La Mexicana Buena Vista: Experience Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Crystal Lake

My quest for a great taco joint in Crystal Lake is over. I spent 6 years in SoCal eating all sorts & qualities of tacos, and this place rates among my all-time favorites in the US. Even during a lunch rush & what looked like a large catering order, the staff were warm to greet us when we walked in. Do yourself a favor and skip the rest - this place is the best.

This is the best place around. Love the food and the people. Excellent little authentic spot with phenomenal salsas. It's kept me coming back for years and years.

Service is kinda weird but don’t let it scare you the tacos are amazing all the meats are great. Literally a hole in the wall but the food is great!! I’m from Chicago so my food pallet is top grade

Definitely one of the best family owned, authentic Mexican restaurants in the Chicago area. I've worked in the restaurant business for almost 20 years and have been to hundreds Mexican restaurants, both trendy and mom and pop places. Buena Vista stands out!! Muy excelente, mas authentico!!

Deliciouso.. Loved the food, a completely filling chorizo and egg burrito (chorizo con huevos)! My appa got Chilaquiles con bistec y asado, muy es buenito (Soft tortillas covered with sauce topped in steak with a side of rice and beans) Can't wait to come back and try their other options, the food was amazing! Loved their sauces, great options.. salsa Verde (green) taste very sweet but continues to have a peppery taste to it! Salsa Roja (red) has a VERY strong peppery taste with a little kick to it! Habernero sauce has a STRONG kick to it, if you like spice then definitely try it, all of their sauces are really good and up with other Mexican places me and my appa have stopped in! I will continue to go here, even if you think it's pricey.. just remember they also have to make enough to keep up with economy! Around 13 for a big burrito, 5 ish bucks for a large horchata, Steak breakfast dinner stated earlier costed around 20$.. very expected in today's standards, great service.. the cook and the lady upfront were very kind and loved when I gave compliments in Spanish, they laughed about it and we said our thanks! They offer candies when you're checking out and they have a selection of chips or Salsa if you'd like to add any containers or bags to go! Super yummy hugs, Gracias!

I was moving from an establishment and was waiting for a ride.. simple question asked if I'd ok to wait for my ride. Whomever the name .....she gave a few tacos while I waited. She dint have to do anything for me but, her kindness should not be taken advantage of. I recommend this place.

Pretty good food. But greasy. You don't come here for atmosphere or service. You come for the food. It's worth coming and ordering. Just know they don't wait on you.

Hola If you're looking for a little slice of Mexico right here, La Mexicana Buena Vista is the place to be! From the moment you step in, the warm and inviting atmosphere makes you feel like you’re home. We ordered a feast fit for champions: starting with the taco dinner featuring mouthwatering steak cabeza and al pastor that danced in our mouths with every bite—simply divine! Each taco was packed with flavor, and the toppings were fresh, making our taste buds sing! Next up was the steak a la mexicana dinner, which came generously served with rice, beans, and a refreshing salad. The steak was cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor and paired perfectly with silky avocado slices. It's like a fiesta on a plate! Oh, and let’s not forget the steak torta! This beauty was a gooey, delicious masterpiece served with rice and beans that felt like a warm hug on a plate. And the agua fresca? The horchata was a creamy treat that perfectly quenched our thirst alongside the tartness of the Jamaica. The service here deserves a shoutout as well! The cooks were as polite as they were skilled, and the staff taking our orders were genuinely friendly. It’s clear they love what they do, which indeed adds to the whole experience. In short, La Mexicana Buena Vista is more than just a restaurant; it's a delightful culinary adventure. Whether you're a taco aficionado or a first-timer, this place will leave you craving more. Highly recommend for anyone looking to satisfy their Mexican food cravings with heartwarming service! Can't wait to return and explore more of their delicious menu! You will not regret visiting this gem!