Blanco Cafe is somewhat of an urban legend, some people would even say an institution in San Antonio. So of course, my foodie husband and I had to make our way there. The restaurant is very old, a bit rundown and had dirty floors. We were able to seat ourselves immediately and gave our drink orders. Our server returned with our drinks when we asked for chips and salsa. What we received were stale, dry chips and steaming hot ranchero sauce that was trying to impostor actual salsa. We found out later that we paid close to $4 for that terrible chips and salsa which should be a crime. They claim to have the best enchiladas in all of San Antonio so of course I ordered that plate and got a crispy beef taco on the side. My husband ordered the huevos rancheros and a carne guisada taco on the side. Before we could take five breaths, our side tacos arrived on the table. We received the fastest service at this restaurant we've ever had in any restaurant but didn't prove to be a good thing when it came to my husband's plate. His eggs were so undercooked and runny that he couldn't eat them. I told him to send it back, but he's just not that kind of guy IYKYK. The ranchero sauce was not good at all but they did offer two different types of salsa that were actual salsas which were good. Fortunately my husband enjoyed his carne guisada taco but it wasn't even in the top 10 of his favorite carne guisada tacos. The one thing that I will say was very good are the tortillas. My enchilada plate was subpar, at absolute best! I don't know who told them they had the best enchiladas, but they lied, and my crispy beef taco shattered into 100 pieces which then had to be eaten with a fork. I would not travel for this food, nor will I be returning. That's just my personal opinion. Low quality food, and very high prices for what they provide. read more

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The quintessential San Antonio Tex-Mex spot where you only need to know 3 words: carne guisada and enchiladas. Oh and breakfast, breakfast is yummy too here. If you feel like being served by the most hospitable, friendliest "ama's" ever, get on down to Blanco Café (on Fred Rd.) and enjoy yourself a down-home meal. They have different lunch specials daily so things never get boring. Careful in the parking lot, it gets tight and *some* old ppl are super impatient although they really don't got nowhere to be ;) read more

I've lived within walking distance of this place for over a year now, and never once thought to stop by. Also, a few jobs go, Blanco Cafe was one of our clients (pest control) and I never went to places they serviced on principle (and at the behest of my coworkers at that time). Still in the middle of an insatiable fajita craving, I stopped by here for a meal. The staff is very chill and friendly, singing along to the 80s tunes blaring in the restaurant. One table had a lady staring at me at all times, and it made me very uncomfortable, but that's beyond the restaurant's control. I ordered the fajita plate which came with rice, refried beans, and some lettuce and tomato, and two of the softest flour tortillas ever. The fajitas were not my favorite, and not exactly what I was looking for. The meat resembled more of what I use to make carne guisada, rather than strips of meat I felt like tearing into. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it didn't quell the Fajita Beast inside me. I took half my meal to-go and my absolute favorite thing was slathering butter on my spare tortillas. I was taken back to my childhood, where buttered tortillas were my Snack of Choice. The beans, rice, and tortillas were definitely the best part of the meal. Not sure if I'd swing back for an encore as Mexican (Tex-Mex) restaurants like these are a dime a dozen, and it takes something remarkably special to bring me back. But I'm glad I tried it and wouldn't say no if someone said they wanted to come here. read more

Best enchiladas in town for sure!!! Homemade flour and corn tortillas are the best . All the food reminds me of homemade.

Every time I go to San Antonio I try to eat here. Cheese enchiladas with fajita meat is my go to, but you really can't go wrong. Friendly staff but they get a lot of business so follow their instructions and don't be offended if you can't sit around and chit chat. Other folks gotta eat! read more

As much as I wanted to love Blanco Cafe the overwhelming feeling I am left with is adequate. The food is not bad, not great, it's adequate. The ambience is not bad not great but adequate. The the service however was prompt, attentive and polite. The prices were more than reasonable, rather large portions and the tortillas were truly amazing. Both flour and corn. In fact the tortillas just might be the best this side of town. We had the crispy taco plate, no beans double rice and Chilaquilles plates, no beans double potatoes. Along with chips and salsa. The rice was ok, I ordered Pico de Gallo for the rice which was an extra charge but very fresh. The crispy taco shells were premade but adequate, the beef was good quality meat but with lack of flavor adequate. The chips were premade n the smokey red salsa was stellar. Although since we had to pay for them and the salsa was great but the refill charge of 1.49 while not high it certainly feels unwarranted. The chillequile was slightly overcooked but tht I think is personal preference. The potatoes were your run of the mill unseasoned potatoes. Overall it's a decent place with good prices and adequate food. Nothing special. It is an ok place to visit I. A jiffy but I would not go out of my way for it. read more

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Great food. Great service. I enjoyed my entire lunch . Why does this review require so many letter in order for me to post

I go so sick when I ate some enchiladas and beef fajita plate with salsa and chips that I had to pay for. I went home and had excruciating cramps, I was diaphoretic, and was dizzy. You also have to pay for to go cups Never again. read more

OK, now I know this is a bold statement, but I had the best breakfast I have ever had in my life at Blanco Cafe. This place was recommended to me by a buddy that lived in San Antonio for 3 years. I ordered the new chorizo avocado plate. I love the spicy Mexican sausage, but I know it is horrible for you, so I maybe have it once a year, if that, but if someone tells you to try a place, you have to go with something that sounds amazing. It did not disappoint. I ordered well refilled Diet Coke and had a lot of laughs with my buddy who was down here on a work trip with me. The plate came out and the spiciness of the chorizo was well balanced with the Frito like chips that were mixed into it. Yep, I said it, the mixed Frito style chips in the mixture of spicy sausage love. So good! Every bite was like, "Oh no you didn't just throw a crispy corn style chip in there. Evil!" I ordered one corn tortilla and a flour one. You could tell they were homemade, because they were twice the heft of the crud we get in the grocery stores here in Minneapolis. They were so hot, we had to let them cool down just to fill them up with the wonderful beans and green salsa that is sitting on the table and the chorizo mixture. Just amazing! This place was just the best breakfast place on the planet. Hands down! Oh, and San Antonio is hot as sh*t! read more

Blanco Cafe - Chorizo breakfast plate - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Food is good and the prices are good too. The female manager is very very rude. She see you waiting and just walks away while the line forms behind you. She walks around just screaming all the time. Thank you for screaming in my face everytime visit. When she finally comes back to seat you 5 - 10 mins later she is still rude right to your face. The female cashier is similar in the rudeness department. She stared at me the whole time I eat, just creepy. read more

Blanco Cafe - Fideo Loco Bowl - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I'm originally from SA and the original Blanco Cafe is legendary. Was back in SA visiting someone in the hospital and saw the restaurant nearby. The first surprise was the $2.50 charge for chips and salsa that every other Mexican restaurant gives for free. The salsa was good but the chips tasted like they were fried in dirty grease. My wife ordered fresh lemonade which she said was great. I had tea that wasn't bad as tea goes. My wife ordered the pork chops which she loved. I had enchiladas and a crispy chicken taco. The enchiladas were good but the crispy taco was just a soggy pile of goo. Not sure if it was grease or water that made it soggy. Service was the worst. read more

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not worth the money. the service not very friendly, very matter of fact. the dinning room very poorly done folding table with low end chairs. lunch with my wife she had one taco and a tea I had a plate with coffee. nearly $29. before the tup after the .94 cents service fee for using my card. read more

We had breakfast here today. This is my wife's favorite Mexican restaurant. I can take it or leave it. Service was very good. COVID rules were in place and they were adhering to them. (Unlike IHOP which we visited last week and whose idea of social distancing was akin to how many people can we fit into a Volkswagen Beetle) My wife had two breakfast tacos which she could only eat one and I had the pancake breakfast. Both were tasty and filling. The total came to $18 plus tip. I'd really give it 4.1/2 stars but you can't do that on yelp. The lose the 1/2 star because they screwed up the egg order on mine. I just don't think the waitress paid attention. But whatever. The place is always busy and parking is a bitch. Definitely recommend especially when we're past this COVID. read more

Food is the best and the service is good and it is worth the wait to get seated!! The ambiance is very comfortable and pleasant.

We used to eat often like 2x a week some 30 years ago at original Blanco Rd location off West Hildebrand! The tortillas and carne guisada tacos were the best in the city! The tortillas are still outstanding but the carne wasn't the same quality meat and seasoned with a red sauce mixture rather than the traditional brown sauce. The cheese enchiladas were generous and delicious those many years ago! The ones served now were not very good! Very meager portions and were the size of a finger and not top notch! I read a recent review where the person whined about the Wuhan Chicom virus spacing! Not true! Spacing was quite adequate! Snowflakes gonna snowflake out! A fun experiment you might try is go to the Blanco Cafe and try their carne guisada tacos and then visit Fidelo's on Nacogdoches Rd! Try theirs! You decide! Have fun! People so uptight these days! My vote is for Fidelio's . Portions are generous and meat is a better quality! But hey what does a Brooklyn Yankee know about Tex Mex? A lot! Hahahahaha. Enjoy! read more

This restaurant took responsibility for its service and food.... They posted a sign as you enter that they were understaffed and please be patient for seating was limited, for time to cook food and serve. The wait was not long at all, food was very hot and delicious and the service was a bit slow but okay! It was a very enjoyable experience. read more

Blanco Cafe - Guacamole very delicious not runny like Tia Taco Hut on Bandera Rd. - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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I had not been here in ages but still the same. We arrived for breakfast and we were told we could sit anywhere. Upon finding a good location to sit our waitress introduced herself and gave us menus. She brought out our drinks and took our orders. Within 10 minutes if not less we were served and it was a huge plate best of all homemade tortillas. The waitresses would walk around constantly refilling our drinks or asking if we needed anything else. Place was busy but the noise level was moderate. Prices were super reasonable considering they are located in the medical center. They had the specials of the day and again very good Rice's. read more

Blanco Cafe - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Friend took me there, am GLAD he did. Place was busy, but we're seated right away. Order the Cheese Enchiladas/ Chalupas, sub.it for Crispy Taco. Food was brought out right away, it was DELICIOUS and FILLING. WILL BE GOING THERE MORE OFTEN. read more

okokokokkk Let me say I love this little chain and as you have seen in my past enchilada/nacho review they are PERFECT, buttttttttttt..... HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM.... I have ordered tacos before and figured the issue was temporary, but it still continues SEE THE PIC gorgeous puffys but as usual with their tacos they turn into a mushy mess of meat, lettuce & tomatoes It seems in the steamer table they are kept in ( we all know certain food items are cooked and kept hot in a steamer till ordered ) there is lotsa beef or chicken "juice".... and it destroys a taco shell or puffy PLUS the beef & chicken is soooooo bland....ie....no basic Mexican flavor, while tasting OK it's just not there KEEP IN MIND any kind of chick or beef taco will desinigrate into a clumpy taco salad instead of a hand held item of goodness PS 2.99 for a fajita taco...ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND !!!!!! read more

Blanco Cafe - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

They claim to have the best enchiladas in the city, so of course being the conosur of Tex/Mex food I had to go. The place was halfway full with Tejano music flowing. The staff greeted us right away very friendly, big smiles, and seated quickly. Prompt service with drinks and chips and salsa. We were checked on often, and refills were completed as needed. After we ordered the food was brought out soon. We were not disappointed. The portions were big and prices were reasonable. My wife had the fideo, and I had the best enchiladas in the city. No joke, the best in San Antonio. read more

Blanco Cafe - Fideo - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Being that Blanco Cafe is one of the popular restaurants in San Antonio, it's sad that I have to report this. I was surprised and shocked to learn how they treat some of their customers, especially our senior citizens. My elderly parents were so excited to eat there, but we're greeted rudely by a male host at the door. It was a Friday afternoon, around 11. Granted, it was getting busy with the area lunch crowd. The host instructed them to wait outside and didn't take a name or anything. After several minutes of watching others go in and get seated, my elderly father went in to inquire about the status. The host obviously stressed, very rudely told my parents that they should just leave their establishment if they weren't happy. My father insisted he wanted to stay and was reluctantly seated by another server. The server was polite, as they ate their lunch very uncomfortably. They will not be returning. Do better, Blanco Cafe! Leave your feelings at the door and put on a Happy Face, or prepare accordingly for the lunch crowd! Let's not be disrespectful to our Senior citizens! read more

The caldo and the menudo are really good. Love the place and the wait is never really that bad.

I'm glad to see that this place still holds its own. Lengendary spot know for enchiladas has quality all over. Handmade tortillas overly stuffed with whatever fillings you want. One taco is good and two is a buffet. First time back since I returned and it's like I never left. read more

Blanco Cafe - Ol skool Barbacoa. Dressed of course - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Great food! I've been going to a Blanco Cafe (the original one) since the late 80's. I love their enchiladas.

I was sat quickly and served my coffee and water quickly after being seated. My order was taken and food came out quickly. But my coffee was never refilled and I was not checked on after my food was served to me. I looked around for my waitress but she was seating many other tables. They definitely want the business and serve the drinks/food quickly but the follow-up was not there at all. read more

Another great meal at Blanco cafe! My son's $2 single pancake was just the right amount for him, he's only 3 so one is all it takes. The pancake was surprisingly good. Tasted extra nice with butter spread and syrup. Now, onto my tacos. Perfect! The norteno taco was everything it should be. Great refried beans with white cheese covered in delicious tender beef and a healthy scoop/slice of avocado. My bacon, egg, and cheese taco was also exemplary! The tortillas great flavoring make the tacos stand out from others. read more

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I thought it was the same as the one on Blanco and it wasn't. That one is good. I was very disappointed with the quality of the meal. The meat in the Caldo was firm and tasted like it was cooked on the side instead of with the Caldo. When I asked for a to go cup so that I could take my tea, the lady told me I would have to pay a dollar more. I told her I already paid for the tea and I just wanted the .40 cup to go and she said it's a dollar. First and last time here. I thought I had Covid because none of our meals had taste but it turns out it was just no flavor. ‍ Disappointed. read more

Came for a warm home cooked dinner, and The Blanco delivered! Ordered three tacos, carne guisada, chorizo and egg and bacon and egg. I made sure to order a combination of tortillas to taste both the corn and flour variety. Happy to report that they were both home made and delicious. The tortillas earn three stars right off the bat, even better than another restaurant that is known for their tortillas. The prices were a little steep, customer service was okay. But I would come back when I want some warm, home cooking. read more

I eat here every chance I get after a doctor's appointment at Med Center. I always order the same dish, Chilaquiles, flour tortillas and coffee. Salsa, of course. Service is always good. My only con is that the portions are huge. I am never able to eat all of it. It's one of my favorites for genuine Tex Mex food. I have eaten at the downtown and Blanco Street locations too. They are all very reliable. read more

I was served burnt flautas & when I informed the Mgr. she graciously discounted my meal a whole $1. No attempt to replace or apology. I won't return! read more

If I could give this place less than one star I would. High prices , the food , an abomination. As a local , I am embarrassed this place is still open to the public. I have never been so shocked at how bad this so called Tex mex SLOP they served us could be. A total excuse for Tex mex. ALL the food was nothing more than flavorless with an extreme amount of OIL AND SALT. Even the tortilla soup was flavorless but extremely salty , the same thing for the cheese enchilada fajita plate, just oil and salt and looked like it had been sitting under lamps all day long. Also the fajita meat tasted off. Oil and salt is NOT flavor it's JUST oil and salt. NOTHING looked or tasted Fresh. And then they have the nerve charge what they charge for a plate of SLOP. But most notably I don't see how this place hasn't been closed or fined for the state that it's in. It looks and feels filthy. I was disgusted after sitting down and taking an actual look at my surroundings. It's grimy , old and hope to god I didn't catch covid or anything else from just breathing in the stank air. We took three bites of our SLOP and quickly and quietly got up and left. Made no complaints whatsoever, just paid the exorbitant prices as we just wanted to get the hell out and NEVER come back. For the rest of the day and The next day my stomach felt horrible. Horrible food, disgusting place , HIGH prices. Close this restaurant down. read more

Great food but Mangeing staff was very rude along with some of the waiting staff yelling at customers and point at tables for customers to sit at instead of escorting to table. read more

Enchilada Plate - I can see why they're voted ''The Best Enchilada in San Antonio.' When I arrived and until I left there was a line out the door. read more

I've got to say the food was as good as it's always been here. However, the service was an atrocity!! I can say at least it was sychrocronized screw ups and consistant because the whole staff was at it!! Well thank goodness there is not a shortage of Mexican restaurants! Never again!!! Ps...nickel and dime they charge $1.00 for your to go cups!! read more

Real simple review. Food is def not what it was in years past. Service is not where it use to be. Was there for my lunch hour and it ended being an hour and a half! Never going back read more

Burnt cheese enchiladas were just the worst thing I've ever seen. No flavor and the burned cheese tasted like cheap Velveeta (I think the Original in the name of the restaurant is a homage to the cheese--only burnt to a crisp). Floor tortillas could be best used as door stops. Just bad food all over. Also, I had to wonder why there are several Mexican restaurants in San Antonio that use the name "Original Blanco Cafe". Must be a family dispute that resulted in multiple family members saying: "We're the Original Blanco Cafe". Botton line: avoid this location--it's is just bad, bad bad. I would not recommend this place. read more

I'm so dissatisfied/disappointed. The level of food has went down in the last several years and I tried to give them another chance and food quality is terrible.. I explained to the waitress and sent who sent cashier to my table (possibly mangr) and she just rolled her eyes.. service was unprofessional!! Never going back again... read more

The food was excellent. I rate five stars! The tortillas were home made, the beef enchiladas melted in my mouth. My guest ordered the cheese enchiladas and she said they were good. I also ordered a chorizo and egg taco, excellent! read more

Blanco Cafe - Home made corn tortillas - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This location glorified their "best enchiladas" from the awards they displayed, which I mind you were not bad. But definitely not the best enchiladas I've ever had. The place I understand is old; however, they could use a change of carpet and overall renovation. I'm always down for a hole in the wall restaurant, but I'd rather go to a different taqueria. read more

Blanco Cafe - Cheese Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Poor customer service! Waitress working to many tables. Couldn't keep up. And customer feels rushed. Not an enjoyable lunch. Mediocre food. High prices. read more