SMC Pampanga Express image

SMC Pampanga Express

Restaurant β€’ Filipino restaurant

Colorful, family-owned spot specializing in Filipino home cooking presented in snug, cheerful digs. People often mention time, delicious, great, service, Filipino, good, friendly, nice, spot, recommend,


Address

2855 Washington St, Waukegan, IL 60085

Website

www.pampangaexpress.com

Contact

(847) 336-8320

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (229 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: time (16) delicious (14) great (13) service (13) Filipino (12) good (11) friendly (9) nice (8) spot (8) recommend (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 April A. 3 years ago on Google
    Service was really nice and food was good, my family loved it!
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Edna V. 2 years ago on Google
    Holy flavor! 🀩🀀 I cannot express in words how delicious this food is! These folks can cook! And the prices are great. I will definitely be back. I have found my new favorite spot in all of Lake County. (FYI Call ahead for lumpia, they make it fresh)
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Ryan C. 5 years ago on Google
    The family that owns the place were friendly. I loved their lechon kawali and coconut chicken. Can’t wait to try the rest of their food. Their shanghai rolls were okay but not the best that I’ve tried. Definitely worth trying if you’re around the area.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Irineo 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place. They have the best Filipino egg rolls fresh upon order. Their Pancit(Filipino noodles) are so delicious, and I love their pork sinigang(tamarind based flavorful soup). All their food is a delicious explosion of flavors.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lashae G. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was amazing. My Filipino friends that brought me there had me try some of everything. They had one dish that was liver, I usually hate liver but I didn't hate theirs. 10/10 will go again.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 Devonta H. 1 year ago on Google
    So the rice and chicken adobo was decent. I enjoyed it. However, certain portions of the rice and the pork belly I had were hard, like it had been refried. Which is unfortunate, cause I tend to enjoy Filipino food. Hopefully it's better next time. I don't mind trying it twice
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 2/5 Mina D. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was ok... not many vegetables dishes. The older man was nice. I just think it's rated to high for the quality of food.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Rosa 4 years ago on Google
    I have ordered from here for years...The food is always delicious, too bad I live in Kenosha..wish they had a lovation here 😭
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Ralph B. 4 years ago on Google
    Got a party catered by them and everyone complimented the food. The pancit canton was a little greasy but so delicious. The lumpia was crispy, hot, and flavorful. My wife raved about the chicken adobo.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Joe W. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic. Awesome food, friendly owners, and just so welcoming. We happened to be there during a rare slow time. Will definitely be back.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nick G. 4 years ago on Google
    SMC Pampamga Express has a great variety of Filipino food that reminds me of home! Everything taste really good too for a cheap price! I love the homey feeling! The place is simple even though it may look rundown. This is the place where I got to if Lola Adang's Kusina is closed.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Waylon C. 4 years ago on Google
    I always come by buying some food in this place. I liked the efficient service and well prepared food. I recommend this place.

  • 4/5 Dionna J. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious food

  • 5/5 Neo M. 4 years ago on Google
    ONE OF THE BEST FILIPINO RESTAURANTS IN NORTH CHICAGO

  • 5/5 Preston p. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice Filipino place in Waukegan with dine in and carry out options. Nice place for baked goods too without having to go to the Filipino store. I come here for food and halo halo and haven't been disappointed.

  • 5/5 Rose P. 4 years ago on Google
    To my daughter's PT thank you for referring me to Pampanga Express on Washington St in Waukegan, ILLINOIS. they were just about to close and i asked if they had anything for my daughter who is in the hospital and got tired of hospital food. Nana behind the counter asked what happened?... after telling Nana what happened, she said "let's nurse her back health". I was so delighted with her thoughtfulness and kind words. On my way back to the hospital I mentioned my experience to my daughter at Pampanga Express... my daughter said, "when I get out and graduate I want to see Nana. Also mentioning, Nana served us her Pancit, pork adobo, balatong, and more than enough rice. We are definitely going back.

  • 4/5 boshae m. 4 years ago on Google
    The food is great! I wish the lumpia was available all the time. It's really hard to get on the weekends.

  • 5/5 tony l. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely love this place

  • 5/5 SweggyP 2. 1 year ago on Google
    So amazing! I haven’t had such great food in so long. If I ever go through a bad breakup best believe that I’m coming back for this comfort food.

  • 5/5 Geraldine D. 2 years ago on Google
    Love them lumpia but never can get them call at the wrong time but will keep trying great place very friendly people.

  • 5/5 Michelle P. 1 year ago on Google
    I cannot express what a GEM this place is!!! They let you test different foods, it's All delicious and they have desserts/pastries etc. Well priced, one combo meal fed the bf and I a couple times! πŸ™‚ I recommend it for anyone who loves great food, good ppl, a diamond in the rough!

  • 5/5 Jenny J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food! Definitely a family type atmosphere. Felt like I walked into someones living room the first time, everyone was just sitting around talking or playing cards.

  • 5/5 South S. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is so good I stopped eating from most of the Asian restaurants in the area

  • 5/5 de g. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to get lechon kawali and freshly made lumpia. They have other really great food but those are what we go for. We have also gotten a whole roasted pig from them that was delicious.

  • 5/5 Lucas K. 9 months ago on Google
    My husband and I stopped in with our 5-year old twins for the first time after following on Facebook for a few weeks. We all shared two 2-entree plates with pork adobo, beef asado, coconut chicken and pancit. We also ordered a side of crispy fried pork belly. Everything was delicious and it was plenty of food for all four of us- and our kids eat A LOT! (We even took some leftovers home.) We had fantastic, friendly service and cannot wait to go back- hopefully when there is some lumpia!

  • 4/5 Manny R. 1 year ago on Google
    Pork kebabs, pancit, and lumpias. Wow! Delicious. Friendly. Prices were not bad. I wish we could dine in.

  • 4/5 Bass Drum F. 5 months ago on Google
    Food was pretty good. Staff were very friendly and helpful. I would come here again, but the prices were just too high in my opinion.

  • 5/5 Ute M. 8 months ago on Google
    Love the people and the food!Always great service, fabulous veggi rolls,coconut chicken and lechon.And always a good dessert available to take home!

  • 5/5 LaDonna J. 8 months ago on Google
    Outstanding, Authentic and Delicious.

  • 5/5 David O. 5 months ago on Google
    The best Filipino take out. Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Amy K. 4 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite restaurants of all time! My ultimate comfort food πŸ₯° I’ve never been disappointed in the quality of the food, and the staff is extremely friendly!

  • 5/5 A H. 4 years ago on Google
    last night was the first time we visited this fine restaurant. But It is obviously not the last time. We enjoyed the evening very much with the good service, with the fine food and fine drinks and with the comfortable payment. We will no doubt go back there in a short time.

  • 5/5 Martin H. 4 years ago on Google
    Very clean and convenient spot. They provide generous meals and for economical prices. We enjoyed the food a lot and the waiters were super amiable and informative. Highly recommended.

  • 3/5 Lily D. 4 years ago on Google
    The family that own & run this business is so friendly! They're very accommodating & generous with their portions. The food options vary on a daily basis, but everything is always so delish. They offer great Filipino comfort food. The actual establishment reminds me of a typical Filipino home, though that's what makes it a little hidden gem!

  • 5/5 Thaddeus H. 4 years ago on Google
    I visit this spot a lot since I work nearby. I must say their customer service is always excellent and they keep the spot well organized all the time. Rates are affordable and they serve generous portions.

  • 5/5 Ashli S. 4 years ago on Google
    The food is regularly well prepared and tasty, employees provides great service. I love how clean it is and ambience. Would recommend to others.

  • 5/5 Jimmel M. 3 years ago on Google
    They are very kind, friendly people. Delicious food. First time we ordered by grubhub, they forgot one item and they apologized and we get refunded. Second time we ordered they gave us alot of food. De

  • 5/5 Kindra P. 4 years ago on Google
    We arrived at this place for lunch. my friend recommended this spot. Well, we were not disappointed. The staff were extremely nice and we had a fantastic feeling. The meal was delicious. We had a great time and we will visit this place again. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Roberto W. 4 years ago on Google
    The food is consistently fresh and tasty, cashiers provides awesome service. I loved how clean it is and atmosphere. I highly recommend this place.

  • 4/5 Rich S. 4 years ago on Google
    Food was really good! Had the one entree combo, Pork Adobo with rice. It was fantastic. The seating area is a little cramp. Will definitely come back to try the Pancit!

  • 5/5 Aaron B. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent food, very friendly staff members, always fantastic character. They charge fair rates and the food quality is great. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Earl D. 3 years ago on Google
    They offer an awesome variety of delicious food. I enjoy dining here. Staff members are always very nice, pricing is reasonable and the spot is always clean.

  • 5/5 Matthew H. 3 years ago on Google
    This site is my number one restaurant. Of all restaurants I know I love it most. I never miss an opportunity to go to visit this place. everytime I want to go to a proper lunchon, this restaurant comes straight to my mind. excellent and varied food and a large menu.courteous staff, and good vibes. And very important, the price is modest. I recommend this restaurant with no doubt.

  • 5/5 Shauna B. 3 years ago on Google
    First time here. Food was delicious. Had to wait a bit because it was made fresh. Worth the wait! They were very nice and the food was reasonably priced.

  • 5/5 Cory Z. 3 years ago on Google
    This spot offers fantastic service and enjoyable meals. The best restaurant in town. The drinks and food came out fast and the rates were inexpensive. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 DAVE C. 4 years ago on Google
    AWESOME PLACE TO GET FILIPINO FOOD!!!

  • 5/5 bernie w. 4 years ago on Google
    Great, authentic Filipino food. Quick service.

  • 5/5 Donald P. 4 years ago on Google
    We enjoy hanging out. Last night we found this superb place which friends recommended to us. We had a beautiful time there with delicious cooking and a professional team and a distinguished chef. We put this venue in our list and we shall no doubt come back very soon. We deeply recommend.

  • 5/5 John M. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool place and nice people....a local filipino spot that has good food

  • 5/5 PimpKilla789 4 years ago on Google
    An amzing place to get a unique meal..its utterly mind blowing and cheap for the price..u get a ton of rice with everymeal food was hot and service was fast

  • 5/5 Kenneth R. 4 years ago on Google
    The customer service is regularly fast, excellent atmosphere, nice employees. I will eat here again when I arrive in the area.

  • 4/5 holy m. 4 years ago on Google
    Filipino food for the foodies

  • 5/5 Alvin A. 4 years ago on Google
    They offer an awesome variety of fresh food. I loved dining here. The employees are always super nice, rates are fair and the place is always neat.

  • 5/5 Brody R. 4 years ago on Google
    I call this special place every couple of days as I love the special air that is exist in this restaurant. The crew is very cordial and skilfull. The service is awfully efficient. Needless to say, the food they serve is excellent. I frequent many times and I was always joyful. The rate is fair. I recommend this place to to everybody.

  • 5/5 Yvette B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fresh Food daily

  • 5/5 Tim F. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent food!

  • 5/5 Bridget B. 4 years ago on Google
    Always fresh, delicious choice of dishes and great service

  • 4/5 Cabanas L. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice to see Filipinos in this town! Great job and yummy food!

  • 5/5 Robert M. 4 years ago on Google
    This site is my first choice site. Of all restaurants I know I favor it most. I never miss an opportunity to go to visit this place. Whenever I feel like having a delicious supper, this place comes right away to my head. splendid and varied food and a large menu.professional staff, and good mood. Also important, the cost is honest. I tell about this place with no doubt.


Call (847) 336-8320 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • βœ“οΈ Debit cards
    • βœ“οΈ Credit cards
    • βœ“οΈ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • βœ“οΈ Quick bite
    • βœ“οΈ Comfort food
    • βœ“οΈ Small plates
  • Popular for
    • βœ“οΈ Lunch
    • βœ“οΈ Dinner
    • βœ“οΈ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • βœ“οΈ Lunch
    • βœ“οΈ Dinner
    • βœ“οΈ Dessert
    • βœ“οΈ Catering
  • Service options
    • βœ“οΈ Dine-in
    • βœ“οΈ Takeout
    • βœ“οΈ Delivery

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