again. As for the food, go to Qdoba or Moe's Southwest Grill. For the same price you get better food. A little bit more and you can hit up Chipotle's, an excellent little Mexican place (especially the guacamole). read more

Logan B.

3 years ago

Food is amazing, and they make the food faster than any other Mexican restaurant. Service is amazing and the food is a very good price read more

Trent P.

3 years ago

You can't go wrong with La Bamba, whether it's 2 am or 2 pm! It's always a great option!

La Bamba - mexican - Updated October 2026

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