Don Gabriel's
| Address: | 611 W Strasburg Rd West Chester, PA 19382 |
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| Phone: | (610) 431-3212 |
| Website: | Unknown |
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This amazing new gem is in an old Wa Wa building on Strasburg Rd (so I end up calling it the Chi-Wa-Wa) and has some of the best Mexican food you could ask for. It’s a BYO, CASH ONLY and very affordable. The staff is pleasant and the service is quick in this no-frills spot. A Mexican grocery store is also inside so if you don’t get your fill from the $2.00 tacos or the $5.00 burritos you can roam the isles and find some other yummy treats.
WC Dish Recommends: The pork tacos with cilantro, onion and pulled pork (make sure to ask for sour cream and add some of the house-made green salsa to make it taste extra delish) and a glass bottle of Mexican soda. Mmmm.
611 W Strasburg Rd
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 431-3212
25 Comments So Far
I tried this place out a few months ago, shortly after they opened.
At first I was a little worried when I saw the calling card signs and many signs in spanish. But after going into the restaurant part (on the right) everything was great. They serve REAL Mexican food, which was very tasty and quite different than the kind you might find at Taco Bell. I imagine it is also much better for you.
I thought they had very affordable prices and friendly service as well. Also you get a lot for your money.
While it doesn't look like much from either the outside or the inside, this is just about as authentic as it gets. Went there for lunch on Saturday and was surprised at how crowded it was. Service was very friendly. I tried the Pastor Burrito, which is a pulled-pork burrito in a spicy sauce with pineapples. I was very impressed.
Yes the tacos are fantastic, especially the al pastor and barbacoa. Chicken tinga is also really good. The tortas are excellent made with really nice bread.
This place is awesome! I tried the Shredded pork burrito w/o onions and tomatoes and it was delicious. They give you two small bowls of spicy sauces to put on your burritos as well. One seemed like a tomato based, while the other was creamy. The parking is tight and it doesn't look that nice from outside, but the food is well prepared and a good price.
They have an array of drinks to choose from such as mexican sodas and juices, but also have pepsi and coke.
Definitly going back next week!
I grew up in Oklahoma and love Mexican food. As noted above, the ambience is very basic but the food is killer! Finally a decent Mexican place in West Chester!
By the way, don't be afraid to try the items on the white board. The tamales are great, as are the fajitas and chile rellenos. One warning: the portions are enormous so dial it back a little. Also, the tamales and chile rellenos are somewhat more fiery than you might expect.
Enjoy!
Hands down the best mexican food in wc.
The pork tacos, guacamle and tamales are my favorites.
This is the best Mexican in West Chester. I was in this week and had a pork taco and a BBQ taco. Excellent taste with cilantro, onions, a tasty sauce and served on two hand made soft shells. You have to check this place out.
The BEST I've had in the DE/PA area. Gabriel is proud and he should be! The is the real deal. Try the barbacoa and the chiles rellenos! BRING CASH.
I called to ask if this was BYOB, and they said no. I'm not sure if they understood my question, so I'd still like to know this for sure.
You might be put off that Don Gabriels is the old site of the "ghetto wawa." You might also be discouraged when you walk in and notice the Mexican groceria and the lack of decor. But the staff, service and food at Don Gabriels is awesome!!! If you like Mexican and aren't interested in paying an arm and a leg for a great meal, this is the place to go. I suggest the barbequo burrito with hot sauce and a side of fresh guacamole.
And feel free to bring your own booze but don't be shocked if your drinking it form a styrafoam cup.
I've tried El Portal, Senora's and Coyote Crossing, and this is my favourite!
So far just one visit at lunchtime yesterday, and tried a couple of burritos and some guacamole with chips. The burritos were tasty, freshly prepared and good value ($5.50). Fresh guac was excellent. The chips were warm, but a little greasy.
Staff was friendly and helpful, both in the restaurant and grocery sections.
Decor is basic, but the place is clean, including the bathroom.
Will definitely return!
Ate lunch there today – authentic tacos and enchiladas and cheap – best Mexican food since the Mexican truck at the Beermill disappeared.
Ate here yesterday after reading reviews on this site , loved it had 3 tacos all amazing ….probably going back today
Hi, I often eat at this restaurant. It is as authentic as Mexican gets North of the border! The attached little supermarket selling Mexican groceries is surprisingly well stocked. The food is very good, the portions are hefty, and the family who owns it is always in the kitchen to give the place that extra touch with their warmth and kindness.
Don Gabriel's is awesome!
The food is authentic, homemade and always fresh…not to mention cheap!
What do they put in those red and green sauces? We're hooked!
Love Don Gabriel, especially the barbacoa. The tacos are always fresh, and the salsa verde is amazing. I always look forward to a great meal from there.
Don Gabriel's is very authentic and quite tasty. It's worth a visit for the side sauces alone.
I like being able to pick up a few Mexican groceries or pupusas at the same time.
They actually have a handful of vegetarian options, which is appreciated. I know I'll be back in the near future.
Just got food here last night after reading these reviews. This was the nastiest food I ever tried. The chicken looked like it was boiled and had absoluteley no seasoning. I have been eating at La Tolteca for the last 15 years and this place is not close. Actually even though not real mexican food, Taco Bell is way better! Actually for a little bit more, yo can get a kicka$$ burito at Chipotle, where they actually grill the chicken and the food has some flavor! Should have just dropped $15 in the can.
Inspired by the positive reviews, I went to Don Gabriel's for lunch on 6/23/09. Loved it. Had two tacos (carnitas and the shredded chicken) and a steak burrito. The tacos were simple and, although they don't look it, large. The carnitas was very tender and the chicken had a wonderful subtle spice to it. The side sauces only added to the flavors. Their red sauce has a nice heat to it – a little goes a long way. The green sauce is to die for. Great lime and cilantro taste that went well with what I had. The burrito wasn't outstanding, but definitely filling. Somewhat large, but aside from the steak filling was a bit bland. Would try something else in the future. I look forward to doing so.
My husband and I cannot recall ever having really authentic mexican food. With that said, my husband is a total foodie and he was flipping out after we had this lunch. It fulfills everything that we have read and heard about Mexican street food – think Anthony Bourdain. The tacos are incredible and since they are smaller and cheap you can order a variety. The Lengua (beef tongue) was incredible if you are a person who is not grossed out by the concept. The tamales had a bit too much of the dough for my liking but maybe that's how they are supposed to be. Also, BRING CASH and if you are not going eat there you may want to order ahead of time. As for the decor, who wants upscale mexican? Really?!
This is an excellent little spot for take-out or eat-in.
You have to pay cash.
The burritos are more expensive than the relatively cheap tacos or enchiladas, but you really get what you pay for – they are a MEAL!
Definately try the green salsa – it's tart and you'd think mild but deceptively spicy.
The staff there answer the phone in Spanish but do speak English and will work with you to make sure they get your order right.
The food is a great value for the money.
whys it gotta be the ghetto wawa, any spot in wc is prime real estateit dont gotta be sharpless st
Well, I went not expecting much of the decor. I went for the rave reviews on the food that left me wondering if it couldn't really too good to be true… IT WAS AWESOME! The gaucamole was my favorite, the green salsa is so good my son who is 7 wanted (started) to lick the bowl! The red was a little hot but tasty! And the meal was cheap, filling and finally as authentic as you are going to get unless you are standing in Mexico! We are so confident that we hired this place to cater the food for our child's elementary school Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. Definately going back for seconds!
We order from here all the time and it never disappoints. Love the tamale verde, barbacoa burritos, chili rellenos and the enchiladas. Real nice folks. The best mexican in WC. Blows the others away.
[...] kitchen along Chef Dave Young. But when he goes out, he wants authentic Mexican cuisine from Don Gabriel Restaurant (611 W. Strasburg Road, West Chester, 610-431-3212). His favorite dish? The beef tongue burrito, [...]
One of West Chester's best kept secrets. A culinary escape to Mexico without having to leave town. The food … delicious, real Mexican, superb quality. The decor is authentic Mexican … starkly minimal… nothing is make-believe. You'll want to return.