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Dona Esther Mex
Dona Esther Mex
Dona Esther Mex

Dona Esther Mexican Restaurant

American, Mexican

From the moment you walk through those doors we want you to feel like part of the family. Dona Esther's is a family run restaurant that has been a staple of Downtown San Juan Bautista for over 35 years. The Father and Daughter team have worked together to bring you some of grandmas favorite dishes. Please come in and try some of little abuelitas delicious and filling recipes.

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Location and hours

Location

Location

25 Franklin Street, San Juan Bautista, CA

(831) 623-2518

Hours

Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

More details

Delivery
Dine In
Reservations
Takeout
Pickup
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Accessible

Reviews

Overall rating

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4.4

(160 reviews)

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Reviewed on June 21, 2020 Verified Purchase

Great food great friendly staff. Precautions were taken regarding safety issues concerning coronavirus. Reservations were not needed. We even ordered extra soup to take home for next day.

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B P.
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Reviewed on June 21, 2020 Verified Purchase

Friendly staff and good service!

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Margaret H.
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Reviewed on June 19, 2020 Verified Purchase

Very Professional, A+++++++ Service, Food Was Great !!!!!!!!!

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Reginald B.
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Reviewed on June 17, 2020 Verified Purchase

I was missing two items in our pickup order .Since I live in Gilroy I wasn’t going to go back so I didn’t call to let them know I will mention it the next time we go in. The items were soup and rice.

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Siria P.
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Reviewed on June 12, 2020 Verified Purchase

Very pleasant atmosphere. Very good food and service is fast and friendly.

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Deb G.
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Reviewed on November 17, 2019 Verified Purchase

The chips were hard, and needed the be refreshed under a heating element. Otherwise it wasn’t bad. I used my Restaurant.com discount I had purchased a few months back. I had tried to use it before but didn’t meet the $50 min. To use it .

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 15, 2019 Verified Purchase

Food did not taste great. The rice tasted like it came out of the freezer. The service was poor! We had to flag down our server on multiple occasions and then not even 2 mins after she dropped our food to the table she gave us our check and a box for just in case.... I only had taken 3 bites! Worst experience I’ve ever had here and I will not be back. Ever.

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Krisaundra S.
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Reviewed on September 15, 2019 Verified Purchase

Food did not taste great. The rice tasted like it came out of the freezer. The service was poor! We had to flag down our server on multiple occasions and then not even 2 mins after she dropped our food to the table she gave us our check and a box for just in case.... I only had taken 3 bites! Worst experience I’ve ever had here and I will not be back. Ever.

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Krisaundra S.
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Reviewed on August 23, 2019 Verified Purchase

It’s a great Mexican restaurant. Family friendly and very good food

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Deb G.
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Reviewed on August 23, 2019 Verified Purchase

It’s a great Mexican restaurant. Family friendly and very good food

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Deb G.
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Reviewed on August 9, 2019 Verified Purchase

been going to dona Esther for about 30 plus years everything is always great

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Shirley S.
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Reviewed on June 5, 2019 Verified Purchase

Pricing is not in line for the quality of the food. Beans & Rice sides on plate were stone cold.

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Linda H.
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Reviewed on June 5, 2019 Verified Purchase

Pricing is not in line for the quality of the food. Beans & Rice sides on plate were stone cold.

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Linda H.
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Reviewed on April 10, 2019 Verified Purchase

Wait was VERY long, we were there about 3 hours total. They had ran out of the food item that 3 of us had ordered, I ended up cancelling my Order because I would no longer wait with my 18 month old who got very fussy after the long wait. Staff was polite but after waiting for so long no one really ended up eating and almost all the food got boxed up and brought home -it was a bummer that our dining out was not enjoyed since we rarely do it

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Jessica F.
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Reviewed on April 10, 2019 Verified Purchase

Wait was VERY long, we were there about 3 hours total. They had ran out of the food item that 3 of us had ordered, I ended up cancelling my Order because I would no longer wait with my 18 month old who got very fussy after the long wait. Staff was polite but after waiting for so long no one really ended up eating and almost all the food got boxed up and brought home -it was a bummer that our dining out was not enjoyed since we rarely do it

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Jessica F.
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Reviewed on March 4, 2019 Verified Purchase

The food was terrible, over prices & look nasty, I will never going back to this place ever again. The Server mess up my husband order & never bring out the water out for our table. Rib eyes steak I order but I don't think it rib eyes, medium rare I request & it well done like reheat from left over. we send back to the cook to re make 2 steak order. They bring out my steak look so thin & so muck fat and like soup the worst steak I have ever see in my life. Don't wast your money you better off go some where out.

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Minh H.
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Reviewed on March 3, 2019 Verified Purchase

The Rib eye steak was low quality meat and was over-cooked when I asked for medium rare. All the food on the plate was messy and not very nice to look at. Nobody in our party was happy about this place. Overpriced junk food. Dennys would have been a better place and value to eat at.

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Minh H.
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Reviewed on March 3, 2019 Verified Purchase

The Rib eye steak was low quality meat and was over-cooked when I asked for medium rare. All the food on the plate was messy and not very nice to look at. Nobody in our party was happy about this place. Overpriced junk food. Dennys would have been a better place and value to eat at.

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Minh H.
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Reviewed on February 9, 2019 Verified Purchase

Food is always good. Waiter seemed a little off this time. Just forgot little requests. Nothing major. And they were not busy when we arrived with a reservation.

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Joann L.
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Reviewed on January 29, 2019 Verified Purchase

The food was excellent, and the server was great!!

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Caroline B.
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Reviewed on January 27, 2019 Verified Purchase

Food is always great and the employees are very attentive and make you feel welcomed.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 14, 2018 Verified Purchase

The food is always great and the wait staff are very friendly!

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 24, 2018 Verified Purchase

The waitress was too quick to expect us to order. Few other patrons were there. My husband's rice and beans were served cold and even when "reheated," they were not warmed throughout. Our food was adequate, but nothing special.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 17, 2018 Verified Purchase

Friendly people. Be sure to ask for their pico de gallo with your chips.

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Kelly K.
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Reviewed on September 11, 2018 Verified Purchase

The service is always friendly and good. They are attentive. The food is consistent.

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Noelle T.
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Reviewed on August 30, 2018 Verified Purchase

The staff was friendly and everyone came over to sing happy birthday. they tried to surprise the birthday boy and it was fun. The suggestions for the food and drink were helpful. we had a great time.

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Sondra S.
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Reviewed on August 24, 2018 Verified Purchase

The food was great only a little inconvenience but took care of it right a way ! We love that we place ! They have a really good special on the drinks To ??

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 18, 2018 Verified Purchase

Really nice day, ate out in the patio, it was great ??

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Julie P.
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Reviewed on April 15, 2018 Verified Purchase

Great Food and nice environment, good first time experience. Will Go again :)

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 27, 2018 Verified Purchase

The place was clean and decently decorated but the burrito consisted practically of rice only. When we pointed this out to the waiter, he said how all the burritos come premade the same way. We said, Please let the chef know, and he said he would.

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Zoran S.
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Reviewed on March 15, 2018 Verified Purchase

Redeeming gift coupons is difficult. One must use the entire value at once. Sometimes meal costs much less than gift value. Mis representation!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 18, 2018 Verified Purchase

The food was good, people were nice... there were 5 different staff who came to our table. I only noticed because it was so many different faces, and upon reflection seemed really ineffective. It was all at the beginning of our service and ultimately had to take our bill to the counter to settle because we sat for 10 minutes waiting for someone to take our bill.

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Amasa L.
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Reviewed on January 17, 2018 Verified Purchase

all ways GREAT been going to dona Esther for the past 30 years GREAT FOOD AND SERVICE . our server was LISA

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Shirley S.
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Reviewed on January 14, 2018 Verified Purchase

Food was excellent. As usual. And the young man waiting on us was super! So attentive and thoughtful.

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Joann L.
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Reviewed on December 28, 2017 Verified Purchase

Always a good experience. Great staff, always friendly and attentive to your needs.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 18, 2017 Verified Purchase

Nice as always!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 16, 2017 Verified Purchase

Authentic

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Philip E.
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Reviewed on October 11, 2017 Verified Purchase

Good food and plenty of it.

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Ron R.
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Reviewed on September 24, 2017 Verified Purchase

Service was not a good as we have had. We needed to ask for refills and a couple of times they forgot. The beans had a slight burnt flavor.

JK
Juana K.
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Reviewed on September 24, 2017 Verified Purchase

The gentleman who waited on us was excellent! A great waiter and a good sense of humor! What an enjoyable experience. And the food was good as usual

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Joann L.
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Reviewed on September 24, 2017 Verified Purchase

We splurged for the all you can eat Sunday buffet with unlimited mimosas. The buffet was just OK. We were there around noon and it could be that the buffet was winding down or something but not much to choose from and some items were hard or tough from being on the buffet for a bit. The issue we had with the mimosas was that 15 minutes had passed since we had begun eating before we received our first mimosa, and because we are not big drinkers, we ended up only having 2 each since we were finished eating by the time we got to our second. I feel with an unlimited item, it should not take 15 or so minutes into your stay before getting the first one. Overall nice atmosphere, busy restaurant. Would go again and maybe try something off the menu instead of buffet. Having a mexican buffet is a great idea but maybe it wasn't good because some things just aren't good sitting for even a little bit and are better off being served fresh to order. Would go again. Service besides the slow mimosas was great. very attentive. We were greeted by no less than 3 people within 30 seconds of walking in the door. Nice touch

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 10, 2017 Verified Purchase

Best Mex Restaurant anywhere

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Gary L.
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Reviewed on September 8, 2017 Verified Purchase

You have always been our favorite go to Mexican restaurant in the area. As usual the Excellence service and reliable staff is one of the reasons we keep coming back. The shrimp enchiladas were to die for. You do an outstanding job in this wonderful little town.

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Raylene N.
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Reviewed on August 24, 2017 Verified Purchase

The food is always excellent!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 10, 2017 Verified Purchase

food was great again and our waitress LISA was wonderful friendly and a GREAT waitress

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Shirley S.
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Reviewed on August 9, 2017 Verified Purchase

Shredded beef is delicious

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Deanna M.
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Reviewed on August 9, 2017 Verified Purchase

The Mexican food here is amazing! Never had a bad experience.

RJ
Richard J.
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Reviewed on July 31, 2017 Verified Purchase

Good skirt steak and child verde enchilada (not on the menu, but asked for it and...no problem!). Service with a smile at all times.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 21, 2017 Verified Purchase

We are very grateful for the wonderful service and great food.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 7, 2017 Verified Purchase

good environment

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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

The food here is always excellent.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

The food here is always excellent.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Changed the menu. Increased the prices way to much. food quality has gone down. took longer than ever before for our food to come

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Doug H.
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Usually the food comes quickly but there was a much longer wait than usual this visit

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

The food is prepared fresh and very tasty! The consistency of the selected meals always meets our expectations for freshness, and quality.

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Robert W.
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Great food. Great service.

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Joann L.
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Great food. Great service.

JL
Joann L.
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Great service and food

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Great service and food

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 13, 2017 Verified Purchase

This restaurant never fails. Good food and great service.

RG
Regina G.
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Reviewed on October 9, 2016 Verified Purchase

We requested Ophelia and she is always a delight. Dona Esther's has the best food and if feels like family

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 21, 2016 Verified Purchase

Dona Esther's is a family own business and we just love it

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 9, 2016 Verified Purchase

We arrived before the lunch crowd and were seated quickly. Chips and salsa were already on the table and were good. The service was prompt and the food was good - seemed like average, but good Mexican food to me.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 5, 2016 Verified Purchase

Very good service!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 22, 2016 Verified Purchase

Servers are always very nice and friendly!!

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 22, 2016 Verified Purchase

Servers are always very nice and friendly!!

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 14, 2016 Verified Purchase

Best margaritas ever!

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 31, 2016 Verified Purchase

Great service! Thank you!

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Philip K.
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Reviewed on May 16, 2016 Verified Purchase

Great top shelf Margarita

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 11, 2016 Verified Purchase

Service was excellent as was the food. Young lady was friendly and very efficient! Made us fee very welcome.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 15, 2016 Verified Purchase

This is a casual style restaurant.Eclectic Mexican home style atmosphere that is clean and comfortable.The reception, check out, wait staff, & bussing staff did not miss a beat. They are a well oiled machine, and run on a courteous and friendly fuel!Proportions are generous.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 13, 2016 Verified Purchase

Good food and good service. Was sat right away.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 6, 2016 Verified Purchase

Excellent service. Good food. My grandson got some very over cooked beef taquitos. But that is rare anything is that way.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 30, 2015 Verified Purchase

Wonderful family owned restaurant and EXCELLENT food. Everyone is alwauys happy and the food is always great here!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 30, 2015 Verified Purchase

Every time I come north to visit family this is a "must" stop. Excellent food. Great family atmosphere.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 16, 2015 Verified Purchase

EXCELLENT SERVICE, GREAT FOOD AND TERRIFIC MARGARITAS!Thank you

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 1, 2015 Verified Purchase

They were having a fundraiser night, so it was extra busy. Service was a little slower, but understandable

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 22, 2015 Verified Purchase

The food arrived quickly. Server was very pleasant.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 26, 2015 Verified Purchase

we all enjoyed the food very much and the waiter was great

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 18, 2015 Verified Purchase

Great service as always and wonderful friendly staff. Food is always fresh and plentiful. Always get the soup! It is one of the best soups I've ever had!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 16, 2015 Verified Purchase

We went on a Monday late afternoon. Service was excellent!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 5, 2015 Verified Purchase

Excellent food and margaritas, and the service is personal and always at a high standard.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 18, 2015 Verified Purchase

nachos were on individual chips that were soggy. chicken wing sauce and jalapeno poppers were not spicy.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 14, 2015 Verified Purchase

The food, the friendly staff, and the atmosphere all makes this a great place for family or anyones delightful dining experience.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 2, 2015 Verified Purchase

We love dining at dona esther! The food is always very good and tasty! The service is wonderful, and very fast. Our waiter Ryan did a great job!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 30, 2015 Verified Purchase

Prompt courteous service. We had a great server. Food was very good.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 26, 2015 Verified Purchase

Fast and efficient service

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 20, 2015 Verified Purchase

Very cheerful friendly and tolerant waitress. Much appreciated since I had an energetic five year old with me.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 18, 2015 Verified Purchase

This is a great hidden gem in San Juan Bautista. It's been there for a long time and the food is fantastic! Wait staff is always super nice and the service is great. They have a full bar and you can get great Margaritas with your meal!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 13, 2015 Verified Purchase

Always fresh ingredients, beautifully prepared. One of our FAVORITE restaurants.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 12, 2015 Verified Purchase

Always great service and food! Love going there.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 28, 2014 Verified Purchase

Nice bar and friendly workers

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 16, 2014 Verified Purchase

Excellent food, drinks and service!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 8, 2014 Verified Purchase

The food is good as always but the service was slow. Refills were not offered at the speed expected, I didn't get one at all. Food took a LONG time to get there and there was NOT a crowd so it is not like they were busy.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 9, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great food. Great Service.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 19, 2014 Verified Purchase

We live in Clovis so on our way home, we stopped there for dinner. The food was awesome, we used to eat there quite often when we lived in Salinas. The atmosphere there is wonderful, we ate outside. Our waitress was very attentive. San Juan Bautista is a small town, don't pass by, go there and eat, it is an experience to enjoy.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 6, 2014 Verified Purchase

I have been coming here since back in the 70's when my partner and I would come down to San Juan to buy bread at the bakery for a co-op. We always ate lunch here, it is filled with wonderful memories and great juju. I love it.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 19, 2014 Verified Purchase

Good service. Good food. Enjoyed the patio seating!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 11, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great food and service. The mariachi singer was wonderful too. Overall, a great experience.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 24, 2014 Verified Purchase

OUR SERVER WAS VERY ATTENDING AND FRIENDLY

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 21, 2014 Verified Purchase

Ordered large plate dinner. Was expecting more since advertised as "large". Food was excellent!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 15, 2014 Verified Purchase

Consistently excellent food, service and wonderful atmosphere.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 7, 2014 Verified Purchase

Good food and good service.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 31, 2014 Verified Purchase

Food is always fresh and fabulous! The soup is out of this world and the service is always excellent. Ophelia was our server, and she is always the best!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 25, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great service! The food is soooo good! We will be returning very soon!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 25, 2014 Verified Purchase

We always try something different. The Red Snapper was excellent on this trip. If you like your house dressing spicy for your salad, try the house dressing. We always have fun with the staff.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 20, 2014 Verified Purchase

The service was prompt and friendly; food arrived quickly and was delicious! Always a good experience at Dona Ester!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 20, 2014 Verified Purchase

Very friendly, helpful staff. Yummy food!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 20, 2014 Verified Purchase

Very friendly, helpful staff. Yummy food!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 18, 2014 Verified Purchase

Good food and service.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 5, 2014 Verified Purchase

Excellent waiter and outstanding food!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 27, 2014 Verified Purchase

Food was fresh. Service at the start of our visit was very good. But one our food was served, our server disappeared and we had to wave or get up to get attention so that someone would call our server back to our table.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 20, 2014 Verified Purchase

very good food

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 16, 2014 Verified Purchase

fast and friendly service, food was great and they brought it out fast. Its located only two blocks from San Juan Batista Mission.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 3, 2014 Verified Purchase

Food was ok, served quickly, beans lacked flavor, tortillas used to make the enchiladas were gummi, as if frozen or refridgerated, chile relleno was excellent, rice was good. Cheesecake excellent.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 2, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great service, excellent drinks and food. Very friendly.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 18, 2014 Verified Purchase

great service and good!!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 6, 2014 Verified Purchase

Service is always great, and we are served quickly!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 23, 2014 Verified Purchase

Relaxed atmosphere in Historic San Juan Bautista.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 22, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great service and great food. Nice atmosphere.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 18, 2014 Verified Purchase

that restaurant has good food and service.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 9, 2014 Verified Purchase

Dona's is our favorite Mexican restaurant. The food is excellent and the service is great!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 3, 2014 Verified Purchase

They were very friendly and the service was fast. The food was good too. Good portion for the money.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 1, 2014 Verified Purchase

Service was superb. Young man was so efficient yet very personable! Couldn't have been any better.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 30, 2013 Verified Purchase

The finest chile rellenos and artichoke enchiladas ANYWHERE!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 29, 2013 Verified Purchase

Our waitress was Christina. she made the experience a major hit. Great service.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 21, 2013 Verified Purchase

delicious food, quick and friendly service

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 10, 2013 Verified Purchase

above excellant food and dining

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 27, 2013 Verified Purchase

Delicious food, good service, friendly staff.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 24, 2013 Verified Purchase

We have been dining at this restaurant for many years, before restaurant.com offered their deals. Only one complaint tonight. The chile releno was made w/ a different cheese. Other than that we love Dona Esther's.

KZ
Kim Z.
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Reviewed on October 23, 2013 Verified Purchase

Excellant food and Fantastic service (Marisal?)

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 20, 2013 Verified Purchase

Excellent as usual!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 13, 2013 Verified Purchase

The food was yummy and our service was great. We went on a Saturday and it was crowded. Still, we were seated quickly and the food came out in a timely manner. Honestly, the food was tasty & we will go back. It's not the most authentic Mexican food but for savory food (the shredded beef is awesome) yummy food, it's a great place. The margaritas were good too!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 7, 2013 Verified Purchase

The soups were forgotten but the waiter was so sweet that we didn't mind, he just made us up the soup to go which was fine we'll have lunch for tomorrow.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 12, 2013 Verified Purchase

Excellent service, excellent food and great family joined us. Love this [lace!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 4, 2013 Verified Purchase

The wait staff is always very friendly and the food is great.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 20, 2013 Verified Purchase

restaurant was dirty.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 19, 2013 Verified Purchase

Waitress was WONDERFUL! (Young, hispanic girl at 12pm on 8/19)Cooperative with some to-go orders, along with our dine-in meal!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 19, 2013 Verified Purchase

The place is located in a downtown area where everything looks western ish vibe. It's a old school atmosphere . Anyways. Customer service was outstanding but the food was HORRIBLE! My husband ordered the #4 I BELIVE was the chillie Reyeno a taco and cheese enchilada. I ordered #5 beef enchilda tamale . The enchilada was like eating nothing but cheese and inside was like ground beef, I was expecting shredded cheese. The tamale was even worse. Rice and beans were the best part! And the only thing I actually ate. We ordered dessert and got the chocolate cake and flan- the cake was dry !! The flan was ok but 4.50 for a tiny piece was ridiculous ! Overall was very disappointed !! This is nothing near "authentic mexican food" ! Everyone's entitled to their own opinion but if you think this is authentic mexican food then you surely have never made mexican food or know the diffence of taste! Taco Bell gives u more authentic then his place... Waste of money! Place needs to remodel and fix their menu! But customer service was outstanding!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 19, 2013 Verified Purchase

The place is located in a downtown area where everything looks western ish vibe. It's a old school atmosphere . Anyways. Customer service was outstanding but the food was HORRIBLE! My husband ordered the #4 I BELIVE was the chillie Reyeno a taco and cheese enchilada. I ordered #5 beef enchilda tamale . The enchilada was like eating nothing but cheese and inside was like ground beef, I was expecting shredded cheese. The tamale was even worse. Rice and beans were the best part! And the only thing I actually ate. We ordered dessert and got the chocolate cake and flan- the cake was dry !! The flan was ok but 4.50 for a tiny piece was ridiculous ! Overall was very disappointed !! This is nothing near "authentic mexican food" ! Everyone's entitled to their own opinion but if you think this is authentic mexican food then you surely have never made mexican food or know the diffence of taste! Taco Bell gives u more authentic then his place... Waste of money! Place needs to remodel and fix their menu! But customer service was outstanding!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 12, 2013 Verified Purchase

we love that restaurant we had been going since 2000

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 10, 2013 Verified Purchase

Great food and great service

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 1, 2013 Verified Purchase

I've been coming here since back in the 70's, when my partner and I came to San Juan Bautista for the bread and stayed to lunch at Dona Esther's. I love it. Ambience. Food. Service. Travel. Everything.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 17, 2013 Verified Purchase

The food was good as always I even tried something I haven't tried before. They were artichoke enchiladas, they were really good!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 10, 2013 Verified Purchase

The buffet had a large variety to choose from for any diet.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 8, 2013 Verified Purchase

clean, friendly staff, good service, good food!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 25, 2013 Verified Purchase

Zach Was Great Waiter!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 13, 2013 Verified Purchase

It was pretty good food. I was a bit bummed that I found a metal rivet in my chili verde so that ended my meal but all in all it was good food.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 7, 2013 Verified Purchase

Everyone is always very friendly and the service is great.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 27, 2013 Verified Purchase

Food was very good and so was the Margaritas. They have entertainment.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 16, 2013 Verified Purchase

Restaurant was dirty.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 30, 2013 Verified Purchase

We have been dining here for 12 or more years since my son and his family moved to hollister. It used to be a favorite for the whole family. My wife and I were house sitting this week and came here for dinner.In my opinion the quality of food was far inferior compared to past visits. The sauce seemed the same for the tamale and for the enchilada. It was way too thick and overpowering the taste of the food. Sorry, this place has gone way downhill.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 8, 2013 Verified Purchase

food was not good

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 6, 2013 Verified Purchase

Wonderful food. Excellent service. San Juan is a great town. Wow.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 4, 2013 Verified Purchase

excellent sunday brunch!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 20, 2013 Verified Purchase

Great service and good food.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 30, 2013 Verified Purchase

The folks there were friendly, the service very good, and the food plentiful and tasty. The only thing I would suggest is you heat your tortilla chips.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 29, 2013 Verified Purchase

Great food and service. We love Dona Esthers.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 18, 2013 Verified Purchase

The wait staff is always very friendly and the food is excellant.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 4, 2012 Verified Purchase

Service excellent.Food quality excellent.

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Guest Diner

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