Saw this cute little restaurant in Fairview Heights a few times and had to try!!! Very cute.. You order at the counter and then they Buzz you when your order is ready!!! The menu is massive with Mexican and American Food.. plus a kids menu. Staff were very friendly!!! They have pure Cherry syrup for an Authentic Cherry Coke!!! Yummy!!! I had the Super Taco Dinner.. 2 tacos in a deep fried shell... beans and Rice.. The tacos were very good!! The rice was good but I could have done without the Beans. My company got the Taco Salad!!! I will be back!!! read more

The Chuck Wagon - Fried Taco Dinner - Tex-Mex Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

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Exact same TVP(hamburger filler) food. Same broken taco shell with just cheddar cheese and a Jalapeño slice...they have the nerve to call "NACHOS"!! Absolutely NOTHING has changed in this dump, since the late 70's & 80's...EXCEPT THE UNDESERVED, PRICE INCREASE. And the video games!! It has changed ownership, who changed absolutely nothing, except prices. No Change, No Specials, No new CREATIVE cooking AT ALL! This is a "Mexican Meal" that you would expect at a Fraternity house or in a church "Free Dinner" for the homeless & indigent. NOT an Authentic Mexican Restaurant...like thier PRICES SUGGEST. You'd have a "more Authentic Mexican Food Experienc" , driving a block further, to Circle K gas station & get a bag of pump cheese Nachos and a couple Soutwest Taqitos off the rollers!!! You might actually enjoy that, & don't feel Ripped Off. read more

If you dislike traditional Mexican food then you're in luck! Hard shell tacos are on this menu with plenty of lettuce, fresh cut tomato, and cheese. The prices are cheap, friendly staff, and a clean building. The decor seems to be from the 80s and the outside looks like an old diner. Place your order at the counter and have a seat. When the food is done, the buzzer goes off and ya pick-up your food at the counter. When finished they want you to leave everything on the table. read more

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Well I must say this is a total upgrade to where this place was 8 years ago. When you go inside the staff is welcoming and the interior is very well taken care of. It reminds me of the 80's diner / mom and pop dinner place you only see in Stranger Things now. Just need a few arcade games and we would be set! Now on to the good stuff. And it is good. I had the Super Tacos and Burrito and walked out feeling full. In the end it was great food and light on the wallet! I'll be back! read more

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Nice place for a good Cheese burger! First time there but a lady told me they have good tacos . We were traveling so we wanted something to hold us over til dinner. Season French fries were good! read more

Great nostalgic feel, counter service more like a fast food joint. Food was average at best & prices were high for the product. It's doubtful we'll go back read more

My dad has been coming here since the 90s and has been taking me here for years. With a variety of food options, it's true Tex-Mex. There are Mexican dishes as well as basic American food. The tacos, smiley fries, and cherry coke are my favorite. My dad typically goes for the special of the day. I'd also recommend the super tacos, which are basically the regular tacos but with a deep fried tortilla shell. If you're in the Fairview Heights area stop by! read more

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Been a staple since the 70s or 80s. My husband went there since high school. Good is good. Only they changed was no refills. You have to buy a whole new soda. I get charging a refill fee but a whole new cup is crazy to me. read more

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Guys! New owner. Better chuckwagon. They have 44 oz drinks now. Also, I need to say...more friendly. I have been going here for 20 years, sometimes weekly. Not one time did Linda or Hector make eye contact with me, nor say Hi, or even try to build a relationship with new or regular customers (that I have seen), including me. I suggest new owners....walk around the lobby. Talk to your guests. That is what is going to set you apart and make you that much better. Food was delicious as usual!! Thank you! read more

As a long time customer chuck wagon has always been delicious and a 5/5. But I recently went and noticed that they changed there shells they use. These shells are worse than the previous shells they use and just don't give the same chuck wagon effect the restaurant used to do. This messes up the whole chuck wagon experience and overall 4/5 if the shells were the old beloved shells it would be a 5/5. read more

we went to berts to eat lunch we waited in line for thirty minutes only to be told there were no tables available . This is somethig we should have been told as we walked in the door read more

When people think of Fairview Heights, I'm sure they think of the Mall, the strip malls, the big box stores and chain restaurants galore. And then you have the few mom-and-pop places such as the Chuck Wagon. It is not on the main drag but a couple miles from it on old 50/Lincoln Place. Been wanting to try it for a long time and finally got around to it. They have several items on their menu (such as hamburger and fries) but they are mostly known for their Mexican food. I settled on the Taco Dinner and ordered a side of fries and Coke. Not bad for $14. Prices were reasonable. The taco dinner was two tacos on a plate with big scoops of red rice and refried beans. Fries were a decent portion (they were pretty much similar to the frozen food kind at the store but not bad at all...). Food was alright. Atmosphere was fine as it was quiet during the middle of the day. They have a pinball machine and a couple arcade games. read more

Best restaurant in the entire world. This is where I learned food was amazing. The super mix platter is what I live for. read more

The Chuck Wagon - Tex-Mex Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

I've been a chuck wagon customer my whole life. Recently the owners retired. Food was ok, a little 'off",but couldn't pinpoint it. Even the cherry coke! Ok, here's the real reason for this review.... Prices. Ridiculous! I won't be paying $2.09 for 1 taco or $2.99 for my jr bbq. Taco salad was over $9. Sad to say, bye chuck wagon! read more

My husband stopped in today for the ToGo family meal - Cold due to the fact we now live in Kentucky. Husband trusts order is correct (first mistake) and packs shells for travel and tosses remaining ingredients thinking they are cold. He stops later to check ice and notices HOT meat cooling down in cooler.. Upon arrival 5 hours later frustrated we still decide we have to eat because as a customer for over 40 years it's a craving for Fairview Heights Chuckwagon. I noticed the meat tasted a slight different but there is no way I was going to say a peep after what my husband just went through, mind you I'm sitting in the dark writing this review due to no power and yes the meat was heated up on our gas grill outside, back to my story husband mentions new people running around - I said no way there are new owners BUT this may explain the new meat taste or is it the failed COLD family pack request received HOT then COLD then HOT then ate because your a food junkie, so back to question???? As a forever customer??? Is this the original meat recipe? I think not. Good luck in your adventures from Kentucky! read more

The food here has always been good and staff have been helpful. I just would not come here thirsty. If you drink all of your soda there are no free refills. You don't even get to keep your cup and pay a small fraction of the price for a refill of soda minus paying for a cup. You must pay for full price for a new cup and more soda if you want a refill. This is a new rule here that is posted by the cashiers. I confirmed this with the cashier who took our order. Pro Tip: If you're thirsty, bring a 32oz from a gas station or something before your eat. It's cheaper and you get much more soda for your buck. read more

I love Chuck Wagon more than most things. I've been eating here my whole life and it's spot on 98% of the time. In a world where nothing stays the same and we're constantly evolving- Chuck Wagon remains unchanged for the most part. Service is literally perfect, ambience is like a warm blanket or a hug from your grandma. read more

5 stars for nostalgia (and decent enough food, especially the cheese tacos and fried mushrooms with a cherry coke) - a southern IL tradition! read more

Chuck wagon is a Fairview landmark known for the best cherry coke in the area it's Mexican fare is a staple I personally recommend the enchilada tray that you can get cold for making later or heated.very good and large. Don't discount the American food the hamburgers are great and Fairview has a lot of good hamburger choices so that's fair praise. Casual atmosphere and counter service read more

The Chuck Wagon - Me - Tex-Mex Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

The Chuck Wagon continues to serve a very solid menu at a reasonable price for the last 35+ years. We were delighted to order the taco family pack to go and follow the strict Covid standards. To our children's delight, who live/work in St. Louis, we took them each a family pack. They love not only the tacos but especially the enchilada tray and the burrito tray. We will be using this safe socially distant functionality again in the future weeks as the pandemic winds down. Thanks Chuck wagon for a great experience. read more

Little hole in the wall place off the beaten path. Decor and vibe is outdated in a great way. Fast food type service with an eclectic menu, but specializing in Mexican food. The woman running the register (shout out to Linda) was really friendly and made several excellent recommendations. This trip we stuck with the Mexican genre but will check out their burgers next time. Get the Cherry Pepsi as they load it up with enough grenadine to exceed your previous lifetime intake. read more

Since they have new owners the beans and rice are not as good. I hope they don't keep changing the food or I will not be going back.

Just finished eating dinner at the Chuck Wagon! It didn't disappoint!! Super taco night, French fries, with chips and salsa and iced tea.. Delicious!! The only negative is no refills of my drink read more

Great food but sucks to have a restaurant like this thst does not provide free re-fills. Kind of sucks. Not sure I would go back because of the no free re-fill thing. Bad option for a restaurant like this one. Not good!!! read more

If you know this place then you know it's the same as it has been forever...loyal customers who like the unique flavors of their food...and don't forget your cherry Coke. read more

This place has been in business for what seems like a thousand years! Actually, closer to 50 years! I can remember coming here after my soccer games 45 years ago. Then you could get the All you can eat special for like 7.99! Well times have changed, they haven't had that in years. Maybe because my uncle could eat 4 Super Mex dinners, lol. The food is very consistent here, you'll either like it or not, but one things for sure, this place has a huge following. When I come here, I come hungry and order the Super Mex and a Bbq sandwich everytime, they're both delicious and I use plenty of their hot sauce! Their hot sauce is deliciousness in a bottle. So if in the neighborhood give this place a try if you like cheap and fast Tex Mex. Oh, due to covid, I believe you have to order online and it's carryout only. read more

The Chuck Wagon - Tex-Mex Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

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I love everything I've ever had from The Chuck Wagon, especially the nachos grande, or maybe the taco salad! Then there's the tacos, and the kids meals... The taco dinners are a great deal too for takeout! read more

I just got the 4 pack of tacos and they are awesome. Curbside delivery has been spotty at some places but look at the photo! The tacos were extremely well presented and tasted fantastic. This restaurant cares . read more

This place beast Taco bell by a long shot and for comparable prices (of course a bit higher) for better quality I will always come here when I want a taco. We ordered there enchilada special, while i was disappointed that they don't serve chicken enchiladas just beef and cheese. I went ahead and tried them. The beef is delicious and its not too meaty tasting and not chunky. Its a great consistency, the taco shell was great...the whole taco was just amazing! We also ordered the chili, which was the best i have had in the metro east. It isn't beany, it is more meaty but not chunky meaty, it also had great flavor. The potato salad was very delicious, its a mayo based potato salad. We went for the chocolate shake afterwards and it was soooooo good! It is hand dipped ice cream with great chocolate flavor. Everything we ordered did not disappoint, and it was only $15 for the both of us. All around a great place to frequent. I saw that they have BBQ and i Want to try this, i just am leary on the having to many things on your menu of different cuisines because they usually lack on one or the other, but I will give it a go and review it when I have tried it :) COME HERE! You won't be left unsatisfied at all! read more

The Chuck Wagon - Tex-Mex Near Me - Fairview Heights, Illinois

Food was fab service, on the ball!! Been eating here since I was 13 Yrs old same great taste after all these years

57 years old and have been enjoying this establishment since the 70's. The owner Hector is a true testament of dedication.

Best Tex-mex around. Always good and always made fresh. Best tacos, enchiladas and taco salad. Love this place. Very clean restaurant too. Service is always pleasant and helpful. read more

Not friendly and underwhelming over priced food. Lady at the counter acted like we were a major inconvenience to her- maybe because we had small children? I tried ordering a chicken enchilada dinner and she acted so irritated telling me they didn't have chicken then I asked for a cheese enchilada- again they don't make those and she snapped at us that no they don't have that. They also talked down to my mother in law who payed $40 for our meal- a lot for fast food type experience and two adults plus two toddlers. read more

This business has been in Fairview for years since I was a kid. It's a nice local joint to sit down and have a good family meal. I have never received any bad food so far. read more

Been going to The Chuck Wagon for over 40 years. Still as good as I remember. Just wish it wasn't so far away from me.

If you're hungry and want to get a pretty large quantity of food for a decent price, I suggest visiting here. If you're looking for high quality, delicious, memorable food, probably best to look elsewhere. I am new to this area and have found that people who grew up with this food have a fondness for it that I don't quite understand. That being said, their tacos are basic and good, and I do really like the potato salad. Also a cherry (diet) coke is a must order for me. I think this place mainly stays open due to nostalgia, but the food is alright. read more

Best tacos ever. Where else can you get the fried tortillas? Perfectly crisp. And no skimping on the cheese with the Super Taco. A must do when we come home from out of state. read more

Terrible experience. Staff was rude. Advertise 20 tacos for $30. When we order told that is only for carry out. No refill on drinks you have to order an entire new drink. Wanted to buy taco cheese to put on French fries and they refused to sell us the cheese stating "children toss the cheese around". We pointed out an adult is ordering this and they would not budge. Food still good but the experience is ruined by bad mean staff with stupid rigid rules. Will go to the Bert's Chuck Wagon in Collinsville in the future that has great staff and bend over backwards for their customers. read more

If you are in search of cheap food, but with a bit of a better taste this is a great place to stop by. Our first time today we got 2 bacon cheeseburgers, 2 curly fries, and 2 diet cherry Dr Peppers. I recommend highly the curly fries and soda! I will probably try a different main food when we come back, the burger wasn't the greatest, cheaply done. But I've read the Mexican is pretty decent so we'll try that next time! read more

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The Chuck Wagon was a staple of my childhood and as I've grown up its continued to be a staple for me, I hope my daughter will appreciate it as much as her dad has after all these years. Sure, I've moved to the other side of the river, but I don't let that stop me from venturing over to eat some great food. Once you eat at the Chuck Wagon you are hooked. And for many locals it's just a right of passage. However, if you are new to the area and looking for some Tex-Mex, please don't judge a book by its cover. It's true that the inside of the Chuck Wagon may not be glamorous, but you know what after 20 + years of going there, I think the inside is perfect just the way it is. It hasn't changed much, the owners are still the same and the food is still as great as ever. I don't want to call this place one of my "guilty pleasures", because that can come across as a backhanded compliment, but I come here to get my version of "comfort food". The Chuck Wagon is where I go when I want to step back and get nostalgic. It's a place where you just get a craving for. Anybody who eats here over the years, probably can relate to what I'm trying to say. Overall. this place is still going strong and still serving up some great Tex-Mex food. Don't ever change Chuck Wagon. You just keep being you. read more