Every time we’ve visited Hacienda León, the service has felt cold and unwelcoming. The servers consistently have long faces when attending to us, which creates a very uncomfortable atmosphere. What makes it even more disappointing is noticing how they treat non-Hispanic customers much better — with smiles and more attentive service — even though they themselves are also Hispanic. As a Hispanic family, this feels hurtful and confusing.
Another frustrating moment was when we asked for lime (because any true Hispanic knows lime is essential with most dishes). They did bring it to us — but only halfway through our meal, and the way it was handed over felt unpleasant and dismissive. To make matters worse, they charged $1.50 for just a few pieces of lime, something that in most authentic Hispanic restaurants is offered freely as part of the meal.
The food itself might be okay, but the way customers are treated completely overshadows that. We truly hope the management addresses this, because no one should feel unwelcome — especially in a place that represents our own culture.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jennifer Cowley
Left before even ordering food because service was so unfriendly and extremely slow.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Dean Plumadore
Lunch was awesome. All of us enjoyed our food. We had a little “thing” going with the ultra-hot sauce…….its a spice grenade…….it explodes later 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicholas Hennenfent
Upscale Mexican eatery just off the uptown circle. Very busy due to a street festival. So service was slow but food is great. Interior is very large and very modern.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
VETiTRiGHT
No Buéno - SAD People. Sadder Food. Lifeless. Walls had more life.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
S. M.
The food and ambiance here is amazing!!! Best food we have EVER tasted!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lou R
high-traffic spot is a textbook tourist trap (if you can have that in this town). The prices are outrageously high for what you get—tiny portions that barely qualify as a meal. $20 burrito is crazy. The restaurant clearly relies on its location to overcharge unsuspecting customers rather than offering quality or value. Service was forgettable, and the food wasn’t fresh. Skip this place and try some where else in uptown. Rip off.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
A ChitownJ
I visited this location after work with colleagues. I ordered veggie Fajitas and a fish taco. Pros: Nice size restaurant with outdoor seating area. They bring a basket of nachos and salsa to your table after seating. The service was quick and server was quite attentive. The restaurant has a large menu and a huge assortment of food items. And overall, I think the price is reasonable and the atmosphere was really nice. Cons: Food quality. My fajita mix (although a nice assortment of veggies) wasn’t hot. For the fish tacos, I wish the fish was cooked just a little more. The nachos were decent. I was underwhelmed with the guacamole and the salsa.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Tom B
Loud. And the food is kinda meh. Ground beef lacked any real seasoning, the sauce and beans were straight out of a can, and the rice was minute rice. Staff was friendly and efficient
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
philip scudder
Great food and great prices! We ate lunch here and everything was fantastic. Lots of outdoor seating and within walking distance to the campus.
Every time we’ve visited Hacienda León, the service has felt cold and unwelcoming. The servers consistently have long faces when attending to us, which creates a very uncomfortable atmosphere. What makes it even more disappointing is noticing how they treat non-Hispanic customers much better — with smiles and more attentive service — even though they themselves are also Hispanic. As a Hispanic family, this feels hurtful and confusing.
Another frustrating moment was when we asked for lime (because any true Hispanic knows lime is essential with most dishes). They did bring it to us — but only halfway through our meal, and the way it was handed over felt unpleasant and dismissive. To make matters worse, they charged $1.50 for just a few pieces of lime, something that in most authentic Hispanic restaurants is offered freely as part of the meal.
The food itself might be okay, but the way customers are treated completely overshadows that. We truly hope the management addresses this, because no one should feel unwelcome — especially in a place that represents our own culture.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Left before even ordering food because service was so unfriendly and extremely slow.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Lunch was awesome. All of us enjoyed our food. We had a little “thing” going with the ultra-hot sauce…….its a spice grenade…….it explodes later 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Upscale Mexican eatery just off the uptown circle. Very busy due to a street festival. So service was slow but food is great. Interior is very large and very modern.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
No Buéno - SAD People. Sadder Food. Lifeless. Walls had more life.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
The food and ambiance here is amazing!!! Best food we have EVER tasted!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
high-traffic spot is a textbook tourist trap (if you can have that in this town). The prices are outrageously high for what you get—tiny portions that barely qualify as a meal. $20 burrito is crazy. The restaurant clearly relies on its location to overcharge unsuspecting customers rather than offering quality or value. Service was forgettable, and the food wasn’t fresh. Skip this place and try some where else in uptown. Rip off.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
I visited this location after work with colleagues. I ordered veggie Fajitas and a fish taco. Pros: Nice size restaurant with outdoor seating area. They bring a basket of nachos and salsa to your table after seating. The service was quick and server was quite attentive. The restaurant has a large menu and a huge assortment of food items. And overall, I think the price is reasonable and the atmosphere was really nice. Cons: Food quality. My fajita mix (although a nice assortment of veggies) wasn’t hot. For the fish tacos, I wish the fish was cooked just a little more. The nachos were decent. I was underwhelmed with the guacamole and the salsa.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Loud. And the food is kinda meh. Ground beef lacked any real seasoning, the sauce and beans were straight out of a can, and the rice was minute rice. Staff was friendly and efficient
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Great food and great prices! We ate lunch here and everything was fantastic. Lots of outdoor seating and within walking distance to the campus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent food and service
Great Mexican food in Uptown Normal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve never written a review while still at the table. But this is a Mexican place that seems like someone had an idea of what Mexican food is.
It was hard to just order tacos and rice. Hidden on a page in the back of the menu.
Black beans were way too salty. Mexican rice tasted like it was under a heating lamp all day (dry, flavorless).
I’ve never received tacos I individually wrapped in foil while at a table.
While the tacos were good, this was just awful Mexican food.
Waiter was wonderful though!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Great place, the Michelada and the shrimp-chicken fajitas that I ordered are great and definitely a good variety of tequilas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a great time here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...