Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Rafa's Cafe

    3.7 (111 reviews)
    Closed 6:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Rafa's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    EL RAFA'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Rafa's Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Carne guisada, one of the best cg in town!
    Rasiel G.

    Love me some rafas! Some of the best carne guisada in town. This place is usually packed & parking is small. I'm always greeted & seated right away. Service is always good fast & friendly. Get some cg!

    Menudo
    Michaleen C.

    We ended up at El Rafa's The selection of their menu is good. It's like your mama's kitchen and you are her favorite son... (don't be mad now- I didn't make the rules) But we all know I was there for ONE THING only. Let's start with what it is not- No enchilada sauce sazon or consistency No tomato based nothing Not super salty Not served with cilantro or oregano Is not bright red (which is weird to have menudo bright red... it is not normal color of red chili cooked down ) - overall a win What it is- It is served with lemons, onion, diced jalapeno, and homemade tortillas Off the stove top hot Has a touch of 'the stank' when it arrives to the table (which if you get your beef fresh from a place that doesn't scald the tripe this is normal) The soup sazon is caliente with enough kick to get your sweat going The tripe to hominy ratio is 3:1 Plus it is seasoned well, although I would like a more mas- it's like mom's kitchen and you know it is made with love so... Try El Rafa's in San Antonio Service is great They had 5-6 servers for fast service The cooks are on their A game as well... Honestly, the roof might leak but the food and flavor are real... which keeps the seats packed and will have me returning to them for my fix

    My daughter her husband my grandson and great grandson and my daughter brother in law
    Gilberto C.

    Comfortable I guess it was slow service because for all the orders to come out at the same time and when I saw the waitress carrying 5 plates at the time you don't see that often

    Puffy tacos plate
    Carolina E.

    Food was okay, not a fan of the picadillo or the chicken crispy tacos. The carne guisada was good though and a good size taco for $4.39. My kids puffy tacos were like cups with meat and lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. The chalupas also were okay but not our taste. Maybe missing some spices? Very clean restaurant though and our server could have been more attentive. My sisters liked their tacos.

    Outside
    Sophina M.

    My husband had been given really good reviews about this place so instead of taking a left on Fredericksburg that day, which we would normally do to go to a different restaurant, we took a right and ended up here at Rafa's Cafe. Chips and salsa don't hit the table unless you order them, it's $2.50 for the portion which is decent, but the chips were very bland and they gave us warm ranchero sauce in place of actual salsa. That, for me is a no. I ended up getting the Rafas plate and my husband got 3 tacos which were very average because their tortillas on that particular day weren't very good. I think they make them homemade, but they weren't fluffy at all and actually got hard as we sat there. We had leftover tortillas which I will normally take home from a restaurant if they're homemade, but we left them behind. The Rafas plate was very salty. I couldn't enjoy anything but the tostada including the taco. The restaurant looks clean, but the bathrooms were pretty disgusting. I'm worried about what the back of the house looks like. Service was ok but our drinks were never refilled and that salt almost turned me into a raisin.

    Door
    Jose C.

    Well first things first my food and coffee were cold. I understand it was a rainy day and there are so many people to take care of. That is no excuse however, I almost had to eat with no utensils and no straw for my drinks. If the food wasn't really tasty I would of left a one star review. Come on staff do better, this place used to blow my mind...

    Chicken 1 Meat Quesadilla

    See all

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Great food with large portions! The service is excellent! Suggest the Puffy Taco Plate!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Turner P.
    192
    208
    21

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dave L.
    23
    41
    56

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Great place to eat. Is just not affordable I think I was over charge $35 for 8 tacos and 4 drinks?

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark D.
    0
    43
    29

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Very good. Always love their food! Stop in a couple times a month. And friendly staff

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Great little place. Looks like a hole in the wall but you won't be disappointed. Probably the best enchiladas verdes I've had.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Mmmmm...handmade corn tortillas so thick, you'd almost think you were eating cornbread.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mr. C.
    0
    11
    1

    10 years ago

    Probably the only Mexican restaurant that charges you for chips and Chile before a meal...

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    El Rafas is good it's worth it waiting the in the morning I mostly get potatoe and egg but it's good.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - El Rafa's Cafe

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 49,256 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    NOLA- A New Orleans Restaurant - Beignet sampler!

    NOLA- A New Orleans Restaurant

    4.2(1.4k reviews)
    3.3 miDowntown
    $$

    First visit was a walk in on Sunday and it was packed. I welcomed to sit at the bar but later a…read moregirl came up and found didn't have my ID even though I wasn't drinking. Thankfully the hosts found me and my party a table. Our server was bright, communicative, and genuinely attentive. The grits blew my mind with it's rich butter and creamy texture while still have the grain texture. The fried tomatoes were met with a cornmeal fried crispy crunch and a juicy almost like it was marinated in lemon juice for a bit. The bacon was pretty good like a thick chunky sweet bacon strip. I personally like it a bit thinner and more crispy. I like that they offer orange juice and mango juice. My 2nd visit I knew better to get a reservation but it was completely booked when I looked to make a reservation the morning of. It was a Saturday morning. I walked in hoping anyways at 11am. They surprisingly had seats available outside this Texas summer lol. The meat pies were okay a little too greasy. I may be biased on Irish pub style meat pies. The nachos with boudin sauce and a lemon sour cream was out of this world with flavor. It what bean dip wishes it could be. I was so full I couldn't finish it, but I went for that dip. Our server cést comme ci comme ca this time. It like she was just there to get through the day that barely started. I was served a dirty water glass with a lipstick stain on it. My server rarely came by and I had to ask another server to help. Honestly I only tipped the girl server out of manners. I would not accept her as my server ever again.

    I've been to NOLA, the city, during the Madri Gras season, so I was looking forward to trying NOLA,…read morethe restaurant. I had my family join me for brunch, and unfortunately, it left us with questions. The biggest question was, "Where was the favor?" I knew I wouldn't like the chicory coffee, yet there was another option available that I enjoyed more that was a decaf. The child's plate was one of the worst kid's meal values I've seen in a while. It was $10 for one tender and a beignet. The tender was small and left my child wanting more, so I paid $7 for an extra tender. Please consider a plate that has two tenders and fruit or potatoes for older kids since this was sized for a toddler. The $10 Doggy Meal looked like it could have provided that option since it came with grilled chicken, sweet potato, and steamed rice. The adult plates had enough food for an actual meal, so we shared our plates with my child who only wanted more chicken and potatoes at that point. The Bayou BLT was okay, yet nothing to rave about. My husband wasn't impressed with the Blue Crab Omelette, and my aunt said her Catfish St. Charles was very bland. We all had an order of beignets that were tough and chewy. My husband and I have had freshly baked and powdered beignets at Cafe Du Moude, so these tiny versions were a tough sell. What did have flavor? The Bananas Foster pancakes, which was the better dessert option. While the restaurant itself was cute, expect table service to be long. We constantly waited for waitstaff to return to refill coffee, bring napkins, or furnish a needed utensil. Also, the parking will be tight. We were lucky to get spots adjacent to the restaurant rather than offsite, yet you will be watched like a hawk when you attempt to leave. People want those spots. If you want the feel of brunch with okay-ish food at expensive prices, come to NOLA the restaurant. If you're expecting to relive the actual taste of NOLA the city, start booking your next getaway for the real deal.

    Photos
    NOLA- A New Orleans Restaurant - Interior dining area

    Interior dining area

    NOLA- A New Orleans Restaurant - Shrimp & grits

    Shrimp & grits

    NOLA- A New Orleans Restaurant - Catfish St Charles

    See all

    Catfish St Charles

    Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Valencia Hotel Collection - Complimentary coffee in the room

    Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Valencia Hotel Collection

    3.8(607 reviews)
    3.3 miDowntown
    $$

    A Perfect Return to Where Our Forever Began My husband and I…read moregot married at Hotel Valencia one year ago, so getting to return this weekend to celebrate our first wedding anniversary was incredibly special. As part of our wedding package, they were incredibly generous and included two complimentary nights at the hotel and dinner at Dorrego's for us to celebrate. They are truly the absolute best at what they do and really know how to celebrate their guests! Returning to the very place where we said "I do" was already emotional enough, but Hotel Valencia somehow made the experience even more memorable than our first stay. From the moment we arrived, the staff was exactly as we remembered them: kind, attentive, professional, thoughtful, and genuinely wonderful. Our room was absolutely gorgeous, and when we walked in on our first day, we found the sweetest surprise waiting for us: a bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a congratulations message written in chocolate on the plate. I actually teared up a little! It was such a thoughtful and adorable gesture that truly made us feel seen, celebrated, and cared for. There is something so special about Hotel Valencia. The environment is exceptional, the service is always outstanding, and even their gorgeous signature scent instantly brings us back to memories of love, celebration, and adventure. Every little detail feels intentional and memorable. I am so incredibly thankful that we chose Hotel Valencia as the place to celebrate both our wedding and our first anniversary. It will forever hold such a special place in our hearts, and we cannot wait to return again and make even more memories there. Thank you, Hotel Valencia, for helping make two of the most meaningful celebrations of our lives absolutely unforgettable!

    A Wonderful Stay at Hotel Valencia!…read more We absolutely loved our stay at Hotel Valencia on the San Antonio River Walk! The location is perfect step out the front door and you're right in downtown San Antonio. From the hotel restaurant, you can take the stairs or elevator directly down to the River Walk, which makes getting around so easy and convenient. What we especially loved is that this hotel has so much character and charm. It doesn't feel like one of those cookie-cutter chain hotels. We had a balcony, although it was simply too hot during our visit to sit outside and enjoy it. I'm sure it would be wonderful on a cooler evening! The bar and restaurant were both excellent, and the entire staff was friendly and welcoming. A special shout-out to the valet guys they provided wonderful service and were always so helpful. Great location, beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and exceptional service. We would definitely stay here again when we're back in San Antonio!

    Photos
    Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Valencia Hotel Collection - Restaurant/Bar area

    Restaurant/Bar area

    Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Valencia Hotel Collection - Spacious room

    Spacious room

    Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Valencia Hotel Collection - Underwhelming room for over $300/night... it was clean

    See all

    Underwhelming room for over $300/night... it was clean

    Four Brothers

    Four Brothers

    4.2(238 reviews)
    3.4 miDowntown
    $$$

    Another great meal! Our server Brahim provided the perfect service: attentive, thoughtful, kind…read more Really enhanced our meal. For a starter we shared the cornbread with another couple and it was plenty for 4 people. If you are from out of town and looking for some Texas-shaped vittles or just want something substantial to stretch your meal I recommend it! Very tasty and filling. For my main I had the scallops with creamed corn risotto. It was a dainty portion but the flavors were nice. My husband had the short rib tagliatelle which he loved. It was very rich and filling. We had the buttermilk pie again for dessert and this time it tasted sweeter than I remembered. It was good but we couldn't finish it. Idk if it was my tastebuds or if it was different. Anyways still a great meal overall and we will be back!

    Great atmosphere, Great service. The price versus quality doesn't meet! My date had the lamb chops…read more The lamb chops were full of fat and untrimmed, this fat didn't add any flavor. They were cooked medium rare. I don't recommend the lamb. I had the red snapper filet. I was basically. The best thing about the entire meal was dessert! We shared a large slice of butter pie and ice cream. Other than that, the food was average to, not good I made the mistake of going to this tourist spot, inside of the la mansion hotel, $168 later, I can truly say that I would never recommend this restaurant!

    Photos
    Four Brothers
    Four Brothers
    Four Brothers

    See all

    El Rafa's Cafe - mexican - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...