Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties & Seafood
2559 Jackson Keller Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78230
Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties & Seafood Menu
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Address :
2559 Jackson Keller Rd
San Antonio, TX, 78230 - Phone (210) 344-1248
- Website https://ernestosgourmet.com/default.aspx
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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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Rich R.
These places are rare now a days. The green salsa is like crack in a jar. The chips work so well with it. I had the shrimp with 2 sauces. Soo flavorful. I only wish there were more shrimps on the plate. He owner came by to give recommendations for sauces. Wow, all so flavorful.
(4)Travel'en C.
Not bad - but not quite what we expected either. This is more of a formal - white linen type establishment. Ernesto himself came out and gave a very descriptive explanation of the high-end items on the menu, highlighting the signature dishes quite nicely but, he never asked us what we were looking for/interested in. I was trying to show my friend/colleague a great taste to Texas' delicious traditional Mexican food but this was a subtle right turn. It all ended up being very good (I had the filet with the house sauce and my colleague had the fish special). The chorizo queso was ok...Id season the chorizo a bit more, chili, salt and pepper goes a long way with good proteins but it was nice/ok. I'd recommend but I'd also search out another mexican restaurant to try before heading back myself. I did enjoy a different twist on authentic coastal mexican cuisine but again there's so any other great authentic/traditional Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, don't hesitate to do a little homework or ask a couple locals. We did for the next evening and that worked out well.
(4)Stuart H.
Ernesto is a very attentive hands on owner and all about extra service. Food was delicious and we can't wait to go back. Give this place a try!
(5)Nicholas W.
Amazing Mexican food! Loved the San Antonio steak and chocolate mousse cake. Ernesto himself waited our table and really took care of us.
(5)Aly S.
I really enjoyed the food and the ambiance at Ernesto's. He is a very charming host and the service was very good. The drinks were good as well. He offered to provide my guest and I a menu that he formulated himself. Again I want to say he is very pleasant and charming. My only reason for taking 2 stars off was because our meal was almost $150 for 2 people. I'm not complaining about the amount of food but I should have been more direct in that we would have been better off ordering off the menu. I will be back next time in San Antonio but I will take care of the ordering myself. Thanks for a nice evening.
(3)Mark T.
Yes, Ernesto's is hidden in the corner of a generic strip mall on a nondescript street, but looks can be deceiving. Ernesto and his sons run a family business that offers great food and sincere hospitality. From the moment I arrived, I was treated like a valued guest. I wasn't even given a chance to look at the menu. Ernesto's son Esteban suggested the Steak San Antonio with a shrimp enchilada side and amazing avocado sauce. It was the perfect choice. A tender steak. A subtle sauce. Homemade chips, salsa, and tortillas. It was all prepared perfectly and presented with love. I happened on Ernesto's through all of the great reviews on Yelp. I hope I have convinced you to seek out this wonderful establishment and see for yourself. My next visit to San Antonio will definitely include another meal here.
(5)Daniel O.
Easily the greatest Mexican restaurant I have ever been too!!! I got the Grilled Cod with Mexicano and Alco polco sauce and words can't explain how amazing the food and atmosphere was here!! The prices were around $15 but the service was like we sent $50 a plate!!! Ernesto was incredibly nice and polite, he explained all of the dishes to us as we are not from San Antonio. Go here for the best food you can ever have!!!!!
(5)William D.
Where do I start? Excellent food, awesome service, and great atmosphere... Ernesto, welcomed us as we arrived, taking us to our table, and giving us a run down of how he runs his gourmet restaurant. We came out looking to find a place to call our spot, and we found it...
(5)David C.
The food was bland and seemed lacking in the spice category. We had chicken fajitas and the chicken didn't seem to have any seasoning. Salsa and chips were ok.
(2)Johnnie F.
I went here because of the reviews that other people have left. I don't feel the same way. The food was not that good for the price. We had a party of 8 and it took 30 minutes to get a menu after we sat down. The place only had three other tables going. When it came time to order the owner came out to tell us all the awards he has won for his food and green salsa. I believe that the awards were from 1991 that he showed us. He told us that they would bring out different salsa but after asking another waiter he said the green was all they have. Maybe this was an off night. My wife ordered a margarita on the rocks and she said it was small but ok. Her food was good but not something worth giving 4 stars too. So next time we will look elsewhere.
(2)Jill M.
One of the best dining experiences ever! This is not the Tex-Mex stuff u can get everywhere. It is a french mexican fusion served by the most attentive knowledgeable staff I have ever encountered. We had several courses that included tortilla soup, crab and shrimp nachos, beef tenderloin with crab and lobster with some kind of AMAZING sauce served with rice and a grilled tomato. All the flavors were delicious and everything was served at the perfect temp. Desert was cafe de Ernesto with mango ice cream and chocolate caramel crepes. All french inspired with a Mexican flair. Incredible food. The only thing better than the food was the service. We chose nothing...instead I asked the waiter (Ernesto Jr it turned out) to bring us a fine meal..surprise us. We were so surprised that such a fine meal could be had in an unassuming restaurant located in a strip mall! Also it turned out that Ernesto ' s has a wonderful bar. Margaritas served in brandy glasses and the tequila infused cafe de Ernesto were mere vessels to deliver the secret ingredient in the beverages...LOVE. Mr Ernesto confessed this secret ingredient during one of his many visits to our table to ensure we were properly cared for. The founder and the namesake of this eatery is silver haired Latino man with more charm than the Dos Equis guy. This was our first visit to Ernesto ' s . I am an out of towner...but it won't be my last...will eat here anytime I am close to San Antonio.
(5)Grant F.
Thirteen of us dined together (group from church). Service was impeccable, Ernesto was charming, sauces were divine. We started with the most divine tortilla soup, then enjoyed either chicken breast or red snapper. The homemade ice cream with mango sauce added a delicious finale. This place is superb! .
(5)Thefoodie F.
Food not good felt ripped off big sales pitch told us not to look at menu he would make a perfect meal Little chunk of lobster tough as rubber bands yuck $95.00 for two no drinks just food just water , Warm ceviche yuck, Oysters over cooked . Up side service was good.
(2)Chris E.
First time here and we felt a very warm welcome. I liked it that the owner took the time to go over menu. Good was great and I would like to come back to try something different. Great place to come and experience something different.
(5)Ryan L.
Delicious Mexican food with a twist. I got the steak (which was tenderloin - very nice!) & enchilada, and the sauce with it had a nice tangy taste you don't normally get in Mexican food. Even the rice and beans had a little zip to them that made them stand out. The flour tortillas were very good too, and I love a good flour tortilla. Fast, friendly service. It's a bit out of the way and kinda hard to find (in the corner of a strip mall), but definitely worth going.
(4)Christine W.
My husband I went here because of the rave reviews but we were sorely disappointed. The food was okay but Ernesto was very sly in making suggestions. We had a couple of off menu items that he suggested, after we made our decisions, that were much more expensive. We weren't aware until we received our $150 check! Watch out people, he is an extremely smart businessman and knows how to make some extra money! I do not recommend this restaurant based on food and slyness;). The drinks were great!
(2)Foodie S.
Great food, super service but the decor is...... not so good. The soups are fab and everything that has been suggested was great. A must try.
(4)Kayse E.
This place is amazing. It doesn't look like much from the road but oh my gosh! It's just so wonderful. Ernesto and his family are the nicest people. The food is SO great... the green salsa is mind blowing. I love the seafood crepes which don't sound that great but are absolutely amazing. The price puts it out of your every day dining selections (for us) but it's a wonderful treat.
(5)Dennis B.
Wow where to start, this has got to be the biggest flim flam est. going. Don't look at the menu let the owner make up your dish for you, because he "knows" what you really want! Really? What I wanted was a good meal at a reasonable price, I mean we are talking Mex. cuisine. How do you get to a 115.00 (for 2) for such incredibly bad food? My wife nor I liked one thing we supposedly wanted. Will never ever waste my time or money with this place again.
(1)Jacob M.
The red snapper was to die for. Dont let the outside looks and traffic fool you. If you are in San Antonio you have to visit this gem. I'm definitely coming back. Ernesto the owner comes out to interact with patrons, nice touch.
(5)Debra F.
The owner Ernesto himself talked to is several times along with his son. It is a very nice family atmosphere. Please do not go if you are on a hurry. However if you are interested in really good Mexican/ seafood with a family atmosphere this is the place for you
(4)Michelle G.
Fabulous food! Even our boys loved every bite! Ernesto's recommendations were right on target! Amazing seafood and the sauces are meant to intensify the flavor of your fish or steak!
(5)James M.
Fabulous food, great service, friendly owner,quiet atmosphere and an overall pleasant dining experience. We highly recommend Ernesto's!
(5)William M.
This review is LONG overdue. My girlfriend and I discovered Ernesto's in a very understated neighborhood after searching Yelp for a local place while we were traveling. Although the location and furnishings were quite nondescript, the service and food was exceptional! The owner greeted us like long-lost family. We were treated to an introductory history of the restaurant and then after questions about what we like Ernesto made suggestions for us, assuring us "you will *love* it." We did! The dinner was delicious, the Vouvray was perfect, and overall we enjoyed one of our favorite all-time dining experiences. We were so impressed that on a subsequent business trip a few months later I brought my aunt and uncle (who live there in San Antonio), and they were very impressed as well - vowing to return regularly. My girlfriend is looking at moving her business to the area this year, and we are looking at locations that are not too far from Ernesto's -- as it is most definitely on our task list to visit on our next trip! It's not an inexpensive dinner, especially with a bottle of wine, but it is well worth it!
(5)Brent H.
This is a delightful restaurant with wonderful food. You will be greeted by the owner Ernesto. He can create a meal custom to your tastes. The price was very reasonable for the quality and quantity of the meals. I would highly recommend a visit to this location. It is worth the trip. If you like sauces with your seafood or Mexican this the place to eat.
(5)Oya A.
I discovered this place via Yelp and this restaurant is amazing! It's a small family business and each taste is real mexican. Generally I dont like mexican foods but here is one of my fav restaurant now! Great business!
(5)Sun s.
Went because of the great reviews. The owner greets you, seats you and checks on you throughout the night. Service was a little slow. There house ceviche was delicious. Enchiladas and tacos were great as well. Will definately go again!
(4)Rolando N.
We ate here with a large group for my Mother's Birthday. The service was outstanding. The entire staff was very attentive and on task the entire evening. This despite having a full restaurant. Drinks were constantly kept full through out the dinner. The musician was a very nice touch. He played old Mexican classics. He was a big hit with my uncle. It created a nice ambiance. The food was spectacular. We had a variety of dishes and they were all superb. I had the special, which was a stuffed red snapper with Veracruz sauce and grilled lobster and shrimp. It was not too heavy. Just right. They offer a variety of sauces, but I highly recommend the Veracruz sauce. The owner greeted us at the door and kept checking on us regularly. At one point he serenaded the table. Give this place a shot. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jeremiah H.
This restaurant is almost a fusion cuisine between French influences into Mexican cuisine. Everything we had was great. The service was the best we ever had. They did a great job of explaining the menu and tailoring it to us. I would definitely suggest getting a margaritas while you are there it was outstanding.
(5)Nelson S.
This place is so awesome! It is a french & mexican food fusion. What i love is how the owner comes to ur table & wants to be ur chef ramsey to the point of having a dish custom tailored only for you...yes it is pricey but its bcuz of the high level of food, service & a great place to wine & dine ur wife...VERY GOURMET...the only reason i did not give it the 5 full stars was bcuz of the shrimp..i pride myself as a seafood connasuier & honestly the shrimp are just not at the level of the rest of the 5 star flavor...best seafood in san antonio BUT for shrimp only i will still go to pappadeaux:-/
(4)John W.
Great food and great atmosphere. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a great meal at a good price.
(4)Jimmy C.
I was very impressed with Ernesto's. I'm not going to say I've eaten a lot of the more authentic Mexican foods, but the food was very delicious. The owner himself was our host and was very kind and courtious. I was first impressed the best ever guacamole and cocktail sauce. Yes best ever!!!! If guacamole and cocktail can be that good I wondered how much better the main course: and it did not disappoint. I literally; embarrassingly enough, licked my plate clean. Now I will say it's very pricey. But I asked myself "is it worth it". the answer is yes. my next vacation I will definitely take the 7 hour drive down south to eat at Ernesto's when visiting family.
(5)Santina W.
You will feel loved coming to Ernesto because they treat you in a very hospitable way. They come out shaking your hand, smoothly greet you and tell you what specials they have for the day. For an appetizer, I had the seafood enchilada and fried Oyster. The seafood enchilada was delicious!! The enchilada was very cheesy, very creamy with a sweet after taste. Crab meat and sweetness go hand and hand like fresh water sweet blue crabs like we use to catch in the summers at James Island. Yummy!! The oyster was good too, but I did not like seeing uncooked batter, but I forgive them. For my entree, I had Kabob Acapulco. The Kabob is Shrimp, Beef tenderloin, and breast of chicken served with a creamy butter sauce with blended green onions, pineapples, coconut and orange liquor. The flavors that stood out in this dish were the pineapples, and orange flavoring. I got more of a tropical vibe from this dish like the beautiful beaches of Cancun, Mexico or Jamaica somewhere. Ernesto's is unique, eventful and one of a kind to San Antonio.
(5)Ashley T.
I am in love with their fried oysters!! Ernesto himself visits every table and helps you decide on a dinner selection, and will even go as far to create something to fit what your looking for!!
(5)Jamison S.
Fantastic food, over-the-top friendly and attentive service. Visited Ernesto's based on Yelp reviews and I don't regret it! Ernesto greeted us personally and gave his well-rehearsed introduction to the restaurant, as well as the night's specials. I took his suggestion and enjoyed a beef tenderloin topped with crab meat and served with two tasty shrimp on the side. Sauces were flavorful and definitely added to the dish; is be wiling to try any of them based on this first experience. This is NOT your everyday Tex-Mex! Decor is dated but who cares? I'll definitely come back next time I'm in town and will recommend to my colleagues.
(5)Jason V.
One of the best meals of my life! The beef tenderloin was amazing. I've never had Mexican food of this caliber. I came in with a crew of 30 and we were all extremely pleased. The sauces are the key. Get a creme sauce of some sort.
(5)Julie S.
Ernesto gave us the VIP experience. Every suggestion he made was on point. Full bar was great.
(5)Melinda M.
Today I joined six women in our book club for lunch at Ernesto's and found it to be a pleasing experience. The restaurant was not crowded (It was a Monday). Ernesto came to the table to let us know that if we wanted any menu item customized in any way he would do his best to accommodate. We did not have a great deal of time, so most of us skipped the appetizers and dessert and just ordered off the lunch menu. I had Ernestos Steak San Antonio Tender Beef Tenderloin ($10.50) and I was very pleased with the presentation and flavors. When the meal arrived I noticed several dishes that others had ordered that caught my interest and made me want to return to try those. The broiled tomatoes looked especially inviting. I love Mexican food and could eat it everyday, however, sometimes I get tired of the Tex-Mex offerings and at this restaurant I felt the blend of Spanish and French influence offered me a nice change. The decor and shopping center are somewhat dated but for everyday dining I felt they were fine and did not detract from the very nice meal I had.
(5)Jenn M.
Ernesto & Ernesto's is the best!! The San Antonio steak with shrimp enchilada is superb. You must visit if you're in town.
(5)John R.
Great food and great service, didnt like the salsa that much but everything else was delicious. The bread is the best bread ive ever had in my 35 years I dont know how they make it but its made to perfection.
(5)Lowell D.
Nice experience and was interesting having Ernesto talk about the food, the sauces and making his recommendations. EXCELLENT service, the food was great. Very relaxing environment.
(4)Kirsten D.
Food was very flavorful!
(4)Morgan A.
Just amazing! My fiance and I have been on a month long road trip (we are from NYC) and have been fortunate enough to have had fabulous meals all over the country in the past few weeks...Ernesto's was by far our favorite! A tad outside of downtown (what truly memorable place isn't?), and beyond worth it. Amazing hospitality, amazing food. Just go.
(5)Brenda M.
We were in town for one night and decided to go to Ernesto's after seeing the reviews. I'm glad we did! The sopa marinera was really great. The shrimp nachos are also a good menu item. The staff is really polite and the owner visited our table multiple times to make sure everything was to our liking. Live music was played during dinner. Just a one man band with a guitar, keyboard and mic. We will visit again when we return to San Antonio.
(4)John J.
Ernesto tells you what's good. The sauces are wonderful. Had the seafood crepes and wife the red snapper. Snapper frozen but for a price you wouldn't expect otherwise.
(5)Robert G.
This is one of the top restaurants in san Antonio. It all starts with the owner. He is very special. The food is excellent and he is not afraid to tell you so. Let him choose your sauces for the seafood items. I had red snapper stuffed with crab meat, along with lobster wrapped in shrimp. If was heaven.
(5)Connor H.
I was very surprised by the restaurant based on the location (it's in what appears to be a ran down strip mall). The owner met us at front, shook everyone's hands and seated us. He talked about all of the menu, and while i love the hands on personal touch that many chains are missing it got a little long winded. However, the food was very good. The red snapper with sauces picked by Ernesto was great. It's slightly off putting, a Mexican and French restaurant? I don't care! The French bread was amazing and the Mexican was very good.
(4)Carrington S.
Hands down the best Mexican food I have ever eaten. The service & personal interaction made for the perfect lunch! Plan to come back again!
(5)Lee D.
Ernesto's is a magical place. You can taste the love in the food. Just order what Ernesto tells you to. He knows best.
(5)Joyce H.
The seafood is good but the appetizers are lacking. Be careful about the bill they wrote the tab on scratch paper and several friends found errors in the math.
(4)Melvyn M.
We were greeted warmly for lunch. When we asked about items that were discussed in other reviews, but not on the lunch menu, we were assured we could have anything we wanted as well as prepared however we choose. They had an unusual pale green salsa to put on their chips. But it turned out to be tasty with a slight tang and kick. I ordered the fried seafood combo. The oysters and fish filet were delightfully breaded. The fish was light, moist, and flakey. The oysters were delicious. My wife had the chicken crépes with a butter, garlic, and cheese sauce. While she wanted more garlic flavor, she said it was still quite good. The service and attention you get are outstanding. The concept of Mexican food with a French twist means that extra care is placed on the sauce. If you aren't sure what sauce (out of at least nine) you can choose two to be on the side for you spoon on your own. This definitely not your typical Mexican food restaurant. It's very enjoyable.
(4)Joseph G.
Always a delight and perfectly delivered. Our favorite and always a fav with our out-of-town visitors. 100% San Antonio and a sure thing...treat yourself!
(5)Michael S.
If you eat anywhere Mexican this week, please make it Ernesto's. I stumbled upon this place from a tangent of a tangent of a tangent on the internets. I've been in San Antonio 16 years and had never heard of this joint. Last night we thought we'd give it a try. Where Vance Jackson road meets Jackson-Keller road right above Loop 410 is where Ernesto's is located. It's a little hidden in the back of some, seen better days, strip center but believe me, it's in there. Find it. Ernesto himself greets you at the door. Ernesto himself gives you a breakdown of the menu. Ernesto himself gives you menu suggestions. Ernesto himself was a delight all evening long. He said this was the first gourmet Mexican restaurant in San Antonio and that we were in for a treat. He was so spot on with that statement. I had the ceviche for an appetizer. I was supposed to share this with S but S had ordered tortilla soup so I got to enjoy this tasty dish all by myself. The ceviche was diced filet of red snapper marinated in a special sauce w/ avocado slices. Very flavorful with a great balance of acid and fresh ingredients. I highly recommend this dish I tried the Steak San Antonio: Beef Tenderloin with garlic butter sauce served with a Green Chicken Enchilada and beans and rice. My medium steak was melt in your mouth goodness. The garlic sauce took me to a place I didn't know my taste buds were allowed to venture. The chicken enchilada was tender and flavorful. Was not as impressed with the typical tex-mex rice and beans but Ernesto said we could change anything we wanted on the menu to suit our pleasure. Next time I will try the cilantro rice. My only regret was that I was too full to even think about dessert as the dessert menu was quite tempting. To reiterate, this place is a hidden gem. Use your GPS to take you to 2559 Jackson-Keller, San Antonio, Texas 78230. Once there, let Ernesto entertain your palate with the finest Mexican Cuisine I've yet to encounter in San Antonio. I shall return, again and again and again. 4.8 Stars out of 5 PS: the service was immpeccable. Everyone was polite and generous with their time. PPS: the margaritas we had were small but well made. PPPS: the chips were thick and the salsa was green. Both delicious. PPPPS: when you try Ernesto's, let me know, I want to go with you and try everything on the menu.
(5)Cameron K.
If you really want to have a nice dinner on date night and get delicious food and are willing to splurge on just the food, this is a very good pick in San Antonio. That being said, I do have a few other comments. Before going here, I had read multiple posts of this establishment on Tripadvisor's website. The way it was hyped up, I was just expecting a location with a little more panache. The food was excellent, all that it was hyped up to to be. However, it was a bit overpriced, given the atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, the owner and his staff provided EXCELLENT service but if they really want to take it to the next level, they need to move to a better location and change the atmosphere and decor. The atmosphere and decor left more than a little to be desired, in my opinion. Felt like I was back in the 70s. Just needs to be modernized. All that being said, I give this place a 4 out of 5. The food is really good. First, the salsa is very good, green and spicy. The Ceviche was OK but the tortilla soup was very good. Our party had the Shrimp Enchiladas, the tenderloin, grilled shrimp and then the grouper with shrimp. The food was very, very good. The sauces really make the food excellent. The chefs are top notch and it shows in the food. The margaritas are of special note. They are home made and they are DELICIOUS. We finished off with the coconut flan and it did not dissappoint. We'll have to try the Ernesto's coffee another time. Like I stated above, it is a bit overpriced and the atmosphere could definetly use some work. The guy playing the piano and guitar needs to be replaced with more modern music and the decor needs serious modernization. That being said, the food was excellent.
(4)Andy S.
Without questions, one of the top 5 meals I've had in my 51 years. My wife and I were in town for business and wanted to try something local, not a chain. We were not sure what to expect when we drove up to Ernesto's located in a pretty ordinary strip shopping center. Wow, what a surprise! Don't bother with a menu. Just ask Ernesto to fix you up and I promise, you will not be disappointed. The oysters he served were the best I've had. The filet, the snapper, the sides, and everything had more flavor per bite than most any meal we've had. The signature sauces Ernesto himself has created from his training in Paris and Monterrey are outstanding. The sauces are light, exceptionally flavorful, and bring out the best in the entree's without over-powering the food like so many do. Make a special trip to this place. It'll make your list of top restaurants to check out for sure.
(5)Jerry H.
We ate lunch. It was terrific and was around $26 for two if us. So good, that I came back that night and expected more of the same. I was not as pleased this time, the food was good but not worth $46 + tip for a single meal without mixed drinks. Service is excellent but dinner in my opinion was way over priced.
(4)Ryan G.
I just had an amazing dining experience, Ernesto greeted me and reviewed his "recommendations" for dinner.....I did not even have to look at a menu. Food was good yet the experience was really cool! A true family business that is a step up from ordinary!! Finished my meal with homemade ice creme and an amazing sauce......I never have desert!! Thank you Ernesto, I spend many nights away from home on the road this was a pleasant break!
(5)Carter M.
When I tell you the reviews did not do this place justice, that is a gross understatement. The service here was spot on, greeted by owner upon entering, presenting dinner specialties and exiting. Very seldom do you get an owner of a restaurant doing that. His suggestions were spot on as was the food. I dined with several local san antonions who had not been here and because of yelp, I gave it a go. We were all impressed. The red snapper with stuffed lump crab meat done mojo de ajo was sheer perfection. The fried oysters were worth the Lipitor and the desserts were over the top. Put yourself in Ernesto's hands and let him take you into food heaven. This was by far the best dining experience I have had, and the place is very low key and you wouldn't expect it to be as first class. It's a humble environment but an honest bar and extraordinary food. I did not have any wine so could not tell you about wine list. Please ignore negative reviews. Probably angry birds who only know fast food chains. This is a place in its own league. I will go again. Thank you Ernesto for a perfectly delightful evening.
(5)Alex D.
OMG!!! Lunch was crazy good. Best food ever in such a log time. If I were in San Antonio longer I would be here for lunch and dinner.
(5)Sam B.
Don't miss Ernesto's creative fusion of seafood, Mexican, French deliciousness. The owner Ernesto provided a memorable culinary experience to my daughter and me. We greatly appreciated his immediate greeting, personal involvement in choosing our meal, and superb service. Every morsel of every selection that we tasted was exquisite. We are not foodies or ratings experts, but we know excellence when we experience it. Ernesto and his restaurant are exceptional.
(5)Daniella G.
My husband and I went to Ernestos on a date last Saturday night. It was our first time here. When we walked in, it was nice and quite even with not a lot of people there. We were seated to the back, which I thought was nice because we could talk and no one would listen, lol. Our waiters (yes more than one. A few waiters helped us) were all very nice. The meal section was amazing. All the sauces and combinations you can choose from! I ended up getting flautas and my husband enchaladas. The food taste like homemade cooking! Everything was so fresh and well prepared. We had a very good experience! Its nice for a fancy date in the neighborhood! We live down the street lol
(5)Tom T.
A few friends and I tried Ernesto's one week night. On the highlights side, the margarita's were excellent. On the food side, a few of us had a hard time finding something to our liking. Ernesto was at our table providing a running commentary of the restaraunts history, his history and what we might like for appetizers and entres. The dinners came out, most were correct, it was good but, not stellar. The sauses, that Ernesto bases his menu on were also just good. I ordered soup, it was delivered at room temp, the shrimp in the soup had a cold center and the oyster at the bottom was not appealing. No being a drinker, the great margaritas did not sway my vote. Bottom line, food was OK, overpriced, very non-traditional.
(3)Michael C.
One of the finest meals I've experienced in SA. Not a meal... Rather an experience. Ernesto & Estaban make it special... No menus-no worries. Fine dining, exquisite personal service and superb preparations make this a MUST! Treat yourself to a place where you are their only customer.
(5)Emily M.
INCREDIBLE. Ernesto gave us such good service and his sauces are CRAZY good. Also, loved the margarita's. I will absolutely be back.
(5)Aman S.
This place was average to just OK. I am not sure whats with all the 5 star ratings either. The food was not extravagant or over the top. The service was average as well. They only had one type of salsa for the chips - a green salsa. No hot sauce or salsa, so I had to get jalapenos on the side. As far as their 9 signature sauces - I asked for the hottest one, and it was not even medium. I would not probably return to this place.
(3)Timothy R.
Everything on the menu looked amazing and Ernesto himself came out to give us his personal recommendations. I took him up on two delicious appetizers- the tortilla soup was amazing and the fried oyster was delicious. Then I got the San Antonio Steak (cooked medium and it was soft and reddish and easy to cut with butter knife) with avocado butter sauce - best thing I ever had. Afterward I got the coconut flan and as expected at this point, also super delicious. Could not breathe afterwards I was so full. Super friendly service and the most delicious food. Definitely worth the trip. I will be sure to come back the next time I'm in San Antonio. Highly recommended.
(5)Stanley D.
This place deserves a double check in but I can't wait 2 hours... We started with appetizers just before dance (to work up an appetite) and came back for the entrée... The staff and Ernesto was outstanding!
(5)B G.
Love this place! Food is great, drinks are reasonable and Sergio will take care of you. This is one of San Antonio's best kept secrets! I will definitely be back!
(5)Rachael M.
A visit to Ernesto's is like going to visit the sweet Mexican grandfather I never had. And did I mention this grandfather can cook some amazing Mexican-French fusion? I've never been a fan of Veracruz style dishes, but Ernesto has made me a believer (though that might be the butter speaking). My bf and I ended up at Ernesto's one Valentine's Day after some botched reservations, and I'm so glad we did. This certainly isn't the place to go if you're looking for slick, modern decor or to be "seen". However, if you want perfectly-executed dish after perfectly-executed dish brought to your table, and the warm, personal experience of a family run business, this is your place.
(5)Kimberly W.
Ok first let's just say that this restaurant could totally teach a class on customer service. It's a little upscale Mexican Restaurant that would rival service in any top rated restaurant. If you are around San Antonio, make the trec up to the 410/Jackson Keller area and give them a try. The food is incredible and I promise you will be a fan for life. What an unexpected treat!
(5)Carol E.
Ernesto's is a hidden treasure I recently discovered. Although they have been around for 30 years, their secret awesomeness was news to me. I was thrilled with the deliciousness of their savory fish dishes and nothing is ordinary on their menu. So, if you go there, which I highly recommend, you are sure to be delighted! Crabmeat nachos, shrimp enchiladas, gourmet sauces to top your fish dishes....oh, just thinking about their food makes me hungry! And, my favorite part of dining at their restaurant is the background music, which I discovered was custom arranged by Ernesto's son. It's like stepping back in time to a romantic era, a very relaxed setting. Perfect for a date!
(5)Cupcake S.
Ernesto's food is delicious and stands out! All his meals taste home cooked and made with love. Ernesto is a great host too and he explains his menu with so much detail. This is honestly one of my favorite restaurants of all time. I come here all the time and introduce Ernesto to my friends and family. It's all been word of mouth and that is how he runs his business for so many years! One thing to note is that for lunch (11-2PM), they have great prices and great portions. However for dinner (5-10PM), they have high prices and bigger portions that might scare off some people. My favorites are the El San Antonio Jr., the tortilla soup, and for desert the caramel crapes! And don't forget a margarita! UPDATE (April 2011): I went today with my friends and were treated really rudely by Ernesto himself while the older customers were treated with respect. All of us got some sort of fish for the first time and it was terrible. All our fish (scallops, shrimp, etc) smelled overwhelming like strong smelly fish (I like fish but fish is not supposed to smell like this). The flavors were not there. Even after telling Ernesto this, he was disgustingly rude about it and charged us for our not even half eaten food. Maybe a bad day? All I know is that I won't be going for awhile.
(4)Blake C.
Nothing short of gourmet restaurant Meixcan. Fantastic seafood. Amazing sauces. Ernesto is such an awesome host and this place couldn't feel more like home. Come in, talk to Ernesto and just let him make you what he thinks you'll enjoy... that's the way to do it.
(5)Russell K.
After a brief discussion with Ernesto, I left it to him to decide on the meal. The appetizer, dinner and wine were spot on. Great margarita. I've had lots of tex-mex, but that isn't the right category- Ernesto's is in it's own category. Superb service, superb food, I'll be back whenever business brings me back to San Antonio.
(5)Erika S.
This was some of the best fish I've ever had! Perfectly cooked and deliciously sauced. Very helpful wait staff and wonderful to meet Ernesto to compliment him on his cooking.
(5)Jeremiah H.
Absolutly wonderful. I came here with my Dad and he didn't want to see the menu. I now know why. Let Ernesto and his son surprise you once you have selected the basic meal. You can't go wrong. The dessert was to die for.
(5)Chris D.
We were all at a sushi restaurant and they told us that it would be a 45 minute wait. We were hungry so we decided to jump on Yelp and find a place that was close. We found Ernesto's and wanted to know what all the fuss was about. I was absolutely blown away by all the decision food and the wonderful charm of Ernesto. It was a magical experience and the best gamble I took in San Antonio!!
(5)Surrella M.
A bit overpriced, but the service is excellent. You feel like you're a regular the first time your visit. The food was tasty however the portions are small for the price.
(4)Nikki T.
God-almighty do I love this place. I came in here the last night of Fiesta's Oyster Bake (I was working late and couldnt get downtown in time to partake in the shellfish goodies), so I googled for some decent fried oysters around town. Ernesto's came up and, my goodness gracious, was i ever thankful. Going into the restaurant, one would not expect much...seriously, the decor is heavily dated and just an eye sore. The place was also rather sparse (probably with all of the fiesta events going around town). However, Ernesto (the owner) is incredibly charming, his back waiter and waiter were equally much so. These people are very proud of their food and it is, not only well deserved, but also well received. Ernesto's ("best salsa in Texas" as he put it) was delicious, the texture was creamy, the color a beautiful avocado green (although there is no avocado in that salsa), the flavor was fresh and bright, with a nice smoky, spicy undertone. The fried oysters I had were the best fried oysters I've ever had. These little babies are not only extremely fresh, but beautifully handled. I would have to say that, although fried, they're the closest I've ever come to raw oysters. The batter is double dipped, delicious, and decadent all at once. The oysters melt in your mouth! My husband had a lovely fish dish of which we asked the waiter to choose one of their 9 sauces for. The sauces (he chose 2) were so incredible. One had a beautifully balanced smoky, and spicy flavor to it. The other was sweet and spicy. The fish itself was, like the oysters, handled beautifully and, like the oysters, melted in your mouth. We will definitely be back!
(5)Angel S.
If you're sick of all the chain restaurants that make up San Antonio's dining scene, then go here. This place is mad cool. The decor is a total throw back in all sorts of red color tones, and Ernesto himself will greet you at the door. There is also a keyboard player to help set the mood. Beyond that, the food is divine. The tortilla soup is the BEST in the city and Ernesto also makes a killer margarita.
(4)G S.
The food was average and I had better elsewhere. I was there during the prime dinner time and there were only 4 tables of customers. They told me the fried oyster and the green chip sauce was famous, but too me they are only OK. I would prefer some fresh dips. The steak I had was a little tough too. The only good thing was the margarita.
(3)Cindy L.
A couple of months ago, on a trip to San Antonio, I decided to turn to Yelp to find the best Mexican restaurant the town has to offer. Upon reading all the stellar reviews, we made a reservation and were excited to experience what Ernesto's touted as gourmet Mexican. The owner Ernesto was very welcoming and dynamic. Looking back, I would agree with the reviewer who pointed out that he was like a great salesman. We were told that we could customize the combinations we ordered (e.g. instead of the shrimp and lobster plate, we could make it shrimp and fish) and choose one of 9 signature sauces to go with your dish. Amongst our group, we had shrimp, steak, fish, and crab with the Veracruz, Almondine, Mexicana, and Espanola sauces. The dishes were all lackluster. There was nothing special about the shrimp, fish or crab - all were grilled or broiled and a bit too salty. The steak was not a good cut and bland. The sauces on the other hand were very good. All three butter sauces tasted very similar to each other though (probably because they're mainly butter, white wine, and garlic - is that Mexican?). We also tried two kinds of ceviche - the fish did not seem super fresh and tasted fishy. In the end, each entree averaged ~$36 which I don't mind paying if the food is outstanding but in this case, it was far from it.
(2)Karen T.
Ernesto is a charmer and a wonderful host. made a nice margarita and explained his favorite seafood dishes. went with a simple red snapper with a jicama-lime sauce - very tasty - needed less butter as it overwhelmed the fish a bit. several notches above most Mexican restaurants in Texas. this establishment is the #2 recommendation on trip-advisor for san antonio.
(4)H P.
We were looking for good seafood and decided to give this place a try. Being greeted by Ernest and a very friendly staff added a lot to our experience. Live music and comfortable atmosphere were a big plus. Food was way above our expectations, it was sort of a mix between Mexican and French cuisine. Oysters were amazing and the main dishes were generously served with fresh tasting crab meat. Dessert was homemade and the prices were fair for the quality and amount of food. Will definitely come back.
(5)Tiffany R.
Ernesto's upon first sight seems like a normal Mexican restaurant, but once you enter, you can feel the authenticity in the air. One of the most authentic part was that Ernesto himself was at the door to greet us into his own humble restaurant. He kindly took us to our seats and explained how different his restaurant was than all of the Mexican restaurants in San Antonio. He recommended a baked red snapper stuffed with crab meat delicately topped with a Veracruz sauce. We also had the tortilla soup. These two plates were outstanding. Their flavors are beyond words. You could feel the authenticity and pride in each bite. Ernesto's resturant on the outside may not look special, but once you walk inside you know you are in for a special treat...one that will leave your stomach satisfied and your taste buds begging for more.
(5)Jodi G.
This is not your average Mexican food. Yes, they have some of the staples you will recognize, but they certainly put a twist on things to create unique flavor combinations. The tortilla soup was delicious, and the queso al carbon was very good as well. Everyone at the table (6 of us) had a different seafood/sauce combination, and they all enjoyed them. Ernesto himself was great, taking the time to introduce all of the unfamiliar menu items, and to make sure we were well taken care of. All of the other wait staff was very attentive as well. By the time we were finished, my uncle was asking to take a picture with Ernesto, like he was part of the family!
(4)Clayton B.
The food was pretty good here. I was kinda surprised how dead the place was when we got here. It also feels like this place has an identity crisis... inside felt like a cheap Italian restaurant with classical music playing. Weird. Onto the food though! The chips and salsa? Was actually really good. It was a green sauce but just had an interesting flavor to it. I got the Mexican plate and it was pretty huge for $10. Not the greatest but it was worth the price. I guess for me... if you call it an upscale Mexican restaurant but everything inside is just weird and cheap but your prices don't reflect it.. you may need to rethink it. Still a decent place to grab food at... I just personally wasn't too impressed
(3)Nena N.
Great service. Great food. Amazing french bread. However, if you're looking for a Mexican restaurant, you should probably go elsewhere because most of their food does not really taste like typical Mexican food. I had the crab and shrimp crepe, and tried the red snapper and one of the beef menus. All of them are excellent!
(5)David W.
This is a very interesting place. A French twist on Mexican/seafood. Reasonably priced.
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