First time in Pasadena and we're looking for good local food. Don'Key was raved about in a few articles about local restaurants so we decided to give them a try. First off, place looks amazing. A down home joint. Tina, our server, was excellent. Water was always full, attentive but not overbearing. Wonderful lady. But the food! OMG! This place is heaven! Tamales are so flavorful and the chili sauce is tasty. The chalupas were delicious as well. We're going to be back-we HAVE TO! That drive from Georgetown will be worth it. read more

Me and my husband have been coming to the donkey for many years and we have never been treated as bad as we were treated today, this review is strictly about the service only! Let me start out by saying I am a restaurant supervisor and my husband worked in the restaurant industry for 10 years himself, we understand the ins and outs and frustrations that come with it! As soon as we walked in SHANA the bartender seemed to be bothered with our presence, no smile very cold and to the point, we ordered 2 drinks and a queso and my husband asked her if she could turn the tv to the world cup game because professional skateboarding was currently playing, he also told her the exact channel it was on to make it easier for her, she paused and instantly seemed annoyed she also did not put it on the world cup like we asked she put it on some baseball game, she proceeded to not check on us after we had no chips and my husbands drink was getting very low, she seemed to be too worried about what we assume were regulars on the other side of the bar to even ask us if we would like anything else. Severall minutes go by and she finally asks if my husband would like another drink, we had to ask about more chips and salsa. We started to feel uncomfortable and even contemplated leaving and going to Jimmy changas down the road for food, we opted to stay and just order food Togo, we mentioned we were gonna get food in a bit, I looked at the menu to see what I was getting and put the menu down indicating that we were ready to order, SHANA still never came by, still talking to others. A man then came in and sat next to us and he had asked her to change the tv to the world cup she instantly did it without any hesitation or attitude which then made us feel more uncomfortable as we had been there for an hour and a half, at that point my husband chose to watch it on his phone which is UNACCEPTABLE! We further notice any new patrons that came in received a very much more welcoming experience than us, we never received a thankyou or your welcome throughout the whole visit. She stood by the margarita machines and I noticed her look our way so I politely told her we were ready to order and she gave us more hesitation, at this point we were feeling more like a bother. We ended up getting our food Togo and immediately left after paying. When she dropped off our check she then let us sit there for a moment before acknowledging that we were ready to go. I then asked if she had the card on file and she asked if everything was correct on the receipt but with an attitude and I said yes, you can run the card. She then took several minutes and opted to make the regulars more drinks before running our card on file which I know only takes a few seconds. Several times throughout our visit she wouldn't even look in our direction as she would speak, when it was time to return our check to us she looked to the ground and just handed me the check on the clipboard to sign and we NEVER received a thankyou, Not one word, at this point me and husband decided not to tip her anything at all. And as I said before he was once in the industry and I still am and we know how bartenders live off tips but our experience was so awful that I couldn't give her anything, It cost $0 to be nice and put on a smile. I again want to clarify this has nothing to do with the food or any other experience we've had there. It was just SHANA who was extremely rude and ruined our experience. This review shouldn't impact the business but she might impact your business with her bad attitude and rudeness to paying patrons! We will return of course but if we ever see her again we are turning away and going down the street. read more

We love Donkey! The wings are some of the best ever! Today's visit was marked by one of the best servers, Taylor! Ask for her! She will make your visit enjoyable and accommodating! Been coming to the Donkey for 30+ years and it will always be a favorite! Yummy food! Yummy margaritas! Great atmosphere!! Everything you could want in a Mexican restaurant!! read more

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The restaurant is like stepping in into Mexico. It's freaking awesome. The food is great. The ambience is perfecto! It is a must try in the area. read more

The Don'Key Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, Texas

The best TexMex in town with legendary DonKeyritas. Great staff, ask for Taylor Taylor. read more

The Don'Key Mexican Food - DonKeyritas - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, Texas

Keep people that take care of the customers. No one goes there to actually eat. The food is overpriced for the mediocre stuff they give.

I've been coming here for 20 years and have never wrote a review. I'm only doing it because we went Sunday after the storm and requested the patio. The hostess said they just got slammed so the waitress may not give us good service. I told her I didn't mind. We are pretty easy going and totally understand. She said "well you say that now but then you may write a yelp review complaining". I totally see her point so that's why I'm here :) Jill was amazing as always. She's always so sweet and chats when she gets the chance. She's one of our favorites along with Jeff and Kevin (the bartender). We always get the Meltdowns and enjoy the patio. It's our main reason we go there. Sometimes we go and just fill up on Don'Key Balls and wings and sometimes we go get real meals. This place has been around forever and never disappoints! read more

This place is not bad at all. But I might be one of those semi-new-to-town people who doesn't understand all the hype. After all, I have a love affair with certain haunts from my locale that others don't get. The atmosphere here is fun. Clean. Plenty of room. -- It's also as loud as a Metallica concert. Some of that is to be blamed on the acoustics. But it's also the clientele. During my visit, a supervisor was buying dinner for a bunch of his plant workers. They were fine. He, on the other hand, should hope that no one was recording him. I looked over my shoulder at him to make eye contact and say "Really?" But his eyes were too glazed over to even realize I existed. This otherwise felt like a place for locals. For example, one dude was giving a server a difficult time. Come to find out, she was his wife and it was all in fun. I can dig a place like that. Service on our visit was excellent. I cannot remember our server's name, but she was attentive, friendly, and a little bit smart-ass. I totally love the combination! The food here is old school gooey Tex Mex. If I didn't regularly eat at another local joint that uses real cheese in their enchiladas, I might appreciate the melty processed goo served here (and at so many other places). My tamale had decent flavor, but it had the consistency of mush. That's a common thing, but I don't like it. The rice is al dente. Very nice. The borracho beans were also divine, as were the crispy flautas, which were fried -- but not greasy -- and served crisp. Chips and salsa are complimentary here, and they are good. Chips were thin and served hot. The green salsa, which is among the better verdes I've sampled in the area, is served cold and is a delicious combo of avocado, cilantro and perhaps tomatillo? Though I tend to shake my head when red salsas are served warmed, this place was different. The red salsa would be among the best I've experienced around here if served cold. Amazingly, the flavors popped regardless. Excellent red! Bottom line: I would definitely return here. It might be fun to add to the noise with a group of friends. But there are plenty of better Tex Mex options nearer to my home. read more

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Let's talk about why I gave this place a five stars in my review. I used to come here when I lived in Pasadena during my undergrad campaign. It was brutal. But the Don'Key was always there when I needed it. Parking: what used to be a small muddy pit is now a large parking lot. You shouldn't have a problem finding a place to park your junk. Service: there was quite a line on a Thursday night. We waited maybe 15 to 20 minutes to get in. For what you're getting, I would say that that's entirely doable. It's not a pricey adventure, and the food is clutch. We'll get there. Our server Cheyenne, was fantastic. Excellent knowledge of the menu, and made very good suggestions based on what we were talking about. We didn't have to wait long for anything. Drinks, food, getting our order taken, all happened very quickly. Food: This was the first place that I had ever gotten queso flameado before, so of course I had to try it 10 years later. It's still every bit as good as I remember it. I know what you're thinking. It's just cheese and tortilla, but it's really good cheese and tortillas. Lupe M. enjoyed a phat order of the Don'Key Balls. He could barely finish them off. We were mostly full after the appetizers, but we persevered through two orders of margaritas into entrees. Lupe went with fajitas for one, that could actually be finished by two people. I went with a large chicken covered in cheese and green sauce. It was delicious for 2 days after that. It's hard to find a tex mex joint I really like, and this one holds up a decade later. Food is solid, drinks are great, and service was excellent. It hit all the right spots. If only it was closer.. read more

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Nice place. Busy but they seated me quickly. My server was really nice and was quick to get my drink and take my order. The Spicy Shrimp were a must! read more

My server. 5 stars. Location 5 stars. Ambience five stars. The food . 3 maybe. Food. The love wasn't there. Gringos's is 10x better than here. Sorry I won't be back. read more

I went here for lunch on a Friday and the place was packed! I got their lunch pick two option which I think was the problem. I chose a cheese enchilada and a soft taco. I thought the taste of the food was ok, nothing really amazing. But I think that I ordered the wrong thing. Tbh I would be willing to go back and try a different item. The service was really great, our waitress was fast, nice, and the food came out very quickly. read more

Service was great, food was ok, ambiance is casual and the staff are all great and attentive. Very friendly all around. Made everyone feel welcomed. I would recommend. Ordered the fajita combo nachos and those were delicious. The shrimp cocktail was just ok, and the person who ordered the enchiladas said they were dry. Great variety of items on menu. Looks like they have plenty of adult drinks. Outside seating is available which is good too because it was cold inside. I would recommend at least to try them out. read more

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The food was pretty good and the wait staff was fine. Nothing spectacular. check it out and compare it to others that you've been to in your area. read more

been going there for over 20 years. now live in the woodlands and will make a road trip just for the food. our favorite server retired about 2 years ago, but the staff has always been great! want to take a road trip for lunch! read more

The food and service were fantastic. Don't let the shabby exterior fool you. Much better than the corporate chain restaurants.

Our favorite place for margaritas and enchiladas! Not once have we been and not been satisfied with the food and service. read more

The Don'Key Mexican Food - (2) cheese, (1) bf enchilada with a Donkey-Rita - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, Texas

We tried to eat there earlier this evening but your waiter was so incredibly rude we got up and walked out. We did let your hostess know he's the reason we all left. She tried to seat us closer to the front and we asked to be seated away from the front and I guess he didn't feel like waiting on us. Very rude behavior! read more

I went to the donkey last night. My son chimichanga and my nephew ordered the chicken enchiladas, whatever you do don't get shredded chicken. It just tasted like a rotisserie chicken with no flavor. read more

Well guys I have been living here for over 10 years and for the first time I decided to come try this place. Well, I was greeted by some new employees that were super nice and the queso was average but at least creamy could use some spice. the drinks very powerful after two I was doing well. And I would totally come here again. read more

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The food is nothing special. Very disappointed. Came here over 20 years ago and it was unbelievable back then. Too many other places around that are much better than this one. Big disappointment. read more

Service was good. However, menu options just didn't sound appealing at all and felt very limited. Salsas weren't the best for the chips. Main entrees were just so bland and flavorless. Neither me nor my boyfriend finished our plates. read more

Good salsa & chips, let's get that out the way 1st, fFestive interior, good portion sizes. Typical but good Tex-Mex, what's not to like. Try the don-key balls... they are tasty AF. Nuff said read more

The Don'Key Mexican Food - Powering down on the Fa-JJ's. The quail are spirit bomb!! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, Texas

This place was a huge disappointment for my wife and I when we came here for dinner. Of course the atmosphere has always been on spot but the service could have improved and especially the quality of the food. Took FIVE minutes to be greeted and the server didn't even introduce himself or apologize for the late arrival. Takes no more than 45 sec to a 1 minute to be greeted and ask what we would like to drink. No offer on appetizers. Once we got our drinks he was a bit spot on being responsive to get us fresh chips and drinks. When food came out, not once did he check on us on how the quality of the food was. The ground beef was disgusting and my wife ended up with food poisoning the next morning. Will we be back here again? Probably not. With over 13 years of experience the hospitality business, it seems like some people who don't care about their job, should take consideration of looking for a different career. read more

This is not an authentic Mexican restaurant, but more like a Tex-Mex. This place offers chips and salsa when you're seated. We ordered the donkeys balls as appetizers, which were filled with beef and chicken fajitas. Our Waitress Cheyenne, was very amazing. She checked up on us often, the drinks were filled and Cheyenne kept us updated on the status of our orders. I enjoyed the theming and decor of this place, there's piñata's hanging from the ceiling. The food tasted delicious, but could use more seasoning. Cons, the tables are close to each other, which can make it unpleasant since you can hear other peoples conversations. Overall, the food was delicious, the prices are fair, the service was perfect. read more

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One of the best and strongest margaritas you can get at a Mexican restaurant for a reasonable price, happy hour or not. Food is always hot and fresh, and the service has never been an issue. Highly recommend this Pasadena OG read more

ASK FOR TERRANCE. I've lived around the Pasadena, TX area my entire life. I've gone to The Don Key many times in the past 25 years when I lived in La Porte, TX. Since I moved to Pearland, TX, about 10 miles away, I stopped going to the Don Key. My wife and I went to a football game in Pasadena and I saw the Don Key and said we should eat there. When we entered we were met with a smile and were seated at a table where Terrance was the server. What an amazing waiter. He had a big smile and a very pleasant attitude. He treated us like we were regulars of his and gave us amazing service. Now for the atmosphere. Don Key is an old restaurant that went through a recent renovation. The main dining room didn't change very much, but it looks as though they added a couple of small dining rooms and a large kitchen. The table we were seated at had a direct view of the ladies making tortilla. What a process!!! The food was better than it was 15 years ago. Typical TexMex, but it was good. The best soup I've ever had was the Street Corn Soup, OH WOW it is so good. It is even better after chilling in the refrigerator over night and reheated. The spices get to marinate in the liquid and they explode in your mouth the second day. My wife had the Street Corn Soup our first visit and the Chicken Monterrey our second recent visit. She ate on that plate for three days, it was so much food. For me, I had the Sabroso plate, which like a previous review is a souped up Tostada, but it is hearty and definitely good. Our second visit I had the Street Corn Soup, and unfortunately there wasn't enough left over to take home. Terrance is great, the food is good, the prices are Great. Looking forward to going back! read more

So sad... I went with my husband to The Don'Key on Saturday. He had Diablo Shrimp and I had Fish Tacos. Both were delicious! I ordered a Chicken Pozole Verde to go and just had it today for lunch. It was awful! A few chunks of dark meat chicken, a few hominy pieces and what appeared to be watered down tomatillo sauce posing as the soup base. There were exactly 3 small radish slices, a tiny bit of cabbage, and a little cilantro. This dish was not made with any onion or cheese or any other spice at all. So sad...because I wanted to love it. I'll come back to the restaurant for sure but never for this dish again. Service was very good and of course, the ambiance was good. read more

I have been going to the Don'key since it opened. My wife and I visited Tuesday night for the first time in quite awhile. Wow! I was shocked to see the menu, is now just a step above Casa Olé. My wife ordered sweet tea and it tasted like it had Coke (soda water) in it. We ordered the fajitas and got what appeared to be precooked fresh from Sysco fajitas, that were just warmed up. They had basically no taste. Not to mention the customer service needs major improvements. Sorry to see what used to be a great place to eat, go down hill so fast. read more

Such great salsa and enchiladas... And the watermelon margaritas are delicious too. Just don't have two to many cause you will leave acting a Donkey LOL But always great vibe, customer service, hot food and cold drinks go give them a try! You can thank me later read more

Great place to eat delicious michelada delicious fajita and great beans, fast service! Great atmosphere and staff ! All around worth it

Just had lunch here and enjoyed it quite a lot. I ordered cheese enchiladas, beans and rice. Basic and yummy! Others at our table ordered beef fajita nachos, pechugo de pollo, chicken fajita taco salad, and more. All looked fresh and delicious! I love the rustic and traditional Mexican ambiance and decor. I also love that there are large rooms when you have a group and smaller more intimate books for dining with a couple of friends. I mostly come here at lunchtime but I don't know why I only occasionally eat dinner here. It's definitely worth the drive. Everything I've ever eaten here was good, the margaritas are strong and the servers are consistently great! read more

Donkey is always and I mean always good. Great service and the ambiance is just fun. The good is always delicious. read more

The Don'Key Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, Texas

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Great food and service! The restaurant has expanded and the place looks great! I definitely recommend eating here.

All service was great! Super sweet and respectful servers. Drinks came out fast as well as food! Servers were very attentive! read more

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I do not recommend this place AT ALL, i placed a pick up order and has to wait 20 mins even after I arrived, the food was honestly disgusting I've never had sweet enchiladas and the cheese was not even melted ive never had an order of flautas come with just two and then have a double tortilla overall just gross. read more

The Don'Key Mexican Food - a hand holding a piece of food - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, Texas

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Love this place the food is awesome and the staff of fun. Best margaritas in the whole area read more

The Don'Key Mexican Food - We celebrated my son bday and it was so fun - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, Texas

Amazing food! Tortillas and queso are the best! Service was very quick, staff are very attentive and kind, usually crowded on weekends, but kinda loud. PS: There are sheets of metal outside, and they say like, really paranoid things like "Don't drink the water" and, "Don't get the Donkeyritas" PSS: It is very colorful, but at the entrance on the inside, to the left, there is a shattered window. read more

The atmosphere here is awesome! Come on into the bar for a drink or have dinner here. The decor is typical of a Mexican restaurant but not overly tacky. Hate the chairs but that's just me! Anyhooo to the food... ordered an appetizer of guacamole and they have what is called "Don-key balls". You can order them chicken, beef or a mixture. We got the mixture. They come in two and about the size of a small woman's fist. They were awesome! Hubby said he would come back just for those. They are full of a mixture of the chicken and beef, rice and cheese, lots of cheese. Fried crispy!! The guacamole was bland. We added salt and some lime and it helped some. It needed tomatoes and onions. Dinner came and I had the cheese enchiladas with rice and borracho beans, hubby had the burritos. His burritos were a disappointment. The tortillas were homemade and good but the chicken lacked seasoning. It also had retried beans. That was it! He said it was good chicken but lacked seasoning. My enchiladas the gravy tasted out of a can. Nothing to write mama about. The borracho beans watery and, can you guess? BLAND....that's the word for the food here. Added some salt and it helped it some. I would come back here and maybe try something else maybe with a different cook. I don't know because it a shame because as I said the ambiance is very nice and it's busy. Bathrooms were very clean and in good shape. Loved the tile floor. Oh the chips and salsa were good. If the chips were warm it would have been fantastic. They only served red salsa was hoping to try the green salsa because someone here on Yelp said it was an OMG! Maybe next time?? read more

Don'KeyRitas are so YUM. I crave their chips and queso. Fave cheese enchiladas Local spot that's been around eons!