Don Vino's Italian Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Porterville

Part of the fun while in a different town is to try local restaurants. I did that while in Porterville, CA. I dined at Don Vino's. It's an Italian restaurant with Italian and Mexican dishes. It's located in the heart of the downtown Porterville. The downtown is the cutest with its charming brick sidewalks and modern street lamps with an old fashion look. The restaurant has a secure back parking lot with an entrance. Or you can enter from the front, the street parking is angled lots so no parallel to parking fussiness.

They were are able to accommodate large parties if you make reservations in advance. My large-ish group were even able to get separate checks. Appreciate that.

Our waitress did a great job handling our table and her other tables. We were immediately served our drinks and complimentary focaccia bread and olive oil n vinegar was brought to the table. I ordered the chicken parmigiana ($20) and requested no mozzarella cheese on top. The waitress informed me that there is some parmesan cheese sprinkled on the spaghetti noodles. Very attentive of her to ask. The plate and food came out hot. The chicken filet was thick but all so tender and moist. Nice amount of breading and without the mozzarella on top just like I requested. Excellent. The serving size was ample. The spaghetti sauce was tasty with a touch of sweetness. Not harsh tasting at all. The noodles were cooked to a perfect doneness. Having a HFCS aversion, I forgot to ask about the sauce but I had no effects. So I'm going go out on a limb and say the sauce...

Main Street here looks like a bit of a step into the past with the older structures and their furnishings. Nice area, but this building seems to stand out. Gave it a try. Saturday evening, after 8 so not too early and not too late. Sat at the bar per my usual dining methods while working out of town. The bar seating was open, and I was thirsty. Ordered a double Jack Coke, it was tasty. The bar tenders, et al. were quite friendly through the evening. Striking conversations and talking with various topics. It was apparent right away that this is what they do and they enjoy it. Browsing the menu, I couldn't help but check out the ravioli option a few times. I went with it. Glad I did. It was an out of the ordinary ravioli, a stranger in strange land perhaps, but after the first bite. I knew I was home. Grilled chicken topped the plate, vegetables on the side, and a wonderful creamy pesto sauce with the ravioli inside of it. The delightful surprise was the jalapenos. Making the whole dish a bit spicy, but adding a lot of unfamiliarity with it. The blend of the flavors was nice and delicious. In the end, this was a nice dining experience and I will be back. Heard they have tacos on Tuesday with...

Horrible customer service. We waited an hour and 30 minutes for our steaks that were supposed to be medium rare, but were well done instead. The couple that arrived after we did were served drinks, salad, appetizers, and their meal before we received our salad. Then, our waitress said "oh have you been helped." Even though we had nothing on our table. When asked what we would like to drink I ordered my son a water and she didn't bring it. I had to ask twice to bring his water, so sad. When the waitress brought our salads she said let me get you silverware. We waited 10 mins for our silverware while we just looked at our salads. We used to be regular customer's. We would always come to the cellar for a good steak at a good price. Tonight was a shame and I am truly sad that the new owners are not continuing the same humble hospitality as the old owners. I could say more, but I'll leave it at this please do not go to the cellar because you will be treated unfair, wait a longgggggg time for your food, have to pay alot of money, and leave very very disappointed. Please don't waist your time and money. The cellar is not what...