Don Chava's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Fort Wayne

So far this is the closest to California Mexican food I've found. It seems impossible to get a regular order of Super Nachos (chips, beans, guac, sour cream, real cheese, pico, and meat - usually carne asada) and I haven't been able to figure out why every burrito in town has lettuce in it. Taco Bell is not a model to follow for Mexican food. It isn't even close to it.

This place was good for what I had. i'd have preferred my nachos be prepared like I had them in California. I'm not a fan of "cheese sauce," and prefer to just have a handful of shredded cheese on them. That's probably a regional thing and no fault of the establishment. The food was good either way so I'm not complaining about that. I didn't like that there was lettuce in my nachos. What?!? I don't waste food though...

The horchata was decent. Of all that I've had here, they all seem too sweet and none seem to have enough cinnamon. Thank God I know how to make this stuff myself.

Nobody here seems to have the pickled carrots either. I'm not sure if people just don't know about them, or maybe they're just too hot for the audience here.

Thankfully the balance of salt and seasonings were excellent. The service and the atmosphere even more so. I think this place has figured out that with good food and great service, your perceived quality goes up. I'll eat here again before I patronize a place with great food and awful service. That's for sure.

I didn't try the bebida alcoholic because I never drink and drive. I'm not changing my behavior relative to that despite the impression I have that such behavior isn't just normal, but somehow as acceptable as everyone being on their phones while they drive. Hasn't anyone here died from people not paying attention yet? Seriously folks... the text about Becky's new boyfriend can wait.

Back to the restaurant... the food was good, the service was great, the price was okay. I might just have to get a deep frier to make my own Super Nachos though.

If you're not a reaction from the Southwest, I'd recommend this place to you without reservation. It's really likely you'll leave full and if not happy, you at least won't be mad.

PS: I'm editing my review because I almost forgot to mention, this place was the cleanest of all the Mexican style restaurants I've been to. Clean is very, very, very good. I wouldn't be embarrassed to bring...

The food was so good I went there 2 times in about a week and a half. It is so freaking cold in there in the winter. Even all the way back in the bar. There's a tunnel draft that goes from the front door to the rear exit. I was freezing and my food didn't stay warm for long.

So, it's the flavor of the food that gets the 4 stars. The salsa is hot and flavorful - perfecto!! The servers aren't easy to flag down and don't come around nearly often enough for a 25% tip, that's MY opinion. My last comment is that the cost of this place is so upcharged. The owners of this place are making money hand over fist. I can eat at a few Taqueria's with the same food and drink and they're always about $20 before tax. This place was $30 for 2 sodas and 2 2-piece meals. Can anyone say highway robbery? But we continue to pay it for the simple fact there really aren't any other sit down Mexican Restaurants...

Maria was my server. She was very polite and patient. They play authentic Mexican music, which is the first good sign. I was serve chips and salsa immediately and throughout the process was offered more without being charged. The food hands-down was amazing. They make these spicy barbecue wings, which are a must have as an appetizer as far as entrées, the sky is the limit. Although I am African-American, I grew up in a Mexican influenced neighborhood. I’ve eaten authentic Mexican food on the East Coast the West Coast north and south and I must say their food is top-notch as good as it gets. The manager of the restaurant was constantly involved and asking me if I was happy how the food was from beginning to end . I have traveled everywhere and I just want to let it be know if you want an authentic experience authentic flavors and authentic Mexican cuisine I highly...