Don Jose & Ricardo's Mexican Cafe

The Fraser family opened their first Don José Mexican restaurant in Orange, California on July 7, 1972. The food was simple, fresh and authentic, made by expert cooks from Jalisco, Mexico. For years, southern Californians have known that Don José & Ricardo's Mexican Cafe is the destination for delicious Mexican cuisine. The perfect place for simple dinners or special celebrations, generations of families have grown up with Don José.


It all began with the founders, Rod & Patricia Fraser. Rod was a WW2 Army Air Corp pilot from Oregon, and Pat was a local girl with roots in Orange County. In 1945 they settled in Orange and joined the post war boom. Restaurants became the main family business focus in the late 1960's, and with the help of Rod's oldest son Rick, locations opened throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Don José takes great pride in our loyal employees and the fact that some have been with us since the beginning years. Many of our managers have worked their way up from the bus staff. Our employees are the heart of Don José and part of the extended family.

Today Don José & Ricardo's Mexican Cafe is still family owned and operated. The goal is to continue to serve delicious Mexican food, at a good value, and in a welcoming family environment. We look forward to seeing you at one of our 9 southern California locations!

		From	To	From	To	From	To
Monday	Open	11:00	22:00
Tuesday	Open	11:00	22:00
Wednesday	Open	11:00	22:00
Thursday	Open	11:00	22:00
Friday	Open	11:00	23:00
Saturday	Open	11:00	23:00
Sunday	Open	10:00	22:00