When it comes to a place like this, which is clearly a family-run "mom-and-pop" shop, I want to be…read morea little more lenient. I recognize they are operating in a different environment, especially being over two hours away from the competition found in Chicago. In any case, I found myself hungry in Rock Falls, so I stopped in at La Familia. I had the opportunity to try a carnitas taco, an al pastor taco, and a tamale. I also ordered an horchata to drink. The food was a mixed bag, but with some notable high points. The highlight of the meal was the tamale. The exterior was soft and flavorful, and the interior was appropriately meaty with a good, mild flavor. I believe this was my first experience with a tamale, and it was an enjoyable one at that. For the tacos, I appreciated that the proteins, onion, and cilantro were all in balance and that they didn't skimp on the meat. I am a traditionalist and asked for my tacos with just onion and cilantro, rather than their standard of lettuce, tomato, and cheese. While the meat had a mild flavor and wasn't completely bland, it needed something more to stand on its own. To be fair, there is salsa, lime, and two varieties of El Yucateco hot sauce available. However, being the purist I am, it is my belief that food should be able to stand alone without condiments. That said, with these tacos, it felt like something was lacking--perhaps sauce, crema, or pineapple with the al pastor. I'd also like to call out the complimentary chips and salsa offered at the beginning of the meal. I loved that the salsa was served in a little spouted container and that the tortilla chips were clearly homemade. They were a bit unusual, with layers flaking off (not a bad thing, just not often seen in restaurants). I also liked that they had a little bit of salt... far too many places skip that, and how can you skip the salt? My horchata was an absolute delight with great flavor. It was a tad sweet for my taste, but that's more a matter of personal preference than a technical issue. The service was a major highlight. It was very kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. The staff was also quick and efficient. Final Verdict: La Familia is very solid and respectable as a family-run, home-cooking-style restaurant. While to be 100% honest it doesn't hold a candle to some of the things you might find in downtown Chicago, Pilsen, or Cicero, that isn't the expectation. With this in mind, it does its job well. While I'm not going to come all the way back to Rock Falls just to eat here, when I find myself in town, I can't say I would be totally against it.

Phenomenal spot I travel quite a bit . It's hard to find good food around here and this is…read moredefinitely one that hit home for me. . And the service is incredible. Very clean.

Best restaurant in the area. Try the steak. Very nice people that serve you and it has a very nice…read moreaesthetic inside. Like I said, best in the area.

Delicious sauces habanero avocado are tasty chicken taco nice and full ribeye. Taco barely any meat…read moreno feelings either. Unfortunately I was sad about that. Oh that they have a lot of options. This place does a lot of business. I feel like they'll be in business for a very long time and I have a very strong neighborhood following. Don't miss out and try these guys eating in you might get more instead of taking out.

My favorite Mexican restaurant around!!! Best food and great pieces!!!! I love it!!!read more

This is a small, cozy little restaurant just like back in Chicago. Nothing fancy about this place…read moreand I'm not surprised that no one has reviewed this place yet. But, these small places usually have the best food and that is true with this place. We ordered carne asada tacos, chorizo tacos and burritos and they were all delicioso! Skip Kelly's and come here or La Familia for real Mexican food. Not sure if it's cash only.

This place is good! Staying in Rock Falls for work and I searched Yelp for Mexican food and found…read morethis place. So glad I chose to stop in! Barbacoa tacos were delicious, was happy to hear they offer it; back home barbacoa isn't traditionally offered at our Mexican restaurants, so this was positive from the start. Food was exceptional and service was friendly and accommodating. Give it a go! Side note; when I was checking out I overheard the staff tell an incoming couple that the kitchen was closed and it was only 7:30pm. The bar remains open, however. Maybe it was just this evening the kitchen closed early but Yelp says 9pm. Just a friendly heads up!

One of my parents favorite places. I had also gone there and food was good. The service was also…read morefriendly. Last time we went however... the portions were not worth the cost. Probably not going to go back anytime soon.

Food was tasty, I had the mole poblano with rice and beans, came out hot! My waitress Jackie was…read morepolite and efficient.

I've been here a few time but now that I tried the FISH tacos no turning back. Delicious delicious…read morefish tacos. And I order saute onions and yummy!!!!

So far so good! Beautiful and colorful restaurant! The servers were great. Friendly and attentive…read more The food was real good. Not dry, lots of flavor, and plenty of food. I liked this place and will visit them again. You should too and let me know ow what you think.

The food is delicious. The place is clean and inviting. Usually the service is great but today I…read morewas surprised. I walked in around 5 pm. As the server passes by be he says, One! I said yes. He keeps walking without saying a word, I followed. He tosses the menu on a table and keeps walking. I stood there until he stop at a table he was serving that was already seated. I asked, this table? He said yes, not a word more. I sat down at a table that was so unstable. I don't think I would even be able to put a drink down on it. I got up and sat myself at another table. I decided I'm not going to let him ruin my dinner and just moved on. Ordered my drink and food at the same to just to get it over with. I didn't want to deal with him more than I had to.

Best Tacos around. Cheaper on Taco Tuesday. Fast pickup. Extremely nice people! And that's all I…read morehave to say about that.

Deliciousness all around! Great service and great prices! Their portions are fair and reasonable!read more

Ive been a satisfied customer of Kellys for nearly a decade. After reading the reviews below, I…read morefelt the need to clarify something. If you think Kelly's Mexican is equivalent to Taco Bell... go to Taco Bell. If you would prefer KFC wings to Kelly's wings... go to KFC. Both instances will leave me in less of a crowd to wait for my delicious Kelly's. Either way, never leave such a disrespectful review for a restaurant that has food clearly above your taste comprehension levels. To equivocate Kellys to fast food says more about you as a critic than it ever will about Kellys. Uncle Lou's dip, Buffalo strips, every quesadilla, the jalapeño-bacon grilled cheese, and every drink they serve at the bar is without fault. Is it slammed sometimes? Yes. Can the incredibly busy waitresses seem a tad frustrated/overwhelmed? Yes, but they work at a busy restaurant and have to deal with A-holes like the reviewers below. Wouldnt you be testy sometimes? If you are stopping through Sterling, Kelly's is there with Candlelight, Angelo's, and Arthurs as the best places to eat in town. If you want a pub atmosphere with great food, there is no better place within an hour drive.

Everything This place is very over rated. The food isn't…read moreeven close to authentic. Everything is like straight from a can to your table. I don't recommend this when you can go to taco bell and get better food cheaper.

Their food is great I ordered the burria ramen and it was so good! It came out very fast and was…read moreonly $10 definitely worth the price! They also have many ice cream flavors and specialty drinks with boba. The cup of corn with hot Cheetos was also a must try. I would recommend and will be going back.

let few ppl know sterling IL la michoacana they dont wear gloves while cooking your food just some…read moreinfo threw out they touch everything without gloves

Doesn't look all that and more I was in the area and was…read morenot happy to stop by and receive the worst customer service and food

They were dope asf they were cool good food dope people very kind and have Great elotesread more