That Little Mexican Cafe
| Address: | 1010 Church St, Evanston, IL 60201, USA |
| Phone: | +1 847-905-1550 |
| Site: | tlmcafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11:30PM 11AM–11:30PM 11AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 18
A
A Private User
We didnt even wind up eating here, the hostesses were so awful. When we entered there were approximately two or three other parties waiting to be seated. We were told it would be a 15-20 minute wait. There were 2 of us in our party, so that seemed fine and an ok time to wait. At the 25 minute mark I asked about how much longer it would be, and I was told another 10 minutes. 45-50 minutes later we had still not been seated, and we watched a parade of larger parties (4 or more) get seated ahead of us. There were other parties of 2 that were waiting about as long as we were. It seems that their policy is to try and stick parties of 2 at the bar, and if they dont take that option they make you wait until every larger party is seated. Im not saying you should stick 2 people at a booth that seats 9, but a 4 seat table can easily be used for 2. I will never go back to this restaurant. It would be one thing if they had told us it would be an hour, but they repeatedly lied about the wait. Also, Ive never had an experience at a restaurant where the hostesses so obviously seated people out of order. There are PLENTY of other good Mexican restaurants in Evanston. Lupitas is by far my favorite, and its also cheaper. Dont waste your time at That Little Mexican Cafe, youll feel like its That Little Mexican Prison.
A
A Private User
Weve been coming here since they were located on Sherman next to Trattoria Demi. Never have had a bad meal here; have loved everything weve tried on the menu: Azteca Salad, tortilla soup, fish tacos, steak tacos, grilled steak, and definitely the guacamole. Had a very tasty quesadilla special the other night-yum. The buffet is very nice for lunch; lots of fresh fruits and salads in addition to the usual entrees. If you dont like spending a lot of money, try the tacos ala carte. They are $3.50 each and heaped with toppings. Enjoy one with the free chips and fresh salsa and you have a light meal for under $5! Service has always been nice, if informal.
MI
Mia Giron
Food was ok. Not authentic Mexican food but has vegetarian options. Staff was quick but not willing to split the check in a party of 6. Would only go back for carry out during lunch specials if Im in the area again. Parking is not easy to find either but is just behind public transportation stations for Pace buses, Davis Street El and Metra. If you want authentic Mexican food then dont pick this place but would recommend the margaritas and cocktails. Pricing was affordable and portions are big, but I suggest picking wait staff with a more pleasant demeanour.
KE
Kevin R Foote
Good solid mexican, with more of a culinary feel that the typical place. If youre looking for a standard barrito, rice and beans joint this is not it. If youre looking for mexican influenced cuisine, in a festive atmosphere and great margaritas then youve found your place. Great for adults, but family friendly. On Sunday evening before 730 pm one of the nations most talent balloon men (i.e. animal balloons extraordinaire) hangs out and creates amazing items for anyone who asks... not sure why its at TLMC, but it sure it fun.
A
A Private User
Do not bother on this place. Multiple problems: 1) Took the server at least 7-8 minutes to address our table. Looking around the restuarant, it appeared many others were waiting also. 2) Chips were not warm at all (either batch) - and not very tasty either. 3) This restaurant does not offer ground beef - take it or leave it but I like my Mexican dishes with ground beef. 4) Pretty expensive - example, almost 10 bucks for guacamole - even if it is made tableside - you dont want to pay this amount because the chips arent good!
AL
Alyssa Ulbert
We were given very small cups of water while everyone else had normal sized cups and they never came by to refill it!!! Literally never saw the waiter again after we received our food. The last time we saw him was after waiting 30 minutes after finishing our meal for the check until we had to ask a different waiter for it. Food was fine but not worth the wait.
DA
Daniel Herbert
The food is pretty good, not great. The atmosphere is nice, right there in downtown Evanston, so you can easily go do things after your meal. The staff is friendly and accommodating. However, the reason I keep coming back here, is that they simply have the best house margarita of anyplace Ive been in Chicago. Shaken and poured right at your table!
PA
Patrick Anderson
The lunch buffet is a good deal. For about 10 bucks they usually have several different meats including amazing chicken along with options to make your own tacos or little burritos. The buffet also includes little side dishes like chips and rice. Finally it has desert. If you are in the area for lunch, check it out.
MA
Marlene Rubinow
Got the Baja Fish Tacos. Very disappointing. Aside from being hard shell tacos, not soft, small slender piece of fish in each taco with a little bit of lettuce and some sauce thinly spread on the taco shell. Rice was good though as a side. Had to ask for salsa to try to liven it up.
JO
Jonathan Douglas
Great spot for brunch just off the main artery in Evanston. Good selection of mexican fare, including meats, sides and even desserts. The price was very reasonable at about $13 per person for the all-you-can-eat buffet. Atmosphere was pleasant, and the staff was friendly.
EV
Evan Loken
Great service, polite staff. Absolute must try is the steak burrito, the flavor is second to none and the food quality is very very good. Cant go wrong with the complimentary salsa and fresh tortilla chips to start everything off. Will return every time Im in Evanston.
SI
Simon Ho
Nice Mexican restaurant in the Evanston area although its on the pricier side for Mexican food. They do have complementary chips with a really good salsa (slightly sweet and smokey). I would also recommend the gauc, made table size (get the spicy with everything).
WA
Waymon Mattison Jr
Really the place is cozy and comfortable. I love the food, I have been twice and had the same waiter. He was really good. The food is really the thing here. Its not overly simple or really sophisticated... I thought every thing here was just right.
MA
Maya Kirk
Very good food, great service, fast and nice ambiance. There arent a lot of great Mexican restaurants in Evanston. So this is my go to place for Mexican food (better places more authentic in the city of Chicago, but it works for E-town).
DA
David Shih
Totally decent Mexican food. Its not the best Ive had. But if youre craving a decent meal and some margaritas, this place hits the spot. So Id keep coming back. I just wish the food were a tad tastier. But that said, it does the trick!
A
A Private User
It always astounds me how few veggie dishes most Mexican restaurants have. This restaurant is no exception. We usually resort to the chile relleno in these cases, but the one we had here tasted like it had been frozen for a while.
KA
Kathleen Skoller
Ive been there for lunch a number of times. Their lunch buffet is great - lots of choices, a nice sampling of Mexican flavors. Ordering off the menu, I enjoyed the shrimp fajitas and off course great chips and fresh salsa.
MA
Matthew Turner
We love this place always great food and great service love the buffet it fresh every time like today.... we go here a lot but this is the first time I review it and was like got to tell people how great this place is.
