Don Chuy’s had been in the neighborhood for a bit but somehow we had never managed to visit. I did, however, occasionally look at how many stars it received on Yelp and it somehow hovered around 3-3 1/2 stars so it didn’t seem like a priority. Tonight, however, was the exception. I wanted to try somewhere different which wasn’t far from home and not expensive but was savory and I had a hankering for some chips and salsa. I went on Yelp and looked for Mexican restaurant options and Don Chuy’s was the closest and the menu was reasonably priced so off we went.

I had read that they didn’t have a liquor license at the moment which didn’t matter because we lived 5 minutes away and we have our own stash at home. I didn’t think I would find parking in the small parking lot but lo and behold there were at least 3 available spaces when we arrived. We entered and saw the sign alerting customers of the lack of alcohol and inside the intimate but tastefully and traditionally designed restaurant we saw 2 TVs with the Dodgers game onscreen so we knew it had a casual but potentially fun vibe. We assumed the restaurant was nearly empty due to the lack of alcohol which really was really a blessing for us because the service was top notch. Our waitress was fantastic. I was torn between the carne asada, ribs and the fish and she immediately recommended the ribs which is apparently quite popular. My husband ordered the “orijinal burrito” with chicken which was massive and contained tender pieces of chicken with rice and a dollop of sauce with melted cheese. My ribs were fantastically tender, fall of the bone meat, with a rich, savory, dense red seasoned but not overly spiced sauce that blended in perfectly with the rice and the refried beans with ooey gooey cheese melted on top. As this was our first visit, our server mentioned that the restaurant was family owned and most days and nights, the husband and wife would ordinarily be milling about or behind the counter making sure everything was in order but Fridays are their nights off. No matter. The food and service were impeccable and I am so incredibly happy to have found a place so close to home that will eventually become my second home.

Thanks Don Chuy’s for your fantastic food and fantastic service!!

Don Chuy’s Restaurant

11800 Jefferson Blvd

Culver, CA 90230

http://donchuysrestaurant.com