We’ve been going to Las Fuentes in Morton Grove for years now, and it’s still one of our favorite local Mexican spots. Now, that’s not to say it has the best tacos in the Chicagoland area, because I know that’s not true. But the steak quesadillas are ridiculously good, and that alone has kept us coming back for a long time. This past weekend we got two families together to catch the end of Saturday’s World Cup game, and between the margaritas, the carne asada, the quesadillas, and a few too many chips and salsa refills, it was a good reminder of why this place is still in our regular rotation.
Las Fuentes at a Glance
- Where: 9001 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL
- Price: $$ (steak quesadillas $22)
- Vibe: Big room, former sports bar, patio in warm weather, rarely packed
- Order: Steak quesadillas, house margarita, elote
- Skip: The ground beef tacos if you are picky about peppers
- Good for: Families, a neighborhood standby, watching a game
One of our friends, the guy behind the now-closed Warm Belly Bakery, has been wanting to try Las Fuentes for a while since he started working down the street from it. So we finally made it happen. Good food, good company, and a World Cup game on in the background. Hard to beat.
The Vibe
The staff at Las Fuentes are great, the food is consistently good, the patio is a nice spot on a warm summer day, and the margaritas are strong enough to make you forget you’re in Morton Grove. The restaurant itself is actually pretty large. Funny enough, it used to be a sports bar we’d go to all the time to watch Derrick Rose and the Bulls back in the day. These days it’s rarely packed when we go, but Saturday night had a decent crowd for the game.
I’ll be honest, every time we’re in there I’m quietly hoping for a bigger crowd so the place doesn’t close. It’s been going strong for a long time, so their carryout business must be doing enough heavy lifting to keep the building running. If you’re the type who likes supporting the neighborhood spot that’s been around forever, like we do with our go-to Greek place, Kouklas Greek Eatery up in Niles, this is one worth putting in the rotation too.
Chips, Salsa, and the House Margarita
When we sat down, we got the complimentary chips and homemade salsa, which is always a good start. My favorite salsas are the smooth ones without big vegetable chunks, the Trader Joe’s style. Las Fuentes salsa isn’t that, it’s got real chunks in it, but it’s still one of my favorites. I’m assuming it’s made in house just from how fresh it tastes. Either way, it disappears fast at our table.
I also ordered a goblet of the house margarita, which is always dependable. Margaritas here come in a regular glass, a goblet, a half pitcher, or a full pitcher, and the goblet is a serious pour. I didn’t get a straw this time, so I spent a few minutes looking like an idiot trying to sip a margarita the size of a fishbowl straight from the rim. If two of you are drinking, get the half pitcher. If you’re one thirsty person, the goblet does the job.
Elote
We went with the elote ($14) as an app, grilled corn with chile, lime, queso, and mayo. I’m not usually an elote guy, but this version won me over, and it won over the whole table, including my son, who is not what you’d call an adventurous eater. That’s saying something.
Speaking of my son, he also had his first Jarritos orange soda that night and did not stop talking about it for the rest of dinner. I think he went through two bottles. Worth it.
Kids Menu
There’s no official kids menu printed anywhere, so don’t let that scare you off if you’ve got picky eaters at home. The kids always get the chicken tenders and fries ($11), and if your kids aren’t taco people, this is the move. The breading is good and the seasoned fries that come with it are some of the best seasoned fries I’ve had anywhere, kids menu or otherwise. Zero complaints from the table on this one.
Warm Belly Joe got a steak platter that I unfortunately can’t name specifically (didn’t want to reach across the table for a photo), but he loved it and was genuinely impressed. I think he’ll be back on his own now.
Tacos: Ground Beef vs. Pulled Chicken
My wife went with two pulled chicken tacos and one ground beef ($17 each), three corn tortillas with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and cilantro, served with rice and beans. She loved the chicken but wasn’t a fan of the ground beef, which she doesn’t usually order. I’ll take her leftovers any day. Quick heads up if you haven’t had it before: the ground beef comes mixed with small bits of potato and pepper baked right in. It’s not something you can have left out, it’s just how they make it. I’m not big on peppers myself, but it doesn’t overpower anything. Still good tacos.
The Steak Quesadillas
This is the one. The steak quesadillas ($22), flour tortilla, chihuahua cheese, guacamole, and sour cream, are the best thing I’ve ever eaten at Las Fuentes. It sounds like the most basic item on the menu, but the way they season that steak puts these above everything else they make. I used to order ground beef tacos every single visit until someone at our table got the steak quesadillas one night, and that was it for me. Flavorful steak, melted Mexican cheese, a perfectly cooked tortilla. Easy recommend, every time.
At this point I don’t even look at the menu anymore. I just order the steak quesadillas and a margarita and call it a night. If you’re checking out Las Fuentes for the first time, get an order of these for the table at minimum. You’ll want your own after one bite.
The Verdict
Las Fuentes in Morton Grove is one of our favorite local spots, whether it’s a quick lunch during the end of summer once the kids are back in school, or a full weekend dinner with friends catching a game. The vibe is easy, the staff are great, and the steak quesadillas alone are worth the drive. If you’re building out a list of reliable neighborhood regulars the way we have, our recent visit to D’Agostino’s Pizza in Niles is another one worth adding. But for Las Fuentes specifically: just make the reservation and thank me later.
AntiFoodie Rating: 8/10
Las Fuentes FAQ
What should I order at Las Fuentes?
The steak quesadillas. They sound like the most basic thing on the menu and they are the best thing I have ever eaten there.
Does Las Fuentes have outdoor seating?
Yes, there is a patio and it is a nice spot on a warm summer day.
Are the margaritas good at Las Fuentes?
The house margarita is strong enough to make you forget you are in Morton Grove.
Is Las Fuentes good for kids?
Yes. There is a kids menu and the room is big enough that a family table is never a problem.
Do you need a reservation at Las Fuentes?
Usually not. It is a large room and it is rarely packed, though a big game night draws a crowd.
