+1 618-942-8100
El Jalisco Herrin brings a genuine taste of Mexico to Southern Illinois, standing out as a beloved Mexican and Latin American restaurant in the heart of Herrin. Known for its vibrant flavors and authentic dishes, this cozy eatery invites guests to indulge in a menu rich with traditional favorites and creative specials that satisfy both casual diners and devoted food lovers alike.
From the moment you step inside, the warm and friendly atmosphere embraces you, making El Jalisco not just a place to eat but a comforting spot where locals and visitors gather to enjoy quality food served with genuine hospitality. Customers repeatedly praise the staff for being kind and attentive, ensuring a smooth and pleasant dining experience every time.
The menu is a celebration of Mexican cuisine at its best. Start your meal with their famous Margaritas—perfectly balanced, refreshing, and the ideal complement to their freshly made Chips & Salsa or the irresistible Queso y Salsa. For mains, the savory Chicken Fajitas sizzle at the table with a mouthwatering blend of peppers and onions, while the Tacos El Pastor deliver a classic, spicy kick that transports your taste buds straight to Mexico City’s vibrant street food scene.
Seafood lovers delight in dishes like the Shrimp on the Beach and the hearty Steak and Shrimp pairing, both bursting with fresh, bold flavors. The Sampler Platter offers an excellent way to experience a variety of their specialties in one satisfying order. With items like Chipotle Mango Avocado Chicken Tacos and Taquitos Mexicanos, El Jalisco continually impresses with a fusion of textures and tastes that are anything but ordinary.
Families will appreciate the thoughtfully crafted kids’ menu, where comfort meets tradition with dishes such as Arroz Con Pollo and cheese quesadillas, making it an inviting spot for dining with little ones. Meanwhile, those craving traditional staples will find their desires met with options like Enchiladas Suizas and the stacked flavors of Enchiladas Jalisco, all prepared with care and authenticity.
Reviewers consistently commend El Jalisco for their quick service and dependable quality. Amber Zainitzer calls it a "classic comfort place" that never disappoints, while Rebecca Land, a Texas native, praises the restaurant for bringing one of the most authentic Mexican food experiences to Southern Illinois. The warm environment coupled with heartfelt service resonates deeply with patrons, fostering a connection far beyond just the food.
Although some guests mention a desire for a broader craft beer selection, the overall culinary experience remains strong, with dishes like the Jalisco special and street tacos consistently earning high marks for flavor and freshness. The friendly staff adds a welcoming vibe that makes returning to El Jalisco feel like coming home.
Whether you’re in the mood for a lively night out with perfectly crafted margaritas or a satisfying family dinner steeped in authentic Mexican flavors, El Jalisco Herrin stands ready to deliver a memorable meal filled with passion, flavor, and a genuine sense of community.
Very kind and helpful! Food arrived quick! Always a classic comfort place to eat in Herrin!
I am from Texas & this place has been the closest to authentic Mexican food in Southern Illinois that I've had. Trust me, because Mexican food is my top type of food that I love. Service was good & food was nice & hot when they brought it. This place is definitely a must try.
My wife and kids are there for most Sunday after church it very small and that way they like it also the is great they order different stuff all the time everything come out great thank u for great customer service el jalisco. It is worth every penny.
The food is pretty good for the area. I have eaten here a few times and haven't been disappointed. The Jalisco special was very tasty, but I would have preferred more shrimp. I wasn't impressed with the quesadilla's, but the queso tolerable. The street tacos and beef tacquitos were solid as well. I would like to see a larger beer selection featuring craft beers Friendly staff is a warm welcome and they seemed eager to please. Definitely will be coming back again.
Always a great experience great food nice ppl and be sure to order the pitcher when you order the margaritas...
Small authentic Mexican restaurant. The food was excellent and the prices are very reasonable. The service was very good. If your in the area, I would recommend you stop in for a good lunch or dinner. We we there around 5pm on a Wednesday. We were seated immediately, but the place filled up very quickly, so you may experience a short wait.
Good service at a good price. It's not super authentic from my perspective, but it's good tex-mex. I love the peppers, though! The team was responsive, and the facility appeared clean. Salsa and queso were ok, nothing special. I tried the shrimp gordo, and I was happy with it. No complaints from me. Thank you!
Mango tacos are very simple and tasty! The restaurant is very clean and our server got everything about our order correct. The chips were overly crunchy on this trip but they're usually really good. Price was a little high $49.97 for 2 people for lunch and no alcohol was purchased, only one soda. Definitely try this place!