El Nuevo Mexicano — Restaurant in Lake View Township

I went to the place with my family and my lady made a reservation prior of few days as soon as we walked the person who hosted us asked for vaccinations card even ID’s which for me was strange officially that was gone on 28 th of February he couldn’t let us in even to the premises it was cold and very windy I offered to show in picture and he was not even taking that just vaccine cards over pictures, I even mentioned to him that I was driving from Tinley Park (south suburbs) far away to visit this place and he was just denying ( not even a single drop of humble and compassionate person would think that was cold and drove all over) I had no choice to walk to my lady’s apartment 5 blocks down streets to get the cards and ID’s and waiting for my parents and family waiting outside the restaurant and finding out that he let them in and they took 15-20minutes walking back and forth and then chilling waiting for me to show him the ID’s and vaccination cards for him just to say oh Okay like exclusivity excuse me but to me that’s childish! I understand he was doing his Job but he took it over seriously, he needs the proper training and information updates from the company or family own business on 28th of February of the current year (2022) the masks and vaccination cards are optional not necessary to bring nor wear I’ve went over too many Mexican places in multiple states this time was okay by the staff and this was my second time for me and my lady buy first time as recommendation to my family members that we spent over 400 in less and hour just to enjoy a Mexican meal with margaritas on top of that they even got upset because the same person was rushing us to finish quick like they were about to close when they were not, definitely not coming back is not worth it as far as I asked the coworkers his name was DAVID I think the person was having a bad shift day because he was hosting, serving, bartending and delivering on a small SUV, I think even jumping on...

Why only two stars?? The reason more than simple is in the deep of the: what means "Mexican Food" so very big variety of traditional dishes on a great beatiful play of colors and too much tomato sauce! And that's why I'm giving the first star., The second one is on the real cornerstone of this place... The service, not only a "great service""great people""I'll come back" to explain the dimensions of hard work of this guys, waiters, bus boys, host etc. Tjey would against the clock to full your glass of water and ask for anything you need, that's no doubt that they work is amazing, that's your 🌟. Now the heart of this is the food, I understand that white people is predominant on this area, and some of this people are not familiar with the originality of the Mexican Food, the "Mexican Food" here has no flavor, and I really want to remark here, NO FLAVOR!! Sauce? Soup made it of tomato can? Mole from a glass can? C'mon!! Tortillas? Seriously? That thing is a tortilla? Do you guys knows the taste of a tortilla? You guys don't fool me hiding the taste of tomato 🍅 can with a soup full of avocado, ingredients is what this restaurant needs in order to offer a real taste of Mexican Food. Being here was a shame, sorry but have to say, your food is bad, I try 5 of your dishes and the only thing I like was the entry "queso fundido con chorizo" not even the horrible cold tortillas. This is not to die on the line, is easy to change small yhings who eventually will bring a sea of difference on the food because everything is nice, the place is cozy, people is hardworking, and all those ornamentals looks awesome all around, the food is bad, and...

I'm conflicted writing this because the chicken enchiladas I had were delicious and our waiter was so nice.

The reason why my review is one star is because a horrible mistake happened that should not have happened. I ordered a mocktail and specifically explained that I cannot have any alcohol-- not by choice, but by necessity. Feeling woozy, our waiter went to check with the bartender that a mocktail was made and then also personally remade my drink.

I appreciate all the efforts that were done, but two concerning things happened next. First, our waiter notified us that the bartenders mess around sometimes and that's why he doesn't trust them to make my drink. He told us a story of them acting very unprofessionally and it did not help in making me feel confident that my original drink was in fact alcohol free.

Second, even after having my new drink I did not feel well. The only explanation I can think of is that the drink shakers that El Nuevo uses aren't properly cleaned inbetween use which means there's contamination. This isn't safe for people like me that specifically explained that I need a completely...