Are The Best Tacos Around Joliet Actually In Rockdale At El Comal?

ROCKDALE, IL — The idea of producing a human interest restaurant story about Rockdale's El Comal Tacos originated a couple of years ago when Rockdale Police Chief Butch Dykstra first told me about El Comal. Then on Saturday, during my bicycle ride along the I&M Canal Trail, I reached into my bag and grabbed my cell phone. I called Dykstra from the Channahon State Park.

I was trying to remember if El Comal Tacos was the Rockdale restaurant he had raved about it. Sure enough, it was. Saturday's steady rains were not going to stop me from reaching the destination. I continued on my journey until the I&M Canal Trail ended at Brandon Road. Then, I made the additional two-block trek over to 309 Moen Avenue in Rockdale.

It was mid-afternoon when I walked inside El Comal for the first time in my life. I was surprised how big the inside of El Comal's restaurant was, and I was surprised it was pretty busy for the middle of a Saturday afternoon, especially a rainy one here in Rockdale, population 2,000.

I took Chief Dykstra's advice and ordered two of the steak and potato tacos. Both were outstanding. The great thing about El Comal is they pile on the steak and potato in tiny pieces. Have a spoon or fork handy because you don't want any of their food to go to waste.

After spending 15 minutes eating my tacos, I had the fuel I needed to make my final 5-mile bike ride back to my vehicle in Channahon. The rain let up, too. Overall, it was a great day. I counted a total of seven deer along the Joliet portion of the Lower Rock Run Forest Preserve, and my experience eating at El Comal convinced me why so many people in Joliet travel to Rockdale for their Mexican cuisine.

Later, I let Rockdale's police chief know that his recommendation for El Comal Tacos gained them one brand new satisfied customer.

Dykstra let me know that several members of the Rockdale Police Department are regular patrons of El Comal Tacos. El Comal has been a part of Rockdale since 2006.

"Looks like the consensus on our officers is the steak and potato taco," Dykstra informed me. "One officer said he really enjoys the recent addition of horchata and Jamaica drinks. It is definitely well known in the area for good food.

"It is almost always busy from people who live and work in the Rockdale area, but a table is easy to get. The people that own and operate the restaurant are local residents we know and have great relationships with. I would say myself that we are just hopeful the Rockdale Fire Protection District doesn't hear about it or we would never be able to get a table. Ha!"

As I noted above, Rockdale is a town of only 2,000 people, and yet if you visit Google Reviews, El Comal has racked up an astonishing 768 reviews, averaging an impressive 4.4 stars out of 5 stars.

Here are some of the most recent reviews posted on Google by the customers:

Writes Michelle: "One of the best tacos I’ve ever had! My family and I love stopping by on Fridays…super friendly staff, delicious food and great atmosphere."

Writes Eric: "Incredible tasting food with large portions at great prices definitely gotta tell all my friends. The Huarache's are huge and very tasty!"

Writes Jamie: "Very fresh ingredient. It was light and delicious. No vegetarian menu, but they were very friendly and accommodating, making me a veggie burrito."

Writes Ricardo: "The food here is authentic and delicious staff is really friendly and the inside has been newly remodeled. Great for a quick lunch or dining in with family/friends."

According to its website, El Comal is open from 10 a.m, to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The phone number for takeout orders is 815-730-9933.

To view the entire menu or place an online order, visit the website for El Comal.