El Jacalito

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.5 (385)


El Jacalito is frequently praised for its authentic Mexican cuisine and the freshness of its ingredients. Customers appreciate the quality and flavors of the dishes, such as the tacos and birria, often noting that they remind them of traditional home-cooked meals. The service is generally friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

Overall:

4.5

(320 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.4

Service:

4.2


Phone number: (815) 625-3404

Address: 14 E 3rd St, Sterling, IL 61081, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" The enchiladas here are fantastic! They have multiple sauces to choose from, and they always taste fresh. My only complaint was the slow service, which took away from what would have been a perfect meal. Still, the deliciousness of the food outweighs it. " (*Curated Review*)

" Had a great time at El Jacalito! The atmosphere was lively, and the food was full of flavor. We particularly enjoyed the nachos and tacos. Just don't expect lightning-fast service, but you won’t really mind once you dig into the food! " (*Curated Review*)

" While the food was decent overall, I believe that the authenticity was mildly lacking. I was hoping for those homemade flavors that you find in true Mexican cuisine. The ambiance was fine and the staff tried to be helpful, but they seemed overwhelmed. I might give it another shot, hoping to see some improvements. " (*Curated Review*)

" This is my go-to spot for tasty Mexican cuisine! The quality of the investment really shows. You can taste the love put into the cooking. My favorites are the tacos and the tamales! They always deliver on taste and portion size. Highly recommend to anyone craving authentic flavors! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was excited to try El Jacalito based on all the good reviews, and it certainly lived up to the hype! The tacos were packed with flavor, and I could definitely taste the authenticity in each bite. The salsa was fresh and had the perfect amount of heat. The service was friendly and attentive, making our experience even better. I'll for sure be back for more! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (310)

" This place doesn’t disappoint! The carne asada was cooked perfectly and had that amazing seared flavor that we all love. The chips and salsa were complimentary, always a plus for my family. One note: parking can get a bit tight during busy hours, so be prepared. Overall, a fantastic experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" I absolutely love this restaurant! The service was outstanding, and I was surprised by how quickly I received my food. The burrito I had was massive and stuffed to the brim with delicious fillings. I truly felt welcomed and appreciated during my visit. Will come back again soon. " (*Curated Review*)

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