I've dined at La Magdalena many, many times over the past years. My husband introduced me to this place several years ago as it's one of his favorites. I think it's partly for nostalgia as its been around so long--he can remember visiting the place with his folks as far back as when he was in junior high. The food is solid and I've never had a bad entree here. It's your basic Mexican restaurant. I've had tacos, enchiladas and the fajitas here on different occasions and it's been very good. Fresh ingredients and great sauces/guacomole. Each table receives a basket of crunchy tortilla chips and very tasty salsa. The salsa has a nice kick to it--to me it has good spicy heat--but if you find it too hot for your liking, you can ask for the milder sauce. Each entree comes with a cup of chicken soup--it's a bit salty for my taste so I usually take a pass on it. Their service is wonderful. Always professional and friendly. Recently, I reserved a section of the restaurant for my husband's surprise birthday dinner party and could not have asked for better service. I visited the restaurant twice before the party to ensure that all was in order. The manager wasn't there when I made my second visit, but the woman I met with knew exactly where my party was going to be and assured me that the servers would be ready for guests to start ordering drinks while they waited for the guest of honor to arrive. They also allowed us to bring in a cake from a bakery for the celebration without any hassle of a "service fee" that some larger establishments might require. This is where the Fernandez Foods restaurants started--La Hacienda and other La Magdalenas are now established in a few other suburbs. This location is smaller than it's sisters, it's kind of quaint, not very flashy but definitely an Addison staple. read more

Remember like a week ago when the weathermen said we were supposed to get that storm and then didn't? I'm being vague because that can pretty much be ANY week here in the Chi. But anyway, the night we came here we were supposed to get a massive snowstorm. And instead, we got pouring rain, for hours and hours and hours. And people stayed inside because that's when they do when the weathermen scare them, except for the ones who came to La Magdalena. Because it? Was hoppin'. My wife was craving Mexican food. I wasn't that hungry, but figured I'd go along. Our server was super friendly and cheerful. In fact, her attitude made up for the sh*tty weather outside. My wife ordered some random combination plate with rice and beans and blahblahblah. I got us an order of queso fundito and the caldo de pollo (chicken soup). The former was brought out to us on one of those skillet plates and set aflame before us. Dripping with oozy cheese and spicy chorizo, we made mini tacos with the fresh flour tortillas (you can have corn) that came with it. It was wonderful. Next up was soup. All entrees come with the house chicken noodle soup, even tho it's not stated on the menu. It's pretty standard. Nice broth, plenty of noodles. Nothing stand-outish. But good. I'm not quite sure why you get soup when you order a meal of soup, but you do. Then our entrees came and quite honestly I was too into mine to even pay attention to what my wife had. Some enchilada/taco nonsense that you can get at any Mexican place. She liked it, but can you be more boring? Please. My soup came in a huge bowl and there were three full pieces of chicken (with bones) in it. I believe there was a thigh, a leg and half a breast. The broth was reddish and spicy (not hot spicy, just flavorful), and it was full of veggies and noodles. When they say it's a meal in a bowl, they aren't kidding. This was wonderful and on a rainy winter night I couldn't have had a more perfect meal. read more

The steak burrito was great. Not greasy and drippy like some places. The beans are great, authentic. Some places they taste like a can but they are real here. I had a good time and my sister enjoyed her chili reonos also read more

Love this place. Let me start off by saying that the service is always amazing. Really nice people work here. The food is great. Reminds me of my Moms cooking. The salsa that comes with the chips is delicious, my kids can't get enough. You also get a "sopa de fideo" before your meal. The main course is always good. I've never had anything that has disappointed me. Great for families with kids. Kids menu has good options. read more

I had chicken in mole sauce. I found the mole to be a bit spicy, but that's just my palate. My husband loved my dish over his burrito, which oddly came with French fries? Weird. The margaritas were mighty strong, just the way I like it. Also, the house salsa is rocking and the place is bustling, so a decent rush of customers can't be wrong. read more

Went here for a Saturday night dinner. Menu is limited and food is average. Prices are high in my opinion. Service was good and helpful. Margaritas were on the sour side but good. We didn't have a wait at 7:30 Saturday which was a welcome treat. Not sure I'd go back since there are so many local places to choose from. read more

Stopped here for a late lunch with the wife. Now, I used to live a stones throw away from here many years ago and I have been in this place at least a hundred times over 25+ years and I have finally gotten around to writing a review now. Something about this place is just so familiar to me, like visiting with a long time friend. Standard Mexican fare is served here but it is almost always solid, that is why I come back. They have done some redecorating and added outside seating too. On to the food..............they always start you off with some tortilla chips along with some pretty decent salsa. I have to be careful here. Very easy to keep eating and eating them. No margaritas today (too early) but have had them here multiple times and they are always good. Come to think of it, this was probably the first time I have been here without having one.....or two. Normally, I always get the steak tampiquena which is always excellent but seeing that this was a lunch and I did not want to waddle out of the place, I had tacos El Pastor. Quite nice. My wife had her usual dish which is a shrimp soup that comes loaded with shrimp. I have tasted this many times and it is always nice. Service is good with long time servers attending to your needs. If you are ever in the mood or the neighborhood and have a taste for some solid Mexican fare, give them a try. There is a reason that they have been open for over 30 years. Cheers to All read more

We've been going here for over 15 years. This place is so delicious. Everything we've had has been perfect. Carne asada, chicken tacos, quesadillas, queso dip and even the free soup!! The Mexican Mai Tais are yummy as well!! We've always been treated well here too. Lupe is one of our favorites but tonight we had Martin and he was so sweet and polite too. This place is one of our go-to restaurants. Never a complaint. Keep up the amazing customer service and excellent food/drinks!! read more

FAIL!! I tried THREE times to call to get a quote and likely order food for catering...It's 1 PM on a Thursday....the hours say its open. The first titme, someone picked up and said nothing, and put me on hold and picked up again and eventually hung up. Called 2 more times....it rang and rang and rang.... Well Magdalena, either you have poor customer service or you just dont care to attract new business. Either way, im taking my money elsewhere. read more

My family loves this tiny hiden mexican restaurant but for me I just like it. The food is good the service is good.I think my problem is the atmosphere I get a creepy feeling partly because we went there one time on a hot summer day and they didnt have AC.I felt like I was suffacating and I forced my family to pack it up and leave before we ordered. So as far as the food I love their hot salsa and thick crispy chippies they give you start off with,but hat the fact that you get a tiny water glass that doesnt get filled up enough to calm my burning tongue. I usually get the veggie fajitas that are actually pretty good just a lil greasy. My daddy thinks the owners special is the greatest mexican meal ever so if you are a meat eater you should try it.It looks cheesey! read more

I moved to Addison when I was nine years old, and I didn't try La Magdalena until I was in my 20's. I'm not sure what took me so long. It was always just "that Mexican restaurant next to Ken's Adult Toys". Their food is great. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal there. Last time I had the Enchiladas Verdes, chicken enchiladas covered in a green sauce. At many other establishments, the chicken enchiladas are more fixin than chicken. This ratio was actually perfect. They don't overwhelm you with sides, but the tortilla chips and salsa are never ending. The chips, I have to say, are perfectly crispy and they don't break my fillings. Bad tortilla chips can ruin a Mexican food experience, in my opinion. I have to give special mention to the margaritas. It's hard to screw up a margarita, but it's also hard to make a good one. La Magdalena is above average. A shot of tequila later, and my night was complete. I live in Chicago, but I would drive to Addison just for La Magdalena. read more

This is our usual place for Mexican. It's the same owners as La Hacienda by the Marcus theaters but this is for the local crowd...not the moviegoers. A little more intimate...prices are a little better. Margaritas are terrific. Chips and salsa are tasty and keep coming. All meals are preceded by a complimentary cup of soup...simple broth with pasta. Babies love those noodles! My favorite meals are the spinach enchiladas, the shrimp fajitas and the skirt steak. All generous portions and delicious. Entrees come with your standard rice and refried beans. These are not favorites of mine so I wish there were alternatives. Seems a shame to send away so much food untouched. They've recently added a patio area. I've only been out there once and it could be better. The furniture is comfortable but VERY heavy. Hard to move even your chair. (UPDATE 07/2014: They have new furniture that is much better!) The sun is also a problem and given the western exposure, this isn't good in the summer. There is a sort of trellis there but it does nothing to block the sun. Seating has you right on a busy road (Addison Road) and there's no view to speak of but that's not a big deal. read more

We came here for Cinco De Mayo, as a Plan B after abandoning La Hacienda on Lake Street, which had multiple hours wait. We considered ourselves lucky to get a couple of seats at the bar, instead of waiting for the dining room. I tried the combo fajitas (steak, chicken, shrimp), house margarita & red sangria. Down-sides: * Didn't arrive sizzling. It doesn't really matter to me, but some people are sticklers about that. * No complimentary chicken soup with the meal. I didn't realize this should've been included, until after I read a few more reviews afterwards. Minus at least 1.5 stars for that oversight... blame the bartender ?? * Only 3 tortillas initially. This is not much for a huge plate of fajitas. I could order more without add'l charge... but it would've been nice, not to have to do that. They are soft, thicker & taste freshly-made. * Margaritas are on the sour side, which I didn't care for. Added sangria myself to sweeten it up a bit. Up-sides: * LOVED the red sangria ! It's decently sweet... even though the small apple chunks floating in it are very sour...but at least they made the sangria *look* more authentic ;-j It's alittle cheaper than a margarita, too. * The choice of two salsas is a good idea. I preferred the spicy one. As an aside, I can't tolerate anything very hot. But it was not really that spicy to me, especially if you avoid the small slivers of jalapenos. It was also *much* tastier (more onion, garlic & cilantro) & thicker (not really chunkier, just thicker.. so better for chip dipping) than the mild one. * The meat & shrimp were some of the best-tasting fajitas I've ever had !! Very good char-grilled taste, and sauteed onion & garlic flavor too. Plus alittle "greasy" (for lack of a better word)... in a very good way ! * Shrimp was medium-sized and had a fresh, "sweet" flavor. And at least 5-6 pieces, which is nicely abundant for a combo. Steak was chewy, but tasted great. Chicken was all breast & not too dry. Each one was very tasty ! I will *definitely* be returning for the fajitas & sangria. And maybe try some other menu items as well !! read more

Great authentic Mexican food. The soup was incredible decent pricing too................

I have been coming here for years. Love it. However, update the prices on your online menu! 22.99 vs 28.99 for a meal is a big difference! I feel deceived....not happy. Why you got a 4 instead of a 5. read more

Probably the worst mexican food experience yet. Where to start...? Drinks: I wanted a Margarita. Lime Juice, Orange Liqueur, Tequila. I didn't want some sweet 'n' sour mix laden liquid, I wanted a Margarita. So, they had just the thing, however it was $8 - fair enough, you get what you pay for. So I ask if I could get it in the form of a pitcher, to which the response was a curt/cold no. "I see you have specialty drinks for $9 and a pitcher for $31, perhaps I could just pay the specialty drink rate and you can make this happen?" to which the response was a curt/cold no. So, let me get this straight, you won't sell me a drink at higher than the advertised price - okay, just making sure? Then when the drink arrives, there is no salt on the rim of the glass. Not because I asked for no salt, just because they failed, and failed to ask if I wanted any salt. Oh, and I had to ask to get a refill on my water, which they forgot till the end of the meal. ------------------------------- Food: I ordered a Chicken Torta, which wasn't great, and wasn't terrible. The steak fries that came with my Torta was probably the best part of the meal. Oh, and like the water refill, I asked for napkins when the food came out which didn't arrive till after my plate was taken away. -------------------------------- Scenery: We decided to eat outside, big mistake. We are about 10ft from the main road, and our view was graced with the beautiful Walgreens sign. read more

Went in here for Pink Pony's fish fry but didn't even end up getting that. We got queso fundido, enchiladas and some chilaquiles. I've had better but hey, you gotta give these places a try right. The place was dark and kind of reminded me of a dive bar. Lunch time wasn't what I expected but they did the best they could. The queso was delicious, it had chorizo, green peppers, onions and of course cheese, served with tortillas. The enchiladas were FAB! They sauce was really good but I think next time I wouldn't get cheese, it was overpowering. The chilaquiles were way too wet and had a lot of ingredients on them, wouldn't get those again. Anyways, your typical Mexican-American restaurant. It seemed clean and the service was good. Meh. read more

After years of going to La Magdalena's, I have to say it is one of my favorite places! It is a great place for good traditional Mexican food. The salsa is amazing. I have many favorite dishes; the Caldo de Res, the enchiladas, the flautas are my cant go wrong standbys! I will say their mole is not my favorite mole sauce. I like the feel of La Magdalena's. It is low lit with music in the background. La Magdalena's offers a nice casual dining experience. Oh and the RITAS are great! Good for groups up to 6. Strangely, La Hacienda down the street is owned by the same people, but I prefer La Magdalena's for it's atomsphere! read more

What a great meal! The salsa was so tasty, and the margaritas were delicious. We ordered a cheeses and spinach dip which was so good. And plentiful, too. Thumbs up on the surprise complimentary soup, too. We will definitely come back, next time with the kids. read more

La Magdalena - Mexican Near Me - Addison, Illinois

We have been coming here for years and the food is great. Camarones a la plancha and chilaquilles con pollo are our favorites! Consistent food and service keep us coming back! read more

All the food was too salty. (They appear to be owned by a prepared-foods distributor or something like that, so I guess it would make sense that it's all high in sodium?) The service was good and my friend and I both enjoyed our meals. Our waitress was polite and fast. The mole chicken had good taste, and there was a lot of chicken - almost too much to finish. I had a mixed drink which was okay. The salsa was really good. Unfortunately, I won't return because there's so much other Mexican food (with less salt and better prices) nearby. Parking in back was a bit cramped; not much room to turn around. read more

I was pretty excited, to come here, didn't eat all day the previous Yelp reviews were very positive!! I thought, and felt that the customer service was Ammmaaaazzzing, however I did not feel that way about the food, I'm actually sad to report this, because how welcoming the staff made me feel I appreciate wonderful hospitality. I ordered fajitas, very unflavorful, the beans and rice cold, I actually put them on my sizzling skillet to warm them, chips were old tasting. Loved my margarita. read more

Simply put, I like La Magdalena. This is probably one of the only places (other than Millie's Pancake House) that has been in Addison for as long as I can remember. I never thought people outside of Addison knew about this place, but apparently it has a following outside of town - which explains why it is still there - next to Ken's video, cranking out consistent, quality food. It doesn't have the fancy-schmancy decor like Hacienda Dos Fernandez over by the Marcus, but it is homey and quaint. read more

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants for sure. Always good service and food. I really enjoy the Carne Asada, and have heard many compliments about their other dishes from the people I have come here with. Tasty Margaritas are also flowing here. Waitrstaff and managers check in with you often to ensure everything is okay. Good sized portions and tasty meals! Free chips and salsa are delicious also. Parking is hidden in the back and can get a bit crowded when busy. Overall just a consistent quality place! read more

I actually didn't like it as much as La Hacienda De Los Fernandez. Mainly for environmental reasons. It just wasn't as relaxing to me, and parking was kind of difficult. I also didn't think the food was as good even though they both are supposed to be essentially the same thing. It still wasn't bad, but it didn't quite win me over to come back again. read more

This place will provide great service. This was obvious right from the start. We started with guacamole which was OK. It could have used some cilantro and a bit more salt. The salsa was fantastic and the chips were very crisp. The enchiladas suizas were great. I had mine with cheese and onions. I also had a cadillac margarita which tasted great. So far, so good. The real issue I had was with the tres leches dessert. What they served was really a regular cake with tres leches flavoring. I wasn't really impressed. The rest of the evening was great, so I'll give 'em four stars. I would return. read more

I've been to La Magdalena a couple times, and its always been ok, but nothing great. I know that they are affiliated with La Hacienda down the street, but I still think Hacienda is better on most counts. The one thing that I think Magdalena has going for it is awesome drinks. They have a Chambord Margarita that is amazing. Last time we went I ordered the white sangria, and it blew my mind. It was filled with apples (unusual for sangria), and it was very cider-y like. It was amazing. The food is ok. I typically order the fajitas, and the BF orders the chilaquiles. Nothing memorable here. The soup that comes with the meal is way too salty. Service is always attentive. read more

BEST TACOS IVE EVER HAD!!! Service can be a little slow but genuinely nice people. I have been here twice and both times were amazing! I definitely recommend!!!! read more

Amazing Service! Great options for food! Wide variety of menu options! Greats drinks! The manager and the staff is always friendly and will always greet you with a smile! Highly Recommend!! read more

Always great! Haven't been disappointed yet. This is our go to place for Mexican food! The shrimp in the fajitas were soooo good, it will turn non-shrimp eating people into shrimp lovers. Definitely have to get a few pitchers of Margaritas for the table every time!!! Steak burritos are ridiculously good. I get them so often they probably should refuse me service due to my addition. I'm the kinda person who has to "get a bite" of everyone's plate so I've had a lot different dishes here and so far everything I've tasted is really goo. Only thing that stinks is the parking when it's really busy, but we always make it work. read more

Love this place, I ate outside during the covid it was good. I had guacamole and chips and carne asada. It was great.

Pretty good restaurant, service was about average, food was pretty good but nothing stellar. Pricing is very reasonable as well.

Great authentic food, awesome Margaritas, and excellent service. This has quickly become my gf's and I go to spot for a cozy Mexican place.

Absolutely delicious! Friendly and quick staff! The frozen margaritas are to die for and the steak tacos are amazing! They cut the steak up small. It was great. Soup also amazing as usual read more

I love this place! Perfect service, delicious drinks, decent food, standard Mexican restaurant atmosphere. The parking situation is horrific and if the spaces are all full, you just kind of meander around the dumpsters until a space opens up, which is awkward. But the carne asada, the queso dip, the flavored frozen margaritas... all make the parking lot a distant memory. Prices are great and it's a consistent experience every time. read more

I called to see if they host group gatherings and I talked to Jim. My main concern was I didn't know how many ppl to book it for since it was a gathering for after a funeral mass. Once we agreed on the number of ppl Jim and Jose worked with me and it turned out great for me and my siblings. Jim and Jose were very professional with good hearts. Great food and business was . Highly recommend this restaurant for group gatherings read more

Horrible dried out food was surpassed by the waitress' over powering perfume. Everything was kept in a warming oven al day. read more

I had the Enchiladas Suizas. The problem I find with small Mexican restaurants is they tend to over salt their chicken. Not the problem with this location. Fresh ingredients, quality establishment, friendly and attentive staff. Very classic, authentic Mexican feel to the restaurant. Pricing is my only issue. Too expensive but worth it every once in a while read more

Thank you to Jose and the friendly staff at La Magdalena. We decided to host our Christmas party at this location, and they were so accommodating. They made a personalized menu for our event, the food was delicious and the staff was so attentive. Everyone had a great time and it was all those small details that made this night memorable. Thank you and Feliz Navidad! read more

The owner used to be the part owner of Pink Pony. I have always loved the food at La Mag's. After living in AZ with awesome Mexican food, this was the closest to authentic Mexican food you can get. After selling out to Walgreens, he has shared more restaurants. La Hacienda in Addison is touristy, while Mag's is for locals. Their fajitas are the best. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I also noticed they put in a patio out front. read more