Ernesto's Mexican Specialties

Mexican restaurant · North Central

Ernesto's Mexican Specialties

Mexican restaurant · North Central

1

2559 Jackson Keller Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230

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Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties by null

Highlights

Refined Mexican, seafood, signature sauces, extensive wine list  

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2559 Jackson Keller Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 Get directions

ernestosrestaurant.com

$$ · Menu

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2559 Jackson Keller Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 Get directions

+1 210 344 1248
ernestosrestaurant.com

$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@bonappetit

Ernesto's NYC Is My New Go-To Spot for All Things Spanish | Bon Appétit

"Warm, flower-filled, and lively, this Basque-inspired bar and café reflects Chef Ryan Bartlow’s streamlined take on San Sebastián’s Akelarre, turning ambitious seafood techniques into approachable pintxos and bar snacks. You’ll see bottles of Isastegi cider on many tables and plates of Basque-style seafood dressed with olive oil, aioli, paprika, and fresh herbs. Standout small plates include croquetas filled with creamy shredded chicken; gildas stacked with raw tuna, green olives, and snappy pickled peppers; toasted baguettes topped with perfectly cooked shrimp and peppers; and house-fried potato chips draped with thinly sliced jamón ibérico. The vermouth and wine lists focus on Spanish natural wines from thoughtful importers like José Pastor Selections and Selections de la Viña, and cult vermouths such as Partida Creus that are excellent neat or with lemon and soda—ideal companions to the pintxos. Whether you linger for a relaxed five-hour dinner, stop by the adjoining café for coffee and pastries on Saturday mornings, or perch at the bar for drinks and small plates, the place encourages clinking glasses and good times." - ByAlex Delany

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/ernestos-nyc
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Stephanie Owens, REALTOR

Google
What a gem!! 5⭐️ We had a wonderful evening! I was pleasantly delighted by the meal I was served this evening. This intimate, locally owned establishment is a must try. The food was well balanced with soft deep flavors combining Ernesto’s smooth, savory signature sauces over perfect portions of meat and vegetables. For dinner, I decided on the surf and turf special in a light buttery citrus sauce. It was fabulous! I didn’t want to finish because then it would be gone. I had to try a desert after dinner was such a success and, oh am I glad I did. I ordered Ernesto’s desert which this evening was a crepe in a delicate caramel sauce with fresh almond garnish. We also tried the fresh cinnamon ice cream recommended by Chef. You can tell from the food, to the service, to the owner greeting the patrons by name, these owners care!! Definitely one of the most enjoyable meals I have has in a while!

Emily Wycpalek

Google
Ernesto's Mexican Specialties… ALL ABOARD THE FLAVOR CRUISE. Y’all. This man told me he was psychic when it came to food—and let me tell you, he read my taste buds like a book. I have no idea how I’ve gone this long without discovering this place. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and full of personality—it’s the kind of spot where the food is the experience. We kicked things off with cocktails, and somehow Ernesto knew I’m an amaretto sour girl. No menu needed, just vibes. Then we set sail with the shrimp and crab nachos—fresh, rich, and indulgent in the best way. And the flavor cruise just kept docking at new ports of deliciousness: Perfectly cooked tenderloin that melted in your mouth. Shrimp enchiladas with a buttery sauce that tied every element together like a well-rehearsed orchestra. Rachel Boone’s crab-stuffed fish? Flaky, flavorful, and absolutely divine. And can we talk about the tomato? It wasn’t just a garnish—it was cooked to a point where it became a side dish in its own right. Juicy, warm, slightly sweet, and so full of flavor it earned a seat at the main table. Then there was the avocado, draped like a green velvet garnish across the plate. Creamy, cool, and balancing every bite with buttery smoothness—it was like the first-class lounge of this flavor cruise. Ernesto was present and gracious the whole time—guiding us through the menu like the captain he is. Whether you're planning a date night, celebrating a win, or bringing your foodie fam along, Ernesto’s is the destination. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a curated journey of taste. And once you board this flavor cruise, you won’t want to disembark.

Mercy R.

Google
My husband and I ordered the shrimp enchiladas and Steak San Antonio, both perfectly executed and packed with flavor. What really stood out were the house-made specialty sauces—so many to choose from, each one unique and clearly crafted with care. We both cleaned our plates! We finished with a house-made dark chocolate mousse cake and cinnamon ice cream—rich, balanced, and the perfect end to the meal. To top it off we had a chance to meet the owner who is genuinely kind and passionate about the food. Honestly one of those meals you think “I could die happy now.” We can’t wait to bring our family and friends.

H Smith

Google
Amazing family owned restaurant. My parents have been coming here for over a decade, and when I have time, I'll tag along. The food never to disappoint, I always go woth whatever they suggest for dinner that night because they always seem to suggest the most amazing tasting with flavors perfectly matched together to give the meal a one of a kind taste. The service is top notch as you can't go wrong with any place that is run by owners who are actually there every day, work hard, and enjoy what they do.

Richard Hicks

Google
Most definitely worth a visit. This was my first time and I will certainly not be my last. I had stuffed snapper and shrimp(not sure the exact dish because I let Ernesto order for me). I also had the praline crapes and his coffee concoction with tequila in it and let me tell you, I know my way around fine dining and quality food and this is a hidden treasure. Superb service👌🏻 Oh yeah, the tortilla soup with on point. See y’all soon!

Daryl Sellers

Google
The best dining experience I've experienced in 61+ years. Our server, Esteban, was incredibly attentive to all of his customers. The Steak San Antonio was perfect. The sauces, made in-house, are amazing. We had 2 drinks (top shelf) before our meal and two of their special Irish coffees after (yum). We also had the crepes and cinnamon ice cream for desert. Before tax and tip the bill was about $160. Located in a strip mall, the location is unassuming. This is a hidden gem. NOTE: While they do have Mexican food on the menu, it is NOT a standard Mexican restaurant, but more about fine dining experience with steaks and seafood. We will become regulars at Ernesto's!

Ravioli

Google
The best food and best service, what more can you ask. I always order the special of the day and it never disappointed.

Juan Gustavo

Google
Food was amazing the flavor was 10/10 and the service at Ernestos makes you feel like home. Will definitely be coming here again
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Stephanie O.

Yelp
What a gem!! 5 We had a wonderful evening! I was pleasantly delighted by the meal I was served this evening. This intimate, locally owned establishment had a warm welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff. The food was well balanced with soft deep flavors combining Ernesto's smooth, savory signature sauces over perfect portions of meat and vegetables. I decided on the surf and turf special in a light buttery citrus sauce. It was fabulous! I didn't want to finish because then it would be gone. I had to try a desert after dinner was such a success and, oh am I glad I did. I ordered Ernesto's desert which this evening was a crepe in a delicate caramel sauce with fresh almond slivers garnish. We also tried the fresh cinnamon ice cream recommended by Chef. You can tell from the food, to the service, to the owner greeting the patron name, these owners care!! Definitely one of the most enjoyable meals I have has in a while!
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Linzy R.

Yelp
The quality of services from the second we walked in was top tier Ernesto himself treated us so kindly and went over all his specialties!! Every detail was on point the sauces the food was made to order making it a great food experience definitely recommend the atmosphere was nice soft music playing in the background, I had a sangria which was fantastic. If you like, top tier service you will love it here.
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Ray T.

Yelp
The food, the service along with the white table cloth ambience is old style fantastic! We love this place! All six of us got different specials and they were all excellent. The lunch menu is to doe for and it was not crowded. The wait staff is family and they are the best. Try this place and u will always go back. Thnx to the Ernesto's family and team. You are the best!
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Darlene R.

Yelp
OMG! This was so delicious! Have you ever heard of avocado butter sauce? Well I will never forget it it was soooo good! My steak was so tender I cut it with my fork! My husband had the shrimp and red fish stuffed with lobster and Veracruz sauce. Not one drop was left on his plate. The tres leches and flan were to die for. Please go, you won't regret it. Our bill was about $50 plus tip.

Mercy R.

Yelp
My husband and I ordered the shrimp enchiladas and Steak San Antonio, both perfectly executed and packed with flavor. What really stood out were the house-made specialty sauces--so many to choose from, each one unique and clearly crafted with care. We both cleaned our plates! We finished with a house-made dark chocolate mousse cake and cinnamon ice cream--rich, balanced, and the perfect end to the meal. To top it off we had a chance to meet the owner who is genuinely kind and passionate about the food. Honestly one of those meals you think "I could die happy now." We can't wait to bring our family and friends.
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Margaret R.

Yelp
Hadn't been in a couple year. I was glad to see the Resturant completely full. There is no finer service in any restaurant in San Antonio. I miss Ernesto but his sons do him proud. I've been a fan for over 40 years
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Billie M.

Yelp
OMG, we went to Ernesto's for dinner last night and were amazed by their service and seafood items. My husband had the red snapper with the Veracruz sauce. I had the simpler pollo con arroz soup. Finishing touch with an amazingly light desert crepe. The music playlist adds to a dinner club atmosphere. Ernesto was an impeccable host. They have carved a very unique niche in San Antonio! We have found our very special date night place!

Eleanor W.

Yelp
The food was delicious but the service was not that great. We ordered the soup and the salad for starters and never got them! They brought our entrees and then were like oh yeah sorry I forgot! We will make it up for your with dessert for free. Sorry but no! And to boot when we arrived we had to get up and get a menu as they never brought us one!
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Sam O.

Yelp
5-stars go to the kindest staff in the city's restaurant scene! They make you feel like family the moment you walk in, and their passion for sharing their specialty dishes and creating a great dining experience for guests is unmatched. The food, for us, was not quite the same level, but it was good. Maybe our expectations were too high based on all the reviews. Ceviche to start was tasty, but served on top of a pile of lettuce. We've never had ceviche served that way, but it created a nice illusion of a bigger portion of ceviche that was, in reality, fairly small. Shrimp and crab nachos were next, and they were just ok. The "lump" crab was a bunch of shreds and they were on the fishy side of flavor. DH ordered the special recommended by the owner- a chicken breast with a ground beef (picadillo) enchilada, and it included rice and beans. DH thought the enchilada was on the dry side and lacked flavor. He felt the chicken was also lacking seasoning even though it was covered in cheese or sauce or something. For me, the owner recommended a fish dish with "lump" crab (shreds again) and shrimp, rice, and veggies. The veggies were two small mushrooms and one skinned tomato that still had its hard core inside. Everything on the plate was covered in a buttery lemony sauce. The sauce was delicious, but I feel like covering EVERYTHING in sauce is like covering everything in ketchup. Some things, if they are truly good, should be able to shine on their own. Plating could definitely be better. The restaurant is super clean, even though there's an unusual smell to it when you walk in. Maybe it's a cleaner, maybe not, but it's definitely striking. Value for money... I don't really think it's there. We've had far better seafood and Mexican dishes at some of the city's best, but only our bill at Ernesto's was on par with those places. Again, 5-stars for the service, 3-stars for the food, so I averaged it out to 4 overall. We'll go back for the service but with more reasonable expectations for the food now that we experienced it for ourselves.
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Michael P.

Yelp
If you're looking for something unique and special, boy is this the place. I am one of these people that do not dine in chain, restaurants, or fast food, restaurants, Ernesto's is a cut above the rest. Fresh food from a scratch kitchen. No matter how many times I go to Ernesto's, the quality is the same, excellent, excellent, and excellent. Not only is the food delicious but also his fusion of French sauces with regional chilies makes for some of the best eats I have ever had. When I make such a sweeping statement, I'm including restaurants in New Orleans, Chicago, New York and other major cities in the mix. This is gourmet cooking at its finest.
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Janet K.

Yelp
In town for the first time. We found this amazing Mexican restaurant was hands down one of the best Mexican restaurant we have been to in a long time. We are from Las Vegas Nevada, where we have a lot of great chiefs. We will definitely be back. Both brothers were brilliant at their job! Family owned businessess two brothers are keeping it going. I love it!! The Kirks

Connor W.

Yelp
Ernesto's is not just a restaurant -- it's an experience. From the moment we walked in, the warm hospitality made us feel like we were guests in someone's home. I ordered the Steak San Antonio with a shrimp enchilada. The steak was perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, and packed with bold flavors. The shrimp enchilada was the perfect complement delicate savory. Top-notch service and food that delivers on every level. Ernesto's is a must-visit.
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Kevin M.

Yelp
We read great reviews about this restaurant, so we were excited to try it. Service was a bit slow, but the family was friendly who are the owners. My wife had the seafood special and we both loved it. I had the Acapulco Kabobs and it had zero seasoning. I asked about it and owner said they only use the sauce...seemed odd and I completely hated my meal, as well as the response from ownership to being another sauce. Maybe it was an off day for the kitchen
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LoLo G.

Yelp
Ernesto, the Owner, is a lovely person came to great use and tell us about the menu. They had the best mojito I've ever had with delicious queso and Ceviche. My friends had seafood dishes and ate every bite. The menu is unique and not the run of the mill Tex-Mex. A must try when in the area!
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Elizabeth R.

Yelp
I would probably give this place a better review, but for the fact that Ernesto Junior and Ernesto the third are very proud of the food they serve, but it did not live up to their hype. The fish was very tender, the butter sauce was very rich, but it did not match up to the description on the menu. One dish came with onions, tomatoes in the sauce, and there was plenty, the other one said it would come with olives, capers, onions... But there was only one caper and one slither of onion. The service was very, very good as the Co-owners were very attentive. The restaurant is in a strip mall with not a lot of ambience, but it is clean and they are definitely friendly there... but because the atmosphere is not the best, we're there for the food. The sauce that I had was not as described on the menu. The sauce that they served my husband was the exact same sauce, but with different ingredients thrown in at the last minute, so both dishes were precisely the same flavor. I thought it would have been better had the owner not said that we were in for an amazing experience that he would predict which kind of sauce we wanted and we should trust him... The presentation was great, but the flavor did not follow.
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Sara M.

Yelp
I don't know how I have never been to Ernesto's. It is close to my home, has been around for over 40 years, and has amazing food, so I'm surprised this was my first visit. I came here to meet friends and I am really glad I did. Ernesto's is a Mexican seafood place with a French twist. From the beginning, we knew this was a different place. The owner greeted us and gave us a summary of his menu and food. He was very charming, friendly and helpful. Service was equally outstanding. Although, we were a fairly large group, food, drinks and meals came out seamlessly. It was almost artistic to see the waitress take our bills, separately, I might add, and bring them back error free. And although we were almost ten at the table, there was no gratuity added, which we would have gladly accepted, given our number. I ordered the crabmeat and shrimp Veracruzana, which came with rice and a baked tomato. It was unbelievably good. Along with the French bread, which is baked at Ernesto's, the food was rich and tasty. Even the dessert was delicious. I can say, after sampling some of their cinnamon ice cream, that the sweet was as delicious as the savory. Prices for the seafood were not cheap. However, given the make and quality of the food, I felt prices were better than I thought they would be. What was surprising about Ernesto's was that it had some very affordable Mexican dishes, appetizers and soups, as well. The menu really encompasses a variety of prices. Ernesto's is a little spot off Jackson Keller, hidden amongst an outside mall of businesses, but now that I know where it is, I can say this will not be the last time I visit.
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Sue M.

Yelp
Everything is perfect - food, service & great memories of when Ernesto (the father) was alive. His son is doing a great job.
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Monica G.

Yelp
My first time here. It was slow (only a few tables) around 1230, which was nice. I had seen this restaurant a few times and was wondering if it was good so since I had an appointment in the area, I decided to go ahead and try it and I'm glad I did when I entered the restaurant owner Ernesto Jr greeted me and reviewed the menu and the history of the restaurant. He also pointed out all the special sauces they offered (makes me want to go back and try them all). I decided on the cod with a butter garlic sauce. It did not disappoint. It was cooked to perfection and the rice went so well with a cod. The rice seemed to have a slight buttery taste. It balanced out the meal. I had to sop up the butter sauce with the bread they brought out. It was so good. I'm glad I popped in for lunch and beat the crowd. It seems a bunch of regulars entered because it seemed he was familiar with the people coming in like they were repeat customers. I posted a picture of the menu which shows how affordable it is to eat here as well. I will definitely be back with friends.

J G.

Yelp
Delicious from beginning to end!!!! When entering Ernesto's, we were warmly greeted and felt the love in the food!!!! This is not your typical run of the mill Mexican food--you really need to try it to believe how tasty it is!!!! I cannot rave enough about my entire dining experience!!!!! Try it -- you will not be disappointed!!!!!
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Christina B.

Yelp
This is what my dad's favorite places, he always talks about. How delicious is how awesome Ernesto is. So he took the whole family out for a special celebratory dinner. It was everything he said it was. The food was amazing, delicious, and very fresh. Because it's a Fusion place, there was a choice, different seafood sauces that he makes specially there on the premises. And all the ingredients were wonderful and very very fresh. I think Service was also amazing. I swear my waiter was psychic, I was just about to finish my tea. I looked over my shoulder and he was standing there with the pitcher ready to refill it. I had the Mexican special, which was that was steak so tender almost didn't need knife topped with avocado sauce. It also came with an enchilada and you could get a choice of green chili with chicken, which is what my father got and he really enjoyed it and I got the shrimp enchilada, which was very very delicious. It was filled with shrimp. Came with rice and beans and the rice was really tasty. For dessert I had the freshly made crêpes that morning. They came with a splash of Lacour and caramel sauce. They were so tender and light. They literally melted on your tongue. Really enjoyed them. I would highly recommend you coming to this amazing restaurant. It's super cute and they have a very nice intimate restaurant.

Melanie M.

Yelp
This restaurant is tucked in the corner of a small shopping center and is run by two brothers, sons of the original owner. From the start they make you feel that it will be special dining experience, and it is! The wait is short before a delicious, freshly cooked meal is presented. The food is excellent. The service is quietly performed, as if they have already understood what is needed. it was truly a delightful dining experience. We will return often and recommend it highly.

Cynthia P.

Yelp
Excellent food! Amazing sauce on fish dish & on tenderloin dish. Tenderloin cut with butter knife. Cold avocado soup was delicious. The crepe dessert with cognac sauce was also amazing! The service by Ernesto & his staff is top notch. The Ernesto's coffee was also very good. The restaurant is a gem.

Yvonne S.

Yelp
Tried out this new spot today that was highly recommended by my family and used for a birthday dinner. The restaurant is quaint and very friendly. The food was amazingly fresh with great taste. The service was spectacular. Very friendly with great recommendations. I highly recommend visiting Ernesto's!!

Hal Z.

Yelp
Ernesto learned to make sauces in Paris and used his French chef skills to create seafood dishes from Mexico's Baja Peninsula. You must eat at this hidden and unpretentious gem before you die. These dishes have nothing to do with Tex Mex. I first tasted Ernesto's food about forty years ago at another location. It was astonishingly served on a Styrofoam plate and was the absolute best meal I could afford at the time.
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Victoria B.

Yelp
This family restaurant offers fine service, very fresh seafood and a varied menu. This charming restaurant is tucked into the corner of a small center conveniently located near 410. I love this place as much for the people as for the food. Please save room for dessert!

Brad E.

Yelp
Great service, delicious plates, and they were happy to push some tables together for our large party. Highly recommended.
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Patrick A.

Yelp
Most amazing and under rated restaurant in San Antonio. The service is the first note when you walk in the door. Ernesto Jr and Sergio are impeccable hosts. The food is absolutely incomparable in San Antonio. I always have the go to food which usually involves steak San Antonio with cold avacado soup. But, the entire menu is delectable. The sauces are out of this world and then finish dinner with an espresso.
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Mark Steven H.

Yelp
Ernesto's is over the top and a express train to flavor town! We had excellent customer service. Ernesto himself came out to greet us and made immediate recommendations. My friend was undecided so he asked her what her favorite fish and meat were. He said he was going to make her something special with her favorites. She was smiling ear to ear when he brought out an beautifully cooked tender NY strip with scallions. The whole table was delighted with our choices. We were entertained with great conversation and perfectly mixed drinks from the bar. After dinner we shared Flan and coffee and the nearly 3 hour meal was complete. Come and give your tastebuds a real treat!
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Brenda C.

Yelp
Was visiting a friend in San Antonio and asked her if there was somewhere we should check out, so we decided to give Ernesto's a try. We didn't have a wait, sat down and ordered margaritas (very good!), chips were brought out and we started perusing the menu. Ernesto's is Mexican with a heavy seafood influence. The owner, Ernesto, came out and after telling us about Ernesto's and the specials said "Let me choose dinner for you", so of course we did! We had an amazing dinner, starting with an appetizer, main course, dessert and then a Mexican coffee..would you believe we forgot to take pictures of dinner? it was that good!!! We did have a pic of dessert (a crepe drenched in caramel sauce with almonds), and the coffee... Can't say enough good things, the meal was wonderful and the service very attentive, we will be back!
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Alan R.

Yelp
I have dined at Ernesto's for years! Before infusion restaurants were popular, there was Ernesto's. An infusion of French and Mexican foods with their 9 Butter Sauces. Ernesto Jr. is usually there to greet you and explain his menu. I took a group of retired colleagues there for lunch. We started with an appetizer of Shrimp Tropicana. Must of us ordered the shrimp enchiladas. If you are not sure of which sauce you want, Ernesto will know. Try this restaurant that has served San Antonio for over 30 years. It is a San Antonio treasure and their food cannot be found anywhere else.
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Hiro C.

Yelp
Not all surprises are good, but this place is of the good type. When I arrived, I was greeted by the owner, Ernesto, himself. He was exuberant, friendly, and very helpful as I knew little of this place. His staff was the same. I felt like I was going to watch a play instead of a lunch. I had their tortilla soup which was unlike others I've had. It was a flavorful broth without being heavy. It also had some cheese like a French onion soup. Most noticeable was it was not over salted. My entree was a baked snapper with crab cream topping. The concept of Mexican and seafood rarely crosses my mind, but now I have an exceptional exception. The fish melted in my mouth...tender but not mushy. The cream sauce was perfectly balanced so with each bite was a dance of umami. The mark of an excellent chef is not to overwhelm the dish with salt or dairy. Every little ingredient seems to have a chance to show its talent. The fish was moist and I mixed it with the rice which I had drizzled some of the amazing proprietary salsa verde. The plate also included a couple of perfectly fried shrimp. It was a big lunch, but I did not feel bloated. The atmosphere is classy with some Muzak playing in the background. They also decorated the place with live plants which I like. Even with a blistering hot sun outside, the place looks and feels cool. It felt like I was in Europe.
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Brendan C.

Yelp
Exquisite food, elevated blend of Mexican and other flavors, and incredibly kind and personal service. A top notch dining experience.
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Didi M.

Yelp
It's ok. Very Nice people ...but talk too much about their history.. constantly .. food is ok.

Marc S.

Yelp
Great food. Great service. Reasonably priced. What a hidden gem. Will definitely return again

Emily H.

Yelp
Ernesto's is truly some of the best food my husband and I have ever had, but more importantly, the service was absolutely incredible. We went in by chance as it was close by an appointment we had and there were great reviews, and we are both so grateful that we did! I had the stuffed red snapper with green beans. That was some of the best seafood I've had and I'm from the Mississippi coast where seafood is top tier. When it came to the desserts, we had a hard time choosing, so Ernesto took it upon himself to surprise us and combine the two desserts we were torn between- a delicious praline crepe and homemade cinnamon ice cream topped with toasted almonds. This was the most phenomenal dessert I've ever tried. We felt extremely welcome, comforted, flattered, and left full and feeling incredibly special. It can get pricey, but it was well worth it and we will be back.
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Todd B.

Yelp
A great unreal experience. A hidden jewel Find this place. And you're welcome. I don't think you can go wrong on any of this. What a special family owned place
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Alicia D.

Yelp
Was told this place was the BEST of the BEST... 5 star experience! It was 5 star pricing with a 3 star quality. Brought a butter knife for a steak entree. Steak was over cooked. Wouldn't go back. Paid $252 before tip for 4 ppl!!! Never again!!!
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Ed R.

Yelp
So we drove by and found in a little retail strip a Mexican French fusion restaurant. There are no places like this in San Antonio, I have experienced this in Mexico City only. The difference is the sauce and the lighter touch on the staples( beans& rice). If you're looking for a colorful booze place with cheap eats this is Not your place. This experience is for a special occasion or that special someone, a celebration even. The meat is very tender and your choice of sauce will make the food a personal experience. The menu can be changed based on your preference so ask and you shall receive. The reviews on the staff are all true so no need to go over that. It's all excellent be prepared to be amazed and pleasured like never before. Ernesto's you are Amazing!!!!!

Liz F.

Yelp
The owner Ernesto, he made it great. The red snapper in sauce he created was superb. Lovely restaurant and ambience.
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Jessica L.

Yelp
I have to admit that I have been wanting to try this place for quite some time and decided Saturday night was the perfect opportunity. We walked in and were immediately greeted by staff (great first impression) . The lighting was dim but there were candles at each table really setting the mood for the environment of a relaxing dining experience. We were seated and provided with drink options (full bar). We had complimentary chips with green salsa and our waiter ESTEBAN was absolutely out of this world AMAZING . I am not sure where Esteban has worked in the past but I was blown away with his presentation and his ability to make you feel like you are the most important people in the world, he is wonderful! We were provided with the evening specials inclusive of the steak SanAntonio and we were then provided with menus to review. We decided to go with the steak SanAntonio and the other steak option on the specials for the evening. You can seriously cut into the steak with a butter knife!The steaks are tender and flavorful. We wrapped it up with a slice of chocolate cake drizzled in brandy (melts in your mouth...soooooo good!) I was truly impressed with Ernesto as he walked around greeting everyone really giving that personalized touch that is missing from most dining experiences these days...Ernesto was so polite and kind and he told us that we made the right choice by coming thru his doors tonight because he was going to make sure our dining experience was memorable. The food was outstanding from beginning to end! The flavors are unique and impressionable. The restaurant is perfect for a date night or any other reason you may have to eat great quality food with impeccable service. I haven't had a dining experience like this since I was in New York at a very expensive steak house so to say they are up there with with that level of service is a well deserved compliment. Trust me, get to this restaurant and enjoy every second, it is worth it!

Rosanna G.

Yelp
Amazing service and food. The seafood dishes were out of this world as well as the desserts. Well worth spending an evening at when you are looking for that special place for dinner. We came in this evening for my husband's birthday and were treated like old friends! Thank you Ernesto! We will be back!
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Ron D.

Yelp
What a great place. Food was excellent. Ambiance was excellent. Service was the best ever. Met Ernesto's son and grandson. Made us feel special. they were there when needed and not there when we wanted our privacy. It's mexican food with a nice twist specializing in seafood. you get to choose from several sauces that make it even better. drinks were very good too. just a special dining experience. We went there 10 years ago on our anniversary and again tonight for our anniversary. We need to go back again and not wait so long. If you try it you'll be impressed too.
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Tom K.

Yelp
Great Food & service Best in San Antonio & priced right. Loved the personal touch, makes you feel important.

Luis R.

Yelp
My friend and I decided to try Ernesto's Mexican Specialties Restaurant after he had seen a TV interview of the owner. Just as we walked in, Ernesto, the owner came to greet us and offered a table for us to dine in. Ernesto immediately made us feel like family mainly because that's his nature, and his nature was passed on to him by his father who was originally from Monterrey, MX. His father, we were told, used to work at St. Antony's in the downtown area, before opening his own restaurant. Ernesto explained his menu and made some suggestions for us and his suggestions were true to the letter. We both ordered the Steak San Antonio, a south of the border specialty with beef tenderloin with an avocado butter sauce. It was served with a shrimp enchilada, rice, and beans. It was delicious down to the last bite. Ernesto then suggested a desert he had just made called Crepes with a Cajeta & Cognac Brandy sauce and an added Mango Ice Cream dish. This was to die for as they say. Will we return? Of course we will! Oh, we both will recommend it to our friends and family.
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Catherine G.

Yelp
What a delightful experience my husband and I enjoyed at this family-run gem in the heart of San Antonio. The seafood plate we ordered was delicious- mostly because of the French-inspired sauces. It rivaled anything I can find in my Houston home - a mecca for restaurant dining in the South. Thank you, Ernesto and Ernesto III, for a wonderful experience! We will return.
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Paulina M.

Yelp
We used to be regulars at this place we love it even input I 5 star comment that today I'm deleting We went to Ernesto's and ask for some meat the meat was super dry (weird because they have always served great food) I thought to my self well some one can have a bad day But then the worst thing happened we ask for the check, we paid fyi they didn't give me change back or ask me if I needed it back I was not going to fight over 5 dlls but still, they need to ask if you need any change back it was more than 25%tip, after that, we saw a roach in the wall, omg I almost died (I'm so disgusted by them I can't) we call the owner told him, he just went kill it and not even an apology he didn't even say nothing to us wow I was shocked!!! He went running to great another costumer, He usually is a very nice guy but then all this? It's so sad to see good places go down the hill for me that was a terrible thing and I'm not going back, I'm sorry because we used to love it but after all of that in one day no thank you

Sofia G.

Yelp
We were excited to go there because of the good reviews spoke highly of the restaurant. We went for my sister's birthday but we were all disappointed. The food was horrible and the prices were ridiculous! They charged $7.95 for 10 stale chips and salsa! And the salsa was old and tasted more like vinegar. You could taste the old fried oil on the chips. It felt like we were eating yesterday's left overs. The tortilla soup does not have chicken and they charged for adding the chicken. The tortilla soup tasted nothing like real tortilla soup; it was just chicken caldo. The place was run down; it was not updated at all. It was extremely pricey for the food and was definitely not romantic or quaint.

Honest R.

Yelp
I had such high hopes for this restaurant and was sooo disappointed. First off, they use CAN REFRIED BEANS!!! Yuck! There tortillas were just off and tasted store bought. The chips smelled rancid!!!!! The queso appetizer was canned beans with old tasting chorizo on top, and then melted bag cheese. Worst appetizer of my life!!! The enchilada plate was ok, but were extremely mushy. On the enchiladas, the potato's were undercooked and everything was just slop. I put half of the enchiladas on a trash plate to make it look like I ate it. It was sooo bad. The chicken soup was so bland and bad. It was so quiet in the restaurant because you can tell people aren't coming back anymore. it has a very outdated feel to the atmosphere. I've never said this before, but if I could give it below one star, I would!!!
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Yvette S.

Yelp
The atmosphere was beautiful and relaxing. The food was absolutely delicious! The service was very personal and friendly. We will definitely go back!