Don Pablo's Mexican Restaurant isn't just a place to get delicious food; it's a Fergus Falls family tradition. For the past 20 years, Teresa Rodriguez and her husband Jose have been serving up Tex-Mex favorites and a warm atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Teresa and chat about Don Pablo's, its history, and what makes it such a beloved part of the Fergus Falls community.
A Fergus Falls Hometown Story
Teresa's story with Fergus Falls is unique. She grew up coming to the area as a migrant worker from South Texas. "This is an area that my parents came shopping," she says, "as we were working in the fields." Years later, when she and Jose decided to open a restaurant, Fergus Falls felt like a natural home.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Don Pablo's is a sweet tribute to their fathers, both named Pablo. "In Latin America," Teresa explains, "we usually call senior people 'Don' or 'Doña,' so to honor them we called our restaurant Don Pablo's."
Tex-Mex with a Twist
Don Pablo's menu offers a delicious combination of Tex-Mex classics and Teresa's unique heritage. Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Teresa brings a Tex-Mex influence, while Jose's background in Eastern Mexico adds a touch of traditional Mexican flavor.
One of the things that sets Don Pablo's apart is their commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Teresa even brings back special spices from Mexico, like the agave plant used in their Birria.
A true testament to their commitment to fresh ingredients is the fact that Don Pablo's makes all their guest favorites from scratch daily. This includes their famous guacamole, chips, and salsa. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more!
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Walking into Don Pablo's, you're immediately struck by the vibrant colors and welcoming atmosphere. "We definitely have a family atmosphere," Teresa says. "The people that visit Fergus Falls for the first time, what they see is the colorful atmosphere that children love."
Popular Dishes and Margaritas
Don Pablo's menu features all the Tex-Mex favorites you crave, from sizzling fajitas to flavorful enchiladas. A local favorite is the Puerto Vallarta fajitas. They also understand that not everyone loves spicy food. "We can make it spicy if they want it spicy," Teresa says, "but we have to accommodate everybody." For those who prefer a milder flavor profile, there are plenty of options, and of course, they have a selection of hot sauces on hand for those who want to add some kick.
Looking for something besides Mexican food? Don Pablo's also offers a "north of the border" menu with burgers, steaks, and other American classics. And for vegetarians, they have a dedicated vegetarian menu with a variety of delicious options.
And no Mexican dining experience is complete without a margarita! Don Pablo's has a full bar with a variety of margaritas and other drinks, perfect for enjoying on the patio during the summer months.
Facing Challenges and Giving Back
Over the years, Don Pablo's has faced its share of challenges, including construction that limited parking and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. But through it all, Teresa and Jose have persevered. "We're a family-owned business," Teresa says. "We're not perfect, we make mistakes, we are people pleasers, we want to make sure that if something is not right, please let us know."
They are also committed to giving back to the Fergus Falls community. Teresa recently reposted a documentary about sugar beet workers, many of whom were migrant workers like her parents. "A lot of us," she says, "stayed here. A lot of them, I have friends that are attorneys, social workers and professors at universities. We all decided to stay here and make this our home." You can watch the documentary here: PBS documentary about sugar beet workers.
Looking to the Future
As Don Pablo's looks to the future, Teresa and Jose are excited to continue serving the Fergus Falls community. They've won awards for "Best Taste" and "Most Creative Plates" at the Taste of Fergus Falls, and they hope to keep creating delicious and memorable dining experiences for their customers.
Special Summer Offers
In addition to their delicious food and warm atmosphere, Don Pablo's is also a proud sponsor of the Summer VIP Pass! And to make your summer even tastier, they're offering a special discount: $5 off your purchase of $30 or more, and $10 off your purchase of $60 or more.
A Final Word from Teresa
"We're a family-owned business," Teresa says. "We've been here for 20 years. We want to make sure our customers leave happy and full." So next time you're looking for a delicious and welcoming dining experience in Fergus Falls, be sure to stop by Don Pablo's Mexican Restaurant. You won't be disappointed!