We just moved to the area and noticed there's always a line outside so we gave it a try. The service was great, but the food isn't not sure why everyone lines up to wait. Probably won't be giving it another try. read more

They get an 11/10 from me. Food is flavorful and extremely delicious. Seasoning, taste, etc. is completely spot on and accurate. Even their chips and salsa are to die for. They really know how to cook amazing and authentic Mexican food. You feel like you're back in your grandma's kitchen whenever you eat here. I can't recommend this restaurant enough! Every dish I have tried so far has been extremely delicious and tasty. I really love their buffet and I especially love their famous molcajetes. Plentiful amounts of food and reasonable prices too. The staff is kind, courteous, and very attentive. They regularly check up on your table to make sure you have everything you need. Awesome food, awesome staff, and amazing place. This is definitely one of my go to favorite restaurants of all time. read more

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I recently had brunch here with a girlfriend. I ordered the Huevos Divorciados. My meal was just okay. It came with a cheese enchilada, as well as one egg in green sauce and one egg in red sauce. I didn't really care for the cheese enchilada. However, I really enjoyed their chips, and the salsa was delicious! read more

Fonda Don Chon - Huevos Divorciados - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

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My moms memorial was April 24th and we wanted a place to eat after. My mom's name is Fonda and my parents were from covina. So it was perfect. The service was so wonderful. Our waiter was helpful polite and quick. The food was so yummy. All 10 of us meals were fantastic. The place was very nice and comfortable. We thank you for making our first time to this restaurant wonderful on a sad day. Thanks to our waiter. And Yes we will recommend you and we will be back. Thank you again. My dads salmon was the best he's ever had. And that's great because he gets salmon alot. Thanks read more

AMAZING In my semi-retirement, my on of hobbies is to eat out with friends and we do. I mainly go to the west side and fancy places. Mexican food is one my personal favorites. I can say with hundred percent certainly that Fonda has the best Mexican food I have ever had. It's even better than a couple of places I go to in Pasadena. As for the service, Oscar helped us. He had such a pleasant face that made the food that much tastier. I would come back just to say hello to Oscar. I usually have a beer with my food. But the Dos Equis was so cold snd it was served with a salted glass that I had to have two. The ambiance is not necessarily fantastic, but the food and service makes up for it. Will I come back again: I will gladly make the trip from Encino to Covina for Fonda. read more

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Great Mexican restaurant. Food looks fashionable yet full of flavor. The Menudo is a must.

The food is great and portions are good. I came with my brother, his GF and our 70 year old mother. Our father just died a few months ago so he was unable to join us. The server hit on my brother's girlfriend the ENTIRE TIME and didnt acknowledge that the rest of us existed (except to wave a plastic bag and to go container in our faces). His treatment and behavior was extremely rude and not cute at all. It was very misogynistic and sexist. I believe his name was Oscar D, at least thats what it says on my receipt. Sadly, wont be coming back to be treated poorly again. read more

Fonda Don Chon - Receipt - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

In a little strip mall Cute comfy decor Super friendly service food came out fairly quickly. Serving size is very generous. Everything had good flavor from their chips salsa Rice Carnitas Quesadilla We will be back read more

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Phenomenal Mexican food! One of my favorite restaurants. Excellent customer service for dine-in and takeout. I love their burrito, tacos, chips and salsa, and margaritas. Everything is so delicious and fresh quality. A must-try restaurant if you've never been here and you love Mexican cuisine. read more

Fonda Don Chon - Burrito Panchon (with carne asada and half red/half green sauce). - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

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The food was so good and the server was very attentive and very kind. My dad had the caldo de marisco mixto but without pulpo. Mom had the chile relleno and I had the mojarra frita no rice extra beans. It was all very good. Thank you. We will be back read more

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This spot never disappoints, the food is consistently good and well worth the price Flavorful and fresh with so many choices you gotta make this a go to Sunday brunch buffet With the usual Mexican dishes plus seafood the place is always well staffed with our waiter being very on top of it we had no wait Time on anything coffee tortillas anything we asked for seemed to appear before we even asked. It is ver very clean with staff cleaning the buffet area in between each person serving very friendly even the busboy was kind and friendly to us I think everyone should come try this place read more

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The food is the best in the area! The ambiance is great and the service is awesome I can hardly wait to go back!!

They have the most delicious buffet. Every day they have different soups. Friday they had menudo as part of their buffet. And their buffet is only $19.99. They make their own tortillas. And they have "Cafe de Olla". Love this place. It is so good, that I try to go at off hours, because sometimes there is a line to get seated. read more

Classic quality grandma's kitchen good Mexican fare. Family dining-room atmosphere and great service. Fresh warm chips. Thick spicy salsa. Super tasty empanadas. Loved the flaky crust. I got the Schwarzenegger Taco plate. Seafood cooked perfectly, but a tad too cheesy for me (can't believe I'm saying that). Huge portions. Had two left-over meals from my dish. Perfect the next day with my table's left over beans and rice to balance the cheese. The Fish Taco plate was excellent (glad my dinner companion shared!). This is likely what I'll order next time. Great menu, can't wait to work my way through. Tasty agave wine Margaritas. Be careful, that first one seems light and then that second one knocks you out of the park. read more

Fonda Don Chon - Delicious chips and spicy salsa! Great agave margaritas! There's no doubt I will be back! - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

I haven't been to this place in a while, mainly because many dishes are no longer authentic tasting. I gave it another try recently and it was the same, and overpriced. I hope they go back to their original recipes like when they first opened. read more

Updated Yelp Review: I've been back to this spot a few times since my last visit six years ago, and I realized I hadn't written an updated review--so here I am! This place is always busy, which is a great sign. There's usually a wait, but it goes by quickly thanks to the staff, who are fast, helpful, and on their toes. The operation feels like a well-oiled machine. The décor hasn't changed much--classic and familiar! What we ordered: * Huachinango (Whole Snapper) - $18.99 Absolutely fantastic! The whole fish is deep-fried to perfection--yes, it comes with the teeth and all! It's served with rice, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo, all of which are fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend this dish! * Queso Fundido - $14.99 (plus Chorizo - $4.49) Served in a hot stone pot, this stays gooey and delicious the entire time. It's rich and satisfying, though I recommend pairing it with tortillas (corn or flour) for the best experience--otherwise, it's just a spoonful of hot, oily cheese. * House-Made Tortillas (3) - $1.50 These are a must-try! Both the corn and flour options are fantastic. I'm not sure if they come with the queso fundido--I should've asked. * Tacos a la Parrilla (3 Birria Tacos) - $15.99 Unfortunately, these were a miss for me. The meat was tough, and there was no cheese, which I'm more accustomed to. They also didn't come with a dipping consommé, which was disappointing. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, and pico. I'd put this on the "pass" list for next time. * Filete Don Chon - $21.99 This NY steak comes topped with grilled onions and mushrooms, but the steak itself was tough even though I ordered it medium rare. I actually enjoyed the onions and mushrooms more than the steak. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, and pico. Another one for the "pass" list. * Steak Fajitas - $20.99 A solid dish! Served sizzling hot with bell peppers and onions, plus the usual rice, beans, guacamole, and pico. This was flavorful and satisfying. Would I return? Absolutely! I've been back several times already because there aren't too many sit-down Mexican restaurants in the area. Their chips and salsa are excellent, and when you order the right dishes, the food is delicious. A few items I'll skip next time, but the molcajete with steak ($24.99) is on my must-order list going forward--it's melt-in-your-mouth fantastic! Final verdict: Still worth coming back for the hits! read more

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The best Mexican restaurant in San Gabriel Valley. Taco salad is supreme also tacos. Service amazing. The place to go. This is a must. Food very fresh. 5 stars read more

This place was so good! If you come on the weekend expect to wait an hour or so. It's a buffet style breakfast restaurant with endless Mexican food. Enchiladas, chilaquiles, carne con chile, fruits, posole, menudo, a fried bar and also a ceviche bar! With fresh juices made to order, micheladas! You name it it's there. It was $25 for all you can eat! So worth it!! read more

Enjoyed a tasty filling and warming lunch. Server was very attentive and friendly. Food was delicious and amply portions. Enjoyed marisco mixto with more than 5 different mariscos and vegetables cooked in a delicious mild broth. Chicken empanadas and a mild green dipping sauce were very tasty and filling. The fresh side salad was perfect, all greens and vegetables were very fresh not a single wilted leaf. Perfecto! read more

Fonda Don Chon - Sopa de marisco mixto, perfect ample serving with condiments and fresh made corn tortillas. Felt like mom's cooking. - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

Perfect example of fresh authentic Mexican cuisine. The service was amazing from the greeters to the wait staff. Wait staff constantly checking for trash from other tables to keep the dining areas clean, read more

Reson there is a line to get in. Food is the real Mexican food mama make. Been there a long time. read more

Been coming to Fonda Don Chon for a number of years now. And, it's always consistently amazing. Service is on point. Fast, friendly, and caring. The food is amazing and it's why we keep going back! The atmosphere is fine. Nothing to write home about but that's not why you come here. It's in a super old and dated strip mall that badly needs some love. But, if you can get over that, then you get to enjoy all that Fonda Don Chon offers! It's the second place I ever had a Molcajete bowl (they have various sizes and options) and it's awesome! Def enough to share as it's packed full of meat and various goodies, such as peppers, cheese, onions, and more. I highly recommend sharing the Queso Fundido appetizer. It comes out bubbling hot in a molcajete bowl. And, I love my food hot!! We've been with large family parties and just to hang with friends, like this trip. Whatever your reason, if you've got a hankering for some amazing Mexican food, go to Fonda Don Chon!! read more

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Honestly if I can put zero stars I would.. First the lady that answered the phone was really rude and rushing me to put in my order... honestly I was ok with that but then I bring my food home which were two plates one of green enchiladas and one with red and my food was awful... funny flavor on the meat and rice was flavorless also the tortillas weren't cooked... very disappointed won't be coming again... read more

Went in on a Saturday morning for breakfast. It was busy so we waited almost an hour. Unfortunately there were no benches for people to sit. Most patrons were standing or sat on the sidewalk. Finally made it inside,well to the patio. It was a little uncomfortable eating in front of people who were waiting. It was a bit too chaotic for my blood.Maybe too much going on. The service was good though. The food comes out very fast. Although I'm not a big fan of super hot plates. Makes you wonder. I ordered eggs and cactus which were very bland. Lacked flavor and salt. Also tried their cheese enchiladas. Those were better. We did enjoy their chiles toritos. Filled with cheese and shrimp. My cafe de olla was very sweet.The prices are fair for the area. We left feeling disappointed to be honest. Was expecting more. read more

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Horrible service also charged me 12.99 for giving my 2 year old a bowl of fruit from the buffet so crazy server raul was very rude when i was asking him about my bill will never go again read more

Service, service, service! This restaurant has it down!!!! We read great "near" 5 star reviews. Ive heard a few times how great it is. But I mean...it just started to spring drizzle and to avoid the crowd, son and I opted to sit outside. They have heatlamps yall!!! There was no wait! The staff gave us an option. Im a vegetarian, and they had me at no lard in the food. Yess! I ordered a hibiscus margarita on the rocks. Delish. He put a lil drizzle of chamoi and tajin. I loved it. He brought a sample of pomagranate margarita also to try. By the time we left the masses had arrived! The food was great. I like the generous blop of pico de gallo, guac and roasted salsa. Great experience and at least 4 employees checked on me. 5 stars !!! read more

Food is good Service is good Portions are huge Free parking Ambience is cool. Can't complain about anything. But I usually eat Mexican takeout. This is more sit down plates read more

Fonda Don Chon - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

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My #145 Review for 2024 Overall rating 2 1/2 Stars for the service. Chorizo and eggs 2 1/2 Stars Beans- horrible - Negative 1 Star beans were watery..Gross Potatoes- negative one star Service: 4 Stars**** **¡Una visita decepcionante en Fonda Don Chon!** Let me start by saying, ¡Ay, caramba! I had high hopes for Fonda Don Chon, expecting to uncover the heart and soul of Mexico nestled right here in Covina. But alas, my amigos, the reality fell short of the hype. Arriving with a squad of eight hungry souls, they dove headfirst into the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet priced at $22. And let me tell you, the spread was as vast as the Mexican desert itself. From salads to pan dulce to enchiladas, the options seemed promising. I didn't get it because the food didn't look that good, and its all smoothed together so, when someone grabs a spoonful from one food tray they drip into the others, so Gross, and the kitchen help is banging into you eff. However, I marched to the beat of a different mariachi band and opted for something off the menu - the Eggs with sausage chorizo, beans, and potatoes. Now, the chorizo and eggs danced a flavorful tango on my taste buds, a departure from the traditional chorizo I'm accustomed to. But oh, the beans! ¡Ay, Dios mío! I couldn't even find words to describe the taste, it was as if they were on a mission to defy all culinary norms. One bite, and I was sending them back to the kitchen faster than you can say "arriba." As for the potatoes, well, let's just say they weren't the heroes of the plate either. My meal barely scraped by with a meager 2-star rating. While Fonda Don Chon stumbled in the Mexican cuisine department, their buffet seemed to be the golden child of the establishment, much to my bewilderment. Yet, amidst the culinary chaos, I must applaud the stellar service. The staff were as attentive as abuelita watching over her tamales, but alas, the love didn't trickle down to my plate. Adiós for now, perhaps until your menu decides to sing with the same passion as your buffet line. read more

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Can't believe you paid $90 for three plates and you only get three tiny salsa. It's always been that way here and I don't know why can't cost that much to make salsa. And to top it off, they changed their Carne Asada used to be real good and flavorful now it's just a piece of meat. But the wife likes the food so every now and then. read more

If you go before 5 pm on a weekend, you can get seated quickly. We like the patio because it's less cramped than the main dining room. Service is efficient and speedy. My favorite combination plate is the carne asada, molé chicken enchilada, chile relleno with rice and beans. Only thing I would improve is to put some molé sauce on the interior of the burrito since the shredded chicken is a bit dry. My husband's favorite is the deep fried red snapper. He gets it almost every time! One of our family ordered the shrimp ceviche which had a refreshing lime, lightly spiced marinade. The Burrito Panchon, wet style, was huge. I always have leftovers and we ordered chips and salsa to go. We did request guacamole for our dinner, but the server didn't hear the order, I guess. But guacamole was present on my combo plate, so that was ok. read more

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Having had this bookmarked for ages, I finally decided to try this spot. We came for the lunch buffet today, and it was $17.99 a person, I believe. I had a 2 year old and 4 year old with us today, and we were told that both kids would be charged, even if they picked a little off our plates. We enjoyed everything at the buffet. It wasn't a huge selection, but everything was flavorful, and the meats were super tender. We especially loved the carnitas and enchiladas. They also had some salad options and fruits for dessert. I didn't try the salads, but everything looked fresh. We did order the Mexican nachos. The portion was really big. Sadly the cheese was stuck together and hardened. However, the carnitas were super well flavored and delicious. There were many things on the menu that sounded delicious, so I will have to return to try more of the a la carte next time. read more

We went for a late lunch today and it was so good! The service was great. I really liked our waiter. The food was amazing one of the best molcajete we had the one with chicken steak and two type of shrimp. Chef's kiss! My mom and I shared it and to be honest my bf could of not got his food and we could of all ate from it. My bf got flautas and they were yummy too. We will definitely be coming back. The waiter also mention they have buffet style everyday from 9am-3pm. I really want to try that next. read more

Food and service are the best. Real great tasting Mexican food!! Check out their banquet service.

I LOVED the flan; so so so good y'all need to try, waiting time was long asf but they were a hella busy so I get that. Service was good overall, atmosphere was chill, their enchiladas were good too, but they looked a bit weird ? read more

Fonda Don Chon - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

The occasion was my husband's birthday and our nephew's recommended this restaurant. We're very picky about our Mexican food because it's our culture. Everything we ordered was delicious, good portions and nice presentation. The molcaquete dish was beautiful and filled with something for everyone at the table. Mole sauce on enchiladas didn't disappoint. Aguachiles, fish tacos and fajitas! All good. With their margaritas it was a very nice evening. Service was also excellent. Highly recommend. read more

So the bionicos plaved next door mvoed to the Fonda To Go location. So now while eating at Fonda Don Chon, u can order aguas frescas the bionico spot had. Hear me out - agua de coco & mazapán..1/2 and 1/2 but also order a cup of water bc it's pretty sweet. The combination is so fire! My family and i are fans of their Sunday buffet. The chilaquiles, rice, beans, pasta salad, quinoa salad, tacos de papa, potato wedges, enchiladas (i got a little of everything. It was all so good! My parents also got salad, atole, menudo and mentioned how much hey liked everything as well. And our waiter was super attentive even with a full house! Be aware that even if your child hardly eats, if u place a plate in front of them, you will get charged for a buffet (child). I asked what the min age was and they said as long as we place a plate in front of the child, they'll add the charge. read more

We came here as we were waiting for our car across the street at the Covina Kia dealership. It was recommended by the Kia sales rep and what a great recommendation! The service was friendly and the food was authentic, flavorful, and filling. We saw another couple eating the Molcajete VIP dish. We never heard of Molcajete but it looked good, so my wife and I decided to order it. I highly recommend it as every portion of it was yummy! The corn tortillas were soft and authentic. The rice and beans were tasty. All the meats in the molcajete were delicious. The only thing that was just ok was the chicken as it was a bit dry. If we are in the area, we will be coming again. read more

Fonda Don Chon - Molcajete VIP - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

The food is aways okay decent and awesome vibe. I ordered the molcajete as an appetizer but the cheese volcano might not be an every time i come here kinda order lol my poor stomach can only take so many heavy hits. The buffet is definitely back for lunch for 18.00 but decided to just order off the menu but the buffet spread did look hot and fresh! Looks like they keep it refreshed pretty often. I ordered the mole and it was tasty but I wish there was more rice(because there was barely any) and maybe some tortillas to come with all that sauce and chicken. The enchilada rancheras was pretty bland..there was no sauce just a tomato and onion saute and some cheese on top of the already bland flavorless shredded chicken...the same flavorless shredded chicken that was also in the hard shell tacos. Please dont tell me authentic means less flavor. They can dress a plate pretty well visually but theres no thought behind the dishes you need substance. I want to desperately love this restaurant for its great service and ambiance but I really would like to love the food as well. read more

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Came here on a weekday afternoon, not too busy but the ambiance was nice and the waiter was very friendly. I got the shrimp, mango, and avocado salad and I was blown away by the presentation of it. For a salad, it was very delicious and I don't doubt that the other food selections are great as well. P.S. I found this sign on the front door amusing read more

Fonda Don Chon - Amusing sign - Mexican Near Me - Covina, California

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Had a last minute request for catering items for a vigil. Jimmy and his crew were very friendly and accommodating. The food received several rave reviews from guests. Thank you all at Fonda for making things much easier for us during these trying times....The Pauly's Project Crew and Paul Avila Family read more