Restaurantji's guide to Carlinville's top Mexican dining experiences.
Mexican · $
18838 State Rte 4, Carlinville
Customers’ favorites
“Food was great. Staff supper friendly, would definitely recommend them and come back again.”
Mexican · $
116 South West Street, Carlinville
“I'm probably one of the last few of the original Taylors still alive. My Dad told me that there were two brothers who owned the business and, somehow, one brother took over and then sold the business. Nevertheless, I love all chili. My Dad used to order a case every now and then and my family always enjoyed it. Years ago, my Dad and I went to the parlor in Carlinville. We saw a guy behind the counter who looked just like us. I wanted to say hi but my Dad wanted to remain anonymous. I'll probably order some Taylor's Mexican chili, partly because its good and partly to remember my Carlinville heritage.”
Mexican · $
510 North Side Square, Carlinville
Customers’ favorites
“Its the best”
Mexican · $
207 North Broad Street, Carlinville
Customers’ favorites
“I don't eat there anymore, so not rating atmosphere. Food is always good. Service is good, the only reason for a 4 is that there are times orders get a little messed up. Then at times if I order stuff and I don't get it and then when I ask for it I have to pay for it, sometimes when I already did before. There is some language barrier but some staff do pretty good. Parking: Parking is small one sided of the lot and usually pretty full. Wheelchair accessibility: It is accessible but doors are manual and kind of hard to manipulate and cramped. Smaller area just within the door for check out and incoming patrons.”
El Pollo Loco is betting that loyalty members want more than discounts. The fire-grilled chicken chain rolled out a refreshed Loco Rewards program earlier this year, pairing exclusive experiences with app-driven promotions as part of a broader turnaround that's already delivering results. The centerpiece of the relaunch: a partnership with Coca-Cola for a "soccer challenge" giving members a shot at a VIP trip to the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game in Charlotte, N.C., on July 29. The grand prize includes two game tickets, hotel accommodations, flight vouchers, and a $300 Visa gift card. A hundred runner-up winners each receive a $25 El Pollo Loco gift card.
Qdoba Mexican Eats is speeding up its growth across the nation, adding 33 new locations to its plans and bringing total restaurant commitments to more than 500 across the United States. The fast-casual Mexican chain is growing through key franchise partnerships in many regions. In the Northeast, PFGS, LLC will build 15 locations across Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. Meanwhile, Empire Inc. has agreed to open 10 restaurants in the Columbus, Ohio area, using their experience running over 100 restaurants including Subway and Dunkin' stores.