El Don Cocina and Cantina

El Don Cocina and Cantina reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. D

   Damaris

   San Francisco1 review

   1.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Made a reservation with open table to have brunch with the girls. The reservation was for 5/4/2025 at 1:30 we arrived a couple minutes early let the host know we where there and she said give me a moment and left. She was gone for like 15min when she returned she proceeded to again ask if we had a reservation and said that if we didn't they weren't taking walk ins. the restaurant closes at 2pm for brunch. How do they have reservations available if they close at 2 ? 2nd we waited 20 min after our reservation and was still not seated. we ended up leaving and going elsewhere.
   

   El Don Cocina and CantinaResponded 1 day ago

   Hi Damaris, We’re sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations and appreciate you bringing it to our attention. You deserved prompt seating and clear communication, and we regret the frustration caused. We’ve addressed this with our team and implemented changes to ensure smoother service, especially toward the end of brunch hours. We truly hope you’ll consider giving us another chance to provide the full El Don experience you were looking forward to. — El Don Cocina & Cantina
   

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2. M

   M

   San Francisco3 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Didn’t even get seated. Waited over an hour, eventually just left. Had no soap in the restroom, when told about it the soap was not refilled the entire time we were waiting. Unsure of cleanliness as the front staff member told us the manager went out to get soap because they had none. Was looking forward to dining here with my sisters and it just didn’t happen.
   

   El Don Cocina and CantinaResponded 1 day ago

   Hi M, We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate you sharing this feedback. Waiting that long and encountering restroom issues is not the standard we aim to provide, and we completely understand your disappointment. We’ve addressed both the restroom stock issue and our seating process to ensure this doesn’t happen again. We truly hope you’ll consider giving us another chance to provide the welcoming and smooth experience you were expecting. — El Don Cocina & Cantina
   

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3. B

   BettyJayne

   San Francisco1 review

   1.0

   Dined on April 27, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   This was a very disappointing experience, especially as our first one was great. Reservations were made for party of 2 at 1pm, to celebrate a birthday. We arrived on time, but it looks like the restaurant was busy and couldn’t turn tables fast enough and is now overbooked with walk-in folks also in line. I asked multiple times if our reservation was still ok and if it will be ready soon - was finally seated at 1:45. But even then, we were seated at the bar - which usually is first come- first served. At one point, the manager who was trying to do damage control told the hostess of a reservation who is “now just like a walk-in”. The irony if that was our reservation. Then after already having placed an order of our food and drinks, we were told that a table had opened and if we would like to move. I suppose that was in effort to “fix” the reservation, but it just felt … disingenuous and honestly - we just want to have brunch. And then, our food. My partner ordered the breakfast chilaquiles… which came out cold. So we asked if it could be warmed. It’s came back and somehow, it became unbearably spicy (granted our spice tolerance isn’t as high as some, but when we first tried it, it was fine). The breakfast tacos I ordered were below average. It was so disappointing. If you can’t keep reservations, please take that option away. If you can’t turn tables fast enough, please consider a time limit for your customers.
   

   El Don Cocina and CantinaResponded 1 day ago

   Hi BettyJayne, We’re truly sorry to hear your recent visit didn’t meet expectations, especially after you previously had a great experience. We understand how frustrating delays and seating confusion can be, and we appreciate your honest feedback about both service flow and food quality. We’ve reviewed this situation with our team and are implementing stronger table management practices and clearer communication to avoid future issues. We hope you’ll consider visiting again so we can deliver the level of service you deserve. — El Don Cocina & Cantina
   

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4. A

   Angelica

   Sacramento1 review

   1.0

   Dined on April 27, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   Wait was very long even with a reservation. Service was not good, food was on the table for almost 10 minutes before we received silverware even after getting up to go ask for silverware. Long wait for drinks. Order was incorrect. Will not be returning.
   

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5. A

   Alicia

   Sacramento1 review

   2.0

   Dined on April 12, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Their advertising attracts you to stop by. Little surprised of how small it is so I think it’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time before it can get busy. Little disappointed on drink selection and the appearance of menu style. Requested a michelada (wasn’t on menu?) and it was in a small glass with not even left over beer given on side so not really worth the price.They don’t carry certain beers like corona. I think they should show a separate drink menu maybe with some pictures added so you can get an idea of drinks you want to try. Bonus points for having the prices included on everything.
   

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   El Don Cocina and CantinaResponded 1 day ago

   Hi Alicia, Thank you for visiting and for sharing your detailed feedback. We’re glad you appreciated the transparent pricing and your note about making reservations in advance. We’re sorry the drink experience didn’t meet your expectations—especially regarding the michelada and beer selection. We appreciate your suggestion about adding a more visual drink menu and are actively reviewing ways to enhance the bar experience. We hope you’ll consider stopping by again to see the improvements! — El Don Cocina & Cantina
   

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6. C

   Christina VIP

   San Francisco6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I went to an R&B brunch event at El Don. The food, music, service and vibes were on point! I got the churro pancakes and they were 10/10 a must try! Not too sweet which is was I was worried about at first it was perfect without the syrup.
   

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7. N

   Nicole

   Palm Springs1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service, and the food & drinks did not disappoint!
   

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8. M

   Michael

   Sacramento1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   the vibe of the restaurant is very relaxing. Recommending this to everyone I know
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Caribbean1 review

   1.0

   Dined on March 19, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   First of all sun was directly in our faces , nothing on the window to help with that . Appetizers came almost at the same time as main , drinks were half filled glasses . And they were already pre made drinks at that . Soda was flat . Food was mediocre not that great . My daughter ordered enchiladas and they came out as just chicken pieces on a plate we had to send back. Added gratuity was insane $170 for a $400 bill . We won’t be going there again . Also they promised to do a birthday celebration song for my father who turned 79 . No one ever came by table after we requested to do before we left .
   

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10. A

    Angelina

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Took my husband to El Don Cocina & Cantina and they did not disappoint! The food was next level and drinks were great. Definitely recommend.
    

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