Stopped by Don Luis and had a really great experience. The restaurant feels comfortable and welcoming right when you walk in. It has that classic local spot atmosphere where you can actually relax and enjoy your meal. I ordered the shrimp plate and it was delicious. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and full of flavor, and the portions were generous. Everything tasted fresh and homemade, not rushed or overly heavy. My daughter really enjoyed her meal, and the staff was great. The overall experience felt relaxed and enjoyable. read more

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Ordered Sopas & # 16 Both hot and full of flavor Excellent service Facility clean and homey read more

Awesome Margarita's! Friendly small town staff prompt service. Can't wait to come back and try the food!

Great food, nostalgic decorations/neat location, parking in front or out back, in door and outdoor dining, excellent food, diverse menu with something for everyone, reasonable prices. Friendly wait staff with quick kitchen service. My mom and I had Chilaquiles with green tomatillo sauce and two hard cooked eggs. First time I had this meal with flour tortilla chips. The read more

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We came here for a quick lunch with colleagues on a weekday. It was not very busy and the service was quick. It was a lot of food. None of us were able to finish it all. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was excellent. read more

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This was the most disappointing meal that we've had in a long time. They forgot my Taco in my Luis special. The chili relleno was horrible. The batter wasn't even connected to the chili. Too much sauce on everything. And then you charge for the take out containers. Seriously I've never paid 1.50 for take out containers. How did you expect us to get it home? We will never be back. I live in the county and will definitely be sharing of our horrible May 5th experience. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

Service was perfect, I got chilaquiles for breakfast and my boyfriend got the breakfast burrito and neither of us could stop raving about how delicious everything was. If I could give 6/5 stars I would! Loved the vibe inside this restaurant and the music was at a perfect volume! read more

Great service and the food was delicious very clean and inviting lots of choiceson

So this place is 50/50. The chips and salsa, beans, and beef enchilada are good. But the chicken taco has no seasoning and the rice was not the best tasting. But more than anything they need to get control of the gnat problem, you can't take one bite without a gnat buzzing at your face or coming to your food. The service was great but the gnats drove me completely insane. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - #8 chicken taco and beef enchilada. Beans were amazing and so was the beef enchilada. The rice and chicken taco not so much. - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

Don Luis's food has gotten much better. Everyone was happy with what they ordered including the kids (grilled cheese and chicken strips w/fries). There were eight of us so it took awhile to get a table big enough (walk in, no reservation). Then it took awhile to get our drink orders taken. But it all worked out fine. The burritos we ordered were large enough for two meals. The interior is rather eclectic. Lots of football "stuff".... Helmets, trophies, pennants etc. But also some random things...... commemoration plaque for the first moon walk and other random stuff. Wait staff was very friendly and got what we needed even though they were very busy. Would definately eat here again. read more

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Delicious food! Great prices and huge portions. We came in about 1130 a.m. on a Saturday with only a couple of tables before us and by noon it was full inside and outside (patio service as well) please come and visit. It's Delicious read more

Options are limited in Ione so this may be the only Mexican Restaurant around. It is not very authentic but I assume that's the preference of its normal clientele. My family has been twice, but the last visit was a pretty bad experience so I'm not sure we'll be back. We came after visiting Preston Castle during Halloween time so it seemed to be their busy season. We arrived around 8pm just after the dinner rush had died down. Unfortunately, the service was horrible and really left us dissatisfied. Food is edible, but not good. The place is small so we had to wait a bit for a table to clear. When it did, the server did a really poor job of clearing the table and there was still trash/food left when they asked us to be seated. We ended up grabbing a rag off the counter to clean it ourselves. We ordered drinks next but didn't get any for at least 10 minutes. When our server brought our silverware/napkins, she dropped one on the floor and it unraveled. She picked it up and handed it to my stepmother, in its unraveled state after the silverware had been on the floor. We had to get up and ask for a new one. That was really shocking to us and very unsanitary. Getting our food was pretty slow after that, in total it took us about 90 minutes from start to finish from the time we were seated. The food itself was ok, but not good. It's very bland. They have a ton of combos but honestly, most items blend together in taste. The portion size is pretty big, but the food is VERY Expensive as you're a captive audience in the tiny town of Ione. I wasn't very impressed with my meal either time we went to this restaurant and plan to look for a different place to try next time we are in town. Maybe if you prefer gentrified Mexican food and don't mind slow/lousy service then you may be more impressed. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Combo #6 - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

Came here a couple years ago and thought it was excellent. My most recent visit I'd downgrade a bit and probably wouldn't go out of my way to revisit. Service was excellent but the chicken in my taco was very dry. read more

Great Food With Variety Of Options - vegetarian, pescatarian and non vegetarian Fried fish - best! Ground beef - could've been better but a bit chewy for the palate and under seasoned. Service was very good Ambiance very unique with lot of antiques. Will come visit again! read more

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Such a nice experience. Employees were so kind. Food came fast and was so good! I enjoyed every bite and my time spent there.

Worst thing ever is driving in the middle of nowhere & hunger strikes . Had seen this place prior to camping in Plymouth . On our way heading back , I was starving & from the pics the food looked pretty decent. They had a nice outdoor patio in the back. They brought out chips & salsa. I really like the salasa . If was very zesty and had lots of tomatoes and a bit spicy with a hint on oregano . It was pretty addicting I couldn't stop eating the chips & salsa. We got the tampiqueno. It had steak which had the best marbling with pieces of fat mmm it was cooked to perfection . It also came with 2 chicken enchiladas , beans & cheese & a side of Mexican rice . The dish was so satisfying & really satiated our cravings for some delicious Mexican food . So glad we ordered that dish ! 100% recommend & the portion was humongous . Can't believe I ended up eating the whole dish in one sitting. The service here was really great . We ordered the Jamaica and didn't end up liking it too much so they switched it with horchata . The horchata here is really good ! Definitely come by if you want some delicious Mexican food. I'll be back again . read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Tampiquena 5/5 sooo delicious - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

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Everything about this restaurant stands out as exceptional from the quality of the food, the very generous portions, the awesome wait staff and reasonable prices. Also the owner makes everything fresh every morning to guarantee consistent quality. Don Luis is our favorite restaurant in Amador County. read more

Food Quality: that the foods are generally good especially those traditional dishes. That's a positive aspect worth highlighting. Service Experience: It's unfortunate that I felt there was a difference in how I were treated based on my background. Service should ideally be consistent and respectful regardless of who the customer is. Pricing: it is important to mentioned that the prices seem unreasonable. I feel that the portion sizes or quality don't match the cost, that's a valid concern to bring up, either directly to the restaurant or through reviews. In-Person Dining: Since i haven't tried eating in, my perspective might change if I have experience their in-house service. Sometimes, the ambiance and service style differ when dining in., I might definitely plan to give feedback directly to the restaurant, I will consider mentioning all the issue that needed to be brought up for a positive improvement. This is just my own opinions. read more

First off, this is a taco truck, not a sit-down restaurant--so if you're expecting that kind of experience, look elsewhere. I ordered a vegetarian burrito, thinking it would be a safe and simple choice: rice, beans, cheese, and sour cream. I specifically asked for no spice, but the burrito I received was both spicy and overly greasy. On top of that, the cheese and sour cream were barely there--definitely not what I expected for $11. Sadly, this was a letdown, and I won't be coming back. read more

Foods not bad but disappointing on a rainy day but not too much soups option so I have to get the chicken soup If you want yummy soups is only Friday-Sunday. Monday-Thursday is only for eating n drinking not for soups even if it rains r snow read more

Came in on a Saturday night....quite packed...only got margaritas because unfortunately the wait was quite long and we were on a timed schedule...we let the waitress know we had to go and asked for the bill. Mauricio, the owner then came out and apologized and gave us our drinks on the house. I wished we could go back and try the food, but we have to leave town. Would come back if we're e er hear again. Thank you Mauricio for the hospitality. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

Not too sure how this is considered "Mexican food", this is the most horriblest Mexican food I have had. Burrito is super bland, and half the size of a typical super burrito serving; but cost almost double than what it would in a Taqueria. The burrito was so dry. I almost had to buy a case of water to swallow it down. You're better off going to Subway or something else in this same neighborhood . read more

I have been coming to this restaurant for about 15 or 18 years. I always get the pork soup. My family members look at whatever they like last night we were in there for my mother's 86th birthday. The food was too salty and I love salt and the service was so slow. I was very disappointed. read more

Been going here my whole life. When I moved out of the town I was heartbroken, but I make the trip down here every year sometimes more than once to enjoy some authentic Mexican food. It is truly the best I have ever had. The restaurant itself is beautiful and clean. And the staff are just amazing. I can't wait till I go back! read more

We decided to come in here for dinner while in town and we were pleasantly surprised. I was surprised how nice it was inside and loved the decor. I wasn't really hungry but boy a margarita sure sounded good. Hubby got a few street tacos with all different meats and we got the appetizer carnitas quesadilla. I also ordered a blended mango margarita which was basically a meal in itself. Everything was delicious and we ended up taking most of the quesadilla home and had it the next day and it was still wonderful reheated. They have a pretty extensive menu with something for everyone, so come in order a few margaritas eat some chips and salsa and see what looks good to you. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Mango margarita - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

Really enjoyed dinner tonight - 1st time here, considering moving to Ione. If Don Luis and their employees Tina and Alejandro are representative of this quaint little town, then we are definitely moving here! Excellent service, excellent food and Tina and Alejandro are excellent! read more

This was our first time going to this restaurant, and we love Mexican food. I read a lot of reviews where the service was terrible even when there were not a lot of people there. When we arrived, there were quite a few tables occupied, and the service was amazing. Even when we had our food, the cook came out from the kitchen and asked if we wanted a separate plate for our son. We had the $16 plate with a tamale and chile relleno and the $20 plate with a steak ranchero, enchilada, chile relleno, and a taco. Unfortunately, my $16 plate was swimming in water, I believe from the chile relleno being defrosted. The chile inside was a pale green color, and the outside was very soggy. I didn't even eat it. The rice, beans, and tamale were great. The $20 plate chile relleno was the same, and there were only three pieces of steak in the steak ranchero. Overall, it wasn't crazy bad food. It was good food, besides the chili relleno. I think they at least deserve a three star because the staff were amazing and the rest of the food was edible; but I would not go here again. :( read more

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Very hit or miss business, especially on any moderately busy day, we've been numerous times with VERY mixed receptions. Went today for dinner (and it was a ghost town in there) with the family and ended up leaving after an hour and a half of not receiving ANY of our food, nobody checking in on us, no comps after the fact, etc. Absolutely blown away that the service was this atrocious, we are locals and I do not think we will be returning, ended up taking our business to Villarta Grill in Martell and actually got some dinner believe it or not, would recommend that business over Don Luis 10x's over, absolutely let down that the owner let this place take a nose dive like this. read more

The food was better than I expected, and was definitely a nice eatery when coming back from Preston's Castle. The aesthetic inside is nice and unique, capitalizing on the town's landmarks. The food itself is not bad. Great portions for the price point. Chilaquiles: 5/5. Steak was okay while the chilaquiles itself was *chef's kiss*. The sauce was flavorful albeit the tortilla could have been a little more crisp. Steak and enchiladas: 4/5. The steak was better than the enchiladas, which were not flavorful and actually kind of sour? Overall this dish dimmed in comparison to the chilaquiles. Food took a bit of time even though there weren't that many people there but the servers were friendly. Would come again if I'm in the area. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Chilaquiles with Steak - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

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We stopped by this place on our way home to pick up a couple of burritos, when we got home, my husband cut into his burrito and he found multiple chunks of burnt Carnitas, he also found several bay leaves, they put the sauce for the burritos in containers meant for solid food so the sauce leaked all over, we both realized after we ate. There were no beans in the burrito at all, and that is the number one ingredient as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't normally complain, but these burritos were $20 each and for what we got they weren't even worth five dollars. read more

The micheladas are to die for! Once I saw it I had to change my mind on what I was going to order because it's a whole meal in of itself. I had two shredded beef crispy tacos and my guy had the machaca. Both were very good. Cute ambience and great service. Can't ask for anything more. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

Went here back in October before headnig to Preston Castle, and it was busy. But not THAT busy. We were seated right away (without menus), and that's where the quickness ended... We waited for 15 minutes before anyone even acknowledged us and brought us menus. Then we waited.... again Someone came around to take our drink order, and she seemed like she was mad at us or we were inconveniencing her by being there. Then a minute later, someone else came by to take our drink order... then we waited... We finally got the mad waitress by again to take our order but still no drinks... Finally got our food... still no drinks. Drinks finally came halfway through us eating our dinner. I will say the food was tasty and maybe worth the wait? Then we were done and waited for our check... and waited and finally had to ask for our check. Some of the people were nice, but the services needs some serious improvements. I have no plans to ever return... read more

IF YOU ARE PATIENT - The food is the best you may ever have! i don't know how they do it but there food is downright amazing and the best I have ever had! And I just got back from vacation in Mexico! The first time I was there I had a beef dish and the quality of the sauce was authentic and made with fresh ingredients! You can just tell by the brightness and flavors bursting in your mouth. Somebody knows what they are doing! This recent visit we were there at breakfast time and I had the breakfast burrito with carne asada. I was so happy to be able to get any meat on the burrito and not just breakfast meat. OUTSTANDING! With a choice of hash browns or country potatoes I chose the country potatoes and was amazed at the perfectly cooked russet potatoes which are normally so starchy, nope, not these! And the flavors of the fresh cut onion and peppers with the potatoes... also the best I have ever had! Check out the pic, the cheese perfectly oozed out of the cross section. Seriously! My husband had the Spanish omelet and said it was the best omelette he has ever had. He couldn't get over how fluffy the eggs were! The downside of this restaurant is that they take forever with the service and to receive the food. The staff is very nice, but for some reason they are one speed and it is SLOW! But as I said... dang the food is worth the wait! read more

Go when Francisco is cooking. If you make sure of that, you will have a wonderful experience of flavors!

Fun little stop in the middle of such a tiny town! We were looking for a place to see a football game and linger over dinner. Just the spot. We were very impressed that the collection of helmets were arraigned in the order of the games that weekend, pro and college! The food was good, not great, but the feel was welcoming and we will most likely return. read more

Great service and great food! We are looking forward to our next visit to Ione and meal at Don Luis Restaurant!

Service and temperature control certainly need more attention. Food is excellent. Getting refills of salsa & drinks is impossible.

Husband works down here every year for a couple months. Came here a few years ago when I came down to visit and the food, service, and everything was great. Was so excited when I came down and planned for dinner here once again........that's where my review starts. When we arrived there were very few people (only two others). We sat outside in the patio area. We waited patiently for anyone to acknowledge us. Finally one of the other patrons went and got a waitress. We ordered drinks which came out finally. Then we waited and waited and then waited for her to come back to take our order. Finally we ordered. Then waited and waited. Mind you while we were waiting for a looong time we seen absolutely no staff come out to check on anyone. Husband wanted a water which he had ordered along with his beer but never received and we could never order since no one came out. Finally my plate of food came out . My husband ordered fajitas and his sides came out. About 5 minutes later his plate of fajitas came out (not sizzling like they should be) but no tortillas. About 5 minutes later we got his tortillas. By this time my plate of food has about 20 flies flying around. I spent more time worrying about eating a fly than enjoying my food. Finally I gave up as more flies arrived. The flavor of the food is good but not worth the hassle of fighting flies for my food. Also after we got our food we did not see our waitress til we finally chased her down for our bill. We did see 5 people walk by and go out back but none of them even made eye contact or even smiled. I felt bad for the people who came in after us. I could tell by the looks on their faces after watching them wait 15 minutes to be acknowledged. Very sad for a Saturday night dinner. read more

Don Luis Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Ione, California

They charged me $16.13 on one container of salsa. Just salsa. No chips. I'm pretty sure I was overcharged.

Great food and drinks. Had the mocahetee and it was incredible. Michelada was also phenomenal. Nice lip spot in ione. Lots of options to choose from. We will be back to try some other items. read more