Carnitas Don Rafa Restaurant — Restaurant in Lake Township

I just came from the new location on archer and st. Louis. It looks nice , newly renovated and remodeled. The dining room is rather small. I did notice that there's outdoor seating in an enclosed patio, which also looks very nice, but obviously will not be in use during the winter months. It looks like there might be an upstairs section, but I'm not sure as i ordered to go. I do know they are under new management, rafa is no longer the owner. Two things i did not like. 1, there's no parking lot so beware of local parking restrictions. Archer is pay to park , and st. Louis is permit parking only, so that sucks. #2 , i hate that they don't respect your decision to order an exact amount, they always pile on more than you want and end up paying more than you initially anticipate. Example, i ordered one pound, they pile on two pounds, tell you the price, and try to rush you out the door. I constantly have to tell the gentleman working there repeatedly that I only ordered x amount and they look at you like you are wrong. If I order one pound that's what I want one pound if I order 10 lb that's what I want 10 lb. Don't try to add on a few extra pounds look at me and smile and say so it cost this much. I will go back as I do want to try out the dining experience, but bear in mind that I am only extending my loyalty for the simple fact that I have been going to Don Rafa even before he was on Kedzie, their family owned Saba's Vegas in Pilsen and I grew up on that carnitas. So I will give them some more business but like I said there's a parking issue and there's going to be limited space in the...

Wow this place really drop the ball!! We have been coming to Don Rafas for years. Today we decided to stop by and let me tell you it was the worst meal we have had. This place is under the new management n Mr Rafa is no longer in charge! We were told that 98% of the staff was replace even some or all of the cooks REALLY the cooks !!! Anyways the SERVICE and FOOD is no were what it was before very very poor. Food does not taste the same. The specialty CARNITAS were hard n over cook. I order a Carne Asada n it was RAW "yes Raw". I told the new manager there n they reorder a new plate and they took forever to bring me another plate. They told sorry for the inconvenience n offer me a 20% off on the plate. Really the food was Raw n it had no flavor at all. Last time we will go there!!! :(:( Very sad to see another once great restaurant go down. We wonder what happen to our...

I had my 50th birthday party with my sweetheart. Diane and her entire staff was friendly and professional. My sis told me over and again how blown away she was over the customer service. Armando (restaurant manager) was very accommodating. At first I wasn't sure when we booked the restaurant 4 months in advance (due to snow and weather) but after decorations, dj and photographer i was more than pleased. My Family is still talking about it a month later (event 6/25/22). If you're looking for a chill spot for parties and get together I highly recommend. I know my review is all over the place but so many things to compliment. Diane Soto (owner was introduced to me through a shared accountant. I'm so glad I met her and had my event at her venue. Professional, timely, diversity and pleasant is hiw I would describe...