Maria's Mexican in Des Plaines out, Lalo's in

Maria's Mexican just closed in Des Plaines, a huge disappointment for locals such as myself. I heard rumblings there were issues between Maria's and the landlord of that space.

The good news is that it is being replaced by another fine Mexican restaurant in Lalo's, so net-net, looks like a wash.

I found that Maria's was competent, but overpriced. For standard mex-am fare, I'd prefer La Chicanita in Arlington Heights, just a couple miles up Northwest Highway (and a right on Dunton)

The Lalo's in Glenview (Waukegan just north of Lake) has always been competent and flavorful. I always enjoy their chicken soup with a splash of the sauce on the table (is it a mojo? I don't remember).

rdstoll wrote:Maria's Mexican just closed in Des Plaines, a huge disappointment for locals such as myself. I heard rumblings there were issues between Maria's and the landlord of that space.

The good news is that it is being replaced by another fine Mexican restaurant in Lalo's, so net-net, looks like a wash.

That sounds like a pretty even trade to me. Both of those places are pretty much middle of the road Gringo-Mex places IIRC.

My mother in law loved that place. I was wary since if she thinks it's good Mexican food, than it's obviously about the same quality and authenticity of a Taco Bell.

I can't believe Maria's has been gone for nearly 2 years from this location. I just went to Lalo's for the first time tonight and was thoroughly unimpressed, which seems to be the consensus.

We ordered guacamole, which is made tableside, but with very little tomato, too much lime juice and no jalapeno. I'm okay with not having the jalapeno, but what they did put in was really unbalanced.

I ordered the enchiladas suizas, one steak, one chicken, one shredded pork. The pork was ok. The chicken and steak were completely bland- seems like they didn't even put adobo seasoning on the meat. It also seemed like the enchiladas weren't dipped in that red sauce before cooking and they were swimming in verde sauce- I had to spoon a lot off.

To top it off, they lost my mom's credit card between our table and the kiosk where they swipe it. We gave the waitress two cards and asked her to split the bill. She came back and said we hadn't given her a second card. I am 100% sure I gave her two- my mom's was on top, so it's the last thing I saw before closing the little folder. I don't think there was anything fishy going on, and my mom canceled the card the second we got in the door, but it was just an uncomfortable ending to a mediocre meal.

There's so many good taquerias and lower-priced Mexican restaurants in the area, I don't know how Lalo's has stayed there. Maria's wasn't great, but much better than this place!

JoelF wrote:For standard mex-am fare, I'd prefer La Chicanita in Arlington Heights, just a couple miles up Northwest Highway (and a right on Dunton)

La Chic is morphing into Javier's. I'm not sure whether that represents an ownership change. (Sign says something like "Same great restaurant with a new name." I was hoping for a change for the better. The exterior makes it look like a change for the costlier.)

and morph la chicanita did! we went for lunch yesterday, it's very beautiful. And everything is new - plates, glasses, menu (same items, just pricier). Wood floors, beautiful bar. Different entrance. New windows...I've been a huge fan of La Chicanita since it was La Tejunita in High School many years ago. But I have to admit, I've never had anything but tacos there...but, dang they're good.