Trivia for out of towners: What's the mascot of the high school just a few minutes away? What iconic Alaskan building material makes up the front of their high school? Sooooo....It's okay. Chips and salsa are NOT complimentary. A basket of chips and two bowls of salsa wasn't terribly expensive at 4.50. But hot salsa wasn't available when we went. So they gave us two milds. The salsa tasted a little weird. I couldn't tell if an ingredient was missing or if there was some other funky aspect. Either way, I didn't eat many chips (which made the paying for it seem a little more frustrating). The queso appetizer was delicious. Great serving size and great flavor. Everyone at the table agreed and there wasn't any left at the end. Beer selection included a couple local craft beers and plenty of bottles. I was very happy with the Pacifico and lime I received. Service was friendly. So we're the couple on a date at the table next to us. They recommended food and drinks and told us all about places to visit in town. Apparently there are meaderys (meaderies?)open on town. Cool news! Overall, I was largely underwhelmed by the food and slightly chagrined by the chips and salsa cost. read more

Don Jose's - Queso and chips - Mexican Near Me - Homer, Alaska

See all

Today as I was walking home from dropping my car off at the shop, I stepped in a hole and the next thing I know I'm crawling out of a ditch. Further on down the road I was attacked by a crow 4 times and I'm sure all you people driving by Safeway that saw that had a good laugh. (I'm laughing now but I wasn't then) Then I called a Taxi and yes someone stole my taxi. Finally got home and took my truck to Don Jose's for Taco Tuesday (5 tacos 10 bucks) yum! Owners bought me a nice shot of tequila! So nice! read more

We were craving some Mexican food during our visit. We saw this cute place while driving through town. We stopped in for dinner. Loved the atmosphere! The service was great! The ladies were extremely helpful, nice, and provided a great service. The drinks were top notch! We ordered calamari and fried avocados. They were extremely delicious with great flavor! Our food came and we were not disappointed! All of us ordered something different. We were given large amounts of food! The flavor on everything was delicious! I must say this is a must when visiting Homer! read more

Don Jose's - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Homer, Alaska

We were very happy with our meals. We asked for chips, salsa, and guacamole. A large basket of warm thin chips and salsa was $4.50, the guacamole was excellent, $8.00. We ordered the trio enchilada plate, it was very tasty. Jonathan our server was very attentive. read more

Don Jose's - Refried beans, rice, two ground beef, and one birra, enchiladas. It was only one dollar more to get the three enchiladas instead of two. - Mexican Near Me - Homer, Alaska

I truly only try to review places when I've had positive experiences, but this was pretty bad. I arrived just after open and sat at the bar to get some food and a little work done. The waitress was friendly and took my order promptly. When the food came out (I ordered 2 chicken verde enchiladas), it was incorrect, but it was dropped off by a kitchen staff member. I received 1 beef enchilada with red sauce. Staff was nowhere to be found, and I noticed the other 2 tables in the room were looking around as well. I decided I could deal with it and it wasn't worth being a pain, so I started eating. Throughout the meal, I kept feeling something crunchy in the enchilada, and when my throat finally got scratched, I spit it out in a napkin. Unfortunately, I had been eating shredded foil mixed in with the beef . I finally waited, paid, and left. I was going to chalk it up to a bad day and leave it at that, but within an hour I was violently ill and had to spend the next 12 or so hours in our hotel bathroom. I hope it can get better, it just seemed like everything that could go wrong, did. read more

Just don't. The food is gross, the staff isn't very hospitable, and everything is way overpriced. Save yourself the disappointment and go to Taco Bell, it'll be better and more satisfying. Promise! read more

Don Jose's - a man sitting at a table in a mexican restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Homer, Alaska

Pilfering server. We had a fine meal. Best salsa I've had in years. I left a nice tip, but the server added $10 to my already generous tip. Thankful that capitol 1 credit card sends alerts Thieves read more

We stopped in while staying in Homer. To start the chips were stale....I heard some others ask for fresh but I don't think they had any. My wife had a margarita and I had a bottled beer. They were the high spots. The food was mediocre compared to the price we payed. Really not that good and look for other options. read more

This is by far one of the best Mexican food places that I have been through. This place offers a wide variety and ensure great customer service! We will be visiting again! You would think mac-n-cheese at a Mexican food place? Well, it was the best mac-n-cheese I've ever had without a doubt. It have the Mexican food, seafood, and pizza. It was a great atmosphere and we throughly enjoyed it. The food was excellent! This is a must while in Homer! read more

I hadn't been to Don Jose's in years but the food was as the same as I remember. It's ok, not amazing, not bad either, just OK I was a bit surprised to see them charging almost $5 for chips and salsa and also charging almost 4% for paying with credit cards. I know times are hard but there are things people expect at a Mexican restaurant and having chips and salsa on the table should be a given, and charging for credit cards on top of everything else was a bit much read more

Just ate here. Good food, but the waitress service was horrible. I ordered a mango margarita and the bar tender gave me a passion fruit margarita starting that if I don't like it he would drink it. My wife had to get the drinks from the bar after they were prepared. Never delivered by waitress despite the drinks were sitting on the bar getting warm. Finally my wife just got up and got them from the bar. Further after waiting about 40 min for our food we had to ask to the waitress if our food was anywhere close? She said, Oh I'll check now! WTF? After we received our food and Half way through the meal we had to request the complimentary chips and salsa, which are usually delievered before the food? My wife ordered a second Diet Coke and twice it arrived from the bartender once , and second time from waitress as....root beer. After we told the waitress that it was root beer, the waitress advised that the bartender just likes root beer. My wife is diabetic and can not drink a regular root beer!. We finally got a Diet Coke. So I was an ass and only left the waitress a 15% tip. She is lucky she got that! I wanted to do the penny thing....but alas the foood was good. Maybe I should not expect so much from the end of the world here in Homer? read more

Sadly we ate here because there were huge waits for all the other restaurants we tried first. Pretty funny after the waitress seated us & asked if we'd like chips/salsa...."sure!" we replied. Her next statement was "you have to pay for it" - why bother offering & in the next breath say you have to pay for (I'd guess 99% patrons say sure). Other than the margarita & bottled beer, this was the worst Mexican food I've tasted. I can honestly say I can make better Mexican food than what we were served. Other than the service we should've expected lousy food - this was the only place that did not have long lines to get in. read more

Our family of 7 was starving and trying to find a restaurant that could seat us all quickly. Don Jose's got all of us right in and quickly brought chips and salsa. Our teenage boys all got enough to eat (no small feat), most of us got the Carne Asada grilled burrito and it was excellent. The sign said they are closed Wednesdays, thankfully this was a Tuesday. Highly recommend, especially if you are looking to spend less than $20 a plate. read more

Friendly staff and good food... quick and reasonably priced for good portions. Left Alice's Champagne palace down the road and came here and glad I did! read more

Been there many times and the food is excellent. Coming from California where Mexican food is really popular I have to admit this food is great. Excellent service from the staff. Great decor. A real gem for Homer read more

Every time I come through Homer I end up eating at Don Jose's at least once, which is fine. It's your run of the mill local mexican joint. The food is edible and the prices are a bit inflated, but, then again, it is Homer, Alaska. This place is good when you want an easy place to walk in and get food. Although, don't expect stellar service. read more

Chile Colorado Plate with rice, beans, and flour tortillas, you need to request corn. Presentation was lacking with the items seeming to be microwaved, but was actually quite good with an insane amount of food fit for two. Nice quaint restaurant. read more

It would be a 1 but for the salsa. Service very slow to get started but fine after that. Had a burrito that was abysmal. Low on meat, high on rice, lukewarm, old tortilla, no flavor and no ranchero sauce so very dry. read more

Tried my first martini here a few months ago. The food is okay, but holy shit can they mix a good drink. 4/5

From California, thought we'd try Mexican food in Alaska. Salsa was good, chips were stale, service was good and my cheese enchilada with green sauce was cold and not cooked all the way through. Also had a beef crispy taco which was very tasty. My friend had halibut tacos which were just ok. Overall it was just ok, decor was cute, reminded me of Puerto Vallarta but in colder climate. read more

Absolutely wonderful verde(green chile) however you have it. We are from arizona and know mexican food. This is awsome read more

Fun find in Homer. We we're ready to try something other than seafood for a meal. This Mexican restaurant did the trick. Beef and cheese enchiladas and a verde chili pork burrito we're more than enough to fill our bellies. The wait staff was warm and inviting and Johnny on the spot. The owner was funny and helpful. Will definitely go back again read more

Good for chips and salsa, then go home. Could it be the WORST Mexican restaurant north of Mexico? I vote yes. I think the Hospital just added a wing to accommodate the diners at Don Jose. read more

Okayyyy we tried to be kind but this is the worst service you will get in homer. Today, I ordered the steak taquitos and my waitress brought me a different meal. She asked "well can you just eat that?" And then she brought me my taquitos which were burnt and then she disappeared for a long time. I had to get up to ask for boxes and the entire restaurant was empty. Oh and she charged us 18% on a service fee..? I'm sorry but I didn't realize I had to pay you to do your job. My waitress's name was Elana. This is not the first time don Jose's has done this to us. It has given us food poisoning and they've given us a lot more. Seriously do not suggest. read more

Horrible service. Got seated 22 minutes later no one brought a menu or even acknowledged I existed. Got up and left. Food usually good. But didn't get to see if it still was. read more

I love the Anchorage Don Jose so when I wanted a decently priced lunch in Homer I headed over. First clue should have been the restroom. Not clean. The chips tasted burnt, the mild salsa was acidic and soupy. Not sure the two ladies working knew how to smile as I didn't see either do it once in the time we were here. Won't be back. read more

I eat Mexican food everyday. Seriously! Every. Single. Day! This is my favorite place to go for scratch margaritas and Mexican food. That's right! Margs made with REAL FRESH SQUEEZED JUICE! Their salsa is delicious and I've had about 100 of their grilled chicken burritos! They are so good! And I love their avocado and tomato salad on their healthy menu. read more

Up visiting family in Homer and stopped in Don Jose's for dinner. Great service, staff is very nice and attentive. Food was good and everyone cleared their plates. Recommend as a good place to have good food. read more

My sister and I both ordered the mole enchiladas. They were sooooo dry I couldn't believe they'd serve them. Service wasn't particularly friendly. A little rude. Literally didn't say a thing when bringing the food by and when she refilled our drinks she didn't say a word when we both said "thank you." They also never checked back on our table after giving us food. However, the table behind us, obviously friends, were chatted with and checked on frequently. Pretty disappointed that I spent my money here. read more

Solid Mexican food. I got the carnitas and they were tasty. The real litmus test was when I asked for fresh, not pickled, jalapeños on the side. They had them! Yay! I'm a fan. read more

Somebody needs to teach them how to make a margarita. AND Mexican food, for that matter. I have only heard people rave about the pizza, but the service here is so terrible and the food just isn't good. I don't know why people just settle and give the excuse of "it's Homer" when there are so many good places to eat in Homer. read more

This restaurant was horrible. Mainly service. The waitress took forever and forgot to bring plates and utensils! The waitress also spilled a drink on herself but then waved her arm to get it off and got it all over us! Don't eat here! read more

After reading so many old not so great reviews, we hesitated to try it. I have to say, it was great! The chips and salsa were perfect, I had a chili rellano with a beef taco and it was very good, my daughter had enchiladas and they were good! Service was fast and friendly. read more

I never would have expected good Mexican food in Alaska, but I couldn't be more wrong. The service was very good, I got a sampler plate and had trouble finding anything wrong with the dinner. The presentation was great, and the salsa had just the right amount of "kick". read more

Pretty good food, but the service was a little slow. Took forever to get our food and the waiter was a little slow on the refills of chips and water. Had to remake our calzone because the first one was burned and they forgot to put lime juice in my mom and dad's margaritas. Needless to say the waiters can use some work. Cook was good but very slow. read more

Service is hit or miss. When I'm in Homer and I have to choose where to eat if I want a good burrito, I will take Cosmic Kitchen over Don Jose's any day. But if you want that classic American-Mexican feel with the piped in mariachi music and the fake parrots hanging from the ceiling than Don Jose's is your place. read more

Great food with a cool designed interior. The food isn't super greasy like lots of Mexican food and the whole place is very clean.

We have lived in Homer for 13 years and are aware that it is not exactly a dining mecca. That said, there are few restaurants to choose from that offer good food and friendly service at reasonable prices. I have gone to Don José's many times and each time I swear I won't go back. After the last time it's a promise! In fact, the only reason I do go is for the comfortable seating haha. That is why they get 1 star. Over the years every aspect of the restaurant has declined. Obviously I'm not the only one to realize this, as lunch time used to be crowded. Today three tables were occupied at 12:30pm. I'll begin with the food. One taco salad- didn't contain the same ingredients listed on the menu and had 0 flavor. Then I got sick. Enchiladas with beans and rice- enchiladas were warm but the beans and rice were cold. The only hot item was the plate. Now the service. We never saw a smile from anyone. The enchiladas had to be returned twice. Both times the server argued about the temperature of the food. Then she pretty much slammed our check down on the table. Carmen, the owner, comped the enchiladas, saying that the warmer had not been up to temp, not that any got eaten anyway. I rarely write negative reviews but the attitude we received was unacceptable after being served food that we could not eat. read more

What a pleasant surprise!!! Fresh guacamole made to order, at the table!! Very very good!! Tostado soup also excellent although lacking the expected cheese. Quesadilla was very good, but would have been better with the requested zucchini. Staff was really friendly and attentive. Oh and the margarita surprisingly good!! read more

For someone used to regular Mexican cuisine, this restaurant is pretty sub-standard. The food tastes like something I might cook in my own kitchen ... No, not even that good. It's certainly not what I expect for restaurant quality food that I'm paying for. Maybe it's normal for "Alaskan Mexican" restaurants, but I won't be back. read more