Don Juan Cafe Restaurant — Restaurant in City of Syracuse

Tried this place for my first time today for lunch. My daughter in law and son has been there several times and from what I understand, they were very happy with it. When I arrived, there was a line of approximately 6 people waiting to place their order at the counter. The line went fairly fast. About a 7 min wait. As I got closer to the counter I could see the nice display of all the different foods. The area looked clean, the food was nicely organized and looked very appetising!. I was planning on getting the pulled pork plate with beans and rice. However, the lady in front of me ordered the pepper steak combo and they put so much meat in it they could hardly close the lid!! Well, that was enough for me to ask for "the same as the lady in front of me" order! Well, I didn't quite get the same proportions as she did! Lol. I recieved a nice scoop of rice, few beans on top, and about 1/4 of the amount of meat as the lady in front of me?? Now, here is the big kicker. When I went to pay, I was charged $15.12. I asked why the lady in front of me who had the same thing was charged less? ( She handed them a $10 and got change back). I was told that it was because she ordered a small!!?... So, apparently the smalls are less costly even though they come with much more meat??? Lol. Perhaps it's because I was wearing a shirt and tie, non spanish speaking and pale?? Lol... anyway, took the food back to the office, it was still quite hot. It did not have a ton of flavor that I was hoping some authentic Puerto Rican food would have. The meat was tender but only had 2 very small slices of peppers in my portion. The rice and beans were tasty enough for a side. It was decent, but nothing really special. I may go back and give it a second chance, but perhaps I'll go with my less pale daughter in law and have her...

I've been going here since my first year at psla highschool and this is definitely my favorite place to go. I'm biased because this is the place I met some of my best friends so it has really good memories for me but also the food is amazing. the beef empanadas are incredibly flavorful and taste like beef as apposed to a soggy American burger. they are perfectly crisp and always warm, the rice is fantastic and something I always say I'll save for next time but end up getting anyways because it's just that good. the staff are amazing and friendly and I can smell the food when I'm walking home. I love it here. for awhile they even had student discounts. really helpful for most freshman and sophomore that don't have jobs. it's a walkable distance from school. the staff are so friendly and the food is always comforting and tasty and something I always...

I can come a thousand times more and will always give 5 stars. Best Hispanic restaurant in the cuse. I know how to cook and still come. I see ppl's reviews complaining about wait time and store hrs. 1st this place has been open for yrs and the word is out. The same way u enjoy good food others do too. If u don't feel like Excellence is worth waiting 5min get yourself a burger and they serve lunch and dinner. Do you expect them to be open 24-7. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I will keep being a...