Welcome to Hacienda Leon
At Hacienda Leon, nestled in Uptown Normal, we celebrate the vibrant essence of New Mexican cuisine. Our story is rooted in a passion for authentic flavors and warm hospitality, as we invite guests to indulge in a diverse menu filled with traditional dishes and creative twists. From our crispy Flautas to the zesty Fajita Taco Salad, each plate reflects the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. Guests rave about our generous portions and lively atmosphere, complemented by an extensive drink selection, including refreshing margaritas. At Hacienda Leon, every meal is a fiesta, where great food and friendly service come together to create unforgettable experiences.
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1 Uptown Circle, Normal, IL 61761 Hotline: (309) 585-4233
Welcome to Hacienda Leon, a vibrant new beacon of New Mexican cuisine nestled in the heart of Uptown Normal, Illinois. Located at 1 Uptown Circle, this restaurant has quickly made its mark as a go-to destination for those seeking authentic and hearty flavors that transport you straight to the lively streets of Mexico. With its inviting atmosphere and attentive service, Hacienda Leon is perfect for both a casual lunch or a festive dinner with friends and family.
The menu at Hacienda Leon is a delightful exploration of traditional Mexican fare, offering an impressive array of options, from tasty quesadillas to refreshing salads and enticing appetizers. Those looking for a satisfying starter will find the Choriqueso—a bed of pork chorizo topped with melted cheese—a must-try. Pair it with warm tortillas for a mouthwatering beginning to your meal. If you're in the mood for something crispy, the Chicken Wings dressed in the restaurant's special sauce will hit the spot perfectly.
As for the main courses, the quesadillas are a standout. Choices like the Shrimp Quesadilla—stuffed with freshly grilled shrimp, cheese, and a medley of vegetables—combine the rich flavors of seafood and spices to create a dish that evokes both comfort and adventure. Alternatively, the Fajita Quesadilla offers a choice of grilled chicken or steak and is loaded with all the essentials for a hearty meal.
Those looking for a refreshing respite will appreciate the selection of salads. The Fajita Taco Salad, for example, features grilled steak or chicken nestled among fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and topped with guacamole and sour cream. It's a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients that provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Multiple patrons have expressed joy in their experiences at Hacienda Leon. Customer Jackie S. shared her delight about celebrating her birthday there, highlighting both the delicious food and exceptional service, while Mckenzie J. noted the extensive options available, including intriguing combo meals. The buzz of excitement continues, with Angela P. praising their well-seasoned steak and shrimp and Chris E. impressed by the generous portions and inviting atmosphere.
At the heart of Hacienda Leon is not only the diverse menu but also a commitment to quality that resonates with diners. The ambience is meticulously designed, boasting a large bar area that creates a lively vibe perfect for gatherings. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with complimentary chips and salsa, setting the tone for a meal that promises indulgence and cheer.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Hacienda Leon invites you to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine. Grab a seat, sip on one of their enticing margaritas, and savor the taste that keeps customers coming back for more.
I enjoyed my birthday lunch with my sorority sister... what a delicious and wonderful meal with awesome service. Thank you so much. I will return as a treat for myself soon. Being from Texas, I was pleased with the menu.
This is a newer restaurant right in Uptown Normal. I looked online and saw a large, intriguing menu, so I thought we should try it out. The restaurant is large, but was pretty empty when we went for lunch. I decided on one of the combos - they have tons of different combinations so definitely check that out! I also got a peach margarita. Everything was yummy; I just wish we also got rice/beans with our meal. Service was good and I have no complaints about that. Also, you get free chips and salsa which is always great!
Really lovely experience here for lunch/brunch. The waitstaff were kind and attentive throughout our meal. Our steak and shrimp were incredibly well seasoned and mouthwateringly delicious. The portions were also generous for the food as well as the drinks. Their micheladas are HUGE. Thank you for a great meal!
The environment was great. The surroundings were visually pleasing, and the food was outstanding.!
Hacienda Leon is a newer addition to the Uptown Normal area adjacent to Illinois State University. The space is large and vibrant, and features a large bar area that basically runs into the contemporarily styled restaurant. We visited early on a Saturday evening, and as we were leaving, it was pretty obvious that the place was filling up. There are some good reasons for that. We were promptly seated and given menus. The menu at Hacienda Leon is extensive, and quite honestly, too extensive. It's was a bit overwhelming. My wife and I are huge Mexican food fans, and living in the 'burbs in Chicago, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by what I would call "authentic" casual Mexican restaurants. We understand, when traveling to smaller towns that you might not get the authenticity at an ethnic restaurant that you would in a more urban setting, however we realize there are exceptions. This being written, Hacienda Leon does a great job of mixing some authentic, traditional dishes while still offering a chimichanga smothered in queso. We were were kind of pressed for time, so rather than going through the extensive menu, we asked our served for a recommendation. Our server asked us a few questions (good sign), and then steered us to the Especial Leon for two. This was a fajita for two that featured the usual steak and chicken, but also added shrimp, chorizo and fried pork ribs. The skillet was served with tortillas, rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole and pico. In reality, the Especial Leon for two was big enough for four - making it a truly great value for $32!! Overall, the taste of the food was good. We received the standard chips and salsa when seated, and the salsa was tangy and no too spicy. The chips were warm and the drinks were cold. My wife got a margarita and I got a Dos Equis Amber. Our fajitas were also good. The pleasant surprise being the deep fried pork ribs, which were really tender, and the shrimp which were larger than expected and cooked to perfection. The only criticism I would offer is that the proteins could've used more seasoning. Either that, or they could've each been seasoned differently?!?! Admittedly, I am splitting hairs here. The food was good, and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere is energized, and the restaurant is clean and appealing. I would definitely recommend Hacienda Leon, and will most likely be returning when visiting my daughter at ISU.