La Dona

Had lunch yesterday at LA Dona with two Co– workers. We were greeted with disrespect. We asked at 11:10am if they had a lunch special, and we’re told by waitress that she had no idea what the special for lunch was, if we wanted to wait 5 minutes she would let us know, she left the menus at are table and walked off after taking our drink order. She came back with our drinks, verbally told us the various choices. Having read the menu, it stated lunch was available at 11: am. We ordered our meals, asked if she could bring more salsa and not just a small 1 inch wide little cup, waitress quickly responded, she would bring a big bowl but was going to charge us one dollar more. The food was nothing to die for, mediocre if any. Not advisable for Law Enforcement Officers in attire, perhaps that was the issue.

AHHH La Doña, la doña. Que lastima!
I was invited to try the menudo, an El Paso traditional «souplike» dish. And unfortunately I don’t have much to say about this bowl. The restaurant is clean and the staff friendly but not very attentive. The chips and salsa was also tasty although the little bowl the salsa comes in is too small to dip a chip, you have to karate chop the chip to make it fit. My first impression for the meal was the bread (eh) and the chopped onion and cut lime. Both the onion and lime were a day old so I didn’t use it (see picture) the menudo was average at best, and more than a few times I had to remove pieces of the meal from my mouth because it was too chewy and inedible. For the first time I didn’t finish a bowl of menudo.
THE BOTTOM LINE: if you want menudo make the drive to one of the many other good options in El Paso and skip La Doña.
…oh well

This is a great little hole in the wall. My favorite thing on the menu is the Ranchero Steak or the Ranchero Steak & Eggs. It has such great flavor and is priced unbelievably considering how good it is. Their salsa is really good too, wished they brought out more with your chips though. I like their soups too, caldo de res or caldo de pollo. I can’t help but stop there after a workout on a weekend since it’s so close to the gym… but hey, at least my favorite thing there has tons of protein in it… and tons of flavor.

I have seen this restaurant every time I get my oil changed but never went in, even though a friend told me they make a good steak at a great price. So today my husband and I went in. The place is immaculate, nice and airy, very pretty inside. The staff were very gracious and attentive. Now the good part: excellent fresh food! Homemade refried beans. I just got a bean burrito, plain and simple and it was just over $ 2. I rarely even eat refried beans because I think they are kind of heavy, but these ones were just right. Not sticky or pasty. My husband got a T-​bone steak, eggs, hash browns, refried beans and fresh tomatoes, onions and peppers on the steak, $ 10.99! Serious! And there was so much he didn’t finish! The place has a nice friendly vibe too:) Definitely go! Especially if you’re getting your vehicle worked on across the parking lot. The menu has something for everyone, they also have salsa to go and desserts! And little sweets at the counter. I think this will be a regular stop for me now :)

I really like the food here. Unfortunately the service is terrible. Although I would think my empty glass or cleared plate is enough reason for someone to see if I need anything, perhaps I should start snapping my fingers at the waitresses as my Mexican friends inform me that is how to call for service south of the border.

My wife and I used to go here on a regular basis but the last time we went a few things turned us off. 1) our waitress didn’t speak English, 2) my wife’s glass of water smelled a little fishy and 3) it took forever to get our order. I’m not sure what happened… maybe it was just one of those days but in all honesty I think my new Mexican restaurant of choice is casita Linda on Hondo Pass.

I eat here some mornings when I just want some huevos rancheros. Is good food some days can lack the spicy heat but still good. You get chips and salsa when you sit down. I have not had a problem with a language barrier here the ones who don’t speak English know the menu so just stick to that. Good coffee always fresh. Can’t say for any other meals but breakfast but that is great. All the servers are really nice and friendly. Some even are starting to remember what I order lol. Is that a sign I go to much? lol The décor is a little odd lol Looks like someone put Southwest art up with Home Interiors stuff, but I like the food and service and everything is supper clean. So all in all no complaints.

3.5 Stars
We decided to go back for breakfast and we were very happy we did. The waitress was very friendly, attentive and had a great attitude. She even brought us complimentary chips and salsa so that was cool. Not the first food that comes to mind in the morning but they were very good. I found out they serve breakfast all day so that’s a huge plus.
After looking over their menu, we made our decision. I got the Enchiladas Montado which included three cheese enchiladas, choice of egg (scrambled for me), red sauce (or green if you prefer), hash browns and beans. I knew this would be a filling meal and I was right. My girlfriend got the pancakes with eggs and fresh fruit. The pancakes were pretty fluffy, the eggs were also tasty and the fruit was fresh. There were strawberries, papaya and cantaloupe in the cup. It was a nice combo to get sweet and savory so we shared our meals.
The bill was under twelve bucks which still amazes me for the quality of the food. Extra star for affordability and great service. If you’re looking for a good breakfast at a great price, this place is definitely the right choice.

The best place for a Mexican restaurant is near a gym. Well maybe not, but looking at the gym in the parking lot after I eat, I feel a wee bit guilty.
With the plethora of Mexican food places in the Sun City, nothing really stands out. This isn’t one of the exceptions. The one thing I do like here is the chilaquiles. You would think that where we are there dishes would be spicy. However, with the exception of the last time I went, there was very little heat to the food. The servers are typically nice (but you have to be careful if you don’t speak Spanish). The one thing you might want to avoid (if you don’t smell it first) is the Menudo. I have ordered this as takehome one afternoon. When we opened it up, the tripe was not cleaned/​cooked the way it’s supposed to.