Don Jose Mexican Food — Restaurant in Phoenix

I live in the area 36 street Thomas and been going here for many many years. Have always love there food. Been through the ups downs with this Restaurant even when they closed down and reopened way before the pandemic. Always take a guest with me when I go. But tonight was the worst! First the first server was rude when I had a preference of table instead of where she wanted to seat us. She blurted out rudely to "go ahead" and didn't even give us menu's she had in her hands and stormed off. Then the second server started of friendly but that quickly changed! She was wearing a Don Jose's T- Shirt obviously her work attire. My Mom teased her and jokingly asked her if her name was Don Jose. She smiled and said her name was Jamie. I ordered a Cheese crisp as a starter which came fairly quick. Then we waited, meanwhile other Patrons came in. I noticed much larger groups coming in they got there way longer after us and we're being served before us. Meanwhile still waiting well over 25 minutes so we called our waitress over and asked her what was going on. She stated being very busy and our cheese crisp and then that my Mother's plate of shrimp Enchiladas takes longer to cook and that was why the wait, Pea size shimp! Now we are over 30 minute wait and called her back over to ask her where our meal was she became quite annoyed stated it was coming and again that they were very busy and walked off! We ask for napkins she took forever to bring them then only brought 3. My Mother refer to her as Don Jose again and smiled she became very angry and told my Mother not to talk to her that way! My mother advised her we needed silverware as we never got any. She said okay and walked off never returned with any.Then after almost 40 minutes I got up went to register to speak to the guy taking money. I approached him asked if he was the manager he said yes, I explained what all was going on and he apologized and then stated that the people that order take out sometimes wait 45 minutes for their order!! Can you believe that was his response!! Then made other excuses that they were very busy and that the kitchen was small and on and on. Then offered to get our silverware. I told him how disappointed I was and would probably never come back. He was very nonchalant and kept making excuses for this. Grabbed our silverware for me. I was ready to walk out but my Mother and Sister wanted to wait. Then finally our meals came!!! When I went to pay for our meals he asked if now everything was okay I explained again that no and I wld not be back. He respond by saying, "oh you were my only complaint tonight" with such utter disregard tone!! I told him I may just be 1 person but " word of mouth spoke volumes and he totally ignored us!!! Oh and I have never seen so much Christmas lights ridiculously put on the walls so many that you see crosseyed just sitting there for a few minutes. You cannot even see or eat comfortable with these lights! It is hidious!!! Never again will I go there and I will tell...

I have been going here for many years, and typically enjoy the visit, however, for this experience, all that has been good in the past, is now completely overshadowed and washed away by the shocking outburts and treatment from the so called manage/owner. We ordered the beef Taquitos, and they were served blackened and burnt on most of the surface. They were cooked to the point that the meat was also burnt and had the texture of beef jerky. Upon eating 2 of the 6, we tried to let the server know of our disappointment, but she immediately took the complaint to the so called manager/owner. He came to the table and in a rude manner began to tear apart the remaining Taquitos to try and influence us that they were of good quality. This disgrace of a human being began to verbally assault my guest and I to the point of telling us that he did not care that we are long time custoners and that he didn't want us ever to cone back. After digging his fingers completely through them, he made us pay for them full price, and insisted we get out of there, meanwhile , although we were keeping our cool, this loser if a human decided to place his hands on me, and again on my guest, for absolutely no reason whatsoever, as all we were trying to do was pay and leave. His verbal abuse continued as he followed the two of us to our car with intimidation and threats. I will never return here, and my family and friends will never being going here again. I cannot believe that this small business owner took offense to this $5 taquito complaint to the pojnt of acting like a foolish and absolutely childish tyrant. He should be thanking his lucky independence day stars that he is not currently cuffed and resting in the back of a patrol cruiser for assault and threatening intimidation. By the way, we drove 50+ miles to receive that treatment! Thanks mr cool guy! Don't let his fake deameanor fool you, he should be absolutely ashamed of...

Step into Don Jose in Phoenix, where classic Mexican vibes have been thriving since 1966! This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a legacy, and boy, do they deliver on every front.

From the moment you walk in, Matt and Allison make you feel like a VIP. Their energy and friendliness are contagious, and they run the show with style. Now, let’s talk queso—because this white cheese masterpiece deserves its own fan club. Thick, rich, and clinging to your chips like it knows it’s the star of the show. No runny business here, just pure cheesy bliss!

For the main event, I went with the #4 combo: a shredded beef taco and enchilada paired with rice and beans. The meat was tender, flavorful, and downright satisfying. Every bite felt like a celebration of what good Mexican food should be.

Shoutout to Phil, our server, who made sure our dining experience was nothing short of stellar. Quick, attentive, and full of charm—he’s the kind of guy who makes your meal that much better.

Don Jose isn’t just a meal; it’s a tradition. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, this is the kind of place that keeps you coming back for more. Five stars...