In Auburn, New York in a quiet residential area is this tasty Puerto Rican restaurant. It's a clean on the outside and clean on the inside although it smells like Fabulosa lol..... They have some tables on the inside and they have an outside patio area. The parking is limited you can park on the street and then they have a very small driveway that can fit maybe two cars. The food is more buffet style however, you have someone on the other side, preparing it for you . I was kind of skeptical when I saw it presented as a buffet however, the rice was seasoned perfectly with the black beans, and the sweet plantains, just the right amount of sweetness, and the flan was perfection. The gentleman serving me was nice and assisted me with explaining each item . I will definitely be back for more of their delicious food. Cheers read more

See all

Food is incredibly delicious. The service is great and this establishment is super clean. I am now a regular customer for sure. A must try!!! read more

I ordered delivery here 10/10/24. They are definitely not closed. Ordered through Grubhub and got to me within 30 minutes. Very reasonably priced and great portions, I got the beef stew lunch, plantains, and beef empanada. Ate the empanada immediately haha The food was very good and the lunch comes with beans and rice. Mine was missing the beans but not a big deal. Plantains were delicious and the empanada had lots of beef and very cheesy. read more

Don Juan Cafe - Beef Stew Lunch 4 Sweet Plantain - Cafes Near Me - Auburn, New York

Best empanadas around, when you can get them, they sell out fast. Every thing else is very authentic and delicious, can't go wrong. Also very affordable. read more

I'm literally speechless! Embarrassingly I've lived so close to this restaurant and never tried it until today. Usually it's past closing time when I think to try them, but today was the day! I called in my order, the phone was answered on the first ring with a friendly voice, I was told to come get my order in 5 minutes (!!) and so excitedly I ran to my car! I came in, there were 3 other happy customers picking up their lunch for takeout, and as it was my turn, Javier (I'm assuming was his name from my receipt) greeted me with a smile and asked if I was the call in. Yes! I exclaimed! And home I went to feast. Now to the part you're looking forward to, the food! This was one of the absolute best meals I've had in my life, and certainly in Auburn. You can taste the love in this food. The portions are incredibly generous, the rice and beans are so well seasoned. The roast pork is so tender and flavorful, you know it took a long time to make! And the empanadillas... first, these puppies are full blown empanadas. I was expecting a two-bite situation based on their name, but these guys are hefty and delicious. I got the beef & Cheese and the chicken & cheese, both delicious and crispy, and one is enough for a meal! All in all, they deserve all the stars in the Yelp universe, please check out this little hole in the wall if you're ever in Auburn! Unbelievable value and quality, you won't be disappointed!!! read more

See all

It's been 20 years since I had puerto rican food and that was in Puerto Rico. Someone suggested this spot for a casual, cheap lunch in Auburn. It was definitely a great suggestion. I had the lunch special of ribs, rice and beans and it came with salad - all for $8! Easily 2 meals for me and enough rice to feed my whole family as a side dish along with a dinner - crazy amount of rice! My friend had the chicken stew and she liked that. My choice of ribs was because it looked least greasy. Many of the items looked tasty but the sauce they were in was greasy. They had empanadas, but they were fried and I've always had baked Argentinian style, so didn't want to try them. They had plantains - 4 for $1 and they were tasty too. I would definitely return here for a fast, cheap meal. read more

See all

Love these local type authentic ethnic cuisine. And this one reminded us of our trips to Vieques and Puerto Rico where we enjoyed many a meal on the backroads away from San Juan. The picnic table outside, empanadas made fresh, the smiling owners all make for nice Auburn NY opening act before seeing a show at the Rev. The only suggestion would be to get better plastic utensils. Only a minor inconvenience. read more

See all

Hidden gem in Auburn. I had the pork dinner and it was fantastic and the portion size was huge (saved half for lunch the next day). The empanadas were good too. You can't beat the prices either (you'll likely spend under $10). Pretty much just a take out joint though as the seating is very limited. read more

Amazing food you get so much for so cheap and it just tastes amazing. I'd give ten stars if i could.

Picked up dinner here to go while in Auburn on a visit to several area towns and this was by far the best meal of our trip. It was also the least expensive. The empanadas were made fresh and were about twice the size of a standard empanada. Both the chicken & cheese and beef & cheese were delicious but I'd recommend the beef and cheese if only getting one (although you really should get more than one). The meals are also large portions, the meats are tender and flavorful, and the plantains were cooked perfectly. Lovely staff, excellent food, and well priced especially given the portions. A must visit if you live in the area or find yourself passing through Auburn. They also offer delivery. read more

Out of business. I was looking forward to giving this a try, but there are notices on the windows.

Absolutely love this place. Comfort food for sure. The serving size it two meals for me. I liked it so much, I visited the Syracuse location a few days later. Keep up the good work! Ps the auburn location is a lot cleaner than Syracuse. read more

Don Juan Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Auburn, New York

Service sucks, yoy Your told one time and find out they haven't started your order, then when you get your order 30 minutes after they tell you 20 minutes, 50 minutes total the order is incomplete, This was a simple order, the bread was burnt, WILL NEVER GO AGAIN and will tell friends goto McDonald's read more

This place is absolutely amazing and has delicious authentic Caribbean food. Excellent friendly customer service. I ordered fresh delicious yellow Spanish rice with bean and tender lean Steak & Peppers with onions stewed. Will be back again to try more and upload a photo next time. Much Love and Respect! read more

Visited the Auburn location; Truly a wonderful place to visit for lunch or dinner. Food is delicious, people are friendly and portion sizes are so generous. A must try! read more

The Roast pork is moist and delicious, the rice and beans were full of flavor. All of this food for $9.00. Hoping to try the empanadas and homemade flan next time. Very friendly service. read more

Don Juan Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Auburn, New York

Stopped for lunch, short menu, quick, friendly and delicious PR food. Absolutely recommend. read more

Decent amount of food for the price. For $7, I got a meal with BBQ pork ribs which were tender and succulent. It came loaded with yellow rice and pinto beans on the side. My brother got an empanada and Cuban sandwich which he claimed to be "hella good". Everything was served fast and hot! If you haven't tried Puerto Rican food before, give this place a try. read more

Don Juan Cafe - BBQ Ribs with a side of seasoned yellow rice and pinto beans. - Cafes Near Me - Auburn, New York

Most savage Puerto Rican food in Syracuse. Best Pastelillos! Packed full of meat! Enjoyed the food when I lived there. Reminded me of my moms cooking. read more

I only had a chicken and cheese empanadadilla. It was very good and the service was very friendly. I would return for sure. The food was ready to take, very convenient. read more

Perfect little hole in the wall serving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Complete lunches are $7 which includes an entree, rice and beans and a salad. My wife had the fish and my wife had the pork, both were delicious with plenty left over to take home. We also shared some sweet plantains and I also tried the chicken and cheese empanada which were also excellent. The only thing I would say is that if you order a meal and sides pace yourself and plan to bring home half your dinner. read more

This is one of my favorite Puerto Rican places in town. It's the best kept secret in Auburn. I enjoy the ribs, pulled pork, and beef stew with their rice read more

Amazingly good food, sunny spot, helpful staff, great portions, couldn't believe how wonderful it was to get homemade Puerto Rican food in Auburn. I feel so blessed to have this in our town. Thank you! read more