A party atmosphere with food to match
Don Pablo's isn't standard Tex-Mex, which generally serves food that takes like Old El Paso enchilada souce and the enchilada pie I used to get in first grade in San Antonio, but the food is great and easily stands on its own merits. Mexican food snobs might become disoriented, but if you like food and fun, this is the place for you. Prices are reasonable, service is very good, and comfort is high. The salsa is homemade and tasty in the "gazpacho" range, but perked up well when I put half a bottle of the table hot sauce into it; we like it really spice, and this did the trick. The cheese enchiladas were well worth the trip, and the "go withs" were great comfort food as well -- and the place is high on comfort. They're my first test in a Mexican restaurant --the second is chiles rellenos. To my surprise, this came with a real, respectable (read fiery) poblano pepper inside, and wasn't covered with soggy tempura batter, which you get in many places. Dessert is fine -- the apple pie and chocolate desserts finish off any appetite. The margaritas come in a HEAVY glass, but the contents are heavy, too, and potent. I'd go back. Since I spend a good bit of time at the Borders in the plaza, that'll be fairly often. (If you want down and dirty no-frills Tex Mex, go to The Alamo, but that's all the way down in Riverdale and is nearly 40 years old, so it's not big on ambience. But the food is good.) Note: my son works there at the time of writing, which is why I went, but I'll still go to Don Pablo's, wherever he works. Ding me if you'd like, the the place is really good, regardless of who's working there.    [22 Jan 2005 12:31:31]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: All of 'em.

     ­Jack Cole, pere, Columbia