Alright, it’s time to take the first road trip of this Mexican food tour! And of course we’ll need a driver for this excursion…whoops, someone’s knocking at the door, could it be our driver?
Oh geez, it’s a Driver alright, Minnie Driver!
Hey, you’re looking spectacular, Minnie, but I’m waiting for a different Driver, so thanks, but no thanks. I did follow you on Twitter, so hopefully that makes up for this rejection! Next!
Okay, this is more like it, there’s MBIP Pal and Wheelman, Scott Turley at the door! And check out that new hat, what do you think of this one, Chad Wallace?
Okay, time to hit the road!
We’re off to Bloomington, Illinois and a Mexican restaurant Scott picked out called Hacienda Leon.
Through the miracle of these here interwebs, you’re spared a forty minute ride to Bloomington and here we are at Hacienda Leon. The place is massive and looks really nice.
There’s Scott leading the way inside.
What an impressive foyer, check out the fancy chandelier hanging overhead!
Wow, it’s huge in here and very impressive!
We decided to settle in at the bar and right away we were served up giganzo margaritas by Yesenia and Martin.
Martin is the owner and he said that they’ve been in business here for a couple of years and that they have a sister restaurant in Lincoln, Illinois. That may be the next road trip, stay tuned!
As you can see, there’s a nice selection of tequila and beers on tap behind the bar. Above another fancy chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
Here’s another shot of the massive main dining room with tables and booths along the walls. There’s another dining room off of this one with more tables and booths.
Check it out, there’s a third dining area over here! This place is humongous!
I love the Mexican-styled art in here and the wooden square frames that they’re housed in.
Meanwhile, back at the bar…
Dinner is served and it looks absolutely fabulous!
There’s a couple action shots of Scott digging into his Mexican dinner. He got the number 15 Combo Dinner which consisted of one beef burrito, one enchilada and one tamale.
He said it was some of the best Mexican food he’s ever had.
Okay, time for me to dig in!
I got the “Rey Special” which is a Ribeye steak cut in thirds served up with a bacon wrapped shrimp skewer, spicy Chorizo sausage, tortillas, rice and a Mexican salad. That’s a lot of food!
I started with the Chorizo sausage and made myself a soft taco with the tortilla. The Chorizo was spicy and had a nice zing to it, we’re off to a wonderful start!
Next I sampled the shrimp skewer.
There’s five bacon-wrapped shrimp and they were plump, juicy and the smoky bacon and Mexican seasonings really added to the flavor! Now on to the main course…
The Ribeye steak!
The steak was juicy and tender and had a nice south of the border flavor due to the seasonings it was cooked with.
This is one of the best Mexican meals I’ve ever had, really outstanding!
And for dessert, we each had a mini margarita!
Cheers and thanks to everyone at Hacienda Leon for an amazing meal and for the friendly hospitality!
And Thanks to Scott for driving and choosing this tasty Mexican destination in Bloomington, Illinois!
Clasificación de Alimentos
Four Pepe Tacos—Hacienda Leon is well worth the drive to Bloomington, Illinois!
The food is excellent, the atmosphere is elegant and comfortable and the food is unbelievable!
Scott said it was, “The Jim’s Steak House of Mexican food,” and I think that sums it up perfectly!
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407 N. Hershey Road
Bloomington, Illinois
309-319-2131
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Related Posts: 26 Weeks of Mexican Food @: Casa de Arte, Macho Taco, El Taco Loco and Hacienda El Mirador.