The Humble Mexican Restaurant In Illinois That's Been Owned By The Same Family For More Than 50 Years
By Linze Rice|Published October 24, 2023
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Linze Rice
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Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Although Illinois is quite far from the Mexican border, we are lucky enough to have tons of authentic, family-run Mexican restaurants and taquerias. From our big cities and metro areas to our smallest towns, Illinoisans can usually find homemade tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-American favorites. Growing up in DeKalb County, my favorite local eatery was a family-run Mexican establishment — so much so that it became a tradition for me to eat there each year on my birthday. With some of the best Mexican food in DeKalb, Illinois, this small-town gem has fed locals for more than 50 years, and they keep coming back for more.
Rosita's Mexican restaurant is located along the historic Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Since 1972, the Balli family has been using family recipes to treat customers to Mexican comfort food and delicious cocktails.
When Luis and Beatriz Balli founded the restaurant more than 50 years ago it was one of the first of its kind in the area. For three generations now, the Balli family has continued to run the beloved diner, using many of Beatriz's original recipes that have been favorites since the beginning.
While the restaurant started as only one storefront, it eventually expanded into three and now consists of several dining rooms. Many of the paintings that the family put up in the early years still grace the walls today.
Rosita's is also known for its exceptional outdoor patio, which offers plenty of shade on a hot summer day. With colorful flowers and string lights the patio is easily one of the best in town.
One thing unique to Rosita's is its use of cheese. To help northerners become accustomed to Mexican food back in the 1970s, the diner's matriarch began using thickly shredded American cheese on top of her dishes. The trick worked and has become a staple of the diner's dishes.
If you can't choose, go with one of Rosita's 10 combination options, which offer different mix-and-match plates for those who prefer not to pick just one. Personally, I tend to go with the Numero 8, which has two beef enchiladas, a beef taco, and rice and beans.
Of course, all the dishes pair perfectly with a freshly made cocktail. From palomas to daiquiris to piña coladas to ice-cold beers, a classic Mexican dish deserves a classic Mexican drink.
Pro tip: If it's your first time, go with the time-tested margarita. Rosita's showcases a number of fun and unique flavors in several different sizes — meaning your marg can be as customized as your go-to combo.
So, would you give some of the best Mexican food in DeKalb, Illinois a try? Do you have another favorite family-owned Illinois diner in mind? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your visit by checking out the Rosita’s website and the Rosita’s Facebook page. And while you’re at it, why not make your trip a fun day trip? DeKalb is easily accessed via the scenic Lincoln Highway, making it a great road trip destination, and features lots of historic buildings and antique barns. Make sure to grab one of these classic DeKalb corn sign T-shirts to fit in with the locals.
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