I'm speechless writing this review; there are no words to say about this place, it was the epitome of average. Several excellent Mexican restaurants in Frankfort, El Cortez needs to step it up ☝️
Tommie G Anderson
We were there for a small family luncheon after a funeral. The server was great and got all orders correct.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Barileau
Always been a family favorite back when they were on Wolf Rd!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rich Rollins
Best Mexican food hands down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Gene Lode
I eat here regularly and enjoy their food, friendly staff and great service. Wife and I can’t go a week without stopping by and having their great salsa and guacamole. Just love this place, staff are like family to us!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Reberski
I’ve been eating here consistently for 2 years and the food is packed with flavor, properly seasoned, and authentic. It’s easy to tell that regardless of the time of day you visit, they care about their recipes and their execution. The service is always great also and everyone is kind and jovial. I grew up eating REALLY good chile rellenos regularly and El Cortez has the absolute best chile rellenos I’ve ever had. 5+ stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Bolt
I've been here twice. The second time I gave this place a chance, the food and service were terrible. The steak tasted like it had been boiled, and it was rubbery and had no taste. The beans, rice, all tasted old,and was just terrible. Do not waste your hard earned $$$ on completely terrible food and service. When you come in, they barely speak to you.How they stay in business with garbage food like that is a complete mystery to me. NEVER GO TO THIS RESTAURANT 💯Not if you wanna leave hungry because you can't finish terrible food
traci carlstrom
Good food. Great for takeout or dine in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Funk
Mexican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re savoring a street taco in Mexico City or enjoying a home-cooked enchilada, Mexican food consistently delivers a rich and satisfying experience.
What stands out most is the diversity within the cuisine. From the smoky heat of chipotle to the tangy brightness of lime and cilantro, each dish balances flavors beautifully. Staples like corn, beans, avocados, and tomatoes are transformed into countless variations, offering everything from hearty comfort food to light, fresh meals.
Tacos al pastor, tamales, mole poblano, and chiles en nogada are just a few examples of how regional Mexican dishes tell stories through taste. Street food culture is especially impressive, with vendors turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering bites. And let’s not forget the salsas—each one unique, from mild and sweet to explosively hot.
In short, Mexican food is more than just a cuisine—it's an experience. It reflects a deep connection to history, land, and community. Whether you’re a fan of spice or prefer milder options, there’s truly something for everyone.
⭐ – A must-try for anyone who appreciates bold, soulful, and diverse flavors.
🌮 A Flavorful Fiesta at El Cortez – First Time, but Not the Last!
I stopped by El Cortez Mexican Restaurant in Mokena for the first time, and it was a total win from start to finish. Right off the bat, I decided to try a new beer (for me) called Corona—and wow, was it refreshing. It came out ice-cold with a fresh lime wedge, and it paired perfectly with the warm chips and salsa they brought to the table.
The food arrived fast, piping hot, and full of flavor. I ordered the carne asada tacos, and they were incredibly juicy with just the right amount of spice. Everything was seasoned to perfection, and the portions were generous without being overwhelming.
What made the experience even more fun was the lively, colorful atmosphere. The walls were decorated with vibrant Mexican artwork, festive string lights, and upbeat music that made it feel like a mini fiesta. The staff were friendly and attentive, checking in just enough to make sure everything was great without hovering.
They even had a margarita menu that looked worth coming back for, and I heard there’s often live music or karaoke nights—which I’ll definitely have to catch next time. The menu has something for everyone, from sizzling fajitas to hearty burritos and sweet churros for dessert.
Overall, El Cortez hit all the right notes: cold beer, hot food, fast service, and a fun vibe. I’ll absolutely be back—and I might just make Corona my go-to from now on!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Henry Edwads
Good food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rich's Pizza Joint
Always great food & service. Must Try Their new Tres Leches Cake - it's Perfecto !
Matthew Stanek
The chips and salsa were good and that’s where it ends. Service slow and the waitress couldn’t be bothered. My girl got the quesadilla dinner and it was cold, hard, and looked like a Kraft single was slapped on there with no melty cheese. I got the puentillo dinner. Wasn’t given a plate lmao and then when I asked for salsa was told that costs extra 😂 like what extra for salsa at a Mexican restaurant what are we talking about here. I been to the one in blue island and crest hill too they were very good but this place is 🗑️
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
terlisalawson
Absolutely horrible my husband and I both ordered steak taco dinners and horchata. The rice was over cooked and the steak taco meat tastes like it was boiled and had no seasoning on it. This was the worse Mexican food I have ever had. The Horchata tasted just like water. Everything was horrible.
Excellent food, great staff, amazing atmosphere. 10/10 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak Campesino, Chips \u0026 Salsa
I'm speechless writing this review; there are no words to say about this place, it was the epitome of average. Several excellent Mexican restaurants in Frankfort, El Cortez needs to step it up ☝️
We were there for a small family luncheon after a funeral. The server was great and got all orders correct.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always been a family favorite back when they were on Wolf Rd!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Mexican food hands down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I eat here regularly and enjoy their food, friendly staff and great service. Wife and I can’t go a week without stopping by and having their great salsa and guacamole.
Just love this place, staff are like family to us!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been eating here consistently for 2 years and the food is packed with flavor, properly seasoned, and authentic. It’s easy to tell that regardless of the time of day you visit, they care about their recipes and their execution. The service is always great also and everyone is kind and jovial. I grew up eating REALLY good chile rellenos regularly and El Cortez has the absolute best chile rellenos I’ve ever had. 5+ stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been here twice. The second time I gave this place a chance, the food and service were terrible. The steak tasted like it had been boiled, and it was rubbery and had no taste. The beans, rice, all tasted old,and was just terrible. Do not waste your hard earned $$$ on completely terrible food and service. When you come in, they barely speak to you.How they stay in business with garbage food like that is a complete mystery to me. NEVER GO TO THIS RESTAURANT 💯Not if you wanna leave hungry because you can't finish terrible food
Good food. Great for takeout or dine in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mexican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re savoring a street taco in Mexico City or enjoying a home-cooked enchilada, Mexican food consistently delivers a rich and satisfying experience.
What stands out most is the diversity within the cuisine. From the smoky heat of chipotle to the tangy brightness of lime and cilantro, each dish balances flavors beautifully. Staples like corn, beans, avocados, and tomatoes are transformed into countless variations, offering everything from hearty comfort food to light, fresh meals.
Tacos al pastor, tamales, mole poblano, and chiles en nogada are just a few examples of how regional Mexican dishes tell stories through taste. Street food culture is especially impressive, with vendors turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering bites. And let’s not forget the salsas—each one unique, from mild and sweet to explosively hot.
In short, Mexican food is more than just a cuisine—it's an experience. It reflects a deep connection to history, land, and community. Whether you’re a fan of spice or prefer milder options, there’s truly something for everyone.
⭐ – A must-try for anyone who appreciates bold, soulful, and diverse flavors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
🌮 A Flavorful Fiesta at El Cortez – First Time, but Not the Last!
I stopped by El Cortez Mexican Restaurant in Mokena for the first time, and it was a total win from start to finish. Right off the bat, I decided to try a new beer (for me) called Corona—and wow, was it refreshing. It came out ice-cold with a fresh lime wedge, and it paired perfectly with the warm chips and salsa they brought to the table.
The food arrived fast, piping hot, and full of flavor. I ordered the carne asada tacos, and they were incredibly juicy with just the right amount of spice. Everything was seasoned to perfection, and the portions were generous without being overwhelming.
What made the experience even more fun was the lively, colorful atmosphere. The walls were decorated with vibrant Mexican artwork, festive string lights, and upbeat music that made it feel like a mini fiesta. The staff were friendly and attentive, checking in just enough to make sure everything was great without hovering.
They even had a margarita menu that looked worth coming back for, and I heard there’s often live music or karaoke nights—which I’ll definitely have to catch next time. The menu has something for everyone, from sizzling fajitas to hearty burritos and sweet churros for dessert.
Overall, El Cortez hit all the right notes: cold beer, hot food, fast service, and a fun vibe. I’ll absolutely be back—and I might just make Corona my go-to from now on!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always great food & service. Must Try Their new Tres Leches Cake - it's Perfecto !
The chips and salsa were good and that’s where it ends. Service slow and the waitress couldn’t be bothered. My girl got the quesadilla dinner and it was cold, hard, and looked like a Kraft single was slapped on there with no melty cheese. I got the puentillo dinner. Wasn’t given a plate lmao and then when I asked for salsa was told that costs extra 😂 like what extra for salsa at a Mexican restaurant what are we talking about here. I been to the one in blue island and crest hill too they were very good but this place is 🗑️
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Absolutely horrible my husband and I both ordered steak taco dinners and horchata. The rice was over cooked and the steak taco meat tastes like it was boiled and had no seasoning on it. This was the worse Mexican food I have ever had. The Horchata tasted just like water. Everything was horrible.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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