Ernie’s Restaurant

Reviews

• John E.

  star star star star star 12 June 2026

  I was pretty well assured that I'd be meeting my mates GM& DM at this excellent eatery for an outstanding brekkie before pedaling onto magnificent Mexico. Arriving here by (09:00) in time for their usual Saturday meal; they were nowhere about, but I was instantly recognized and greeted as "Juanito!".  After ordering huevos rancheros, filling up on icewater & coffee, I claimed a large table for all of us and parked myself there, ready to hail them upon their entrance. It wasn't a long wait when they came through the door and I waved them over. They joined me after ordered their own sustaining meals; all of us shaking hands as only  "real men" will, though there was plenty of mixed company & families present. That, of course, is always the sign of a quality eatery--lots of very satisfied, repeat customers, plus a few newbies learning about one of the finest eateries anywhere. It appears chaotic to the untrained eye, but the rhythm is quickly understood: order one of the established dishes from the wall, pay the cashier (always leave a decent tip, either on the receipt from any of the major cards or on the table), collect a large plastic tumbler, silverware from a tray, move to the soda/ice dispenser and/or the always full Farmer's coffee pots, then find a small or large table.    
  
  All of the food is freshly prepared, with waiters walking amidst the tables, holding the steaming plates, calling out the ordered dishes while the purchaser signals ownership. Of course, once I've got a place to eat the delicious chow, I make my way to a mobile buffet cart to fill up on tostadas, cukes, salsas, peppers, and other assorted condiments. The only thing I'd do to improve it would be to have larger paper trays as I repeatedly fill up the minuscule ones. But, then, should larger trays be available, I'd probably take all the chips, leaving none for the multitudes of other customers wanting them to enhance their own meal...!    
  
  Who's going to blame me, though? After all, I did arrive on my Doublevision, intentionally fasting for what I knew was going to be an lovely, satisfying brunch. This fine eatery gets my "Wheel of Approval!" It is well worth going into a more-industrial area (hence it's address is on INDUSTRIAL street, two blocks West of Hawkins, two blocks South of I-10, and the older Cielo Vista/new Fountains malls. Just tell them "Juanito" sent you!

• Paul E.

  star star star star_border star_border 30 May 2026

  What can I say about good ol' Ernie's other than it's one of those whole in the wall places that you would never expect to be anything but man does it satisfy the tummy!  The place is your classic Mexican food cafe style spot and your guaranteed a great tasting and authentic meal.  No tomatoes in your salsa here, pure chile and spices to put that palate on fire!
  
  They offer up the classics for breakfast and lunch...you know burritos, quevos a la mexicana, chorizo, tortas, enchiladas, menudo...you get the picture but their one secret, that I have yet to identify why, that keeps me coming back is their pancakes.  Yes, you read that right PANCAKES!  The wifey is actually the one that brought me here because she was craving them once and man, every time we are in the area during the AM we like to stop here for pancakes.
  
  The service leaves something to be desired, the atmosphere is...well...hole in the wall quality so don't expect much, OH and for sure take change or use a credit card because I'm convinced the cashier, who also happens to be the owner/manager I think, has a scheme running where she says she never has the exact change so she always shorting me on the dollar X-(
  
  Overall, 3 stars for awesome food, no tomatoes in the chile, and great buttermilk pancakes that I crave about once a month.  See you next month Ernie!

• Heriberto G.

  star star star star star 23 May 2026

  Ernie's has been around for a very long time. Most of the blue-collar clientele comes from the surrounding warehouse district. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. The food is fresh and the salsa bar is well-stocked with your favorite condiments. The tortillas are large hand made and service is prompt. I think this cafe is a hidden gem within the warehouse district. It is family operated and owned. I think the best times to go there would be around lunch time during the week. I saw many folks happily eating their lunch and also order their famous burritos as take out. The daily special includes a drink and a small caldo de res. To be honest, I could have made a meal with the caldo de res alone! You won't regret eating here.

• Neyraiditititai M.

  star star star star star 21 May 2026

  Good food. Only complaint is that the food doesn't come out at the same time. That's not necessarily a bad thing since u can pick at each other's food. I love the chicken tacos. The food's basically like my moms home cooking; into it

• Jessica B.

  star star star star star 18 May 2026

  If you have time for breakfast do yourself a favor and stop in to this place! Very fast so if you are tight on time you don't need to mention it because they are on it! The homemade tortillas separate these breakfast burritos from the rest! Delicious hash browns too if you enjoy a crisper hash brown!