Old-school spot with refined Mexican fare, seafood, an array of signature sauces & a long wine list.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2559 Jackson Keller Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230
Phone: (210) 344-1248
Website: http://ernestosrestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: ernestosrestaurant.com
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Ernesto’s Gourmet Mexican Specialties
Ernesto’s gourmet Mexican specialities is a restaurant that serves fresh, from scratch gourmet Mexican & Seafood specialities. We make all of our food from …
Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties in San Antonio offers great dining …
I have been going to Ernesto’s since he opened the original restaurant in the early 80’s. The stuffed shrimp was always my go to dish.
Ernesto’s – Updated 2026, Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio, TX
=Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties and Seafood is an old-school restaurant known for its sophisticated cooking and its 9 unique signature sauces.
Reviews
Diane C
I was hoping I would be coming here to write a much different review. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe the reviews are misleading. Or maybe they overpromise and under deliver. I am going with the latter because that perfectly sums up my experience.
We were greeted warmly, the service was kind and attentive, and the restaurant was clean. Nothing too fancy but warm and inviting. The owner waited on us. When we mentioned it was our first time visiting, his eyes lit up. His passion for the family restaurant and the food they served was evident in his enthusiastic descriptions of the menu items. He gushed about the uniqueness of their dishes, filling our imaginations with descriptions of rich, robust, titillating sauces that were sure to wow our taste buds. He talked about Spanish and French influences and had us drooling with anticipation. He even offered to choose a specialty sauce on our behalf.
Insert record scratch here….
This is where the experience takes a hard left.
Ughhh…this is hard to write because I was truly so excited to try this place. We were celebrating a friend’s special event, and I thought it would be a feast to remember. It was, but not in a good way.
We started with nachos that were underwhelming. They were okay. Nothing spectacular. Pretty much the same nachos you would find at any mediocre Mexican restaurant. I didn’t think much of it because they were nachos. I still had hope for the entrées.
Then the entrées came out. Portions were a bit on the smaller side, but hey, when you’re eating rich, decadent, flavorful sauces, you’re usually left feeling satiated. Well, this is where it went from mediocre nachos to flat out disappointment. I will say this, the food LOOKED delicious but…
This was some of the most lackluster, flavorless, bland food I have ever consumed. Okay, wait. I take that back. There was that time 27 years ago when I gave birth and was served hospital food. I digress.
Back to the food.
The sauce was there. I could see it. I could feel it. But I couldn’t TASTE it at all. Fine. I thought, let me bite into a shrimp. Surely, the shrimp will wow me. Nope. Flavorless. It tasted boiled. I expected a decadent, rich, buttery flavor with garlic, herbs, and sea salt. Nada. Zilch. Nothing.
Okay, moving on to the beef tenderloin which Ernesto described as so tender it’s like butter. That was the fantasy. The reality? It was like sawing into a big chunk of wood with a dull butter knife. I’m fairly certain I burned a good amount of calories just trying to saw off a bite. After all of that effort, I at least expected a burst of flavor! But again…nothing.
At this point my thoughts are spiraling. Am I in the right place? Where are the hidden cameras? Am I being punked? Surely Ashton Kutcher would jump out any second. But nope. No cameras. No Ashton. Just me, my husband and our friends with the tasteless food still sitting on my plate.
Read my previous reviews. I RARELY write anything negative. I believe that when we’re positive we attract positive experiences. All I attracted here was a high bill and low quality food. I have NEVER sent a plate of food back but I almost did last night. I didn’t because I didn’t want to taint my friend’s celebration. But after a few bites, I simply couldn’t continue. I was exhausted from the sawing and chewing and didn’t have the desire to keep trying.
It sounds dramatic. I know. Even as I write this, it sounds ridiculous. But unfortunately, I did not wake up from a bad dream. This actually happened. I ate 4 pieces of bread and wished I had eaten more of the nachos because I was hungry. You know when you’re really hungry food tastes better? Even my hunger couldn’t create the illusion of good, flavorful food.
Don’t waste your money.
Signed,
Still hungry. Still confused.
… moreWe were greeted warmly, the service was kind and attentive, and the restaurant was clean. Nothing too fancy but warm and inviting. The owner waited on us. When we mentioned it was our first time visiting, his eyes lit up. His passion for the family restaurant and the food they served was evident in his enthusiastic descriptions of the menu items. He gushed about the uniqueness of their dishes, filling our imaginations with descriptions of rich, robust, titillating sauces that were sure to wow our taste buds. He talked about Spanish and French influences and had us drooling with anticipation. He even offered to choose a specialty sauce on our behalf.
Insert record scratch here….
This is where the experience takes a hard left.
Ughhh…this is hard to write because I was truly so excited to try this place. We were celebrating a friend’s special event, and I thought it would be a feast to remember. It was, but not in a good way.
We started with nachos that were underwhelming. They were okay. Nothing spectacular. Pretty much the same nachos you would find at any mediocre Mexican restaurant. I didn’t think much of it because they were nachos. I still had hope for the entrées.
Then the entrées came out. Portions were a bit on the smaller side, but hey, when you’re eating rich, decadent, flavorful sauces, you’re usually left feeling satiated. Well, this is where it went from mediocre nachos to flat out disappointment. I will say this, the food LOOKED delicious but…
This was some of the most lackluster, flavorless, bland food I have ever consumed. Okay, wait. I take that back. There was that time 27 years ago when I gave birth and was served hospital food. I digress.
Back to the food.
The sauce was there. I could see it. I could feel it. But I couldn’t TASTE it at all. Fine. I thought, let me bite into a shrimp. Surely, the shrimp will wow me. Nope. Flavorless. It tasted boiled. I expected a decadent, rich, buttery flavor with garlic, herbs, and sea salt. Nada. Zilch. Nothing.
Okay, moving on to the beef tenderloin which Ernesto described as so tender it’s like butter. That was the fantasy. The reality? It was like sawing into a big chunk of wood with a dull butter knife. I’m fairly certain I burned a good amount of calories just trying to saw off a bite. After all of that effort, I at least expected a burst of flavor! But again…nothing.
At this point my thoughts are spiraling. Am I in the right place? Where are the hidden cameras? Am I being punked? Surely Ashton Kutcher would jump out any second. But nope. No cameras. No Ashton. Just me, my husband and our friends with the tasteless food still sitting on my plate.
Read my previous reviews. I RARELY write anything negative. I believe that when we’re positive we attract positive experiences. All I attracted here was a high bill and low quality food. I have NEVER sent a plate of food back but I almost did last night. I didn’t because I didn’t want to taint my friend’s celebration. But after a few bites, I simply couldn’t continue. I was exhausted from the sawing and chewing and didn’t have the desire to keep trying.
It sounds dramatic. I know. Even as I write this, it sounds ridiculous. But unfortunately, I did not wake up from a bad dream. This actually happened. I ate 4 pieces of bread and wished I had eaten more of the nachos because I was hungry. You know when you’re really hungry food tastes better? Even my hunger couldn’t create the illusion of good, flavorful food.
Don’t waste your money.
Signed,
Still hungry. Still confused.
Stephanie Owens, REALTOR
What a gem!! 5⭐️ We had a wonderful evening!
I was pleasantly delighted by the meal I was served this evening. This intimate, locally owned establishment is a must try. The food was well balanced with soft deep flavors combining Ernesto’s smooth, savory signature sauces over perfect portions of meat and vegetables.
For dinner, I decided on the surf and turf special in a light buttery citrus sauce. It was fabulous! I didn’t want to finish because then it would be gone.
I had to try a desert after dinner was such a success and, oh am I glad I did. I ordered Ernesto’s desert which this evening was a crepe in a delicate caramel sauce with fresh almond garnish. We also tried the fresh cinnamon ice cream recommended by Chef.
You can tell from the food, to the service, to the owner greeting the patrons by name, these owners care!! Definitely one of the most enjoyable meals I have has in a while!
… moreI was pleasantly delighted by the meal I was served this evening. This intimate, locally owned establishment is a must try. The food was well balanced with soft deep flavors combining Ernesto’s smooth, savory signature sauces over perfect portions of meat and vegetables.
For dinner, I decided on the surf and turf special in a light buttery citrus sauce. It was fabulous! I didn’t want to finish because then it would be gone.
I had to try a desert after dinner was such a success and, oh am I glad I did. I ordered Ernesto’s desert which this evening was a crepe in a delicate caramel sauce with fresh almond garnish. We also tried the fresh cinnamon ice cream recommended by Chef.
You can tell from the food, to the service, to the owner greeting the patrons by name, these owners care!! Definitely one of the most enjoyable meals I have has in a while!
Mary Martinez
I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Ernesto’s Gourmet Restaurant! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting — perfect for a relaxed dinner or a special night out. The food was incredible — every dish was rich with flavor and beautifully prepared. The house-made sauces were a highlight, adding depth and creativity to classic Mexican favorites. The portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully crafted. What really stood out was the personalized service — it felt like dining with family, and our server made excellent recommendations. If you’re looking for gourmet Mexican cuisine in San Antonio with a cozy vibe and delicious food, this place is a must-try! Don’t forget the cinnamon ice cream. We will be back!! Martinez Family
… moreTim Frantz
First time here. Why have we not heard of this place before? Exceptional service and food was outstanding. The place was packed with return customers. Recommend that you give them a try.
… moreEmily Wycpalek
Ernesto’s Mexican Specialties… ALL ABOARD THE FLAVOR CRUISE.
Y’all. This man told me he was psychic when it came to food—and let me tell you, he read my taste buds like a book.
I have no idea how I’ve gone this long without discovering this place. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and full of personality—it’s the kind of spot where the food is the experience.
We kicked things off with cocktails, and somehow Ernesto knew I’m an amaretto sour girl. No menu needed, just vibes.
Then we set sail with the shrimp and crab nachos—fresh, rich, and indulgent in the best way. And the flavor cruise just kept docking at new ports of deliciousness:
Perfectly cooked tenderloin that melted in your mouth.
Shrimp enchiladas with a buttery sauce that tied every element together like a well-rehearsed orchestra.
Rachel Boone’s crab-stuffed fish? Flaky, flavorful, and absolutely divine.
And can we talk about the tomato? It wasn’t just a garnish—it was cooked to a point where it became a side dish in its own right. Juicy, warm, slightly sweet, and so full of flavor it earned a seat at the main table.
Then there was the avocado, draped like a green velvet garnish across the plate. Creamy, cool, and balancing every bite with buttery smoothness—it was like the first-class lounge of this flavor cruise.
Ernesto was present and gracious the whole time—guiding us through the menu like the captain he is. Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating a win, or bringing your foodie fam along, Ernesto’s is the destination.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a curated journey of taste. And once you board this flavor cruise, you won’t want to disembark.
… moreY’all. This man told me he was psychic when it came to food—and let me tell you, he read my taste buds like a book.
I have no idea how I’ve gone this long without discovering this place. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and full of personality—it’s the kind of spot where the food is the experience.
We kicked things off with cocktails, and somehow Ernesto knew I’m an amaretto sour girl. No menu needed, just vibes.
Then we set sail with the shrimp and crab nachos—fresh, rich, and indulgent in the best way. And the flavor cruise just kept docking at new ports of deliciousness:
Perfectly cooked tenderloin that melted in your mouth.
Shrimp enchiladas with a buttery sauce that tied every element together like a well-rehearsed orchestra.
Rachel Boone’s crab-stuffed fish? Flaky, flavorful, and absolutely divine.
And can we talk about the tomato? It wasn’t just a garnish—it was cooked to a point where it became a side dish in its own right. Juicy, warm, slightly sweet, and so full of flavor it earned a seat at the main table.
Then there was the avocado, draped like a green velvet garnish across the plate. Creamy, cool, and balancing every bite with buttery smoothness—it was like the first-class lounge of this flavor cruise.
Ernesto was present and gracious the whole time—guiding us through the menu like the captain he is. Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating a win, or bringing your foodie fam along, Ernesto’s is the destination.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a curated journey of taste. And once you board this flavor cruise, you won’t want to disembark.
H Smith
Amazing family owned restaurant. My parents have been coming here for over a decade, and when I have time, I’ll tag along. The food never to disappoint, I always go woth whatever they suggest for dinner that night because they always seem to suggest the most amazing tasting with flavors perfectly matched together to give the meal a one of a kind taste. The service is top notch as you can’t go wrong with any place that is run by owners who are actually there every day, work hard, and enjoy what they do.
… moreCarpet Cleaning by Beyer
Ernesto, the owner greeted us and was very polite. He even made a menu suggestion which ended up being absolutely wonderful. He made me and my coworker feel very much at home and serviced us shortly before closing with a smile on his face no complaints and much eagerness to impress us as customers. 10 out of 10 I will definitely come back.
… moredave davolt
Great experience at Ernesto’s!! We were greeted by Ernesto and he gave us the run down on the menu and the unique sauces they serve. The setup was first class and the food was like nothing I’ve tasted before. I would certainly return to try another dish.
… moreKelly Emmons
If there were 10 stars I would put it down! Greeted by Esteban with the warmest friendliest smile and the kindest words. Then the food was exceptional! The description of the menu was an experience. The sauces and the blend of Mexican and seafood is magical. Truly a dining experience. The rapport that is created just during the meal was unheard of. Can’t wait to come back.
… moreShar D
***READ 1 & 2 STAR REVIEWS ABOUT “OFF MENU” ITEMS & SKIP THE SHRIMP ENCHILADS***
We were unfortunate enough to be bamboozled by an overwhelming amount of 5-star reviews for this restaurant and paid the price (literally – a surprising $60+ dollars on top of our bill). Came with a party of 6. The restaurant was mostly empty – there were only about 5 other tables. We were immediately greeted by Ernesto – he comes off as exorbitantly welcoming and kind. He says he is the chef/owner and has this spiel about how he guarantees we will come back again, that they won best shrimp enchiladas in town and best fried oysters according to Bon Appetit magazine. He says he can make any modifications to the menu and wants to make sure we are comfortable. Drinks came out really fast – the alcoholic beverages were pretty weak but we didn’t mind BECAUSE ERNESTO WAS SO NICE.
We decide to get the $17 famous fried oysters as an appetizer. When we convey this choice to Ernesto, he claps his hands together and declares, “My friends! If you love seafood, I would love to share something special with you.” Again – we accredited this to him being super friendly and said yes. We each were served one fried oyster and an interesting seafood crepe (see photo 1) as an appetizer. I say interesting because he uses vanilla in the sauce so it was kind of sweet but doused in so much cheese you can’t quite make out what you are actually eating. It was okay – the fried oyster was not that great but we were still excited about entrees. I’m pretty sure the Bon Appetit accreditation was either from the 90’s or they are confusing themselves with another Ernesto’s Restaurant.
Photo 2: Steak San Antonio with a shrimp enchilada $26
Photo 3: Crabmeat & Shrimp Veracruz $26
Photo 4: Breast of Chicken $16
Do you see that steak? It’s so thin it curls and the texture was mushy. It was weird. The crabmeat dish was okay and I think it’s because the capers managed to balance out the overwhelming creaminess. I like creamy – but it was so much that after 5 min of eating, everything was soggy. Chicken was dry but probably the most decent meal. Okay – so 3 people at our table got the shrimp enchiladas. They were DISGUSTING. The shrimp was obviously old. One could really get that old flavor in and out of bites. We were extremely disappointed in the food.
Then we got the check. Very kind Ernesto had turned our $17 oysters into a $75 appetizer! For 6 crepes & oysters! We were stunned! We mistakenly took his kindness as sincerity. It put a bad taste in our mouths (even more so than the food) that this man had the audacity to call my grandpa his “family” but secretly offered us an add on that would have fed another 3 people. Will never come back again and for those of you who experience the same thing only to fall back on 1 & 2 star reviews after the fact, I feel for you.
… moreWe were unfortunate enough to be bamboozled by an overwhelming amount of 5-star reviews for this restaurant and paid the price (literally – a surprising $60+ dollars on top of our bill). Came with a party of 6. The restaurant was mostly empty – there were only about 5 other tables. We were immediately greeted by Ernesto – he comes off as exorbitantly welcoming and kind. He says he is the chef/owner and has this spiel about how he guarantees we will come back again, that they won best shrimp enchiladas in town and best fried oysters according to Bon Appetit magazine. He says he can make any modifications to the menu and wants to make sure we are comfortable. Drinks came out really fast – the alcoholic beverages were pretty weak but we didn’t mind BECAUSE ERNESTO WAS SO NICE.
We decide to get the $17 famous fried oysters as an appetizer. When we convey this choice to Ernesto, he claps his hands together and declares, “My friends! If you love seafood, I would love to share something special with you.” Again – we accredited this to him being super friendly and said yes. We each were served one fried oyster and an interesting seafood crepe (see photo 1) as an appetizer. I say interesting because he uses vanilla in the sauce so it was kind of sweet but doused in so much cheese you can’t quite make out what you are actually eating. It was okay – the fried oyster was not that great but we were still excited about entrees. I’m pretty sure the Bon Appetit accreditation was either from the 90’s or they are confusing themselves with another Ernesto’s Restaurant.
Photo 2: Steak San Antonio with a shrimp enchilada $26
Photo 3: Crabmeat & Shrimp Veracruz $26
Photo 4: Breast of Chicken $16
Do you see that steak? It’s so thin it curls and the texture was mushy. It was weird. The crabmeat dish was okay and I think it’s because the capers managed to balance out the overwhelming creaminess. I like creamy – but it was so much that after 5 min of eating, everything was soggy. Chicken was dry but probably the most decent meal. Okay – so 3 people at our table got the shrimp enchiladas. They were DISGUSTING. The shrimp was obviously old. One could really get that old flavor in and out of bites. We were extremely disappointed in the food.
Then we got the check. Very kind Ernesto had turned our $17 oysters into a $75 appetizer! For 6 crepes & oysters! We were stunned! We mistakenly took his kindness as sincerity. It put a bad taste in our mouths (even more so than the food) that this man had the audacity to call my grandpa his “family” but secretly offered us an add on that would have fed another 3 people. Will never come back again and for those of you who experience the same thing only to fall back on 1 & 2 star reviews after the fact, I feel for you.