No Manches Mexican Grill Carpentersville — Restaurant in Dundee Township

People recommend this place and I wanted to try it out. It's smelled great in the parking lot. Going in, the music was very loud (it didn't really bother me as I didn't have kids that night) we waited in front without a host for a bit, which whatever.. also didn't bother me because the place was packed and I get they're busy. When the lady with different color contacts finally got to us, there were 2 booths, the bar, a high top, and 3 smaller table originally served for a larger group. We were given the options of the bar or the high top. When I asked if we can get the booth, she said shes using that (it was loud remember so I asked her a couple times because the answer didn't seem right) then realized another party is going to sit there. Ok, no problem, we said we'll take the high top, then a waitress came over to her and said the other booth is open. She asked if we wanted that, I told her yes, we'll take the booth. While waiting i told my husband that I really couldn't hear her and he told me I have to scream because the music is really loud. After she and the waitress cleaned the booth and partial of the 3 smaller tables (originally served a large party), the lady wanted to sit us at the smaller table that was originally served for larger so I went to her (speaking loudly) that we wanted that booth and she replied back saying the booth is for those people pointed towards the people that came in behind us. I asked her why and she replied back asking if I could please stop screaming and that my husband already told me to not scream at her. ?!?! What? I asked her when did my husband tell me to not scream at you? And the waitress came over to ask what happened... I had to explain to her what happened while the lady walked away from us. Keep in mind, the music is very loud and I'm using the same voice I did with her to the waitress and the waitress could barely hear me. I literally had to lean over towards her ears. My question was why did someone that came after us get to sit in a booth that she had asked me if I wanted first and had the nerve to give me the attitude and played it like my husband was "setting me straight"? I told my husband what she said and he was confused at why she would say something like that. Husband said at this point, that was horrible service and did not want to be there anymore. He refused to stay and we ended leaving. Too bad we couldn't try the food but a bad host will definitely ruin a great review but it's not like this review really matter as I haven't seen any response from the owner or the restaurant reply in...

I can’t begin to say the amount of times I have passed by this restaurant and finally decided to stop by and let me tell you if going in two days in a row doesn’t say anything not sure what will. On my first visit I got the opportunity to meet the chef of the house Jose Luis during my visit on Thursday we ordered a dragon fruit drink called La Colorada and an appetizer two quesabirria tacos let me tell you it was the best two quesabirria tacos I have tasted in a while . The amount of meat and cheese and the broth. We’re rich in flavor presentation was phenomenal. On my second visit we ordered ceviche as an appetizer. Very flavorful citrusy. I can say I could probably eat this as my entrée. But went ahead and ordered De Tocho Morocho Parrillada for two. The moment we ate the second appetizer we told our selves that this restaurant really knew how to deliver delicious food. Unfortunately we couldn’t finished given we had an appetizer. But they are very well known for their drinks. This time I had the Coco Loco delicious and a Michelada because why not. But what stood out the most of my two visits was the hospitality and amazing customer service what they advertise on their website, wanting to create an environment where they all feel like Family let me tell you they make you feel part of their family. They are all very attentive, respectful, but most of all you can see the passion they have to serve their customers this time our server was Bruno and unfortunately there was another employee which I did not get his name and once I do, I will update my review, but thus far, looking forward to returning to many more visits. Loved the music. But once again Thank you to the No manches Staff because “ No manches you really left...

Good service that was attentive and quick. Was very loud and slightly cramped. Came in at 9 pm on a Friday night and it was busy. They have a large custom drink menu. I liked the decor and atmosphere which gave a good energy if you are into a loud bar type environment.

Chips and 3 types of salsa are brought to the table when you dine in. The salsas are very good with the red mild salsa great for dipping the chips. The green salsa paired well with all the tacos I had. I wasn't sure what their signature dish was, so I tried different proteins on five tacos.

Pulpo (Octopus) Al Pastor taco had a good seafood flavor but not very Al Pastor. If you like seafood this is worth a try.

El Puerquito/Carnitas (Pork) taco was missing some flavor, may have needed salt or something else to balance with the toppings. The pork was soft and juicy just was bland and unmemorable.

The Al Chile (Cheese Stuffed Poblano Pepper) taco was swimming in sour cream which drowned out the cheese and pepper. Overall this was a miss and not something I'd look for again.

Cochinita Pibil (Pork) was great. It had a very good kick. Pork was soft and flavorful. Pickled onions were a good compliment. Adding the habanero salsa just gave it that much more spice.

Que Onda (Steak) was the star of my plate. It had good flavor and balance between the steak and the toppings. I would have liked a little more char on the meat to get that grilled steak flavor.

I washed this all down with horchata which was very good. I might be back...