Don Jose's Mexican Food

ADDRESS: 9881 W. Bell Road, Sun City, in the Campana Square.

PHONE NUMBER: 623-875-1611.

HOURS: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

OWNER: Jose and Maria Alvarez.

CUISINE: Mexican.

SEATS: 40.

OPEN SINCE: June 4, 2004.

SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE: “To please my family (clients) with true, authentic Mexican flavors, without copying or doing what other restaurants do,” Jose Alvarez said.

POPULAR APPETIZER: Ceviche tostada (shrimp marinated in lime juice with diced onion, tomato, cilantro, green peppers and cucumber).

POPULAR BREAKFAST: Steak Ranchero (diced steak in a homemade ranchero sauce, topped eggs — not egg substitute — served with rice and beans and corn or flour tortillas); breakfast burritos.

POPULAR LUNCH ENTRÉE: Chimichanga plates (carne asada, grilled chicken, shredded beef, shredded chicken or ground beef with beans and cheese inside a deep-fried burrito, topped with sour cream guacamole and cheese), served with rice and beans.

POPULAR DINNER ENTRÉE: Rolled tacos and regular tacos, made with fresh, homemade shells.

POPULAR DESSERT: Buñuelos, churros and flan.

AVAILABLE FOR: Dine in (no table service), take out, catering.

PRICE RANGE: $1.25 to $8.20.

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW: The restaurant is family-owned and operated. Jose works in the front, and his wife, Maria, does the cooking. “We wanted people to know that Mexico is more than just tacos, therefore, we opened this, your home to taste the true flavors that you will not find in a store-bought box or so-called Mexican spices in a packet.” Kids’ plates are available, as well as margaritas, a variety of tequila, Mexican and domestic beers and Mexican soda.

UNIQUE TIDBITS: For the past three years, the restaurant has catered for the Seattle Mariners baseball team. The owners use their own blend of various spices to create authentic flavors. “We do not have fancy, flashy decorations,” Jose Alvarez said. “We pride ourselves on food and satisfying your hunger by giving you plenty of food, not portions based on some chart.” In addition, the restaurant uses vegetable oil for anything that is fried.

FUTURE PLANS: The couple plans to open more locations and add karaoke nights in the near future. “Feel free to give us a try and let us know how we did for you ... constructive criticism is always helpful and appreciated.”

SLOGAN: Jose Alvarez said the restaurant does not have a slogan, but will have a contest for anyone who’d like to offer a suggestion. “After all, they are the ones who made Don Jose’s what it is today,” he said. “My family and I look forward to serving you and also thank you for accepting us into your community for the past five years.”

Do you know of a great West Valley restaurant you’d like to see in our Dining Out feature? Let us know! Call Brittany Woodruff at 623-876-2527 or e-mail bwoodruff@yourwestvalley.com.