They helped cater a business meeting recently, and they were super helpful, grabbed plenty of veggies (for the vegetarians), salsa + chips and lots of guac and meat. Excellent servings for the cost. Helpful and easy to reach, too. read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - Catering! - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

Very good Mexican food, Service is always good Ambience is truly Mexican along with a strolling minstrels read more

I love Mexican restaurants! This spot was so cute! The decor was bright and colorful. The night we went, they had a whole mariachi band! The band walked around to the tables for song requests and would sing next to the table as well, really cute! My mom requested a song for my grandma, which made her tear, it was really sweet. Most of the staff seemed really warm and friendly, unfortunately not the same could be said from the waitress we got. She seemed to be pretty absent, didn't seem knowledgeable when asked about details on dishes. At one point, she accidentally dropped guacamole on a little girl's arm at the table next to us and she apologized once and walked away, leaving the guacamole on the floor and splattered all over her coat as well as mine. All other staff we interacted with were nice and helpful. On to the food! The salsa was really flavorful and the chips were fresh and crispy. I got the cheese enchiladas which were pretty nice. It came with rice and beans which ended up being eaten by my daughter. She got an order of rice and beans and the portions were quite big for just being sides which was really nice. Mom and grandma had soups which they said were quite flavorful. It is BYOB so all their drinks are non alcoholic which is cool for everyone. I got the lime Margarita which was very limey, very delicious. Overall, I would definitely recommend this spot for some good Mexican food. read more

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Throughout the years Don Jose's has always been a consistently solid spot for delicious Mexican Cuisine. Literally everything off this menu is a great choice and I should know because they've fed me for over twenty years with absolutely zero complaints from this guy.   My work crew always looks forward to hitting up this place for get togethers and lunch meetings which always end up more like "Munch Meetings" most recently was Walter's 50 Year Retirement Shindig. Where we literally ate everything in site, LOL!!   As I already stated in my original write up it would be nice to have the option for some adult beverages like Mexican Brews or Margaritas but other than that this place always offers: Great Food, Great Service, and a Great Menu Come And Get Your Mex Munch On!! read more

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Look, firstly- my family has been coming here for 3 years and very consistently. I have never once seen this place empty or even close to empty no matter what time or day we go. There are several restaurants here and no matter how hard we try to venture and try a different cuisine nearby, we just cant bring ourselves to be that close to Don Jose and not eat there. Second- why has this review taken 3 years to write? Well I didn't want to jinx a great thing. You know, write a raving review then all of a sudden the quality and service go down. Well lucky for anyone reading this, my wife convinced me to just do this. As a vegetarian family, we can't speak to any dishes outside of veggie dishes but I would imagine it all is great. My wife consistently gets the veggie enchiladas. I have had their veggie fajitas and it should be known they season their veggies with more than the typical salt and pepper as we find at other spots in the past. Our son loves the cheese enchiladas and I benefit from the rice he gets on the side while he devours the refried beans. My go-to is the bean and cheese burritos covered in red sauce. Yes beans come on the side too but I love em! Refried beans could be eaten by the bucket- perfectly seasoned. Save some chips to scoop them up! Rice is a great tomatoey concoction that gets slightly crisp on the edges of the serving from the hot plate going through the oven. Service is fantastic! Every single one we have had is great, always smiling and very accommodating. I am surprised they don't know us by name now- perhaps just faces. Prices are reasonable. If I had to stretch for a criticism- I wish sodas had free refills- I am so used to that being the norm at many other places. It is also BYOB which seems to be NJ protocol. Parking is plentiful as this is in a strip mall and when the weather is nice- we love eating outside. On weekends in the past we have seen them have live mariachi bands and they go to tables and take requests! read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - DINNER BURRITOS (at lunch- because I want more) - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

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Food is excellent. Service is great. I like the decoration. I recommend it. I personally like the shrimp enchiladas.

I have been going to Don Jose since my son was a child, now 40. We haven't been there for a while. Always liked the Decor, has not changed which is a positive, we sat in a booth, wall had food on it, table was not clean. Service was good. Unfortunately the quality of the meat has declined. The chicken was rubbery with no flavor. My wife and I order the same dish every time. So disappointed. Probably will stay away for a while. read more

I can't speak for the meat based fare, but the vegetarian dishes did not impress any of the diners in our posse. The dishes has odd vegetables for mexican dishes (big chunks of steamed carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower). It was rather disappointing. The staff were attentive, friendly, and helpful, but could not make up for the culinary blandness. The decire was very nice and the furniture were colorful and authentic, without being over the top. A singer with a guitar was providing the entertainment, but it was still possible to listen and hold a conversation read more

I had been craving some really good Mexican food, and I finally got it at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant. The setting is colorful and casual. I ordered the dinner combination of a beef taco, cheese enchilada, and chicken enchilada, which came with rice and beans. The food arrived hot, fast, and full of flavor--I devoured every bite! We finished with a slice of tres leches cake, which was the perfect ending. The wait staff was good and it was an overall enjoyable experience --we'll definitely be back. ----------------------------------------- "Because dining is more than food - it's flavor, style and elegance that should be savored one bite at a time." - AMC read more

The staff are very attentive and kind. They can answer any question you have about the menu and their recommendations never miss. On certain nights they also have a mariachi band that performs live music. They provide complimentary chips and salsa which is great to munch on while waiting for your appetizers/entrees. I love their stuffed peppers, soft shell tostadas, and enchiladas. The chorizo appetizer is awesome if you eat pork. The quesadillas are pretty good as well, as is the horchata. The desserts are decent. Love the refried beans with cheese and rice that comes with most dishes! read more

It's been a long time since my last review, which I noticed as we went out to lunch, but I decided after a dozen years Don Jose deserved a second try. Pros: Chips were room temp, and the second round was warm! I would not say the food is overpriced, it's on par. Portions are fine. My shrimp enchiladas had plenty of shrimp, my friend's chicken fajita had plenty of chicken. Good lunch portion of rice and beans, all came out hot not cold. Cons: Things seem less spicy and flavorful now. I think Don Jose realized what it was doing wrong and self-corrected into a nice Tex-Mex (i.e. what gringos will enjoy) eatery. If that's your thing, go for it! read more

I went here to dinner with my sister and her husband. We were seated right away because we came around 5:00 pm. Despite the negative reviews, I did not see any of the bad things people said. It could be that I didn't have high standards. Our server was friendly and took our order right away. I had the cheese enchilada and it was delicious. The only thing that I did notice was that they don't have refills on soft drinks and chips. Other than that, everything was good. The dining room had a Tex-Mex vibe so it was good. I will come back here if I'm in the mood for it. read more

Came for dinner with friends. Decor was fun and we loved the unique chairs. Totally unaware that this location does not serve alcohol and is BYOB, but that was completely made up for with the mocktails and food. We ordered a pitcher of mango that was incredible. All entrees were super flavorful and well portioned. read more

Both locations are very good, we have Ben to the Netcong one may times and the east Hanover lactation was really good the first time we went. read more

The food here was terrific. I had the carne Asad and the steak was tender and flavorful. The rice and beans were also very good. My wife had a shrimp dish that she enjoyed. Very fresh, nice large shrimps. There was a little miscommunication by the server with a wrong order being placed but was quickly resolved. The server could have had better service by asking to refill our drinks which we made quite obvious. Food a 5 service a 2. The food was what mattered most. read more

Very average Mexican fare. Very lively atmosphere and some singing as well. My fish was extremely bland and didn't taste very fresh. The fish would have benefited from spices and added flavor. Decent options for kids, my child was happy with his quesadilla. Overall I think there are better options for authentic Mexican food. read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - Snapper fajitas - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

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AMAZING MEXICAN CUISINE 10/10. The food was so good, the staff is amazing, I love love love this restaurant!

Don Jose has a great vibe, but unfortunately the food was just okay. Everything was lacking flavor. I had a quesadilla and my husband had a combo platter with a taco, burrito and enchilada. I tried everything and it was all mushy and flavorless - rice and beans included. Everything could've used more seasoning and crunch, like maybe some onions and peppers. Even my coca cola was super watered down. Portions are very large. A combo platter is $13 and comes with three items and rice and beans. My quesadilla was the size of the entire plate and it was only an appetizer portion. The decor is vibrant and the vibe is nice and lively. A table was celebrating a birthday and the dim the lights and the whole restaurant sings. Service was quick and friendly. Food is mediocre, but because of the lively atmosphere I'd probably come in every now and again when a Mexican food craving hits. read more

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We were with a group of 11 people for lunch. Food was excellent, served hot. Service was superb and they were very accommodating. The restaurant is well decorated! "I felt like we were in Mexico!" Great for kids! read more

I've been wanting to try this place for a long time. A coworker said that they were good, but that their sister restaurant up in Netcong was better. And that the sister restaurant serves liquor. Just know that this restaurant does not serve liquor. So on Juneteenth, I was in the area and decided that I wanted to treat myself to lunch and decided to go to Don José. By the way, don't be fooled by the crowd, it doesn't mean the food is good. I ordered the shrimp and steak fajitas which came with rice and refried beans. I don't really eat refried beans as I rather have black beans as it's healthier. Their menu specifies no substitutions and any substitutions would cause a disruption in service and they charge extra. So I stayed with the Refried beans. While I waited for my meal they gave me an order of chips and salsa. The chips and salsa were not good. This was the worst salsa that I had at a Mexican restaurant. The chips also tasted stale. My fajitas were not good they were bland. The steak was bland, no flavor whatsoever. The fajitas were served with three large shrimps. The rice was terribly bland and so were the refried beans. It had an off flavor and so I could not finish it. I kept adding salt to the steak and it just was not good. The only reason that they get three stars from me is that I ordered Ceviche to go. The ceviche was absolutely delicious. It had the right combination of lemon and whatever else they put in it, and it was very very good. The waitress was also good. I do not plan to return to this establishment unless it's to order ceviche to go. read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - STEAK FAJITAS LUNCH - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

Best refried beans I've had. Awsome food!!! Everything came out fast and is always nice and hot! Really enjoyed it!

Such a fun place! The decorations are so colorful. Enjoyed a pitcher of strawberry "margarita" and pina colada. It was pretty tasty. Interesting that everything is non alcoholic but I think you can byob. Chips and salsa unlimited yum! We ordered an appetizer of guacamole and it was soooo tiny. Not worth it in my opinion. Tried the dinner combo of enchilada and burrito. My favorite was the cheese enchiladas. The chicken one and the burrito was just ok. Lacked flavor. The rice and beans were good if you ate it in one spoonful with the enchilada. Otherwise, it's just there to look pretty lol. read more

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Good classic Mexican American style food but Guacamole is one dish to stay away from.

In town for work. Place was quite busy so thought that was a good sign. I found the chips and salsa OK but the salsa was quite onion forward. Not my favorite flavor. I ordered shrimp fajitas, my boss ordered enchiladas Verde last night. and my CFO ordered chicken enchiladas. Neither one of them finished their food. Don't think they really loved them. Mine was fine. Not anything spectacular. Service was just OK. Had to ask several times for refills, left us waiting for the bill for a while, stuff like that. After living in San Diego for 30 years I'm spoiled by great Mexican restaurants, so this was not the best . read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - Shrimp fajitas - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

I had the chicken burrito with red sauce which I loved, I would definitely get that again. My husband got the steak ranchero which was okay, sub par. We asked for queso dip, in which the server said the cheese dip? We said yes ... and she literally meant melted Monterey Jack cheese whizz. It was disgusting, they shouldn't serve that lol. I'd probably pick another Mexican place to try before going back, but will stand strong on my burrito being really good! read more

Always delicious food at Don Jose. Great prices and service - enchiladas are the best

Always good Mexican food! I almost always get enchilada suizas. Sometimes i vear off and get something different. Always delicous

Great vegetarian food!!! Definitely one the best Mexican restaurants in NJ! Totally recommend going to get some great tasting Mexican food. read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - ENCHILADA PLATTER LUNCH - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

Delicious authentic Mexican food! We visited on Valentines Day and the place was decorated with a marachi band. Great ambiance and the service was great. If in the area would definitely recommend stopping in. read more

Food was good, service was okay, given we were a group of 10 to 12 and they had live music so it made the place come alive. It is an authentic Mexican restaurant and if ever in the area I would definitely go again! read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - DINNER STEAK RANCHERO! - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

PROS: This place was very cute! The atmosphere was good and the staff was nice. Our waiter, Samuel, was very attentive and I loved the live music. The red snapper tasted amazing and the time for it to come out was on point. Their menu is plentiful, they're clean, and they have both an indoor and outdoor area. CONS: The prices on their website and on the menu in the place are different. They are also small inside and the sauce and the beans looks like it was sitting out after being microwaved OVERALL: This is a place I would eat at again, there are a few things I would be cautious about but it's worth it read more

Got beef taco lunch special and it was so tasty! Flavorful and good portion. Staff was friendly and it gave with chips and salsa

I love don jose. Whatever the red sauce they put their enchiladas in... I wish i could bottle it. I have never had anything bad here. From their fresh salsa (which is actually spicy) to their nachos to their veggie tacos (it's really just a stir fried or boiled veggies with no visible sauce) is somehow so good. My fiancé and his family are from Cali and really enjoyed their meal here (and they are big on Mexican food!) This is a staple for me when I come home to visit my parents. read more

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant - Veggie tacos - Mexican Near Me - East Hanover, New Jersey

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My family and I had dinner here tonight. We have been here many times before and always had a positive experience. They close at nine and we were going to arrive around 8 so I called to ask if they were still seating and they said they were and it was ok if we came. By the time we finished eating it was around 9:15 and we had our check all ready to go when we start hearing someone on the staff singing "Hit the road Jack...". Not once but repeatedly. It was incredibly rude. Of course I know it was closing time but you could see we were ready to leave, being rude to us was not necessary. Never going back again. read more

Came here with my Sister N Law and Niece. My Sister and I both had the steak fajita and my Niece had the Steak Tacos. Both were done good only all steaks were fatty. With less meat but good in flavor. I didn't particularly care for the rice and refried beans. I did like their Nachos and signature sauce. The staff was pleasant and quick. I'll probably will return. read more

will come back. good guacamole. byob convenient parking nearby with many other restaurants read more

(Reposting due to censoring off of prior review, and nasty correspondence from owner attempting to intimidate us for writing about our true experiences) The food here is totally inconsistent, and can range from over-cooked and dried out as if made hours earlier, to way over-salted, to mouth-burning spicy even when you've told the person taking your order that you wanted the meal without jalapenos. But along with Don Jose's inconsistency is the downright nastiness, rudeness and condescending attitude of the owners/managers, who act as though they're doing you a favor by letting you buy your meals there! Don't bother explaining whether you or someone in your party has special dietary needs or allergies, because Don Jose's manager or other personnel will interrupt and insult you, tell you they don't want to hear it, and say they don't need customers telling them how to cook their food! If there are any problems with your order or the quality of what's served, such as a recent experience where almost all rice was given and hardly any beans in a dinner platter--after we explained that the person ordering the food couldn't have too much rice due to a diabetes problem--there won't be any apology or desire to make the situation right. After getting bad, inconsistent food on multiple occasions, and being talked down to with total hatred and disrespect that borders on racism by the ownership, we will never patronize Don Jose again. With the area's growing Mexican population and demand for quality Mexican cuisine, hopefully competitors will move in and provide a much more welcoming alternative where customers of all ethnicities are welcome. read more

Español/English El guacamole es muy bueno! Si eres mexicano es muy probable que la comida no cubra tus expectativas al 100%. El ambiente es muy familiar y mexicano, el cual hace que te sientas en casa. Si buscas algo que te haga sentir en Mexico esta sería una opción. Pedí enchiladas de mole pero no me encantaron, no tenían carne molida ni queso crema arriba por lo cual no son auténticas. Las sirvieron con pollo y las de mole en su mayoría son de carne molida. Espero regresar pronto para probar más platillos y dejarles mi recomendación. ------------------- The guacamole is very good! If you are Mexican, the food maybe aren't gonna meet your expectations 100%. The atmosphere is very familiar and Mexican, which makes you feel at home. If you are looking for something that makes you feel in Mexico this would be an option. I ordered mole enchiladas but I didn't love them, they didn't have ground beef or cream cheese on top so they are not authentic. They were served with chicken and the mole ones are mostly ground beef. I hope to return soon to try more dishes and leave my recommendation. -Ilse's isle. read more

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This is a decent Mexican restaurant for the areA. I love how they have Mariachi Singers that entertain while you east. The have the best queso fundido that I have had in the area. read more

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Very mid. Went midday and it was empty but started getting busy as we were leaving. I got the shrimp fajitas and my friend got the chicken quesadilla. Shrimp fajitas were average, not much flavor and pretty small portion compared to other Mexican spots at a lower cost. read more