Nuevo Leon Restaurant

I am always amazed that Nuevo Leon has such a strong following. As a lifelong Mexican Food aficionado, IMHO the food at NL is not just bad, it is horrible. There are no redeeming qualities to this restaurant. I believe that it is successful because many are unfamiliar with real mexican food and/or have such low expectations of mexican restaurants. Every couple of years, I am compelled to give Nuevo Leon another try because so many folks rave about the place. Yet, on my last visit, a bland tasteless salsa was brought out (we even witnessed salsa, after a customer left, being put back by the waiter into a large bowl, only to be scooped up again to be served anew; yuck!), the chips were soggy, greasy and tasteless, and there was an energizer battery in the soup (yes, this happened to us!). No apologies for having a lithium battery in the soup. The only explanation was that the cooks “are a playful bunch” and “like to prank each other.” It is a wholly unsannitary and tasteless experience. There is no charm to roaches, rats, spotty service, tasteless food, unsanittary conditions and, on top of that, long lines. Never again! more

Bland food. more

Great food, great staff, what else can anybody ask for? Their carne asada is delicious, served the with their homemade flour tortillas that no other mexican restaurant in the city top! It's being at home... Yes, it's crowded, but that's only because everyone craves their great tasting dishes. Did I mention their free appetizers? Yes! Free! OMG!! Not only are they free, they are authentic mexican appetizers! Overall, great atmosphere, friendly staff (except the owner) and great food!!! Highly Recommend! Pros: Best homemade flour tortillas!!! Cons: No liquor sales and cash only! more

Great food, great staff, what else can anybody ask for? Their carne asada is delicious, served the with their homemade flour tortillas that no other mexican restaurant in the city top! It's being at home... Yes, it's crowded, but that's only because everyone craves their great tasting dishes. Did I mention their free appetizers? Yes! Free! OMG!! Not only are they free, they are authentic mexican appetizers! Overall, great atmosphere, friendly staff (except the owner) and great food!!! Highly Recommend! Pros: Best homemade flour tortillas!!! Cons: No liquor sales and cash only! more

I'm Mexican, from LA, and from my first visit (I had the Carne Asada plate, 6 nachos, Carne Asada Burrito) I can recommend this place for pick-up only and if you order at least 30 min in advance. The food is comparable to Uncle Julio's (Lincoln Park) and I would rather pay the same price for what I felt what was the same quality of food (both like El Torito in Calif.) and go to Uncle Julio's. Nuevo is way too crowded (like Uncle Julio's) but about 1/4 the size of UJ and Nuevo has no parking besides a little lot around the corner which looked hard to get in and out of, so I opted for take out. \r \r I ordered take out at the counter (which I felt like I was in the way of everyone else eating because there is no waiting/ordering area) and was told it would be ready in 20 min. Well I left and came back in 20, and still had to wait 10 min. Someone came in while I was waiting and said she placed a phone order for pickup and she was still waiting after I got my food. So for take out, order, wait 30-40min then pick up your food and it might be ready.\r \r Also, I wasn't greeted by the Manager who I paid. He didn't smile at all, and say Thank You after I paid- very ungrateful for my business I guess. \r \r The place was crowded so I guess some people know how to park around there or put up with the crowded tiny environment....just not my style. Pros: ok food Cons: crowded, parking, impersonal more

I'm Mexican, from LA, and from my first visit (I had the Carne Asada plate, 6 nachos, Carne Asada Burrito) I can recommend this place for pick-up only and if you order at least 30 min in advance. The food is comparable to Uncle Julio's (Lincoln Park) and I would rather pay the same price for what I felt what was the same quality of food (both like El Torito in Calif.) and go to Uncle Julio's. Nuevo is way too crowded (like Uncle Julio's) but about 1/4 the size of UJ and Nuevo has no parking besides a little lot around the corner which looked hard to get in and out of, so I opted for take out. I ordered take out at the counter (which I felt like I was in the way of everyone else eating because there is no waiting/ordering area) and was told it would be ready in 20 min. Well I left and came back in 20, and still had to wait 10 min. Someone came in while I was waiting and said she placed a phone order for pickup and she was still waiting after I got my food. So for take out, order, wait 30-40min then pick up your food and it might be ready. Also, I wasn't greeted by the Manager who I paid. He didn't smile at all, and say Thank You after I paid- very ungrateful for my business I guess. The place was crowded so I guess some people know how to park around there or put up with the crowded tiny environment....just not my style. Pros: ok food Cons: crowded, parking, impersonal more

This place have what the best flour tortillas in town (hand made) the carne asada is awsome and there is no place in chicago that serves better menudo. too bad I can't visit this place on a sunday morning due to parking and place packed on sundays Pros: Quality, Price, Service Cons: Parking more

This place have what the best flour tortillas in town (hand made) the carne asada is awsome and there is no place in chicago that serves better menudo. too bad I can't visit this place on a sunday morning due to parking and place packed on sundays Pros: Quality, Price, Service Cons: Parking more

If your looking for a place where you know the food is prepared with Love this is it! It's the kind of place that brings you back to the times when Abuela called you in for lunch. There is never a time where the food is not freshly made. The tortillas de harina will keep you coming back for more, definitely homemade!!!mmmmm. Their hot choclate on a cool night will surely bring you warmth and comfort. This is not the place for those who are more impressed by high end decor, or upscaled places. This place is for those who want the REAL DEAL! It is not only a treasure in Pilsen, but our prize here in all of Chicago. You don't know Mexican if you don't know Nuevo Leon... Highly recommended for those who want to experience the taste of real mexican food at can't beat prices.. I personally know the owner and can vouche he puts his heart and soul into this place. Pros: Outstanding Authentic Mexican cuisine, can't beat prices, parking, service Cons: What? I can't believe this is even an option. NONE! more

If your looking for a place where you know the food is prepared with Love this is it! It's the kind of place that brings you back to the times when Abuela called you in for lunch. There is never a time where the food is not freshly made. The tortillas de harina will keep you coming back for more, definitely homemade!!!mmmmm. Their hot choclate on a cool night will surely bring you warmth and comfort. This is not the place for those who are more impressed by high end decor, or upscaled places. This place is for those who want the REAL DEAL! It is not only a treasure in Pilsen, but our prize here in all of Chicago. You don't know Mexican if you don't know Nuevo Leon... Highly recommended for those who want to experience the taste of real mexican food at can't beat prices.. I personally know the owner and can vouche he puts his heart and soul into this place. Pros: Outstanding Authentic Mexican cuisine, can't beat prices, parking, service Cons: What? I can't believe this is even an option. NONE! more

We visited on the day of the Mexican Independance parade. The food was outstanding and the service was quick and friendly. The chips and salsa were great. The food came very fast. The place was filled with families have a great Sunday afternoon meal. The decor is what you would expect, Everthing was very clean and inviting. Pros: quick tasty authentic mexican fare more

We visited on the day of the Mexican Independance parade. The food was outstanding and the service was quick and friendly. The chips and salsa were great. The food came very fast. The place was filled with families have a great Sunday afternoon meal. The decor is what you would expect, Everthing was very clean and inviting. Pros: quick tasty authentic mexican fare Cons: none more

Lazy rude service, we had it catered twice and both times the staff and person at the register were rude, food was not ready as promise had to wait 40 min from the time we arrived to pick it up. As for the food NOT GREAT but GOOD. For me it's over rated I lived in the area for over 20years and have yet to see anything special about this place compared to others in the area.....\r \r For those that would like to compare try: La Majada Restaurant in Oak Park, any of the Lalo's resturants, La Quinta Restaurant & Bar in Berwyn........... salsa made at your table ; ) Cons: bad service more

Lazy rude service, we had it catered twice and both times the staff and person at the register were rude, food was not ready as promise had to wait 40 min from the time we arrived to pick it up. As for the food NOT GREAT but GOOD. For me it's over rated I lived in the area for over 20years and have yet to see anything special about this place compared to others in the area..... For those that would like to compare try: La Majada Restaurant in Oak Park, any of the Lalo's resturants, La Quinta Restaurant & Bar in Berwyn........... salsa made at your table ; ) Cons: bad service more

The food at this restaurant is so tasty!!! It has the best authentic Mexican food in the city. It is very kid-friendly too. The wait can be a bit long on the weekends around brunch time, but the tables turn over quickly and it is well worth the wait. more

I am a Chicago native... we moved away from Chicago when I was just a young girl. When I go back to Chicago... I HAVE TO EAT AT NUEVOS!!!! I am planning a trip with some of my family to Chicago in April... we heard about this 'alleged' incident in November 2007. This will NOT detour us from coming to dine at Nuevos while we visit Chicago in April! more

I am a Chicago native... we moved away from Chicago when I was just a young girl. When I go back to Chicago... I HAVE TO EAT AT NUEVOS!!!! I am planning a trip with some of my family to Chicago in April... we heard about this 'alleged' incident in November 2007. This will NOT detour us from coming to dine at Nuevos while we visit Chicago in April! more

There were some allegations sent out on January 8,2008 via e-mail regarding food catered by Nuevo Leon Restaurant. \r Nuevo Leon Restaurant is a well respected family business located at 1515 w. 18Th Street.\r It has been in business for over forty- six years(1962).Over the years,the restaurant has served,and maintained thousands of satisfied customers,many of them have been coming to the restaurant for years and some of them come on daily basis.Our employees are also exceptional.\r Nuevo Leon Restaurant was accused of catering contaminated food for twenty-five people \r on November 17,2007 from which fourteen people supposedly got sick .There were\r never any samples taken or any reports from doctors or hospitals of anyone being admitted for bad food from such event. Our restaurant was \r never closed for business for this allegation.\r On November 17,2007 we had other catering orders with the exact type of food and no one came back with a complaint. Our food is cooked daily from fresh products and ingredients.\r We always strive to do our best, but as we all know, in any type of business where you have to deal with thousands of people, there is always the possibility of a costumer not being satisfied for one reason or another. Sorry for any inconvenience.\r Thank you for your support.\r The Gutierrez Family and Staff. Pros: free parking,serves breakfast any time Cons: service needs to get better. more

There were some allegations sent out on January 8,2008 via e-mail regarding food catered by Nuevo Leon Restaurant. Nuevo Leon Restaurant is a well respected family business located at 1515 w. 18Th Street. It has been in business for over forty- six years(1962).Over the years,the restaurant has served,and maintained thousands of satisfied customers,many of them have been coming to the restaurant for years and some of them come on daily basis.Our employees are also exceptional. Nuevo Leon Restaurant was accused of catering contaminated food for twenty-five people on November 17,2007 from which fourteen people supposedly got sick .There were never any samples taken or any reports from doctors or hospitals of anyone being admitted for bad food from such event. Our restaurant was never closed for business for this allegation. On November 17,2007 we had other catering orders with the exact type of food and no one came back with a complaint. Our food is cooked daily from fresh products and ingredients. We always strive to do our best, but as we all know, in any type of business where you have to deal with thousands of people, there is always the possibility of a costumer not being satisfied for one reason or another. Sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you for your support. The Gutierrez Family and Staff. Pros: free parking,serves breakfast any time Cons: service needs to get better. more

LOVE this place! Great mexican food! Everytime I go I don't know what to order but I always get the BEEF STEW. Pros: Parking Lot Cons: Nothing more