Located in the heart of Wilmington, Illinois, El Patron Mexican Kitchen II stands as a welcoming destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Mexican culinary traditions. Situated at 1099 S Water St Suite A, the restaurant serves as a community hub where locals and visitors alike can gather to enjoy flavorful dishes prepared with care. The atmosphere is designed to be comfortable and inviting, making it an ideal spot for casual lunches, family dinners, or a relaxed evening out with friends. By focusing on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, the kitchen aims to provide a dining experience that honors the rich heritage of Mexican gastronomy while remaining accessible to everyone in the Wilmington area.
The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in the belief that food is a universal language that brings people together. Every dish that leaves the kitchen is a reflection of this commitment, emphasizing the balance of spices, textures, and fresh produce. Whether you are a long-time fan of Mexican cuisine or someone looking to explore new flavors, the menu offers a diverse selection that caters to various preferences. The staff takes pride in maintaining a clean, friendly, and efficient environment, ensuring that every guest feels valued from the moment they walk through the door until they finish their last bite.
What Sets Us Apart
Authentic Culinary Approach: We prioritize traditional cooking techniques that highlight the depth of Mexican flavors, ensuring that every meal feels like a home-cooked experience.
Community-Focused Atmosphere: Our location in Wilmington is designed to be a warm and inclusive space where neighbors can connect and enjoy quality time together over a great meal.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: We believe that the foundation of great food lies in the quality of the components used, which is why we focus on sourcing fresh ingredients to create our signature dishes.
Dedicated Hospitality: Our team is committed to providing attentive and friendly service, striving to make every visit to our restaurant a memorable and pleasant one for our guests.
Beyond the food itself, El Patron Mexican Kitchen II is dedicated to being an active part of the Wilmington community. We understand that a restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a space where memories are made and relationships are strengthened. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the environment remains welcoming, whether you are stopping by for a quick bite during a busy workday or settling in for a longer, more leisurely meal. We invite you to visit us at our Water Street location to experience the warmth and flavor that define our kitchen.
As we continue to serve the local community, our goal remains the same: to provide consistent, delicious, and honest food that keeps our guests coming back. We appreciate the support of our patrons and look forward to welcoming both new and returning faces to our tables. If you are in the area and looking for a place that values tradition, quality, and community, we hope you will consider stopping by to see what we have to offer. Your presence is what makes our kitchen thrive, and we are honored to share our passion for Mexican cuisine with the people of Illinois.
In an era where dining options are vast, we strive to remain a reliable choice for those who appreciate the simple joy of a well-prepared meal. We invite you to explore our menu and discover your own favorite dishes. Thank you for choosing to dine with us and for being a part of our ongoing story in Wilmington. We look forward to serving you soon and continuing to provide a space where good food and good company are always the priority.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
Cover
Address
Appetizers
Dinner
El patron special
El patron specializes
Fajitas
Sea food
Drinks
Photos
Reviews El Patron Mexican Kitchen Ii
Vickie Clark
05-04-2026
Food was good, chips ans salsa great, margaritas were delicious,
and prices were very reasonable. Staff were very friendly, however, our server must have had an off day. She brought the wrong drink to my husband and then … More
TNT
05-04-2026
Drove 40min just to try this place. It is a genuinely bilingually friendly Mexican restaurant which I greatly appreciate. The food was more like my family's cooking than any other Mexican restaurant I've been to around these parts. The … More
Tom G
05-04-2026
Great food, friendly staff, excellent service.
Ajattin M
05-04-2026
Visited this establishment a few times.
The servers we've had generally pretty good. Had one hiccups with one server, but over all, good service. … More
Amanda Beasley
05-04-2026
I can't believe how we were treated by the owner today. Promise, I won't be supporting this local business. He said take your food and get out". When I order carnitas and you give me steak. As much as you charge for a bite of meat. I rather … More
Jason Rowe
05-04-2026
I'm a local, used to eat here fairly regularly. The food is good, but the prices seem to be climbing. When they first opened we raved about the place, but now it seems you just don't get what you pay for. I'm not suggesting we won't go here … More
Ruth Morales
05-04-2026
Delicious!!! The best tampiqueña diner I had in a long time. The steak it self was lightly seasoned, juicy and tender topped with grilled veggies. And I can’t forget the mango margarita with a Chamoy and Tajín rim. I’m definitely going back! More
Stacy Plese
05-04-2026
We've been there few times. Great food and service normally. This last time, though, my husband ordered $14 burrito with no cheese or sour cream. The waitress wrote down no cheese or sour cream. She brings the dish out covered in cheese … More
Melissa Tomany
05-04-2026
Server refused to make a substitution that has been made for years. As a result my kid hated his meal. Server never asked if we enjoyed it and was clearly sick. Servrs also spent most time talking to each other regularly making guests wait. Prices up and service down makes it disappointing. More
Jason Ball
05-04-2026
My family and I tried this place for the first time today. Not only was the food very dry and bland but we also found strands of hair our tacos, my burrito and a side of beans. When we told the manager or owner whoever he is about it we … More
Rhonda Perrotta
05-04-2026
Never again- just walked out after having multiple tables seated well after us have their order taken after telling hostess when we were seated that we were ready to order. Has happened 3 out if the last 4 times we were here. Had to add … More
Tyler
05-04-2026
Had the fish tacos that were made with tilapia, and it was pretty good. I would rank them in my top 20. Ingredients were good but would of liked to see more tilapia if I decide to go back. Also had there $4.99 margaritas and it was good. Overall good food at a good price. More
Scott Williams
05-04-2026
I consider El Patron's menu and food quality my reason to go out to eat. Every dish has exceeded expectations and the service is always perfect. To be honest, it is difficult to find "good" Mexican food in the north, however they have it. More
Estelle Litke
05-04-2026
The food was awful, the wait staff was listing to videos very loudly on their phones, booth and table were dirty, guacamole was watery and awful. Nachos were terrible, how do you screw up nachos? Beef was gray in color, quesadillas were watery.... Dont waste your time or money! Very expensive!!! $$$$$$$$$$$🤮🤮🤮 … More
Jason Coyle
05-04-2026
I love this place. I haven't had a bad experience yet. Food is always good, people that work there are so nice. Even met the owner a couple times. The people are just as good as the food. You wont be disappointed. My personal favorite is the fish taco dinner with a margarita. More
Joanna
05-04-2026
Barely any meat in the tacos and the tortillas were definitely the cheap ones you get from dollar general, definitely mediocre food, their horchata was ok that's about it. their rice taste like taco bell rice and the refried beans were the … More
Katie Vertin
05-04-2026
El Patron Mexican Restaurant is absolutely fantastic! The food is fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Everything we ordered was delicious, from the perfectly seasoned entrees to the warm, fresh chips and salsa. The service was … More
Smiling Tulip
05-04-2026
I refuse to buy alcohol when I'm dining. It's just too darn expensive. However, I make an exception when I come here. You have to get their margaritas!!! They give you such a big glass and it's worth it. … More
Tina Cockrell
05-04-2026
Everything was so great! Great atmosphere, staff/service was great. Especially the owner Scott! I'm allergic to shellfish and he made my food on the side in a new pan. Most restaurants just tell me what I can't have on the menu. He went … More
Meags Sperk
05-04-2026
Finally found a delicious Mexican restaurant!! I stay out in Manhattan, and their Mexican restaurant is no bueño.. I googled Mexican restaurants and this place, El Patrón Mexican Kitchen came up. I love coming here with my boyfriend. The … More
Jake Hill
05-04-2026
I’d give 0 stars if I could. Spent 130 bucks on takeout margaritas and one of them had a hole on the bottom and completely leaked out. Went back to try and get another one and they tried to charge me. Said they couldn’t do anything. Poor customer service. More
Ashley Surprenant
05-04-2026
Every time we eat here we have exceptional service and the food is never disappointing!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Kiley Barr
05-04-2026
1st timing dining here - went with my boyfriend. salsa, queso, and guacamole were AMAZING with the chips. we ordered ribeye fajitas to share & we were amazed with the flavor of everything … we finished the entire thing. we will be back for sure! More
Lily Pad
05-04-2026
1st time here. Great food, drinks, and service. We wil definitely be back! Ty Sergio, our waiter
Food:…
More
Shelley Woodall
05-04-2026
Taco Tuesday special was great! $.99 Tacos and we got an order of guac to go with it. Everything tasted great and service was fast. There are places to eat outside, but we did take out.
Christopher Colin
05-04-2026
Great food porting are amazing they don’t skimp on the food and good quality, service was amazing, very clean place, would definitely recommend going
Ashley Surprenant
05-04-2026
Every time we eat here we have exceptional service and the food is never disappointing!
Order type…
More
Salie Phom
05-04-2026
The food is good here and I like to try different items on the menu. So far no complaints. Not bad for a small town. More
Randy and Trish Lake
05-04-2026
Totally love this place. Would deffinately recommend this to be your go to restaurant for an awesome taste of Mexican cuisine. Very reasonably priced. Located in WILMINGTON.The food is always hot& fresh.You get complimentary nachos & salsa … More
Where's Waldo
05-04-2026
To start it is CRAMPED in here. When I say they put as many tables as possible in here without caring if you have space to actually sit, it's not an exaggeration. Service was non existent. Waited 30 minutes before even being brought … More
Greg Kuntz
05-04-2026
Every time I've come here the service and the food has been sooooo good. Servers are so attentive and seem to remember their customers which is so cool. Anna who runs this place is so lucky to have the workers she does and has a an amazing restaurant in this small town. Congrats Anna More
Reviews El Patron Mexican Kitchen Ii