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Salsa 17 Reviews List
Salsa 17
Salsa 17 Grill & Margarita Bar’s menu is influenced by Mexico’s savory food and family traditions. With an atmosphere second to none, we offer you a taste of Mexico’s finest recipes in food, margaritas, and fresh, made-to-order guacamole.
Mi Casa es Su Casa. We invite you to experience the essence of Mexican cuisine in our truly unique setting today
There is something for everyone at Arlington Heights’ Salsa 17 Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar, from authentic Mexican cuisine to outstanding service. Come experience this unique Mexican eatery today.
Don’t forget to come and try one of our 180 tequilas. Don’t worry we won’t tell.
See more Salsa 17 details
72 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 72 reviews
5 stars
(31)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(40)
- good for groups(25)
- hot spot(23)
- fit for foodies(18)
- special occasion(15)
- great for lunch(9)
Salsa 17 Reviews List
Review 1 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Time!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my 2nd time at Salsa 17, and the service and food is AMAZING!!!! Best Mexican food around!! I'm definitely bring my family and friends back to Salsa 17!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Long Waits
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Unfortunate that a long wait (even with a reservation!) kept us from starting our meal....however, the food was good. Hard to explain to guests waiting on reservations that you are holding a table for a party that is not there...."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 3 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Too Loud
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I guess it is the acoustics in Salsa 17. Our table was ready for us on time as we were releived since we had show tickets in town.
We were seated towards the front of the restaurant and even before the restaurant was maxed out, my husband and I could not hear one another.
Service was okay. Waitress did make reccomendations but in general said everything is delicious. When shaking the margaritas, the cap was not on tight and a small portion of the drink sprayed out over the table - happily it did not land on us.
Portions are huge - so would suggest to share vs. full meals.
Was not a bad experience but my husband and I agree we would not go back."
We were seated towards the front of the restaurant and even before the restaurant was maxed out, my husband and I could not hear one another.
Service was okay. Waitress did make reccomendations but in general said everything is delicious. When shaking the margaritas, the cap was not on tight and a small portion of the drink sprayed out over the table - happily it did not land on us.
Portions are huge - so would suggest to share vs. full meals.
Was not a bad experience but my husband and I agree we would not go back."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always great Mexican food!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Love coming here & I have been coming here for years. Unfortunately, the evening we went there was a problem with their liquor license, so there was no bar service. They did call us earlier to warn us....so we brought a bottle of wine. It was just a bummer not to have one of their wonderful Margaritas!! But like always, the food was great!!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 5 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, mediocre service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had the shredded beef, chicken and cheese enchiladas and they were delicious. A friend had tacos that were very good as well. The chicken fajitas were fresh and tasty. I do not recommend the shrimp and scallop quesidilla. The shrimp and scallops were tiny and frozen. The service was ok. Our waiter was impatient, and "highly encouraging" what we should eat, even though we were not interested in those items. (They were the more expensive ones) and the bus boy was extremely rude. We had to ask repeatedly for more water and chips and he was not happy to serve them. Maybe they both had a rough day? Overall, I would eat there again and recommend it."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2007
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a regular haunt for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a regular haunt for me. I'm on the e-mail list so receive monthly specials and notices. LOVED this month's Meyer Lemon Tequini and the Arroyo rubbed ribs. OF COURSE, absolutely had to start with the fresh guacamole made table side. Yum!!!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We've gone to Salsa 17 a number
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've gone to Salsa 17 a number of times but were really disappointed this visit. The food was average at best and no one refilled the drinks after dinner was served. We had 6 empty glasses (3 waters & 3 cokes) sitting on the table."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2011
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Review 8 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Try it
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food is excellent. Fairly noisy."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent table side Guacamole!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent table side Guacamole! Shrimp & Chicken fajitas are terrific as well."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
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Review 10 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Inexpensive Authentic Mexican
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've seen the restaurant every time I pass by and finally decided to try it out. This place was awesome. The food was authentic and tasked fantastic. The chips and salsa they give you when you first sit down was fantastic and the guacamole, prepared fresh at your table, was to die for. (I recommend mixing the two on one chip – life changing!) I’m not a huge Mexican food fan, but this place was exactly, if not better than, the food we had last year in Mexico. After all was said and eaten, the bill was very fair. ~$22/pp. Not bad, considering what some other Mexican food restaurants charge. Overall, I recommend checking this place out, it’s a unique place, authentic Mexican vibe, and great tasting food."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Having just moved out to Arlington
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Having just moved out to Arlington Heights from the city, my husband and I were looking for a Mexican restaurant that rivaled that of those in Chicago. We definitely found it in Salsa 17! We ordered the guacamole that is made fresh at your table, which was very good - the flavors in it were lovely. However, we did ask that it be made spicy and it was not spicy at all. This was the only thing that was kind of a miss in our experience at Salsa 17. They have an extensive margarita menu as well as a lot of different types of tequila, which was great. The meals that we ordered were very good as well. Overall I give this 4 stars. We will definitely go back to Salsa 17."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best salsa and veggie
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The best salsa and veggie fajitas I have had in a very long time!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 13 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best salsa in the burbs!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great upscale, but authentic Mexican food. The place was packed at 7pm Friday, but we were seated promptly @ our reservation time. Menu has something for everyone. Guacamole made table side is a nice touch. Their roasted salsa is probably the best I've had In the US. Skirt steak arrachara which was delicious and a portion large enough for 2. Lamb shank was tender but a little bland. Had to pass on dessert because we were stuffed. Only real complaint is the noise level. Can make it work for 4. Wouldn't go with a large group unless you don't need to hear anyone on the other side of the table. Make sure to get a reservation."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good but i felt a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was good but i felt a little rushed. I wanted to take my time and eat. It seemed like they were trying to get you in and out of there as fast as they can."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
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Review 15 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice experience. Good food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Nice experience. Good food, service, and reasonable prices"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2010
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Review 16 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good time with "ok" overpriced food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Ambiance is great but I've had much better Mexican food for much less. The "Mexican rice" was so generic and it seemed like someone threw reheated frozen vegetables in the mix. Maybe there are better menu items, I just didn't have any. On open table I read reviews that the food was so good but I was very dissapinted, especially by what they charge for it, too. Also, I mentioned that it was my friends birthday, when I made reservations and it was not acknowledged, yet they went around to sing happy birthday and bring deserts to other celebrating customers."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 17 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have come here many times
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have come here many times and am never disappointed! The food is great and the service is top notch. The margaritas are the best around!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 18 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
GREAT FOOD!!! Service lacking.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had several friends recommend Salsa 17...said food great and service just as great...well they were half right....went there for wedding anniversary dinner.....parking a breeze....seated instantly...hostess all smiles...waiter arrived and that is when it went south..no greeting...waiter coldly asked do we want guacamole and drinks?? I said yes to both....guacamole was a treat but the prep girl was also cold and did not engage or even acknowledge us....My beer arrived about 10 minutes later..when it came time to order I asked ask for 2 half orders of fajitas ( 1 chicken, 1 steak ) for my wife and I to share. The waiter interrupted me saying " you can't order half orders". Funny, I was reading it right off the menu!!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 19 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Salsa is AWESOME! Take some
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Salsa is AWESOME! Take some to go! Great food & great service.
Only downfall is it's hard to find a parking spot...but worth walking to get to it!"
Only downfall is it's hard to find a parking spot...but worth walking to get to it!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We really enjoyed the food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We really enjoyed the food and drinks. The service was very good and attentive."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 21 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Needs a better system for waiting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food and service but the first impression upon walking in left much to be desired. Very chaotic and disorganized, trying to squeeze through a large girls night out group that was blocking the entryway and the hostesses clearly couldn't understand that is not a comfortable position for a guest to be in. While waiting for a table I felt like everywhere we stood we were in the way. I don't mind a busy restaurant but I'm not a fan of being in that tight of a crowd while waiting on a table. We will probably be back but not when the restaurant is that busy."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 22 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We have been here before and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have been here before and it was just ok. This time the food was really good and everyone in our party enjoyed what they ordered.
The waiter was a bit slow coming to take our initial order and the noise was very loud, but overall we will be coming back."
The waiter was a bit slow coming to take our initial order and the noise was very loud, but overall we will be coming back."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
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Review 23 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was the first time we
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the first time we have eaten there and will absolutely go back. The food was delicious."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Guacamole was great and so
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Guacamole was great and so were the tacos. Cevice smelled very unfresh. Fahitas were ok. Margatitas
Were awful."
Were awful."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2007
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Review 25 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food, lively atmosphere.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good Food, lively atmosphere. A happening place overall!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great girls-night-out adventure!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great girls-night-out adventure! Checked Open Table for a restaurant to eat at before heading over to Peggy Kinanes to hear the band Saturday night. It turned out perfect! Our table was ready as soon as we arrived! Food was superb & we just had to walk across the street after dinner!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 27 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Special Salsa 17 dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was fantastic - we were a party of 5 and 2 got there about 1/2 later than expected, yet our waitress and the entire wait staff was very efficient about checking back to see what the 3 of us needed. We finally placed our orders, since we had theatre tickets for an 8:00 show down the street, and 5 minutes later our other friends finally made it. Our first 3 dinners came out about 10 minutes later, and their 2 later dinner selections came maybe 5 minutes later. Fantastic food and service. The only complaint we all had was that it was very noisy in the restaurant, due to a full and happy house and no acoustic touches to help buffer all the talking going on throughout the house."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 28 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great menu with choices for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great menu with choices for everyone makes this a favorite of ours."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2012
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Review 29 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed in the food this
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Disappointed in the food this visit. My husband ordered the salmon special - you could see how overcooked the salmon was. Obviously that negatively impacted the taste."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2010
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Review 30 for Salsa 17
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good atmosphere although abut
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good atmosphere although abut loud. Great margaritas! Good tequila selection. Easy parking. Recommend it."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2008
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Salsa 17
Based on the average of (42) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic