Don Chilitos Mexican Restaurant
7017 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS, 66202
Don Chilitos Mexican Restaurant Menu
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Fresh Salads
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Dips for Chips
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Mexican A La Carte
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American Favorites
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Don's Famous Traditional Burritos
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Don's Special Burritos
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Mexican Specialties
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Mexican Dinner Combinations
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Lunch Specials
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Have It your Way with Our Sides and Extras
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Just for Kids
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Beverages
Diabetics at McDonald's
Most burgers served at McDonald's are low in sugar but there are several burgers which are high in sodium. You must choose burger options which are low in sugar and moderate in sodium content. You can also avoid extra dressings or cheese over your burger to control diabetes at McDonald's.
Foods to Avoid for Diabetics at McDonald's
Diabetics will find many tempting food items at McDonald's but most of these food items are also high in sugar or sodium. Diabetics must skip desserts and shakes at McDonald's to avoid sugar spike. You should also skip all McCafe drinks except a few containing low sugar and fat-free options. Besides the drinks and beverages, you should also avoid bacon-based and sausage-based burgers and sandwiches to limit your sodium intake. Diabetics should also skip the sausage-based salad options available at McDonald's.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at McDonald's
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 1070mg sodium, 27g carbs, 6g sugar, 6g fiber, 37g Protein
Egg McMuffin®
Nutritional Facts: 300 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 760mg sodium, 30g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 17g Protein
4-piece Chicken McNuggets®
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 340mg sodium, 11g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 17g Protein
Kiddie Cone
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 1g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0.5g), 20mg sodium, 8g carbs, 6g sugar, 0g fiber, 1g Protein
4-piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 340mg sodium, 11g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 10g Protein
Iced Latte
Nutritional Facts: 90 calories, 4.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 65mg sodium, 7g carbs, 7g sugar, 0g fiber, 4g Protein
World Famous Fries®
Nutritional Facts: 230 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1.5g), 160mg sodium, 29g carbs, 0g sugar, 3g fiber, 3g Protein
Healthy Meal suggestions for Don Chilitos Mexican Restaurant
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Fresh Salads
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Dips for Chips
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Mexican A La Carte
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American Favorites
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Don's Famous Traditional Burritos
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Don's Special Burritos
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Mexican Specialties
-
Mexican Dinner Combinations
-
Lunch Specials
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Have It your Way with Our Sides and Extras
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Just for Kids
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Beverages
High Blood Pressure at McDonald's
Most burgers at fast food joints contain a high amount of sodium. You must keep your sodium intake in check if you are suffering from high blood pressure. McDonald's offers a wide range of burgers based on your diet preferences. Choose the right burger and avoid French fries at all cost while dining at McDonald's.
Foods to Avoid at McDonald's for High Blood Pressure
Avoid Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Burger and Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles at McDonald's as both these burgers are high in sodium. Skip extra cheese and avoid French fries if possible as they are too greasy and can add to your sodium intake. Also, avoid all types of sausage-based burgers or sandwiches at McDonald's to limit your sodium levels.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at McDonald's
Side Salad
Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 10g Protein
Filet-O-Fish®
Nutritional Facts: 390 calories, 19g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 560mg sodium, 38g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 17g Protein
Baked Apple Pie
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 95mg sodium, 35g carbs, 16g sugar, 4g fiber, 2g Protein
Vanilla Cone
Nutritional Facts: 200 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 95mg sodium, 32g carbs, 16g sugar, 4g fiber, 2g Protein
Americano
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Coffee
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 20mg sodium, 1g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein
Apple Slices
Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0 g), 0mg sodium, 4g carbs, 3g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Mission for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at MCDONALD'S
Cholesterol is the biggest concern for people visiting McDonald's, especially people suffering from high cholesterol. You can order chicken or egg burgers instead of ham or cheeseburgers to maintain your cholesterol levels at McDonald's. In addition, you can also try the salads and opt for drinks that low in sugar.
Foods to Avoid at MCDONALD'S for High Cholesterol
Bacon-based items are often too greasy and high in bad cholesterol. If you are concerned about high cholesterol, then you must avoid all bacon-based burgers and salads. Also, skip the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders to keep your cholesterol levels in check. You must also keep sausage-based items at bay when dining at McDonald's.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at MCDONALD'S
Side Salad
Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Egg White Delight McMuffin®
Nutritional Facts: 260 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 780mg sodium, 29g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 16g Protein
McChicken®
Nutritional Facts: 410 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 590mg sodium, 39g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 15g Protein
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 125mg sodium, 22g carbs, 12g sugar, 1g fiber, 2g Protein
Hamburger Happy Meal
Nutritional Facts: 480 calories, 16g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 680mg sodium, 62g carbs, 21g sugar, 3g fiber, 22g Protein
Cappuccino
Nutritional Facts: 120 calories, 6g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 80mg sodium, 9g carbs, 9g sugar, 0g fiber, 6g Protein
Yoplait® GO-GURT® Low Fat Strawberry Yogurt
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 0.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 30mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Mission for healthy meals suggestion.
Q & A for McDonald's
When McDonald's first opened?
McDonald's began its operations by converting food and drinks stand called "The Airdrome" into first McDonald's restaurant.
When does McDonald's open?
McDonald's opens daily at 5:30 AM and stays open until 11:00 PM.
Which McDonald's is open 24 hours?
Unfortunately, there are not a single McDonald's which operates 24/7.
Where's McDonald's near me?
There are over 13,905 McDonald's outlets in the United States itself. You can find a McDonald's nearby with the help of our Restaurant Listings directory.
When McDonald's start and stop serving breakfast?
McDonald's starts serving breakfast at 5:30 AM daily until 10:30 AM.
When McDonald's start and stop serving lunch?
McDonald's starts serving lunch at 10:30 AM from Monday to Friday and 11:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Happy Meals are also served during lunch hours.
Will McDonald's bring back the McRib?
McRib is back at McDonald's since October 2018.
Will McDonald's bring back spicy McChicken?
McDonald's in the United States has no plans currently to bring back the Spicy McChicken.
Will McDonald's bring back the Grand Mac?
McDonald's doesn't serve Grand Mac currently and there are no plans to bring it back anytime sooner. You can always try the Big Mac if you have a large appetite for burgers.
Are McDonald's milkshakes gluten free?
Yes, all flavors of McDonald's milkshakes are gluten-free. Nearly all beverages served at McDonald's are gluten-free.
Are McDonald's burgers gluten-free?
Unfortunately, McDonald's does not serve gluten-free burgers. All the buns and other ingredients such as fried chicken patties, grilled chicken patties, beef patties, sauces, condiments, etc. contain gluten.
Are McDonald's Apple Pies vegan?
Generally, Apple Pies are prepared using shortcrust pastry which contains eggs. However, McDonald's Apple Pie pocket is vegan-friendly as it is both dairy and egg free.
Are McDonald's Veggie Burgers vegan?
Veggie Burgers served at McDonald's are purely vegan. Just remember to skip the sauce as the sandwich sauce contains egg.
Are McDonald's Milkshakes vegetarian?
Yes, McDonald's milkshakes are 100% vegetarian and don't contain any meat product.
When did McDonald's introduce McCafe?
McDonald's McCafe was introduced by McDonald's as a separate coffee chain in 1993. The café also served great bakery and pastry besides offering a great variety of coffee beverages.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About McDonald's
McDonald's is the largest American fast food company with over 37,855 outlets spread across 100 countries. Primarily known for hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and French fries, McDonald's menu also serves chicken dishes, breakfast products, soft drinks, wraps, milkshakes, and desserts today. The restaurant chain introduced smoothies, salads, fish, and fruits on the menu to offer healthy food options at McDonald's.
The restaurant began its operations in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, United States. The name of the restaurant comes from its founders Richard and Maurice McDonald. The siblings started the food business as a hamburger stand which was later converted into a restaurant franchise in 1953. The first Golden Arches logo was also introduced in the same year.
Healthy Food Options at McDonald's
McDonald's was highly criticized for its unhealthy food options. Being a renowned brand and a popular fast food chain, McDonald's decided to revamp its image and decided to serve healthy food options. Most of these healthy food choices were salads, smoothies, fruits, and fish items.
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Address :
7017 Johnson Dr
Mission, KS, 66202 - Phone (913) 432-4615
- Website https://www.donchilitoskc.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Teague P.
Sometimes nothing but Don Chilitos will do. I like this place, it's midwestern tex-mex of the cheese sauce on everything variety. But you know, they also have a pretty good pico de gallo, onions and jals and tomatoes. I always get a corn tortilla enchilada (usually chicken or cheese-n-onion) "chilito style" which is a tomato-slightly-chile sauce with olives and sour cream and mild cheddar on top. With a side of the pico. I also like their beans, although they are a little strange and i suspect they might start as a dehydrated product. But somehow they still taste good. Possibly because my first experiences with refried pinto beans were from a packet in a "taco dinner" that Mom used to buy. Ooh, they also have a compelling "chile relleno" which is a canned green chile stuffed with cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep fried, smothered in a mild American cheez sauce. Sort of like a little empanada. It's pretty good, in a bad for you sort of way. Well, canned green chiles are just flat pretty good under almost any circumstances, so they are going with a winner. Plus it's fried. I sort of enjoy the cafeteria style ordering process, you can correct them when they start giving you the wrong order :) The service has always been friendly and quick. Not effusive mind you, this is a cafeteria line. But perfectly pleasant folks work here and they are nice. I like this place much more than say, On the Border, and it's much cheaper too, and a lot faster. For very similar food, except somewhat better in my humble opinion.
(4)Steve W.
This is a friend's favorite and it turned out to be good. Not much to look at on the outside or inside, but who cares? Food is ordered cafeteria style so you better know what you want when you get to the counter. I don't know how they keep things in order, but they do, and they did microwave the food to make it hot which I found interesting. The table ordered a variety of dishes and everybody was happy with huge portions. I got the Texas burrito with ground beef (chicken and shredded beef were also an option) and it was a "big top" which meant lots of cheese. Very good. You helped yourself to chips and salsa and your beverage. Everybody had sopaphillas (sugar covered flaky dough) which didn't impress me, but the table covered them in honey and snarfed them down. We will make the drive from Brookside to eat her again, but I didn't find it that much different than Magaritas or Jalepenos.
(3)Nadine A.
Food was awful. It was made with ingredients sitting out for who knows how long then microwaved in front of you when you order it. The cafeteria line set up was inconvenient and confusing for a first timer. Worst whole in the wall I've tried.
(1)C D.
Classic American Mexican food. Food is above average and is overserved. Chips bar is awesome homemade salsa is above average. This place is easy on the wallet and sure to fill you up on any budget. If your in the area, definitely one of the best places to check out.
(4)Jules H.
My standards can be high. But not to a place that pretends to be anything other than it is. Tex mex comfort food. Cheese that you loved as a kid because your mama cooked it in a crock pot. One thousand different ways to ruin your diet. All delicious combos. Yes. Please smother my taco 'salad' in all that cheese. As a matter of fact, please smother everything in that cheese. Straight up, thank you. I'll be back. Because I am on vacay. I leave all pretentiousness back in LA, and I will enjoy me some liquid golden cheese.
(5)Dana W.
T.e.r.r.I.b.l.e. We thought we would stop in and try it out since the parking lot is usually full. Big mistake. I don't understand why anyone would choose this over Taco Bell. How does a restaurant stay in business for over 40 years with the worst salsa I've ever tasted?? The restaurant is cafeteria-style which is odd for a Mexican restaurant. I ordered the nachos chilito style - beef, chicken, cheese, black olives, sour cream - it was gross! The only positive thing is that their chips are really good. Will never go back, no thank you.
(1)Kim H.
As always awesome! CCQ sauce so yummy. Yesterday was my husband and mines 22 anniversary. We had a coupon we had won and thought we would use it for that. We were so glad. We got it to go and it was exactly what we asked for. Thank you Don's for making the day after 22 years yummy! And thank you for the handful of honey for the sopapia's.
(5)Lea R.
I came here once to see what all the hype was about. I was admittedly excited because at the time I guess I thought my fellow Kansans knew what good mexican food was. Boy, was I wrong! My disappointment started at the site of my food being shoved into a microwave. I didn't want to judge then, but how could you not!? Anyway, I made it to the checkout- grabbed some of those cinnamon-y goodies they offer after you pay- and sat down with my food. After my first nauseating bite, I had to take a look around the room to see if any Mexicans were actually in the room trying to eat the same nasty crap this place called food. Guess what!? NONE! That's right, they were at Pancho's because they knew better. If your in the area I would sway to left and go into Planet Sub instead.
(1)Kj G.
When you arrive you get in line like cattle go up to the counter place your order. Then you watch them pull what you ordered and pop it in the microwave. Being a native California the food here is no better than Taco Bell. Every thing was drowned in a "cheese" sauce. I wanted to like it but just couldn't. I ordered a chilli relleno this in no way was a true chilli relleno. Instead of being battered and fried the chili was wrapped in a flour tortilla and covered in cheese goop. Will not be going there again.
(2)Lauren H.
Save your time and go somewhere else. The food was cold, and very basic "Mexican" food. Might be good if you're starving or haven't had Mexican food before. Please, go somewhere else!
(1)Alice H.
Think cafeteria style Tex Mex food. Pick what you want... Order down a line with your tray... And check out. It was different... Spontaneous choice using a deal from my front flip app. It wasn't terrible but I wouldn't go back really. There is all you can eat chips and sopapillas and you can tell they have been left out all day bc they were stale. Salsa... Bland. I actually liked what I ordered covered with cheese... But it was one of those hangry moments so anything is good at that point. Yes... They microwave your meal. The moment you walk in... You expect what you see. Plain and simple.
(2)Brad H.
Love this place. It doesn't even pretend to be your authentic Mexican food, so don't come here with that expectation or you'll be disappointed. What they are is low cost, Americanized, Tex-Mex, fare...and they do it well. I like the Cancun Special that comes with 2 tacos, a 6 inch burrito (pork and chili con carne for me), rice and beans. Been coming here for years..and hope to for many more years to come.
(4)Randy E.
I ordered a taco salad and about half way through finishing it, realized there was a plastic toothpick mixed in it. Rather, half of a plastic toothpick (was it a toothpick? I'm not even sure). I was NOT pleased. Still, these things happen. I went up to the kitchen area and told the crew what had happened. They mumbled something about "Well, we put it up at the top of the salad, you should have seen it". No offer of a refund. No apology. No offer for another plastic-free meal. My brother, who lives in Spokane, WA, really likes this place. Visits it every time he comes to town. I told him from now on, he will be eating at Don Chilito's by himself. I will never be back. PS This happened about a month ago; just now posting because I just got on to Yelp.
(1)Lauren M.
So being from the Mission area my whole life, I've always noticed the popularity of this place. Here is the rundown. Is it authentic? No it's not. But it's a place my husband and I can go that's less than $20 for food and drinks. Do they stick stuff in the microwave? Yes they do, but I'd rather have them warm up my food in front of me then hide the microwaves and charge me an outrageous price. It's cheap, fast food with really friendly service. I've never been here and had crappy service. Plus, the place is CLEAN! I don't feel all itchy and scratchy here like I have at some cheap Tex-Mex places. Don't expect authentic, gourmet Mexican. Expect to get your food fast, covered in cheese sauce at a great price.
(4)Laura ..
Love the food!! Been eating here for years, one of my favorite mexican restaurants around. Very reasonable priced and friendly staff. Ccq sauce and soapillas are the best. Also chimichangas and tacos. Yummm!
(5)Rhonda L.
I didn't know this was self serve, or I would not have come. I kind of want the restaurant experience, bring me my food and drinks, that's why I went out. My taco meat was pretty salty. The rice seemed old and hard. Microwaving food is not the best, my friend's chimichanga was nuked not fried,thus was soggy when eating. The decor was old and floor was all worn out. Sorry not coming here again.
(1)Angie H.
I haven't been here since 1993 when I was a senior in h.s and everything from the moment I walked in was exactly how I remember it...outside of the Flat Screen TVS! The smells were amazing, great service, fast, buffet of sophpipias and chips & salsa. I got the combo platter and couldn't even eat 1/2. My son got chicken tenders so they have food for the picky eaters!!
(5)Michael R.
Man, the love/hate that Don Chilito's inspires... First off, no, Don Chilito's is not authentic. A friend of mine who works nearby loathes the place because, as she loves saying loudly and often, real Mexican is not covered in melted Velveeta. Not sure what all it says, but none of the cooking staff are actually Mexican. And, yes, it's reheated in a microwave right in front of you. If you are in the mood for great authentic Mexican, there are a couple of places within a mile to try. If you're the kind of person who drives down to the Boulevard to get authentic queso blanco, or has a special place you go to just because of the amazing green rice, don't go. Now that we've weeded out the Mexican food snobs... I love Don's. I tend to get the tacos, which are pretty standard but good, or if I'm feeling like utterly destroying my diet I go with a burrito with CCQ sauce. Yes, it is basically melted Velveeta and chilis, but, man, it's good. I generally get a smaller entree because they have free chips and sopapillas. I've been known to go through half a dozen sopapillas. Worth going just for that. I also love their enchiladas, and my mom loves their potato skins. Overall, well, walk in. Get in the cafeteria-style line. Stop at the giant menu on the wall. Look around--take in the cafeteria line, the banks of microwaves, the 70's decor. If that bothers you, turn around and go down to the Boulevard. If it doesn't...you may have found your newest favorite place.
(4)Carla L.
Want authentic Mexican? It isn't here. Go look elsewhere. Want gringo-Mex comfort food? This is the best. You can get a massive squishy burrito, drenched in queso and/or enchilada sauce, with dollops of sour cream and handfuls of sliced black olives ... No, not authentic, but sooooo good. Pass on the enchiladas ( go to El Torreon for those), but get the chile relleno and the always-fresh made guacamole. And it's pretty cheap, also kid-friendly. And the margaritas aren't bad!
(4)Jess J.
I totally get the eyebrow raises that Don Chilito's inspires. You walk in, and go down a dubious hallway, peruse a menu board on the wall that has likely been hanging since the restaurant's early 1970s birth, and notice that portions of the low wall opposite the line to order (yes, line to order) appear to be wainscoted with linoleum. Hmmm. Then you slide your tray (yes, a plastic cafeteria tray, a la school/food courts/hospital cafeterias) down and name your combo for the person standing behind the counter. It's all very dim, the decor legitimately dated, not kitschily dated. And then you get a MASSIVE plate of glorious, piping hot, junky Tex-Mex cheese-doused goodness. And you continue on, and can order a MASSIVE TUMBLER of margarita. And you continue on, and see that there is self-serve on warm tortilla chips and sopapillas. If you're smart, you order guacamole, because it's unexpectedly fab. Don's is not authentic Mexican, no. It doesn't seem to be pretending to be so, either (you can order potato skins, and the liberally applied CCQ sauce is straight up Velveeta/cream cheese/Rotel heaven, as far as I can tell). As my boyfriend, who grew up on Don Chilito's, is fond of saying, it's about as authentically Mexican as a drunken sorority sister in a sombrero on Cinco de Mayo. But there are plenty of good places in KC for real-deal Mexican. You don't go here for that. You go here because it's such a throwback, you feel like you might run into Captain Kangaroo in a leisure suit filling up a paper boat at the chip trough. You go because, despite the fact that you watch them nuke your plate right in front of you (which countless other restaurants do, just not in full sight of the customers), despite the fact that there's a School House Rock-era lunch lady assembly line going on, despite the fact that your friends will sip tiny craft cocktail Margaritas at a Southwest Boulevard hot spot and feast on a tablespoon of locally raised shredded chicken chilaquiles artfully drizzled with chili-lime aoli and smirk at your chip-trough-loving tackiness, it's freaking tasty. Good enough for me.
(4)Lana J.
As a native of KC, living in Dallas, TX, for the last 26 years, I know what Mexican food (and Tex-Mex) food should look and taste like. Don Chilitos is nothing like real Mexican food. It is, however, delicious! We always order burritos, and they are, without exception: fresh, hot, big, and bursting with flavor. I personally love the Chilito style (red sauce and sour cream), while others prefer the CCQ (cheese sauce). They are always good about making special things for the kids (like without the spicy parts). I return to KC to visit family at least twice a year, and I always make time to go to Don Chilitos. Get over your idea of what "Mexican" food should taste like, and go get yourself some delicious burritos!
(5)Rob D.
Update, i got dragged to this place with some friends. pros; it's cheap it's fast cons; everything (real close to everything at least) goes into a microwave not very clean (not down right dirty....just not exactly clean in my opnion) did i mention everything gets tossed into a microwave right in front of you as if that's how you prepare food? lol, at least it's cheap i guess
(1)Beth B.
My husband, two teenagers and I were on our way from JoCo to Westport to eat at this Mexican tacqueria that my daughter wanted to go to before she left for college. Midway there, mom (i.e., me) Yelps the place and discovers that it has closed. So, hubby says - let's go to Don Chilito's! We agree. Probably should have Yelped this place also. From the reviews that I read AFTER we went, most people who like this place like it for nostalgic reasons. My husband grew up in Kansas City and remembers this place from high school and college. I've got a Mexican place like that In Little Rock that I remember too. It was cheap and you got lots of food. So, if you are a college kid on a budget, come here. Otherwise, you can find better. It's Tex-Mex style. Very typical for Kansas City. We ordered tacos and burritos with beans and rice. Taco shells were typical store-bought type. Meat was seasoned ground beef. Rice was similar to kind I make out of a box at home. Cheese sauce was Velveeta type. Not bad food, just not great. There is an all you can eat chips, salsa and sopapilla bar. The sopapillas were really good, heated up. There is a microwave for you to do that. The decor is 70's and you do stand in a cafeteria line to get your food. That doesn't bother me. The food just wasn't great enough to bring me back.
(2)Chris B.
I love me some Don Chilitos. It's the yummiest of AmeriMexicano diner food in town. Sliding through the line for my microwaved goodness is my least favorite part of the experience but the food is always spot on. The place has never been clean and the staff are close to un-friendly but hey, if you have been in the back of any restaurant, none of them are exactly clean. As a creature of habit, I always go for the enchilada plate, texas big top, one beef, one chicken. I love the chicken, it has a mild smoked flavor to it. The beans and rice that accompany the plate are bland at best so I always go big top so I get the yummy queso sauce to liven it up. The salsa is the one weak point of the Don experience. As much as you want for free but the taste is bland at best. Free soppapilas (spelling) are always a bonus, lathered in honey, they compliment the meal and send me out the door a happy man. I will say that I have taken people here who have been wildly disappointed. The look of the place will turn you off for sure but the food has always been something I crave from time to time. Don't go here thinking authentic, as I said, it's definitely AmeriMexicano at it's best.
(4)Shine F.
Ah, Don Chilitos, the establishment that Kansas City loves to hate. If you are into organic or authentic please stop reading and go somewhere else. But if you watch Man Vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and think you'd like that job or if you saw the new Doritos Taco Bell shell and though "why didn't I think of that?" then this is the place for you. The decor is straight up 70s. The cooking style is 30 second button on microwave (guarantee it's always hot), The service is what you'd get at any cafeteria. ...but this place makes me happy and that's really worth Yelping about. That, and they don't give me a second look when I order my own personal Texas size bowl of CCQ to eat with my tray of chips from the trough. You must get the CCQ.
(5)Carolyn L.
OH MY FAVORITE GREASY SPOON!!! I have been going here since I was born (my parents used to live in Kansas City and started taking me here on trips to visit my relatives). It's like the one place I HAVE to visit every time we go to Kansas. The CCQ is sooooo good and they LOAD it on to every plate. The portions are crazy! Just get used to feeling obese when you walk out of the restaurant. It's a secret family recipe so unfortunately I cannot recreate it at home. But once a year Don Chilito's is a special treat for the fmaily and it never gets old!!! Oh and as for the reviews claiming this is not TexMex, not Tex, not Mex...well duh!!! Still love the food though. I don't care what is claims to be, I just care about what it is!
(5)Ellen H.
I love this place! The salsa and sopapilla bars are great. The only weird thing is that you now have to pay for honey. Their quesadilla and guacamole are not to be missed. Favorite Mexican guilty pleasure when I'm in KC.
(5)Leigh W.
Food was good, fast friendly service. Cafeteria style & self serve drinks so if your wanting a sit down meal where your waited on this is not the place. Great place for family as inexpensive & plenty of food. Seafood empanada is delicious.
(3)Rodeo G.
YES.. this is all that is wrong with diabetes/obesity/merica/etc.. Jesus this food is good.. Microwave.. check, sopa-pia bar check.. Best place in the area for guilty pleasure mexican.. not mi rancito,but dirty alley bathroom mexicali ally.. SAHH GOOD. Don't let high brow folks tell you border bandito's in larrytown is similar.. just a weaker little sister.
(5)Priscilla Z. D.
I totally dig Don Chillito's and have gone here for years. Seems to be either the type of place you love or hate. Lots of people complain about the microwaves but, news flash folks- Chilis, Applebees, you name it, use Microwaves too- just because you don't see it doesn't mean it's not the truth. Well, whatever. It's cheap, it's fast, the have good guacamole. I like their taco pizzas or enchiladas when I go there.
(4)Abby M.
This place was the perfect Tex-Mex, cheap dive we were hoping for. Their margaritas were giant, and the cheese was delicious (slathered on the entire plate, mmmm). I loved the self-serve chips and salsa bar, too. Definitely coming back!
(4)Troy O.
So this place is a special kind of trashy. For starters there is a sign while you are in the Cafeteria line (Yes Cafeteria line. First sign of classy) that reads we have had to raise our prices but "hey you dont have to tip." I have no problem with places raising prices but if your kickback is hey you don't have to tip thats a problem. Got the specials they were cheap. That was good. No one smiles. Everyone has a "what are you waiting for" glare Everything is Microwaved Decor out dated and looks dirty Food is just okay One positive is the unlimited Chips and Sopapillas they are okay and the troughs have tongs so they are not as nasty as some of these reviews. The Tortillas on enchiladas were over cooked probably due to the microwaving. Tacos were hard enough to break teeth and the Rice was way over cooked Help 1/5 stars. Not friendly. Barely helpful. Price 4/5 It is cheap. They have that going for them. Decor 1/5 Extremely dated and dirty. Food 2.5/5 Okay chips and sopapillas but the good ends there.
(2)leann h.
Once a Don Chilitos virgin, not anymore! Me LIKES Don Chilitos. I don't know how they do it but this place does a great job at mixing American-mexican food with a variety of Tex-mex here and there, and authentic Mexcian food. So if your want something like mom used to make or something a little more zippy they have it. ( and a kids menu with things for them to eat too. that's handy.) The food is tasty, well priced, atmosphere is great for a quick bite during lunch, families or a group of friends and I noticed that people from all walks of life were eating there. The first time, I went with two other friends and got to sample their food too which was great because it has since made me go back for more. Everything I have was really good. If you like seafood try the Seafood Empanada, it was on point!
(4)Kim N.
I have eaten here since high school, and I always get the same thing. I always get the meat burrito smoothered in red sauce. The food is not the best mexican food in KS, but it is decent Tex-Mex. The sopaipillas are really good and you can eat as many as you want. The chips, salsa and sopaipillas are on an all you can eat buffet style table. I love the fact that you eat as much as you want of the chips and sopaipillas that you can cover in honey, and it is at no additional cost. The portions are big and you can even split them and get enough to eat. It is a family owned establishment and has been since day one. You get good service, no frills, but you will eat well and leave happy. Great place to stop in for a quick bite
(3)Tresha G.
I had heard people talk about the place being good. Our favorite pupusa place was closed so up johnson dr and ended up here to try. I assumed it was a typical restaurant. The two doors, one for carryout and other for cafeteria, changed that. So we walk in and roomie suddenly turns around and says, "It smells like white people mexican food". Uhh... ok is all I could muster out at the moment and shoved her to order. I got the Don's plate (cheese & beef enchilada and 2 tacos). Roomie got a beef chimichanga and blanco queso. Pretty much you tell a person what you want and they slap and nuke it together. Then you go pay. There is a salsa bar of mild and hot puree and chunky. A bin of chips and sopaipillas (honey is kept hostage by cashier). We got to eating and actually it was ok. Or as roomie put it "I had my doubts, but this white mexi food is alright". Mr. Little Pepper, you've taken a Guatemalean to your side. The bad being the booths are too close to the tables. Also, clean up was extremely slow after people left. Other than that, it's doable tex-mex.
(3)Kennedy C.
Ate here for the first time last night. The food was served cafeteria style and looked/tasted about the same quality as my old high school cafeteria as well. I got the chicken quesadilla, which was mediocre. The salsa tasted rancid. And a couple hours afterward, I started vomiting, which lasted all night long. Thanks for my first ever food poisoning experience! I will never go back here again. Even if I hadn't gotten sick.
(1)Aaron R.
Ok so if you're expecting authentic Mexican food then you're at the wrong place. I live in CA and was raised in JC and this is some of the best cafeteria Tex Mex food there is. Its Cheap. Its unhealthy. Its the best. The big top burritos and sopapillas...YUM
(5)Chet F.
Old as my parents, tex-mex. So my folks used to hit up this place when they were dating, so I had to check it out. They said this place is still exactly the same as it was 30 years ago, all the way down to the decor and menu. They serve ground beef, chicken, or shredded beef in shells, be it hard, soft, or fried. A very plain menu, in a way. Basically you order the standard taco, burrito, enchilada, or chimi then choose your type of sauce (topping) be it a red sauce or cheese sauce. Everything is double covered and smothered. It is not the healthiest or best tasting joint around, but some how this place has definitely withstood the test of time. The also have a help yourself chips and salsa bar which includes sopa-pia's(sp), they were way too undercooked. But if you do get a couple make sure to go to the cashier and ask for a side of honey, it's a must! I would recommend the beef hard taco. My dad swears by the Texas Burrito with CCQ. And I have to admit in a strange way it was pretty good.
(3)Danny M.
Been going here for years. Same great white-mexican food. Much like a cafeteria, but at least it's affordable.
(4)Dayne B.
Don Chilito's is the Furr's of Mexican food. While it's not a place to take a date, it is a tried and true hangover cure. Maybe it's the greasy, cheesy goodness, the magical sopapilla bar or a mixture of the two washed down with a little hair of the dog that wards if those Sunday morning blues.
(3)David W.
This place has been there for years but that is not a good reason to go. The food is run of the mill and the workers are rude and horrible. My nephew went with us and he got some of there greese dough balls with sugar and he got some honey packets to put on them. He went and got some more and was told he was not allowed anymore honey. I asked why and they said there was a limit. Are you kidding me? The place has horrible seating and there is a smell to the place that is a little nasty. The restrooms are gross to the point I would rather pee my pants than go in there. Bottom line is that it is just not a great place to go. If you want american mexican food try taco bell it is better than this place.
(1)Emily O.
It's ok. If you like seeing your food get microwaved before served to you, then this is your kind of place. It's rather go somewhere else.
(2)Kelsey C.
This place is just.....eh. It's good, but in a gross way, where you know that it is terrible for you but you have a strange craving for it once in a while anyway. You get your own chips from a heated buffet style bar thing, along with sopapillas for dessert if you are so inclined. (I was too stuffed to try them) When you enter, you walk down the cafeteria style line and just what meal combo you want. Besides Mexican food, they also have burgers or chicken tenders (I think), but to be honest, I wouldn't really get it...the place just keeps kind of dingy...like it is a food code violation waiting to happen. I don't HATE Don Chilitos, but I'm not exactly jumping up and down to go there again anytime soon....the food was good enough, the preparation and seating just seems sketchy.
(3)Jessica G.
OK. Maybe my love for Don Chilito's makes me a little gross. But I don't care. It might need a remodel but the food is tex mex done OH so right. The bean burrito smothered in red sauce is divine. So are the chili rellenos. Loads of cheese. And again, the red sauce. SO GOOD. It is what it is. And it is tasty. If you can appreciate cafeteria style dining, low lighting, and a sopapilla buffet then this is your place.
(4)Kaitlin G.
My boyfriend and I decided to try Don Chilitos for the first time tonight. I used to intern nearby and I always heard people talking about how good this place was, so I was actually kind of excited to try it out. Excitement quickly turned to disappointment when we arrived and realized it is a cafeteria style restaurant instead of a sit down place. After taking a few minutes to look over the giant menus posted on the wall we had our order taken by a less than enthusiastic girl behind the counter. We got the queso blanco dip to share, my boyfriend ordered the crispy taco dinner plate, and I got the cheese enchiladas dinner. All of the food was plated and quickly cooked via microwave right in front of us, then we paid at the register and took our trays of food to a booth. After a moment of confusion about whether or not chips were supposed to come with our cheese dip we were directed to a serve-yourself chips/salsa/sopapilla bar. While a lot of reviewers have been excited about this, I actually thought it was kind of strange and unappealing. I mean, I want my food to be fresh, but there was just no telling how long that stuff had been sitting under the heat lamps! The food itself was mediocre at best, pretty much meeting the lowered expectations I had as soon as we walked in. My boyfriend really enjoyed his tacos but barely touched his crispy looking beans or his rice because they just "don't look very appetizing." I liked my cheese enchiladas well enough, they were LOADED with cheese and had onions and peppers inside, but there wasn't much for flavor besides just cheese cheese and more cheese. I thought my rice tasted good, but generic, then I was super bummed when I realized the beans weren't vegetarian. Overall this restaurant has a very old, dingey vibe, and honestly doesn't appear to have changed much at all since it's opening in the 1970's, which in this case is s bad thing. While it wasn't the worst restaurant experience I've ever had in my life, I certainly do not see a reason for my boyfriend and I to come back, especially with Salsa Grill right down the street, Jalapenos just over in Brookside, and Salty Iguana down in Prairie Village. I would consider any of those places a better use of time and money than Don Chilitos!
(2)Lisa L.
The only thing unique about this place is the nasty smell coming from the bathroom....This place has a trough of chips so everyone in the restaurant can man handle the chips your about to eat and the Salsa is bad Picante Sauce. I think the reason they drown your food in cheese sauce is to add flavor. You are only allowed to have two packs of honey per visit and trust me they eye ball how many you get. I just don't get why this place is always busy? The last time I went there I ordered potato skins....lol
(1)Heidi B.
Don's is your american cafeteria take on mexican food. But it's always tasty and they don't deny that they use microwaves to heat it. (Most mexican restaurants do, they just don't like showing that.) It's fairly priced. I enjoy the all you can eat chips and salsa (the blended hot is the best!) and the yummy little all you can eat sopapillas too! If you're looking for authentic mexican, go elsewhere. Otherwise this place is pretty much a tasty little cafeteria find.
(3)Paul R.
The one thing everyone who rated this gastric grotequesness high is that none of them knows what real mexican food should look, smell or taste like. This place is the bottom of the heap. The food is bland, gelatinous and has the texture of paste, except paste probably tastes better. We went for dinner, and I still feel ill 48 hours later. The decor is old, the staff simian at best and the food tastes like rejected school cafeteria slop. DO NOT WASTE TIME OR MONEY ON THIS DISGUSTING FOOD. You'll be happier done the street at one of the small "real" mexican eateries... Or, if you are nostolgic, stop by CVS for antacids..you'll need 'em
(1)Dana C.
As other reviewers have stated, my parents used to go here when they were first dating. I used to drive here from Leavenworth when I was 16 with my good friend Bekah all the way down the hills of Johnson Drive to get a taste of Don Chilitos. Anywoo, yes, I am a little more lenient on this restaurant because I have been eating there since I was a kid. It hasn't changed over the years and it is cafeteria style dining. I can see why others don't care for it, but the atmosphere is what I enjoy when I dine there. I usually get the enchiladas (Chilito style minus the tomato) and ground beef tacos. I like the sopapilla bar, but I believe they are now charging for honey. There salsa is mediocre at best, but I believe this restaurant is worth a try if you don't mine loads of gooey cheese ( and not only do I not mind loads of gooey cheese, I encourage it!)
(3)Paul L.
My favorite Mexican Restaurant from as far back as the 80's!:) ...and the place has hardly changed since then. THANK YOU! The absolute best of the best they have continued to provide without exception anywhere to be found is their queso ... which they liberally layer on enchiladas, burritos, re-fried beans or on the side for dipping. MMMMMMM! Authentic? Who the hell cares...as if there actually IS such a thing. It's true to their beginning and is awesome! Loved it then, love it now. If you don't go...fine. More for me:)
(5)Tim P.
It's like walking into a middle-school cafeteria on taco day. How this place stays in business is beyond me, it was actually funny to us how bad it was.
(1)Colleen O.
Where else can I get bottomless sopaipillas? I had never had one before Don Chilitos, but the first time I did I will never forget that cinnamon-sugar pastry dipped in honey after the meal...I had wished I had started with them instead of the chips and salsa! I like this place for lunch or dinner - it always has a good crowd in there, a long line sprawling almost out the door onto Johnson Drive. And no matter what you order, you'll be happy with the flavors, the cheese, the portions, the extras - it all is meant to fill you up to silence...so good. It's an easy way to order, you don't have to tip like everywhere else, and the quality of food considering the 'taco-bell' quickness of delivery is astounding! Made to order, right in front of you, and in your hands in 2 minutes or less! Don's hasn't changed in the 10 years I've ever eaten inside and I've never left unsatisfied.
(4)Kris P.
The chips and salsa are not my favorite as far as Mexican restaurants go, but I very much enjoy the enchiladas smothered in cheese sauce! Give it a try.
(4)Kev L.
Great place to go if you want to destroy a diet or eat to the point of no control. Food here taste good, but by no means authentic. It's like one of your old high school classmates that dropped out decided to make a taco bell, cross breed it with Picadilly, and think it would be the next best thing. I don't even think I understand myself here . . . . . . Anyway, if you are low on cash and need to binge, this might be your kind of place. Id go here again only if a huge group of friends decided to go (and knowing them, that's highly unlikely).
(3)Tom K.
Is eating at don chilito's a good reason for calling in sick at work? DCs is pretty much the architype for what "coastal snobs" think the Midwest is all about. Everything here is drenched in some sort of sauce (usually queso) and there is a requisite all-you-can-eat bar that comes with your meal. I'm also pretty sure that whomever designed the menu in the 70s was allergic to cilantro. With all that said, I was still excited to try the throwback "Mexican" food. The place is set up like a cafereria similar to some of the larger BBQ spots. I was encouraged by the butch lesbian ordertaker but everything went downhill from there. All the food appesrs preprepared and then reheated in some sort of microwave as you wait in line. They do have it down to a science, but nothing complex is coming out of this place. The food looks good, but has no flavor. Gobs of solidified cheese all over the plate...covered in queso (given a choice of "red" sauce or queso). Some of the other items I saw did look good, but again covered in a mountainous amount of sour cream or some other topping. I can definitely understand the appeal of DC, but it just seems completely unremarkable to me. In a city with so many underappreciated food spots, the popularity of somewhere like this only builds on the stereotypes of the ks suburbs and generally the Midwest. I don't need a all-you-can-eat stale chip bar and 2lbs. of cheese sauce on a plate to feel satisfied with a meal.
(2)Tim E.
Seriously how is this place still open?? They microwave your food right in front of you. It's meat wrapped in a tortilla and coated in canned cheese. then nuke it. It's a stretch to call this Tex-Mex. I am unsure why this place gets anything above 2 stars, ever.
(1)Suzie M.
Really look forward to coming here. My husband's family has been enjoying this place since it opened. Good food, clean, and friendly. Chili Relleno, Chili Con Queso, Tacos, and Guacamole Dip are my favorites. Americanized Tex Mex but it's the one place everyone wants to go to when in Kansas.
(4)Madelaine G.
This place would be good if you're in a hurry. Or if you want to binge on chips and salsa. The food's not bad, but nothing to write home about.
(3)Rob E.
2 stars only because I like their 7 layer dip. Not even close to being a favorite of mine. This restaurant has been around for years, so they do get their fair share of business. Try it you might like it, but I'll go somewhere else.
(2)Danny S.
Went to high school down the street from Don Chilito's. 20 plus years later I was in town and stopped in. I was like time had stood still. it still looks and smell the same. I had a flood of good memories. The food is also still the same. No great but good.
(3)Jenni M.
Have been going to Don Chilito's since 1975 with my parents - now I go with my daughter - ample portions - consistent food. My favorite is the Texas Beef and Bean Burrito - Chilito Style - Big Top. My daughter loves the cheese enchiladas. No it's not classically prepared food - but always brings back wonderful memories of family and friends who have gone there and had good times!
(4)David J.
Atmosphere is one of the keys to a good eatery. I love the atmosphere of this place. The several times that I have visited there, people were sitting at their tables and laughing and having a good time. I love a good diner that serves good tex-mex and this is one of them. Large portions, I get the Fiesta so I can take the leftovers for lunch the next day. There isn't anything special with the food but it's good. Nothing to rant or rave about, just nice to eat and chat with my friends and other families sitting around us. I will be returning.
(4)Erin S.
Umm this place is freaking awesome. Chip/salsa//sopapilla bar, enough said.
(5)Philip A.
Fine dining, this is not. But flavorful, enticing dishes and that sweet and savory red sauce makes this place hard to resist. I only wish they had some honey for the cinnamon sugar sopapillas served buffet style. Don Chilito's has no disillusions about what it is or is not; it's good food, fast and cheap. Always worth a visit.
(4)Erik R.
This is a unique Mexican restaurant. It is Chipotle style where you get in a single line, order, have your meal assembled and then pay at the end. This restaurant is old though, so not a ripoff of Chipotle. I don't know how to describe the food, its kind of old-style Mexican, a little spicy, but kind of the stuff before the more authentic Mexican restaurants opened. The ingredients are very high quality for the price and everything is pretty good. There is nothing spectacular, but it does provide a nice change of pace from the newer Mexican restaurants. The unique part is that the chips, salsa, and sopaipillas are in a giant buffet-type warmer and you can eat all you want. The decor is pretty run down, but its pretty clean. This place is packed on the weekends with older original residents of the area. Its also pretty kid friendly. So if you are looking for trendy, fancy, or authentic Mexican food, you will hate it. If you like good old school Mexican and eating dessert until you are a puff pastry, this is the place.
(4)Stephen K.
An institution. This place has been successful for 50 plus years. Imagine, a Mexican restaurant outlasting sooo many others. Easy to get to, fast pace line if your eating in. Simply select items and it is prepared in front of you. Slide to end pay and sit. The food is very filling and extremely enjoyable. Plenty of room, and always free chips and sopapilla's that are warm sweet and easy to get carried away with. Texas Burrito with CCQ 3 tacos and enchalidas, (beef). Nice generous portion very easy on the wallet. Nice and casual. A can't miss for all and something to be enjoyed by all. Just a very nice experience ALL the time. Takeout available and call ahead and it will be hot and waiting.
(4)Debbie S.
Don Chilitos is pretty great, especially if you're looking for a family friendly place to eat. My family consists of myself, my husband, a toddler, and a newborn. We last visited don chilitos on a friday night. It was packed! I had a pork burrito with ccq sauce. The pork was well seasoned, and I love that the burrito has lettuce and tomatoes inside. Ccq sauce was really tasty. My toddler and husband had tacos. You know you've found a good place for kids when a 2.5yr old eats almost 2 whole soft tacos! Some other great perks include the warm chip and sopapilla bar. It's a self serve area, so you can get as many as you'd like. The sopapillas have cinnamon sugar on them so it was a great dessert for my kiddo. I highly recommend this restaurant for families. You won't leave hungry! The only con is that sometimes the line can be long, which can be a bit frustrating with young kids that aren't patient to get their tacos!
(4)Meg L.
School lunch Mexican is by far better. Just don't. Microwaves, no flavor, awful. The only redeeming quality is the vat of chips. Which depending on how you look at it, isn't necessarily a good thing.....
(1)Ryan G.
Not great. Not horrible, but, I'm just not sure I'd spend money there again. Perhaps I should order other things? "Meh" is the perfect description for how I feel about this place.
(2)Stephen K.
An institution. This place has been successful for 50 plus years. Imagine, a Mexican restaurant outlasting sooo many others. Easy to get to, fast pace line if your eating in. Simply select items and it is prepared in front of you. Slide to end pay and sit. The food is very filling and extremely enjoyable. Plenty of room, and always free chips and sopapilla's that are warm sweet and easy to get carried away with. Texas Burrito with CCQ 3 tacos and enchalidas, (beef). Nice generous portion very easy on the wallet. Nice and casual. A can't miss for all and something to be enjoyed by all. Just a very nice experience ALL the time. Takeout available and call ahead and it will be hot and waiting.
(4)Beth B.
My husband, two teenagers and I were on our way from JoCo to Westport to eat at this Mexican tacqueria that my daughter wanted to go to before she left for college. Midway there, mom (i.e., me) Yelps the place and discovers that it has closed. So, hubby says - let's go to Don Chilito's! We agree. Probably should have Yelped this place also. From the reviews that I read AFTER we went, most people who like this place like it for nostalgic reasons. My husband grew up in Kansas City and remembers this place from high school and college. I've got a Mexican place like that In Little Rock that I remember too. It was cheap and you got lots of food. So, if you are a college kid on a budget, come here. Otherwise, you can find better. It's Tex-Mex style. Very typical for Kansas City. We ordered tacos and burritos with beans and rice. Taco shells were typical store-bought type. Meat was seasoned ground beef. Rice was similar to kind I make out of a box at home. Cheese sauce was Velveeta type. Not bad food, just not great. There is an all you can eat chips, salsa and sopapilla bar. The sopapillas were really good, heated up. There is a microwave for you to do that. The decor is 70's and you do stand in a cafeteria line to get your food. That doesn't bother me. The food just wasn't great enough to bring me back.
(2)Chris B.
I love me some Don Chilitos. It's the yummiest of AmeriMexicano diner food in town. Sliding through the line for my microwaved goodness is my least favorite part of the experience but the food is always spot on. The place has never been clean and the staff are close to un-friendly but hey, if you have been in the back of any restaurant, none of them are exactly clean. As a creature of habit, I always go for the enchilada plate, texas big top, one beef, one chicken. I love the chicken, it has a mild smoked flavor to it. The beans and rice that accompany the plate are bland at best so I always go big top so I get the yummy queso sauce to liven it up. The salsa is the one weak point of the Don experience. As much as you want for free but the taste is bland at best. Free soppapilas (spelling) are always a bonus, lathered in honey, they compliment the meal and send me out the door a happy man. I will say that I have taken people here who have been wildly disappointed. The look of the place will turn you off for sure but the food has always been something I crave from time to time. Don't go here thinking authentic, as I said, it's definitely AmeriMexicano at it's best.
(4)Shine F.
Ah, Don Chilitos, the establishment that Kansas City loves to hate. If you are into organic or authentic please stop reading and go somewhere else. But if you watch Man Vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and think you'd like that job or if you saw the new Doritos Taco Bell shell and though "why didn't I think of that?" then this is the place for you. The decor is straight up 70s. The cooking style is 30 second button on microwave (guarantee it's always hot), The service is what you'd get at any cafeteria. ...but this place makes me happy and that's really worth Yelping about. That, and they don't give me a second look when I order my own personal Texas size bowl of CCQ to eat with my tray of chips from the trough. You must get the CCQ.
(5)Carolyn L.
OH MY FAVORITE GREASY SPOON!!! I have been going here since I was born (my parents used to live in Kansas City and started taking me here on trips to visit my relatives). It's like the one place I HAVE to visit every time we go to Kansas. The CCQ is sooooo good and they LOAD it on to every plate. The portions are crazy! Just get used to feeling obese when you walk out of the restaurant. It's a secret family recipe so unfortunately I cannot recreate it at home. But once a year Don Chilito's is a special treat for the fmaily and it never gets old!!! Oh and as for the reviews claiming this is not TexMex, not Tex, not Mex...well duh!!! Still love the food though. I don't care what is claims to be, I just care about what it is!
(5)Ellen H.
I love this place! The salsa and sopapilla bars are great. The only weird thing is that you now have to pay for honey. Their quesadilla and guacamole are not to be missed. Favorite Mexican guilty pleasure when I'm in KC.
(5)Leigh W.
Food was good, fast friendly service. Cafeteria style & self serve drinks so if your wanting a sit down meal where your waited on this is not the place. Great place for family as inexpensive & plenty of food. Seafood empanada is delicious.
(3)Rodeo G.
YES.. this is all that is wrong with diabetes/obesity/merica/etc.. Jesus this food is good.. Microwave.. check, sopa-pia bar check.. Best place in the area for guilty pleasure mexican.. not mi rancito,but dirty alley bathroom mexicali ally.. SAHH GOOD. Don't let high brow folks tell you border bandito's in larrytown is similar.. just a weaker little sister.
(5)Priscilla Z. D.
I totally dig Don Chillito's and have gone here for years. Seems to be either the type of place you love or hate. Lots of people complain about the microwaves but, news flash folks- Chilis, Applebees, you name it, use Microwaves too- just because you don't see it doesn't mean it's not the truth. Well, whatever. It's cheap, it's fast, the have good guacamole. I like their taco pizzas or enchiladas when I go there.
(4)Abby M.
This place was the perfect Tex-Mex, cheap dive we were hoping for. Their margaritas were giant, and the cheese was delicious (slathered on the entire plate, mmmm). I loved the self-serve chips and salsa bar, too. Definitely coming back!
(4)Troy O.
So this place is a special kind of trashy. For starters there is a sign while you are in the Cafeteria line (Yes Cafeteria line. First sign of classy) that reads we have had to raise our prices but "hey you dont have to tip." I have no problem with places raising prices but if your kickback is hey you don't have to tip thats a problem. Got the specials they were cheap. That was good. No one smiles. Everyone has a "what are you waiting for" glare Everything is Microwaved Decor out dated and looks dirty Food is just okay One positive is the unlimited Chips and Sopapillas they are okay and the troughs have tongs so they are not as nasty as some of these reviews. The Tortillas on enchiladas were over cooked probably due to the microwaving. Tacos were hard enough to break teeth and the Rice was way over cooked Help 1/5 stars. Not friendly. Barely helpful. Price 4/5 It is cheap. They have that going for them. Decor 1/5 Extremely dated and dirty. Food 2.5/5 Okay chips and sopapillas but the good ends there.
(2)leann h.
Once a Don Chilitos virgin, not anymore! Me LIKES Don Chilitos. I don't know how they do it but this place does a great job at mixing American-mexican food with a variety of Tex-mex here and there, and authentic Mexcian food. So if your want something like mom used to make or something a little more zippy they have it. ( and a kids menu with things for them to eat too. that's handy.) The food is tasty, well priced, atmosphere is great for a quick bite during lunch, families or a group of friends and I noticed that people from all walks of life were eating there. The first time, I went with two other friends and got to sample their food too which was great because it has since made me go back for more. Everything I have was really good. If you like seafood try the Seafood Empanada, it was on point!
(4)Kim N.
I have eaten here since high school, and I always get the same thing. I always get the meat burrito smoothered in red sauce. The food is not the best mexican food in KS, but it is decent Tex-Mex. The sopaipillas are really good and you can eat as many as you want. The chips, salsa and sopaipillas are on an all you can eat buffet style table. I love the fact that you eat as much as you want of the chips and sopaipillas that you can cover in honey, and it is at no additional cost. The portions are big and you can even split them and get enough to eat. It is a family owned establishment and has been since day one. You get good service, no frills, but you will eat well and leave happy. Great place to stop in for a quick bite
(3)Debbie S.
Don Chilitos is pretty great, especially if you're looking for a family friendly place to eat. My family consists of myself, my husband, a toddler, and a newborn. We last visited don chilitos on a friday night. It was packed! I had a pork burrito with ccq sauce. The pork was well seasoned, and I love that the burrito has lettuce and tomatoes inside. Ccq sauce was really tasty. My toddler and husband had tacos. You know you've found a good place for kids when a 2.5yr old eats almost 2 whole soft tacos! Some other great perks include the warm chip and sopapilla bar. It's a self serve area, so you can get as many as you'd like. The sopapillas have cinnamon sugar on them so it was a great dessert for my kiddo. I highly recommend this restaurant for families. You won't leave hungry! The only con is that sometimes the line can be long, which can be a bit frustrating with young kids that aren't patient to get their tacos!
(4)Meg L.
School lunch Mexican is by far better. Just don't. Microwaves, no flavor, awful. The only redeeming quality is the vat of chips. Which depending on how you look at it, isn't necessarily a good thing.....
(1)Ryan G.
Not great. Not horrible, but, I'm just not sure I'd spend money there again. Perhaps I should order other things? "Meh" is the perfect description for how I feel about this place.
(2)Rhonda L.
I didn't know this was self serve, or I would not have come. I kind of want the restaurant experience, bring me my food and drinks, that's why I went out. My taco meat was pretty salty. The rice seemed old and hard. Microwaving food is not the best, my friend's chimichanga was nuked not fried,thus was soggy when eating. The decor was old and floor was all worn out. Sorry not coming here again.
(1)Angie H.
I haven't been here since 1993 when I was a senior in h.s and everything from the moment I walked in was exactly how I remember it...outside of the Flat Screen TVS! The smells were amazing, great service, fast, buffet of sophpipias and chips & salsa. I got the combo platter and couldn't even eat 1/2. My son got chicken tenders so they have food for the picky eaters!!
(5)Carla L.
Want authentic Mexican? It isn't here. Go look elsewhere. Want gringo-Mex comfort food? This is the best. You can get a massive squishy burrito, drenched in queso and/or enchilada sauce, with dollops of sour cream and handfuls of sliced black olives ... No, not authentic, but sooooo good. Pass on the enchiladas ( go to El Torreon for those), but get the chile relleno and the always-fresh made guacamole. And it's pretty cheap, also kid-friendly. And the margaritas aren't bad!
(4)Randy E.
I ordered a taco salad and about half way through finishing it, realized there was a plastic toothpick mixed in it. Rather, half of a plastic toothpick (was it a toothpick? I'm not even sure). I was NOT pleased. Still, these things happen. I went up to the kitchen area and told the crew what had happened. They mumbled something about "Well, we put it up at the top of the salad, you should have seen it". No offer of a refund. No apology. No offer for another plastic-free meal. My brother, who lives in Spokane, WA, really likes this place. Visits it every time he comes to town. I told him from now on, he will be eating at Don Chilito's by himself. I will never be back. PS This happened about a month ago; just now posting because I just got on to Yelp.
(1)Lauren M.
So being from the Mission area my whole life, I've always noticed the popularity of this place. Here is the rundown. Is it authentic? No it's not. But it's a place my husband and I can go that's less than $20 for food and drinks. Do they stick stuff in the microwave? Yes they do, but I'd rather have them warm up my food in front of me then hide the microwaves and charge me an outrageous price. It's cheap, fast food with really friendly service. I've never been here and had crappy service. Plus, the place is CLEAN! I don't feel all itchy and scratchy here like I have at some cheap Tex-Mex places. Don't expect authentic, gourmet Mexican. Expect to get your food fast, covered in cheese sauce at a great price.
(4)Laura ..
Love the food!! Been eating here for years, one of my favorite mexican restaurants around. Very reasonable priced and friendly staff. Ccq sauce and soapillas are the best. Also chimichangas and tacos. Yummm!
(5)C D.
Classic American Mexican food. Food is above average and is overserved. Chips bar is awesome homemade salsa is above average. This place is easy on the wallet and sure to fill you up on any budget. If your in the area, definitely one of the best places to check out.
(4)Jules H.
My standards can be high. But not to a place that pretends to be anything other than it is. Tex mex comfort food. Cheese that you loved as a kid because your mama cooked it in a crock pot. One thousand different ways to ruin your diet. All delicious combos. Yes. Please smother my taco 'salad' in all that cheese. As a matter of fact, please smother everything in that cheese. Straight up, thank you. I'll be back. Because I am on vacay. I leave all pretentiousness back in LA, and I will enjoy me some liquid golden cheese.
(5)Dana W.
T.e.r.r.I.b.l.e. We thought we would stop in and try it out since the parking lot is usually full. Big mistake. I don't understand why anyone would choose this over Taco Bell. How does a restaurant stay in business for over 40 years with the worst salsa I've ever tasted?? The restaurant is cafeteria-style which is odd for a Mexican restaurant. I ordered the nachos chilito style - beef, chicken, cheese, black olives, sour cream - it was gross! The only positive thing is that their chips are really good. Will never go back, no thank you.
(1)Teague P.
Sometimes nothing but Don Chilitos will do. I like this place, it's midwestern tex-mex of the cheese sauce on everything variety. But you know, they also have a pretty good pico de gallo, onions and jals and tomatoes. I always get a corn tortilla enchilada (usually chicken or cheese-n-onion) "chilito style" which is a tomato-slightly-chile sauce with olives and sour cream and mild cheddar on top. With a side of the pico. I also like their beans, although they are a little strange and i suspect they might start as a dehydrated product. But somehow they still taste good. Possibly because my first experiences with refried pinto beans were from a packet in a "taco dinner" that Mom used to buy. Ooh, they also have a compelling "chile relleno" which is a canned green chile stuffed with cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep fried, smothered in a mild American cheez sauce. Sort of like a little empanada. It's pretty good, in a bad for you sort of way. Well, canned green chiles are just flat pretty good under almost any circumstances, so they are going with a winner. Plus it's fried. I sort of enjoy the cafeteria style ordering process, you can correct them when they start giving you the wrong order :) The service has always been friendly and quick. Not effusive mind you, this is a cafeteria line. But perfectly pleasant folks work here and they are nice. I like this place much more than say, On the Border, and it's much cheaper too, and a lot faster. For very similar food, except somewhat better in my humble opinion.
(4)Kennedy C.
Ate here for the first time last night. The food was served cafeteria style and looked/tasted about the same quality as my old high school cafeteria as well. I got the chicken quesadilla, which was mediocre. The salsa tasted rancid. And a couple hours afterward, I started vomiting, which lasted all night long. Thanks for my first ever food poisoning experience! I will never go back here again. Even if I hadn't gotten sick.
(1)Aaron R.
Ok so if you're expecting authentic Mexican food then you're at the wrong place. I live in CA and was raised in JC and this is some of the best cafeteria Tex Mex food there is. Its Cheap. Its unhealthy. Its the best. The big top burritos and sopapillas...YUM
(5)Steve W.
This is a friend's favorite and it turned out to be good. Not much to look at on the outside or inside, but who cares? Food is ordered cafeteria style so you better know what you want when you get to the counter. I don't know how they keep things in order, but they do, and they did microwave the food to make it hot which I found interesting. The table ordered a variety of dishes and everybody was happy with huge portions. I got the Texas burrito with ground beef (chicken and shredded beef were also an option) and it was a "big top" which meant lots of cheese. Very good. You helped yourself to chips and salsa and your beverage. Everybody had sopaphillas (sugar covered flaky dough) which didn't impress me, but the table covered them in honey and snarfed them down. We will make the drive from Brookside to eat her again, but I didn't find it that much different than Magaritas or Jalepenos.
(3)Kim H.
As always awesome! CCQ sauce so yummy. Yesterday was my husband and mines 22 anniversary. We had a coupon we had won and thought we would use it for that. We were so glad. We got it to go and it was exactly what we asked for. Thank you Don's for making the day after 22 years yummy! And thank you for the handful of honey for the sopapia's.
(5)Lea R.
I came here once to see what all the hype was about. I was admittedly excited because at the time I guess I thought my fellow Kansans knew what good mexican food was. Boy, was I wrong! My disappointment started at the site of my food being shoved into a microwave. I didn't want to judge then, but how could you not!? Anyway, I made it to the checkout- grabbed some of those cinnamon-y goodies they offer after you pay- and sat down with my food. After my first nauseating bite, I had to take a look around the room to see if any Mexicans were actually in the room trying to eat the same nasty crap this place called food. Guess what!? NONE! That's right, they were at Pancho's because they knew better. If your in the area I would sway to left and go into Planet Sub instead.
(1)Kj G.
When you arrive you get in line like cattle go up to the counter place your order. Then you watch them pull what you ordered and pop it in the microwave. Being a native California the food here is no better than Taco Bell. Every thing was drowned in a "cheese" sauce. I wanted to like it but just couldn't. I ordered a chilli relleno this in no way was a true chilli relleno. Instead of being battered and fried the chili was wrapped in a flour tortilla and covered in cheese goop. Will not be going there again.
(2)Danny S.
Went to high school down the street from Don Chilito's. 20 plus years later I was in town and stopped in. I was like time had stood still. it still looks and smell the same. I had a flood of good memories. The food is also still the same. No great but good.
(3)Jenni M.
Have been going to Don Chilito's since 1975 with my parents - now I go with my daughter - ample portions - consistent food. My favorite is the Texas Beef and Bean Burrito - Chilito Style - Big Top. My daughter loves the cheese enchiladas. No it's not classically prepared food - but always brings back wonderful memories of family and friends who have gone there and had good times!
(4)Michael R.
Man, the love/hate that Don Chilito's inspires... First off, no, Don Chilito's is not authentic. A friend of mine who works nearby loathes the place because, as she loves saying loudly and often, real Mexican is not covered in melted Velveeta. Not sure what all it says, but none of the cooking staff are actually Mexican. And, yes, it's reheated in a microwave right in front of you. If you are in the mood for great authentic Mexican, there are a couple of places within a mile to try. If you're the kind of person who drives down to the Boulevard to get authentic queso blanco, or has a special place you go to just because of the amazing green rice, don't go. Now that we've weeded out the Mexican food snobs... I love Don's. I tend to get the tacos, which are pretty standard but good, or if I'm feeling like utterly destroying my diet I go with a burrito with CCQ sauce. Yes, it is basically melted Velveeta and chilis, but, man, it's good. I generally get a smaller entree because they have free chips and sopapillas. I've been known to go through half a dozen sopapillas. Worth going just for that. I also love their enchiladas, and my mom loves their potato skins. Overall, well, walk in. Get in the cafeteria-style line. Stop at the giant menu on the wall. Look around--take in the cafeteria line, the banks of microwaves, the 70's decor. If that bothers you, turn around and go down to the Boulevard. If it doesn't...you may have found your newest favorite place.
(4)Lauren H.
Save your time and go somewhere else. The food was cold, and very basic "Mexican" food. Might be good if you're starving or haven't had Mexican food before. Please, go somewhere else!
(1)Alice H.
Think cafeteria style Tex Mex food. Pick what you want... Order down a line with your tray... And check out. It was different... Spontaneous choice using a deal from my front flip app. It wasn't terrible but I wouldn't go back really. There is all you can eat chips and sopapillas and you can tell they have been left out all day bc they were stale. Salsa... Bland. I actually liked what I ordered covered with cheese... But it was one of those hangry moments so anything is good at that point. Yes... They microwave your meal. The moment you walk in... You expect what you see. Plain and simple.
(2)Brad H.
Love this place. It doesn't even pretend to be your authentic Mexican food, so don't come here with that expectation or you'll be disappointed. What they are is low cost, Americanized, Tex-Mex, fare...and they do it well. I like the Cancun Special that comes with 2 tacos, a 6 inch burrito (pork and chili con carne for me), rice and beans. Been coming here for years..and hope to for many more years to come.
(4)Nadine A.
Food was awful. It was made with ingredients sitting out for who knows how long then microwaved in front of you when you order it. The cafeteria line set up was inconvenient and confusing for a first timer. Worst whole in the wall I've tried.
(1)Jess J.
I totally get the eyebrow raises that Don Chilito's inspires. You walk in, and go down a dubious hallway, peruse a menu board on the wall that has likely been hanging since the restaurant's early 1970s birth, and notice that portions of the low wall opposite the line to order (yes, line to order) appear to be wainscoted with linoleum. Hmmm. Then you slide your tray (yes, a plastic cafeteria tray, a la school/food courts/hospital cafeterias) down and name your combo for the person standing behind the counter. It's all very dim, the decor legitimately dated, not kitschily dated. And then you get a MASSIVE plate of glorious, piping hot, junky Tex-Mex cheese-doused goodness. And you continue on, and can order a MASSIVE TUMBLER of margarita. And you continue on, and see that there is self-serve on warm tortilla chips and sopapillas. If you're smart, you order guacamole, because it's unexpectedly fab. Don's is not authentic Mexican, no. It doesn't seem to be pretending to be so, either (you can order potato skins, and the liberally applied CCQ sauce is straight up Velveeta/cream cheese/Rotel heaven, as far as I can tell). As my boyfriend, who grew up on Don Chilito's, is fond of saying, it's about as authentically Mexican as a drunken sorority sister in a sombrero on Cinco de Mayo. But there are plenty of good places in KC for real-deal Mexican. You don't go here for that. You go here because it's such a throwback, you feel like you might run into Captain Kangaroo in a leisure suit filling up a paper boat at the chip trough. You go because, despite the fact that you watch them nuke your plate right in front of you (which countless other restaurants do, just not in full sight of the customers), despite the fact that there's a School House Rock-era lunch lady assembly line going on, despite the fact that your friends will sip tiny craft cocktail Margaritas at a Southwest Boulevard hot spot and feast on a tablespoon of locally raised shredded chicken chilaquiles artfully drizzled with chili-lime aoli and smirk at your chip-trough-loving tackiness, it's freaking tasty. Good enough for me.
(4)Lana J.
As a native of KC, living in Dallas, TX, for the last 26 years, I know what Mexican food (and Tex-Mex) food should look and taste like. Don Chilitos is nothing like real Mexican food. It is, however, delicious! We always order burritos, and they are, without exception: fresh, hot, big, and bursting with flavor. I personally love the Chilito style (red sauce and sour cream), while others prefer the CCQ (cheese sauce). They are always good about making special things for the kids (like without the spicy parts). I return to KC to visit family at least twice a year, and I always make time to go to Don Chilitos. Get over your idea of what "Mexican" food should taste like, and go get yourself some delicious burritos!
(5)Rob D.
Update, i got dragged to this place with some friends. pros; it's cheap it's fast cons; everything (real close to everything at least) goes into a microwave not very clean (not down right dirty....just not exactly clean in my opnion) did i mention everything gets tossed into a microwave right in front of you as if that's how you prepare food? lol, at least it's cheap i guess
(1)Philip A.
Fine dining, this is not. But flavorful, enticing dishes and that sweet and savory red sauce makes this place hard to resist. I only wish they had some honey for the cinnamon sugar sopapillas served buffet style. Don Chilito's has no disillusions about what it is or is not; it's good food, fast and cheap. Always worth a visit.
(4)Erik R.
This is a unique Mexican restaurant. It is Chipotle style where you get in a single line, order, have your meal assembled and then pay at the end. This restaurant is old though, so not a ripoff of Chipotle. I don't know how to describe the food, its kind of old-style Mexican, a little spicy, but kind of the stuff before the more authentic Mexican restaurants opened. The ingredients are very high quality for the price and everything is pretty good. There is nothing spectacular, but it does provide a nice change of pace from the newer Mexican restaurants. The unique part is that the chips, salsa, and sopaipillas are in a giant buffet-type warmer and you can eat all you want. The decor is pretty run down, but its pretty clean. This place is packed on the weekends with older original residents of the area. Its also pretty kid friendly. So if you are looking for trendy, fancy, or authentic Mexican food, you will hate it. If you like good old school Mexican and eating dessert until you are a puff pastry, this is the place.
(4)Lisa L.
The only thing unique about this place is the nasty smell coming from the bathroom....This place has a trough of chips so everyone in the restaurant can man handle the chips your about to eat and the Salsa is bad Picante Sauce. I think the reason they drown your food in cheese sauce is to add flavor. You are only allowed to have two packs of honey per visit and trust me they eye ball how many you get. I just don't get why this place is always busy? The last time I went there I ordered potato skins....lol
(1)Heidi B.
Don's is your american cafeteria take on mexican food. But it's always tasty and they don't deny that they use microwaves to heat it. (Most mexican restaurants do, they just don't like showing that.) It's fairly priced. I enjoy the all you can eat chips and salsa (the blended hot is the best!) and the yummy little all you can eat sopapillas too! If you're looking for authentic mexican, go elsewhere. Otherwise this place is pretty much a tasty little cafeteria find.
(3)Paul R.
The one thing everyone who rated this gastric grotequesness high is that none of them knows what real mexican food should look, smell or taste like. This place is the bottom of the heap. The food is bland, gelatinous and has the texture of paste, except paste probably tastes better. We went for dinner, and I still feel ill 48 hours later. The decor is old, the staff simian at best and the food tastes like rejected school cafeteria slop. DO NOT WASTE TIME OR MONEY ON THIS DISGUSTING FOOD. You'll be happier done the street at one of the small "real" mexican eateries... Or, if you are nostolgic, stop by CVS for antacids..you'll need 'em
(1)Dana C.
As other reviewers have stated, my parents used to go here when they were first dating. I used to drive here from Leavenworth when I was 16 with my good friend Bekah all the way down the hills of Johnson Drive to get a taste of Don Chilitos. Anywoo, yes, I am a little more lenient on this restaurant because I have been eating there since I was a kid. It hasn't changed over the years and it is cafeteria style dining. I can see why others don't care for it, but the atmosphere is what I enjoy when I dine there. I usually get the enchiladas (Chilito style minus the tomato) and ground beef tacos. I like the sopapilla bar, but I believe they are now charging for honey. There salsa is mediocre at best, but I believe this restaurant is worth a try if you don't mine loads of gooey cheese ( and not only do I not mind loads of gooey cheese, I encourage it!)
(3)Colleen O.
Where else can I get bottomless sopaipillas? I had never had one before Don Chilitos, but the first time I did I will never forget that cinnamon-sugar pastry dipped in honey after the meal...I had wished I had started with them instead of the chips and salsa! I like this place for lunch or dinner - it always has a good crowd in there, a long line sprawling almost out the door onto Johnson Drive. And no matter what you order, you'll be happy with the flavors, the cheese, the portions, the extras - it all is meant to fill you up to silence...so good. It's an easy way to order, you don't have to tip like everywhere else, and the quality of food considering the 'taco-bell' quickness of delivery is astounding! Made to order, right in front of you, and in your hands in 2 minutes or less! Don's hasn't changed in the 10 years I've ever eaten inside and I've never left unsatisfied.
(4)Kris P.
The chips and salsa are not my favorite as far as Mexican restaurants go, but I very much enjoy the enchiladas smothered in cheese sauce! Give it a try.
(4)Tresha G.
I had heard people talk about the place being good. Our favorite pupusa place was closed so up johnson dr and ended up here to try. I assumed it was a typical restaurant. The two doors, one for carryout and other for cafeteria, changed that. So we walk in and roomie suddenly turns around and says, "It smells like white people mexican food". Uhh... ok is all I could muster out at the moment and shoved her to order. I got the Don's plate (cheese & beef enchilada and 2 tacos). Roomie got a beef chimichanga and blanco queso. Pretty much you tell a person what you want and they slap and nuke it together. Then you go pay. There is a salsa bar of mild and hot puree and chunky. A bin of chips and sopaipillas (honey is kept hostage by cashier). We got to eating and actually it was ok. Or as roomie put it "I had my doubts, but this white mexi food is alright". Mr. Little Pepper, you've taken a Guatemalean to your side. The bad being the booths are too close to the tables. Also, clean up was extremely slow after people left. Other than that, it's doable tex-mex.
(3)Kelsey C.
This place is just.....eh. It's good, but in a gross way, where you know that it is terrible for you but you have a strange craving for it once in a while anyway. You get your own chips from a heated buffet style bar thing, along with sopapillas for dessert if you are so inclined. (I was too stuffed to try them) When you enter, you walk down the cafeteria style line and just what meal combo you want. Besides Mexican food, they also have burgers or chicken tenders (I think), but to be honest, I wouldn't really get it...the place just keeps kind of dingy...like it is a food code violation waiting to happen. I don't HATE Don Chilitos, but I'm not exactly jumping up and down to go there again anytime soon....the food was good enough, the preparation and seating just seems sketchy.
(3)Paul L.
My favorite Mexican Restaurant from as far back as the 80's!:) ...and the place has hardly changed since then. THANK YOU! The absolute best of the best they have continued to provide without exception anywhere to be found is their queso ... which they liberally layer on enchiladas, burritos, re-fried beans or on the side for dipping. MMMMMMM! Authentic? Who the hell cares...as if there actually IS such a thing. It's true to their beginning and is awesome! Loved it then, love it now. If you don't go...fine. More for me:)
(5)Jessica G.
OK. Maybe my love for Don Chilito's makes me a little gross. But I don't care. It might need a remodel but the food is tex mex done OH so right. The bean burrito smothered in red sauce is divine. So are the chili rellenos. Loads of cheese. And again, the red sauce. SO GOOD. It is what it is. And it is tasty. If you can appreciate cafeteria style dining, low lighting, and a sopapilla buffet then this is your place.
(4)Tim E.
Seriously how is this place still open?? They microwave your food right in front of you. It's meat wrapped in a tortilla and coated in canned cheese. then nuke it. It's a stretch to call this Tex-Mex. I am unsure why this place gets anything above 2 stars, ever.
(1)Suzie M.
Really look forward to coming here. My husband's family has been enjoying this place since it opened. Good food, clean, and friendly. Chili Relleno, Chili Con Queso, Tacos, and Guacamole Dip are my favorites. Americanized Tex Mex but it's the one place everyone wants to go to when in Kansas.
(4)Madelaine G.
This place would be good if you're in a hurry. Or if you want to binge on chips and salsa. The food's not bad, but nothing to write home about.
(3)Rob E.
2 stars only because I like their 7 layer dip. Not even close to being a favorite of mine. This restaurant has been around for years, so they do get their fair share of business. Try it you might like it, but I'll go somewhere else.
(2)Kaitlin G.
My boyfriend and I decided to try Don Chilitos for the first time tonight. I used to intern nearby and I always heard people talking about how good this place was, so I was actually kind of excited to try it out. Excitement quickly turned to disappointment when we arrived and realized it is a cafeteria style restaurant instead of a sit down place. After taking a few minutes to look over the giant menus posted on the wall we had our order taken by a less than enthusiastic girl behind the counter. We got the queso blanco dip to share, my boyfriend ordered the crispy taco dinner plate, and I got the cheese enchiladas dinner. All of the food was plated and quickly cooked via microwave right in front of us, then we paid at the register and took our trays of food to a booth. After a moment of confusion about whether or not chips were supposed to come with our cheese dip we were directed to a serve-yourself chips/salsa/sopapilla bar. While a lot of reviewers have been excited about this, I actually thought it was kind of strange and unappealing. I mean, I want my food to be fresh, but there was just no telling how long that stuff had been sitting under the heat lamps! The food itself was mediocre at best, pretty much meeting the lowered expectations I had as soon as we walked in. My boyfriend really enjoyed his tacos but barely touched his crispy looking beans or his rice because they just "don't look very appetizing." I liked my cheese enchiladas well enough, they were LOADED with cheese and had onions and peppers inside, but there wasn't much for flavor besides just cheese cheese and more cheese. I thought my rice tasted good, but generic, then I was super bummed when I realized the beans weren't vegetarian. Overall this restaurant has a very old, dingey vibe, and honestly doesn't appear to have changed much at all since it's opening in the 1970's, which in this case is s bad thing. While it wasn't the worst restaurant experience I've ever had in my life, I certainly do not see a reason for my boyfriend and I to come back, especially with Salsa Grill right down the street, Jalapenos just over in Brookside, and Salty Iguana down in Prairie Village. I would consider any of those places a better use of time and money than Don Chilitos!
(2)Tom K.
Is eating at don chilito's a good reason for calling in sick at work? DCs is pretty much the architype for what "coastal snobs" think the Midwest is all about. Everything here is drenched in some sort of sauce (usually queso) and there is a requisite all-you-can-eat bar that comes with your meal. I'm also pretty sure that whomever designed the menu in the 70s was allergic to cilantro. With all that said, I was still excited to try the throwback "Mexican" food. The place is set up like a cafereria similar to some of the larger BBQ spots. I was encouraged by the butch lesbian ordertaker but everything went downhill from there. All the food appesrs preprepared and then reheated in some sort of microwave as you wait in line. They do have it down to a science, but nothing complex is coming out of this place. The food looks good, but has no flavor. Gobs of solidified cheese all over the plate...covered in queso (given a choice of "red" sauce or queso). Some of the other items I saw did look good, but again covered in a mountainous amount of sour cream or some other topping. I can definitely understand the appeal of DC, but it just seems completely unremarkable to me. In a city with so many underappreciated food spots, the popularity of somewhere like this only builds on the stereotypes of the ks suburbs and generally the Midwest. I don't need a all-you-can-eat stale chip bar and 2lbs. of cheese sauce on a plate to feel satisfied with a meal.
(2)Chet F.
Old as my parents, tex-mex. So my folks used to hit up this place when they were dating, so I had to check it out. They said this place is still exactly the same as it was 30 years ago, all the way down to the decor and menu. They serve ground beef, chicken, or shredded beef in shells, be it hard, soft, or fried. A very plain menu, in a way. Basically you order the standard taco, burrito, enchilada, or chimi then choose your type of sauce (topping) be it a red sauce or cheese sauce. Everything is double covered and smothered. It is not the healthiest or best tasting joint around, but some how this place has definitely withstood the test of time. The also have a help yourself chips and salsa bar which includes sopa-pia's(sp), they were way too undercooked. But if you do get a couple make sure to go to the cashier and ask for a side of honey, it's a must! I would recommend the beef hard taco. My dad swears by the Texas Burrito with CCQ. And I have to admit in a strange way it was pretty good.
(3)Danny M.
Been going here for years. Same great white-mexican food. Much like a cafeteria, but at least it's affordable.
(4)Tim P.
It's like walking into a middle-school cafeteria on taco day. How this place stays in business is beyond me, it was actually funny to us how bad it was.
(1)Kev L.
Great place to go if you want to destroy a diet or eat to the point of no control. Food here taste good, but by no means authentic. It's like one of your old high school classmates that dropped out decided to make a taco bell, cross breed it with Picadilly, and think it would be the next best thing. I don't even think I understand myself here . . . . . . Anyway, if you are low on cash and need to binge, this might be your kind of place. Id go here again only if a huge group of friends decided to go (and knowing them, that's highly unlikely).
(3)Dayne B.
Don Chilito's is the Furr's of Mexican food. While it's not a place to take a date, it is a tried and true hangover cure. Maybe it's the greasy, cheesy goodness, the magical sopapilla bar or a mixture of the two washed down with a little hair of the dog that wards if those Sunday morning blues.
(3)David W.
This place has been there for years but that is not a good reason to go. The food is run of the mill and the workers are rude and horrible. My nephew went with us and he got some of there greese dough balls with sugar and he got some honey packets to put on them. He went and got some more and was told he was not allowed anymore honey. I asked why and they said there was a limit. Are you kidding me? The place has horrible seating and there is a smell to the place that is a little nasty. The restrooms are gross to the point I would rather pee my pants than go in there. Bottom line is that it is just not a great place to go. If you want american mexican food try taco bell it is better than this place.
(1)Emily O.
It's ok. If you like seeing your food get microwaved before served to you, then this is your kind of place. It's rather go somewhere else.
(2)David J.
Atmosphere is one of the keys to a good eatery. I love the atmosphere of this place. The several times that I have visited there, people were sitting at their tables and laughing and having a good time. I love a good diner that serves good tex-mex and this is one of them. Large portions, I get the Fiesta so I can take the leftovers for lunch the next day. There isn't anything special with the food but it's good. Nothing to rant or rave about, just nice to eat and chat with my friends and other families sitting around us. I will be returning.
(4)Erin S.
Umm this place is freaking awesome. Chip/salsa//sopapilla bar, enough said.
(5)Kennedy C.
Ate here for the first time last night. The food was served cafeteria style and looked/tasted about the same quality as my old high school cafeteria as well. I got the chicken quesadilla, which was mediocre. The salsa tasted rancid. And a couple hours afterward, I started vomiting, which lasted all night long. Thanks for my first ever food poisoning experience! I will never go back here again. Even if I hadn't gotten sick.
(1)Aaron R.
Ok so if you're expecting authentic Mexican food then you're at the wrong place. I live in CA and was raised in JC and this is some of the best cafeteria Tex Mex food there is. Its Cheap. Its unhealthy. Its the best. The big top burritos and sopapillas...YUM
(5)Steve W.
This is a friend's favorite and it turned out to be good. Not much to look at on the outside or inside, but who cares? Food is ordered cafeteria style so you better know what you want when you get to the counter. I don't know how they keep things in order, but they do, and they did microwave the food to make it hot which I found interesting. The table ordered a variety of dishes and everybody was happy with huge portions. I got the Texas burrito with ground beef (chicken and shredded beef were also an option) and it was a "big top" which meant lots of cheese. Very good. You helped yourself to chips and salsa and your beverage. Everybody had sopaphillas (sugar covered flaky dough) which didn't impress me, but the table covered them in honey and snarfed them down. We will make the drive from Brookside to eat her again, but I didn't find it that much different than Magaritas or Jalepenos.
(3)C D.
Classic American Mexican food. Food is above average and is overserved. Chips bar is awesome homemade salsa is above average. This place is easy on the wallet and sure to fill you up on any budget. If your in the area, definitely one of the best places to check out.
(4)Jules H.
My standards can be high. But not to a place that pretends to be anything other than it is. Tex mex comfort food. Cheese that you loved as a kid because your mama cooked it in a crock pot. One thousand different ways to ruin your diet. All delicious combos. Yes. Please smother my taco 'salad' in all that cheese. As a matter of fact, please smother everything in that cheese. Straight up, thank you. I'll be back. Because I am on vacay. I leave all pretentiousness back in LA, and I will enjoy me some liquid golden cheese.
(5)Dana W.
T.e.r.r.I.b.l.e. We thought we would stop in and try it out since the parking lot is usually full. Big mistake. I don't understand why anyone would choose this over Taco Bell. How does a restaurant stay in business for over 40 years with the worst salsa I've ever tasted?? The restaurant is cafeteria-style which is odd for a Mexican restaurant. I ordered the nachos chilito style - beef, chicken, cheese, black olives, sour cream - it was gross! The only positive thing is that their chips are really good. Will never go back, no thank you.
(1)Tom K.
Is eating at don chilito's a good reason for calling in sick at work? DCs is pretty much the architype for what "coastal snobs" think the Midwest is all about. Everything here is drenched in some sort of sauce (usually queso) and there is a requisite all-you-can-eat bar that comes with your meal. I'm also pretty sure that whomever designed the menu in the 70s was allergic to cilantro. With all that said, I was still excited to try the throwback "Mexican" food. The place is set up like a cafereria similar to some of the larger BBQ spots. I was encouraged by the butch lesbian ordertaker but everything went downhill from there. All the food appesrs preprepared and then reheated in some sort of microwave as you wait in line. They do have it down to a science, but nothing complex is coming out of this place. The food looks good, but has no flavor. Gobs of solidified cheese all over the plate...covered in queso (given a choice of "red" sauce or queso). Some of the other items I saw did look good, but again covered in a mountainous amount of sour cream or some other topping. I can definitely understand the appeal of DC, but it just seems completely unremarkable to me. In a city with so many underappreciated food spots, the popularity of somewhere like this only builds on the stereotypes of the ks suburbs and generally the Midwest. I don't need a all-you-can-eat stale chip bar and 2lbs. of cheese sauce on a plate to feel satisfied with a meal.
(2)Tim E.
Seriously how is this place still open?? They microwave your food right in front of you. It's meat wrapped in a tortilla and coated in canned cheese. then nuke it. It's a stretch to call this Tex-Mex. I am unsure why this place gets anything above 2 stars, ever.
(1)Suzie M.
Really look forward to coming here. My husband's family has been enjoying this place since it opened. Good food, clean, and friendly. Chili Relleno, Chili Con Queso, Tacos, and Guacamole Dip are my favorites. Americanized Tex Mex but it's the one place everyone wants to go to when in Kansas.
(4)Chet F.
Old as my parents, tex-mex. So my folks used to hit up this place when they were dating, so I had to check it out. They said this place is still exactly the same as it was 30 years ago, all the way down to the decor and menu. They serve ground beef, chicken, or shredded beef in shells, be it hard, soft, or fried. A very plain menu, in a way. Basically you order the standard taco, burrito, enchilada, or chimi then choose your type of sauce (topping) be it a red sauce or cheese sauce. Everything is double covered and smothered. It is not the healthiest or best tasting joint around, but some how this place has definitely withstood the test of time. The also have a help yourself chips and salsa bar which includes sopa-pia's(sp), they were way too undercooked. But if you do get a couple make sure to go to the cashier and ask for a side of honey, it's a must! I would recommend the beef hard taco. My dad swears by the Texas Burrito with CCQ. And I have to admit in a strange way it was pretty good.
(3)Danny M.
Been going here for years. Same great white-mexican food. Much like a cafeteria, but at least it's affordable.
(4)Kim H.
As always awesome! CCQ sauce so yummy. Yesterday was my husband and mines 22 anniversary. We had a coupon we had won and thought we would use it for that. We were so glad. We got it to go and it was exactly what we asked for. Thank you Don's for making the day after 22 years yummy! And thank you for the handful of honey for the sopapia's.
(5)Lea R.
I came here once to see what all the hype was about. I was admittedly excited because at the time I guess I thought my fellow Kansans knew what good mexican food was. Boy, was I wrong! My disappointment started at the site of my food being shoved into a microwave. I didn't want to judge then, but how could you not!? Anyway, I made it to the checkout- grabbed some of those cinnamon-y goodies they offer after you pay- and sat down with my food. After my first nauseating bite, I had to take a look around the room to see if any Mexicans were actually in the room trying to eat the same nasty crap this place called food. Guess what!? NONE! That's right, they were at Pancho's because they knew better. If your in the area I would sway to left and go into Planet Sub instead.
(1)Kj G.
When you arrive you get in line like cattle go up to the counter place your order. Then you watch them pull what you ordered and pop it in the microwave. Being a native California the food here is no better than Taco Bell. Every thing was drowned in a "cheese" sauce. I wanted to like it but just couldn't. I ordered a chilli relleno this in no way was a true chilli relleno. Instead of being battered and fried the chili was wrapped in a flour tortilla and covered in cheese goop. Will not be going there again.
(2)Michael R.
Man, the love/hate that Don Chilito's inspires... First off, no, Don Chilito's is not authentic. A friend of mine who works nearby loathes the place because, as she loves saying loudly and often, real Mexican is not covered in melted Velveeta. Not sure what all it says, but none of the cooking staff are actually Mexican. And, yes, it's reheated in a microwave right in front of you. If you are in the mood for great authentic Mexican, there are a couple of places within a mile to try. If you're the kind of person who drives down to the Boulevard to get authentic queso blanco, or has a special place you go to just because of the amazing green rice, don't go. Now that we've weeded out the Mexican food snobs... I love Don's. I tend to get the tacos, which are pretty standard but good, or if I'm feeling like utterly destroying my diet I go with a burrito with CCQ sauce. Yes, it is basically melted Velveeta and chilis, but, man, it's good. I generally get a smaller entree because they have free chips and sopapillas. I've been known to go through half a dozen sopapillas. Worth going just for that. I also love their enchiladas, and my mom loves their potato skins. Overall, well, walk in. Get in the cafeteria-style line. Stop at the giant menu on the wall. Look around--take in the cafeteria line, the banks of microwaves, the 70's decor. If that bothers you, turn around and go down to the Boulevard. If it doesn't...you may have found your newest favorite place.
(4)Lauren H.
Save your time and go somewhere else. The food was cold, and very basic "Mexican" food. Might be good if you're starving or haven't had Mexican food before. Please, go somewhere else!
(1)Alice H.
Think cafeteria style Tex Mex food. Pick what you want... Order down a line with your tray... And check out. It was different... Spontaneous choice using a deal from my front flip app. It wasn't terrible but I wouldn't go back really. There is all you can eat chips and sopapillas and you can tell they have been left out all day bc they were stale. Salsa... Bland. I actually liked what I ordered covered with cheese... But it was one of those hangry moments so anything is good at that point. Yes... They microwave your meal. The moment you walk in... You expect what you see. Plain and simple.
(2)Brad H.
Love this place. It doesn't even pretend to be your authentic Mexican food, so don't come here with that expectation or you'll be disappointed. What they are is low cost, Americanized, Tex-Mex, fare...and they do it well. I like the Cancun Special that comes with 2 tacos, a 6 inch burrito (pork and chili con carne for me), rice and beans. Been coming here for years..and hope to for many more years to come.
(4)Nadine A.
Food was awful. It was made with ingredients sitting out for who knows how long then microwaved in front of you when you order it. The cafeteria line set up was inconvenient and confusing for a first timer. Worst whole in the wall I've tried.
(1)Jess J.
I totally get the eyebrow raises that Don Chilito's inspires. You walk in, and go down a dubious hallway, peruse a menu board on the wall that has likely been hanging since the restaurant's early 1970s birth, and notice that portions of the low wall opposite the line to order (yes, line to order) appear to be wainscoted with linoleum. Hmmm. Then you slide your tray (yes, a plastic cafeteria tray, a la school/food courts/hospital cafeterias) down and name your combo for the person standing behind the counter. It's all very dim, the decor legitimately dated, not kitschily dated. And then you get a MASSIVE plate of glorious, piping hot, junky Tex-Mex cheese-doused goodness. And you continue on, and can order a MASSIVE TUMBLER of margarita. And you continue on, and see that there is self-serve on warm tortilla chips and sopapillas. If you're smart, you order guacamole, because it's unexpectedly fab. Don's is not authentic Mexican, no. It doesn't seem to be pretending to be so, either (you can order potato skins, and the liberally applied CCQ sauce is straight up Velveeta/cream cheese/Rotel heaven, as far as I can tell). As my boyfriend, who grew up on Don Chilito's, is fond of saying, it's about as authentically Mexican as a drunken sorority sister in a sombrero on Cinco de Mayo. But there are plenty of good places in KC for real-deal Mexican. You don't go here for that. You go here because it's such a throwback, you feel like you might run into Captain Kangaroo in a leisure suit filling up a paper boat at the chip trough. You go because, despite the fact that you watch them nuke your plate right in front of you (which countless other restaurants do, just not in full sight of the customers), despite the fact that there's a School House Rock-era lunch lady assembly line going on, despite the fact that your friends will sip tiny craft cocktail Margaritas at a Southwest Boulevard hot spot and feast on a tablespoon of locally raised shredded chicken chilaquiles artfully drizzled with chili-lime aoli and smirk at your chip-trough-loving tackiness, it's freaking tasty. Good enough for me.
(4)Beth B.
My husband, two teenagers and I were on our way from JoCo to Westport to eat at this Mexican tacqueria that my daughter wanted to go to before she left for college. Midway there, mom (i.e., me) Yelps the place and discovers that it has closed. So, hubby says - let's go to Don Chilito's! We agree. Probably should have Yelped this place also. From the reviews that I read AFTER we went, most people who like this place like it for nostalgic reasons. My husband grew up in Kansas City and remembers this place from high school and college. I've got a Mexican place like that In Little Rock that I remember too. It was cheap and you got lots of food. So, if you are a college kid on a budget, come here. Otherwise, you can find better. It's Tex-Mex style. Very typical for Kansas City. We ordered tacos and burritos with beans and rice. Taco shells were typical store-bought type. Meat was seasoned ground beef. Rice was similar to kind I make out of a box at home. Cheese sauce was Velveeta type. Not bad food, just not great. There is an all you can eat chips, salsa and sopapilla bar. The sopapillas were really good, heated up. There is a microwave for you to do that. The decor is 70's and you do stand in a cafeteria line to get your food. That doesn't bother me. The food just wasn't great enough to bring me back.
(2)Lana J.
As a native of KC, living in Dallas, TX, for the last 26 years, I know what Mexican food (and Tex-Mex) food should look and taste like. Don Chilitos is nothing like real Mexican food. It is, however, delicious! We always order burritos, and they are, without exception: fresh, hot, big, and bursting with flavor. I personally love the Chilito style (red sauce and sour cream), while others prefer the CCQ (cheese sauce). They are always good about making special things for the kids (like without the spicy parts). I return to KC to visit family at least twice a year, and I always make time to go to Don Chilitos. Get over your idea of what "Mexican" food should taste like, and go get yourself some delicious burritos!
(5)Chris B.
I love me some Don Chilitos. It's the yummiest of AmeriMexicano diner food in town. Sliding through the line for my microwaved goodness is my least favorite part of the experience but the food is always spot on. The place has never been clean and the staff are close to un-friendly but hey, if you have been in the back of any restaurant, none of them are exactly clean. As a creature of habit, I always go for the enchilada plate, texas big top, one beef, one chicken. I love the chicken, it has a mild smoked flavor to it. The beans and rice that accompany the plate are bland at best so I always go big top so I get the yummy queso sauce to liven it up. The salsa is the one weak point of the Don experience. As much as you want for free but the taste is bland at best. Free soppapilas (spelling) are always a bonus, lathered in honey, they compliment the meal and send me out the door a happy man. I will say that I have taken people here who have been wildly disappointed. The look of the place will turn you off for sure but the food has always been something I crave from time to time. Don't go here thinking authentic, as I said, it's definitely AmeriMexicano at it's best.
(4)Shine F.
Ah, Don Chilitos, the establishment that Kansas City loves to hate. If you are into organic or authentic please stop reading and go somewhere else. But if you watch Man Vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and think you'd like that job or if you saw the new Doritos Taco Bell shell and though "why didn't I think of that?" then this is the place for you. The decor is straight up 70s. The cooking style is 30 second button on microwave (guarantee it's always hot), The service is what you'd get at any cafeteria. ...but this place makes me happy and that's really worth Yelping about. That, and they don't give me a second look when I order my own personal Texas size bowl of CCQ to eat with my tray of chips from the trough. You must get the CCQ.
(5)Rob D.
Update, i got dragged to this place with some friends. pros; it's cheap it's fast cons; everything (real close to everything at least) goes into a microwave not very clean (not down right dirty....just not exactly clean in my opnion) did i mention everything gets tossed into a microwave right in front of you as if that's how you prepare food? lol, at least it's cheap i guess
(1)Carolyn L.
OH MY FAVORITE GREASY SPOON!!! I have been going here since I was born (my parents used to live in Kansas City and started taking me here on trips to visit my relatives). It's like the one place I HAVE to visit every time we go to Kansas. The CCQ is sooooo good and they LOAD it on to every plate. The portions are crazy! Just get used to feeling obese when you walk out of the restaurant. It's a secret family recipe so unfortunately I cannot recreate it at home. But once a year Don Chilito's is a special treat for the fmaily and it never gets old!!! Oh and as for the reviews claiming this is not TexMex, not Tex, not Mex...well duh!!! Still love the food though. I don't care what is claims to be, I just care about what it is!
(5)Ellen H.
I love this place! The salsa and sopapilla bars are great. The only weird thing is that you now have to pay for honey. Their quesadilla and guacamole are not to be missed. Favorite Mexican guilty pleasure when I'm in KC.
(5)Leigh W.
Food was good, fast friendly service. Cafeteria style & self serve drinks so if your wanting a sit down meal where your waited on this is not the place. Great place for family as inexpensive & plenty of food. Seafood empanada is delicious.
(3)Rodeo G.
YES.. this is all that is wrong with diabetes/obesity/merica/etc.. Jesus this food is good.. Microwave.. check, sopa-pia bar check.. Best place in the area for guilty pleasure mexican.. not mi rancito,but dirty alley bathroom mexicali ally.. SAHH GOOD. Don't let high brow folks tell you border bandito's in larrytown is similar.. just a weaker little sister.
(5)Priscilla Z. D.
I totally dig Don Chillito's and have gone here for years. Seems to be either the type of place you love or hate. Lots of people complain about the microwaves but, news flash folks- Chilis, Applebees, you name it, use Microwaves too- just because you don't see it doesn't mean it's not the truth. Well, whatever. It's cheap, it's fast, the have good guacamole. I like their taco pizzas or enchiladas when I go there.
(4)Abby M.
This place was the perfect Tex-Mex, cheap dive we were hoping for. Their margaritas were giant, and the cheese was delicious (slathered on the entire plate, mmmm). I loved the self-serve chips and salsa bar, too. Definitely coming back!
(4)Troy O.
So this place is a special kind of trashy. For starters there is a sign while you are in the Cafeteria line (Yes Cafeteria line. First sign of classy) that reads we have had to raise our prices but "hey you dont have to tip." I have no problem with places raising prices but if your kickback is hey you don't have to tip thats a problem. Got the specials they were cheap. That was good. No one smiles. Everyone has a "what are you waiting for" glare Everything is Microwaved Decor out dated and looks dirty Food is just okay One positive is the unlimited Chips and Sopapillas they are okay and the troughs have tongs so they are not as nasty as some of these reviews. The Tortillas on enchiladas were over cooked probably due to the microwaving. Tacos were hard enough to break teeth and the Rice was way over cooked Help 1/5 stars. Not friendly. Barely helpful. Price 4/5 It is cheap. They have that going for them. Decor 1/5 Extremely dated and dirty. Food 2.5/5 Okay chips and sopapillas but the good ends there.
(2)leann h.
Once a Don Chilitos virgin, not anymore! Me LIKES Don Chilitos. I don't know how they do it but this place does a great job at mixing American-mexican food with a variety of Tex-mex here and there, and authentic Mexcian food. So if your want something like mom used to make or something a little more zippy they have it. ( and a kids menu with things for them to eat too. that's handy.) The food is tasty, well priced, atmosphere is great for a quick bite during lunch, families or a group of friends and I noticed that people from all walks of life were eating there. The first time, I went with two other friends and got to sample their food too which was great because it has since made me go back for more. Everything I have was really good. If you like seafood try the Seafood Empanada, it was on point!
(4)Kim N.
I have eaten here since high school, and I always get the same thing. I always get the meat burrito smoothered in red sauce. The food is not the best mexican food in KS, but it is decent Tex-Mex. The sopaipillas are really good and you can eat as many as you want. The chips, salsa and sopaipillas are on an all you can eat buffet style table. I love the fact that you eat as much as you want of the chips and sopaipillas that you can cover in honey, and it is at no additional cost. The portions are big and you can even split them and get enough to eat. It is a family owned establishment and has been since day one. You get good service, no frills, but you will eat well and leave happy. Great place to stop in for a quick bite
(3)Lisa L.
The only thing unique about this place is the nasty smell coming from the bathroom....This place has a trough of chips so everyone in the restaurant can man handle the chips your about to eat and the Salsa is bad Picante Sauce. I think the reason they drown your food in cheese sauce is to add flavor. You are only allowed to have two packs of honey per visit and trust me they eye ball how many you get. I just don't get why this place is always busy? The last time I went there I ordered potato skins....lol
(1)Heidi B.
Don's is your american cafeteria take on mexican food. But it's always tasty and they don't deny that they use microwaves to heat it. (Most mexican restaurants do, they just don't like showing that.) It's fairly priced. I enjoy the all you can eat chips and salsa (the blended hot is the best!) and the yummy little all you can eat sopapillas too! If you're looking for authentic mexican, go elsewhere. Otherwise this place is pretty much a tasty little cafeteria find.
(3)Paul R.
The one thing everyone who rated this gastric grotequesness high is that none of them knows what real mexican food should look, smell or taste like. This place is the bottom of the heap. The food is bland, gelatinous and has the texture of paste, except paste probably tastes better. We went for dinner, and I still feel ill 48 hours later. The decor is old, the staff simian at best and the food tastes like rejected school cafeteria slop. DO NOT WASTE TIME OR MONEY ON THIS DISGUSTING FOOD. You'll be happier done the street at one of the small "real" mexican eateries... Or, if you are nostolgic, stop by CVS for antacids..you'll need 'em
(1)Dana C.
As other reviewers have stated, my parents used to go here when they were first dating. I used to drive here from Leavenworth when I was 16 with my good friend Bekah all the way down the hills of Johnson Drive to get a taste of Don Chilitos. Anywoo, yes, I am a little more lenient on this restaurant because I have been eating there since I was a kid. It hasn't changed over the years and it is cafeteria style dining. I can see why others don't care for it, but the atmosphere is what I enjoy when I dine there. I usually get the enchiladas (Chilito style minus the tomato) and ground beef tacos. I like the sopapilla bar, but I believe they are now charging for honey. There salsa is mediocre at best, but I believe this restaurant is worth a try if you don't mine loads of gooey cheese ( and not only do I not mind loads of gooey cheese, I encourage it!)
(3)Paul L.
My favorite Mexican Restaurant from as far back as the 80's!:) ...and the place has hardly changed since then. THANK YOU! The absolute best of the best they have continued to provide without exception anywhere to be found is their queso ... which they liberally layer on enchiladas, burritos, re-fried beans or on the side for dipping. MMMMMMM! Authentic? Who the hell cares...as if there actually IS such a thing. It's true to their beginning and is awesome! Loved it then, love it now. If you don't go...fine. More for me:)
(5)Colleen O.
Where else can I get bottomless sopaipillas? I had never had one before Don Chilitos, but the first time I did I will never forget that cinnamon-sugar pastry dipped in honey after the meal...I had wished I had started with them instead of the chips and salsa! I like this place for lunch or dinner - it always has a good crowd in there, a long line sprawling almost out the door onto Johnson Drive. And no matter what you order, you'll be happy with the flavors, the cheese, the portions, the extras - it all is meant to fill you up to silence...so good. It's an easy way to order, you don't have to tip like everywhere else, and the quality of food considering the 'taco-bell' quickness of delivery is astounding! Made to order, right in front of you, and in your hands in 2 minutes or less! Don's hasn't changed in the 10 years I've ever eaten inside and I've never left unsatisfied.
(4)Kris P.
The chips and salsa are not my favorite as far as Mexican restaurants go, but I very much enjoy the enchiladas smothered in cheese sauce! Give it a try.
(4)Tresha G.
I had heard people talk about the place being good. Our favorite pupusa place was closed so up johnson dr and ended up here to try. I assumed it was a typical restaurant. The two doors, one for carryout and other for cafeteria, changed that. So we walk in and roomie suddenly turns around and says, "It smells like white people mexican food". Uhh... ok is all I could muster out at the moment and shoved her to order. I got the Don's plate (cheese & beef enchilada and 2 tacos). Roomie got a beef chimichanga and blanco queso. Pretty much you tell a person what you want and they slap and nuke it together. Then you go pay. There is a salsa bar of mild and hot puree and chunky. A bin of chips and sopaipillas (honey is kept hostage by cashier). We got to eating and actually it was ok. Or as roomie put it "I had my doubts, but this white mexi food is alright". Mr. Little Pepper, you've taken a Guatemalean to your side. The bad being the booths are too close to the tables. Also, clean up was extremely slow after people left. Other than that, it's doable tex-mex.
(3)Tim P.
It's like walking into a middle-school cafeteria on taco day. How this place stays in business is beyond me, it was actually funny to us how bad it was.
(1)Kelsey C.
This place is just.....eh. It's good, but in a gross way, where you know that it is terrible for you but you have a strange craving for it once in a while anyway. You get your own chips from a heated buffet style bar thing, along with sopapillas for dessert if you are so inclined. (I was too stuffed to try them) When you enter, you walk down the cafeteria style line and just what meal combo you want. Besides Mexican food, they also have burgers or chicken tenders (I think), but to be honest, I wouldn't really get it...the place just keeps kind of dingy...like it is a food code violation waiting to happen. I don't HATE Don Chilitos, but I'm not exactly jumping up and down to go there again anytime soon....the food was good enough, the preparation and seating just seems sketchy.
(3)Jessica G.
OK. Maybe my love for Don Chilito's makes me a little gross. But I don't care. It might need a remodel but the food is tex mex done OH so right. The bean burrito smothered in red sauce is divine. So are the chili rellenos. Loads of cheese. And again, the red sauce. SO GOOD. It is what it is. And it is tasty. If you can appreciate cafeteria style dining, low lighting, and a sopapilla buffet then this is your place.
(4)Kaitlin G.
My boyfriend and I decided to try Don Chilitos for the first time tonight. I used to intern nearby and I always heard people talking about how good this place was, so I was actually kind of excited to try it out. Excitement quickly turned to disappointment when we arrived and realized it is a cafeteria style restaurant instead of a sit down place. After taking a few minutes to look over the giant menus posted on the wall we had our order taken by a less than enthusiastic girl behind the counter. We got the queso blanco dip to share, my boyfriend ordered the crispy taco dinner plate, and I got the cheese enchiladas dinner. All of the food was plated and quickly cooked via microwave right in front of us, then we paid at the register and took our trays of food to a booth. After a moment of confusion about whether or not chips were supposed to come with our cheese dip we were directed to a serve-yourself chips/salsa/sopapilla bar. While a lot of reviewers have been excited about this, I actually thought it was kind of strange and unappealing. I mean, I want my food to be fresh, but there was just no telling how long that stuff had been sitting under the heat lamps! The food itself was mediocre at best, pretty much meeting the lowered expectations I had as soon as we walked in. My boyfriend really enjoyed his tacos but barely touched his crispy looking beans or his rice because they just "don't look very appetizing." I liked my cheese enchiladas well enough, they were LOADED with cheese and had onions and peppers inside, but there wasn't much for flavor besides just cheese cheese and more cheese. I thought my rice tasted good, but generic, then I was super bummed when I realized the beans weren't vegetarian. Overall this restaurant has a very old, dingey vibe, and honestly doesn't appear to have changed much at all since it's opening in the 1970's, which in this case is s bad thing. While it wasn't the worst restaurant experience I've ever had in my life, I certainly do not see a reason for my boyfriend and I to come back, especially with Salsa Grill right down the street, Jalapenos just over in Brookside, and Salty Iguana down in Prairie Village. I would consider any of those places a better use of time and money than Don Chilitos!
(2)Kev L.
Great place to go if you want to destroy a diet or eat to the point of no control. Food here taste good, but by no means authentic. It's like one of your old high school classmates that dropped out decided to make a taco bell, cross breed it with Picadilly, and think it would be the next best thing. I don't even think I understand myself here . . . . . . Anyway, if you are low on cash and need to binge, this might be your kind of place. Id go here again only if a huge group of friends decided to go (and knowing them, that's highly unlikely).
(3)Dayne B.
Don Chilito's is the Furr's of Mexican food. While it's not a place to take a date, it is a tried and true hangover cure. Maybe it's the greasy, cheesy goodness, the magical sopapilla bar or a mixture of the two washed down with a little hair of the dog that wards if those Sunday morning blues.
(3)David W.
This place has been there for years but that is not a good reason to go. The food is run of the mill and the workers are rude and horrible. My nephew went with us and he got some of there greese dough balls with sugar and he got some honey packets to put on them. He went and got some more and was told he was not allowed anymore honey. I asked why and they said there was a limit. Are you kidding me? The place has horrible seating and there is a smell to the place that is a little nasty. The restrooms are gross to the point I would rather pee my pants than go in there. Bottom line is that it is just not a great place to go. If you want american mexican food try taco bell it is better than this place.
(1)Emily O.
It's ok. If you like seeing your food get microwaved before served to you, then this is your kind of place. It's rather go somewhere else.
(2)Madelaine G.
This place would be good if you're in a hurry. Or if you want to binge on chips and salsa. The food's not bad, but nothing to write home about.
(3)Rob E.
2 stars only because I like their 7 layer dip. Not even close to being a favorite of mine. This restaurant has been around for years, so they do get their fair share of business. Try it you might like it, but I'll go somewhere else.
(2)Danny S.
Went to high school down the street from Don Chilito's. 20 plus years later I was in town and stopped in. I was like time had stood still. it still looks and smell the same. I had a flood of good memories. The food is also still the same. No great but good.
(3)Jenni M.
Have been going to Don Chilito's since 1975 with my parents - now I go with my daughter - ample portions - consistent food. My favorite is the Texas Beef and Bean Burrito - Chilito Style - Big Top. My daughter loves the cheese enchiladas. No it's not classically prepared food - but always brings back wonderful memories of family and friends who have gone there and had good times!
(4)David J.
Atmosphere is one of the keys to a good eatery. I love the atmosphere of this place. The several times that I have visited there, people were sitting at their tables and laughing and having a good time. I love a good diner that serves good tex-mex and this is one of them. Large portions, I get the Fiesta so I can take the leftovers for lunch the next day. There isn't anything special with the food but it's good. Nothing to rant or rave about, just nice to eat and chat with my friends and other families sitting around us. I will be returning.
(4)Erin S.
Umm this place is freaking awesome. Chip/salsa//sopapilla bar, enough said.
(5)Philip A.
Fine dining, this is not. But flavorful, enticing dishes and that sweet and savory red sauce makes this place hard to resist. I only wish they had some honey for the cinnamon sugar sopapillas served buffet style. Don Chilito's has no disillusions about what it is or is not; it's good food, fast and cheap. Always worth a visit.
(4)Erik R.
This is a unique Mexican restaurant. It is Chipotle style where you get in a single line, order, have your meal assembled and then pay at the end. This restaurant is old though, so not a ripoff of Chipotle. I don't know how to describe the food, its kind of old-style Mexican, a little spicy, but kind of the stuff before the more authentic Mexican restaurants opened. The ingredients are very high quality for the price and everything is pretty good. There is nothing spectacular, but it does provide a nice change of pace from the newer Mexican restaurants. The unique part is that the chips, salsa, and sopaipillas are in a giant buffet-type warmer and you can eat all you want. The decor is pretty run down, but its pretty clean. This place is packed on the weekends with older original residents of the area. Its also pretty kid friendly. So if you are looking for trendy, fancy, or authentic Mexican food, you will hate it. If you like good old school Mexican and eating dessert until you are a puff pastry, this is the place.
(4)Stephen K.
An institution. This place has been successful for 50 plus years. Imagine, a Mexican restaurant outlasting sooo many others. Easy to get to, fast pace line if your eating in. Simply select items and it is prepared in front of you. Slide to end pay and sit. The food is very filling and extremely enjoyable. Plenty of room, and always free chips and sopapilla's that are warm sweet and easy to get carried away with. Texas Burrito with CCQ 3 tacos and enchalidas, (beef). Nice generous portion very easy on the wallet. Nice and casual. A can't miss for all and something to be enjoyed by all. Just a very nice experience ALL the time. Takeout available and call ahead and it will be hot and waiting.
(4)Debbie S.
Don Chilitos is pretty great, especially if you're looking for a family friendly place to eat. My family consists of myself, my husband, a toddler, and a newborn. We last visited don chilitos on a friday night. It was packed! I had a pork burrito with ccq sauce. The pork was well seasoned, and I love that the burrito has lettuce and tomatoes inside. Ccq sauce was really tasty. My toddler and husband had tacos. You know you've found a good place for kids when a 2.5yr old eats almost 2 whole soft tacos! Some other great perks include the warm chip and sopapilla bar. It's a self serve area, so you can get as many as you'd like. The sopapillas have cinnamon sugar on them so it was a great dessert for my kiddo. I highly recommend this restaurant for families. You won't leave hungry! The only con is that sometimes the line can be long, which can be a bit frustrating with young kids that aren't patient to get their tacos!
(4)Meg L.
School lunch Mexican is by far better. Just don't. Microwaves, no flavor, awful. The only redeeming quality is the vat of chips. Which depending on how you look at it, isn't necessarily a good thing.....
(1)Ryan G.
Not great. Not horrible, but, I'm just not sure I'd spend money there again. Perhaps I should order other things? "Meh" is the perfect description for how I feel about this place.
(2)Rhonda L.
I didn't know this was self serve, or I would not have come. I kind of want the restaurant experience, bring me my food and drinks, that's why I went out. My taco meat was pretty salty. The rice seemed old and hard. Microwaving food is not the best, my friend's chimichanga was nuked not fried,thus was soggy when eating. The decor was old and floor was all worn out. Sorry not coming here again.
(1)Angie H.
I haven't been here since 1993 when I was a senior in h.s and everything from the moment I walked in was exactly how I remember it...outside of the Flat Screen TVS! The smells were amazing, great service, fast, buffet of sophpipias and chips & salsa. I got the combo platter and couldn't even eat 1/2. My son got chicken tenders so they have food for the picky eaters!!
(5)Carla L.
Want authentic Mexican? It isn't here. Go look elsewhere. Want gringo-Mex comfort food? This is the best. You can get a massive squishy burrito, drenched in queso and/or enchilada sauce, with dollops of sour cream and handfuls of sliced black olives ... No, not authentic, but sooooo good. Pass on the enchiladas ( go to El Torreon for those), but get the chile relleno and the always-fresh made guacamole. And it's pretty cheap, also kid-friendly. And the margaritas aren't bad!
(4)Randy E.
I ordered a taco salad and about half way through finishing it, realized there was a plastic toothpick mixed in it. Rather, half of a plastic toothpick (was it a toothpick? I'm not even sure). I was NOT pleased. Still, these things happen. I went up to the kitchen area and told the crew what had happened. They mumbled something about "Well, we put it up at the top of the salad, you should have seen it". No offer of a refund. No apology. No offer for another plastic-free meal. My brother, who lives in Spokane, WA, really likes this place. Visits it every time he comes to town. I told him from now on, he will be eating at Don Chilito's by himself. I will never be back. PS This happened about a month ago; just now posting because I just got on to Yelp.
(1)Lauren M.
So being from the Mission area my whole life, I've always noticed the popularity of this place. Here is the rundown. Is it authentic? No it's not. But it's a place my husband and I can go that's less than $20 for food and drinks. Do they stick stuff in the microwave? Yes they do, but I'd rather have them warm up my food in front of me then hide the microwaves and charge me an outrageous price. It's cheap, fast food with really friendly service. I've never been here and had crappy service. Plus, the place is CLEAN! I don't feel all itchy and scratchy here like I have at some cheap Tex-Mex places. Don't expect authentic, gourmet Mexican. Expect to get your food fast, covered in cheese sauce at a great price.
(4)Laura ..
Love the food!! Been eating here for years, one of my favorite mexican restaurants around. Very reasonable priced and friendly staff. Ccq sauce and soapillas are the best. Also chimichangas and tacos. Yummm!
(5)Teague P.
Sometimes nothing but Don Chilitos will do. I like this place, it's midwestern tex-mex of the cheese sauce on everything variety. But you know, they also have a pretty good pico de gallo, onions and jals and tomatoes. I always get a corn tortilla enchilada (usually chicken or cheese-n-onion) "chilito style" which is a tomato-slightly-chile sauce with olives and sour cream and mild cheddar on top. With a side of the pico. I also like their beans, although they are a little strange and i suspect they might start as a dehydrated product. But somehow they still taste good. Possibly because my first experiences with refried pinto beans were from a packet in a "taco dinner" that Mom used to buy. Ooh, they also have a compelling "chile relleno" which is a canned green chile stuffed with cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep fried, smothered in a mild American cheez sauce. Sort of like a little empanada. It's pretty good, in a bad for you sort of way. Well, canned green chiles are just flat pretty good under almost any circumstances, so they are going with a winner. Plus it's fried. I sort of enjoy the cafeteria style ordering process, you can correct them when they start giving you the wrong order :) The service has always been friendly and quick. Not effusive mind you, this is a cafeteria line. But perfectly pleasant folks work here and they are nice. I like this place much more than say, On the Border, and it's much cheaper too, and a lot faster. For very similar food, except somewhat better in my humble opinion.
(4)