On The Border Mexican Grill Cantina Vernon Hills

Armando was a fabulous server. He’s friendly and helpful. Steak tacos, portobello bowl and guacamole were all delicious. Downside were the filthy floors and layers of food between booths. Bathroom could be freshened up. I expected everything to be sparkling clean since business has been so slow.

Very nice servers, good classic Mexican food, lots of adult drink options, and fun atmosphere. Prices are good. Great place to go with a large group of people. Large TVs mounted at various angles playing ESPN when we were eating dinner. Restaurant is hard to find without navigation because you have to turn into random room and go behind a hotel. I wouldn't have found it without Google Maps

We went to try their food before using them for catering. We went on a Saturday night, and they weren’t too busy(should have been a sign! Our server was pleasant enough, but her attention to detail and her service were subpar at best. We had to ask for extra chips 3 times before she actually brought them at which point our queso was cold. Why not just bring chips with the queso? Speaking of the queso, it’s really just velveta and rotel. Nothing special. We ordered steak and chicken fajitas as that’s what we wanted to try before our party. Glad we did! My husband and daughter had the steak~they said it was ok, not great but tasty enough. My other daughter and I had the chicken. It was tasteless. It wasn’t marinated before cooking or even seasoned for that matter. If you like bland tasteless food, this is for you! Both fajita orders were served with way too many onions and very few soggy peppers. We like peppers and there were literally only 3 on each order~2 green slices and a red. Back to the service~it was awful! She wasn’t even that busy! My husband ordered a second Marg. He didn’t get it until our meal was finished~almost 20 minutes later! Our fajitas were served with no little plate to put the individual fajitas on, we only got the hot serving plate. Of course our server was nowhere to be found to ask for plates. By the time we got plates, our food was cold. At no point during the meal did she(our server come over and ask us how our meal was, or if we needed anything. Just avoid this place and save yourself the headache! There are plenty of other excellent Mexican restaurants at this same price point!

Overall the restaurant was good and worth going to once or twice. My server was great and was friendly and personable with my 3 year old. My food was hot and Wonderful. I did order a blue moon but for some reason the bare tender put it in a margarita glass. Not sure why they did that, but it's definitely not meant to be in that type of glass. I only took a star away due to bad bartending. If they get better bartenders when I go back I will rate 5 stars.

The watermelon margarita is delicious!!!!! It’s a must try! I’m coming back just for that. Lol The birria tacos aren’t bad but it’s definitely not authentic.