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!**

" This is the restaurant I turn to whenever I crave authentic Mexican food. Everyone in our family knows it’s a crowd pleaser! The tacos are always a hit! Plus, their prices are unbeatable for the quality offered. Strongly recommend it to anyone looking for deliciousness. " (*Curated Review*)

" This establishment is a hidden treasure! I would strongly advise indulging in their tortas, they are delicious! We also ordered tacos—definitely not a bad choice either. The only downside was that our drinks took a while to arrive. However, the food made the wait worth it. " (*Curated Review*)

" An incredible dining experience! El Jacalito is a gem when it comes to authentic Mexican food. The flavors are truly vibrant and fresh. We loved the variados de tacos, especially the al pastor and chicken varieties. The new location is spacious and offers a comfortable vibe. It’s really nice to see how much they care about their customers. I can't wait for my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)

" Sometimes I feel like a place can be overrated, and that's how I felt about El Jacalito. It’s fine for a casual meal but I expected more given the previous reviews. The food was standard fare, and I didn't find anything particularly special about it. Friendly service, though! " (*Curated Review*)

" I wanted to love this place, but it fell short. The food was not up to par with authentic Mexican standards, and the service, while friendly, was quite slow. I’m not ruling it out completely but next time, I might try something new. " (*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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