Los Nopales: User Reviews

Love It!
By Brown from Albany Park, October 16, 2009

Overall rating:

I love Los Nopales. There are so many things I like I try to change it up a bit. The food is amazing. I love Mexican food and this is the only place I like. The only problems with the restaurant are that the space is cramped and the takeout is not as good as when eating in the restaurant. Other than that, Los Nopales is wonderful.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Great Food
By Rudy from O'Hare, March 14, 2009

Overall rating:

I try to go to Los Nopales at least once a week. The food is great, the atmosphere is friendly, family and very courteous. I tried many entrees and I can only say I never been disappointed. It depends if you like fish, beef or chicken you will be pleased. Of course there are the surprise new recipes, always wonderful. I don't eat peppers or any spicy hot foods, the chef has always fixed my meals just right. They do get very busy but the waiting time is still very reasonable.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Great Mexican BYOB
By brianhill from Lincoln Square, March 14, 2009

Overall rating:

Love the Mole sauce here. Their combination platters are good too. The guacamole is a bit average, nothing terribly spectacular. Overall, this place serves quality food at affordable prices. The space is rather small and loud, so this is not the romantic place by any stretch of the imagination.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

I enjoy the food, but....
By littleB from Lincoln Square, October 2, 2008

Overall rating:

I really enjoy eating at Los Nopales. I am not writing this review to relate a negative experience; there are just some things that are not preferable to me. The food is very good, there is no question about that. The issues that I encountered were the very cramped seating area (I don't really like to be close enough to touch the people at neighboring tables) and the high a la carte prices. The prices for meals are fine, but as soon as you want to order a little of this or a little of that, the prices climb significantly. The thing is, I've never ordered anything outrageous! Maybe some quacamole to carry out or a tamale to add to my meal in the restaurant... You'd think that would be okay, but the overcharging leads me to believe that they feel inconvenienced by extra orders! Oh, don't go in there for take out- it takes forEVER!!!!!!!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Simple, affordable, tasty Mexican fare...
By Patrick from Oak Park, September 20, 2008

Overall rating:

Once again, we enjoyed the food at Los Nopales: it was simple, flavorful, affordable. Yes, the room is a bit crowded and a bit dim for my tastes, and our server was almost notably lacking in grace and cordiality (unlike the proprietor, whose radiant welcome could serve as a model for any restaurant). But it was the food we came for, and we were not disappointed (save for the chips, which were salty and not so fresh -- an unfortunate counterpoint to the delightful red and green dipping sauces accompanying them). The special skirt steak (not a daily special, but a “special” from the menu) was delicious, cooked just right and smothered in chili/cactus sauce. Tilapia was fresh, tasty and satisfying, with a lively blend of heat and piquancy. Service was verrrry slow, so we barely had time for coffee flan before a concert; it, too, was yummy! Be prepared to allow plenty of time for your food to arrive, to forgive the occasional aloofness, and to enjoy simple, satisfying Mexican fare…

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Amazing
By noakle from North Center, August 7, 2008

Overall rating:

The best guacamole and Al Pastor in the city. Love the BYOB as well.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Amazing Mexican in my hood!
By jtom8 from Lincoln Square, April 7, 2008

Overall rating:

My husband and I LOVE the byob places around the city. We heard this place was good, but we left thinking it was great! The service was great and let us take our time. The corkage fee is only $2. We started out with the Guacamole...it was wonderful! I got the combination dinner of a Pork Tamale, Chicken Tostada and a Cheese Enchilada that melted in my mouth. My husband got the Carne Asada special which was a huge portion and very tasty! Of course I made him share! This is a great family owned restaurant that I am proud to say we will be becoming regulars at...it is a must try especially for those looking for quality, inexpenisive mexican food in Lincoln Square!!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

I'm so glad I dined...
By JMP from Chicago, IL, August 31, 2007

Overall rating:

I'm so glad I dined here! Our waiter was gracious and helpful, recommending both of our meals, the carne asada and the chicken mole enchiladas. We had the tilapia tacos appetizer, wonderful! My friend's steak was done perfectly, and my enchiladas were tasty, the mole was dark and smoky, the chicken moist and flavorful. Best part, it's BYOB and they only charged us a $1 corking fee! Very impressed. I'll be back. Often.

My husband and I are...
By Erin from Chicago, IL, July 26, 2007

Overall rating:

My husband and I are regulars here, and we love the food and the wonderful people who run the restaurant. The Guac is EXCELLENT, and the carne asada is cooked perfectly to order on each visit. The only thing I am sad about is that they recently changed their menu: charging a corkage fee now and not allowing mixed enchilada/taco orders. The fish is fabulous too.

Excellent food. We've been...
By ss from Chicago, IL, July 21, 2007

Overall rating:

Excellent food. We've been looking for this place for years....a casual Mexican restaurant where everything has tons of flavor, unlike many of these other places that serve bland dishes. We had the skirt steak and the mole enchiladas. Everything was fantastic, and the fact that it's a small, family run place makes it even better.