It has been a busy couple of months so I have not had a chance to explore much, but last month while at South Padre Island for an art walk, we decided to have lunch nearby. Determined to have Mexican food, we drove around until we came upon a colorful sign advertising Doña Carmen’s Restaurant. It was odd because it was the first time we noticed this restaurant but decided to take a chance. Since then, Doña Carmen’s Restaurant opened a location in Los Fresnos and we recently had breakfast there. During our visit, they were only open until 4p.m. but we suggested they stay open later because like us, some people like to go out for dinner. I am so happy that now the Los Fresnos location is open until 9p.m. so we can go there for dinner one of these days after work.
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island
This location has a Doña Carmen life-sized cartoon cardboard cutout by the front door to greet guests. As soon as you enter, the welcoming sights and smells of a Mexican restaurant beckon you to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable dishes. I thought I was only going to have one or two options, being that I do not eat meat in all its forms and it is rare to have more than one option at restaurants. Much to my surprise, the menu is extensive and I had trouble deciding what to order. I opted for the Entomatadas. The plate consists of four, yes, four entomatadas, rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. The serving size is generous and the tomato sauce is made from scratch. The food tastes homemade, just as I had hoped. I ordered a jamaica flavored “agua fresca” and it comes served in a personal sized pitcher so it was much more than I could finish there. It is so delicious and thankfully I was able to take the rest of it to go. The hubbs went with the Bistek Ranchero, which also comes with rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. I cannot stress enough how impressed we are with the quality of the food. Everything is fresh and made to order. Our only complaint is that they charge extra ($1.99 each) for additional flour tortillas. Other than that, it was a lovely visit. The wait staff is efficient and friendly.
#4 – 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 484-2314
Business hours:
Open every day 7a.m. to 4p.m.
Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #5 – Los Fresnos
Saturday mornings call for breakfast on the go. We got there bright and early since they open at 7a.m. After we ordered our coffee, the server brought over a small bowl filled with animal crackers to complement the coffee. What an original idea! We finished those before our breakfast dishes arrived. I ordered the Chilaquiles Rojos with eggs topped with cheese and it comes with refried beans and lettuce and tomatoes, which is weird because it is breakfast. Again, the serving size is more than enough and the flavors are undeniably homemade. The hubbs had the Huevos Divorciados, over easy, and they come with a side of bacon, refried beans and fried tortilla bits topped with salsa and shredded cheese.
#5 – 407 W Ocean Blvd, Suite A
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 254-2402
Business hours:
Saturday 7a.m. to 3p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 9p.m.
Suffice it to say, we will definitely eat at Doña Carmen’s Restaurant again, whether at the South Padre location or the Los Fresnos one. The ambiance is friendly, the customer service is excellent and the food is authentic and tastes homemade, “just like grandma used to make.” The quality of the food is certainly not “fast food” grade and anyone looking for a hearty Mexican meal, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, will be in for a delightful treat. So stop by next time and treat your taste buds to a “fiesta,” or better yet, treat the family out for a fabulous meal. They will thank you for it.
Price range: $ – $$
SA Examiner 