La Mesa Restaurant — Restaurant in Barrington

Review for La Mesa Restaurant

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Mesa Restaurant while visiting the Barrington area, and it was truly a memorable experience. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the owner, whose passion for authentic Mexican cooking shines through in every detail.

The restaurant isn't fancy, but it doesn't need to be. La Mesa delivers where it truly matters—with incredible food and a welcoming atmosphere that transports you straight to the heart of Mexico. Every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. It's the kind of place where you can tell the recipes have a story behind them.

The owner's dedication to authenticity and hospitality made the experience even more special. He took the time to chat with us, share recommendations, and make sure we were enjoying every bite. It’s rare to find a place that feels this personal.

If you're in Barrington and looking for a taste of Mexico, La Mesa is an absolute must-visit. We’re already looking forward to our...

I'm having a hard time understanding all of these good reviews. Went there yesterday for the first time with my friend. First Mexican restaurant I've been to that does not give you chips and salsa on the table. Once ordered, the salsa was basically red water, it was horrible and the chips were stale. Neither of us enjoyed our entrees. I had the enchiladas, not a good flavor and their Rancheros sauce was loaded with cilantro and the cheese was not even attempted to be melted. My friend had the steak tacos which every bite she took resulted in a mouth of gristle and fatty meat. Rice was dry and very salty. Margarita barely had any ice in it and was warm within minutes. Very disappointed. The gentleman seemed very nice but that cannot make up for the...

Was driving around and found this place kind of hidden away in a corner of a strip plaza. I walked in and sat down, we were a party of 4. There was no one else here besides maybe the owner's kid, I'm not sure. The guy behind the counter greeted us and provided us menus. Surprisingly, some things on the menu weren't available. The guy turned out to also be the chef as well. No one wants to work is what I keep hearing but in my opinion, workers need to be paid for a fair living.

Food was okay. For the price, I can't really complain. I just wish they had what I originally wanted to order (Chile relleno) or that their torta was actually on a bolillo or telera roll instead of what appeared to be a Turano...