Guadalajara Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Grayville

We had just stopped at the rest area out on 40 and were looking for lunch options. The proximity to our location and existing google reviews/rating brought us here. So glad we did!

It's not marked well - or at all (?). If I didn't have google maps there is NO WAY I'd find this place. Certainly locals know about it. If you've been here before, you're totally coming back. But, knew folks would only see it on Google Maps. There is no sign by the main road and, as best as I can tell, no sign on the side of the building on the little 'side road' that turns to gravel. It appears that the main entrance is actually off the back of the Super 8 motel parking lot, so maybe there's a sign there. I saw quite a few cars parked in the large gravel lot out back and just parked there. A door with WELCOME on it told me we were in the right place.

Greeted and seated promptly by friendly folks, crispy tortilla chips and yummy salsa arrived shortly after we sat down. They were kind enough to provide salsa 'bowls' for each of us and even some extra salsa when we ran through the first carafe. Refills on drinks were prompt; attention by our waiter was solid.

Now, for the food: awesome! My brother is insanely picky so he ordered a ribeye plate - which is a super thin slice of beef with soft tortillas and accessories. He felt there was a bit more fat/gristle on his meat than he expected. My mom ordered the chimichanga and really enjoyed it. I opted for the huevos con chorizo and destroyed the food on my plate. Beans and rice were good, but man those eggs and chorizo were super yummy! The soft tortillas tasted fresh, too.

I'd totally come back here in a...

I have never felt more anxious to give any place a review until i ate here , im traveling from Jersey and was looking for a place to eat and we saw absolutely nothing worth wild , found out there’s a Mexican place right off i64 in the middle of nowhere. Pulled in not expecting much at all . First let me say as soon as I walked in I was visually Astonished , the way they have the restaurant set up makes it feel like your part of the culture . Like your in Mexico. Now the Hispanic population where I live is pretty heavy and we have a fair share of local Mexican restaurants so I have a pretty good understanding on how something should taste . They first gave out chips and salsa which I was free of charge . Chips tasted fresh and hand made . The salsa was the same . Didn’t even last 4 minutes on the table . First impressions couldn’t have been more blown away , We ordered quite a bit of food right before they closed and the people were still welcoming with open arms . Everything was spot on , it was honestly not just the best Hispanic food iv tried to date but best food iv had in a long while .The place was empty when I walked which In my head made sense because of the location/ time but after eating I weirdly felt sad that the place was empty becuase it made me wonder if it’s even profitable keeping a restaurant running in the middle of nowhere. I feel if they relocated to let’s say any other state they’ll do phenomenal. Especially if they keep up...

It’s the year 1509 CE, you’re (of course) living in a palatial mansion in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, after all, you ARE, in fact Motecuhzoma, one of the most revered leaders of the Aztec empire, at the height of the dynasty. Your attendant brings you the succulent nectar of the Agave plant (21st Century equivalent would be, of course none other than El Tesoro Añejo) as you ponder and have another attendant bring you a meal befit a King. (Again, we have to supplant a 21st Century equiv., Fajita Mocajeté).

You have the most superb dining experience of your life, the grilled cacti and jalapeños are perfectly done. The rib eye is slice with the shadow of your fork succulent, the chicken, the onions, the perfectly warmed maíz (🌽) tortillas are without fail. The palatial musicians keep playing all evening, musical notes encouraging digestion.

Okay. So. I’m really in Illinois. Not what is now Mexico City. I drive a truck. Am NOT in fact a revered Aztec leader of the 16th century.

And the restaurant is not a palatial mansion.

But I’ll be damned if the experience I described wasn’t EXACTLY what went down. This place is a must visit. Holy Cow (🐄...