I've been going since 1974. Have ordered the same meal all these years, the #7 or "Ladies' special." This would be the last meal I would ask for if I was ever on death row. However, they are not... More

I've been going since 1974. Have ordered the same meal all these years, the #7 or "Ladies' special." This would be the last meal I would ask for if I was ever on death row. However, they are not the best place for grilled meats. Therefore, get your fajita fix someplace else. Any special event in my family, college graduation, somebody bought a new car, we went to La Jacala. It's simple, a true "greasy spoon" type of place, nothing fancy, don't have to get dressed up, but if you do, it's ok. Sometimes the wait staff doesn't live up to the reputation; if you go often enough, you'll notice that they don't last long. Pros: City's Best Puffy Tacos Cons: Occasionally a Bad Waiter will Get Hired
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The experience was embarassing, awkward and humiliating to me and the lady I was with. When I complained the waitperson went to get the manager but the manager never showed up. The food was highly... More

The experience was embarassing, awkward and humiliating to me and the lady I was with. When I complained the waitperson went to get the manager but the manager never showed up. The food was highly salted to the point that it was inedible and unhealthy. My companion also ordered some sides that at first were not served with the entree and when asked for them were served in rude and sultry manner. I paid for my food and I cannot express how glad I was to get out of that restaurant. Pros: Nice environment Cons: Bad service, rude servers, bad food, bad management
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This was our first visit to Jacala. My boyfriend and I came to SA for the weekend and stayed on the River Walk. By the time Sunday came we were tired of the commercialized restaurants and blah... More

This was our first visit to Jacala. My boyfriend and I came to SA for the weekend and stayed on the River Walk. By the time Sunday came we were tired of the commercialized restaurants and blah food on the River Walk. As a person who loves to cook and has a deep appreciation for food, I was impressed with everything at Jacala. We were seated immediately and drink orders taken right away (Sangria and House margarita). We ordered the Mole Chicken and the Jacala plate but not before tasting the mole sauce as suggested. The mole sauce ranks on my top five list and the chicken was falling off the bone. The cheese enchilada with carne, puffy taco, and queso were quite tasty. I am not normally a fan of refried beans but wrapped up in one of their homemade corn tortillas with some salsa they were perfect. We liked the flour tortillas so much we asked for some to-go! Our service was spot on. We didn't have to ask for anything and our chips, salsa, and drinks were always full. I can already tell you I will be craving the chicken mole and the tortillas, so we'll definitely be back! Thanks to the Jacala family for a great dining experience. Pros: Food, Sangria, Waitstaff Cons: My tummy isn't big enough!
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My favorite there is the #3 dinner platter. It's almost more than I can handle, but I do my best. It's a great bargain and there's nothing in San Antonio any better!!! I wish I could get there... More

My favorite there is the #3 dinner platter. It's almost more than I can handle, but I do my best. It's a great bargain and there's nothing in San Antonio any better!!! I wish I could get there more often.
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I read the reviews posted and could not believe some people did not like the Green Enchiladas. It is a required taste, but I have to have them at least once/week. I have been eating there for... More

I read the reviews posted and could not believe some people did not like the Green Enchiladas. It is a required taste, but I have to have them at least once/week. I have been eating there for over 30 years and come in from Bulverde just for the Green Enchiladas! My wife loves the cheese enchiladas with the # 4B. I can't get that cheese anywhere else and I 've tried lots of Mexican restaurants. It is busy sometimes, but it is authentic and "old San Antonio". If I ever have a problem, they are ready to fix it. Try not to sit by the kitchen doors, just like any other restaurant. When you look around, you realize most of those people have been eating there for years because they usually know what they want. It has to be great to survive that many years! Pros: Great cheese enchiladas Cons: Ask for a "good waiter"
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I have never had Mexican food this bad. I am new to San Antonio and I was expecting to get great Mexican food here. This place is not it. I chose this place because I wanted to try a puffy taco &... More

I have never had Mexican food this bad. I am new to San Antonio and I was expecting to get great Mexican food here. This place is not it. I chose this place because I wanted to try a puffy taco & the description on CitySearch was appealing. We were seated right away but the Customer Service was not impressive. They were not rude, but not welcoming or friendly at all. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with green sauce & an order of puffy tacos. The chicken enchiladas were not edible. The green sauce was very sour, even bitter. The puffy tacos were a disappointment as well. I was looking forward to the fresh tortillas but was surprised when I opened the warmer to find corn tortillas. The corn tortillas had an odd smell as well. My son ordered chicken enchiladas with chile & was also disappointed. I informed the waiter that I did not like my food & he offered to bring me another plate...of the same dish. I explained that I did not like the taste of the sauce & the taste would not change with the next dish. He apologized but never offered to replace it with another dish or comp my dinner. I have never been to a restaurant that made me pay for a meal that I could not eat before. Not good business; I won't be back. Pros: Low prices Cons: You get what you pay for...YUCK.
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Tried it for the first time after reading the reviews to form my own opinion. Family loved it. We found it moderately priced and extremely tasty and family oriented. Best kept secret in San... More

Tried it for the first time after reading the reviews to form my own opinion. Family loved it. We found it moderately priced and extremely tasty and family oriented. Best kept secret in San Antonio! Ask for the flour tortillas because they won't bring them unless you ask. Try the platter! Best deal. Pros: Great food Cons: Ask for flour tortillas if you want them
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Maybe far for some people, but totally worth it. Enchiladas the bomb. Puffy tacos the bomb. 2 of J's Margaritas and you are bombed. I have been eating at this place since I was a kid. I have been... More

Maybe far for some people, but totally worth it. Enchiladas the bomb. Puffy tacos the bomb. 2 of J's Margaritas and you are bombed. I have been eating at this place since I was a kid. I have been to the finest restaurants in San Antonio, and this is definitely in my top five. I love Jacala! Pros: Food Cons: Loud
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I have been a patron of Jacala Mexican Restaurant since I was 15 years old. I now have children and grandchildren who also patronize the business when they visit. In fact, it's the first place they... More

I have been a patron of Jacala Mexican Restaurant since I was 15 years old. I now have children and grandchildren who also patronize the business when they visit. In fact, it's the first place they stop when in San Antonio. The "ladies" (all 3 of them) who own and operate the business are very hands on and care very deeply about their customers and the quality of the products they serve. The staff has always been friendly, accomodating and have always gone the extra mile to make our dining experience a pleasurable one. The prices are very reasonable and Mmmm, the Margaritas are some of the best I've ever had! The enchiladas and puffy tacos are also the absolute best in my view. Keep up the great work "ladies". It has served you very well over the last 50 years and the food has been as consistently good as your committment to the business and to your loyal customers!!! Pros: Great Service and prices Cons: There are none.
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I have been eating at Jacala since I was 15 years old...nearly 35 years and the food has remained constant in quality and quantity. The flour tortillas are made fresh daily and served piping hot.... More

I have been eating at Jacala since I was 15 years old...nearly 35 years and the food has remained constant in quality and quantity. The flour tortillas are made fresh daily and served piping hot. The puffy tacos are some of the best in San Antonio and while they are small and delicate, you'll never leave Jacala hungry. My family lives out of state but a trip home would not be the same without at least one dinner at Jacala and sometimes two! Great food ladies...keep up the tradition!! Pros: Very Good Service and Food Cons: None
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