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
25 Franklin Street, San Juan Bautista, CA
(831) 623-2518
Hours
More details
Reviews
Overall rating
(4.4)
(160 reviews)
June 21, 2020
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.
June 21, 2020
Friendly staff and good service!
June 19, 2020
Very Professional, A+++++++ Service, Food Was Great !!!!!!!!!
June 17, 2020
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.
June 12, 2020
Very pleasant atmosphere. Very good food and service is fast and friendly.
November 17, 2019
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 .
September 15, 2019
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.
September 15, 2019
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.
August 23, 2019
It’s a great Mexican restaurant. Family friendly and very good food
August 23, 2019
It’s a great Mexican restaurant. Family friendly and very good food
August 9, 2019
been going to dona Esther for about 30 plus years everything is always great
June 5, 2019
Pricing is not in line for the quality of the food. Beans & Rice sides on plate were stone cold.
June 5, 2019
Pricing is not in line for the quality of the food. Beans & Rice sides on plate were stone cold.
April 10, 2019
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
April 10, 2019
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
March 4, 2019
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.
March 3, 2019
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.
March 3, 2019
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.
February 9, 2019
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.
January 29, 2019
The food was excellent, and the server was great!!
January 27, 2019
Food is always great and the employees are very attentive and make you feel welcomed.
November 14, 2018
The food is always great and the wait staff are very friendly!
October 24, 2018
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.
October 17, 2018
Friendly people. Be sure to ask for their pico de gallo with your chips.
September 11, 2018
The service is always friendly and good. They are attentive. The food is consistent.
August 30, 2018
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.
August 24, 2018
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 ??
August 18, 2018
Really nice day, ate out in the patio, it was great ??
April 15, 2018
Great Food and nice environment, good first time experience. Will Go again :)
March 27, 2018
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.
March 15, 2018
Redeeming gift coupons is difficult. One must use the entire value at once. Sometimes meal costs much less than gift value. Mis representation!!
January 18, 2018
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.
January 17, 2018
all ways GREAT been going to dona Esther for the past 30 years GREAT FOOD AND SERVICE . our server was LISA
January 14, 2018
Food was excellent. As usual. And the young man waiting on us was super! So attentive and thoughtful.
December 28, 2017
Always a good experience. Great staff, always friendly and attentive to your needs.
November 18, 2017
Nice as always!
October 16, 2017
Authentic
October 11, 2017
Good food and plenty of it.
September 24, 2017
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.
September 24, 2017
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
September 24, 2017
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
September 10, 2017
Best Mex Restaurant anywhere
September 8, 2017
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.
August 24, 2017
The food is always excellent!
August 10, 2017
food was great again and our waitress LISA was wonderful friendly and a GREAT waitress
August 9, 2017
Shredded beef is delicious
August 9, 2017
The Mexican food here is amazing! Never had a bad experience.
July 31, 2017
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.
July 21, 2017
We are very grateful for the wonderful service and great food.
July 7, 2017
good environment
May 4, 2017
The food here is always excellent.
May 4, 2017
The food here is always excellent.
May 4, 2017
Changed the menu. Increased the prices way to much. food quality has gone down. took longer than ever before for our food to come
May 4, 2017
Usually the food comes quickly but there was a much longer wait than usual this visit
May 4, 2017
The food is prepared fresh and very tasty! The consistency of the selected meals always meets our expectations for freshness, and quality.
May 4, 2017
Great food. Great service.
May 4, 2017
Great food. Great service.
May 4, 2017
Great service and food
May 4, 2017
Great service and food
January 13, 2017
This restaurant never fails. Good food and great service.
October 9, 2016
We requested Ophelia and she is always a delight. Dona Esther's has the best food and if feels like family
September 21, 2016
Dona Esther's is a family own business and we just love it
September 9, 2016
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.
September 5, 2016
Very good service!
August 22, 2016
Servers are always very nice and friendly!!
August 22, 2016
Servers are always very nice and friendly!!
August 14, 2016
Best margaritas ever!
July 31, 2016
Great service! Thank you!
May 16, 2016
Great top shelf Margarita
April 11, 2016
Service was excellent as was the food. Young lady was friendly and very efficient! Made us fee very welcome.
February 15, 2016
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.
February 13, 2016
Good food and good service. Was sat right away.
February 6, 2016
Excellent service. Good food. My grandson got some very over cooked beef taquitos. But that is rare anything is that way.
December 30, 2015
Wonderful family owned restaurant and EXCELLENT food. Everyone is alwauys happy and the food is always great here!
November 30, 2015
Every time I come north to visit family this is a "must" stop. Excellent food. Great family atmosphere.
November 16, 2015
EXCELLENT SERVICE, GREAT FOOD AND TERRIFIC MARGARITAS!Thank you
October 1, 2015
They were having a fundraiser night, so it was extra busy. Service was a little slower, but understandable
August 22, 2015
The food arrived quickly. Server was very pleasant.
July 26, 2015
we all enjoyed the food very much and the waiter was great
July 18, 2015
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!!
July 16, 2015
We went on a Monday late afternoon. Service was excellent!
July 5, 2015
Excellent food and margaritas, and the service is personal and always at a high standard.
May 18, 2015
nachos were on individual chips that were soggy. chicken wing sauce and jalapeno poppers were not spicy.
May 14, 2015
The food, the friendly staff, and the atmosphere all makes this a great place for family or anyones delightful dining experience.
May 2, 2015
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!!
April 30, 2015
Prompt courteous service. We had a great server. Food was very good.
March 26, 2015
Fast and efficient service
February 20, 2015
Very cheerful friendly and tolerant waitress. Much appreciated since I had an energetic five year old with me.
January 18, 2015
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!
January 13, 2015
Always fresh ingredients, beautifully prepared. One of our FAVORITE restaurants.
January 12, 2015
Always great service and food! Love going there.
December 28, 2014
Nice bar and friendly workers
November 16, 2014
Excellent food, drinks and service!!
November 8, 2014
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.
October 9, 2014
Great food. Great Service.
August 19, 2014
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.
August 6, 2014
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.
July 19, 2014
Good service. Good food. Enjoyed the patio seating!
July 11, 2014
Great food and service. The mariachi singer was wonderful too. Overall, a great experience.
June 24, 2014
OUR SERVER WAS VERY ATTENDING AND FRIENDLY
June 21, 2014
Ordered large plate dinner. Was expecting more since advertised as "large". Food was excellent!
June 15, 2014
Consistently excellent food, service and wonderful atmosphere.
June 7, 2014
Good food and good service.
May 31, 2014
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!
May 25, 2014
Great service! The food is soooo good! We will be returning very soon!
May 25, 2014
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.
May 20, 2014
The service was prompt and friendly; food arrived quickly and was delicious! Always a good experience at Dona Ester!
May 20, 2014
Very friendly, helpful staff. Yummy food!
May 20, 2014
Very friendly, helpful staff. Yummy food!
May 18, 2014
Good food and service.
May 5, 2014
Excellent waiter and outstanding food!
April 27, 2014
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.
April 20, 2014
very good food
April 16, 2014
fast and friendly service, food was great and they brought it out fast. Its located only two blocks from San Juan Batista Mission.
April 3, 2014
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.
April 2, 2014
Great service, excellent drinks and food. Very friendly.
March 18, 2014
great service and good!!!
March 6, 2014
Service is always great, and we are served quickly!
February 23, 2014
Relaxed atmosphere in Historic San Juan Bautista.
February 22, 2014
Great service and great food. Nice atmosphere.
February 18, 2014
that restaurant has good food and service.
January 9, 2014
Dona's is our favorite Mexican restaurant. The food is excellent and the service is great!!
January 3, 2014
They were very friendly and the service was fast. The food was good too. Good portion for the money.
January 1, 2014
Service was superb. Young man was so efficient yet very personable! Couldn't have been any better.
December 30, 2013
The finest chile rellenos and artichoke enchiladas ANYWHERE!
December 29, 2013
Our waitress was Christina. she made the experience a major hit. Great service.
December 21, 2013
delicious food, quick and friendly service
December 10, 2013
above excellant food and dining
November 27, 2013
Delicious food, good service, friendly staff.
October 24, 2013
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.
October 23, 2013
Excellant food and Fantastic service (Marisal?)
October 20, 2013
Excellent as usual!
October 13, 2013
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!
October 7, 2013
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.
September 12, 2013
Excellent service, excellent food and great family joined us. Love this [lace!
September 4, 2013
The wait staff is always very friendly and the food is great.
August 20, 2013
restaurant was dirty.
August 19, 2013
Waitress was WONDERFUL! (Young, hispanic girl at 12pm on 8/19)Cooperative with some to-go orders, along with our dine-in meal!
August 19, 2013
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!
August 19, 2013
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!
August 12, 2013
we love that restaurant we had been going since 2000
August 10, 2013
Great food and great service
August 1, 2013
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.
June 17, 2013
The food was good as always I even tried something I haven't tried before. They were artichoke enchiladas, they were really good!
June 10, 2013
The buffet had a large variety to choose from for any diet.
June 8, 2013
clean, friendly staff, good service, good food!
May 25, 2013
Zach Was Great Waiter!
May 13, 2013
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.
May 7, 2013
Everyone is always very friendly and the service is great.
April 27, 2013
Food was very good and so was the Margaritas. They have entertainment.
April 16, 2013
Restaurant was dirty.
March 30, 2013
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.
March 8, 2013
food was not good
March 6, 2013
Wonderful food. Excellent service. San Juan is a great town. Wow.
March 4, 2013
excellent sunday brunch!
February 20, 2013
Great service and good food.
January 30, 2013
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.
January 29, 2013
Great food and service. We love Dona Esthers.
January 18, 2013
The wait staff is always very friendly and the food is excellant.
September 4, 2012
Service excellent.Food quality excellent.