Wholly Frijoles

I have been to Wholly Frijoles several times before and after they were featured in multiple Chicago-area media outlets (Check, Please!, Timeout, Chicago Tribune, Yelp.com, etc.).The food really is VERY AUTHENTIC and really, really tasty. The cilantro-lime salad is good even though I am not so sure it is a traditional dish. The skirt steak choices and fish are always great and the salsa is the type we like: spicy, smoky, and somewhat waterier than the chunkier stuff you find at gringo-catered places.My only negative comment about Wholly Frijoles is that it can sometimes come off as a short-order diner. The place is very small and the staff always seems to be shimmy-ing around with notepads in hand (for on-site reservations), menus, meals, and more.The press coverage has been great for them and the really do deserve it but it is almost too busy for it to become one of our standby post-work meet-up spots.

Posted 06/10/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been to Wholly Frijoles on several occasions and have been very pleased with the service and the food. I live a couple of miles from this place and I consider it one of my favorite Mexican restaurant's. The prices are fair and you walk out feeling satisfied. I would come back to eat here again.

Posted 02/14/08 | Report Abuse

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Not only did we wait over an hour and fifteen minutes to be seated, but the staff was totally rude, with the exception of our waiter. The food was mediocre at best, not enough spice or flavor. On top of that there was some type of insect crawling on my plate and the manager said "You were almost finished with it anyway, does that mean it's ok to have an insect crawling on the plate I'm eating from? She never even apologized, God forbid she offer me something else or offer to pay for the meal she just said the insect did not come from the food. Then where did it come from? Don't waste your time with this place that isn't even clean and offers such rude service. It should be shut down!

Posted 11/25/06 | Report Abuse

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Food aside, the management of this restaurant is atrocious! I have never been treated so poorly in my life! After my boyfriend had sour cream spilled all over him all we were given was a halfhearted sorry from the waitress who had done it, we werent even offered a moist towel to wipe up the mess let alone assistance cleaning up the mess, a formal apology, or compensation for damages. After we pointed out that the clothing would have to be dry cleaned the waitress offered us $10 FROM HER OWN POCKET! Only after asking for the manager did she drag herself to our table, with much attitude. After explaining the situation she shrugged and said What do you want me to do? I didnt spill it. And walked off.
My boyfriend being the very kind, always do the right thing guy that he is still paid the full bill and left a tip; when I felt we should have walked out. I was so upset that I decided to tell the manager I felt I received the worst customer service she could possibly offer and we would not be back. She proceeded to scoff at me and ask what she should have done. I told her she should have apologized, asked him to send her the dry cleaning bill and comped his portion of the meal. At the mere mention of us receiving anything for free she began yelling Oh I see, youre cheap! You want everything for free! over and over. And we had already paid.
Bottom line, if you want mediocre food and to be treated like crap go to Wholly Frijoles. Just dont wear your good clothes.

Posted 11/25/06 | Report Abuse

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I love this place. I do not care for the chicken because it is cubed and not shredded! The guacamole and chips are really really good. Salsa is a little hot for me but i am a wimp!

Posted 11/13/05 | Report Abuse

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If you were to drive by this place you would not expect authentic and delicious food, but that is exactly what you do get here and a whole lot more. The atmosphere inside is warm and family friendly. Price wise , this is a great deal about $6 to $7 a person, you don't need reservations, and I would definetly recommend to anyone that is in the mood for mexican food.

Posted 08/02/05 | Report Abuse

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This independent Mexican restaurant has great food, a cozy atmosphere and extremely reasonable prices. They have a children's menu, and you can BYOB. Phone ahead for reservations, though, because waits can be long.

Posted 07/08/05 | Report Abuse

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