CLOSED AGAIN Don Enrique's is back

The large Tex-Mex restaurant has reopened after a fire a couple of years ago. I've missed it. Enrique's was my favorite local Mexican food place until it changed names and became Amanda's. The same family that owns Henry's Diner in San Angelo ran Enrique's and is now running Don Enrique's. If you like Henry's, you will like Don Enrique's. The restaurant is located where Sayles Blvd. dead ends on Danville (access road to the freeway).  

We were seated quickly despite a full parking lot of vehicles. Service was good though our server seemed a bit distracted. He got back on track though.

Today at lunch I ordered the tres colores enchiladas, my son got the a crispy beef taco plate and my husband ordered beef fajitas. Fresh tortilla chips and salsa was brought to the table. The salsa gets hotter the more that you eat. Just the way I like it. For an up charge they will also bring out some white sauce.  It is a garlicy sour cream dip.  Kind of like Mexican aioli. Very tasty.

Tres colores enchiladas

My enchiladas were delicious; one cheese with green sauce, one beef with ranchero sauce and a white meat chicken enchilada with sour cream sauce. Served with cheese-covered refried beans, rice and a small lettuce and tomato salad on the plate. The beans were too salty today but everything else was enjoyable. Definitely plenty of food for me.

Taco plate

The taco plate only had two tacos.  I would have expected three. My son really liked the beans (he likes salty). I'm hoping it was just an off day. The beans used to be one of the reasons I liked to eat there.

Beef fajitas

The fajitas were brought out on the plate instead of on a hot skillet...demerit one.  The meat to vegetable proportion was off, 50/50 instead of more meat then vegetables...demerit two.  The tortillas weren't soft...demerit three. I did notice on the menu that the fajitas came with salad, rice, beans and a scoop of guacamole. No sour cream, no cheese. My husband was disappointed with the "fixins" and thought the pickle spear with his french dressing covered salad was a bit odd. He did like the flavor and quality of the meat but only had enough to make two fajitas. The guacamole was fresh and creamy.

 The food came out super fast. Most of it must be ready to go in the kitchen and only needs the final preparation. I'm sure we will make it one of our regular places, just not for fajitas. They are also known for their drink specials on weeknights. A good way to bring in business during the week is my guess.

There are many other options on the menu, so you don't have to eat Tex-Mex. They used to make a really good burger. Closed on Mondays.

Don Enrique's Restaurant & Cantina
4358 Sayles Boulevard  Abilene, TX 79605

(325) 232-8775 CLOSED DOWN--April 2014