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Jacala Mexican Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
47 reviews for Jacala Mexican Restaurant
Review Highlights
"They have the best puffy tacos in SA."
(in 14 reviews)
"My favorite cheese enchiladas of all time."
(in 10 reviews)
"Wow, talk about awesome Tex-Mex, we were not let down."
(in 14 reviews)
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Jess P.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2011
My grandpa used to take me here when I was little and I still love it here. The food is always good and fresh and I have never been disappointed. It claims to be the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio and it has a nice ambiance. The enchiladas are delicious, the rice and beans are good and their puffy tacos are soo good too! I have ordered the Chile con queso before too and ate so much of it that I was full by the time my food came.
Solid Texmex! Definitely try it out if you have never been! -
Review from Marissa G.
Fort Campbell, KY
we went early right when it opened and everything was fresh.. I was so delicious.
I always get the enchilada plate. it was spot on this time.
Tortillas were soft.
However, this is not always the case. Last year, the tortillas were hard and i think they were reheated. -
Review from Nathan M.
Berkeley, CA
1/3/2012
Choice Tex-Mex with flour tortillas and puffy tacos that rise to the top. If you get any entree with the chile con queso, be ready to be the fullest you've been in months.
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Review from Katy S.
San Antonio, TX
12/13/2011
Yummy! You can actually taste the ingredients~ fresh and thankfully missing the pool of grease that usually accompanies mexican food plates. Great prices, quick service~ my new go to place for those puffy taco cravings!
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Review from Daniel J.
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Jacala came highly recommended to me as one of the best Tex-Mex spots in San Antonio, but I have to admit this place left me missing Chuy's, you know, overrated Tex-Mex king of Austin? As an aside, here's a little secret: we tell tourists/out-of-towners to go to Chuy's so the tex-mex joints we actually love remain free of crowds.
That said, I think someone pulled the same trick on this out-of-towner while I was in San Antonio. Our waiter was phenomenal, funny in an off-beat kind of way that had me in stitches. At first, we were both a bit bewildered since we didn't know if he was a master of dry wit, or just being odd, but one we caught on, we knew we had a winner for a waiter.
I didn't love the salsa. It was thick, but it was the mildest mild I've ever experienced in my life and pretty unremarkable. When I received my order of the Santa Fe dinner, it seemed to me they literally plopped a tablespoon of refried beans on my plate - the portion was honestly that paltry. It also had that hard topping, with a soft interior as if it had been overcooked and left out too long or something. The rice wasn't any better and was a weird juxtaposition of grainy pieces that were undercooked alongside clusters of clumpy rice. The flavour just wasn't there.
I was particularly interested in the Santa Fe because it was advertised on the menu as "Spicy!" Completely incorrect. The stacked tortillas and chicken were covered in a sauce that I tried to like, but tasted like a weird variation of mole - my least favourite tex-mex sauce. It also was as mild as the salsa. I had my dining companion give it a try, and they agreed it was as not-spicy as a dish can get. I didn't finish it, even adding their delicious queso didn't improve the taste of the dish.
I will give kudos to the tacos. My dining companion was gracious enough to let me try theirs, and I would probably have a better experience next time if I ordered those instead.Listed in: Keep it Folded, Keep it Yanaguana
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Review from Lindsey M.
San Antonio, TX
11/30/2011
We had heard good things about Jacala, so we gave it a shot. Our server was a sweet old man who was on top of the water and salsa. The salsa was pretty tasty, the fajitas and tortillas fresh, and the house rox margarita was refreshing and light. Didn't care for the rice and beans - tasted too dry. The enchiladas were the highlight and a must-get!
We decided we'd go again if on that side of town, but we wouldn't make a special trip. -
Review from Susan P.
San Antonio, TX
11/7/2011
The best enchiladas in town!
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Review from April N.
San Antonio, TX
5/30/2011
After seeing the reviews on Yelp and wanting some good, authentic Mexican food, my boyfriend and I decided to venture to Jacala.
Celebrating my awesome parking spot (as the lot was quite full on a Sunday night), we got out of the car to walk in... only to not be able to find the correct door. We wound up walking in from the patio into the middle of a back dining room, wandering around until we found the hostess booth and waited two or three minutes to be acknowledged by a woman that was standing there and watching us the entire time. (it turns out that a service door was open and blocked the "Enter" sign on the correct door)
Once we were seated, our drink orders were taken fairly quickly, but took almost 10 minutes to arrive. The benefit? They had run out of the correct glasses for my margarita and wound up upsizing it at no extra charge. Woo hoo! It was nice and strong- not watered down or weak like Tex-Mex chains.
He ordered the cheese enchilada platter while I got the floutas. While we waited for our dinners, we were served homemade, thick chips and salsa. The salsa was definitely unique; it wasn't bad (he enjoyed it), it just wasn't my taste.
The cheese for the enchiladas looked very processed- almost like it was velveeta. My floutas were excellent, and by far the best I've had. Both of our dinners came with refried beans and rice.
All in all it wasn't a bad night but not as good as we had hoped based off other reviews. For the price ($33 for both of us, including alcoholic drinks and tip), I would go again if someone else suggested it or wanted to go but I don't think I'll willingly seek out Jacala again. -
Review from Juan F.
San Antonio, TX
1/17/2012
really enjoyed my time there last friday, great margaritas
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Review from Bettina R.
Washington, DC
I've only been here three times, and I'm already dazzled by Jacala. Some Yelpers met here tonight to celebrate National Taco Day, and I'm convinced that we ended up at exactly the right place for the occasion.
Our servers were so accommodating to our large party. I don't think we even had a reservation, but everyone was so friendly and courteous. I really appreciated that even though we were a pretty big and somewhat rowdy bunch, they still were all smiles and even let us split the ticket between each of us. But I'm getting ahead of myself, because the main order of business here is really the food, isn't it?
So. I got the special #1 plate, which comes with just about everything you could possibly want in a Tex-Mex entree: a large chalupa smothered in their amazing queso, a very generous serving of guacamole, two cheese enchiladas with gravy, a puffy taco, rice, beans, and a side of tortillas. And yes, I did devour most of it-- do not underestimate the power of tenacity! The enchiladas were perfectly cheesy and delicious, and the queso, omg, the queso. It tastes amazing because they use real cheese to make it, not Velveeta. Unfortunately, it doesn't keep as long without suffering a bit on the texture end-- it starts to harden quite a bit more quickly than queso with processed cheese. Still, it is fan-freaking-tastic, and since the special #1 comes with a chalupa smothered with it, I can enjoy a smaller portion without leaving any bits behind to harden in the bowl.
The real star of the show, though, is the taco. Jacala's puffy taco is out-of-this-world. For any Austin folks reading, these tacos remind me of those from Amaya's Taco Village--the puffy taco shell is not too greasy, really soft and fresh tasting. The fillings inside are also generously seasoned and full of flavor. Now that I think about it, I might skip the combo dinner and just get the taco dinner next time. Hot damn, y'all.Listed in: taco lovin', ROTD
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Review from Krys T.
10/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Three cheers for the puffy tacos in the Deco district! Hip, hip, hooray!!
I showed up to Jacala a few minutes before the rest of my party and announced that 14 more were on their way. No panic, no stress, the staff just swiftly set into motion and even opened the patio for us when I mentioned I love to eat outside. I wasn't even asking, they just accommodated without hesitation.
As the rest of my group trickled in, our waiter, Frank, worked his magic and filled drinks and chips an salsa bowls before anyone requested. When some unaccounted for showed up later, the staff showed no signs of worry, but simply added another table to the end of where we were seated, took orders and got them food and drink in no time. Completely impressed by the service, which should surprise no one since they've been a San Antonio favorite for over 65 years, so let's move on to the food!
A rich, creamy queso made from *real* cheese was gifted from the manager and complimented the delicious salsa and puffy, homemade chips nicely. Oh, did someone mention puffy? Their tacos puffed and stuffed with delicious meat and veggies are my favorite in the entire city. There, I said it. And this is yet another spot that lays claim to being the inventor of these fluffy rolls of happiness. I stay out of the debate on who did it first, but I stand by my conviction of who makes them best - Jacala. Do it! Your stomach will be so grateful! -
Review from Curt C.
10/5/2010 ROTD 10/14/2010
Viva Tacos!
This place is simply amazing.
I ordered the Taco Plate. I had to celebrate National Taco Day in style. The plate came with two beef puffy tacos, Spanish rice, and refried beans. The tacos were incredible! It's easy to make puffy tacos that are covered with grease that fall apart in a greasy mess when you pick them up to eat them. These were different. The puffy taco shell was grease-free, and the meat was lean. It was perfect! The chips and salsa were magnificent. The chips were the orange and white variety, and incredible. The salsa is bottled and sold at the grocery store. I think it's a bit watery, and lacks heat. We got queso, which also lacked sufficient heat, but was tasty.
The tortillas seemed to be store-bought, and not made onsite.
The service was top notch. We arrived without reservations, and was promptly seated outside. Our waiter, Frank received tremendous applause when he swiftly delivered everyone's tacos and margaritas without a hitch. They deserve credit for keeping our glasses topped off, and our bellies full, all while wearing a smile.
The decor is really authentic. We ate out on the patio, which had a good view of the scenic parking lot. It was cool, with fans going overhead to keep us from melting.
I came for the tacos, and walked away satisfied. The food was tasty, but my dining companions were the spiciest part of the meal. Best Taco Day ever!Listed in: Tacos
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Review from Alan W.
San Antonio, TX
12/30/2010
So, after living in San Antonio for 23 years, and never having been to, let alone heard of this place, we went tonight. OMG. It was VERY good. It is the oldest Mexican restaurant under continuous management by the same family, which says quite a bit.
I had the enchiladas verdes. I have had enchiladas verdes in lots of places and I must say that they were some of the best ever. The vibe was great with lots of generational families joining in.
Highly Recommended for food and atmosphere. -
Review from Chad W.
1/10/2011
Writing this as a San Antonio outsider...
Puffy Taco = deep-fried chalupa-type taco. I felt like a fatty after eating one. I was expecting something closer to puffed-pastry or croissant...false. Deep fried thick taco shell. There, I said it.
The enchilada sauce was some of the best I've had...not traditional, but very good.
The salsa was bush league. No hot sauce readily available either. Refried beans were okay...rice was exactly like every other place I've had it.
Small guac was $3.85, and was ~3T of guac. Apparently the trees are going extinct.
The $10 margarita was not worth $10...it wasn't fresh squeezed, definitely out of a bottle. Go for the cheaper versions. However, the $3.85 head-sized beer of Dos Equis was. Stay thirsty my friends. -
Review from Jeffrey H.
San Antonio, TX
10/5/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I could not make the UYE event Monday evening to celebrate Taco Day so I went for lunch to honor the Taco!
Upon sitting down at our table we were given the usual chips and salsa. However, there was nothing usual about the chips. They were fantastic the were crunchy, tasty, & wonderful. And that was before you dipped them into the salsa. The salsa was very good as well. In fact it is so good that they bottle it and sell it at HEB.
Since Jacala is one of the "original" puffy taco places I ate the 3 beef puffy taco for less than 6 bucks. I will try and break down the taco; on top you had the usual lettuce and tomato, next the picadillo was very good and spiced perfectly to taste, lastly my favorite was the puffy taco shell. The corn tortilla was fried to puffy perfection it was tasty and both soft and crunchy and it did not fall apart at the fold! It was a very good puffy taco and not messy.
Come on by and try it you will not be disappointed.Listed in: Al Fresco Dining
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Review from Jason R.
1/31/2011
Simply put...great Mexican food.
Hits Nachos #66, guacamole, top shelf original margaritas, and the fajitas.
Note worthy were the enchiladas
Not worth the hype was the chili relleno
We were there on a Friday night and it was packed (good sign) had a great meal with great service. It's off the beaten path but well worth it. -
Review from Veronica H.
San Antonio, TX
9/16/2010 1 photo
Extremely fast service, great puffy tacos (although these are my first and only!), fun atmosphere!
My friend heard about puffy tacos on the Food Network so when she came to visit I hunted some down and this place seemed to be popular with fellow Yelpers! I can certainly see why. I just got 3 puffy tacos with chicken but my husband and friend ordered the dinners which came with puffy tacos as well as enchiladas, rice and beans. Each of them gave me an enchilada since it was so much food and I enjoyed everything. I've been looking for an answer to this amazing place I go to in Wichita, KS - Filipe's. I think I've found it. The salsa is pretty good and the chips are thick and crunchy.
There's even a mariachi band that wanders around to play for anyone who's interested in some dinner music. We didn't realize they were there until we heard their music and we all started smiling because it totally added to the atmosphere. Oh and the frozen house margarita is pretty good, too. It comes with a maraschino cherry! You can't beat that! -
Review from Shawn M.
San Antonio, TX
10/5/2010
So yes, I was one of the celebrants in an informal (and rather impromptu) tribute to National Taco Day.
No one knew exactly how many of us would actually show up; and - since we were straggling in from all over San Antonio - nobody could accurately pinpoint the time, either.
No problem. Jacala's unflappable staff did an astonishingly admirable job of accommodating a fairly large and unwieldy group: keeping the supply of fresh and tasty chips, salsa, and drinks coming until we were ready to order; adjusting tables so that late-comers could be swiftly seated. Our superlative server, Frank, took orders when we were finally ready.
Then, when our dinner was borne forth from the kitchen, we dug in. Oh my: Tex-Mex comfort food! There were beans, rice, queso, enchiladas, guacamole - all very good....and oh, oh oh: puffy tacos! The star of the show: light and tender enough to serve as the base of an elegant dessert, but filled instead with a savory mix of beef and fresh veggies!
Everything was well-seasoned, yet mild enough to appeal to the most sensitive palate. I confess I've been a Texan long enough to appreciate a bit of heat in my Tex-Mex, though - so I added zip and zest with a heap o' jalapenos (which were also brought to our table by the Amazing Frank!).
Regretfully, I quit eating when the plate was about a third full - and even so, I was stuffed!
Yay, National Taco Day; Yay, Jacala! -
Review from Ashley S.
San Antonio, TX
Updated - 7/21/2011
Came to celebrate my birthday with my family - a party of 8. Jacalitos were amazing as always! However, this is the 3rd or 4th time the service hasn't been the best...It's rather disappointing because it seems to be a common problem based on my experiences and other reviews on Yelp...I really hope they can improve the service soon.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2010
I like to consider myself a connoisseur of Mexican food rather Tex-Mex. Jacala is by far my favorite… Read more »
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Review from Vinny H.
San Antonio, TX
Awesome food, lunch is quick and around 8 bucks. It comes with chips n salsa, and tea. Miguel has been here since 1995 and is a great waiter. The house margaritas are delicious!!!!
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Review from Marian L.
Kansas City, MO
8/13/2010
The specialty of the house are these yummy tacos. My husband had the chicken puffy tacos, I had cheese. I also ordered the cheese enchiladas, but be warned, vegetarians, the enchilada sauce is dripping with beef. The slightly greasy kind of crumbled beef. Not hamburger. I scraped the sauce off and the enchilada was delicious. By far my favorite portion of the meal was the chips and salsa. The chips are homemade and a little thicker than typical Mexican restaurant complimentary chips. I went through that basket with my beer and could have made a meal of them.
Warm, welcoming atmosphere. Attentive service. Colorful decor. Kinda cheesy but in a good homey, nostalgic way. -
Review from Aj D.
San Antonio, TX
7/16/2011
I had some beef enchiladas here a few nights ago, they were delicious. The complimentary chips and salsa were really good to. I can definitely see why they have been in business since '49. The service was average, nothing to rave about. I will be going back as soon as I can to try out more of their menu.
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Review from Nathan I.
Austin, TX
10/29/2009
Let me put this review into perspective: I don't like Mexican food. In Texas, this makes me a freak, but if I have ANY other option, I'll choose it over Mexican. But in all seriousness: I sometimes I drive an hour and a half from Austin to San Antonio, just to dine at this restaurant.
I've been going to Jacala for years, ever since we moved to Texas. It was a favorite of my (late) grandparents, and one of the highlights of visiting them was sharing time at Jacala. Later, when I went to Trinity, I was shocked to discover it was so close to me. One day, my suitemates were raving about this place they'd just ate at, this awesome Mexican restaurant down the street they couldn't get enough of. I told them my favorite Mexican restaurant was Jacala, and we discovered it was the same place! More than one friend of mine also loved it so much that eating there with her became an almost weekly occurrence while we were in college.
My favorite is the No. 3 dinner platter. I ask for beef enchiladas and beef puffy tacos. I have never, ever found food as good as this among the myriad of Mexican restaurants I've been to...even the ones in Mexico! The homemade flavor has never been duplicated for me outside of Jacala. Chips are fresh and NEVER from a bag. Fresh tortillas are made right there at a stand in the restaurant. I am totally unaware of any place that still makes puffy tacos this good...or at all, in fact.
If you ever get a friend or relative visiting from a part of the country that is Mexican-food deficient, then make this one of your stops. It doesn't get any better than this! -
Review from Matthew G.
San Antonio, TX
12/7/2009
It happened again today... I started thinking about Jacala enchiladas and couldn't get them off my mind. Texting around to see who wanted to go eat mid-afternoon proved fruitless, so I had to fly solo. It's pointless to fight it - once you start obsessing about Jacala enchiladas there's only one thing to do....
As usual, giving in was so worth it.
This isn't a new story... I've been an addict since 1963, when my family moved to San Antonio and discovered "La Jacala". Now, the 4th generation of our family calls this place "favorite" - and in the plethora of tex-mex restaurants that is San Antonio, that's saying something.
For newbies, I recommend starting with the Jacalitos for the adults and a bowl of queso for the kiddies (although the queso is hard to resist, no matter what your age). Big boys will move on to "The Platter" while damas can have a smaller portion (#7: Ladies Special) or choose from a number of lower calorie options. Everything's good, so you can hardly make a mistake. My bro-in-law swears by the chicken fried steak.
The margaritas are tasty and actually have tequila in them, and the wide assortment of beers are priced well - not a rip-off like the trendier Tex-Mex palaces.
On your way out, pick up a praline or take home a jar of Jacalapeno Jelly - great on goat cheese!! There's also a parking space for those picking up to-go, but you'll want the whole friendly mural-painted fiesta-postered dining experience if you haven't been before.
Buen provecho!! -
Review from San Antonio R.
San Antonio, TX
11/13/2010
Jacala Mexican Restaurant has the best Puffy Tacos especially when you ad guacamole to them. The owner Yolanda, Lucy and Cindy are always around to give you great service and great food. Try their delicious enchiladas also. You can find Jalcala on http://sanantonioresta...
Phil Yamin -
Review from Edgar V.
11/8/2008
Three and a half stars. On a whim, I drove to San Antonio this morning after seeing that the full peak fall colors were out at the Lost Maples State Park. They provide weekly reports. Link: The trip there was a bust. Even though I left Houston at 630 AM, I got there at 1130 AM and there was a line of cars on SH 16 outside the park. The park was jammed at capacity and I turned around and left.
After that disappointment, I wanted some comfort food. Checked out the Yelp listings - saw that Agustin S of Houston reviewed this place so that cinched it for me and I was in the car on my way over.
Huge place in the barrio. Huge parking lot for them with staff walking around the lot watching - very good sign that the owners care. Huge patio which was closed for a private party. Cheerful traditional Tex-Mex decor inside.
Had the carne guisada - which I think is a pretty good dish to use for comparisons among restaurants in different cities. The beef was tender, beans and rice were satisfactory, and the accompanying 3 tortillas were delightful and piping hot.
Hostess acknowledged me quickly and gave me a warm welcome. Sat me in the definitely worst section (near the kitchen and service areas) but I wasn't alone so I didn't think it was just because I was a solo diner. Waitress was friendly and efficient in the ordering and delivery of the items. The order was ready to serve within 5 minutes of ordering!
Bottom line: A good solid place to grab some comfort Tex-Mex food. -
Review from Lynne S.
Stoneham, MA
4/19/2010 2 photos
I have to tip my cowgirl hat to all of you yelpers who led me to Jacala. I knew I had to veer off the Riverwalk to find a great and reasonably priced place to eat, and once again, yelpers did not lead me astray!
As far as atmosphere, Jacala is not pretty, but it is cheap and delicious. I was surrounded by Mexicans dining there so I knew right off the bat that it was going to be good. The complimentary red and yellow homemade chips were crispy, salted and hot out of the fryer. The salsa was a brownish color, unlike any salsa I've never seen before. I was a little afraid to try it, but it ended up being delicioso. My margarita was also spectacular. I think it was made with lime juice, which gave it an extra layer of depth and tang on my tongue.
I couldn't make up my mind on an entree because everything sounded so good, so I decided to get the special plate to try a little of everything. It came with 2 cheese enchiladas, 1 puffy beef taco, 1 chili con queso (which was crispy tortilla covered in queso), rice and beans. The cheese enchiladas were out of this world good and the chili con queso was like eating one giant crispy tortilla chip covered it cheesey goodness.
In addition, there was a fabulous Mariachi band playing, no wait on a Friday night, plenty of parking and amazing service. I honestly don't have one complaint! -
Review from Kari O.
Orlando, FL
7/10/2009
I've been here twice and had a great experience each time. On the first time, my family and I were passing through on our way from Orlando, FL to Costa Mesa, CA.
My parents met in San Antonio 41 years ago, so we made the city one of our many stops along the way. The gal at the front desk of the hotel we stayed at recommended Jacala as a place that's popular with the locals. I can see why! The service was warm, friendly, the Tex Mex amazing... and the manager even came out with complimentary flan for us. From what we found out, Jacala has been owned and operated by the same family since 1949. If you've managed to stay in business (and stay popular) that long, that says something!
A few years later, on a business trip, I convinced my co-worker to have dinner here. Please note that if you're in San Antonio for a convention, it may be $40 - $50 for a cab ride from the RiverWalk area to the restaurant and back. That being said, the food is much better than what you might find in the touristy areas.
My co-worker was a little anxious about the restaurant being so deep in the barrio, but then again, he was a bit of a drama queen by nature. Having been here before, *I* had no qualms. Inside, we were greeted by the same genuinely welcoming staff, and great food. Can't rave enough about the chicken mole and the cheese enchiladas. And, yes, the chips and salsa were great, too. ;) Finishing it off with a tasty "award winning" margarita completed the meal.
If you've got a car and are in town (or passing through), definitely give Jacala a try. If you are staying around the RiverWalk, just remember that the cab fare will not be cheap. -
Review from Eric S.
San Antonio, TX
1/9/2011
Lived here 25 years and this is hands down the best Mexican food in San Antonio and likely anywhere in South Texas. We eat here all the time and it is the ONLY place we take out of town guests who want real mexican food. Their food is fantastic, their drinks are top notch and their service is always stellar. From a quality and value perspective, there is nothing better in San Antonio.
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Review from Justin D.
Costa Mesa, CA
6/2/2008 1 photo
Hands down the best Tex-Mex in the world.
Best enchiladas, best beans, best tacos (PUFFY), best tamales, best salsa, best vibes.
I will say nothing other then: Fly to Jacala's to eat Tex-Mex ASAP! -
Review from Angela C.
Austin, TX
7/17/2010
This is REAL Mexican food. It's a family atmosphere, with beyond reasonable prices and great portions. I've been dining here since I was an infant, and I've converted many people become die-hard Jacala Fans.
I highly suggest the #4B, the Platter, and the Jacalitos. The Menudo is really good too.
I'm not a big fan of their drinks...the Margarita will be nice on a hot day, but I don't suggest their new Mojito (a little weak in my opinion). Otherwise take your friends and family to Jacala's and you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Alan W.
San Antonio, TX
4/21/2010
I've probably been going to Jacala longer than any restaurant in San Antonio. I remember going there often when I was in high school. I'm now 48 years old and still enjoying their food. It starts with chips and salsa. I once took a friend from Houston there and after a few bites of the hot sauce he asked for his own bowl and once it arrived he started eating it like soup!
The enchiladas are a little different than many other restaurants in town but still very good, particularly when they first arrive and they are still hot. Most of the wait staff have been there for many years and they are usually pleasant yet efficient. -
Review from James R.
Lockhart, TX
10/15/2010
(3 stars for food and 5 stars for price).
First of all, my all-time favorite Mex restuarant in SA "was" Karams for over 40 years. Since they closed, I've been on the hunt for comparable cheese enchiladas and Jacala's are some of the best so far (Mex Manhatten's are also good). BUT Jacala (like many others in SA) do not use the preferred cheddar cheese, but some sort of Easy Melt/Velveeta/American concoction which is simply not as good. I "help" their #25 plate (3 cheese enchiladas) out by topping it with cheddar and queso quesadilla or asadero cheese and they are MUCH better. Their chili sauce over the enchiladas is very good and I will say their prices can't be beat. -
Review from Lindsay A.
Seattle, WA
7/19/2008
My friends took me to this restaurant RIGHT after picking me up from the airport. It was pretty busy, which they say is not the norm. Due to the high volume of customers the service was pretty bad. Took forever to get our order and then our waitress forgot to bring us our food and saw us sitting there after 20 minutes, gasped, and ran to the kitchen. She was sweet as pie about it though.
The chips and salsa (which we refreshed all throughout dinner!) were so yummy that I bought two jars of salsa to take home with me. I am now down to my last spoonful and am terrified and considering making my friend ship 4 jars of it to me!
The mole was good, a bit sweet for me, but still good. Puffy tacos delish. -
Review from C L.
San Antonio, TX
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I saw alot of great reviews on this place so I was excited for my first visit. Based on the reviews I got the puffy tacos, cheese enchiladas and the chulpa with queso. Let me first start off that I have eaten alot of mexican food in SA and I would not rate this place in my top 10. The service was great outstanding even but the food was subpar and don't even get me started on the weak salsa. Overall the atomosphere was nice and the service was heplful but the food just wasn't worth another visit.
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Review from Ron M.
Montebello, CA
7/22/2010
Jacala was just OK for me. The chips and salsa were tasty and fresh and the margaritas were very good. I love cheese, but the beans had way to much cheese for me. It left the food a little too greasy , which upset my stomach. The enchiladas and puffy tacos were good, but the tacos were a little on the small side. This is the first time I had puffy tacos, so maybe that is how they are all made.
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Review from Wes K.
Waco, TX
12/6/2010
My parents brought me here since before I could remember. The best cheese enchiladas I've had and that's the only thing I ever got. Don't live in SA anymore so sadly can't come here.
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Review from Agustin S.
Houston, TX
8/19/2008
In San Antonio for the weekend with my brother and his gf, who happened to live in SA some time ago insisted we go here for dinner. Wow, talk about awesome Tex-Mex, we were not let down. The neighborhood is a little questionable, but once you get to the restaurant it is packed and the parking lot is loaded with Mercedes, Jaguars, Lexus's so I thought certainly if these people are willing to partake why shouldn't I. Jacala is a converted house which over the years has been added onto to accommodate the growth of the business, this is the very definition of Tex-Mex.
The food was amazing. We started out with their Jacalitos, its Jacala's version of nachos. They start out with corn chips topped with Shredded chicken then topped with chili con queso Monterrey Jack cheese then smothered in sour cream and thrown in the oven till everything was melted and toasted. Throw in a side of jalapenos and guacamole and you have Jacalito's I ordered a bottle Tecate and it came with the neck salted topped off with a lime. The main course consisted of a traditional Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas topped with chili con carne, the sauce was more carne than chile and it made for some awesome enchiladas. Apparently Jalcala's is known for their beef puff tacos, a small corn tortilla deep fried to puff up and stuffed with beef, cheese and lettuce and tomato. My wife of course had to change the menu a bit, but they were very accommodating. She ordered the cheese enchiladas, but since she doesn't eat beef she wanted to substitute the sauce with the Verde sauce and they said it wouldn't be a problem. The server even had the puff taco substituted with chicken, which was a relief since my wife had forgotten to mention it.
The service was a little slow but she was very polite and willing to accommodate our requests even though her section was triple sat. All the food certainly made up for any short comings in the service.
I'm not from San Antonio, but being from the RGV and living in Austin and Houston, this Tex-Mex is as good as it gets. I highly recommend this place to anyone that lives in San Antonio and anyone visiting.Listed in: My Weekend Road Trip To San…
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Review from Denice R.
San Antonio, TX
8/28/2010
Love the Jacalitos w/guacamole & margaritas. The dancing Mariachi band Friday nights are a favorite of mine too!!!
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Review from Missy P.
San Antonio, TX
9/22/2010
I love this place! Been coming for over 25 years. They have the best puffy tacos in SA. Love it.
