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Mekeni Filipino Restaurant - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Filipino Filipino [Edit]
115 E Lindbergh BlvdUniversal City, TX 78148
(210) 566-2210
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Mekeni Filipino Restaurant
Review Highlights
"...or taste are garlic fried rice, pinakbet, mongo and..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Hubby usually goes for the laing, adobo, and kare kare."
(in 3 reviews)
"so far, they all enjoyed their authentic filipino food."
(in 3 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Melanie J.
San Antonio, TX
If I can't make it to my aunt's house for filipino (unargueably the best), then this is the best place to go for a buffet of dishes.
Definitely a place to get my filipino home-cooking fix! -
Review from Tony C.
Alexandria, VA
6/26/2010
The "best" Filipino restaurant in San Antonio!!! I'm Filipino and I know when the food is good and this food is AWESOME!!! Lots and lot's of selection on the buffet line. I don't know how many times I went back for more. Everyone that went with me to this restaurant, enjoyed it and the prices are not over the top, but just right!
A few reasons why I gave it 4 stars:
1) They don't have Karaoke or Music, or live dancing as stated on their website. However, I didn't mind at all as was inundated with the awesome food that was in front of me.
2) Lechon, longanisa, tocino, pancit palabok, etc. were only served on Sat/Sun (I went on a Friday night).
3) It's not in the city of San Antonio, but in Universal City--outside of San Antonio. The drive wasn't too bad, but I did hit some traffic enroute to the restaurant.
When I visit San Antonio again, I will visit this place again! Too bad, it's not closer to the Airport or Ft Sam Houston. -
Review from Renee V.
Fremont, CA
8/8/2010
Quite a bit of a drive to get here. But aside from Filipino Express...this would be the place I would recommend...and I'm proud to say I'm Filipino!
Can it get any better with their buffet? Each dish is delicious. With the floorspace that they have, I think the only missing if a karaoke. Because nothing says you're Filipino like karaoke.
But coming from San Antonio...if I'm ever around the area, I just might happen to stop by.
Mekeni's...I laud you! For showing everyone how Filipino food should be cooked. -
Review from jeena l.
5/26/2010
After reading the positive reviews on this place from fellow yelpers, my bf and i decided to check It out since we were in the area and starving. I was actually really excited bc I've never had Filipino food except lumpia, their version of eggrolls.
What a disappointment. The hostess kind of failed to mention we had the option of ordering off their Ala Carte menu. We checked out the buffet and my only question is why in the world did they not have descriptions or labels? I had no idea what i was eating. My bf mentioned that the foods all seemed to taste the same which was pretty much true.
The garlic fried rice was hard and tasteless, rice noodles were clumpy, meats had a bunch of fat. Only thing i liked was the bila bila and veggies and the sweet iced tea which came with the meal.
Overall not worth 8.99 for the quality of food. Maybe we came on a bad day or we just dont like filipino food? -
Review from Jai J.
9/14/2008
This is M.Y. Chockdee's official restaurant location now. I went this weekend and was practically blown away at all the choices. Of course, they encompass a lot of the same choices as before but with some added dishes, a lot more seating and a karaoke/bar area. Ok, so there's not really much in terms of a 'grill' part of it all but the bar is situated in the back of the restaurant.
What's Filipino cuisine without the usual: sinigang na baboy (tamarind soup with pork), adobo, white rice, pansit bihon, lumpia and leche flan? But they also have garlic fried rice, longganisa (sweet sausages), lechon kawali, fried milkfish and palitaw! SARAP!!
The wait was a bit long although we came during weekend lunch hour. The waiting area is also small and gets crowded fairly easy during the rush but it's worth it. The fresh food was in a constant overturn and there were times certain dishes would run out quickly (like the lechon). I was lucky enough to catch Yong, one of the co-owners, and ask him when they might come out with some more. He then asked me where I was sitting at and sent some straight to me and another table as soon as it was ready. That was awesome. =D -
Review from Ryan L.
Atherton, CA
9/21/2008
All you can eat Filipino food in San Antonio! This is a great place to just indulge in great Filipino food. Filipino restaurants are a rarity in TX compared to San Francisco. But unlike San Francisco, there is plenty of parking here, and you will find the usual favorites. Try the Texas-sized halo halo dessert - mm hmm! I've been a big fan of this restaurant since I moved here in the beginning of the year. Everyone I've brought here as a guest really enjoyed the food and now all of them have a fondness for Filipino food.
It can get busy here and sometimes they may forget to take your order for beverages. This restaurant is fun for the whole family. It is a bit dim and not as "festive" as some of the fine Filipino dining establishments I've been to, but hey - they just opened up a few months ago. One thing I can do without are the flies.
Even vegetarians can eat a good portion here and feel content. If you're new in town or visiting, this is a good place to stop and dine. If you're local and want something different other than the usual local fare, visit Mekeni Bar & Grill.
Try Mekeni when there is a Manny Pacquiao fight night. You can watch the fight and eat all you can for one decent price. Invite your friends! -
Review from Abie Z.
San Antonio, TX
4/10/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Been here twice with family. Come during lunch all the food is so fresh. So GOOD!
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Review from Brad S.
6/20/2009 1 photo
I have no idea why I'm reviewing this place - I'm not Filipino, and I've never had Filipino food before visiting Mekeni. I will say, however, that if Mekeni's is a good representation of the cuisine (and others certainly seem to think that it is), then it's no surprise that even for a newcomer like me, I was able to enjoy myself quite heartily.
It seemed to me that the buffet is all the Mekeni offers - it's a small buffet featuring a couple dozen different dishes that all seem fresh and the variation is wide enough so that everyone can find something that they like.
I would go into detail about what I ate, but I have no idea. I suppose that's something upon which Mekeni could improve - offering labels for all the dishes so the uninitiated know what they're getting into. Otherwise, Mekeni was a mind-broadening experience that goes far beyond the labels of what many think when they consider typical buffets. -
Review from Nary W.
Schertz, TX
4/30/2010
I went there for lunch with the hubby, brother and his girlfriend. I was really excited to eat the cuisine because I've never had filipino food before.
We opted for the lunch buffet. The food was tasty, even though I have no clue on what's it suppose to taste like and there wasn't any labels on the bar.
It's just too bad the service wasn't too great because they sat us down, and we went to get our food but when we got back our table was given away to a filipino family. The lady who is our server only came once to ask if we wanted cold bread.
I wanted to like this place because it is owned by a nice filipino lady name Merle, who also owns MY Chockdee but because of terrible service I simply can't. -
Review from Ashley S.
Schertz, TX
4/3/2011
I gave this two stars mainly because of the staff and prices. The food is okay, but it's the only Filipino restaurant you can find around San Antonio. The staff isn't very friendly and if you do eat here do yourself a favor and get your order to go. Their buffet is too pricey!
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Review from Traci R.
9/9/2010
I had never tried filipino food so knew when I saw the sign I just had too! I was shocked by how good it was. We've been during the week for lunch and on Saturday. It is a little over priced on Saturday as they seem to have the same food. Lots of families and filipino families at that. You never see chinese people eating at chinese restraunts so that must mean something! This place is so good! I can't wait to go back!
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Review from Jamie L.
San Antonio, TX
9/21/2008
The obvious choice for authentic Filipino food in the San Antonio area. My mother in law is from the Philippines and absolutely LOVES this place. Since moving to the new location I had to drop it down a star because they failed to bring out fresh sushi during our last trip. But over all the food is fantastic!
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Review from Vol T.
San Antonio, TX
9/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Just got back from California, tried Filipino there. Came back to San Antonio and drove directly to Mekeni. Aahhh yes, that satisfied my Filipino food craving. Hard to believe but I do think Mekeni has the Cali Filipino restaurants beat! I don't know if they even have this large a buffet over there? But I definitely know there is no place like this in all of Texas. This is good place to start for people who are unfamiliar with Filipino food. The selection is pretty amazing. Oh and the dessert! Mekeni is a winner (I've been going there for years, back to when it was Chock Dee).
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Review from Sheryl G.
9/20/2008
for filipino's on pampangan cooking this place reminded me of home! i loved the "lyin" leaves simmered in coconut milk and seasoned down, YUM! to their chicken adobo, lumpian shanghi, fried talapia, pork caldareta, garlic fried rice. etc my list could go on. the lunch special is the cheaper between that and dinner.
i haven't tried dinner but a co-worker of mine told me about the karaoke there and music and its fun.
it's family friendly, kinda crowed because so many people come during the lunch hour rush. they even have some sushi, it looked ok and promising. and of course original filipino DESSERTS! flan, rice desserts and home made donuts with sugar on it. they even have a nice fruit bar if you're feeling a little on the lighter side.
it's a great place, i felt it was worth the 30 minute drive from my home to go. Plus they CATER too, for big parties
i love this place!! -
Review from Luis R.
San Antonio, TX
8/6/2009
After years of having people recommend this place to me, I decided to go ahead and do the 35-40 minute drive to get there. I am not from the P.I, so I could not make myself eat some of the items, but I did my best and tried about 90% of the items. Very good food!. The location is roomy, friendly people, big screen TV, and after hours the place is converted into a party place/bar. I was told the San Miguel was not as good as the one in the PI, but I still enjoyed it.
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Review from Cindy D.
4/1/2010
This is my favorite Filipino restaurant in the SA area. Hubby and I try to come here only the weekends when they have lechon. Theirs is the best I've ever had, the skin is crispy and caramelized like candy. The other items I love whether because of nostalgia or taste are garlic fried rice, pinakbet, mongo and dinuguan. Hubby usually goes for the laing, adobo, and kare kare....but he loves their lechon! I usually pass on desserts but have tried them all in the past. The only dessert I feel that has flavor spot on is the cassava cake. Another dessert not on the buffet is halo-halo. Their version is very good and is huge! For anything else I'd just as soon make a trip back to my mom's!
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Review from Ali L.
Vienna, VA
6/23/2010
We went to San Antonio in May and a friend took us here for lunch. We got there right around 1, so many people were there after church. It was pretty crowded but we managed to get a table quickly. The service was so friendly and welcoming that we felt like we were at a friend's house. The food was just as impressive. My boyfriend is Filipino and he's VERY picky with the food. If it doesn't taste like home cooking, it's not good. We really enjoyed this place and the food was delicious! We tried everything on the buffet and nothing disappointed us. Wish we had something like that around DC.
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Review from Jocelyn T.
Austin, TX
5/26/2010
Mekeni means "welcome/come"
Definitely come to Mekeni if you're craving some good Filipino cooking. If this is going to be your first time venturing into Filipino cuisine, you're in luck, it's a great way to try Filipino food for the first time.
It was a big deal for me to find out that there was a Filipino Restaurant in Texas, let alone San Antonio. It was a BIGGER deal to find out that the restaurant served traditional Capangpangan cuisine (regional style of cooking from the Philippines).
Pampanga, the region of the Philippines in which the food at Mekeni is prepared, is the culinary capitol of the Philippines.
I am an American born Filipina. My mom is from Pampanga, my dad is from Manila. Trust me on this one, Capangpangan style cooking is so much better!! It's heavily influenced by Spanish and Malay styles, techniques, and ingredients.
May I suggest you try Kare Kare, a rich and delicious beef stew. Tender cuts of beef (sometimes with bone) slowly simmered for hours in beef broth, then enhanced with coconut milk (which gives the creamy texture), peanut butter (for flavor), with steamed green beans, bok choy, and eggplant. Definitely have w/ the shrimp paste condiment to add extra depth of flavor to the dish. It's one of those special occasion kinda dishes, not really cooked on a regular basis in a Filipino home.
One last thing, the best part about this place is that you can look at, and preview the food, as it's buffet style. You can see how fresh a dish is and see the ingredients. Bonus, if you like it, you can always get seconds! -
Review from dave d.
Converse, TX
1/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
As authentic Filipino food as I have ever had. Flavorful and not too salty. If you really like Filipino food, you'll really like this place.
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Review from Sarah S.
Cibolo, TX
Updated - 1/18/2009
I took my 10 year old son to eat here. We both loved it. I do not recommend getting much food to go as the price is expensive, since it is a buffet restaurant. A friend of ours did get a huge amount of Lumpia for a great price for a party once though!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/28/2008
My son and I tried this place a few weeks ago. The price is great and the food is awesome! I loved… Read more »
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Review from Jason N.
Oklahoma City, OK
12/14/2010
Very good food although, some items looked like they had been sitting there for a while and needed to be rotated out. Nothing is labeled, so I wasn't sure what I ate, but I think I had pork adobo, pancit, and some sort of short ribs. Service was ok. Definitely if you're not Filipino, you don't get much attention from the wait staff. Having grown up around Filipinos, I know they "clique hard" and my Filipino friends laughed in agreement when I told them about my experience. Food was good though.
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Review from anne s.
Issaquah, WA
5/31/2011
mekeni is now closed!!!!!!
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Review from Joe S.
Portales, NM
3/22/2009
one word: ono! this place definitely beats out other filipino restaurants...i just wish this place was closer to lackland. very affordable, great service. those who prepare the food know exactly what they're doing. i have been bringing friends here to try out something new...so far, they all enjoyed their authentic filipino food. if you also live around lackland, it's definitely worth the drive.
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Review from d t.
Converse, TX
1/21/2010
One of visits here in awhile due to our last two times being disappointing. Yet again Mekeni has done it.WRONG. We did the buffett due to it having a good variety. Good variety of fatty meats, smoe with no meat at all just fat. Lumpia one of the worst I have ever eaten.Service was ok. Save your money and go elsewhere like down the street to Tabares market/restaurant. I have been to the Philippines three times and know how the food should be.
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Review from anne w.
San Antonio, TX
8/22/2010
how can u serve kare-kare with raw bagoong on the side? it's not even oxtail w/c is supposed to be.... people who said this is the bestest filipino dish.. well... check your palates.... =)
