Doneraki Authentic Mexican

I am sad this place closed down… It was so seedy and small (and conveniently close to home). It usually had a sparse population of costumers, which made it the perfect place to get a michelada after a «rough night». We tried to cure our hangovers at el patio, but it’s just not the same ambience as doneraki’s. This location will be missed.

Excellent food, good service too.

A standard tex-​mex place. The best part is the straight out of the oven nachos. Nice and warm and comes with an equally good dip. Their enchiladas are pretty good too. They have a band playing there sometimes which is ok but if you are sitting too close to them social interaction is impossible.

My friend chose this place to have dinner and drinks for her birthday. Because of that I was expecting a lot more than I got.
We sat in the bar area. The bartender was having to tend the bar and be a server for every table in the area. One person covering the bar and approximately 10 tables equals slow service. He was trying his best, but it just wasn’t that good. I will say that I ordered a beer and he brought out a chilled mug. I appreciated that, but my mug didn’t stay cold very long. They should take a note from Twin Peaks and keep the mugs at 29 degrees. Then it wouldn’t warm up so fast but I digress…
I don’t even remember what I ordered for dinner. I just remember it being mediocre at best. I was not impressed with the food at all. Also I had a nice view of a homeless lady harassing every patron who was leaving the restaurant, so that just made the experience even better (no it didn’t). There are so many Tex-​Mex restaurants around town, and I’m still trying to figure out why my friend insisted on going to this place. If she suggests this place in the future, I’m going to have to recommend a different place. It wasn’t worth the drive from Pasadena at all.

I’ve eaten here many times several years ago. The fajitas are always my favorite… Today, we will see if they still have the touch! Well, the ambiance is lacking… big time! The value and the fajitas are decent. I’ll go back again, but it’s not where I’m taking friends from out of town…

Meh. I remember being a young whipper snapper left behind at home while all of the adults scampered off for their jolly night of fun at Doneraki. They all came home with boisterous laughter and high spirits. The party usually continued deep into the night and I simply assumed that this Doneraki place was the adult version of Wonka’s Chocolate Factory or Hanna-​Barbera Land. Based upon this assumption, I have spent a large portion of my own adult life dreaming of Doneraki and waiting for just one of my friends to brave the unknown with me. Well… a friend visited from College Station and had no idea what Doneraki was. Score… someone completely on the outside!
Unbeknownst to me, Doneraki is not authentic Mexican food (as their name claims), rather, it is some of the worst TexMex that I have ever had. The house margarita was tangy and sweet (and quite possibly made from everclear). The queso came out in about 15 seconds because they prepare it in bulk and it reminded me an awful lot of Velveeta and Rotel. My combination platter was just like something off the buffet line at Pancho’s Mexican Buffet — just not fresh and without doubt no good. There is nothing more frustrating that burnt refried beans.
However, on a positive note… our server was on our table like white on rice all night. He didn’t smother me while I waited ½ an hour for the remainder of my party to arrive, yet once she did arrive, he made sure that we never went without service.

I came to Doneraki for a friend’s birthday party. We had the fajita platters and a bunch of margaritas. The fajitas were well flavored and the margaritas were strong. Not the best Mexican place in Houston but definitely not the worst.

Go elsewhere. Maybe you’ll get your food before you get tired of waiting and leave. If you’re lucky, it won’t be cold.
I was so disappointed in Doneraki! We were seated and then waited 10 minutes for someone to take our drink order. Then 10 minutes more to get it. Then the waiter finally took our order and we asked if we would get chips. He said yes, so we asked for queso to come out with them. The queso came out in 5 minutes. We waited 10 minutes more for the chips to come out. Chips! Most Mexican restaurants put those on the table the minute you sit down! So, by the time the chips came out (they were cold), the queso wasn’t even warm anymore.
Our fajitas for 2 (which come out in 10 minutes or less anywhere else) took 20 minutes to arrive. The pico de gallo was too watery and ran all over the plate and into the beans and rice. The fajitas were okay, but definitely not worth the wait.
We finally got refills for our drinks 45 minutes after we arrived. I was going to just go to the water station and get a water refill for myself.
We absolutely will not be back. Doneraki isn’t worth it for average food, cold chips, cold queso, slow refills, and a loooooong wait for your food.
Lest I forget the best part, the women’s restroom was ridiculous. The toilet seat from one toilet was laying on the floor. The other empty stall was out of toilet paper. The paper towel holders were empty but there was some paper towel rolls getting wet on the counter. Toilet seat on the floor? Really? We should have left when I saw that.

If I could give this place 0 stars, I would.
Let me start from the beginning…
First I call to ask if they are having Mariachis, they said they did & they came on at 7pm… being that I’m driving an hour from the woodlands, I was upset when I got there & they had lied– Mariachis would be there at 10pm.
Then we are seated at a table with a burnt out bulb over it, literally had to use my cell phone to light up the menu, after we complained about the lighting 4 times the manager finally comes over & asks my boyfriend to change the bulb– because he can’t reach.
Then I order my son chile con queso w/​beef fajita meat. Simple enough. She brings me Chicken fajita nachos & when we tell her that’s not chile con queso she says «yes it is.» and walks off. Seriously?
The manager walks by & I asked him
if that was their version of chile con queso. he admitted the waitress made a
mistake & offered to bring out what we ordered. The chile con queso comes out w/​CHICKEN fajita. and NO chips. smh.
To make it worse everyone’s order came out incorrectly, chicken enchiladas were cheese enchiladas, my soup tasted like water with soggy chicken & when we complained– the manager brings out a margarita, I am assuming in an attempt to calm us down! We asked for refills numerous times & finished all our meals w/​nothing to drink!
Dying to get out of there we ask for the check and the manager charged us the margarita. that HE brought, that no one ordered nor even drank!!! The waitress rolled her eyes when we asked her to take the drink off the bill & to remove her 20% gratuity that she clearly didn’t deserve. Since when can you grat a party of 5???
Needless to say she took off the drink
and the grat & I will NEVER, EVER return to this place. Management is horrible; clearly they could care less about their guest so yeaaaa, last time my family goes there.

If someone wants to take you here, punch them in the face. GQ once made a list of Houston restaurants and Doneraki was listed as the worst place they visited. They were too kind. I’ve only been here once for brunch and the sticky-​crunchy floors, terrible food, and apathetic waitress who kept texting instead of getting me another drink ensured that I only have hate in my heart for Doneraki.

I hate Mexican food in general but I really enjoyed my meal here. The margaritas were really good, but the service is despondent to say the best. 4 waiters standing around with our backs to us with a nearly empty restaurant and I still had to go to the bar to get a refill to my water.
Very old sticky floor interior, but good food.

I come here often. This totally unpretentious restaurant whips up one of the best caldo tlapeno I ever had. My husband always orders the ribeye which he claims is better than taste of texas’
The mixed drinks are forgetable, but they Have good beer and wine choices. The décor and physical plant could use an overhaul but the food is just fine!

I think it might have been what I ordered and when but is that really a good excuse?
I had the queso flameado and chips and salsa. Usually this place is pretty good for some Tex-​Mex however this time there was something missing.
The queso came out in a plate with the chorizo placed on top. Usually this dish comes in a small oval serving bowl sizzling hot and melted and combined. The cheese looked like it was set in a microwave on a plate.
It was kind of slow for a Tuesday evening (after 5pm) but I don’t think that’s an excuse for poor presentation and taste. I had to order a side of jalapenos to get some flavor in the queso.
I must say the wait staff was excellent!

I was so excited about pigging out on the breakfast buffet! The buffet fell short though. Way short.
Some of the food was decent, but much of the buffet food was cool. And I’m not talking awesome cool, I mean almost cold cool. Yuk! I don’t do cool buffet food!
Nothing stood out as being so incredible that I need to give them a second chance. I won’t waste my time here again.

I love the feel of Doneraki. As soon as you walk through the door, there are always a few men there greeting you with a smile. The inside of the building is relaxing to me. Lower lights and wood with a beautiful fountain in the middle.
As far as the food is concerned, yummy! I love their tortillas. Homemade and always warm. I’ve had lots of different dishes there but the last thing I had was the Fajitiadilla. It’s basically Quesadilla but with homemade tortillas and plenty of side fixings. It fused together perfectly and I loved that I had left overs.
Their queso is pretty good too. It’s the runny kind, not that congeal and get chunky type. They were quick to refill our chips and drinks every time.
Speaking of drinks, they have a pretty good selection as well. I love that they have a mexican martini here! It’s not often you find Mexican martini’s in Houston.

Yum, Mexican food! My ultimate favorite! Food is good! The waiters are nice too. They made sure were everything was alright with the drinks and food, etc.
The first time I went, it was during graduation time and so a lot of big families were there with kids running around all over the place. But I didn’t let that ruin it for me, so i gave it a second try. The second time was for a girl’s night, and so we decided to go here for dinner, and my girl friends seem to enjoy it! Now, some prices do seem a little high, but of course it depends on what you order. But overall it was good! I’m glad I decided to give it a second try.

I’ve been to Doneraki multiple times and I don’t see that changing in the future. This place has the best fajitas in Houston and all for an afforable price.
On this occasion, I came for lunch and was immediately seated upon entering. It wasn’t crowded so the staff was attentive and made sure that everything was okay for me. The chips and salsa arrive almost immediately upon being seated. The chips here I find to be above average. They’re thick and crunchy and the salsa came hot and spicy.
The chicken fajitas I ordered were well cooked and abundant. The tortillas here are the freaking best. They are super soft and appear to be freshly made. My only complaint is that the rice and beans portions are a little low. They give you just enough cheese to sprinkle onto two fajitas.
Overall, this place has been a great place to visit for some great fajitas and always has me coming back. I’ve been here on many occasions and not once has Doneraki disappointed me. While I have only tried the fajitas here, I am sure everything else is just as good.

3.75 Stars for TEX-​MEX, emphasis on the TEX!!! If I am judging by authenticity, I will have to deduct a star. or two… we are not exactly south of the border, here, with el Doneraki.
The ambiance helps, but I could care less about a light, folded napkin, or bright décor. I come to eat, and the food alone warrants about 2.5 stars. The enchiladas were pretty tasty, and this is usually one of my favorite meals to order. I can’t quite remember any other particular item on the menu that I’d sampled, however.
I came here last year for a private dinner with family, while meeting my sister’s in-​laws for the first time. The waitstaff was very pleasant and forgiving for all of the hustle & bustle. We caused a lot of commotion with introductions, kisses, hugs; and, about an hour of musical chairs before everyone was settled and decided who they wanted to sit next to. Overall, it was a nice experience.
NOTE: I am more inclined to run to the hole-​in-​the-​wall or a truck to get some good authentic Mexican food. Therefore, my review may be a little off-​base.

It always concerns me when a Mexican food place claims to be «authentic» especially in the very name of the establishment. And especially on Westheimer. I question «authentic as of when and where?» Ya know, Mexican food changed when it came north of the border (or when the border crossed it or whatever) years ago. Felix Tijerina proved that by creating Tex Mex in Houston in 1929 and we are still in deep mourning over the loss of Felix Mexican Restaurant (at 904 Westheimer that served the best Tex-​Mex in Houston for 60 years).
My brother suggested this place Tuesday night as we have been having hit and miss experiences at Molina’s across the street.
So. We walk in Tuesday night with a few concerns. The sign or marque said «Our Condolences to the Rodriquez Family». No kidding, see our photos. (More on that later) Second concern was that the place appeared empty at 8:30pm. I asked the greeter (whom turned out to be the night manager that has worked there for 20 years), if their food was as good as «Felix». I got an honest answer. He said «No, not at all. That’s a different category». Okay. Good answer, we looked at the menu prices and decided to eat there.
The food was damn delicious. Absolutely totally fantastic, enjoyable and I dare say «Authentic» Mexican. See our photos and that should make you hungry. My wife had the Chipotle Chicken Breast with Spinach that was a knock out. The Smoky Chipotle flavor was perfectly layered with some of the most succulent and juicy chicken breast that we were almost suspicious as to how they made it so juicy. Unbelievable to be honest.
My bubb had the combo plate with taco and chicken enchiladas and he cleaned off the whole plate. Myself I had a combo with a Taco Al Carbon (just look at the photo) that was freakin’ evil delicious with the home made flour tortillas, fajita quesadilla that was awesome, some other thing I don’t remember the name of (Tex Mex fried creation like a tube stick thing), and an enchilada with the brown sauce.
Now, let’s address the issue of «Authentic». I asked that very question of the night manager when he seated us and he stated that the brown enchilada gravy is home made with an old family recipe from Mexico. This appears to be 100% true to me. When tasting the brown enchilada gravy I instantly recognized that it is «authentic» Mexican. So in my opinion they have every right to claim that their food is authentic.
In closing notes, I noticed something a little well, odd, at least to me. No females were working. All staff was male even in the kitchen (which yes, I walked into the kitchen and looked, you can do that you know!). Our waiter was brand new as when we asked why the sign said «Condolences» on it and if it was for someone that ate here and died the next day (HAR HAR) he had to go check. As it turned out it was his first day there and he didn’t even know that the owners Mom had just died at 86. That’s why the sign said that. We ended up with four waiters, one that asked us twice if we wanted Margaritas (and he had very obviously had a few himself), the new guy and an experienced guy teaching him, plus the night manager.
Two men did come into the lobby with guitars and performed some mariachi music for a table. Night manager upon seeing me taking photos of the food was very friendly and made sure we were happy as I am sure he knew the photos were gonna be on the Internet in short order. Bottom line, this –IS– Authentic Mexican food, it’s really very nice and memorable, masterfully prepared with complex and thoughtful flavors, even the fluffy rice is great and we finished all the refried beans as well as they were even top notch. We will go back without a doubt and I highly suggest this place as an example of the type of quality Mexican food to be found in Houston. Two thumbs up!

Houston has been devastated by Hurricane Ike. But, the repairs have begun, and some restaurants are open again.
My first dinner in Houston after arriving from Philly was here. I wanted to order the civiche, but my waiter said it wasn’t not the best here. He recommended the enchiladas. After a bit of discussion, I ordered the enchilada with mole sauce, rice, and beans. Yummo. I love mole sauce… chocolate, chili, just delicious and this did not disappoint. My co-​eater ordered the Camarones — shrimp sauteed with onion, peppers, served with a side of corn tortillas, guac, etc. Both were delightful.
For drinks we ordered the regular frozen margarita, and I ordered the Mango flavored. Unlike the other reviewer of this place, I didn’t find them to be too strong. They were perfect.
Oh, and there was a live Mariachis band who sang beautiful music as we ate.
The whole meal and tip came to $ 64.79.
There were plenty of other items on the menu that I’d like to try next time.