+1 815-544-8974
Taqueria El Molcajete is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Belvidere, IL, that brings an authentic slice of Mexico to your plate. From the moment you step through its doors at 409 S State St, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and the inviting aroma of freshly prepared Mexican fare. Whether you’re craving the zesty punch of street tacos or hearty, comforting dishes, Taqueria El Molcajete delivers an unforgettable dining experience that truly resonates with both locals and visitors alike.
The menu is a colorful celebration of Mexican flavors. Signature dishes such as the Steak Enchiladas with Red Sauce, Rice, and Beans showcase perfectly tender steak smothered in rich, tangy red sauce, complemented by fluffy rice and velvety beans that soak up every bit of flavor. The Chicken Taco with Salsa and Chips offers a satisfying bite of tender, seasoned chicken balanced by freshly made salsas and crisp chips that are addictive from the start. For those seeking a soothing yet flavorful option, the Caldo De Res Con Vegetales — a traditional beef soup brimming with vegetables — is both hearty and soulful.
Fans of bold and shareable plates will delight in the Nachos Supremos, piled high with melted cheese, jalapeños, and fresh guacamole and salsa, providing the perfect harmony of textures and spice. The Chicken Fajitas sizzle with vibrant grilled peppers and onions, served fresh from the skillet to your table. Don’t miss the Al Pastor Taco, where marinated pork delivers a delicate balance of savory and sweet flavors, uplifting every bite.
Beyond the main courses, Taqueria El Molcajete also excels with a variety of Mexican staples such as Quesadillas, Chorizo Tacos, Steak Gorditas, and the Steak Tostada Red Tamale, each bringing their distinct taste and authenticity to the table. Sides like crispy Papas Fries, refreshing Ensaladas, and freshly prepared Salsa and Guacamole round out the meal perfectly. For dessert, the creamy, delicate Flan offers a sweet and satisfying end to your feast.
The dining atmosphere at Taqueria El Molcajete is cozy and inviting, reflecting the heartwarming spirit of Mexican culture. Customers consistently praise the restaurant not only for its exceptional food but for its attentive and genuine service. One patron, Daniel Wong, highlights the “world class hospitality” matched only by the flavorful tacos and salsas that carry “authentic kick.” Julie Garrett’s experience reflects the abundance and quality—everything from garlic shrimp to three fresh salsas—and notes the bustling crowd as a true testament to the restaurant’s popularity. Marcellius Lang and Kyle Wharton both mention the generosity in chips and freshly made salsas served upon arrival, setting the perfect stage for the delicious meal to come.
Whether you are in Belvidere for work, family dining, or casual hangouts with friends, Taqueria El Molcajete promises a meal that feels both familiar and exciting. The restaurant captures the essence of Mexican cuisine through every handmade taco, every fresh salsa, and every thoughtful moment of service. It’s a place to relax, savor, and reconnect with bold, vibrant flavors that make you smile and come back for more.
For reservations or takeout, call +1 815-544-8974 and prepare yourself for an authentic Mexican culinary adventure right in the heart of Illinois.
World class hospitality and service with the food to back it up. Authentic tacos y salsas with kick. Favorite tacos were the chicken and steak.
Oh my gosh!!! So very good. I had garlic shrimp, beans and rice - plus a side of lettuce and tomato, tortillas, chips and three salsas. It was enough for two meals and VERY yummy. The service was great -- fast and attentive. This is a very sweet place and it was packed at 5 pm. A good sign! In the area for work; so happy to have found this restaurant!
Some friends treated us here, and the first thing that stood out was the fresh Pico De Gallo and variety of salsas that are complimentary upon being seated. Each salsa was very delicious and fresh!!! The service was very good, the owner and staff were very attentive and welcoming! It was a place where you could relax and enjoy a meal with family and friends. We love our beans and rice, and theirs were prepared and seasoned well. We ordered the steak burrito, steak tostadas, and chorizo nachos. The chorizo was sooo good, they didn't miss at all on the chorizo. However, the steak was not good. Not only was it not a good cut of steak, it was very chewy, and even worse was that it had a weird taste, like as if it had freezed burn or something. We couldn't fully put our finger on what the taste resembled. It just didn't taste good. Everything else looked pleasing to the eyes and was delicious! It was our first time there, and hopefully, that was just not a good batch of steak meat. We'd give it another try, and I'll update when we do.
We were greeted with a warm welcome when we came in the door. We were instantly served delicious chips and salsa, followed by a kind request for our beverages. I ordered the steak chimichanga. The food came quickly and was simply fantastic, though I was full from the chips and salsa I was compelled to finish my meal because it tasted so good! Please come experience this wonderful place, you won't regret it.
Great service and food. I appreciated that the street tacos were individually wrapped. Chips came with pico de gallo and three sauces.
I try hard to resist eating a bunch of chips with their fresh pico, but fail every time. So delicious. Love their tacos as well. Not sure I've ever ordered anything different.
The Barbacoa was absolutely delicious! Authentic flavors, we tried the Chicharron, steak, Chorizo. They all pass the test with 10/10. We also had Al Pastor and I'll give it 8/10. Their chips and salsas are unique and very, very good, they even give you individual servings of sour cream with the chips! Overall this is the place to eat authentic and delicious Mexican food. You can tell it is a good place when it's packed with Hispanics customers. The service is outstanding, they keep checking on you and making sure you have everything you need. We will come back here for sure, if we are in the area again. 100% recommended