Don Julio — Restaurant in White Bear Lake

I gave this place multiple chances and really wanted to like it, but it just keeps falling short.

First time, I ordered their specialty Carnitas which are advertised as "fried pork". It came out as 3 golf ball sized chunks of pork that looked and tasted like it was boiled. The portion seemed ridiculously small for a $13 plate and the food was completely lacking in flavor....I seriously think they just put this pork in a slow cooker and added a bit of salt. Funny thing is usually that turns out good as long as quality pork was used. In this case, it just tasted bad.

Second time, I ordered the fajitas. Finally some flavor! Unfortunately, it was extremely greasy. The fajitas must have been swimming in about 1/2" of oil. Overall the taste was ok, but the grease was just too much.

Third time, I ordered the chicken soft shell tacos. Again, completely bland food. It's shredded chicken breast that tastes like it was seasoned only with salt. Com'on people!! this is Mexican food...it should be filling my mouth with flavor! The cheese in the tacos had a really weird gooey consistency, which makes me think it's not actually melted cheese and probably came out of a can.

Seriously, it's a Mexican restaurant that can't even get tacos right? Tacos are extremely easy. I make tacos at home all the time..it's easy, take some chicken, cut it up and put it in a pan with some oil. Add some taco seasoning and put it in a tortilla with some fresh lettuce/cheese/tomatoes. Always comes out tasting great...why can't this place do better?

I'm a huge fan of Mexican food and really wanted to like this place because it's so close. I'm not super picky and end up liking almost all Mexican restaurants I've tried...or at least thought they were decent. 3 chances is enough for this place. I recommend stay away...drive a bit further and find much better food. I'm not a fan of Taco Bell, but I'd probably go there first if I...

If you're craving authentic, flavorful Mexican food, this spot is an absolute must-try. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the rich culture and heritage of Mexico. The menu is filled with a wide variety of traditional dishes, each bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

The tacos are a standout—whether you're enjoying classic carne asada or bold, smoky al pastor, the tortillas are perfectly soft and slightly charred. Each bite is a balance of savory, tangy, and spicy, with just the right amount of heat. The enchiladas are another highlight, smothered in a deep, rich mole sauce that feels like a comforting, home-cooked meal.

The salsas are a game-changer, with options ranging from mild to fiery hot, all packed with complexity and depth. The guacamole is creamy and generously seasoned, making it a perfect pairing with crispy tortilla chips.

Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Mexican cuisine or new to the flavors, this restaurant offers a truly satisfying and authentic experience. Highly...

We've enjoyed having dinner here more than a half dozen times in the past. Unfortunately, our dinner last night featured mediocre food, horrible service and an inaccurate bill. There were few patrons when we arrived so we expected better service. On previous visits, I'd ordered fish or beef tacos (which were always good). I was usually asked if I wanted flour (soft) or corn (hard) taco shells; when I wasn't asked the default was always soft shell tacos. I was, therefore, disappointed when my beef tacos arrived in corn (hard) taco shells. I told our server they'd always been soft shell tacos in the past and I was disappointed. He said they'd never been soft shell tacos in the past and I was wrong. Then he said he'd have to throw out the dinner if I returned it to the kitchen (and waste all that food). I reluctantly ate my tacos, which didn't smell or taste fresh. Flies were buzzing around us during our entire meal. And our bill was tabulated incorrectly. It was the first time in my life that I did not leave a tip. And I always leave a...