UPDATE: The owner reached out to me and made some suggestions about what to order and, most helpfully, HOW to order it. I've gone back and had much better food experiences! I still don't quite understand all the brisket love () but perhaps I never will. Check out the chilaquiles! SO GOOD! I absolutely loved this location when it was Front Street Cantina, so I was a little bit disappointed to hear they had changed hands but thought I'd go check it out. The place still has fantastic and kind employees with a dog friendly patio, so that's a huge plus! The new menu was a different story. I kind of felt like they just threw brisket at a lot of things and made them menu items. Nachos? BRISKET! Queso? BRISKET! Tacos? BRISKET! Okay, maybe it wasn't that many things, but I also can't eat a million things at restaurants so when a few of the things I COULD eat were eliminated because of freakin' BRISKET, i was a little confused. (I have an odd and restrictive diet, which, at its core is vegetarian and gluten sensitive). Anyway. I wound up ordering the nachos without the stupid brisket and I found the toppings to be considerably lacking (I'm assuming because they depend on the freakin' brisket to carry the dish) and I had to order additional sides of rice and beans to add as well as use our table salsa with them. However, i love the location of Next Mex, so I will probably be back. After reading the menu again, I may try some of their actual vegetarian dishes, even though I'm not crazy about mushrooms. After all, isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results? I'll update my review if I'm able to find something on the menu better than my brisket-less brisket nachos. Side note: what was my brisket word count in this review? 1 read more

Margaritas and tortilla soup were good. But it ends there. Ordered chips and guac for the table...no salt, no lime, not enough flavor. Had steak fajitas which had zero seasoning, big no no especially for one of the more expensive dishes on the menu. The ingredients themselves were good quality but why not at least put salt and pepper on the steak? So the fajitas were a huge miss. Service was average. No changing tables to be found anywhere so had to go back outside in the cold to change the kids diaper. Has potential to hit 5 stars in my book if you add a changing table for parents desperate to have a nice night out and season your food. Great place for a margarita and tortilla soup but otherwise I'd look elsewhere. read more

Nice little find in downtown Lemont. Great selection of food and drink options, and what a great atmosphere. Their outside seating was great as well. My dinner was amazing, and my daughters, who were being horrid b-words, even were so happy with their dinners!! Definitely will be back soon. read more

We recently hosted a VERY last minute birthday party for 30+ people at the Next Mex Lemont. Jessica helped to quickly coordinate the event and a good time was had by all. The weather was perfect and we sat in the beautiful outdoor patio. Jessica and the entire staff did an outstanding job of making sure all the guests were taken care of and served in a timely fashion. The food was delicious and the drinks were too. I would highly recommend Next Mex for a party or dinner for two. Looking forward to going back. Thank you Jessica and crew! read more

First time there and definitely not the last! The food was wonderful with amazing ingredient combinations that made the flavors pop and leave you wanting more. We started with the beef brisket sopes and it was a great introduction to the wonderful meal ahead. I had the 3 taco choose your own dinner 1 portobello and plantain taco, 1 sweet potato and chorizo taco and 1 carnitas tacos. Can't say how wonderful the flavor was!! My husband had the carne asada and the meat was cooked perfect - tender, juicy and flavorful. Our server was knowledgeable and helped with suggestions. The only negative is that the design of the interior made it to loud to hear at times. Looking forward to our next time there! read more

Omg omg we are visiting friends who live in Lemont we went out for diner I don't know where to start She said nice quiet patio with good food . Food they messed up our order quiet omg I left with migraine and headache awfully loud . I can't imagine this people live around that place I feel totally sorry for them . Never again worst place so far read more

Horrible place was really disappointed with it. Went on taco Tuesday no one was in the place. Tacos were not good I asked for black beans they gave me refried. The Mexican rice was crunchy and not cooked. Just not worth the visit. Screwed up our order with maybe 5 people in the whole restaurant. read more

This place has a good vibe and the outdoor seating is really cool. Been here three times and the food is just ok. Had the El Pastor tacos and was really surprised at how small the portions were for the price. Food lacks seasoning which should be really easy for Mexican food. Parking was horrible Saturday as there was an outdoor fest going in and they blocked the street. Gave it three times, wont be coming back. read more

No flavor, cold burritos. They'll get you a new warmer one, with less avacado claiming that's why it was cold. I'd be ok with that, of there was flavor. Everything we ordered was very bland, no kick to anything that was "spicy." Decent prices though. read more

Went here on a nice day and sat outside. Everyone in our party enjoyed their food and drinks. Their cocktails are more balanced and fresh than a lot of other restaurants in the burbs. Also corn tortillas that are made in houses are a wonderful addition as well. read more

This was my second time to attempt to try it here , first time was great. We got there late afternoon, which is usually pretty quiet and after a lunch rush. Every single table outside was dirty with glasses and dirty food plates. It was absolutely appalling. I understand places are understaffed, but dirty tables everywhere was just unacceptable. Someone needed to just go out there with a tray or something and clear everything. I was watching the staff and they were running good etc , but why were they walking back in the building without dirty plates? I reluctantly went in to see if there was a wait since no one answered the phone when I tried to call and put my name on a wait list. I went in and a young guy came up to the host stand and said the service was going to be very slow. Are you kidding me that was what he told customers???! I was annoyed and walked back out to my family. There was a rude lady with her family on the patio who was a customer and she marched over to a table and proceeded to clean it. Then made an ignorant comment to our group telling us to sit there. Unbelievable!! So basically a customer picked up a dirty rag to clean up a table to make me feel bad about being upset about the condition of the restaurant? Just terrible. I had every right to be disgusted about dirty glasses, half eaten food plates and food all over. Short staffed or not,if there was any system of working together there it would never look like that! I did this type of work for a long time in my past life and in a much busier environment. Our crew worked very hard to clear anything not being used from tables and never walked back into the kitchen empty handed when we were busy. I'll be really hard pressed to go back and spend my money especially after some "Karen" took it upon herself to clean a table for my family to make us feel bad for not being impressed with the mess on the patio. So glad we walked up the street and had a great dinner elsewhere where the management and staff seem to actually care! This was on 9/26/21 by the way. read more

I just called before I came in to see if there was a wait time they said there was not but they had two waiters and I understand the struggle of finding staff during the pandemic. However I came in 2 minutes after calling to sit around and wait for 5 minutes while several staff members walked past and didn't acknowledge my existence. A "hi I'll be right with you" would have been nice. read more

Omg Yum! This is by far my favorite restaurant! The staff is super friendly and the food is fresh and absolutely delicious any time I have been here! Their drinks are great too! A definite must try! You will crave it and the fruity pebbles fried ice cream is so unique! I love this place!!!!! read more

The chicken enchiladas were great the green sauce on them was so delicious!!!Al pastor tacos were amazing drinks were awesome!! The salsa with the chips at the table was just OK though. It was nice lil spot to go to with a cute bar area . Staff was super nice and clean!! We will be back !! read more

I always try to give local businesses a chance, but I can't anymore with next-mex. Ordered take-out twice over the past few months, both times I was shorted out of food I paid for. Paid for 2 tortilla soups, got one that was half-full. Paid for a burrito dinner, it was plain with nothing on it. I'll be driving the extra few miles out of town to get Mexican from now on. It's too bad, because the location is nice and you can eat outside. But I'd rather get food I've paid for! read more

Our family of 6 ate outside and had wonderful service and delicious food! Their margarita selection was great and very go! Everyone enjoyed their meal. My brisket tacos were amazing! I can't wait to go back! read more

Food was awful! Purchased shrimp and fish tacos, two tiny shrimp on each very tiny shell about and exactly 4 pieces of thin fish on the other shells about 5 shaves of cabbage on each.what a waste of money. ordered a corn side which the container had only 3 small spoonfuls. All this ridiculous food for $29.00. Will never ever go back. Just a rip off. If you're hungry DO NOT go here. A fool and their money is easily parted should be their theme. Shouldn't even give one star, but there is nothing lower. read more

We were there this past weekend. It didn't seem that busy, so I will assume they were short staffed. We were there over an hour. In that time I only had two drinks, which each time I had to ask the waiter three times before I got one. They brought over a Sangria instead of a Merlot or something similar that was ordered. Me and my girlfriend ordered Quesadillas and they brought a plate, all that was on it was 3 or 4 triangles of quesadilla, no sour cream, or salsa or quac. Super bland tasting to say the least. We then asked for quac and sour cream and no one ever brought any. Surprised the meal didn't come with rice or beans or anything. It was more like an appetizer but charged for an entree. I noticed a similar review on here as well. We just gave up. It was a very frustrating meal. Everyone at our table had to ask multiple time for drinks. Although it was not busy the waiters seemed overwhelmed and confused. I left there with a headache it was so frustrating. Not sure we will go back. read more

Very friendly from the moment we walked in the door. We were greeted with a smile and seated right away. Our server, Matthew was exceptional. He was very friendly and offered suggestions to make sure we knew all our choices. I had the carne Asada which was cooked perfectly. My son had the burrito. It was huge! My wife had the tequila lime shrimp. She thought it was top notch. We will be coming here again soon. read more

I'm never one to write a review but Next Mex was too good to not write one. This was the best Mexican food I've ever had. I haven't found a favorite Mexican restaurant in the area until now. Their unique approach to tacos still maintained the authentic flare, which is hard to do. The fresh ingredients seriously make a difference. Brb, ordering some more to-go as I write this... read more

Great place. Service has always been great. Priced very well. Patio. Service is quick but they don't rush you at all. You can enjoy your meal and drinks for hours here. read more

I love the enviorment of this place. Not super crowded or noisey. A group of friends and I were able to have some good food, drinks, and talk. Highly re read more

The good: food was decent, friendly service and good drinks. Like the atmosphere inside and out. The not so good: had to ask 3 times for water. Ordered corn tortillas received flour , ordered quesadillas, they were missing most ingredients listed on the menu. Manager had to come over and verify that we were not hallucinating. They brought over a new order and said waitress grabbed wrong one. The beans were chunky and slightly undercooked, not my favorite. Need to separate beans and rice from being served in a soup bowl bunched together. read more

So glad they are now open and with the same fast service and great staff. Food seems to be using more fresh ingredients, which is always a plus! Can't wait to come back again with my friends so we can try some more new dishes. read more

Had Next Mex cater a graduation party yesterday. Ordered the mini chimichangas, enchiladas, rice, beans and salad. The food was amazing!! Thank you Jessica and thank you to the cooks for helping make the party a big success! read more

I can't brag enough about our experience at Next Mex! This is a great date night atmosphere without the hassle of driving to the city. Great atmosphere & awesome service! I love bbq and Mexican food, and the brisket nachos were amazing. It's nice to get a new spin on old favorites. The drinks were very good and reasonably priced as well. We'll be back! read more

It's too bad management doesn't realiZe with just a bit more effort this place could be a gem. Food is nothing special. Had a brisket burrito which is mostly beans and the sides are the same as they put in the burrito. Ordered an appetizer and the entrees came out before the appetizer. There ar better Mexican choices in the area. read more

The grand re-opening was worth the wait! Enjoyed the unique tequila drink list very much. If you like fresh and creative this is the place for you. Had the ceviche and three different types of tacos on homemade corn tortillas. Loved that you can add on your choice of sides which include a great assortment of veggies, soups etc.! I felt like I was downtown Chicago without the drive!! The Lemont area has always been lucky to have a great place like this to gather with friends. read more

Decided to give in and create a yelp account just to warn others of the absolutely disappointing service myself and friends recently received at this establishment. A group of friends and I decided to try out Next Mex while we were having a reunion of sorts. We were all huge fans of Front Street Cantina and past service we have received, so we couldn't wait to see the "new" changes. To sum it up, the food, although slightly improved, was extremely small in portion sizes and inappropriately higher priced, especially for the area. It's as if the owners forget that this business is located next to a dirty polluted canal in downtown Lemont, not high-rises and Lake Michigan. The drinks were made well, but of course, extremely "generous" with ice, you would be better off drinking before arriving. If I'm spending over $10 on a cocktail in Lemont, I do not expect to have it finished in a few sips. Overall, myself and friends will not be coming back to meet again here anytime soon, we would rather make the trek to the city to pay those kind of prices. If I'm paying $60 + for a few tacos and a couple drinks, I would at least appreciate a view, fancier decor, or live music. Upon discussing this place at our book club, others have come to the same conclusions and mentioned a huge difference from Front Street and Next Mex is that they have a new GM named Jessica. We believe she might have been the dark haired woman behind the bar while we were there. Apparently, other consumers have witnessed her talking down to employees, having a negative attitude, and making unprofessional comments while working near the bar. Hope that is not true for Next Mex, but do not plan on going there again to find out. Wish Next Mex the best of luck in making changes since Lemont is such a fantastic place to live. read more

Some fairly creative dishes and a good ambiance in an enjoyable district (historic downtown Lemont). Portions are reasonable and staff attentive. Some TVs playing sports and a separate bar area at the entrance. My only knock might be that the wooden booths are kind of tight together and not all that comfortable. In the summer the alfresco dining right off the canal is awesome. read more

I have not been here in 2 years..always loved the place. Stopped by for dinner and the place was very slow. (Unusual)... ordered a salad...took 40 minutes no kidding. Staff was friendly but the wait time is ridiculous. Salad was good but the wait took away from everything. I will not be back.....update... I have to revise my review because I just had a stellar experience.... no wait time staff was great food was excellent read more

My husband and I had a fanominal first experience at Next Mex! I love authentic Mexican food, but my husband does not. Our waiter, Matt, was terrific! He encouraged my husband to order the double cheeseburger since he does not tamper with Mexican. My husband hasn't stop ranting about how excellent the burger was, claiming it's his favorite burger in town despite being at a Mexican establishment. I ordered a taco combination (brisket, al pastor, and steak.) Our waiter explained the tacos are street tacos, therefore are quite small, so he encouraged me to add a side of the Mexican street corn (only $2). Everything was authentic and fresh. The tacos were topped with homemade sauces such as an avocado spread. The pricing is fair and the quality and service is outstanding. I am so glad my husband and I found a local place where I can order Mexican and he will still be satisfied because of the high quality and diverse menu selection. Cannot wait to return and try the other favorites on the menu. read more

Horrible experience. Waited way to long for a table. We finally had to point out an open spot for us. We had to keep asking for a server and when he finally showed up he said he didn't know we were his table. He finally took our drink order and we asked him for the chips and salsa. The chips and salsa didn't come so we asked the hostess for them. Plus I never got my drink. The food took an hour to arrive. So frustrating. read more

Amazing tacos! Drinks are homemade and delicious! My new favorite spot! It's all fresh and tastes amazing.

Awesome outdoor area in the quaint part of downtown Lemont! Not your usual run of the mill Mexican food, a must try!

I didn't think that the Mexican food could get much worse when this place was called the Front Street Cantina - however the owners of Next Mex have brought it to a new low. Nothing authentic, dry, tasteless and mostly microwaved entrees. Run, do not walk, away from this truly awful place if you are looking for real, or even just palatable, Mexican cuisine. The food seriously sucks. read more

Nice location in downtown Lemont however bad service. Waiter berated my 22 year old son after I told him that he was old enough to order a margarita- he continued to ask him when he was born in front of the entire table like he had a fake ID. Food was below par for Mexican food and over priced too. read more

Over an hr to get cold and wrong meal. We left putting our dinners in to go boxes as Staff made no suggestions as to what could be done. Why did you reopen? read more

We really like this place. Tall Ben was a wonderful server. Great food, drinks and service.

Chicken fajitas and steak burrito were great, margaritas were the best! I would rather have had sweet potato fries instead of the chopped with fried plantains, of which they needed something...more. Our server Kurtis was the best, good attention with good timing. The one drawback was the private party that was very loud. Acoustics are not the best so it made for less than relaxing early dinner. Maybe close up the arched opening between the dining room and the back room? We were there a few times when it was the Front Street Cantina and we'll be back! read more