Ernesto's

Mexican restaurant · Washington

Ernesto's

Mexican restaurant · Washington

1

1607 Heritage Hills Dr, Washington, MO 63090

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Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
Ernesto's by null
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Ernesto's by null
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Highlights

Authentic Mexican fare, exceptional margaritas, friendly staff  

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1607 Heritage Hills Dr, Washington, MO 63090 Get directions

ernestoswashmo.com
@ernestoswashmo

$10–20 · Menu

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1607 Heritage Hills Dr, Washington, MO 63090 Get directions

+1 636 239 2239
ernestoswashmo.com
@ernestoswashmo

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 1, 2025

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The Best Restaurant Meals of 2023, According to Eater Editors | Eater

"A compact Lower East Side Basque spot that excels at bar snacks and shared plates: perfectly fried croquetas de jamon with creamy bechamel, a heaping paleta Ibérico served over house-made potato chips that create an addictive textural pairing, and a bacalao en salsa verde with clams and artichokes bathed in a garlicky parsley white-wine sauce that makes each bite vividly briny and satisfying." - Eater Staff

https://www.eater.com/24007027/best-restaurant-meals-2023
View Postcard for Ernesto's

RM21

Google
Ernesto’s Mexico Restaurant was a fantastic surprise! Tucked away in a shopping plaza just off the main road. The food was absolutely delicious, with fresh flavors and great portion sizes. You can tell they put care into every dish. Even after what looked like a busy rush, the service was still quick, friendly, and efficient. The staff was attentive and genuinely welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. It’s rare to find a place with both excellent food and top-notch service, but Ernesto’s nailed it. Next time you pass, though, be sure to give this place a try.

Jacqueline Ward

Google
Always a great experience. Friendly staff, reasonable prices and huge servings... For me I have leftovers for a couple of days. My daughter's work crew goes here routinely and a couple of groups that I belong to choose to come because they are such a great group of people

KatC

Google
First time trying this tucked away Mexican restaurant. It is truly tucked away in the corner of a plaza but once inside is really large! The atmosphere is truly like the local Mexican spots, cute with bright colors and interesting things to check out. The food was served up quick and hot! We were surprised at how quickly the food came to our table.

Audrey Slatton

Google
Server was inattentive. Had to wait 15 minutes just to get her attention to send this “fajita quesadilla” back to the kitchen. Soggy tortilla, 1/4 cup of grease on it, meat that didn’t even taste like steak. When it was sent back, we weren’t offered any resolution. Just an “oh ok, sorry about that”. Didn’t even ask if I wanted anything else. Will not be returning back here. I would rather eat at Taco Bell.

Jim Noack

Google
I went here on a Saturday afternoon around 4:30. It wasn't crowded what so ever. Ordered a regular large Margarita, it was average. I ordered deluxe fajitas for 2 even though it was only me, and the spinach mushroom cheese dip. I came here to specifically do this review, and also, I was recommended to eat here by a coworker. Honestly, everything was very average and so was the service. The dip wasn't thick enough, it was a runny mess, although the fresh spinach they used in it was good. The fajita portions were satisfactory so, I brought allot home. The flavor though wasn't the best. It tasted slightly burnt and salty. Ashley, my server was friendly enough, although when I was ordering I felt rushed. I was brought one napkin, no water, and I had to ask for a spoon to successfully create my fajitas. She was on point in bringing me my extra containers and prepacking some of my extra food before I finished. Over all the whole experience was very average. The bill was $50, again not terrible, but not great. More than likely I won't return here to eat.

Gemini Spirit

Google
Haven't been there in years, but it has definitely gone downhill, in my opinion. The food was lackluster, and the service was questionable. Plates had chunks missing out of them. The food was dry, but chips and salsa were good. I felt like the waitress didn't want to be there, nor anyone to be there. Next time, we will definitely visit our favorites in Union! Wrong place, wrong time when hungry. Lesson learned.

Barbara Joy

Google
YUMMY!!!! Went for the first time last week on the recommendation from numerous folks! They have a lovely outdoor patio area they're indoor dining room is lovely. The food was great. I think this is going to be my new favorite Mexican restaurant in the area

Dan Nihiser

Google
Visiting from China, Ohio and Pittsburgh PA team building meeting. 7 Margaritas, and spectacular service with every menu item. Fantastic experience for over 10 people.

Marty C.

Yelp
Absolutely excellent- absolutely authentic By far the best Mexican restaurant in Franklin County.
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Chelsie C.

Yelp
Friendly staff with amazing service. The food is always delicious - and you definitely want to order the bean queso dip! It's such a cute little spot too, with fun decor and convenient location
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Aaron M.

Yelp
Best Mexican restaurant in Franklin county I'd say. Wish I lived closer to it. All the ones in union are very sub par compared.
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Jammie S.

Yelp
We stayed in Augusta and ran over to have lunch at Ernesto's. The food was great. Service was amazing. Very good experience.

Marcella S.

Yelp
We called a day before and said we would have 22 people. They said they would do their best to have tables available. When we came to the restaurant, they said it would be 20 minutes before they had the tables ready. When we came back in 20 minutes, they had given out tables away. I asked what happened, and they said they don't take reservations on weekends, but I told them we just had to wait 20 minutes. I guy just said he gave the tables to someone else and now our wait would be 50 minutes. Very pour service!!!!!! Will not be going there again!!!!

Steven C.

Yelp
Very unaccommodating for a lagged group and manager was rude. Food was cold definitely better places to eat.

Mark K.

Yelp
Waited 30 minutes as they asked and then they gave away our table! What great service. Don't bother to call ahead...they don't care!
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Warren W.

Yelp
Ernesto's is comfortable. The staff is friendly and responsive. They serve a very good Margarita and pretty good fajitas. The problem with the fajitas are the tortillas! A fresh, supple tortilla won't crack and leak its contents in your lap. Fajitas that don't make it to your lips are wasted and these are good fajita fixins. Fresh tortillas will make this a 4 star review location.

Jeff B.

Yelp
For Mexican food I would rate this below average. The have taken their product as to be main streamed. This is no longer a quality Mexican food product. Their is No freshness to the product. The beans are running and quality is low. It seems like he is targeting a customer base that doesn't understand true Mexican food qualities such as freshness, spice, and bold flavors. Nothing at this location is authentic. But around the corner at his market you can find these things at his Mexican market.

Ben A.

Yelp
Told us that have a table in 20 minutes. Came back in 20 minutes and they had given the table away. Very poor customer service. I'm sure with this attitude, their food is no better!
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Ashley L.

Yelp
So I want to start off with this place didn't know how to make a margarita. We asked to have a top shelf margarita made with Cabo wabo. The waitress told us they wasn't possible that all the margaritas were premixed. I had to add lime juice to the margarita and the guacamole to make it edible. Everything tasted so bland, there was no flavor no spice. Almost like they didn't care what was being presented to the customers. I'm not sure how this place has 4.5 stars but honestly it should not.

Jaree H.

Yelp
Stopped here while traveling. Outstanding food and service. Loved the choir-queso!! Food was delicious!
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Laura B. R.

Yelp
My last couple of visits have been a little disappointing. On a recent visit, l ordered the spinach enchiladas. The spinach was fresh, but way too salty and l love salt. The salad that is kind of a garnish on the plate consisted of rusty iceberg and one anemic tomato slice with the brown stem end left on. As a former waiter, that would not have passed my visual inspection. The women's restroom is in need of repair. There are yellow water stains on the ceiling tiles. The latch on the stall is missing a knob, making it tricky to lock. The hook on the back of the door is missing so there is no place to hang your purse. These are all cheap and easy fixes. Lastly, the a/c vent we were seated under was really loud. It was a relief when it shut off.

Erin M.

Yelp
The food was genuinely good but when I got a plate of rice there was a bug in it. So that ruined my first experience with Ernestos and I can say I completely lost my appetite afterward.
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Karen G.

Yelp
Love the food and dining out with friends, but don't buy alcoholic drinks at this place-prices skyrocketed after COVID.
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Rick D.

Yelp
Food isn't bad. Typical Mexican which isn't necessarily a bad thing. We wanted a booth and they were less than enthused to accommodate us so we left and went to another local Mexican restaurant.
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Lindsay M.

Yelp
Great food and service! Ernestos has always been a excellent choice for Mexican food in the Washington area. Their transition to online ordering and delivery has been exceptional! Mexican take out can be hit or miss but Ernestos has been fresh, delicious, and prompt every time. Not to mention their margaritas are A+ and the staff go above and beyond to serve their customers. Ernesto supports the local community in many ways and is an absolute gem to Washington!

Kay B.

Yelp
Really impressed, speedy service, friendly and good food! There was a good selection of choices, and the salsa was on point. The waiter kept our drinks full as well.
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Rhiannon C.

Yelp
We drove thirty minutes to eat here and we were not disappointed! The waitress was really good and kept our drinks and chips filled the whole time. We all ordered the fajitas and they were delicious! The only complaint that I have is that they need a better system when they have customers waiting to be seated! Other than that, everything was perfect!
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David P.

Yelp
Great burrito colorado. Recommended from a coworker, worth the 30 minute drive from Truesdale.

Matt A.

Yelp
Ernesto's is that hometown Mexican joint that has something for everybody. The location is kind around the back but it seems to work. They have the classic Mexican dishes that the area restaurants have. The servers are very friendly and always welcome to help you pick a dish. The fajitas are my normal default at Ernesto's, give 'em a try!
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Derek V.

Yelp
Ernesto's is a gem. I always have a great time eating here. The interior is pretty amazing. You have to see for yourself. The food is sooo good. The main dishes are fantastic and always served with a smile. Ernesto is usually available to say hi. The sides like the rice are standard but that's hardly a knock. The entree will more than make up for it. MY place for Mex here in town.
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Curt D.

Yelp
Very good food, nice atmosphere, great people. Good selection of beers and assorted drinks. However, one big strike against them, and they should know better, they don't have Coke!

Kyle W.

Yelp
I will be honest.... I have never eaten here. But I have had the opportunity to get to know Ernesto! I know he spares no expense to bring the best Mexican Chefs to his restaurant. I know he is a character and you should ask to meet him. I also know he is a good man with a great restaurant that I have had 50+ people eat there and then rave about it! Ernesto is the man and you should eat here if you like to have fun.
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Jamie B.

Yelp
Really, really pleased with my first visit here! Ernesto's is tucked away in a shopping plaza where, unfortunately, many restaurants have come and gone. Pantara's Pizza, some Italian place I can't remember the name of, El Nopal (what I remember it as), and Three Margaritas have all called this spot home. I hope Ernesto's can fare better than its predecessors. Like many people, I have my one Mexican item I always order when eating Mexican food. Mine is chicken nachos. Theirs were quite good, and without an over abundance of soupy watery cheese at the bottom of the plate! If Jimmy Johns hadn't already coined it, Ernesto's slogan could be 'Freaky fast'. I realize we were there a little ahead of the normal dinner crowd, but our food came out so quickly; it was awesome. The service was great too. Our waiter was very friendly and eager to serve us. I am really looking forward to going back and am thankful to have a good Mexican restaurant in town.

Lexi W.

Yelp
good food but waited 30 mins for a messed up order so now i've waited about an hour. if you don't wanna wait don't come here.
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Abigail M.

Yelp
This is my favorite place to eat in Washington. The staff is always welcoming and friendly while still being quick and efficient. This is the place to go when friends come to town! Everything on their menu exceeds my expectations and their house margaritas are the best I've ever had. You will not be disappointed when you visit this WashMo staple!
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Rory R.

Yelp
Going back today for the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Carnitas and tequila with live music.

Sherri G.

Yelp
Disappointed is an understatement. 1/2 hour to get a drink after I had to ask for service. 1 1/2 hours from sitting down till food made it to the table. No greeting other then 3 baskets of chips being delivered in first 1/2 hour. Management does not know how to run a restaurant, seat people, manage time or know if their servers can handle the load. Management full of excuses. Spend your money where customers are appreciated and served
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Diana H.

Yelp
The food is so delicious and, better than that, the service is awesome! If you love your tamales nice and doughy, made the authentic way (with pork) and loaded up with delicious chili & beans on top then this is the place for you. Hubby had the sampler platter when we went back for another visit yesterday evening and there wasn't a thing on the plate that wasn't delicious. As good as the food is though, we were exceptionally pleased with the service on both our visits. Very friendly staff.
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Carol W.

Yelp
I went at lunch time and had excellent food and good service. They didn't rush me and the food portions were more than enough.
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Murdock H.

Yelp
Amazing Mexican food. The salsa is also great. Good staff, good service and the owner Ernesto is awesome.
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Amanda Z.

Yelp
The food here is mediocre at best. The beef in the enchiladas was dry and pretty tasteless. The steak in my fajitas was extremely tough. The drinks were expertly made and the only reason I am giving 2 stars.
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Lorrie G.

Yelp
Love, love, love Ernestos! The best food in town. I love the atmosphere and the staff. I used to always get the shrimp fajitas, but the staff has recommended other dishes for me and now I have a hard time deciding what to order. The nachos campachenos are probably my all-time favorite. Never had a bad meal there. Whenever anyone asks me to recommend a restaurant, I always recommend Ernestos. For the price, it can't be beat. The food is always fresh and perfectly cooked. Never had a bad meal there, ever. The margaritas are not watered down, made just right with the right combination of margarita mix and tequila. And again, I cannot say enough about the staff. They are always in good spirit and the mood is relaxed and comfortable. Now that I have gone on and on about them, I think I will head there tonight!