Carnitas Don Rafa Restaurant — Restaurant in Crest Hill

After seeing such a high rating on Google, we wanted to try it. The staff were friendly, but as others have said, don't expect stellar service. I ordered a chicken taco dinner that came with 3 tacos, rice and beans for around $9 which was reasonably priced. They only put meat, lettuce and tomato on the tacos, so be prepared to pay an upcharge for cheese if you're into that kind of thing. Literally my first bite into a taco, was over an inch long, sharp chicken bone. Completely disgusting! The chicken was what I'm assuming was supposed to be of the shredded variety, but was very fatty and had the consistency of cat food. Parts of it were "blackened" or charred to the point of being so burnt it was nearly impossible to chew, which is why I'm assuming whoever assembled these tacos didn't notice the large piece of bone. I dumped all the chicken off the tacos and made my own with the rice and beans. Even my husband who is a human garbage disposal said the chicken was gross. I'm not one to send food back, it should be edible the first time it comes out. I've eaten at dozens of restaurants and never nearly swallowed a bone. That was our first and last visit. If you decide to go, avoid...

I've driven past this place for 10 years. Finally stopped. They bring out all the stops with the chips and salsa, including the jalapenos and carrots. Salsa's were all pretty tasty. La Mex still has the best salsa in Joliet area. But.... the Pico De Gallo is by the far the best I've had in quite some time. It is spicy. I did the Carne Asada Dinner and was absolutely delicious. Ordered "Medium" and it came out just as ordered. The rice and beans are legit and have a nice flavor without having to drown in salt or salsa.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to try the Margaritas, usually a step in how I choose Mexican places to eat, but will try on my next visit.

Nice little vibe to the place where you could either stop for some drinks or have a full family meal. As I find with most small restaurants in the area.... Get you bathrooms in order. They smelled clean like bleach, but was very dim and sticky.

Service was good, no issues and no complaints.

Great job here. Want to try this place again. Possibly the...

I knew the place closed at 5:00 I arrived at 4:20 still expecting to have a sit-down meal. I was told that was not an option at the hour I had arrived so I placed an order to go. I ordered the Carnitas burrito, asked for chips and salsa and a soda and and was charged an additional cost of $7 in addition to the burrito. After a short wait I was handed a bag, said Thank you and left. I was surprised when the lunch hour arrived (12am I'm working a swing shift) to find nothing more that just a burrito in my bag. I suggest the restaurant be more attentive especially when the place is totally empty no one there but me. In addition if you close at 5:00 you close at 5:00 I should still be able to order a full plate at 4:30. Not the best experience the burrito was just average. I ordered the burrito to go because I figured I would go elsewhere for a sit-down meal. Oh well,...