Barrington people- please, don't let this awesome restaurant go out of business like so many other Barrington restaurants have. The food is consistently delicious and the owner is a one of a kind sweetheart. We actually don't come here often enough, but I'm so happy that La Mesa is still open!!! Support this local business. Our town has too little of this kind of great food, and we need to get behind these local restaurants!! read more

La Mesa - 34 oz margarita! - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

La Mesa is a great spot in Barrington, we always order takeout Mexican food from this place. The food tastes great, is decently priced and is always ready extremely quick! The owner is a great guy always happy to see you and chat. La Mesa is a great establishment that you should consider next time you want Mexican Food! read more

La Mesa - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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The best chorizo burrito I have ever had and it's not even close! Owner is super nice and friendly! All the food is great! Only place k order burritos from now! read more

TLDR: Hole in the wall mexican place that's easily missed while driving down hwy 14. Very friendly owner that is giving it his all and is an extremely hard worker. Hot fresh food with great flavors, we will be back to try more things out at a later date. Recommend to give it a try and see for yourself. This is a hole in the wall mexican place easily passed by. You blink and you probably already missed it. Stopped here for the first time and we were not disappointed. Upon entering it is well lite place with vibrant colors. There was ONE employee working and he was the owner, very nice, he was hard working and always moving. Service 5/5: It was a bit slow but we did not mind we as we could tell he was busy. As the only employee working and owner of the establishment he waited on us, answered phones, rung up to go orders and cooked the food. Always moving and obviously trying his hardest to keep things flowing as smoothly as possible. Food 5/5 very fresh tasting. The salsa was good, chips warm and crisp. Unfortunately they did not have cheese dip/queso ready but that was ok. He could also not do cocktails as he did not have a bartender on hand. However, we ordered chile rellano and burrito suizo and each had a taco. The dinners were huge and the burrito was stuffed with ground beef. The relleno were not too greasy and had a great batter on them. When it came to the tacos my S/O said his was solid and I really loved how the Pastor tasted. It was not dry, but very juicy and the "typical" taco sauces brought out such good flavors. Overall a positive experience and we did not mind waiting. Very friendly owner who knows what he was doing in all aspects except for bartending. He did say he struggled to find workers so at times he is not always able to accommodate dine in and to go's might get backed up more than he would have liked, but he is keeping his business afloat. I recommend giving this hole in the wall a try and see for yourself how fresh and tasty the food is. read more

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Very very good Chorizo Burrito. Service was a little slow but otherwise was a great place to eat.

Excellent food, very authentic. I loved it. I got the Mexican style tacos. The tacos and the sides of rice and beans were excellent. The chips and salsa were homemade and exactly what I was hoping for. read more

I stopped in for lunch and had some of the best tacos not only barrington, but these northwest suburbs have to offer! All 4 of them, carne asada, pollo, carnitas, and the chorizo were not only tender, tasty cuts of meat cooked to perfect, they were generously portioned. I'm talking fat, full tacos, with just the right amount of toppings to compliment the flavors without compromising a single ingredient. The service was equally excellent; friendly, efficient, and accommodating. You can't ask for more than that. In fact, I was given a special avocado green sauce that I actually didn't ask for, and it was amazing that I will definitely be asking for a side of that zesty green goodness myself the next time I'm in, which won't be soon enough! I just started working down the road at Angel Water in Lake Barrington, and La Mesa is just 5 minutes away; this little diamond in the rough Mexican restaurant will be Tops on our Lunch List at least once a week from now on! It only took one try to become a fan favorite! What's more is that it's the perfect atmosphere for taking my mind out of the workplace so I can enjoy my taste buds being dazzled and my belly getting full too. ;) Comfortable, cozy, well decorated, and staffed with friendly faces ready to please! I'm the guy for whom "Taco Tuesdays" was invented, so after finding a nearby restaurant like La Mesa which does Tacos to perfection, every day is going to be Tuesday from now on! I'm already craving more, even as I type! read more

Please go to La Mesa. The food is fantastic, everything cooked from scratch. I'm gaga for the steak quesadillas. Just as important, the owner works solo - he does it all, cook, take phone orders, serve food, cashier. He is a stellar example of hard work and dedication to his business and his craft of cooking authentic food. I hope you will check out La Mesa.....and please be kind if it takes a few minutes longer than you hoped. read more

La Mesa serves literally the best Mexican food in the area. Not it's not a fancy, fine dining restaurant, it's more of a hole in the wall place that serves homemade Mexican food. They welcome you with open arms as they would do if you were visiting their home, and with genuine smiles. The owner also goes out of his way to make sure everything is to your satisfaction. We ordered an Al Pastor taco, a Carne Asada Gordita, and a carne Asada burrito. The Gordita came with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream packed in between two semi thick fried corn masa. It was very delicious and full of flavor. The al pastor was also very fast. Not the best I've ever had but wouldn't mind ordering it again. The burrito was also delicious. A nice size for the price and came with sour cream, cheese, beans, meat and onions. Hold the lettuce and tomato please. We came for lunch and weren't in the mood to order anything else, but next time we'll probably try their dinner plate along with some margaritas. read more

La Mesa - Al pastor taco on the bottom and carne Asada taco on top - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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Where should I start...the menu, the prices or the mouse? THE MENU: that's why we decided to try this little place. The online menu on the website had all kinds of seafood on it. When we got there, my mom and I, we were looking at the seafood on the menu, it all looked really good!! Then the owner came over and let us know that they don't have any of the seafood items anymore. None of them. Tacos, tostadas and burritos only. Not even chile rellenos. We wound up with guacamole and tostadas. The food was OK. THE PRICES: they were a little high for what we had and there was a fee to use a credit card. I asked for the fee to be removed and was told only if we paid cash. THE MOUSE: as we were leaving there was a fat little mouse sitting inside right by the door. It asked us how the food was. I'm not going back there ever. read more

Visited on a Saturday and enjoyed every bite. Authentic Mexican food with quality ingredients. Fresh made guacomole with no overpriced, fancy side show---house-made chips. Hubby did smoked pork chops; his plate completely cleared when he was done. I did combo to truly taste-test. Chicken mole enchilada was amazing. Chef's grandma's recipe we found out! Carnitas taco-yum!! The barbacoa that was tender and tasty. Only thing missing was margaritas however it is ByOB. Garfield's Liquor store right across the street for convenience. The liquor license fee for area restaurants had a big increase and they need more business to cover it. Many businesses along Northwest Hwy have closed. Please make a visit here. read more

My husband ordered enchiladas and I ordered carne asada. Both were excellent. The owner took care of us, and he was amazing. We really liked to renovations as well, much brighter in there. read more

Local dive (in a good way). Just moved to the area and checking out all the local restaurants a little at a time. The food was so good and fresh that this will now be my go-to for authentic Mexican food. Be sure to try the house made chips and various salsas they have! read more

Been here a number of times and today was the first time I left 98% of my food. The salt was so overpowering and absolutely ruined the enchiladas. Even the rice. The refried beans were like liquid you know what. Very dissapointed. And watch your check. They automatically charge for credit card. (I paid cash). read more

Quite possibly the best Mexican food in the Barrington area! Definitely a hole in the wall kind of place. The food here is authentic and homemade. A refreshing change from the Americanized Mexican food that most restaurants serve. Have tried several of their tacos and enchiladas and everything has tasted delicious. Continue to support this local business because the food here is something special! read more

I randomly stopped at this restaurant, because it was near a store in the area. They make some of the best tacos I have ever eaten! Outstanding tacos at an excellent price. We had ordered pastor (pork), pescado (fish), and barbacoa (beef) tacos with everything on it. All of them were excellent, and the barbacoa were my favorite. The restaurant is hidden gem in a little hole in the wall place. I definitely plan to go back, but wish it weren't so far from where I live. I highly recommend La Mesa. I only write reviews if a restaurant is outstanding, and La Mesa is. read more

Amazing best Mexican within 30miles Amazing best Mexican within 30miles Amazing best Mexican within 30miles read more

The food tasted good but was cold. Not sure why -- we were the only ones there at 5 pm. I ordered the two vegetarian tostada dinner. Rice and beans typically are served generously with a Mexican meal, but not here, a large spoonful of each, and they were cold. We asked for three glasses of water but he brought us bottled water because something was "broken" and then charged us $2 per bottle. Guacamole is delicious. Margaritas were great. read more

Looks like this place has changed hands, and it's definitely for the better! It's been a few years since we've been in here last, and so were pleasantly surprised by the updated decor and seating. No more dark hole in the wall, now it's light and bright in there, with neat tables lining the wall. We were greeted by the owner, very pleasant fella, and out came the chips and guacamole...fresh and tasty, some of the best we had tbh. We ordered the main meal, my wife's being a fajita plate and mine a burrito. Now I've eaten burritos all over Chicagoland, and will humblebrag that I'm a bit of a burrito connoisseur. I had 'em steak, al pastor, fish, lingua, chicken, all of it...but until that day I'd yet to have one containing the trifecta of steak, chicken and shrimp in it. Oh wow, that was quite alright! Perfectly seasoned and well prepared. I might even state that all my future burritos henceforth will get judge against the perfection which I found in the "La Mesa Burrito". As for my wife's meal, it was all praise from her as well. More on the owner, Adan, he was a fun guy, very personable. We chatted quite a bit about the economy and stuff, and I must say the dude was quite based haha, it was a good conversation. He cannot find workers to staff the place, so it's just him in there running the show, with his young daughter helping out as able. But he manages, there's nothing lacking there. Clean place, fresh/delicious food, it all works. 5 stars from me. read more

The food isn't great but the workers are so nice, I love the Mexican soda they give out.

Pricing on menu is inaccurate. You have to ask for chips and salsa. Ordered a fajita burrito which was suppose to have guacamole but it didn't come with it. Servers kid was running around restaurant bc it's "spring break". 10/10 will not be back. read more

Quintessential hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint. I'm a big fan of the fish tacos. The fish is very lightly breaded, not battered. Some spice and fresh fish in soft corn tacos with shredded cabbage and lime.. Simple, excellent. The guacamole is solid, but not particularly exciting or unique. Chips and salsa make it to the table early, and they are quite good. More traditional than the soft, flaky chips so many other places have started to serve. Margaritas are ok, but a couple different tequila choices might be a nice touch. This is not the best Mexican restaurant I can think of. But it is one of the most authentic, affordable and accessible. That's why I like it so much. It's right here and it's consistently good authentic Mexican fare when I want it. With that level set, I highly recommend La Mesa as your everyday Mexican restaurant. read more

La Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

Tonight we tried to go to the restaurant. The hours posted say open until 9:00 pm. We went at 7:30 and the lights were on and the sign said "open!" We walked in and the owner said they were closed. Over the past month we've tried 3 times during their published business hours and each time they say they are closed. We are DONE! read more

This place is def worth going to. Yes, it may not look like much and the service can be slow, but for a cheap pitcher of margaritas and amazing food, I can deal with that. There are usually new additions to the menu, which are always worth a try. The owner is awesome and the staff is nice. If you want some fancy place, this isn't for you. It feels more like home than a restaurant to me. But, if you want to eat good food and margaritas, def give it a try. It's usually busy on the weekends so it def isn't a dump like some others have said. Parking is a tad tricky for the front, but there is parking in the back so don't fret. Saturday's carnitas special is NEVER a disappointment. read more

La Mesa - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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Do not eat here ! We ordered margaritas, he gave us the high end one ( we didn't ask for) , ordered 2 guacamole, and dinner. The food was good, But there was a sign up saying Happy Hour on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We were there on Wednesday, so when I asked him about it he ripped sign down and said it was no longer effective, it was over 2 months ago??? WTH? He would not honor the price. So , we were charged full price for the drinks and on top of that he made them top shelf , and we paid the full price for the guacamole. . read more

Amazing guacamole and salsa! The atmosphere is very inviting and comfortable. Main entrees were good. I would definitely return.

I had a chimichanga. Delicious. The only complaint i have is the salsa was super cold for the chips and salsa. Rice and beans were excellent and service was prompt. I will be going back in hopes of a 5 read more

La Mesa - Chimichanga, rice, and beans. Delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

The food was great but due to staffing their hours are very odd. Owner is hard working and makes great food

My family loves La Mesa! It's definitely the best Mexican food in the area. We've been going there for years. They did a complete remodel this year and it's adorable. The new owner Eva (who used to be an employee) and her staff are always warm and welcoming. The former owner is still the head chef. We love the burritos, tostadas, and guacamole especially, but everything is really good. read more

Absolutely delicious food, owner was very kind and personable. Enchiladas and El pastor burrito were really great!

We love La Mesa!! Great , fresh food and an interesting and varied menu! Family owned - check it out!!

Thanks Yelpers! We decided to try this place while we were out and about in the Barrington area. It's a small restaurant in a very small strip mall near/in downtown. They have tables and there is wait service for those who decide to eat there and they also have take out. The restaurant area is a little run down looking, but not too bad - not enough to stop me from coming if food was good. The good news is that the food was very good - very fresh. My family definitely enjoyed their meals. The chips and salsa were great. My only complaint was the slow service, but you could tell that the food was made with tender loving care for us so I know that that takes time plus I think it was just one guy in the kitchen and there were a lot of take-out orders. However, service was very friendly and chips/salsa/drinks arrived quickly. All in all, we enjoyed our dinner and would definitely come back here again when in the mood for Mexican. read more

The decor in this establishment could use some work but the food is overall very good. I will definitely return as the prices are very reasonable. read more

La Mesa - Nice start - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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So it's a kitschy little hole in the wall. Food is decent and so is the price. Drinks are meh. I don't think it was real patron. Now let's move on to the sanitation issues: the floors need a good old scrubbing, for a few hours w lots of hot water and bleach. The chairs were greasy, hardy any napkins and you kinda have to ask for everything. The kicker of the kitsch - towel racks as curtain rods in the front of the restaurant. The staff was friendly and sweet but not trained. Maybe I expected too much. PS margaritas are made from a mix not from scratch, we prefer scratch. read more

La Mesa - Try the different salas. Mild, medium (green) and caliente! - Mexican Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

You don't go to La Mesa for quick service or the decor but for the best Mexican food for a great price! My favorite Mexican restaurant. Food is authentic and delicious. You will come here and have a restaurant full of regulars that address the owner by name! I've pretty much had everything on the menu and lots of special that aren't on the menu. The only item I don't care for is the sopes but I don't like those anywhere. The margaritas are classic and good. The owner is friendly and if you are lucky maybe one day you will be able to hear him sing. He has a wonderful voice. They have a margarita special on Saturday's. A pitcher for $12.99 I believe? Not sure the exact price but under $15. You can get about 6 glasses out of the pitcher. One of my favorite items are the mole enchiladas. Another hidden gem for sure. read more

Service was poor but that was due to being short one employee. Obviously that is not going to a regular occurrence. But the food was a different story... I ordered the chicken quesadilla lunch special. It was not a quesadilla in the traditional form you or I would expect(2 large flour tortilla grilled with meat and cheese inside). I got two small flour tortillas folded like a taco with lukewarm, rubbery, pre grilled chicken inside with a slice of partially melted cheese on top. Refried beans and rice sides were both cool (and not in the Fonzie) kinda cool). They weren't cold, but they weren't warm either. I was with a group of 8 people and only a few of the ordered came out right. One beef chimichanga came out as chicken. Pork carnitas didn't come out at all as they ran out of it, but they were able to make pork tacos...? Not likely to return. read more

Awesome real deal mexican food You have to check this place out. We will be back. read more

When you are hungry for mexican food and don't want anything big and fancy this place fits the bill! My husband and I like to come here on nights when both of us are out late from work and don't feel like cooking dinner. The food is very good and they do special orders NO PROBLEM! My husband says their tamales are good and I like the burritos with cheese and red sauce on top. yummm. Prices are really great and the services is very casual! I really like their mild salsa, and my husband thinks the spicy one is great too! read more

I recently came here for my second time. The first time I came here was a few weeks ago. I ordered a steak burrito & a chicken enchilada along with chips & salsa to go. The steak burrito was for me. The size if the burrito was pretty good, I have seen bigger burritos but I have also seen smaller. It really comes down to how good the burrito is. After a few bites I thought the burrito was pretty good. The chips & salsa were ok. They were very fresh but not really my kind of salsa but for the kind of salsa it was it was pretty tastey. The chicken enchilada I got for my family member wasn't a big hit. However I was happy with my meal & the prices were oretty good. The seond time I came here was the other day. I ordered another steak burrito to go. When I got home & started eating I was very disappointed. The burrito was very salty & had no taste. Even when I put hot sauce on it the salt over whelmed the taste. Overall the staff here was pretty nice & my firat visit here was pretty good & even with my second visitnhere being a disappointing one I would still come here again for a burrito if I was in the area. read more

Best shrimp tacos for lunch! So I've never been inside as a co-worker picked up our lunch order, so I can't speak for the interior, but the food is fantastic and lunch menu is very very reasonable. read more