Good Mexican food is not easy to come by in New Jersey, but it's there. Its scattered around in the places you would usually least expect. I am not talking about TexMex, franchises, or the like. I am talking good recipe, traditionally prepared, yummy Mexican food. We had no idea it was sitting quietly right there in the next town over from us, but there is was.
The have come commercials around, mostly emphasizing their East Hanover location (to which we have not been to yet) and modestly describing their excellent food. They do emphasize their margaritas properly though, but we will get to that. This. Place. Is. Amazing.
Eric and I have found this to be one of our favorite local spots for several reasons. First of all, their location is easy to find, easy to get to, easy to leave. Its conveniently located just past what was formerly the Netcong circle on Rt 46.You can't miss it.
Second, the service has always been good. I do not like an over eager server any more than I like one that vanishes just when I need another water with lemon. The service at Don Jose in Netcong is the perfect balance of accuracy in order, attentiveness but not overly gushy or pesky, and always polite. My glass is never empty, but I do not feel rushed to eat, pay, and get the hell out either. When you walk in, you are greeted by bright colors and artwork on the walls, plenty of staff to take care of your needs, and even a band moving around the restaurant. They take requests, we learned!
Third, the food. The food is amazing. Let me start with the fact that in the areas of Morris and Sussex counties in New Jersey, there are not a whole lot of places who will attempt ceviche. If you have never had it, it's seafood. Pieces of raw fish with spices and diced vegetables marinated in a citrus that more or less cooks the fish. Its served cold and normally in a very small portion for a large price. The ceviche at Done Jose is OUTSTANDING. Aside from being a LARGE portion for a very modest price, its so delicious. Eric and I order the appetizer as an appetizer and split it, but I have often debated getting it as my meal. There is such a perfect balance of lime, onion, tomato, and spices. Perfectly light and flavorful.
I have had many of the dishes on the menu, but the floutas are my favorite. Crispy, flavorful, very delicious! Eric had the quesadillas on our last visit. These are a VERY popular menu item all over the place and in all sorts of restaurants. You figure you have had one, you have had them all, right? Eric made the declaration that these were THE BEST he has had. Plus the sides you get fill out your meal all the more. I am not a fan of re fried beans at all. They are normally tasteless and sticky. The ones you get at Don Jose are creamy, flavorful, and light. They are a very tasty surprise! Everything on the menu is tasty. Nothing disappoints. Everything is super fresh and you can see it and taste it all through your meal, from start to finish.
Lets talk about those margaritas now. THE BEST. Not because of flashy tequilas or pretty colors or wild glasses. It's fresh. It's made properly. They have several varieties, and that was where they really won us. Eric loves mango everything. He ordered a mango margarita and expected the kind of nonsense that a lot of bars pull where the "mango" flavoring is not mango at all. Its usually a mix of other juices. The reason is that there is no mango juice...only mango puree. Don Jose uses the puree for a real, authentic mango flavor. Big sell for us! Seems simple, but its things like this that will illustrate a caring in how things are prepared and not a shortcut.
All in all, its an excellent place to get good Mexican food in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Head on over there. Order the ceviche!!!
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