Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchen - CLOSED

 

8

147

Robyn C.

Wheaton, IL

8/6/2007

What to say about Don Pablo"s...a pretty good Mexican chain restaurant, much better than and kept to a higher standard than the overprocessed Chevy's.  I'd give it a three and a half overall.  The food is fairly good, the service could be better.

The hub had the Portobello fajitas, very tender and not over cooked.  I had the pork carnita special, served simply with slices of avocado, red onion, cilantro and of course tortillas.  Their tortillas are hand pressed and better than the ultra-thin-out-of-a-bag variety.  I've had better/hotter salsa.  If you inquire they do have the non-gringo variety, but it isn't brought out unless requested.

Sadly, they lose stars because are regularly understaffed.  The waitstaff tries hard but are usually running their asses off.  Perhaps that's why their Margaritas are so strong.  After one of those and some chips, I'm usually willing to forgive.

I wouldn't go out of my way to visit Don Pablo's but if you're looking for a good Mexi-fix and you spot one on the road, go on in for standard fare.  We visit regularly out this way so we try to stop when we're in the neighborhood.  There's also one outside of Bloomington, Indiana.  A tip for those of you who like to save $$$...if you join their "Habanero Club" you receive a free appetizer.  After x number of meals, you get a free dinner.  Best yet, however, is that Habanero Club members get the free upgrade to the Patron in all Margaritas.  My card is just about wore out, baby.  Viva Habanero!

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