Mariscos El Amigo 2

It was ok. Not horrible.
Friendly service.
Typical Mexican food, the carne asada tacos were yummy.
Rice and beans were good.

As a longtime patron of Mariscos on Summit, I can attest to the authenticity and flavor that this gem of a Mexican restaurant consistently delivers. I've been coming here for years but never wrote a 5 star review they so deserve. We've moved recently from the neighborhood and last night we made a visit to dine in vs other times we always ordered carry out.

From the moment you sit down, you're treated to a tantalizing array of chips and salsa that set the tone for the culinary journey ahead. You know when the chips and salsa are good, that's a very good start.

Last night's visit, every dish we ordered surpassed expectations. Personally, I indulged in the Mar Y Tierra, and it was delish. The steak, cooked to perfection, melted in my mouth, while the shrimp provided a delightful contrast. The seasoned rice and beans were so good!

Mariscos is very authentic, evident not only in the flavors but also in the ambiance. While English may pose a challenge at times, the attentive and friendly service ensures a seamless dining experience.

Overall a nice place for fresh Mexican food. There are Mexicans working and dining here so I am assuming that means it is pretty authentic. We normally order the fish and shrimp tacos. We have also ordered the oysters. All very fresh and reasonable. The service is pleasant and attentive. The ambience and dining area can use some updating. This is our go to for oysters.

Love the oysters, fish tacos and friendly staff. Best food and prices. It is also close to my home.

Used to be my favorite spot. Fourth time in a row the order was not only wrong but completely missing. Ordered $110 - 21 tacos, rice beans, chips salsa, pico. (Had guacamole and ceviche while I waited). Sent my on my way with three bags, yeah! It's hard to have taco dinner when they don't put the tacos in. Went back (this has been a common theme for the last three carry out orders.) the foods good, that's why I come back but the service, well there's no attention to detail. Went back and the tacos are wrong. I'm done with this place, don't care how great your food is. Your service screwed up my $300 a month habit. They laughed when I came back. It's not funny. I'm sure there are other Mexican restaurants in elgin that will take my money, get the order right, and not laugh at me.

The camarones verecruzana -
Shrimp was grilled and butterflied beautifully.
The poblano peppers grilled and sliced nice along with the tomatoes which were nicely de-seeded. Signs of a good chef.
The waitress was all about making you happy.
Nice place.

I had a Torta desebrada and it was delicious! My sis had a Mix Fajita plate and she loved it. Our waitress was very sweet her name is Diana. She always asked everyone if they were okay. She greeted everyone as they walked in. Thats how a waitress should be. The other ones should take notes. Lbvs.
We will return!

I tried this restaurant 3 times because I like to make sure it was not an off day for the server, because we have all had them. I was in the food service business for 30+ years, from busgirl, to server, to cocktail waitress, to bartender to manager then to beverage department manager and if someone says they never have a bad say they are lying.

SO my 3 visits...

First time in there they barely acknowledged me. Unless you drink pop, no American beverages like tea or ice tea. Then trying to explain what you want was very difficult. I know this is a Mexican restaurant, but I question why American restaurants have to cater to Hispanics but they do not try for Americans coming into their establishment. This first visit the food did come as ordered. She tried her best to make sure I got I guess americanized tacos with lettuce tomato and cheese. The food was okay, the tacos very small. BUT guac was very good. The do not give you a check. They do not come back and refill water or clear plates or bring check. you have to go up to the register and ask to pay. That I found strange.

Second visit was pretty much the same as first, with a girl that again did try to make sure it was what I ordered.

Third and LAST visit - the girl barely acknowledged me and I sat myself and waited for her to get done talking with another waitress. Only 1 other table in the place so not busy. I ordered just as I did before, but this time the tacos came with stuff I did not order and did not come with lettuce tomato or cheese. AND she never said a word, like I did not exist. I had to wait and wait for her to stop talking with the other waitress to get her attention and come back over. I then had to order the things to make it a taco for ME...not necessarily their way. BUT I am paying for it and so yes I want my taco to be how I can eat it because I have a bad stomach. She brought the chips and guac with the tacos instead of as an appetizer, though I asked for them first. Service was bad.

Here are my problems -
If you are going to have a restaurant with a menu that does show Spanish and English, someone should be able to speak to English customers or have a sign stating they do not serve Americans or do not speak English.

If restaurants and businesses in this town have to have someone able to speak Spanish for them, why don't they have to do the same for Americans?

I will not go back to this restaurant even though I did like the guac because I should not have to struggle to order and be treated like I SHOULD NOT BE IN THEIR PLACE TO BEGIN WITH.

Yes reverse discrimination is alive and well in Elgin, Illinois.

Amazing food. Good customer service. Awesome drinks. Come here if you want to have a good time and a great atmosphere for adults and children alike. I enjoy coming here. Everytime.

Food has been great. I usually get take-out since I live close by. They have a mariachi band if you like the music.