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Cafe Salsa
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 11 am - 9:30 pm
Wed-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 9 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Cafe Salsa
Review Highlights
"Steak tacos cooked to perfection."
(in 5 reviews)
"This La Grange restaurant also boasts over 20 different..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Great Mexican food, and even better margaritas."
(in 20 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Marilyn C.
Western Springs, IL
10/19/2011
Cafe Salsa calls us back and off we go for many a year!
We love the fajitas and the margaritas are the BEST! Nothing like warm Chips and fresh salsa that speaks Best Mexican fare!!
Our servers are always pleasant, helpful and want everyone to enjoy their dining experience. -
Review from Cheryl V.
La Grange, IL
Updated - 2/7/2012
We don't go here anymore. We go to Cocula's across the street. Why?
Prices are just too darned high for Mexican food.
Well, let's see...if you could get more authentic Mexican food for LESS money and top shelf cocktails for easily 30% less----well, let's just call it 'name your tequila' Petron, El Jimador, anything and a large margarita is still $9----you got me buddy. I'm all yours.Listed in: Hanging out in 'the barn',…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/30/2010
Well, I would be doing the owners a disservice not to update this review to reflect the 15 or 20… Read more »
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Review from Chico R.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2011
Tonight was our first visit to Cafe Salsa and unfortunately our last because we really wanted this place to be good. We are still trying to find a good Mexican restaurant in the area. We had exceptional service by Susana, the chips and two salsas were very good, especially the green salsa, and the black beans were tasty but the main dishes left a lot to be desired.
The portabella mushroom/veggie fajitas, sounded great on paper but were not good at all primarily because the odd sauce they put on them tasted like bbq sauce and vinegar.
We also had the sweet potato/spinach quesadilla, another one that sounds good on paper didn't do much for us. There was an excessive amount of potatoes on them and little cheese so the sweetness overwhelmed each bite.
I must say a real "A" for effort for the vegetarian options, but unfortunately it didn't cut the mustard. -
Review from Meridith H.
Boston, MA
1/2/2012
I had the flautas, which were crunchy & good. My partner and I shared the fried ice cream, which was ok. The next morning my partner was sick, though. As far as we can figure, it was the chicken soup that did it.
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Review from Nicole G.
La Grange, IL
1/13/2012
This is NOT MEXICAN!!!! Had a horrible first time experience and will never go back. The food was not authentic! Tasted bland and just plain disappointing, there drinks were below standards. I dont know who taught them how to make margaritas, but last time i checked you do not pour salt into a margarita. The wait staff was clumsy and took forever to come back to the table to check up on us. I do not understand why this place is so busy! The pictures look great but when you order it does not turn out the same.
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Review from Jillian M.
Worth, IL
1/3/2012
I absolutely love this place! My husband and I have been coming here for years. I get their pollo limon which is a breaded chicken breast and I ask for it over angel hair pasta and is served with a lemon butter sauce. The hubby gets the stuffed carne asada which is served with warm tortillas of your choice. Their goat cheese and basil casadillas are amazing, the sangria is awesome, and the service can not be beat! As soon as you sit down, you are greeted with warm tortilla chips and salsa. Make it a point to stop in here!!!
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Review from Roger G.
Western Springs, IL
12/29/2011
Bartender needs to get a new job where a personality is not required. My wife and I went in to have a few margaritas before coming home to make dinner. The male bartender barely looked at us, said little to nothing, but I ordered nonetheless. Seriously, how hard is it to welcome someone to your restaurant? Although another female worker was friendly and engaging (we spoke with her about a movie she had seen recently), he basically ignored us aside from a few "fly bys". The female worker engaged us and was friendly when the male bartender ate his dinner on the patron side of the bar. Not that we cared about that, but don't you think common courtesy dictates at least a statement like "she'll take care of you while a take a small break, is there anything I can get for you right now?" When he was working again, his wife came in with his baby. The baby is very cute. My wife asked if it was his baby. He said "yes". She asked how old, again trying to give him a chance to be human to his customers, and with his BACK to us he said how old she was. My wife asked her name and he mumbled it, again with his back to us. We still have no idea her name. The remainder of our "experience" was him talking to a patron or two who walked in, presumably friends as he told them his wife and child were there, and looking at us only if our drinks were empty. When he thought we were done his only word, quite curtly, was, "Check?" When I handed him the cash when my check arrived, I asked if he was at all interested in how we liked our food, how we liked our drinks, etc. He gave us an annoyed, "sorry" and stated that most couples just wanted time to themselves. I guess he wasn't paying attention to the fact that we started a conversation with the female employee about the movie, we asked about his child, and we tried on a number of occasions to enhance our brief night out with some friendly conversation. I can be ignored anywhere. We frequent many restaurants with inferior food, but much superior service. We'll be going back to them, not here.
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Review from Brian G.
Chicago, IL
11/27/2011
This is some of the best mexican food in the chicago area.....some of the best Sangria i've ever had, and their steak is cooked perfect and sooooo good!!
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Review from Carolyn M.
Naperville, IL
11/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is awesome. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. We always have fun here!!
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Review from Nathan E.
Brookfield, IL
7/7/2011
depending on what you order you can be mildly pleased, to totally blown away. The coctel de camarones was pretty mediocre but the black bean chicken chili is sooo good.
Service has always been good.
Margaritas are good and the Tequila list is good too.
Overall a good, basic family Mexican restaurant that tries some more adventurous dishes.
Hey, I keep using the word "good". -
Review from Ronald M.
La Grange Park, IL
4/8/2011
We had gone here once and that was enough. I thought the food was very bland, for Mexican style. I did enjoy the black bean soup and I have made it myself and nearly as good.
Over the years I have eatten so much mexican food I thought I was turning Mexican. I have had Mexican in so many places and in Mexico that are so much better than this food. -
Review from Liz K.
4/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
The place is big...the room is a bit dark, but the colors are festive.
Great menu with MANY choices.
The Guacamole was perfectly salted!
Chips are great!
Food was decent, but not the best. My mom ordered well done and she got more of a medium steak. They add way too much sauce that its gets all over your plate...
I order my usual chile relleno. It was great but a big too cheesy.
I was tempted to order one of their many desserts but I didn't. Next time I will...However, I don't see myself going to this place anytime soon. -
Review from K W.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2011
We just moved from the city and we were in search of good Mexican food. I had a combo with a vegetarian tostada and taco. They were both on the bland side. My husband had a steak borrito and it was ok. My daughter had the chicken kids meal. She ended up eating the rice off of my plate and my son did not like his hamburger.
The service was very good and the drinks were also good. I give the chips, salsa, and sangria good ratings, but the food needed some spice and flavor. We are still in search of a good Mexican resturaunt near La Grange. Those who like more Americanized Mexican food are probably the ones who gave it a high ratings. -
Review from Renita M.
10/9/2010
So my dad e-mails me on a Friday morning and says hey, I'm going to be in the SW burbs tomorrow, are you free for dinner?
And I say, sure dad, and then get to looking for restaurants we can meet at 'cause he's from Indiana and counting on me to find someplace to eat.
So, near 294, reasonably priced, decent reviews, suitable for meeting my (fairly straight-laced) dad... Cafe Salsa it is!
Food: 3.5 stars. Good spicy salsa and decent fresh chips. A nice variety of options from tacos to fancy steak dishes, with vegetarian choices and some more unusual/authentic items, plus I like that you can choose 2 or 3 on things like tacos and enchiladas. I got veggie enchiladas that were flavorful but the veggies weren't julienned very carefully (lots of big stuck-together chunks) and there wasn't quite enough verde sauce on top. My dad got beef enchiladas and did not complain, but he's not a complainer. He did clean his plate.
Service: 2.75 stars. A bit perfunctory, salsa/chip refills offered but one never arrived, no water refills after the first carafe.
Atmosphere: Seems like the sort of place that has regulars, and we weren't it. Standard-issue dimly lit family Mexican restaurant/bar. Weird parking lot, so pay attention. Someone, somewhere in the place was having a birthday, and they piped in a very loud happy birthday song throughout the place. Otherwise, quiet mariachi music.
All in all, not a bad place, but not somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit again.Listed in: Fiesta!
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Review from Mike G.
La Grange, IL
6/29/2011
Sat outside with our family on a nice evening and had to return three dishes in which we found hair. One meal with hair was replaced by another dish with hair! The manager claimed this happens rarely and only offered a free dessert. Like we would want dessert after being so disgusted. Stay away until hair nets are required.
Comment from Mark M. of Cafe Salsa 7/5/2011
After reviewing the claims made by this table we came to the… More » -
Review from Gina L.
La Grange, IL
6/29/2011
Just finished with dinner only after finding a hair in our chips, another hair in my daughter's noodles and to top it off -- an eyelash in the noodles they brought to replace the one with hair. DISGUSTING , DISGUSTING, DISGUSTING. To make matters worse, the management came to our table & basically accused us of lying. Ok - if I was going to try to get a free meal, don't you think it would be in the one that costs $15 NOT $4? Not great customer service at all. If you decide to go there after reading this review ... check your food!
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Review from Analicia E.
Berwyn, IL
8/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Steak tacos cooked to perfection. This is for mexican food lovers that dont like thier steak charred. The coffee and desserts are overpriced though.
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Review from Jessica M.
Brookfield, IL
Updated - 5/19/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Another great time at Cafe Salsa. A party of probably 15-20 friends and family members came in for dinner in celebration of a young woman's graduation. After dinner, we sat outside for drinks and were pretty rowdy and loud - no matter. They kept the drinks coming! They even set up the outdoor heaters for us - these were a must on a chilly evening.
After sunset, we moved the party to the bar and kept it going. We continued to have great drinks and nice service. Dinner tasted great, too. Hats off to these guys for putting up with a bunch of family and friends in their 20's and 30's - and for keeping the margaritas and sangria flowing!Listed in: Ethnic Eats
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2010 ROTD 4/8/2010
This place is a favorite gathering spot for several of our local friends and family. Sometimes we… Read more »
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Review from Kathy R.
Niles, IL
2/26/2007
Good and tasty Mexican food. There's a lot to like about this place. Primo margaritas are 16 oz. by the glass (our group always orders pitchers). Erin B. is absolutely correct: they will knock you on your butt!
Appetizers and entrees are consistently good. My fave is the Independence Platter: 1/2 order of fajitas, quesadilla and a flauta - for $11.95. They always give you a lot of food, and prices are reasonable.
Attentive service and requests are filled quickly (when my order came without sour cream, the server brought me a plate heaped with it, and guacamole). WIthout being asked, they bring extra plates and napkins. Our baskets of freshly made chips and salsa are always refilled promptly.
We've always eaten here on weekends, and it's always hoppin'. Make reservations or be prepared for a wait. There is smoking in the bar area, so don't sit there unless you don't mind smoky air. But the main dining room is smoke free. It is kid-friendly. -
Review from Carol K.
11/29/2009
Since Cafe Salsa came with rave reviews from the local paper, Citysearch and the Chicago Tribune, I was expecting more, so much more than we got on a recent visit. The good news? We had a free entree coupon so at least we didn't pay full price for a mediocre dinner.
The restaurant itself is charming. There are booths along the walls, a wall of framed mirrors creating an interesting focal point, a separate bar area and fanciful music playing. Given it's location- there is also free parking in the lot.
We were seated and brought the expected salsa and chips. The salsa was fine but lacked any real flavor but when we asked our server- she said there were two more levels of hotness so we went up one more level. She was right. It was hot! The best way to enjoy it was to mix the mild and the hot salsa together. Perfect.
We ordered some guac and the special shrimp appetizer to start. The guac didn't have the fresh taste that I like in my guac (needed more cilantro and lime) and the shrimp dish was a little sweet for my taste.
As for entrees, we had a combo plate of a taco, enchilada and tostada- each came with a choice of meat (ground, grilled steak, or chicken) and all was smothered in cheese. Also you get your choice of beans and Spanish rice. My dining companion had the carne asada suizo style that came with tortillas.
All of the food took a long time to come up- and I think it was a pacing problem with our server as when it finally did come to our table- it was warm, but not hot. In fact- the steak in the enchilada was cool and the cheese had that shiny look to it of cheese that has been melted and left out too long.
Speaking of service- we had to flag our server down as she forgot an item of the order. We then had to find her again when we wanted our bill. And then on her trip back to the table- she dropped the credit card on the floor and didn't notice that it was missing until we flagged her down again to try to find it.
Dinner for two with a couple of beers and the discount came to about $50.
Again- surprised that Cafe Salsa got all the rave reviews I've seen. There are better places to get Mexican food either real Mexican or Americanized Mexican. And coupon or not- that's where I'll be spending my money. -
Review from Denise P.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2008
My boyfriend tells me that when this place opened it was really highly regarded and an extremely high-end Mexican restaurant. This must have been a LONG time ago or he's swayed by the nice atmosphere of the restaurant. This isn't Topolobampo dear. Not Frontera either. The food here is nothing to write home about.
I had the special of Mahi-Mahi in lemon olive oil marinade with mango salsa and spanish rice. The mahi was very fresh although it seemed overdone. The rice was sub-par. Chips here are good but somehow the salsa seems really salty - and its not from the chips. It's weird.
Worst part about this place, though, are the margaritas. $11.70 for a Sauza Tres margarita with triple sec and no cointreau? Are they high?!? Even the house margaritas are over $8.00. Jose Cuervo pre-made margaritas in the bottle are stronger than this. It's pretty much sweet and sour in a glass.
Wait that isn't the worst thing. The prices are. $14.99 for 2 steak tacos and sides. $15.99 for a steak burrito with rice and beans. I sh*t you not. Apparently when this place's food went downhill, the prices did not.
I'm telling all of you right now - if you want mexican food and you live around this place, get on 47th to 1st ave, get on 55 and get off at california south to pershing. Make a left. go to archer and get your mexican food craving *ss to Tio Luis where three steak tacos and sides are a whopping $6.99 and far better. The salsa isn't salty here either. If you really are looking for high-end mexican, go to frontera. So much better and I'm not even joking, it's cheaper. -
Review from Katie W.
Lancaster, PA
5/8/2009
Came here on Cinco De Mayo expecting some excellent margaritas seeing as this is also a Tequila Bar.
We were disapointed. The Margaritas were weak and tasted like sweet and sour.
The Guacomole tasted like it was store bought with a few extra tomatoes and onions mixed in.
I did like the fairly large outdoor patio. I love eating outside, well atleast drinking margs outside! My salad was also very large, which is often rare at Mexican places.
I would come back to sit outside again and maybe try some new tequilas...but probably won't. There HAS to be some better Mexican places around, we'll just have to keep trying! -
Review from Gabrielle S.
La Grange Park, IL
5/11/2009
For what it is, this place is great. A relaxed, cheap, festive place you can take the kids and a few girlfriends. I would not come other than for all that. But I came with 3 girlfriends and two hyper kids and for this- it was perfect.
While the 1 and 3 year olds jumped on furnature in between chips, us ladies enjoyed inexpensive pitchers of margaritas(full of too sweet mixer- hey, you get what you pay for!) and cheap tex mex. The combo plate I split with my little one fit us perfectly. Veggie portobella mushroom fahita- yum, bean and cheese enchilada- yum, two bites of quesidilla- it's what it is- all for 12.99. Not bad! A little guac in there too and you are set!
And everyone else has there jumping bean, noisy kids and friends too so nobody cares. A happy easy place to take families and friends. -
Review from Jeffery S.
La Grange Park, IL
Updated - 5/29/2010
Ate here for lunch yesterday and I'm not sure what all the grumbling is about. It was a beautiful summer day and my date and I ate outside in the patio. I had the summer salad and she had steak fajuita's. My salad was nice, fresh and tasty and my dates fajuita's featured good lean peices of meat, fresh vegetables, beans, rice etc.
Service was great, the whole deal cost $23.00. Not cheap but hey if you want cheap mexican food, there are plenty of "hole in the walls" that will give you that. My date loved the fact that one of the waiters took leftover water that were on vacated tables and used it to water the plants out on the patio. "Smart use of our limited resources".
I'm glad I went back and I'll be back again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2009
Cafe Salsa is one of my favorite restaurants. Not because I regard it as "authentic mexican" or… Read more »
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Review from Essie C.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2010
We've driven by this place so many times and finally decided to try it. So glad we did!
They have the best chips and salsa and they bring each person their own little bowl of the salsa which is great, you can go at your own pace and not worry there won't be any salsa left. Anyway....THEY HAVE FULL SIZE PITCHERS OF MARGARITAS! Yes, full size not the mini ones which are really only two drinks. We lost count, after all it was a FULL SIZE pitcher but I think we each got 3 maybe four glasses. Yum, good stuff.
I ordered the churrasco and hubby had the carne asada. Both steaks were awesome! Mine came with au jus, small salad and rice and beans. For the beans you have choices, you are not limited to the usual refried beans; you can have black beans, charro (which is out of the pot before being mashed) and refried. They also have other options instead of the rice and beans, you can also order potatoes either mashed or fries. We both agree that on the side orders the portions were small so although the steak portion was good we ran out of the side orders too quickly and were considering just placing an individual side order of something, anything just to finish off the steak but instead we just had more margaritas!
Service was ok, nothing to write home about. Good atmosphere, everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals. Looked around at what others were ordering and steak seemed to be the choice all around.
Would definitely go back, probably with a group, there were a few groups there that day and the atmosphere is good for it; it was a bit loud and everyone was having fun. We stuck around to finish our huge pitcher and it got a little quieter and they put on background music, it was a good choice to have it off during the main meal time as it would have been over the top, instead it was a good balance. -
Review from Tommy M.
2/4/2009
As a tequila extraordinaire, I love this place. They have tons of different tequilas (not sure how many, I'm guessing 50+). Last week I had their Cazadores Añejo, neat in a snifter. Delish. If you like tequila, this is the place!!
They lose a star because their parking lot is *atrocious*. It's strange - 3 or 4 spots here, 6 spots there, some on each side of the building, some in the back, some even further back. Of course I had to drive through all of the different little parking lots to finally find a spot. I just wanted my tequila!!
Oh, their chips are REALLY good. Hot off the press! -
Review from Ernesto A.
La Grange, IL
10/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Americanized Mexican food. Good chips and salsa, but overall the food is "Pepi's" quality.
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Review from Padme A.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2008
Very Good!
They have Carnita's everyday!
Nice salsa, good prices, plenty of room, plenty of choices, huge portions!
No cons here, except I wish they were closer! -
Review from R P.
Plainfield, IL
3/6/2010
We're fans. This is not the best out there, but it's by far one of the better Tex-Mex restaurants. They use white mean chicken, nice tender beef, and lots of veggies. Salsa is not what we would consider the greatest but you can tell that it was made with roasted tomatoes and fresh onions. Definitely will go back when we are in the area.
Update 3/6/10: Have been back to this place a couple times now. Each visit brings poorer service and food quality than the last. Not sure if they changed cooking staff but it seems that things have gone down hill since the first visit. Will not be returning. -
Review from Jessica M.
Western Springs, IL
9/22/2010
My husband's family and I have been here many times, and I like it. It's a pretty standard American version of a Mexican restaurant, which is often exactly what I want. Good drinks, pleasant atmosphere, we'll definitely be back often.
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Review from Karen B.
Brookfield, IL
8/25/2011
The food here is good, the drinks are better. The prices are not too bad.
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Review from Joe S.
Willowbrook, IL
Updated - 1/14/2011
Warning this is NOT traditional mexican food, it is just simply a place to sit down and eat your american-mexican food- like burritos and tacos.
Been here quite a few times over the past 3 or 4 years. I have noticed that both the quality of food and service have taken a nose dive. A few years back they received a decent review in one of the Chicago papers or T.V. shows and have since jacked their prices and lowered food quality.
So, here's the deal: If you want to eat frozen, dark meat, shredded chicken in your burrito, taco, or other entree, order your selection "De Casa". If you want fresh meats, including fresh flavorful, not frozen TOO long, grilled chicken then you have to order your dish "Char-grilled" and pay about a 50-60% UP-CHARGE!!! Burritos de casa are 9.99 and char-grilled are 16.99.
The last few times I have ordered a margarita straight-up. (No rocks, no salt, not frozen). Today, the glass was delivered 3/4 full at best. When I asked the server about it, he told me that the manager will not allow them to fill the glass because I would have received more beverage than if it had ice in it. ARE YOU FOR REAL???? COME ON, Im already paying $9.00 for that drink - fill it up! Even $9 drinks at the United Center come larger and filled up!
To be quite honest, I really don't get some of the previous reviewer's claims that they serve the best chips and salsa they have ever tasted. It's really not that good - not terrible, but not really that good. Perhaps this is the ONLY salsa they've ever tasted.
I don't think I can justify another return visit given the rising costs and decreasing quality in food and service.
Truly a SAD story of a good restaurant gone bad.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/5/2010
Have eaten here at least 15 times. The food is great! Margaritas are fantastic! Prices have gone… Read more »
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Review from rick a.
Willow Springs, IL
Updated - 9/14/2010
I want to like you more than I do, Cafe Salsa, I really do!!!
We have to establish a minimum standard for all restaurants for whatever they serve from any of the ethnic options. I think that what Cafe Salsa does well is American-Mexican food and offer some potent and delicious margaritas but not true traditional Mexican food. I may not be that guy who sings the praises to those looking for a dining experience that transports them to a small village in Mexico where a native grandmother makes a dish for you and it is traditional because that's the only way she knows how to cook. I recommend this place for those who will never try tripe or cactus or any of the number of 'bizarre' ingredients that scare the living hell out of less adventurous diner. Cafe Salsa should not be penalized for what they don't have but I wish they dared their customers to leave their hangups for a night and try a tongue stew at least once. What they prepare and offer is first rate but not near daring enough for a guy who rolls the dice more often then not.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/12/2009
Oh, how I long for a true Mexican restaurant, this is not one of them. Cafe Salsa does… Read more »
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Review from Erin B.
1/29/2007
There is better Mexican food out there, and there is better services out there too. All in all, it's a decent place for a quick meal with your friends/family. I do love their freshly made chips and salsa though! Usually I end up getting fajitas, and they're pretty tasty, and satisfy my hunger. Be careful for the margaritas. I refer to them as "toxic margaritas." One sip of them not only will you be addicted, but you will be quickly knocked on your behind!
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Review from Tio S.
La Grange, IL
9/26/2009
I was reluctant to try Cafe Salsa for a few reasons. First, the name. I've always thought that places with names like Cafe Salsa, Casa Margarita, or anything with Jalapenos in the name never have authentic or good Mexican food. Second, Cafe Salsa is located very close to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the area (Hacienda Cocula). But...I've been told by some friends to give it a chance, and I'm glad I did.
We arrived at Cafe Salsa today for an early dinner at 6pm on a Saturday, and the restaurant was already pretty crowded. A good sign, I thought to myself. The hostess asked if we didn't mind being seated at one of the few tables in the bar area. We agreed, since smoking isn't allowed anymore, and it seemed like a family friendly establishment. Our dinner started with two fresh baskets of chips and three cups of salsa. The chips were nice and crispy, slightly greasy, but fresh and good. I really liked how they gave three separate servings of salsa for each one of the adults at our table. I hate when you run out of salsa and have to ask for refills. The salsa was a basic tomato and onion soupy mixture, but it was good. We ordered a half order of guacamole, and it was more than enough for three adults. It wasn't anything to write home about, and I agree with Katie W. -- it almost tasted like store-bought guacamole with onion and cilantro mixed in.
I was there with my mother, my wife and almost 4-year old daughter - each Mexican cuisine connoisseurs in their own way. My wife ordered the steak taco dinner, and (as always) she asked the waitress if the tacos are served on "soft, corn tortillas without cheese." I usually roll my eyes when she asks this, but I was relieved when the waitress replied "of course," confirming corn tortillas were used. The more I've been thinking about it, when they automatically serve tacos on flour tortillas with cheese, it's a sign that you're in a bad Mexican restaurant. My mom ordered a combination dinner, with tostada, tamale and taco. I had a different combination dinner with steak taco, beef enchilada and beef tostada suiza. All dinners came with generous servings of rice and refried beans. The steak tacos were above average, with good quality meat, topped with tomato, onion and cilantro served on two soft corn tortillas. The rest of the items we ordered were good too. The tostada suiza was layered with heaping servings of beans, meat and cheese on a crispy tostada, and the enchilada was basically the same thing just rolled up in a soft tortilla.
Now, I will agree that this is not what I would call authentic Mexican cuisine. But if you're dining in Countryside, you're not really expecting anything too ethnically authentic or high-end. However, my wife - who only orders steak tacos at every Mexican restaurant she visits - said she'd definitely come back. My picky-eater daughter ate almost her whole plate of rice. And I polished off my combination platter with no problem. So judging by the empty plates on our table, we enjoyed the meal. It might be worth noting that we skipped lunch today, but even the strongest hunger pangs would not force me to devour an entire platter of bad Mexican food.
All of our meals were reasonably priced -- under $10 a dinner -- but there were a few items on the menu do appear to be overpriced. For example, the carne asada was $16.99. I hope it's good for that price! I wanted to order this, but was afraid that if it wasn't the best carne asada I've ever had, I wouldn't go back. I also had a margarita on the rocks, with salt and didn't think it was that great. It was served in a tall glass with a straw (huh?) and tasted sour and was pretty strong. I am guessing that most of the drinks were strong, since there were a few people at the bar that seemed to more frequently drop the f-bomb after slamming many margaritas.
In my opinion, Cafe Salsa is worthy of three stars for Mexican cuisine in the western suburbs...where the competition for Mexican restaurants is quite bleak. Would I come back here? Probably. I think it's a step above your typical taqueria, as authentic as Pepe's (read: not very authentic), but arguably the second best Mexican restaurant in Countryside (1st place = Hacienda Cocula, of course!).Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Mike M.
Clarendon Hills, IL
7/6/2010
Voted "Best Mexican Restaurant" by the Doings, Café Salsa is located on 55th street in Countryside, adjacent to La Grange. There are many restaurants in this area, but Café Restaurant rains nearly supreme in Mexican cuisine. Try the CharGrilled Tostada with Grilled Chicken Breast. Mexican Dinner Combinations are perfect for sampling the diverse menu of Enchiladas, Tamales, Chimichangas and Tortas on the menu. This La Grange restaurant also boasts over 20 different types of Tequila encompassing premium and ultra premium varieties. Café Salsa is not only in a convenient location, but offers distinct Mexican gastronomy.
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Review from Michelle H.
Bolingbrook, IL
4/22/2006
Great Mexican food, and even better margaritas! (Really strong) The restaurant is off the main drag, but it is well worth the trip. The cheese enchiladas are my personal favorite. During the summer months, their outdoor dining can't be beat, and on Friday nights they have a Mariachi band walking around, which is great for the ambiance, but if you are trying to have a conversation, can get kind of annoying. The service is friendly and efficient. I have been here for a couple of birthday celebrations, and instead of singing, they put a large sombrero on your head and take a picture so you can have a keepsake of the night you had one too many shots of tequila. (Even if you have not been drinking, the sombrero somehow makes you look like the town drunk)
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Review from Peter H.
IL
1/25/2007 1 photo
Cafe Salsa is awesome, super fast service, reasonable prices, good food. I get the steak tacos every time. Good chips and salsa. three dollar margaritas on wednesday are great, they're huge too.
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Review from James L.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2007
Well now...
Here is where I haunt...usually...
Good food...
Good beers...
Good Margaritas...
Good ambiance...
Friendly folks...
Excellent customer base...
Friendly conversation...
What more can I ever ask??? -
Review from JULIE C.
Chicago, IL
5/5/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Good food and drinks. Service is a bit slow..hence the 3 stars. We go for the Chicken Mexicana..mmmmm.
