Got to love our small town restaurants! I really like the wet burritos with the green sauce! Really friendly and nice staff!

We live nearby but had not visited before this past weekend. I don't have any particular complaints, and if you live near here, there is practically NO other choices for night dinning other than the market/gas station.. the next closest food is up Tumwater or Rainier, which has a least a couple of food trucks and Rainier City Pizza. We hated the wrought Iron chairs though.. super heavy and tall, and I am not a short person.. very hard to just slide it under your table seating.. other than that, completely average, but I'll go a 3 since at least the food was decent and the beer was cold. oh, and the orange "crack" sauce was pretty good too.. y'all should try that for sure.. I asked for their hottest, and that's what they gave me.. it went well on the Pork Belly Tacos read more

I've always had a great experience here, the food is amazing! Though I do have a suggestion, I wanted to order to go tonight but I can't find an updated menu on the Facebook or yelp.. it's like 8+years old.. so that would be really helpful for the future. I know a couple months ago I asked for Pollo La crèma and was told they don't have that but now I'm seeing it on their weekly specials so I'm confused if it's only a weekly thing? I'm pregnant and really to indulge. Just let me know when those updated menus are up! I hope to see my pollo on there! Update: I went in anyways and ordered to go, here's some updated menu pictures :) read more

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Live the staff, they are always enjoyable. I have tried almost everything on the menu accompanied by a delicious margarita.

This place was very clean and beautiful inside. We went on a Saturday afternoon and they had ONE waitress. I felt so bad for her because it was packed inside and outside. She was trying her very best to keep up. It was unfair to her and the customers. She was the bartender and the cashier as well. She seemed very positive even though she was drowning. There was a person taking food out in to go heat save bags that looked like they might have a food truck somewhere, they should've shut that down and had the workers help at the restaurant. The food was good. Quesadilla and taquitos we ordered were good. Was it so good that we will return? No. The salsa they brought out with the chips was awful. Didn't even taste like salsa. I saw other tables making faces after trying the salsa as well. Not good. We will not be going back. read more

Wanted enchiladas, but it was just rolled tacos with meat on the side. Food wasn't my favorite. Service was nice, but the restaurant was pretty empty. read more

Great food and service! Second time here and we really enjoy coming here. A bit noisy and echoey hard to have a conversation, but definitely worth the visit. read more

5 star service and very nice and clean restaurant. I did think the food was a bit on the pricey side and a little salty for my liking. I had the 2 enchiladas. The street tacos did look amazing so I will give those a try next time I am in the area! read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Chicken enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

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They are always super accommodating and the food is delicious. They have fresh margaritas, chips, and salsa. This is in our rotation of favorites. I highly recommend the enchiladas and chile negro. It's not too spicy at all, the food has robust flavors like good Mexican food should. It's far better than any mall or American chain 'Mexican' restaurant in the area. read more

Are these people out of their minds with these reviews? I get that I used to live in Mexico so I know what authentic Mexican food tastes like but come on people this is some of the worse Mexican food I've ever had. Why does it have 4.5 stars? This is absolutely absurd! I don't even know what to describe this as except to say it's like a cheap cheap knock off of American Mexican food with absurdly high prices from people who've never tasted Mexican food. read more

Bummer! We have been here before and done call in orders, always appreciating the service. When we arrived, they had our order wrong, over charging by around $50. Took forever to finally get our takeout order, with no orders ahead of ours. Thought we would come for a quick dinner. :/ Food was still very good though. read more

No service. Waited as others were being helped that came in after us. So we paid for the chips we ate and left.

We went to Don Juan's last night (Friday) at 6pm. The restaurant was about 1/4 full. There were three groups waiting to be seated, including us, and the waitress told us it would be 10-15 minutes. I don't know if there is a staffing issue or a management issue but we chose to go somewhere else. Another couple in line said the place has "gone downhill" and that there were staffing/management issues last time they went as well. They were only staying because they were meeting people. I've eaten here years ago and it was good and I don't recall service issues. Not sure what happened. Bummer! read more

This place is a hidden gem!! Everything is super fresh and the sauces are phenomenal. Definitely recommend ordering the guacamole with chips as an appetizer. Service was spot on and the prices are very reasonable. Will be back!! read more

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Do you want good Mexican food? Do you want good service? Do you want good margaritas? Do you want great ambiance? WELL GET IN HERE!!! Yo will love the sauces as they are amazing. From mild to blow the roof off and two more in between you will find a favorite. (mine is the green jalapeño, but I also mix it with a bit of the habanero sauce ) Enjoy, or as they will say "disfruta!" read more

Very busy on a Friday evening, but we still were seated right away. Lots of families there so it was very loud with kids running around. If you want an intimate atmosphere this isn't it. We ordered a wet burrito and enchiladas, both were very good. Everything was clean and orderly. Or server was very nice. House margarita was strong, that was appreciated after a long work week. Overall a great place to go, I'd like to try it on a weeknight to see if it's a bit quieter. read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Red Chicken Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

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The service is very slow and the staff is rude. They're more interested in talking to each other than the customers.

Cute little restaurant with fresh, flavorful, authentic Mexican food. Delicious! This is the best Mexican food we've had since moving to WA from TX. read more

Extra chips cost if you want them, salsa wasn't that great. Enchilada filling doesn't come inside of the tortilla and quesadilla is basic and comes with no sides. Sides of sour cream are not even worth asking for, we're warm and the size of a grape... One and done for my group read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

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Don Juan's is a little unassuming from the outside, possibly because it's in a strip mall! We've learned to never underestimate the power of a restaurant by it's location! The first thing you notice is the decor, it's beautiful! Nice earth tone colors with big-bottomed comfy chairs and rustic wood tables make it super comfortable to relax and enjoy the meal. A great thing we noticed right away was the table for two is plenty big enough, they're usually too small! The service was very friendly and attentive, we never wanted for anything! We each had the Don Juan Margarita and highly recommend trying that one, it was unique and delicious, not too sweet with wonderful new flavor twist of cucumber! We also both ordered the street tacos as we weren't super hungry. Oh gosh, let me tell you, those were some of the absolute best street tacos we've ever had! I had the carnitas and hubby had the carne asada. They were full of flavor, and meat, and the tortillas were steamed nice and soft. We added some guacamole for our chips and salsa and although chunkier than we typically enjoy, it was very good with fresh avocado and just the right amount of flavor. The chips aren't your typical restaurant or store bought chips, they're thick and hearty and super crunchy so they stand up to the fire roasted salsa and thick chunky guacamole, we loved them! Our host at Reed's Sweet Wine in Tacoma recommended Don Juan's and boy are we glad she did! We will now highly recommend Don Juan's as well! read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Nice chunky guacamole with thick rustic chips that stand up to anything! - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

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Nice restaurant close to the main road. Came in at 5:30 on a Monday and were the only patrons. Immediately seated, served chips and very good salsa, and water. Few seconds later I ordered a beer and our meals. I'm getting chicken nachos and my wife got the chicken mole'. The orders came out super fast. My wife's first comment on her food was "this sauce did not come out of a jar". The sauce was sweet and a little spicy. However she also said the flavor was not what she was expecting and wouldn't order it again. My nachos however were fantastic. The plate was loaded with crunchy chips, lots of chicken and beans. For added freshness the tomatoes, onions, cilantro and creama was included. I also asked for some Japaleno for added spice. Huge plate, I could only eat half. Wife said she'd try again with an order more mainstream and I'd definitely return. read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Chicken nachos (before I added the japaleno.) - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

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Quiero más Don Juan's! Heeeeeyyyyyyoooooo! If your in the area and want some super fresh and tasty food served by a true family run staff, then Don Juan's is yo JAM! Shrimp Tacos, with wild caught shrimp from Argentina, was super fresh and had the perfect accompanying ingredients to let the fresh perfectly cooked shrimp shine. Chips and a nice deep red salsa to start? Sí, por favor! A Modelo Especial to quench that thirst? Sí, por favor! read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Shrimp Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

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Always delicious and great drinks. I wish they'd bring the pork belly tacos to this location like they have at their Tumwater sister restaurant location. read more

Delicious food. But the portions are crap for the price they charge. Delicious food. But the portions are crap for the price they charge. read more

As always, the food is excellent, however, the service tonight is well, let's say not up to par! We had two tables seated after us and they were served and one even finished well before we even received our meals! One server (not ours) even checked to see if we'd received our food and then was kind enough to give us an update! Sadder still, when we got here, we asked for the table near the window but was told it was for 4 only to have the same hostess sit a party of two after we were declined, overall, 3 tables of two were seated at tables she informed us were for 4 as "it ls a busy night". This mind you was the same hostess that when we attempted to get her attention about not seeing our server yet, "shushed us" and failed to return.... One server was kind to check on us which, oddly seemed to get the cooks to make our tacos even though two men came in after us, sat down, placed an order for "24 tacos to go" and their to go order was done well before ours! When closing out our bill our server apologized but did not offer any other consideration! read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Street tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

When food and service is good, it is exceptionally good! When not great, all things suffer. Ambiguous? Indeed. Consistency, consistency, consistency. That is typically a restaurant's holy grail. Don Juan's food keeps me coming back, but admittedly there have been times when I've left disappointed, vowing to not return. On several occasions, our Carnitas plates/Tacos were plated up in a pool of grease versus strained from the pot. Had to send both plates of food back for a refire, as the grease made the food utterly inedible. Other examples of lack of attention to detail: My margaritas were served without alcohol (and I certainly didn't order virgin anything!) - Nothing like taking a swig of pure, cloyingly sweet marg mix. I've noted there are dinner services where management is seemingly not present - seems those are the times when food and service suffer the most. On one occasion our young server was smacking a big wad of gum when she took our order - it was off-putting. Other times, servers were joking around the bar and register station, not paying attention to diners or checking in on their needs. When things are good...I'm in heaven, I mean food bliss! When at their best, their carnitas are extraordinary! Their Chili Negro is out of this world, and their burritos are amazing. If I could offer one word of advice, ensure staff are fully trained and committed to customer service, and that a manager is always present. Even when in the middle of a rush and it's all hands-on deck, ensure all staff pay attention to the details. Often, it's the little things that count, and keep customers coming back. Pros: When it's good, it's exceptionally good; best carnitas and chilie negro ever; tasty refried beans; mole is delicious with a good complexity of flavor; salsa is hearty with depth of flavor having roasted the vegetables first; portions are adequate; staff is friendly. Cons: Inconsistency in recipes and service (sometimes carnitas are too salty, sometimes not salty enough); lack of attention to detail (I want a glass with my bottle of beer please - this should be standard); poor or lack of service when busy and managers/owners not present; some servers unprofessional. read more

The Good: Margaritas made with fresh fruit. Peach was AMAZING House made salsa is delicious Rice Cheese enchiladas The Bad: The So So: Service is hit or miss. Never terrible never amazing. read more

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Too bad it's SO GOOD!! No wonder! No wonder we had to wait to be seated. Every table was full, even at 7pm. No wonder the home made chips and salsa were so good that we forgot to order Guacamole, until we saw the Guac on other tables and asked for some. Oh MY! No wonder I was already full by the time my Mexican Green Salad entree arrived! Baby spinach and arugula topped with grilled corn, avocado, and my choice of meat with their FAMOUS Pistachio Dressing Every bite of that salad was HEAVEN. This combination of flavors was genius, unlike anything I have tasted before. I was surprised by how delicious it was! This is NOT your ordinary "chicken salad". No wonder I was eyes closed, savoring - every - single - bite. PS Great friendly staff - in spite of being so busy everyone had a smile and had time to answer questions. Thank you Juan read more

I can't say much about the ambiance or staff as I did a pickup order and sent my eldest in to grab it but I can say this is the best Mexican food in whatever county Tenino is in and maybe the best Mexican food I've ever had in a restaurant! I feel so robbed of a happy adulthood knowing this has been here and I'd never tried it! I've craved it ever since and will ABSOLUTELY be back, if it's the last thing I do!!! read more

We came for an early dinner and they were able to seat our large party fairly quickly on the patio. Their menu is pretty straight forward Mexican food with "normal" portions. You can tell a good Mexican restaurant from their chips and salsa and our chips and salsa was refilled 3 times! Margaritas were off the hook with lots of different flavors not mentioned on the menu but written on the wall - jalapeno was the table's favorite! Waitress had a great personality and sold their menu well (the tinga was amazing!). I'd definitely make a trip back here if I was in the area! read more

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Good food but not great. Very small portions and dry rice. Excellent margaritas chips and salsa. Ok but not great. It's a tie with Puerto Vallarta I think. Not sure if we will be back. The decor is great but service lacked a lot and it was dead. read more

My favorite Mexican place around. Great food, good service and huge portions. The margaritas are to die for. Always get the Jumbo.

We seated quickly and given delicious chips and salsa while we looked over the menu. My sister and I ordered shrimp tacos which were served with a nice portion of shrimp, tomato,sour cream and onion. We added some of their delicious salsa and had the best tacos. The salsa is amazing. We even bought some to go. Service was friendly and prompt. We will be back! read more

This was our first taste of Mexican food here. The area is brightly decorated & looks a bit like a casita, our waitress was friendly & efficient dealing with the end of the luncheon crowd bustle. Chips & salsa are complimentary. The chips are thicker ones, unsalted, not warm & the salsa is different than I'm accustomed to. Instead of the bright taste of fresh tomatoes, lime, jalapeño, onion & cilantro is has a darker profile( canned tomatoes?) & chopped onions, canned green chilies? .... not memorable. Food arrived & it's not the most visually appealing. The fish tacos were some of the worst looking I've seen from a restaurant but my friends thought their meals tasted pretty good. I had the oversized wet burrito which was moist, meaty with rice filler & tasted good enough. I think it would have greater appeal slimmed down with a nice sprinkling of lettuce , fresh tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream & pico de gallo. It's a different type of Mexican cuisine than many others I've tasted in CO., CA., & WA.. We will visit again when less busy & try some other dishes. I'll update when that happens. read more

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Service is top notch and second only to the delicious food you will find here at Don Juan's. Upon entry, we were instantly welcomed by Nick. If you're running a restaurant, Nick is who you want running the house.insanely helpful and courteous. Nick brought out four sauces for us to try. They were all delicious. Chips are fantastic. We tried the tacos, the Wet Burrito, taco salad, and the flan. We left stuffed and we don't regret it one bit. Absolutely top notch service and food here. Do yourself a favor and try Don Juan's if you are in the area. read more

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen - Don Juan's - Mexican Near Me - Tenino, Washington

Food was great. Service was great. Can't wait to go there again. A hidden gem in Tenino!

Fantastic as always! Bob, our server was top notch. The guacamole is the best anywhere and the chips made in house always a hit! We stopped on a Friday afternoon just for a quick margarita and the chips n guac. We will be back, often. We love their outdoor space. And the staff. read more

Best Mexican food I've found in the area! The chips and salsa is great and the fresh made gualcome is beyond great!

I gave Don Juan's 5 stars years ago in my first review. You should read that review. Nothing has changed- it's all still top notch. The point of this re-write is to stress how consistent the quality here is over time. These folks know how to run a restaurant: first, a great menu - second, an immaculately clean dining area that is kept that way at all times - third, staff that are cordial, efficient and happy - fourth, an open kitchen. I could say more but the point is: everything is good all the time. That takes day to day concentration and real management skills. The place is a great success and that is not an accident. read more

We've heard some good reports about this place, finally got around to trying it. Not quite sure why I gave it 2 stars...was clean! But horribly over-priced, uncomfortable seating and NOISY. Not a place to socialize. I had Chile Rellenos, my favorite and the dish I always order when trying a new Mexican place. They are billed as being made with Poblano chiles,which was not the case with mine. The entire meal was lacking in flavor. Husband's fajitas were mostly peppers and onions with SOME chicken...the entire meal was BLAH. I honestly believe my pepper was a plain bell pepper! The Margarita was fair. Will not be back. read more