Don Juan's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Temple Terrace

Disappointing Experience at Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine - Tampa Palms

Review: I decided to visit Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine -in Tampa Palms based on the glowing recommendations from the local newspaper, „Neighborhood News”, which I have trusted since moving to this area in 1995. My love for Mexican food and the rave reviews claiming Don Julio's as the best Mexican restaurant in New Tampa made me eager to try it.

Unfortunately, my experience was extremely disappointing. The food fell far below my expectations and didn't measure up to other Mexican restaurants in the area. Despite my high hopes, the meal left much to be desired, especially considering the reviews I had read.

The fajitas had thickly cut veggies, which didn't allow for proper steaming. The quesadillas were a particular letdown, with barely any chicken inside—how do you mess up something so simple? And no queso? The burritos were another disappointment, lacking the rich taste I anticipated, with mostly rice and chicken.

Overall, this was a bad experience, and I regret bringing my guests here based on the reviews. I won't be returning, and it's a shame to write this review, but I feel let down by both the restaurant and the newspaper's annual survey. I hope they can improve, but for now, I'll be taking my business elsewhere. PS I’m sorry for using wrong name. The overview of the restaurant is not changed. A week later we went to another Mexican Restaurant and ordered the same dishes and I can say I like Mexican food again. I was showing Fajita pictures to some of my Mexican Friends and they all said - veggies were undercooked. I’m sorry that I have that bad experience. Maybe other people will...

Disappointed and Unwelcoming

My recent visit to Don Juan’s was extremely disappointing, and I felt compelled to share my experience to prevent others from facing the same treatment. My family and I were on our way to the beach and decided to stop by for a meal. I was particularly tired and had brought a caffeinated drink with me to stay alert while driving.

As soon as we entered, I was rudely told by the staff that I couldn't bring my drink inside. I explained that the drink was full, and I was hoping to enjoy it while eating with my wife and kids. Instead of understanding, they insisted I either throw it away or leave it in the car. Despite my reasonable explanation and the fact that I had a family to take care of, they showed no empathy or flexibility.

The lack of consideration was astounding. We were looking forward to a pleasant meal before heading to the beach, but the staff’s insistence on such a trivial matter completely ruined our plans. In the end, we decided to leave rather than deal with their unreasonable demands.

A restaurant that fails to accommodate its customers and shows such a lack of basic hospitality doesn't deserve our business. We won't be returning, and I advise anyone looking for a family-friendly place to eat to look elsewhere. The beach is lovely, but our experience at Don Juan...

This has become number 1 in my top 3 taco trucks! The service is always fast and friendly. Their birria and consume are the most flavorful in the city. And to top it off the tacos are stuffed up. You will definitely get your money worth. If I lived closer and they were open on Sundays, I'd definitely eat here a few times a week. There is only one place that comes close but Don Juan takes the...