Don Juan's, Fun, Food Too!!
Written: Dec 12 '04 (Updated Jan 20 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Upbeat atmosphere. Live entertainment
Cons: We spend a good chunk-a-change at this place.
The Bottom Line: This is a place to bring a few friends who don't watch their wallets and pocketbooks too tightly and want to have a good time.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Don Juan Mexican Restaurant - Long Island |
The first time I ever went to Don Juan's was about twelve years ago. We walked into the place and before we knew it we were in the middle of a live show of people who were up from Mexico wearing the apparel of Aztecs and doing cultural dances. I was blown away. The show was to be in the new theatre like room but it wasn't quite complete so we had the dancers up close around our table. I'll never forget that day.
Why We Go
We go to Don Juan's for the party atmosphere. Don Juan's has live cultural dances on Saturday nights. I would estimate that its a ten-fifteen minute show every hour starting at about 7PM. Sometimes it's Mexican Dancers with the guys looking lean in their tight form fitting outfits and the gals wear beautiful dresses with bright colours with a change or two in costuming.
On Thursdays-Sundays after 6PM Mariachi Bands come out strolling to the tables. They do requests and of course will do the obligatory birthday song for any parties there. Just talk to your waiter ahead of time. They may also try and get the birthday guy or gal to do a couple of dance steps at the table wearing a Mexican hat. Hey, it is a party!
We do spend a good amount of dollars when here but that's what this place is all about. Call over the pretty girl and she will make some guacamole up fresh at your table adding all the special ingredients to your taste. Have fun with another lovely lady that has holsters holding some tequila type bottles giving shots called poppers. This is a watered down drink alcoholic drink but it's still fun. Just call her to the table and she'll set up a quick drink contest. All this is happening with either live music or pumped in music keeping the atmosphere festive.
What We Have Done There
We had my dads surprise 65th birthday at this place a number of years ago we were a group of a couple of dozen or so. We had a blast! We've been here for a number of other birthday parties and anniversaries too. We recently came here with a group of friends from our church that have stuck together for many years. We call ourselves Fourteen Faithful Friends. Once again we had a great time watching the show, asking requests of the Mariachi and having pitchers of Sangria.
I have some of the best memories of times coming here with other couples too. There's something fun about eating, drinking, talking, and then giving attention to the music and dance and then going back to everything else again.
My wife took a group of her teenage Youth group a number of years ago. No we didn't have alcohol but we did have a great time. We have been here with just our immediate family too. My wife and I have come to Don Juan's during the day for lunch. It's a totally different atmosphere then. All is very quiet and we sit on the small side of the restaurant that is divided into two rooms.
At the top of the main room are two bars, yes two! The place can get pretty busy at night and the bartenders are mixing drinks as fast as they can. They make a fair Margarita, nothing to write home about but the Sangria is good if you ask they don't put in too much ice. The bars offer every and any drink you can think of. It's a younger and boisterous crowd that hangs at the bar.
The Atmosphere and Setting
Don Juan's in Westbury, there are two others on Long island, is divided into two rooms. The lunch crowd and those who do not want such a high energy party atmosphere on a Saturday night eat in a room that has its own entrance. It has a few dividing walls and cultural Aztec custom murals on the walls. Music is pumped in but not too loudly. I believe the Mariachi do come around to this section too at night. We have only had lunch in this room.
The main room has a theatre look to it in that there is a stage in the front lower area. A DJ booth is also in that area. Don Juans does have "special" nights for dancing and such. My wife an I just aren't into that circle.
Tables are set up below like a dinner theatre. They are very close together. Very, very close together. Though so, it's never been a problem for this big guy. I just try not to have to use the rest rooms too often. They happen to be busy places in Don Juans but are kept fairly clean.
Murals and other Mexican and Native Mexican accoutrements are everywhere and the scene is festive.
Menu
This place offers burgers, a couple of pasta dishes and some traditional appetizers for those who prefer. The menu otherwise is Mexican through and through. The menu offers specials and combinations that are numbered so if you don't want to try your Spanish accent abilities you can simply say your number item. There are 37 numbers besides fifteen or so Aperitivos. The appetizers are what you might expect. Nachos, Quesadas, Guacamola (get this made at the table if you want it), Jalapeno Poppers, and other items like Fried Calamari, Mozzarella Stix, Tiajuana Tenders, and Inferno Wings. There's even more.
We usually just stick with the nacho chips and dip that are brought to the table and order a round of drinks right away. We have orderer the Quesados Don Juan that are a pretty good start.
The menus offerings are pretty much what you would expect with Burrittos, Enchiladas, Tostadas, and Quesadillas. It's all pretty good but I must say that the Fajitas are excellent. You can get them with strips of marinated grilled steak, Chicken or Shrimp. I'm partial to the steak.
They have a combination Fajita plate at $21.95 that gives you all three. If you want to try something a bit different try the Salmon Fajita at $24.95.
Another favorite of mine that I have had better elsewhere, but continue to order here is their Paella Con Langosta. This rice dish with Lobster, Shrimp, Clams Mussels, Scallops, Sausages, and Chicken goes for a whopping $29.95 or $49.95 for two. It's a nice full meal. Remember you are paying a bit for the show.
The truth is I don't go to Don Juan's just for their food. if that were the case I wouldn't be going there as often. This isn't the food you can find while down in Play del Carmen, Mexico on their Fifth Ave or smaller side streets. It is good, though overpriced. But again, It's the Party!
Service
When coming to this restaurant you may be VERY lucky to find a parking spot in the front. More likely you may find one in the small back lot. Most likely on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night you will drive into the back lot and leave your car for the Valet to take. This service, I believe, is more due to the lack of nearby legal parking than for ambiance. The guys always hustle and have seemed to treat the cars right. Think another couple-a-bucks for tips for the night too.
I believe the service in the restaurant is pretty good but hold onto your drinks. These guys and gals, who are dressed in traditional Mexican attire, will have the glass gone before you can say Chimichanga. You will find that the staff work to maximize their profits off you the customer. There's nothing wrong with that unless it brings down the overall dining experience. It doesn't here. Once you are seated there's no hesitation before seeing your waiter. Drink orders are quickly taken along with any choices for appetizers. The wait staff also knows the menu very well and can help you in ordering.
As you eat and drink the table is cleared pretty quickly. These are the guys who don't speak much English but do their job well. If you ask for water, they will keep the glass full. Though we have been here for hours, aside from cleaning off the tables, we have never felt rushed. I will say that we also always have a drink or something in our hand. The staff is friendly enough and quick with a smile.
Summing It All Up
I suppose you know by now I like this place for the party atmosphere. I sometimes wonder whether it's just us, ready to party, or if it is the restaurants festive music. I just love it when I'm in conversation and eating and drinking and then I hear the blare if the horns as the Mariachi enter the room. Let the party begin!!
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Recommended:
Yes
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