Mr. Q Restaurant — Restaurant in Atascadero

I have been to this establishment three times in six months. I am a creature of habit, so, it is difficult for me to change my orders over time after being very happy the initial visit. I am also a retired professional chef and line cook with more than thirty years in the industry. My palate and sinus are very keen to flavor and quality. Each time, I have ordered the same meal: the Wedge salad and the Blue Label salmon. They complement each other beautifully. The tangy dressing of the Wedge dances intimately with the delicate saltiness of the fresh bacon upon romaine. It pops with brightness and flavor that is, simply, tear-jerking, to me. I recommend to save a few bites for when the salmon arrives. Pan-seared to marvelous perfection, slightly crispy bottom with fork-tender top, citrus toppings, fresh watercress, and just a splendid presentation. I felt like a winner just for eating my meal. They serve a side salad with the salmon, so, I always notice when the server takes a very slight double take when they ask which side. "A side salad, of course" (Far better than a bread or starch. Save the smaller salad to cleanse the palette. Such is older tradition. Thank me later). I also had the jalapeño margherita with tahini seasoning. Um... yeah... PERFECT addition to my choice in fusion. Combine the amazingly delightful food with the remarkably attentive service from servers and staff, Oscar,(owner and operator) keep this level of service and presentation up, and not only will you have a foodie customer for life, the referrals will come asunder. Such a wonderful gem in Atascadero,...

I really wanted to like this place, as the decor was cool, the staff were friendly, and most of the dishes were well presented. But the taste of the food fell flat and it was all style over substance. The ceviche appetizer was decent and the deserts were pretty good, but the main entrees were lackluster. The X.O. Pork Chop I ordered lacked seasoning and the Kahlúa glaze just didn’t work with it as it made the overall dish too sweet. The pork chop didn’t have crispy edges like the ones I’m accustomed to in fine dining restaurants. My sister didn’t like her enchilada and my dad didn’t like his chile relleno so I wasn’t alone. The only real highlight here was the Poblano Soup which is served with the main courses and had a really unique flavor. I think the biggest let down was how high this restaurant was rated on Yelp and Google so that brought up my expectations and then I’m reminded that this is still Atascadero and the food doesn’t hold a candle to restaurants in LA or the Bay Area or even Paso Robles. The food here was like eating at someone’s house who’s an okay cook but not what I’m looking for in a restaurant. For restaurant quality Latin fusion try the excellent La Cosecha or Fish Gaucho in...

The wife and I ate at Don Q for dinner the other night and we thought it was outstanding. Friendly, attentive, helpful service, interesting menu options with good variety, reasonably priced, and absolutely delicious food.

I ordered the Don Felipe Enchilada, and my wife had the Dom Perignon Chili Relleno. My enchilada was stuffed with shrimp, beautifully presented, topped with a creamy, tangy, spicy sauce, and very good. The taste actually conjured up memories of some time I spent in Cabo. It was authentic and exquisite.

My wife's chili relleno was a thing of beauty. Fully stuffed with shrimp, coated in a thin crust, and topped with a drizzle of sauce.

Many other food options, by the way. My wife and I just happened to be in the mood for some Latin American offerings. I almost got one of their pork chop meals.

They seem to have a decent wine selection. Minimal beer selection. We ordered some margaritas, mine a standard lime, and my wife's was a mango.

Our server was very attentive and friendly. The space is a bit on the small side, and in a pretty funky location, but personally those things are pretty peripheral when enjoying such good food and service. Can't...