Bellos Restaurant of Elgin — Restaurant in Elgin

Found myself in Elgin today. As I’m from DeKalb area I like to come back for burritos. Been coming since early 1980,s . 2 reasons for 4 star instead of 5 . Back in the day burrito was more then twice the size for half the cost. Had they kept the original size but raised price to offset cost of ingredients Ide give them a pass as the VALUE was spectacular. But now you get what ya pay for. No more but no less as the value is now just decent. They even charge for the hot carrots now. The value has diminished enormously. BUT they make ONE of the best burritos for many miles. Today’s was VERY good the meet cooked perfect for that carmalized/charred meet taste for that enhanced steak flavor. Reason number 2 . As today’s was much better then most visits they have an issue with consistency. Many times meet tends to have a lot grissle particularly the carnitas. I have had better so I just can’t give 5 stars. And I’ve had better RIGHT HERE. But if you want a generally really good burrito you “shouldn’t” be disappointed. I like the McLean location as it appears much cleaner and a much safer neighborhood then near the river. I may have missed a few jewels in the burbs but it’s hard to find a better burrito without going into Chicago City itself. It’s no way close to what it was in the 80’s but not much is, and it is competitive for price vs quality. If you don’t speak Spanish however you do tend to feel a bit like your presence is tolerated rather then fully appreciated as a valued customer. Their not exactly rude but you definatly feel excluded when very little attempt is made to communicate in English and once your money is taken no attempts are made toward pleasantries. Basically here’s your food NEXT!!!!!!!!!! You tend to get sidestepped for Spanish...

The highlight of my visit was the Carne Asada dinner. It was a culinary masterpiece that left me craving more. The meat was incredibly juicy and tender, cooked to perfection. Each bite was bursting with flavor, showcasing the chef's skill and expertise. It was an absolute delight for my taste buds, and I couldn't have asked for a better dish.

In addition to the Carne Asada, I had the pleasure of trying the Fundido con Rojos, and it was a true revelation. The combination of melted cheese and the spicy red sauce was simply divine. The flavors complemented each other perfectly, creating a harmonious blend that was both comforting and exciting. I found myself savoring every bite, not wanting the experience to end. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. They went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. The management deserves special recognition for their dedication to providing top-notch service. Their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction truly set them apart.

The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. I would highly recommend Bellos Mexican Restaurant to anyone in search of an extraordinary dining experience. From the impeccable food to the outstanding service, this establishment has truly raised the bar. I can't wait to visit Bellos Mexican Restaurant again and indulge in their delectable offerings. It's a dining experience that I will cherish and eagerly anticipate. Don't miss out on this hidden gem – you won't be...

My first visit in about 2 years. Too many issues: The parking lot has 2 entrances, but the main one off Lillian is wide enough for 1 car only. You can't enter if someone is pulling out. Also, parking spaces are limited. The door to the restaurant has a high step to get in. When leaving, you open this door and you step down over 12 inches. An accident waiting to happen. The server brought us chips, salsa/sauce and pico de gallo. The chips were warm, but the pico was way too old--not fresh at all. Gross. They give you bowl of about 6-8 oz. of salsa/sauce, which is maybe 10x what you need for the basket of chips. I can't believe they are throwing away all that sauce after every single customer, which makes me assume I'm dunking my chips into the same sauce that the previous several customers double-dipped their chips into. Gross! and probably against the health code. My son ordered the kids quesadilla, which was cheese and a thin slice of ham inside a small tortilla, folded over. It looked very small but he liked it. I ordered tacos al pastor. They put little bits of pineapple in it which makes the taco too sweet, but my bigger issue is that the meat has too much fat on it. There were too many small pieces of pork that were mostly fat.

The prices are low -- kids quesadilla with beans & rice, my 2 tacos, and 1 soft drink for $13.

I've been to the El Faro locations several times over the years, always remembering how people have told me they loved it, but each time I wonder why...