REVIEW: DON JOSÉ MEXICAN FOOD

THE MORE YOU GO…

If you ever see me running, I guarantee there’s either a burrito or a bear involved. Or a snake!

When I heard AZ Central was conducting a ‘March Burrito Bracket’ to crown the best burrito in metro Phoenix—and one of the contenders was 100% gluten-free—I knew exactly what I would be writing about this week.

Except… things didn’t go as planned. Which may be a good thing, because that little snafu sparked my Mexi-Quest: Chasing the Best Mexican Food in AZ (welcome to installment #1).

This week’s lesson was: the more you go, the more you know—because if I didn’t go I would never have known... You see, I take it as my job to scope places out so you’ll be able to assess whether it’s worth your time to venture out. Since both the places I’m writing about here today come up often on ‘The Best of’ lists, and both are highly-rated, perhaps you’ve heard of them before too. And, if you’re anything like me, you’ve always meant to visit but just haven’t gotten around to it yet. So, let me adventure for you…

REALLY? PHOENIX?

Mr. Buzz kinda grumbled when I told him my buddy, Kris, and I were heading to Jewel Bakery & Cafe (in Phoenix) in search of a burrito. I know, I know, it’s kinda far, but good food is worth the drive right? Especially Mexican food!

We went on Saturday which was probably a bad idea (busy) and we arrived right at lunch time (even busier). Poor planning on my part. The place was hoppin’ and very loud—too loud to converse over a meal, if that’s your thing. Conversing over meals is my thing. And eating in loud restaurants is not, but we drove all the way there and I wanted that burrito.

The wait was an hour, no reservations unless you’re a party of 6 or more. We went back to my car to wait—and talk, since there’d be no conversation during lunch due to the noise level. I checked if maybe we could order our food to-go, but the wait was long for that too.

I made it 30 minutes and then got cranky and started scrolling my phone. I have a long list of places saved that I want to visit and turns out Don José (been on my list forever!) was only about a block away. I called to be sure there wasn’t a wait there too, and was told to “come on over!”

I burned rubber so fast out of that parking lot. It was now way past my lunch time and I hadn’t eaten all day so I was on the verge of becoming hangry. Kris, being the good sport that she is, was up for the adventure. I find this admirable because the first place we ever went together was Terrible with a capital T. Somehow she still trusts me (I think). I’m so lucky to have such a great friend!

OLÉ DON JOSÉ!

In less than 3 minutes, we arrived at Don José. I think I may have heard Kris roll her eyes but, she was hungry too. As I have learned many times over the course of visiting places for The Buzz, it’s best not to judge a book by its cover. And, well, this cover looks like a pancake house. I did confirm that the building once was an iHop! (Thanks to Ana @ Don José’s for verifying that! 😉 )

THE BACKSTORY

Don José has a long history around the valley, lots of people who have been enjoying their food for decades. You’ll see what I mean if you check their Yelp reviews. Also from Yelp I found:

“Don Jose' Mexican Food originally opened in 1966. It ran strong for 41 years. Then in 2007, Don Jose' unfortunately closed. The original owner retired and didn't have anyone to continue the legacy. This devastated many people nation wide. Then in 2010, two gentlemen bought the business, including the name and recipes from the original owner. Don Jose' officially re-opened in 2011.”

The current owner is Matt McDonald, who moved to the Phoenix area in the late 80’s after being raised in Casa Grande.

CRUNCH & MUNCH

You know, years ago, it was the norm that any sit-down Mexican restaurant would serve chips and salsa but I guess it’s just an unfortunate sign of the times (and inflation) that doesn’t happen anymore.

Except here! I was so excited to see we were being brought chips & salsa! The chips were fresh & warm! The salsa is different than any salsa I’ve ever had before but it was thick and stayed on the chip so that’s good enough for me! In looking over the menu they offer ‘Specialty Sauces,’ so perhaps what’s served with the chips is more of a sauce than a salsa. I don’t know, I don’t care. Give me a chip and something to dip it in and I’m muy contenta!

HOLY JALAPEÑO CREAM CHEESE

You’re going to have to check out their menu online because if I post the pictures I took, you’re going to need a magnifying glass to read it. The menu is quite large and there is a lot of variety!

I got the beef taquitos and they come beautifully presented and served with ‘jalapeño cream cheese & guacamole.’ Never in my wildest dreams…. Whoever invented this deserves a crown; match made in heaven! And, I don’t mean the jalapeño and cream cheese, I mean cream cheese with the taquito! There are 6 taquitos total (3 corn shells rolled and cut in half). I was full after 3. That didn’t stop me though.

Kris got the 2 beef tacos with a side of guacamole, which she deemed “authentic.” Her tacos also looked quite nice, with a bounty of cheese and lettuce!

We both appreciated the fact that the food wasn’t greasy despite the fact that both of meals contained fried food.

Also, good to note that breakfast is served all day!

THE SERVICE

We had excellent service during our visit—our food arrived quickly, our water glasses never ran dry, and our waitress was friendly.

But I really fell in love with them when I called to ask a few questions while writing this. Just to clarify—I don’t write articles for businesses (meaning I’m not paid or given freebies). I write because I love sharing amazing people, places, and experiences with you! That said, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting a little when I take the time¹ to highlight a business, and they don’t seem to care. There are so many places that would genuinely appreciate the recognition, so I always hope the love I put into these features is met with the same energy. (Sorry. Thanks. I needed to get that off my chest.)

But this place? OMG. I’m about ready to jump in my car and go hug them.

I called twice while working on this, and both times, I spoke to different people who were not only kind but genuinely excited and grateful to be featured. And that? That makes me so happy to share their story—because GREAT PEOPLE make a GREAT ESTABLISHMENT!

THE TAB

Extremely fair prices for a sit down restaurant with free chips and salsa. Bonus, we were only charged $2.25 for the guac; we were expecting to pay $5 as indicated for a “side” on the menu.

GETTING THERE

Located off the 51 at Thomas. Straight shot down the 10. Took us about 30 minutes from Verrado on a Saturday with a tad bit of traffic.

BUZZ RATING

I know Don José’s isn’t “local,” but I think it’s good to get out and explore a bit. See different sights, adventure a little. 🕺 

Food - Overall Average Between Me & Kris: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (4/5)

Service: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5) - So friendly!

Value: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5) + Free chips!

**Editing to add after publication: This is not the same Don José Restaurant that has been around OC for years. No relation whatsoever.

If you go, please tell them The Buzz sent ya! ❤️ 

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1  A feature story on average takes me anywhere from 4-10+ hours to write. This one took about 4, including putting the graphics together.