Ayalas Mex American Steak House

I can confidently say these are the best chicken quesadillas I’ve ever tasted! The fajitas were also absolutely outstanding. The service was exceptional. It’s a lovely little spot where you can enjoy fantastic food, excellent service, and a great price.

This restaurant offers an authentic Mexican flair with a surprisingly diverse menu that goes beyond the typical tacos and burritos. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, with a unique layout that features several alcoves in the dining area, but this doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Both of our dishes were excellent; the paella was especially noteworthy, clearly made fresh by the chef rather than relying on pre-prepared ingredients as many places do. It reminded me of a charming spot I used to visit in Galena. When the owner and server are both deeply involved in the business, you can expect a delightful dining experience.

I started with a margarita, which I believe is a great litmus test for any Mexican restaurant. It was outstanding! My wife, who usually doesn’t drink tequila, was enchanted by these margaritas. She absolutely loved hers—smooth doesn’t even begin to cover it! While we waited for our food, the owner's son delighted us all by engaging every woman in the room (there were only four) in a fun dance to lively Latin music. We all laughed and enjoyed that moment together. The owners were incredibly nice and made the experience even more enjoyable. When our food arrived, everything looked incredibly fresh. I ordered the fajitas, which came with perfectly grilled broccoli, onions, and peppers. They were delicious! My wife opted for shrimp tacos, and from the look on her face, I could tell they were fantastic. I even convinced her to let me try them, and I wholeheartedly agree—they were excellent. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes with some truly authentic options, including tongue tacos. While the prices might be a bit higher than your typical Mexican restaurant, the overall experience made it well worth it. It was a wonderful way to celebrate, and we plan to return to see if our next visit is just as amazing as the first. If you find yourself in Galena craving fresh, authentic Mexican food, I highly recommend giving this place a try!

Don't be afraid of the hole in the wall atmosphere! My wife and I were skeptical when we looked in and there were only a few people at the bar. It ended amazing! The best food we had on the weekend. My wife had the steak quasadillas and I had the steak fajitas. Can not have been the best presentation, but everything tasted extremely fresh and was delicious. The waitress was also very friendly and nice.

Can't beat Taco Tuesday! Delicious Mexican-style tacos at a super reasonable price. The carnitas are great! The salsa is extremely tasty. The owner/chef is very friendly, welcoming, and provides a great experience with scrumptious food.