Los Cantaritos — Restaurant in Geneva Township

This was not a pleasant experience and we won't be back. Often, I find just one area like food, service, or atmosphere brings down an overall rating, but in this case, two stars across the board, which is unusual.

Decor: It's a strip mall location. They put in a new floor, added tables and chairs, and now it's a restaurant. I did enjoy the touch of flowers at the table we sat at, but that's all I can say about the decor.

Service: Just off to the right of the entrance, the wait staff hangs out at what appears to be a takeout counter. Nobody greeted us or sat us at a table. They just said sure when we asked if we should just sit at a table. The waitress unfortunately didn't speak much English and it took several times repeating our order. We got everything we ordered but also an extra fish taco on a plate, which we sent back. When my kids asked what sodas they had, she spoke the flavors in Spanish and I had to translate for them. In a Midwestern Illinois suburb, this is odd. Drinks are in cans or bottles and you're not offered a glass with ice. For $2.85 for a can of Coke, no ice. The waitress didn't come by the table at all between the order and bringing the food back after 20 minutes. I guess because the drinks don't need refills, they don't feel the need. No refills on chips or salsa were offered and I got the feeling you couldn't have them.

Food: If all else fails, great food can save any restaurant. Unfortunately, unless they get a different chef, they will be out of business within two years. Food is bland, underseasoned. The chicken tacos weren't marinated in anything nor seasoned - it was just grilled chicken. It had a nice fire-grilled taste, but when ordering chicken tacos, you're not ordering grilled chicken breast on a tortilla, but that's what we got. The chicken flautas were equally bad - no flavor whatsoever. The sour cream was watered down. Not with lime juice and seasoning for a proper crema - just watered down. Overpriced by 25-35% compared to any other comparable Mexican restaurant. This menu is on par with Salsa Verde, but not executed as well. The beans and rice were also flavorless. The salsa was quite watery and very tomato-forward, but actually nicely refreshing. The chips are out of a bag and not great. While it wasn't my preferred style of salsa, that and the fish tacos were the only things with seasoning from our whole meal. The food had little depth of flavor and nothing was surprising...

First time trying this authentic new spot in town. Found out the owners, husband and wife, were in the kitchen cooking and their daughter was serving. They got busy, but everyone was working hard doing the best they could. So, any reviews you see below that aren’t 5 star I can promise you are unwarranted and written by unhappy people who need to get a life and not be so self-absorbed. It’s called having appreciation and gratitude for the people serving you amazing food made with love. I digress… Seriously though, my hubby and I brought our 2 & 5 year olds in after baseball for the Gorditas, tacos, rice and beans and they couldn’t have more been delicious!!! True authenticity, freshly made. My kids, who tend to be picky, devoured everything too! Such a win! And the bill was so reasonable for a fam of 4! Very refreshing! We will be back often!!! Welcome to the...

This place is a tough review. The al pastor and carnitas tacos were some of the best I've had. The steak and barbacoa is dry and chewy. The salsas don't have heat which is a negative. The horchata and tamarind juice was delicious.

The straw that broke the camels back are their prices. Pricing on the menu is cash only. Horchata and tamarind juice cost $6 each. Each taco costs $4 average.

For 5 tacos, 2 sopes and 2 non alcoholic drinks the total for lunch with tip was $70. I've had the same quality food and drinks for 1/3 the price at other restaurants. Such a shame because their food is good, but I will not be returning due to...