Ernestos Mexican Specialties
Company Details
Tuesday: 11:30AM-2PM,5:30-9PM
Wednesday: 11:30AM-2PM,5:30-9PM
Thursday: 11:30AM-2PM,5:30-9PM
Friday: 11:30AM-2PM,5:30-10PM
Saturday: 5:30-10PM
Sunday: Closed
Contact Information
San Antonio, Texas, 78230
United States
Ernestos Mexican Specialties Reviews
Submitted by Alex Fletcher on 08/21/2022
Alex Fletcher 5 stars rating.
There are very few places that are worthy of 5 stars from me and Ernesto’s is one of them. The best service I’ve ever experienced at a restaurant and really great food.
It felt like Ernesto was my uncle and he hasn’t seen me in a few years and I’m invited to his house for dinner.
I will recommend this place to everyone I know and I definitely will be returning when I come back to San Antonio.
Submitted by Matt Accardi on 07/03/2022
Matt Accardi 5 stars rating.
When food pictures fail, you have to trust words.
Short version:
- one of my favorite finds from posts in the San Antonio Restaurants FB group, but not one posted picture does it justice
- one of the best hidden gems in SA
- Papadeaux's-like seafood and sauces for less. I love Papdeaux's, but this local, small family owned place is special.
- Even though "mexican" is in the name its not like food that most think of when they hear Mexican (but they have some traditional offerings and the most tender steak too)
- No picture that I have seen of the food here does depicts what this place truly is
- Walk in a stranger and leave as a friend of Ernestos
Long review:
If you have been in the group for any amount of time you have found a new place to try. Even though Ernesto's Seafood Mexican Restaurant has been at its current location for 42 years, it became a "new spot" to me in recent months. I have repeated going there 3 times and I have 200+ locations on my hitlist to try.
A few trusted foodie friends had told me to go, but in searching the posts none of the pictures screamed "go eat here!" But I went based on words, then went again based on my first experience, then yesterday when a friend wanted Papadeaux's I told her we were going here instead. She saw the pictures and thought meh, but trusted my recomendation because she was looking for crab, lobster, and seafood. I figured there would be an hour wait at Papa's restaurant, but was able to make last minute reservations at this small strip center on Jackson Keller.
We started with cocktails while they were taking care of other tables. The order was taken by the hostess - small place, small staff with the best team. The Margarita on the rocks and mojito were on point and hit the table right after chips and salsa. Refreshing after a day of sun.
We ordered the crabmeat Veracruz as an app. Way too delicious for $10.
We knew we both wanted seafood not fried. Ernesto told us the specials, we told him what we were looking for and with his true psychic powers and a few questions HE ORDERED FOR US (if you've been there you know what I'm talking about).
Our plates arrived with lobster, shrimp, and red snapper "that was swimming in the ocean 2 days ago" and covered in lump crab meat. Rice and the tomato they are known for were on the side. $30~. He took the liberty of smothering our items with a few of his 9 signature sauces. It was amazing - as always. My friend said that she liked it better than the other mentioned restaurant.
The bottle of wine we enjoyed with the food was around $27.
The service was beyond special (IFYKYK)!
The point of this post is don't trust a bad picture even though 90% of us eat with our eyes. What was placed down in front of us looked, smelled and tasted MORE THAN AMAZING.
GREAT JOB in making a meal a magical evening!!!
Submitted by Lori Moran on 05/22/2022
Lori Moran 5 stars rating.
This was a wonderful find! The food was excellent and the owner was a great host. He greeted us as soon as we came in and was also our waiter. He made excellent suggestions for our dinner choices and just had a great personality. It was truly an exceptional dining experience. I give it the highest recommendation. Really just perfection.
Submitted by Joe Blough on 04/21/2022
joe blough 5 stars rating.
Ernesto gives a personalized dinning experience in an wonderful elegant ambiance. The Steak San Antonio was to die for and we will be returning for this and much more!
Submitted by B M on 04/18/2022
B M 5 stars rating.
Top tier excellent service. Host was so friendly and knowledgeable. Restaurant owner Ernesto came out and personally welcomed us and spoke to us about the food as well—such a nice touch. Did not realize it would be Mexican x French cuisine, but pleasantly surprised. Excellent food and service.
Highly recommend the snapper!! Buttery, savory, cooked to perfection!
Submitted by Diana Elizalde on 03/31/2022
Diana Elizalde 4 stars rating.
I remember eating here with my parents decades ago. It was always a treat. Went with my husband and my dish was delicious! Added a pic and lacks color do really takes away from how good it was. A little splash of green might help.
Submitted by Ashley Perez on 02/08/2022
Ashley Perez 5 stars rating.
Such an amazing place! The food is delicious and the owners are simply amazing people! This is definitely the place to come to for a delicious meal. 5 stars and above!
Submitted by Katy, Texas on 11/23/2021
Katy, Texas 5 stars rating.
1st visit on Sat. 11-13-21at 6:30pm. Let me start by saying "Wow What a Restraunt" I haven't had a meal as good as Ernesto's in a long time. I would recommend the plate called "San Antonio" it's flavorful (see pic) and exceeded all my expectations. Theirs something about going to a small quite cozy restaurant with tables dressed with fresh white tablecloths on each table, and with servers who take time to answer any questions one might have about all menu items. Can't wait for a return visit, and I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. Thank You for taking time to read this review, Please give me a Thumbs Up, and Please Follow Me on My Reviews
Submitted by Tracy Holt on 11/09/2021
Tracy Holt 5 stars rating.
I am a Dallas native and went to San Antonio this weekend to celebrate my birthday. I found a fantastic gem in Ernesto’s Restaurant, 2559 Keller Road. My husband and I were greeted by Ernesto and received exemplary service. The food and drinks were AMAZING. I cut my beef tenderloin with a butter knife.
You can savor the love poured into every morsel of food. Your taste buds will thank you for this succulent food experience. I am so glad I believed other reviews and visited this restaurant. I will visit Ernesto’s every time I am in San Antonio.
