We survived the Spanish Inquisition
Since this apparently is the first review of this restaurant, I can't do the proprietor any favors by trying to be kind.
On 1-23-2004 oue party of four arrived a Don Quijote's about 7:30 PM.
There is a do it yourself cloak-room at the front of the restaurant, it was too small, resulting in people standing line either to hang-up their coats,or waiting just to get their coats to leave.
The ambiance was satisfactory, in that it reflected thoughts of Spain. It certainly wasn't the "live band" as advertised, because there was none. The lighting was so low that it was necessary for the waitress to bring a small flashlight just to read the menu.
We ordered a combination appetizer plate consisting of various meats and mushrooms. The meats were much too spicy,resulting in one of my guests later becoming ill. Another of my guests ordered a T bone steak, well done. What he received was a filet mignon, burnt to a crisp. The waitress took it back, then later brought another cut of meat, not a T Bone and it was burnt. This guest declined to see if the third time was a charm, so he went without a main course, and got something from Wendys on the way home.
I ordered a T bone steak, well done. I actually got a T Bone, but it was burnt, and dry as a bone. I felt fortunate that I at least received a piece of meat which resembled what I ordered. I ate it in silence.
We felt that for Northwest Indiana the menu prices were a bit exorbitant, at least five dollars more per meal than comparable restaurants.
The location of the restaurant is not user friendly in that there is no parking adjacent to the entrance, except on the curb, and across the street in a common use lot.
There is no consideration for the disabled, neither in the approach to the entrance, nor in the bathroom facilities, which only accmmodates one person at a time.
On the whole, I must chalk this up to "lessons learned". I feel this is another example "ethnic restaurants", that depend on the general lack of dining sophistication of the average American.
Don Quijote should stick to tilting windmills, as I'm sure Sancho Panza is searching for a better restaurant.    [25 Jan 2004 17:47:17]

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Recommended Dishes: Spanish rice (its' hard to mess up)

     ­Dr. Thomas Brunswick   

What a great restaurant!
Don Quijote has the best Spanish food this side of the pond! The owner and chef are both native Spaniards which shows up in the menu, hospitality, and decor. The smell of coffee and olive oil reminded me of my visits to Spain.

Each table is presented with a proportional size dish of paella to get the appetite going. The bread is as close to pan del dia I have come across.

It is well worth the trip!    [13 May 2004 14:29:45]

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Recommended Dishes: paella, gambas ajillo, flan

     ­Bethany   

Very authentic Spanish cuisine.
I had an arranged meeting with some friends there for 7:30pm. I arrived late due to Chicago traffic, but was welcomed very well by the hostess Elena and seated with my group. My friends' food was arriving when I was seated, I took a few minutes to look over the menu and made my decision. They must have taken into consideration the fact that my friends' already had their food and cooked mine right away because ti was out very quickly (5-10 mins). I spent over 14 years in Spain, so I know Spanish food, and let me tell you that I haven't had more authentic Spanish food anywhere other than in Spain. The price is rather high, but I believe that the reason behind that is that a lot of what they serve is actually imported directly from Spain, which isn't cheap. The hospitality of the people there is also very Spanish, extremely open and friendly (the hostess came by my table at least half a dozen times tomake sure things were to our liking. I Live in Lafayette, IN which is about an hour and a half drive away from Valpo, but it was more than worth the drive. The following Monday at work that was about all I talked about was how great of a restaurant I had been to and was recomending it to everyone. My experience at Don Quijote's was great an very memorable.    [16 Aug 2004 20:05:50]

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Recommended Dishes: Paella, Trucha Navarra, all of the tapas (appetizers) are great, for dessert flan (the best I've ever had, and believe me I've had a lot)

     ­Nathan Livengood, Lafayette, IN   

We love this restaurant! After a couple of visits the owners will know you by name. Everyone is treated like family.

Remember this is a European restaurant, and the atmosphere is to sit relax and enjoy dinner and conversation with friends. You will be there a couple of hours. You will not go hungry with the various courses coming at an even pace, not too fast, just enough time to let the previous course digest a bit.

Appetizer - Croquetas, mushrooms, or tortilla are winners. If you like spicy try the chorizzo.

Main course - The paella or cod

Desert - In cooler months try the arroz con leche, in the warmer months try the fresh lime pie (nothing like key lime pie.) These deserts are not from Gordon Food Service, they are freshly made from scratch!    [22 Jan 2005 19:59:47]

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     ­Anonymous   

Great restaurant
A great evening. Very friendly service in a very nice setting. And the food was just delicious. A wonderful place to discover the wonderful wines of Rioja and others as well. The service was outstanding.    [30 Apr 2005 10:43:13]

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Recommended Dishes: Paella Marinera for two

     ­Nikki   

Cannot be topped... Trust me
My wife and I have been dining here for well over 10 years. The food is second to none.Carlos and Elena, as well as the whole staff,make your dining expierance something to be remembered and to be cherished.We have taken many quests over the years, and ALL of them want a return visit. My good freind, DR. Famiano and his wife are making a special trip from West Lafayette to join us for a return visit this week end.    [12 Sep 2006 19:52:19]

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Recommended Dishes: Wife-steak/Me-lamb/Dessert both DRUNKIN CAKE

     ­Floyd/Freida White   ars0n21 at sbcglobal dot net