Ernesto's Mexican Specialties

I was hoping I would be coming here to write a much different review. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe the reviews are misleading. Or maybe they overpromise and under deliver. I am going with the latter because that perfectly sums up my experience. We were greeted warmly, the service was kind and attentive, and the restaurant was clean. Nothing too fancy but warm and inviting. The owner waited on us. When we mentioned it was our first time visiting, his eyes lit up. His passion for the family restaurant and the food they served was evident in his enthusiastic descriptions of the menu items. He gushed about the uniqueness of their dishes, filling our imaginations with descriptions of rich, robust, titillating sauces that were sure to wow our taste buds. He talked about Spanish and French influences and had us drooling with anticipation. He even offered to choose a specialty sauce on our behalf. Insert record scratch here.... This is where the experience takes a hard left. Ughhh...this is hard to write because I was truly so excited to try this place. We were celebrating a friend's special event, and I thought it would be a feast to remember. It was, but not in a good way. We started with nachos that were underwhelming. They were okay. Nothing spectacular. Pretty much the same nachos you would find at any mediocre Mexican restaurant. I didn't think much of it because they were nachos. I still had hope for the entrées. Then the entrées came out. Portions were a bit on the smaller side, but hey, when you're eating rich, decadent, flavorful sauces, you're usually left feeling satiated. Well, this is where it went from mediocre nachos to flat out disappointment. I will say this, the food LOOKED delicious but... This was some of the most lackluster, flavorless, bland food I have ever consumed. Okay, wait. I take that back. There was that time 27 years ago when I gave birth and was served hospital food. I digress. Back to the food. The sauce was there. I could see it. I could feel it. But I couldn't TASTE it at all. Fine. I thought, let me bite into a shrimp. Surely, the shrimp will wow me. Nope. Flavorless. It tasted boiled. I expected a decadent, rich, buttery flavor with garlic, herbs, and sea salt. Nada. Zilch. Nothing. Okay, moving on to the beef tenderloin which Ernesto described as so tender it's like butter. That was the fantasy. The reality? It was like sawing into a big chunk of wood with a dull butter knife. I'm fairly certain I burned a good amount of calories just trying to saw off a bite. After all of that effort, I at least expected a burst of flavor! But again...nothing. At this point my thoughts are spiraling. Am I in the right place? Where are the hidden cameras? Am I being punked? Surely Ashton Kutcher would jump out any second. But nope. No cameras. No Ashton. Just me, my husband and our friends with the tasteless food still sitting on my plate. Read my previous reviews. I RARELY write anything negative. I believe that when we're positive we attract positive experiences. All I attracted here was a high bill and low quality food. I have NEVER sent a plate of food back but I almost did last night. I didn't because I didn't want to taint my friend's celebration. But after a few bites, I simply couldn't continue. I was exhausted from the sawing and chewing and didn't have the desire to keep trying. It sounds dramatic. I know. Even as I write this, it sounds ridiculous. But unfortunately, I did not wake up from a bad dream. This actually happened. I ate 4 pieces of bread and wished I had eaten more of the nachos because I was hungry. You know when you're really hungry food tastes better? Even my hunger couldn't create the illusion of good, flavorful food. Don't waste your money. Signed, Still hungry. Still confused.

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!

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.

First time here. Why have we not heard of this place before? Exceptional service and food was outstanding. The place was packed with return customers. Recommend that you give them a try.

Ernesto, the owner greeted us and was very polite. He even made a menu suggestion which ended up being absolutely wonderful. He made me and my coworker feel very much at home and serviced us shortly before closing with a smile on his face no complaints and much eagerness to impress us as customers. 10 out of 10 I will definitely come back.

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.

If there were 10 stars I would put it down! Greeted by Esteban with the warmest friendliest smile and the kindest words. Then the food was exceptional! The description of the menu was an experience. The sauces and the blend of Mexican and seafood is magical. Truly a dining experience. The rapport that is created just during the meal was unheard of. Can’t wait to come back.

Great experience at Ernesto's!! We were greeted by Ernesto and he gave us the run down on the menu and the unique sauces they serve. The setup was first class and the food was like nothing I've tasted before. I would certainly return to try another dish.

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.

The restaurant is small and cozy. The tables are covered with nice cloth tablecloths. I had the Red Snapper Veracruz dish. The fish was so moist and melted in my mouth. It did come with a couple of grilled shrimp. The shrimp were split open, and unfortunately, they were over- cooked. Our waiter was very professional and efficient. We do want to go back and try more of their seafood dishes.

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!

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.

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.

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!

All of the food was spectacular!! My wife's and friend's steak San Antonios were tender and flavorful and the accompanying enchilada was great!! I had the snapper special was just delicious with the Veracruz/garlic sauce, and the grilled shrimp was perfect. My daughter's chicken taquitos were also amazing. The only thing better than the food was the service. Ernesto seated and greeted us, accommodated a slight dietary request with a smile, and the waiter was a borderline white glove level server. Extremely attentive and kind. We are definitely adding Ernesto's to our regular rotation!! Thanks for a great evening!!

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

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!

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

A great place for a special occasion. A rare restaurant that you can carry on a conversation, listen to pleasant background music, have good and caring service, and have really good food.

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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!!!!!

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

This place was a real delight. Go here for the experience and good food is just an added bonus. We were surprised upon arriving and they did not start serving until 530pm on a Friday. Friends told us to go in and not worry too much about the menu but have a conversation with Ernesto. According to him it has been in business for 37 years. It is run by the son but formerly the father who was there enjoying himself and mingling with customers. There was live music from a long time friend of the owner. They sung, dance and enjoyed the experience. We did too. We completely trusted their recommendation. The food was really good. I would not call it amazing but the experience, company and pride they take in their product cant be matched. I had the Ernesto enchilada with the steak San Antonio. As an appetizer we had a crab crepe loaded with cheese and sabor. Experience and ambiance 5 stars Food was closer to 4. We will definitely return. The meal for the two of us which had two great meals, appetizers, music, tip and an experience was about $84. In my opinion it was money well spent for what we got in return.

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!!!

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

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

I first walked up and seen the sign also reads Ernesto Seafood Specialties and was like, 'Oh no'. I don't do seafood. I walked in and was greeted by Ernesto, and again I was like, 'What'd I get myself into?' Ernesto got me a beer and then a waiter got my order, not much on the menu that wasn't seafood. I ordered the steak San Antonio....WOW!! The food was amazing!! The steak cut without a knife and was so tender and delicious!! It comes with a green chicken enchilada, it too was really good! Don't let this little hole in the wall think you should keep going. The food was awesome and the service was too. Wasn't busy in there, but felt like I had the place to myself. Then Ernesto offered me their homemade Mango ice cream, I passed as I was full and not much of a mango guy. I would strongly recommend that you visit Ernesto!

We were unfortunate enough to be bamboozled by an overwhelming amount of 5-star reviews for this restaurant and paid the price (literally - a surprising $60+ dollars on top of our bill). Came with a party of 6. The restaurant was mostly empty - there were only about 5 other tables. We were immediately greeted by Ernesto - he comes off as exorbitantly welcoming and kind. He says he is the chef/owner and has this spiel about how he guarantees we will come back again, that they won best shrimp enchiladas in town and best fried oysters according to Bon Appetit magazine. He says he can make any modifications to the menu and wants to make sure we are comfortable. Drinks came out really fast - the alcoholic beverages were pretty weak but we didn't mind BECAUSE ERNESTO WAS SO DAMN NICE. We decide to get the $17 famous fried oysters as an appetizer. When we convey this choice to Ernesto, he claps his hands together and declares, "My friends! If you love seafood, I would love to share something special with you." Again - we accredited this to him being super friendly and said yes. We each were served one fried oyster and an interesting seafood crepe (see photo) as an appetizer. I say interesting because he uses vanilla in the sauce so it was kind of sweet but doused in so much cheese you can't quite make out what you are actually eating. It was okay - the fried oyster was not that great but we were still excited about entrees. I'm pretty sure the Bon Appetit accreditation was either from the 90's or they are confusing themselves with another Ernesto's Restaurant. Do you see that steak? It's so thin it curls and the texture was mushy. It was weird. The crabmeat dish was okay and I think it's because the capers managed to balance out the overwhelming creaminess. I like creamy - but it was so much that after 5 min of eating, everything was soggy. Chicken was dry but probably the most decent meal. Okay - so 3 people at our table got the shrimp enchiladas. They were gross. The shrimp was obviously old. One could really get that old flavor in and out of bites. We were extremely disappointed in the food. Then we got the check. Very kind Ernesto had turned our $17 oysters into a $75 appetizer! For 6 crepes & oysters! We were stunned! We mistakenly took his kindness as sincerity. It put a bad taste in our mouths (even more so than the food) that this man had the audacity to call my grandpa his "family" but secretly offered us an add on that would have fed another 3 people. Even without the appetizer charge, the food was way overpriced.