Veggie Tofu
Don Fries
wasabi, curry and spicy mayo
I LOVE DON
umbrellas hanging from the ceiling
two people standing at the counter
a man sitting at a table
a man standing at the counter
people eating and drinking
an umbrella hanging from the ceiling
interior
Menu
interior
Salmon torched and fresh salmon dish
Menu
food
First visit - Don Pork with poached egg
interior
Counter
Fish don
Bella G.
Feb 6, 2025
I miss when this place was in austin so much. Right behind the coop. Ugh. One day maybe. Dons is classic. Thanks for all you do for the community. The vibes are always awesome, the service is excellent, and the food is beyond tasty.
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Chelsea L.
Oct 27, 2024
Can't go wrong with katsu don! It was my first time coming to this location ever since they moved away from Austin. Happy to say the taste is just as I remembered! Still affordable with the same great taste. I love the different sauces they have esp the wasabi flavored one. You get a playing card so they can call for your order. The egg is an up charge. The beef one is really salty.
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Anthony K.
Sep 27, 2024
We went here based on the Yelp reviews. The employee at the counter was really helpful when we asked what we should order. Everything was fried and just too greasy. The entree was tasty, but the egg rolls too greasy. There are numerous sauce options. This is a great place for the college kids. It was full of them. I say that in a positive light because it is close to the campus.
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Amanda L.
Jan 20, 2025
Don has my heart. I tried something new today and it was the pork belly which was HORRIBLE. The sauce was overwhelming and the pork belly was so incredibly fatty I was a little nauseated. HOWEVER fries were delectable as always and so was the chicken karaage. Same with the sauces, they need to figure out how to bottle up those sauces. Vibes are always great and the people are so friendly. Cashier was 10/10. WILL COME BACK FOR MORE
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Felicia C.
Aug 28, 2024
Don Japanese Kitchen is a conveniently located spot near Texas State, making it a go-to for students and locals craving a quick bite. In a town like San Marcos, where Asian dining options are limited, this place holds its own pretty well. That said, coming from the SF Bay Area, I have to admit it doesn't quite reach the same level of quality that I'm used to, but it's still a decent option given the local scene.The service is decently quick, which is great if you're in a hurry, but the restaurant's small size can be a drawback. During peak hours, finding a seat can be a challenge since it's self-seating, and the place tends to fill up fast. Don Chicken - Solid choice--your standard chicken katsu. It wasn't extraordinary, but I liked that you can customize your meal with various sauces to suit your taste. The pricing is also reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option.While there's nothing particularly standout about Don Japanese Kitchen, it's a reliable and satisfying place to grab a meal. If you're in San Marcos and looking for some Japanese comfort food, this spot won't disappoint, even if it doesn't blow you away.
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Heather R.
Jul 2, 2024
First time using delivery for them (Yelp option routes this establishment through grubhub)--it was elusive for quite a while. I recommend preordering before they open or doing it early in their service hours; otherwise you get the message ordering is closed. May have to do with their parking lot, which gets pretty packed just with dine in and to-go customers.NY STRIP was cooked medium rare as stated in the menu. Haven't found a speck of gristle. Very good with teriyaki sauce, crunchy onions, and nori toppings and their standard arranged rice/cabbage/ginger base. I'd grabbed a fork/knife when I felt there were zero utensils in the grubhub bag, but in proper style the steak was already cut to be chopstick ready. Apologies to Don for my brief, rash assumption.EBI 4pc I should have opened and sampled this box first, since while I was eating steak steam was having a go at their perfect crunchy coating which suffered a bit for it. Still delicious, of course. Beautiful fat sweet shrimp with enjoyable properly cooked texture.VEGGIE CROQUETTE My first chance at it, as Mr T didn't share the Lenten croquette I ordered with his stir fry this spring. All the deep fried pleasure without the meat sweats, it was lovely. Only veg I recognized (as I took off tiny pieces to share with the pups) was delicious sweet corn. If I ever made croquettes--my house never has spare mashed potatoes for some reason--I'd aim to make them as good as these.It's obviously best fresh, but I'm enjoying leftovers the next day and feeling spoiled with new-to-me dishes. It's hard ordering anything other than their amazing pork belly when it's available. Try anything, including all their sauces if you're dining in. I haven't tasted one thing I've regretted here and their employees have been great every single visit.
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Ashley W.
Jun 17, 2024
I have been eating this place for so many years! I have tried it as a food truck, store in Austin, and store in San Marcos. The Bobcat fries have minced meat, scallions, and lots of sauce! It is so yummy, basically an entree in itself. The food is always so consistent. I love all the dons (chicken, pork, tofu, fish)! The wasabi, spicy mayo, and curry sauce are a must try. Each bite, I dip it in another sauce! Service is always friendly, fast, and VERY personable. Love the umbrella lighting decor and huge playing cards. You always enter a food coma afterwards. If you don't, then you didn't eat enough :)
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Ross A.
Feb 14, 2025
The food is AMAZING!! I've had a little bit of everything and I've never been disappointed!! And what's as good as the food, is the service and price. I leave full every time, and always have leftovers. The dining area is very simple, and a great place to enjoy Fantastic food. 5 stars to the staff!!
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Daniel T.
Dec 24, 2024
If you live in San Marcos, then you know this is the late night spot to go for the Japanese dons. They used to be a food truck in Austin, but now a brick and mortar spot in San Marcos. You can't go wrong with anything here and you get a free onsen egg for your first visit. The wasabi mayo, curry mayo, and spicy mayo sauces are also amazing.
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Blake B.
Feb 21, 2025
Oh Dons...where do I start. My addiction to this place first started my freshman year at Texas State where I realized the master piece I was putting in my mouth. The addiction was so bad that I started to dream of this place in my sleep. Furthermore, I am starting to believe the recipe to there amazing teriyaki chicken is like the krabby patty formula - You can't replicate it or figure what it is. Besides that, service is great and even with it being packed, I usually get my food at a reasonable time. Dons, if you're reading this, please move to college station, I can't go my college life without you. I miss u so much and the food you used to provide me. Maybe one day I will have your catering at my wedding. #Ilovedons
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