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Doña Cata Mexican Foods
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
5076 Victoria DriveVancouver, BC V5P 3V8
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage
(604) 436-2232
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 10 am - 10 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
47 reviews for Doña Cata Mexican Foods
Review Highlights
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"My mouth is watering just remembering the salsas." In 16 reviews -
"Mini vacation to Mexico." In 6 reviews -
"...they give you a plate of tortilla chips to sample all their..." In 3 reviews
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Ellen L.
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was a cold and hungry Friday night, and we turned away from 3 restaurants due to wait times. Dona Cata was the backup of a backup of a backup plan. Well, I'm glad we were almost forced to eat here, because I enjoyed my dinner here so much that Dona Cata will be going in my (personally) coveted Culinary Highlights 2012 list. That's saying a lot from someone who's not even a fan of Mexican food.
Apparently, their menu has changed. The Mole, which was recommended on Yelp, is no longer available. Otherwise, the selection consists of mostly tacos - big, medium, and DIY (i.e. the Preparados).
Wanting to sample a taco, I picked Al Pastor (pork loin) - $2. Pork was not the most tender or flavourful. But decent enough with some salsa. It certainly wasn't as memorable as La Taqueria's.
The highlight was the Chicken Quesadilla - $11. Full of white chicken meat and not overpowered by the cheese. That Guacamole was so delicious that we decided to order it take out for late night snacking.
Some extra words on the salsa bar: the Habanero is the most spicy - it made my taste buds dance in euphoria.
This was hands down the best Mexican meal I've ever had. I'll definitely be back. -
Review from geoff a.
2/13/2012
Such a cute little authentic Mexican restaurant.
I'm a big fan of the multiple selection of serve-yourself salsas, and can never resist sampling all the different tacos with a friend.
It seems that every time I go the also have a margarita special on (s2 for $8)
I'm a sucker for lime, but have been know to go for the mango.
¡Can you say Mango-rita! -
Review from Cyrus G.
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is some of the best authentic Mexican food I've had in the city. Yes, it's probably better than Las Margaritas... and you don't have to wait an hour for a table.
I ordered the Mole and I loved it. I also tried a few different dishes that friends ordered and it all tasted great.
The Jarritos drinks are awesome too -- try the Tamarind flavour!
Staff was friendly too... my only complain is they don't take Visa. -
Review from Sandy M.
Vancouver, BC
12/14/2011
From what I hear, the food here is great - but I've never actually had a chance to eat it.
First time I visited, I was solo: waited and wait at a sign that said, "Wait to be seated"; staff milled around; no recognition that I was standing there, no service, no nothing.
Eventually I left, feeling a little invisible.
The second time I went, I was with a friend. There was one hundred percent improvement in the service - we got seated!
Then ignored. No acknowledgement; not even a drinks order.
After ten minutes, we left
Across the street is Nancy Wonton, Lam Hoa Quan, and the Mayflower
Ten minutes away is Banditos.
Why bother?Comment from brenda c. of Doña Cata Mexican Foods 5/23/2012
yeah you were my back door neighbour always complaining… More » -
Review from N E.
Burnaby, BC
4/22/2012
Fabulous authentic Mexican food! Great prices, tacos from $2 and 2 margaritas for $8 specials. Full salsa bar from non spicy to raging hot. Servers who speak Spanish, a little Mexican grocery aisle and so many menu choices that I can eat here with no worries about my food allergies.
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Review from CC R.
Vancouver, BC
3/28/2012
One of my faves for local tacos. I'm told it's one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in town and it does remind me of some hole-in-the-wall type joints down in the States. Love the salsa bar! Prices are great. My only complaint is a lack of veggie and fish options, I'm surprised to read reviews claiming that the veggie options are good, they can do better, but given the authenticity, I'm not surprised. Would love to see some fish tacos on the menu!
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Review from Larry L.
This is so funny, another review I was certain I wrote back in the day, but maybe didn't... So why didn't I write about my favourite Mexican place in Vancouver on Victoria street?
Tortilla soup is good. You get a big big hearty bowl that you can share or eat all by yourself.
The taco's are still one of the premiere bestest and I love the chili bar where you can get different salsa's and chilis to put on your favourite Dona Cata dishes.
It's been awhile since I've been here, but the revist was all worth it.
I used to come here every week! Sometimes 4 times a week. -
Review from Sarah O.
10/18/2011
I feel like a dork when I give half stars but this place is 3.5
Dona Cata is a cute place in that they are going for atmosphere- where things are ragged and falling apart here and there.. I actually love that, as long as the food is clean. Lots of Mexicans dining here which is a plus, but the location is quite random. I get the whole, 'hole-in-the-wall' thing but walking up to the restaurant, I was attacked by too many intense "exotic" smells from the nearby stores. Anyway, that's not Dona's fault so let's move on.
The food was decent. I was craving Mexican for awhile now and pleasantly, I was taken here. The salsa bar was fun but the containers were so tiny, I must've gotten up 7 times to get this and that. Also the napkins were those cheap, one-time-use kinds.. little of what they were using screamed "environmental" or "efficient". That made me more sad than I like to admit.
We ordered a bunch of tacos, mole and horchata. Everything was pretty good but it was a bit on the greasy side, meaning, there were grease spots left on all the plates when we finished. The flavor of everything leaned more on the "authentic" side but it still has a little bit to go. Some things were better executed than others. My advice? Stick to the tacos and horchata. Those were winners.
With that being said, I'd come back here for more of their $2 tacos and $10 sangria pitchers. Prices are reasonable. $1 for 3 extra tortillas!
ps- they don't have forks here. if you ask for a fork, they will give you a spoon. -
Review from Grayce E.
9/15/2011 ROTD 10/19/2011
Mini vacation to Mexico?! I've actually never been to Mexico before, but upon entering this quaint little hole-in-the-wall, I instantly felt like I was transported to Mexico (maybe those Margaritas were stronger than I thought...).
I decided to go against typical menu items (tacos, burritos etc) and I tried cactus for the first time, Mole (Mexican chocolate with your chicken anyone?), and their skirt steak. I felt like I was having a traditional home-cooked Mexican meal; simple and very yummy.
Can' wait to go back.
Oh- I forgot to mention the salsa bar- 6 or so different salsas for you to test how hot you can go. How fun is that? -
Review from Mark H.
Updated - 8/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Dona Cata, I used to love you but then you were a b*tch to me so I have leave you forever.
You made it to ROTD this year. I brought different friends to eat your tacos and to drink your pitchers of sangria. Yet you managed to piss me off to no end where it was 100% YOUR FAULT.
Sure you were somewhat busy, but what transpired was a 1st for me. An extremely bad restaurant 1st.
It's not my fault that your staff can barely speak English. My gf ordered chicken quesadillas. What does she receive? 2 tortillas with just cheese inside, nothing else. WTF. The best part is when we complained to the server she gives us 'the look' like we meant to order the wrong thing.
Brother ordered chicken enchiladas and received an unidentified dish. Received same confrontational look from server. Oh ya, and we still hadn't gotten our Sangria after asking multiple times.
Unsatisfied with the situation, I bring my gf's wrong dish up to the assumed owner/manager. I complain. What's the correct response that 99.99% of restaurants would say? "I'm really sorry, let me fix this right away". What does the owner instead say to me? She essentially claims that I am throwing the food at her (absolute BS), that I am being abusive to her and basically f*ck off. All this while 3 of her servers give me 'the look' and claim we ordered the wrong items they brought us. WTF?!? She even had to nerve to demand that I apologize to her! Not once did anyone say sorry to us, not once!
And you'll like this. So we wait for the correct orders and what does my gf get back? 4 tortillas with just cheese inside! So they messed up twice and doubled the order!! Wow.. She finally got what she ordered but the side dishes didn't arrive until after she was done her quesadillas.
You may have $2 tacos but with the worst FAIL in service I've ever, ever had, I nor my friends will ever return.
P.S. - I didn't have exact change, I want my 5 cent tip back.Listed in: 1 Star 'Gems'
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/8/2010 ROTD 1/21/2011
Turned off by long lineups at nearby Sunday dim sum hotspots, we went Mexican and walked into this… Read more »
Comment from brenda c. of Doña Cata Mexican Foods 9/29/2011
i have lots of clients and i remember you very well for what… More » -
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Review from Shawn T.
Vancouver, BC
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Dona Cata is in my neighbourhood and has decent food, and more importantly a liquor license! The food is a little greasy, so that's why it's 3 stars. I'll definitely go back, though!
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Review from Hilda L.
8/2/2011
Pitchers of sangria for $10.50!! One of the cheapest I've seen around town (please edumacate me if you know of other places). The pitcher is not very big - BUT they do not fill 3/4 of it with ice like other establishments do. This is enough to make me come back. If only I lived closer.
I was going to end the review here, but their tacos are delicious and only $2 a pop that it's worth mentioning. Love the Longaniza (cured pork ground sausage with chili and spices); would skip the Pollo (chicken) as it was quite dry.
Food: 4*
Ambiance: 2*
Service: 3*
Value: 5* -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
6/12/2011 2 photos
* Decent tacos for Vancouver *
This spot specializes in stewed meat tacos.
I ordered the barbacoa, carnitas and bistek tacos. On the plus side, they do grill the tortillas a bit before applying the stewed meats so they are nice and warm. The meats themselves were ok, but a bit under-seasoned and tough. Of the three the barbacoa was the most flavourful and most tender. All were topped with the typical onions and cilantro, and a salsa counter was available if you got up and walked over to season your tacos. The salsas were a bit on the mild side, perhaps for local tastes. Overall at $2 a pop these were decent, but nothing I would rush back for. Photos: http://www.yelp.ca/biz... and http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Honestly, in Vancouver, I still think Don Guacamole's are the best (Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...). -
Review from Veronica D.
Vancouver, BC
8/24/2011
Went here for a veg meet up, where they made a bunch of dishes all vegan for us. It was nice, otherwise I think the menu is a little small of vegan options. Lots of meat and cheese, but nice that they are aware of dietary choices.
I appreciate that everything here is homemade and different than typical fast food tex mex like you get everywhere else.
I liked the cactus taco. They were out of corn smut so we did not get to try it and was pretty disappointing.
They made us a zucchini soup that was pretty bland and uninteresting, I'm not sure if that's on the regular menu though.
The chips and guacamole were good and the refried beans and rice were ok.
If you like more traditional Mexican food you will probably like this place. -
Review from Yvonne F.
Vancouver, BC
2/21/2011
We've wanted to try this place for a while now, and finally got the chance to go with some friends. It was 8pm Saturday night, pretty packed, but there were 2 or 3 tables free with no signs that they were reserved. I guess, it was obvious to me anyway, that we'd be seated pretty quickly. One should never assume.
So, as indicated by the signage, we waited to be seated....and waited, and waited.
It's weird though, because when you walk in, there is a salsa counter with numerous staff around the area. You'd kinda expect one of them to at least look you in the eye, or smile or something, but after 10 minutes, we didn't even get acknowledged.
So...we left.
I give them one star because the food looked good, and there was live entertainment. Otherwise, pretty deplorable. I mean, crappy service is at least better than no service, right?
Disappointed. -
Review from Tracy P.
Vancouver, BC
2/21/2011
Came here with some friends, looking to take in some authentic, hole-in the wall Mexican.
Small place, very busy, eclectically decorated.
I wish my review much more thorough. Unfortunately, we didn't get past the "Please wait to be seated" sign.
You walk in the front door, and the first thing you see is the salsa bar, cashier and open door to the kitchen. There's staff swimming everywhere.
You'd think, with that many staff, in such a small establishment, and a group of 4 waiting for a good 10 minutes, that someone would at least have the courtesy to at least acknowledge us with a nod, a smile, ANYTHING.
I guess with great Mexican food, comes great lack of responsibility.
From where we stood, it smelled and looked very delicious. -
Review from Lucinda C.
Vancouver, BC
1/4/2011
$2 tacos, $2 tacos, $2 tacos!!!!
Where would you find huge $2 tacos served daily?? I've been to original Joe's for $2 tacos but they only serve it 1 certain day of the week as their weekly specials!
I have still yet to take my friends here to eat. One day! -
Review from Gagan D.
Vancouver, BC
Let me start with the bottom-line to save you some taco eating time. If you like authentic tacos, not that crunchy stuff you buy in yellow boxes in grocery stores, you owe yourself a visit to Dona Cata.
The most Scrumptious, delectable, and just downright finger licking, slurpy good fun between two small taco shells lives in this little hole in the wall. You get to walk over and help yourself to a choice of 10 salsas. I'll admit that I am not a huge HOT fan, so I was not bold enough to try the diabolo salsa, but the Chipotle salsa was just enough kick for me. All the tacos we tried, we liked, and my fav was the Longaniza, very flavorful! At $2 a pop, the tacos are well-priced, we had 3 each and were nicely full.
On the negatives, the view is not amazing, it's Victoria drive in it's jumbly blandness. And the margaritas ($8 for 2) are not huge, and actually quite small. Also they don't accept credit cards, so debit/cash is the way to go.
But let me end with the bottomline: You like taco? Go here, muy rápido!Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Doug G.
8/5/2010 3 Check-ins Here
One of our stand-bys for great tacos.
As most reviewers have already commented, the service is not good. Slowly, but surely you will be served.
Look up from your table towards the kitchen, and you will see a counter with several bowls -- all of them filled with tasty, some quite hot, home made salsas. Pico de gallo, Chipotle salsa, salsa verde and Peanut salsa were some of the options available last time we visited. When your tacos arrive at your table, just take them up to the counter and load up with your favorite salsas (if you don't like hot spices, you may want to check first to see which are less piquante)
Doña Cata has a full menu, but from my experience, really their strength are tacos. All the other meals we have tried here are good, but you will certainly find better elsewhere. Go for the tacos, they are really excellent.Listed in: Eating Mexican in Vancouver
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Review from Zee K.
Vancouver, BC
4/15/2011
Easy parking, food is good, service, as mentioned in plenty of reviews was really not great. In addition, our bill was wrong and it took us about ten minutes just to complete the payment process. Fifty bucks for my friend and I with only one beverage, so not particularly cheap, unless you get the tacos on cheap night.
Not amazing, but definitely real Mexican. Cheap tacos and margaritas. Really good salsa selection. Will return, but only when I'm prepared to spend money or only have tacos and margaritas. -
Review from Marcos M.
Vancouver, BC
2/15/2012
One of my favourite mex. restaurants! This place has amazing salsas. Staff are friendly. Decoration is "ok", but the prices are affordable
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Review from Peter S.
8/27/2009
Most authentic Tacos in Vancouver!
I totally agree with Geoff G's take on Dona Cata. The service is a bit slack but they are super busy, so you can't blame them for little hiccups.
My sisters fiance was born and raised in Mexico and regularly drives here from the burbs when he wants real tacos.
I absolutely loved them. I had 8. The pork and chorizo ones were my favorites. And the salsas are deadly. FYI, the Matcha Salsa (a deep green colour) is frikkin hot. Like volcano bum hot.
I will be back the next time I need a taco fix and yummy Mexican sodas (the apple one is the best!).Listed in: Pig Out, Spicy Vancouver, Mexican
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Review from Geoff G.
Vancouver, BC
3/25/2009
My wife's latin-American on her mother's side, so Mexican food goes down very well with her. As a result, when we want to dine on a budget she'll often suggest "The Taco Place" - Dona Cata.
Although the restaurant just moved into a larger location it's still quite small, so get there early if you want a seat! The Mexican food is very "legit" - You're not going to find mexi-fries, "chimichangas" and hard-shell tacos at Dona Cata. What you will find is delicous inexpensive soft tacos, served fast, with fantastic salsas. On the weekends, you can have a giant skirt steak dinner for $12.
The only minor glitch might be the service - The staff is always really busy, and sometimes they forget the odd request, such as another serving of chips, your glass of water or that second beer. But hey, it's a little piece of Mexico on Victoria drive, so why worry? -
Review from Paola C.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2009
I have really mixed feelings about this place and I see that I am not the only one.
I agree with the other yelpers, the service there is definately SLACK.. not very good at all.
In terms of authentic, somewhat. However, I AM NOT IMPRESSED, the tacos are not freshly made like the ones in Mexico. They keep the "already made meats" in a pot to keep them heated. This is definately not the way it should be done. Not to mention the fact that almost each time I've been there, my stomach hurt afterwards. The taste is alright, most of the times I've been there I was reaaaallly hungry, so this might be a biast opnion.
I used to go to this place before La taqueria opened.. Now I just go there, it's closer to home and has better quality -
Review from Lawrence F.
11/8/2009 1 photo
Hmm...mixed reviews here but a respected foodie friend of mine swore by it, so I paid a visit today.
First off, about the service. I was told to wait--for ten minutes--even though half the room was empty (and there's only eight tables). In the meantime I watched the four overwhelmed waitresses and a couple expediters frantically trying to get the food out (which they did), but someone in charge or a little training could do wonders.
But I wasn't upset. The simple family feel of the place, the sparse yet appropriate decor, and the choice of menu items got my hopes up. And, by the way, the food arrived pretty darn quick after ordering. Staff redeemed.
The small complimentary paper plate of tortilla chips didn't faze me either, since there were about ten--yes, ten--different salsas lined up at the counter to top those chips.
The waitress, now more composed, was very helpful, making suggestions and explaining the dishes. I didn't stop her--how could she possibly know this Asian guy has spoken Spanish since his teens? Or that my goofy grin was from anticipation of eating, not inappropriate flirtation?
We wish we could have ordered everything, but decided on the chicken mole, and an assortment of tacos. Beverage of choice: horchata. Along with the usual suspects, there were braised lamb tacos, pork sausage tacos, and even nopales (cactus paddle) tacos. And nary a burrito in sight. This should be a strong hint as to the caliber of this place.
We were not disappointed, and can't wait to go back, possibly with more people, and with reservations. Must try some of the specials, also the alambres! -
Review from Richard D.
Vancouver, BC
5/1/2009
I was surprised at the lack of flavour in the food. I could taste something, but it was barely there. Maybe they're expecting customers to pour salsa on the food, but I prefer my food to have enough flavour before I add anything to it.
On the other hand, there was no shortage of flavour in the horchata. In fact, there was too much -- the cinnamon was overpowering. And to top it off, there was an inch of sediment at the bottom, which was kinda gross (and is something I've never encountered with horchata anywhere else).
The service was acceptable. Not unfriendly, not friendly, not pleasant -- just acceptable. -
Review from Daniella F.
Vancouver, BC
8/16/2011
Really fantastic and authentic Mexican food. You can tell that the salsa is fresh and made with love. The corn tortillas are made to perfection on a hotplate. Very vegetarian friendly, and you can even get dishes with "nopalitos"! Delicious!
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Review from Dani B.
5/22/2009
Pretty authentic for Mexican food in Vancouver. Don't expect North American cuisine here, they do it up right. They only have one option for vegetarians (yummy cactus) which is normal for authentic taqueria's. They have many (over 10) homeade salsas that range in flavor and spice, but all are really good.
If you are craving something close to good Mexican food in Vancouver, go here and be pleasently suprised. -
Review from Heidi H.
Vancouver, BC
10/13/2008
So this California girl made the move to Vancouver knowing full well that she would be giving up her amazing San Francisco Taquerias. But when the craving for taqueria tacos comes a knockin', you must try to answer the door.
So I asked and I asked every local foodie I could find. Everyone brought up two place - Tio Pepe's and this great taqueria on Victoria at thirty something avenue. So I have tried to get to Tio Pepe's but I have struck out in finding it open (don't think they do the lunch thing...)
But Dona Cata was open and their salsa selection alone is worth it all! I ordered and extra plate of chips ($.75) so I could try them all. My mouth is watering just remembering the salsas. Most of them have a great kick to them!
So I ordered three different kind of tacos - the bisteck, al pastor and something else. They were all good - but let's just say, this girl was craving a classic carne asada taco. I thought the bisteck was going to be close, but it just wasn't there. So I am still on that hunt for the great carne asada taqueria taco.
But with all that said, I will go back time and time again to Dona Cata to keep on trying and to just revel in the salsas. yum.... It will just have to do and satisfy my craving until I get back to SF for a visit.
Oh yeah - we had to wait 30 minutes to sit, which was a bummer cause I was starving and was used to the quick taqueria service in SF where you order and just take an open table. (Note: I am doing my best not to compare these two great cities, but I do slip every now and then). But the setting is bright, fun and reminds me of my fav Taqueria Can Cun on Mission in SF. -
Review from Jojo M.
7/20/2009
Went here expecting great, authentic Mexican food, and we left without finishing our meals. As another reviewer said, the food was bland. My enchiladas verdes ($12.00!!) were submerged in a gloppy, gelatinous gravy-like sauce, which was somehow both overly spicy and also flavorless. The chicken inside was tender, but was flavorless and dubiously cooked.
My dinner companion's tacos (chicken, carnitas, and borracho spiced lamb) consisted of unflavored meat and a few token onions, and were served on soggy tortillas. The only residual effect was an evening of stomachache and sadness.
Finally, the service was terrible. The waitresses were rude and/or stoned. About a dozen stale chips were served on a paper plate (w/o salsa) when we sat down.
Vancouver Slop has this recommended as the best Mexican in Vancouver, but this is without a doubt among the worst Mexican I've ever had.
The margaritas, however, were spectacular! Thank goodness. -
Review from Joyce P.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2010
I've been to Dona Cata numerous times over the years and have always loved their dirt cheap tacos, huge assortment of salsas and of course fresh guacamole.
It's light, it's fresh and I'd like to think they're good for me. I haven't ventured off the first page of the taco menu but I should attempt to one of these days. I saw someone ordering a steak today with rice and tortillas and it looked fantastic.
I ordered two tacos today, the al pastor and the lamb. I came with two other girls and my tacos came with half the meat on it than my dining partners. My friends had their tacos loaded up while I had a measly lump in the middle. I was not happy but I was too hungry to say anything.
The service is pretty slow, the wait for tacos today was excruciating as was the wait for the bill. We asked for the bill three times before they pointed us to pay at the cashier. I don't remember ever having to go up and pay? Then we split the bill and my friend was going to pay on her debit and got attitude and the server told us to put $12 on her debit would come to $17 because of taxes. HUH? Isn't the taxes on the bill already and the $12 she put on her card included grat already. A huge conversation in spanish followed and then she said ok $12. I understand if it's a simple calculating mistake but don't give attitude!
I'm pretty unimpressed with today's service overall but damn I like them tacos too much and probably will go back. -
Review from Vanessa G.
8/20/2010
This place is muy athentico with mucho vegetarian options. I find most Mexican restaurants limited in this area, and i am always on the search for amazing tex mex or mexican. This place is good, and authentic.. but my heart lays in tex mex, which this place is not.
Complimentary tortilla chips, which were not fresh, served up with your choice of salsa from the massive salsa bar. Guacamole was delicious and chunky. Margaritas on 'special' all the time 2 for $8.. they were not authentic, yet they did go down smoothly.
I ordered the vegetarian burrito for $8. It was a perfect size for dinner, not to big, not to small. My friends ordered all sorts of other dishes that looked massive, but i was quite content with mine.
Service was good and super friendly, and food was out within 10 minutes for our group of 15 people. -
Review from Gersham M.
Vancouver, BC
5/5/2009
I like the Taco's here. Order up 4 tacos of different sorts and put some of their tasty salsa on them and you're set.
As other reviewers have noted this is more of the authentic style Mexican places rather than the California style you'd get out of a place like Topanga.
Worth a trip to when you're in the mood, but nothing exceptional. -
Review from Kelsey P.
Vancouver, BC
8/24/2010 3 photos
Pretty decent hole-in-the-wall place for Mexican food.
The highlights: There's a salsa bar with about ten different flavors of home-made salsa perfect to jazz up whatever dish you order. On weekends they have live music to listen to while you eat. And there's always some kind of weekly special on food & drinks.
The lowlights: The food itself is a little lacking in the spice and flavor department without the help of the salsas.
I'd still recommend giving it a shot at least once. -
Review from Sonia G.
Vancouver, BC
8/9/2011
Make special trips when craving for Mexican food hits in Vancouver. Always get their tacos, love their salsas!!
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Review from Jes A.
8/22/2010
Whenever I go there the food is fast and yummy, the service is friendly and will answer questions and help you figure out what meal you'll likely be happiest with. I haven't had the slow service issues others seem to have, but I only go about in once a month.
My favorite is the tacos with pastor- a marinated pork. It's not very hot (as in spicy,) but the flavor is good.
A great place to go if you want to eat on the cheap, tacos without cheese are $2 each, 2 usually fill me up. -
Review from Joseph L.
Vancouver, BC
4/22/2011
Came here for lunch with a buddy on a recommendation from one of his friends. When we walked in, it was a very casual atmosphere and were told to sit anywhere we like. I don't know if we got the best waitress in the place, but the service was great, not like some of the other yelpers here. She was very helpful and explained everything in detail because we have never been here before. The food was ok, the place had a great atmosphere which made me feel like I was in Mexico. I would definitely go back, the salsa selection was great.
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Review from Van T.
Vancouver, BC
4/16/2011
I've only been here for takeout a couple of times during the day when it wasn't busy, so I can't vouch for the whole experience, but I can say that their tacos are authentic and delicious, and it's nice that they give you a plate of tortilla chips to sample all their delicious salsas while you wait. Some friends of mine rave endlessly about this place, so I'll have to sit down for a proper meal sometime.
They charge something like $2 for a can of coke though, which is nuts. -
Review from tee a.
1/2/2011
For starters.. I LOVE Mexican food. Dona Cata proves to be tasty and fresh. A family owned restaurant, service is nice but a bit slow. I had the tacos. You're able to select from a variety of freshly prepared sauces to garnish your meal with. To me, the food lacked flavor. Redeeming quality: great drinks at reasonable prices! :) A good alternative outside of downtown and free parking in the front! :)
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Review from Juan R.
Vancouver, BC
3/12/2011
Great Mexican food. The service is like you are at home though. Sometimes you have to get up and get your own spoon cause the waitress is busy. very casual and reasonably priced. perfect if you want something easy ,not too busy , you don't have to get dressed up but you want a decent meal for a good price.
