Don Chava's Mexican Grill

The chips and salsa were fresh, but my chimichanga was the soggiest, thick tortilla I've ever had. I'd guess it sat under a heat lamp for 10 min while everyone else's food was being prepared. I'll try something different next time and change my review if it's a better experience. On a side note, no, I didn't mention this to my waitress. But then, she didn't ask how everything was, except for when the food was just brought to us either. At that point, no one even tasted anything yet. She had to be waived down for a refill, as well. Hopefully this was all just an off day for them. PS. Please leave the card readers on the table. No one wants their server staring them down while they're selecting a tip.

Maria was my server. She was very polite and patient. They play authentic Mexican music, which is the first good sign. I was serve chips and salsa immediately and throughout the process was offered more without being charged. The food hands-down was amazing. They make these spicy barbecue wings, which are a must have as an appetizer as far as entrées, the sky is the limit. Although I am African-American, I grew up in a Mexican influenced neighborhood. I’ve eaten authentic Mexican food on the East Coast the West Coast north and south and I must say their food is top-notch as good as it gets. The manager of the restaurant was constantly involved and asking me if I was happy how the food was from beginning to end . I have traveled everywhere and I just want to let it be know if you want an authentic experience authentic flavors and authentic Mexican cuisine I highly recommend this place.

The restaurant was nice! I had the fajitas and tamales 🫔 and the flavor was not there! Tamales where dry and had little flavor and the peppers in my fajitas looked like they just chopped them and threw them on they where not cook at all. Our server never came to the table to refill drinks or chips and I had to basically get up and go find her to get a refill. Over all disappointed in the experience 😒

Love this place! Staff is always super friendly and helpful. The menu has a big variety of options for food and drinks. I love the don Chava burrito, it’s the perfect size and super tasty!

Everything. This place has been consistent for the last 2 decades I have been going there. I currently live in New Mexico and experience Mexican cuisine on the daily. But this place always has the best white queso, hands down. I haven't found another place like this and we love trying different foods. 100 stars for the years of consistency and good food and friends!

Great food and even greater prices! We were highly impressed with the speed of service, the friendly staff, tasty array of food and overall the prices! The house margaritas are fantastic and very affordable ;) If you are looking for an authentic Mexican place to eat, I highly recommend this Establishment. The overall feel of the place is comfy and warm;)

The food was delicious! Our waiter was very nice, even with the extra work of a large group of people including several babies and spills. The dishes were large and and brought with great service. I couldn't ask more, they were a great place to eat!

Their queso is delicious! The 16 ounce order is HUGE! We shared it with our family of 7 and still had plenty left over. All our food was delicious, the service was quick, and our food was hot!

Our service was top tier! Didn't even have to ask for extra napkins, Boxes, lids, or bags !!From the time we sat down til we finished eating! My daughter and I love coming here! We had been told in the past that the arroz con pollo was not on the kids menu but, our awesome waitress Hortencia informed us today that it has always been! My daughter loves it but the main menu is just too much for her. Anyhow, my daughter always gets a non alcoholic "margarita" and it came out perfect! Of course my Texas marg was great! The birria tacos were 10/10 as well. Food came out fast and hot! We were super impressed for our first restaurant choice of the new year! We will be back soon of course! Shout out to our waitress, we will have to request her next time! She was great! Didn't have to ask for anything and everything came out great! Restaurant was very clean and welcomed since we walked in the front door, hostess greeted right away! 10/10 for our experience out of the 50 we've had here! Keep being great Hortencia! I was a waitress for a long time so coming in and being dined like I would my own tables felt great!!!!!!!!!!

Great food! Great service! Came to Ft. Wayne for a small vacay and this place was on the recommendation list. Mexican food is one of my favorites so of course I came. So glad

I've been here a few times, each time with the intention to give this place another chance, and each time I am equally let down. When I lived downtown in particular my roommates and I would frequent here often so I have given this place way more than one or two fighting chances. This most recent time I placed an order for carry out, just for myself. All I got was 3 tacos and an order of tortillas chips on the side. When I arrived (already a little late due to the traffic of trying to get DT) I wasn't greeted, which is fine I was only picking up my order and leaving so their service wasn't my top concern. However I stated my name and pick up order, the young woman at the front desk stared blankly at me for a second and said, "Oh oops I think I just gave them [the couple who passed me walking out] your order". No worries, I have a very small order so this shouldn't take long to remake correct? I was sorely mistaken. It took almost 20 minutes for my 3 tacos and bag of chips to be remade. I found this odd given it was a weekday evening with less than 8 people in the entire restaurant. The cook handed me the order and walked away, but none of the staff apologized for giving my order to someone else or having to wait. On top of the order incident, I find that every time the quality of food I get here is a little lackluster and flavorless. My tacos were all fresh but the carne asada was fairly bland and dry. The salsa is okay, but again, bland and not spicy at all. This is your very average run-of-the-mill restaurant. There are far superior options in the area but if you're downtown and hungry, this would probably suffice.

I say this all the time and I firmly stand on it. Service can make or break an establishment. My last several visits here have been absolutely amazing, until today!! I usually have Marlen, who provides excellent service, she was not in on my most recent visit and my server was not courteous or pleasant I rate my visit 6/10 without hesitation. I ordered the ground beef chimichanga with no sour cream and no guacamole. I could tell my server wasn't listening, so I politely repeated it. My meal arrived with what you ask, Sour Cream and Guacamole. I guess she could tell by my dejected look something was off. She asked was everything ok, I reminded her I requested no sour cream and No guacamole. She then said you don't want it, I said all is well, as Ive said before, I do NOT send food back. This visit was awkward from the time I walked in. We were seated immediately, but the usual pleasantness was not provided. I should have paid attention to the energy then and left, I didn't and that's my mistake. I'm disappointed in todays visit. I don't like paying for food I don't eat and I don't like throwing away money, something I clearly did today . Update: my stomach is in absolute shambles the following day ...

Great place, great service. Orders Tacos De Carne Asada, but if I wanted chorizo and I was able to get chorizo instead! I wasn't on the menu . Server came to check on us 2-3 times and everything was done with a smile. He also got my extra onions and lime! Would highly recommend this place

Food is always good; HOWEVER, they consistently try to rip you off on the margaritas. You have to watch which container they draw your margarita from. I always order the Texas margarita and the last 3 times, they have poured from the cheap margarita container and then will charge you the Texas price if you don't catch it. This is bad business that they do this but as long as you sit in the bar, you can ensure you are getting what you pay for by watching them to keep them from ripping you off.

Great place to go for diarrhea. I do not think they change their fryer oil enough. My sister and I were sick for 48 hours after eating there.

Pretty good place to eat. Although this place is very pricey! A few things that I liked: -The selection of food -The chips -The salsa -Comfy seats Things that should be changed: -Tables are crowded and you can hear everyone more then the music playing -Pricing -Add napkins. We got nachos and I had to walk to the bathroom to get a paper towel because my hands were gross -Waits we're pretty long. It took a while just to get our check when it has been about 30 mins since we ate Overall it was a fine experience!

I did a carryout of chicken fajitas with 'double chicken', because they have an unusually large amount of veggies, and the chicken is light. The girl told me you get double everything, which I agreed on. Get home, and it NOT double chicken, just double everything. Double chicken means you'd like more chicken than normal, not double everything. Now I have 2 lbs of veggies.

I have always loved the food here. The quacamole dip is excellent. Our waitress was great. Since I'm on oxygen 24/7, I needed an electrical outlet to keep my portable oxygen unit plugged in and charged. The restaurant doesn't have any plug in or outlet available. I'm so disappointed because I really enjoy the Mexican entrees here. Since there was 5 of us (and it was lunch time and busy), by the time we received our food, my oxygen unit was getting low. We left earlier than we had planned to because we were returning to various locations -- Fort Wayne, Yoder, Huntertown, and New Haven. I understand that it is a bar, but sometimes it was difficult to talk at the table because the music was so loud. It could be turned down.

This is most definitely my favorite place now , well it always has been . Back in March the 5th to be exact. My guy of five years proposed to me at dinner that night .. we had just left from a house closing and was tired it was a long day ...we had order and had our drinks And I said now we start a new live new way of living.. Than he said let's make it official. I was like what are you saying.. lol he covered his face lol at me . Than reach in his pocket pulled out the box !!! Boom my ring ... couldn't believe it ... great food great service and fantastic drinks.. love this place

I decided to try this place tonight for dinner based on my sister's recommendation. We were greeted and seated quickly. After a short deliberation, I ordered the shrimp fajita with an angry orchard. (Yeah, yeah... I know that I should have gone for a margarita or sangria...I couldn't resist the angry O). The shrimp fajitas came out hot with a side of rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole. Of course we received the customary chips and spicy salsa while we waited for the food. Over all everything was good -the food portions were large and the price was small.

The food here is typically great and the fajita didn't disappoint this time either. The margaritas were very flavorful and smooth. They were very busy and I requested the same item numerous times but the waitstaff kept forgetting to bring it to me. Meanwhile my food is getting cold. They even forgot to bring out an entire meal for another person I was there with. Yes, we made them aware. It didn't really seem like a big deal to them. I won't be going to this location for a while...

Really enjoyed this place. My food was right, hit, fast, and good. Salsa was perfect. Service was very attentive. Even serviers that were not assigned to my table would ask me if I was ok while they passed by. Absolutely will be back.

The margaritas were AMAZING. I had the Raspberry marg frozen and it was great!! The chips and salsa were good and the queso was alright. Service was kind and prompt, and the atmosphere was lively. I love the colorful decor.

The food is always average. Service is marginal. The thing I dislike is it is the noisiest restaurant in town. Can't even hear anyone speak at your table. Won't be going there again.

Don Chavas is my go-to Mexican place. It is perfect for a family dinner, date night, or margaritas with co-workers to start your Friday off right. The decor is a lot of tile and definitely has a south of the border feel. Chips and salsa is great. Served complimentary and usually before you even get your drink- woohoo bring it on! The red salsa is sometimes spicy and other times more milder and full of flavor. I like that it is never exactly the same because it proves their authenticity in making it themselves. For lunch I usually go for the fajita special with extra tortillas. My boyfriend and I will split this and it is a perfect amount of food and only around $8. For dinner I am a fan of their Nachos Fajitas, Chimichanga De La Casa, or Mixteca salad. All of their dishes are plentiful. You will leave stuffed and possibly have to be rolled out by a friend or two. Margaritas are on point. Everyone loves a good, strong margarita. I recommend their Texas margarita. If you are just coming for drinks with a few friends- order a side of queso. DELICIOUS. Who doesn't love queso? They have a nice outdoor space. Nothing super duper special but an area to enjoy the historic Wells Street. Service is great and very fast.

Popular location just north of downtown Fort Wayne off little old Wells Street, what's not to love? Food be coming out of with consistency, average or above quality. It's a nice environment for sure. These jokers know Mexican food and it meets the standard for good authentic tex mex Mexican cuisine for sure. Lots of good Mexican restaurants in Fort Wayne, but this one is unique in it's own way and worth the while...And hey it's off Wells what's not to love? Pretty much like Cebolla's Mexican Grill, same owners and both Authentic tex mex. This one is off Wells Street. I like to visit Gi Joes Army Surplus store when I'm on " WELLS STREET " so I hit Gi Joes and then Don Chava's. Decent chips, salsa, burritos, tacos are excellent, good beans and Mexican cheese. All of that stuff, good place for a group, place gets busy and parking can be limited, it being off Wells Street and everything. You know what I'm saying?

Good Mexican food and margaritas! What's not to like?

Great salsa. Food was amazing. You have to try this place. You will not regret it!!!

Great Mexican , wished we lived closer. We had great service and the food was really good. Give this place a try if you like food Mexican

This is one of those tried-and-true places. The food is always solid, no matter what. My usual go-to is the Mixteca salad and and it's sooo good. Last time I ordered the chimichanga de la casa and it was so decadent and delicious and sinful. I figured because my usual order is so healthful I would have leftovers on the chimichanga lol. Fat chance! I ate the whole thing in one sitting. Friendly service and a pleasant environment. AND a 25 cent gumball machine in the entry - yes please!

The fajitas were decent, salsa and chips darn good but the rice was bland and my server vanished and I had to chase her down a few times. Finally found her chatting in a corner with someone when I was in a hurry to get back to the office and didn't have time to spare. Might go back, but kind of turned off by the service and never seeing a manager.

Probably my favorite Mexican place to eat in Fort Wayne and most of Indiana. It's pretty much identical to cebollas because they have the same owners. The salsa is always so good and queso is the best. My wife says it's her favorite chimichanga and I love the arroz con pollo. They also have some burgers for the kids. The service is always so good and so fast I never have a complaint about this place.

This is another close-to-work restaurant where we've met for meetings-- but I've brought friends and family here as well. If you want quick, tasty Mexican food, this is it! Almost every waiter or waitress has been extremely friendly and prompt. I really like that they don't appear every 10 minutes to check on the table. But as soon as you look up to ask for something, they're right there. Attentive without being pushy is more than I could ask for in a restaurant. Nice, colorful atmo with authentic music. The salsa. The salsa. The salsa. Ever since I found out you could stop in and pick up a 16 oz to go, I have made several stops on my way home. So fresh and delicious!! You can have it several different hotness levels. If you're given the mild, however, a lil bit of tobasco will perk that right up without messing with the flavor. There are times I've dragged my friends here simply because I was jonesing for the salsa. The price is great, and there is plenty of variety. The mixed drinks are enormous, and they have a fair list of your basic bottled beer as well. Highly recommend!

Don Chava's is my favorite Fort Wayne restaurant for when you want somewhat Americanized Mexican food. I'm really not a fan of Bandito's or Cebolla's (even though, yes, Don Chava's is an extension of the Cebolla's restaurants). The interior is festively decorated, has plenty of seating, great/friendly staff, and is always clean. The food is fresh, tasty, and comes in your typical giant portions! Everything is reasonably priced.

This is an extension of cebollas of which I am not a fan. But I went here because very one in my group wanted to try it out and I was hoping it would be different. It wasn't busy when we went during the week and was seated right away. Staff was friendly and delivered chips and salsa right away. Our server didn't speak a lot of English but could understand us, or so I thought. My lil one like her burritos with just meat rice and lettuce with red sauce on top. That's what I ordered this time along with my beef and cheese nachos. The rest of the party ordered quesadillas and a burrito that was on the menu. My nachos came with beans and cheese not eat and cheese and my lil ones burrito had the wrong kind of meat and no sauce I top. I wait for the server and try to explain what happened. She began to argue with me that I didn't tell her that. Since she didn't write it down it was pretty much I said she said. So she takes it back. Second time it comes out it has sour cream and beans inside. So I again say something. Only because I'm paying for it and my lil one won't eat a single bite. And I did order the correct food. Again she takes it back and it does come out perfect with a side of attitude from the server. My nachos remained unchanged. The manager never stopped and the server continued to be mad. She also charged me for a kids drink when we didn't order one. I had to ask the cashier to take that off. Our chips were stale and cold and the food was overpriced. This is why I don't like going Also I do believe there is only street parking and being on such a busy street it's hard to get to. There are so many other places to get Mexican now in the fort that In my opinion are a lot better. It's just not worthy the price or experience.

This is usually one of my favorite restaurants, however the last time I went our waiter didn't speak a lick of English and when I found a raw piece of chicken in my quesadilla and told the waiter he just smiled and shook his head because he had no idea what I said. He also forgot silverware, didn't refill chips/ salsa/ or drinks. I will not be returning.

I have to admit that my culinary experience here has been limited to the Burrito Rojo, the Don Chava's Burrito, and the Quesadilla - but they are all pretty tasty. The chips and cilantro-loaded salsa before your meal arrive are a good start. The service is more likely to let you down than blow you away - if you speak Spanish it would help immensely. We've had wonderful waitresses and we've had our entire meal arrive incorrect. The restaurant is large with an authentic atmosphere (but ice in your Pepsi). I used to always leave here with a stomach ache, but I stopped drinking the iced tea and it ceased.... perhaps they import the water from Mexico, too. :)

Same owners as Cebollas. Meaning they have bomb quality food and amazing margaritas. I will come to this place at least once every two weeks because they are 1.) fast 2.) make delicious food (including their quest) 3.) have friendly serving staff and 4.) did I mention the margaritas?? This place is the best!!

My first experience visiting Don Chava's was awesome, so I've told many family members as well as several friends about how great the food is. I will be visiting it again.

I am not a huge fan of Mexican style food, however Don Chava's is pretty great over all. I don't think you will find a more authentic place in Fort Wayne then Don Chava's. Price is reasonable. The service has been great every time. If it wasn't for the Mexican food, I would give this place five stars.

Good food, good atmosphere, fairly "authentic". The only thing that's a little off putting about Don Chavas is that it's simply a more expensive version of Cebollas. Service was fast and friendly and I will be back here again I'm sure.

Don Chava's is a good solid choice for Mexican food in Fort Wayne. Their food tastes very much like their sister restaurant Cebolla's. The menu is similar but contains some different thinks like Tamales. The tamales were very good! The Burrito was nicely done. The décor was typical of a Mexican restaurant. It was neat and clean. The service was well done...the waitress spoke very good English. Our pitcher regular margaritas tasted a bit watered down - definitely could use more kick. The salsa was thinner than I like....however the waitress kept the chips and salsa flowing! This restaurant is set in the historic Well street area which is a nice change. Definitely try Don Chava's!

As a fan of all things Mexican, I know a good Mexican place when I see one. Recently, my sister and I came here for some yummies. We came into a place with your typical Fort Wayne Mexican Restaurant Decor: Crazy colors with some sombreros, desert pictures, etc. We were seated promptly and given warm chips and some yummy salsa. I went in for a house margarita which was solid. Sister just stuck with the water but saw that it was refilled promptly. We both got house dishes - I got vegetarian fajitas and she got a chicken dish. Both were served promptly and piping hot. I live in Boston now, so I won't be able to come back that often. However, when I am in town (which is every couple of months), I think that it is a solid place to eat with some friends and family.

Great food awesome employees. Manager Carmen or Alejandro will always do right by you oh and I almost forgot the Margaritas and all other drinks are reasonably priced. If u go away hungry ur too picky to eat here!

This is probably the Mexican restaurant we visit the most and we are usually satisfied. Service can be a problem but patience and finger pointing at the menu usually settles that problem. We did have a manager stop by and inquire about our dinner one evening and when I showed her a clump of hamburger that was definitely not cooked she said "that's what happens when you cook a lot". All we could do was stare at her as she walked away. :-) You'll start with their chips and salsa which are both pretty good. From there you're on your own. I usually get their combo but don't be surprised if you ask for a taco with ground beef and it comes with chicken. :-)

I live with a picky eater so it is just a burger or chicken sandwich for her! She loves the burgers and chips though and I always get whatever is the special. On Fridays and Saturday nights this place is full!! I really like the Staff and they are attentive without being intrusive. Oh and they automatically bring you medium Salsa so if your like me you have to ask for mild!!!

My favorite Mexican place in Fort Wayne! Don Chava's is owned by the same people who own Cebolla's, so the menu is pretty much the same. I judge my Mexican restaurants by the chips and salsa, and Don Chava's gets an A+ on this front. A lot of times I'm not even hungry when my food comes because I've slammed so hard on the chips and salsa. Man, I want some right now... They have awesome lunch specials. You can easily spend less than $10 INCLUDING TIP because of their specials, which also include a drink. Speaking of drinks, Don Chava's edges out its sibling Cebolla's because they have Pepsi products. I highly recommend Don Chava's for cheap-but-authentic Mexican food in Fort Wayne!

Went with friends for her birthday. I knew it was in the Cebollas fami!y of restaurants of which my husband and I aren't fans of. We were skeptical walking in. We had a party of 10. We rec'd water, but no opportunity to order any other drinks. My friend, husband and I had to go to the bar to order. We then waited at least 20-30 minutes before we were asked for our order. Never was sure who our waiter was. The food was below average, bland, the salsa was clearly watered down. It ran right off the chip. Worst part, the next morning,as in 2a.m., I woke up with stomach cramps, feeling as if I needed to throw up. Sure enough, the taco salad I had eaten the night before came up. I hardly ever get sick, or throw up. Thanks Don Chavas. I'm just glad it was Sunday and I didn't have to go to work. Needless to say, WE WON'T BE BACK EVER!

One of the better mex restaurants in the area. Marguarita very good. Large beers are big. Service was excellent and food hot.

Excellent service, food, and friendly staff. Loved it. Carmen was an amazing hostess.

Damn good food pretty cheap. Might be the best in town.

Best Mexican in town! Great food, great prices and (usually) an attentive staff! Love that it's downtown!! My favorite!

Another solid meal and exceptional service. Always a dependable restaurant to visit. Tacos de pollo asado with the salsa Verde as good this visit as the menudo and mole enchiladas during previous visits. My go to restaurant in Fort Wayne.

It's just fun. The food is good. The atmosphere is loud and friendly. We like coming here. There is never a question about the food.

This place never disappoints. We get the bean & cheese dip all the time. The mango Lulu on-the-rocks margaritas are the best here. The environment is one of the best parts. We request the bar area because it's more casual with sports on TV and we like that they have that choice. The staff is always amazing.

The best mexican restaurant in FW. Great food. Great atmosphere. Polite staff. I have not had a bad experience.

Best Mexican restaurant in Fort Wayne. Great Service. Friendly staff. Kid friendly. Great authentic food.