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Lalo's Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sun 10 am - 11 pm
Wed-Thu, Sat 10 am - 12 am
Fri 10 am - 3 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
62 reviews for Lalo's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The complimentary Chicken Soup is amazing."
(in 7 reviews)
"My favorite: Homemade lemonade and margaritas."
(in 21 reviews)
"...so we can see the HUGE Mariachi band that plays on a giant..."
(in 3 reviews)
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62 reviews in English
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Review from Mike B.
Urbana, IL
11/1/2011
I've been to Lalo's a couple of times now and it is definitely one of my favorite spots to get some Mexican in the area.
There are some definite pros and cons about this place
Pros:
Good Service
Delicious Drinks
Authentic and delicious Food
Cons:
Parking
Waiting
A little loud -
Review from Eric B.
Chicago, IL
10/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Lalos will always and forever be one of my favorite places to eat, drink, and socialize with friends. It's atmosphere is always relaxing and the drinks are strong. I can see myself taking my grand kids there and reminiscing about my roaring 20's to them about my adventures there.
4 stars and two giant thumbs up for Lalos in Berwyn IL.
The complimentary Chicken Soup is amazing -
Review from Amanda C.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Lalo... home of the best margaritas. Best Blue Margaritas out there! I didn't have one this time around ( I've given up the drink), so I got to fully focus on the food. The prices are slightly high but this is not a hole in the wall Mexican joint (although I prefer those). I had the Beef Fajitas which were really delicious, but I asked the woman for flour tortillas and she brought all corn. After she served us I didn't see her for a while so I just gave up and had them with corn. My cousin enjoyed her meal very much. It's pretty laid back in there and they had Mariachi's on the other side by the bar. We sat on the quiet side. Overall a good place, but I won't go back unless I'm invited there. It just isn't the same without the Margaritas!!!!
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Review from Sandra M.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
So far, it's sucking. We had a large party in the back area. It was getting a little crowded, so we had the older kids go to a separate table about 5 feet away in the next section. Because it was another waiters area, they told us the kids couldn't sit there. They would need a seperate check. The place was empty!!!! There were plenty of empty tables in that section. So instead, they stuffed us like sardines in that one area. C'mon! Give me a freaking break. At the end of the meal, those 5 or 6 tables in the next section were still empty.
The food and service was good and worth about 4 stars. This incidence was one star. I rounded up. -
Review from Esther K.
7/27/2011
Came here with a group of colleagues on a Friday night. The staff was very accommodating of us arriving at different times, which is always appreciated. Lalo's is pretty generic Mexican in terms of menu, decor, music, etc., but that can be fun!
I had a mango marguerita which was yummy yummy, though pretty weak. The sips of rasberry and strawberry margs I stole from my colleagues were delicious as well, perfectly cool for a hot summer night. I ended up just sharing the quesadillas sincronizadas appetizer, and thought they were so-so; a bit too cheesy and slightly greasy for my taste. I wasn't expecting the chicken soup that came out with the appetizer (my friend and I each got a bowl, even though we shared an appetizer!), and I enjoyed it more than the quesadillas :)
Nothing fancy or new but good service and a fun atmosphere for a chill night out! -
Review from Gina V.
Burr Ridge, IL
5/25/2011
I have always had great service here, prices are great, food is great as well!!
Chicken soup is to die for...I could eat it all day
Enchiladas are o.k. A little dry
Steak tacos, rice, and beans are good
My favorite: Homemade lemonade and margaritas!!!! -
Review from Kevin S.
Riverside, IL
Lalo's = Horrible, overpriced & just plain baaaaadddd
Be ready for your typical plate of rice, tamales wrapped in corn, canned crusty topped beans an a $40.00 margarita, that's 89% sour mix and ice and a case severe acid reflux and sticker shock. One can get better food off the roach coach and their service is non existent. I wasn't surprised by the frozen heat & serve appetizers, the same ones you get samples of at Sams club.
Avoid all Lalo's locations, as they are completely the same. -
Review from Paul S.
3/15/2011
First off, the parking is horrific at this location. Full stop.
Lalos is split into two areas. The first is a sit-down eating area and the second is a bar with attached dance floor.
I've been here multiple times with friends but only have sat down to eat once. They will not seat your group until the majority of it has showed up. This is all fine an well, but with the severe lack of parking, this can be difficult. Prepare to leave early to ensure you can be seated, otherwise you will have to wait a long time.
The food is mostly generic, however they have a really good house chicken soup which is without a doubt worth a try. A healthy dose of sides were provided to pair up with the soup. When one of our group members ordered shots while in the sit down area they came back with over-sized glasses. Our total liquor bill for 7 people came to over $230 and we didn't drink that much. The prices are too high for my taste and enough to discourage mass consumption. Just for reference, $5.95 is a bit much for a single Corona.
Moving on to the dance floor and bar, it is always crowded at night so there's plenty of good times to be had on the dance floor if that's your thing. There's a strictly enforced coat check policy before entering the dance/bar area, which keeps most of the troublemakers out.
The music is a mix of Latin, Hiphop, Dance and a few others thrown in for good measure. There's a solid balance of guys and girls on the dance floor and most of the folks there are friendly enough to engage in dancing if you wish. A lot of other clubs have stuck-up girls that refuse to dance with a partner, thankfully the crowd that frequents Lalo's doesn't seem to have that curse.
If you can avoid the over-priced drinks, come VERY early and find a parking spot (try and carpool!) and enjoy dancing, Lalo's is fun hangout with a Latin vibe. -
Review from Sara M.
Berwyn, IL
10/10/2011
Came here on a saturday nite it was packed but we got seated right away the carne asda dinner plate was Delicious everything was cooked just rite and my margarita was pretty strong 4 me but again delicious & I am a drinker everything on the menu is pricey but worth it
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Review from Marcia T.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2011
I give it 4 Stars for the really good margaritas...now as for the food?hmmm their enchiladas...ummm not so good..coctel?hmmm just ok...but I must say their quesadillas with rajas are sooo good...I always order that when I come here...if you come here you should def try the fried ice cream...its not the best Mexican restaurant but its pretty decent...
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Review from Nicole L.
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Lalo's, always a great experience and great Mexican food.
The portions are perfect and hearty, enough for even left overs.
The service is great and prompt.
They seem to always be busy any day I've came.
I think the prices are fair and the food is always tasty. I wish there was a closer Lalo's to Chicago. -
Review from Shelby W.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2011
This Lalo's is not safe to go too.. I went there and got my car broken into on their property , was told they have camera and they don't so you will be taking a big risk going here .....
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Review from Luv To Travel X.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2011
I think the reviews here have been to generous. Even our kids agree that the service and the quality have demished over the years. We can only speak for this location.
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Review from Tom G.
Brookfield, IL
9/9/2011
This is one of my favorite places! Margaritas are great, and the carrot/pepper pre-game is awesome. Main courses are consistently good- if you like hot, go for the lomo en salsa de Arbol! My favorite, but hot! Service is almost always very good! Love Lalo's!!
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Review from Olivia M.
Chicago, IL
7/28/2011
Today was my fifth time going to Lalo's and it never disappoints! I usually switch up what I get and all the food has been amazing. My favorite spot to sit, is in the back with the glass ceiling! Remember to get the margaritas! Best ever!
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Review from John L.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2007
Welcome to Bland American Food 101!
The only reason this restaurant even gets one star is for its spaciousness and for Wednesday nights. Nice looking Latina ladies and gents get dressed up and pack this place every Wednesday to sip margaritas that have too much mix and too little Tequila.
If you want MEXICAN FOOD and good margaritas, go to Mi Tierra 5 blocks north at Harlem/Cermak, and when you order, be sure to ask for Diablo (devil) Sauce on the side!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Al D.
Chicago, IL
7/31/2009
Lalo's. The default dining option when a group of people can't decide on where to go.
Let's face it, Lalo's isn't the best with food. The menu is big with lots of pictures, but not many options, and like a certain chain in Lakeview *cough*Cesears*cough*, Lalo's is also a chain that caters to a young crowd that comes to drink big slushy margaritas and have fun. However, Lalo's has fewer Chads and Trixies.
This location gets packed on the weekends because of salsa dancing in the evenings, which is a big plus. It also has a several cool dining areas, including a "patio" style room.
Lalo's also has the capacity for several large groups to be seated in the same area at the same time, and it's helpful to call ahead when you have a group. Unlike others here, I have always had friendly service at this Lalo's.
IMO, apart from River North, this location is the best of all of them. Parking can get tight on weekends, but the Metra is nearby.Listed in: West
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Review from Kate P.
10/30/2009
Wow, this place sure is bustling!
Came here with a group of friends over the weekend and enjoyed a ginourmous margarita, food and good conversations.
The food was decent. Typical Mexican fare. I had their chile rellanos served with salad and spanish rice. Most of my friends had their tacos and said that they were pretty good too. I liked our server she was nice and prompt with both our drinks and food.
Parking was difficult and the establishment itself is huge! I got lost trying to locate the bathroom. All in all, it was a nice time but I'm with Vanessa M. when she said, "With so many people at one location, I might just be missing something." -
Review from Sara C.
Oak Park, IL
11/13/2010
Lalo's in my go to place with the family - they love it and it is consistent. I am picky with ratings - giving it 3 1/2 stars, but here is the break down - Food generally - 3 star, service 4 1/2 stars, mole sauce - 5 stars, ambiance and how much my family loves this place - 4 1/2-5 stars -
That's pretty much about it - -
Review from Cassie B.
Chicago, IL
10/18/2006
I heart, heart Lalo's. As a suburban kid, Lalo's is where i had my first sit-down Mexican food. As i got older, Lalo's was the place for us TO GO for margaritas (underage or otherwise), and for good solid mexican food.
P.S. there is an urban myth that Lalo's margaritas are so good because they put raw eggs in the margarita mix. this is unfounded, though i have tried my best to find out the truth. so far as i know ... Not true.
we always enjoyed that they had a course of chips and salsa AND vinaigrette vegetables before the main course. mm good.
And, they have real salsa dancing and a mariachi band on the weekends. this place is PACKED on the weekends with mexican families.
anyway, love Lalo's! -
Review from Suz M.
Chicago, IL
5/12/2009
I am well acquainted with this restaurant and I've eaten there many times. First things first: it is overpriced. Very much so for the quality of food. It's not bad. Actually I kind of like the food (when I don't have to pay for it) and the margaritas are big and tasty. It's pretty standard food, nothing at all special and usually pretty greasy. My favorites are the flautas and the sopes.
Can you find the same caliber (or better) Mexican food for less money? Probably. Should you look for it? Yeah. But from someone who lived unbelievably close to this location it's not that bad and fun once in a while. -
Review from Vanessa M.
Chicago, IL
7/6/2006
This Lalo's has to be the busiest out of all of them: maybe it's their jumbo margaritas or their tortilla chips or something else entirely. I'm not too sure. I just know that while the abovementioned items are good, they're not great and service could be much better.
This review should be 2 stars, but I'm giving 3 because with so many people at one location, I might just be missing something! -
Review from Victoria h.
Berwyn, IL
1/18/2009
I couldn't decide between 2 stars or 3, but since my picky husband cleaned his plate, I'm giving Lalo's 3 stars.
The parking lot is tiny and the restaurant stands at a corner of two large streets, so good luck with street parking. Our server was nice, yet pretty much absent throughout our entire meal. My mole chicken was bland. It was boiled chicken covered in mole sauce. That's it! Toward the end of our meal I wanted a glass of milk to lessen the fire in my mouth and we had to ask a busboy for it because our server was no where to be found.
The food was very very average. Absolutely nothing stood out about our meal, except for the chicken (in a bad way) and the absence of our server.
There are plenty of Mexican restaurants in Berwyn. I think I'll try another one next time. -
Review from Richard B.
Berwyn, IL
12/28/2009
I decided to review this place because it's close to our home and I've eaten here many, many times. A lot of food snobs seem to be ripping on it, so I feel a need to come to its defense, hehe.
Lalo's offers what I'd call middle-of-the-road Mexican cuisine. It's not interesting and exotic like New Rebozo or Xni-Pec but it's not "Tex-Mex" either. It's pretty much your typical tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, etc. that you see on the menu in most Mexican restaurants across the U.S.
The food quality is very good and will not disappoint most. That said, I will admit that there are places in Berwyn -- like Zacatacos and Taco Y Salsa for example -- that do offer better tasting Mexican food at lower prices.
Of course, if you go to those places, you won't get the atmosphere of Lalo's. And that's key here. Lalo's is a great place for people watching (particularly on Wednesday nights when the club crowd descends on the place). The Margarita's claim to be "Famous." I wouldn't go that far but they're pretty darn good. Service, in my experience, has virtually always been prompt and friendly.
If you have friends or family with Americanized taste buds, and you want to take them to a fun ethnic restaurant that won't intimidate them and totally break your bank account, you can't go wrong with this place. No, it's not overly special in terms of cuisine, but it certainly blows the doors off Chili's and Pepe's. It has become a regional chain, and some may be dissing on it for that reason, but in my opinion it has managed to remain true to its roots.
In short, I would definitely recommend Lalo's for moderately priced Mexican cuisine and a cool atmosphere! -
Review from Ricky B.
IL
2/7/2007
I know that its not supposed to be authentic mexican food, but who cares..its good. I used to eat at Lalo's atleast once a month and Id almost always get the steak fajitas, and I loved them every time.
Id usually order for take out but every once in a while id eat there. The interior is that of a typical mexican resteraunt, except you can tell that they are a little cleaner, and a little more on the commercial side. On certain nights though its like a club..which can personally be annoying to me..no offense but I cant stand the mexican polka music, and they play it really loud. -
Review from Kayce C.
Chicago, IL
7/22/2008
Now I'm no Mexican food connoisseur, but, I truly love and enjoy a night at this Lalo's. I've also been to the Lalo's on State downtown, but this Lalo's has always topped my downtown experience.
The food is delicious and brought to the table in no time at all. I've had their margarita's and their Mexican sunset. The sunset beat the margarita, but both were good. I love their bar area as well, they usually have a band playing on the weekend and its always a good time.
The interiors are your pretty typical mexican restaurant style, paintings on the wall, but what I love about this place is the attention to detail, lots of glazed ceramic tile, plants, the colors are all warm.Listed in: If I Were A Millionaire
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Review from Laura K.
4/22/2010
The food here is excellent. I LOVE their Chiles Rellenos. The margaritas are also very good.
Parking in their small lot can be a little tricky, especially when half the lot is filled with patrons only there to dance. -
Review from Denise P.
Chicago, IL
6/17/2008
Yes, this is my second review of a Lalo's, the other being the one by UIC. The Berwyn location has better food and a better atmosphere. I think the margaritas here are a bit less potent though :(
The problem with this location? NO PARKING! The lot is really small, and most of the streets surrounding the restaurant are permits only. So you might be driving around a lot to get a spot, or trying not to hit someone as you navigate your way around a lot made for Vespas and Chevy Aveos. The funny thing is, you think you'll be waiting two hours for a table by the looks of the lot, but then you get in and there's hardly anyone in the place. So don't be deceived. If you are patient enough to wait for a spot you will likely be rewarded with next to no wait for a table.Listed in: Weekends are for rookies
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Review from BETO H.
Berwyn, IL
5/18/2011
Lalo's is the best Mexican good in town. And the breakfast is also good.
Try it out. -
Review from Kasia R.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2008
I've only been here once and it was with a group of co-workers on a Friday afternoon. We arrived a little after 5pm and the place was already packed, guess everyone had the same same idea. It was pretty difficult to find parking in the lot. They have two lots, one on each side of the restaurant, but both are small. There is always street parking available.
I did not eat anything... was only staying for an hour and having dinner with my husband. Only tried the Margarita, which comes in two sizes. AMAZING... great amount of tequila... after one large and one medium strawberry margarita ... I was enjoying a good buzz...
The place appears larger on the inside than on the outside and was fairly filled with people. I guess they have a band every Friday.. but I didn't stay long enough to experience it.
Overall, enjoyed my short experience that day. -
Review from Allan M.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2007
Went here sometime in September, after I went to a Chicago Fire game. Quite great for a Mexican restaurant, especially the ambiance of this place, and they didn't do bad in the basics that come to Mexican dining(i.e. having darn good margaritas, refilling your tortilla chips and/or salsa often, etc.).
I got one of the combination plates, and though I didn't care for the chile relleno, I loved everything else I got w/my combination plate, including the flautas and chicken enchilada. What especially clinches this restaurant into 5-star territory, was how amazingly good their fried ice cream was. I'll just warn others before ordering this, NOT to eat too much of your regular entree, before ordering their fried ice cream, due to how darned rich it is! (as I threw up after eating this, as a result).
I definately wanna go to Lalo's again at some point, though I somehow fear that their other Chicago-area locations are nowhere near as great as this one(and that I'll probably just drag someone to the Harlem Ave. location instead). I thought it was pretty cool too how this particular Lalo's has a live mariachi band on weekends, too! And this is now easily my 2nd favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicagoland, and all but as great as Campeche on Lincoln Ave. is. -
Review from Robert O.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2011
Service is great for lunch. The lime margarita was strong but not flavorful. The Carne Asada and tamales were very good. The rice was just okay. Overall I would return but something was lacking???
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Review from Mary F.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011
Lalo's in Berwyn, IL is everything you would expect from a chain Mexican restaurant... But we LOVE it. The margaritas are great and the al pastor tacos are fabulous. make sure you tell them you want them on a flour tortilla with cilantro and onion instead of iceberg lettuce/tomato on your taco. It makes all the difference. I usually get the medium frozen margarita and only NEED one, if you know what I mean. (yeah, I know, if I was a real margarita connoisseur I would get it on the rocks with fancy tequila, but when I'm at Lalo's I stick to what THEY do best, not what I think they should do best.)
DELICIOUS homemade chicken soup comes with every meal and their salsa is spicy and fresh and comes with warm tortilla chips.
This particular location is enormous and we always sit at the bar if we can so we can see the HUGE Mariachi band that plays on a giant stage a few nights a week. The staff is also terrific.
The parking lot is awful as some here have stated, but there is PLENTY of street parking right around the corner. Besides, if you are drinking you probably shouldn't drive there anyway! -
Review from Konstantin L.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2008
We arrived around 6 pm on a Saturday and were seated immediately. We had a good time and enjoyed the food. The staff were very accommodating with my friend's two kids (ages 5 and 2, respectively). We chose to sit in the "patio" area because the area with the band is rather loud, though we checked the band out after dinner and found it excellent.
I had (4!) chicken enchiladas with mole poblano, which I liked a lot. The others had chicken fajitas and camarones al ajillo. Prices are reasonable in my opinion: $100 plus tip for three adults and two kids, including a $28-pitcher of margarita and two desserts but no appetizers. We ended up taking some of the food home, too.
A nice choice overall. This was not my first time and won't be my last. -
Review from Carm O.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2011
Went there for lunch because I had a GC. Food was just ok. Pork tamales decent, rice not so authentic, enchiladas so so. Margarita was large but very disappointing in the flavor department. Flan was good and tres leche cake, not so good. Service was A+. Our server and wait staff were awesome. Probably not returning anytime soon.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can I say?? I LOVE Lalos and its the best place for me and my 3 kids to go have dinner and LOVE the food and not worry about my kids bothering anyone. The servers are wonderful, the food its fantastic and the Manager Victor is the BEST one they have! We are very regular here and he takes care of us!! We love you Viktor!!!! Xoxo
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Review from elisa g.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2009
Been here done that...
WTF is up with the music? who dances to reggaeton these days? this place is only okay for dinning in as far as other live nights I wont bother.
Oh their coat check service is horrible they gave my expensive leather jacket to some chick who had a cheap discovery jacket. I was soo fired up that i made them owe me for what i paid!!!!!! -
Review from Dave B.
Berwyn, IL
3/22/2009
Really can't understand how this place is always packed on the weekends?! Food is OK but way overpriced, and the service is just OK as well. Maybe it's just that location becaus I've had a better experience at the Oak Park location.
Must say the maquerita's are very good but again way overpriced. -
Review from Adrianna C.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2009
Everytime I come here I leave Happy & satisfied!!
I love the Food. I love the service!... Everything is Good.
I only come once a year.. But everytime I come its perfect!.
Dont fail me now Lalos!!... -
Review from Shawn G.
Astoria, NY
7/21/2010
I miss this place so much. Havent been here in a while, but someday hope be eating here again. Food is great, the club part was great on certain nights...great atmosphere.
