Tenino is a tiny town that sits tucked away in Thurston County, about 16 miles south of Olympia. Other than its train depot museum and railroad history, it’s not known for much. But if you ever happen to find yourself in the area and you love Mexican food, treat yourself to a meal from Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen. This place proves that small town dining is often the best.

Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen is located on Lincoln Avenue in Tenino.
Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen / Google
Although Tenino is small, this place is a few blocks off the beaten path.
The restaurant was inspired by Maria De La Luz, or Lucha as her family called her.
Jack Von Eberstein / Google
Lucha was born in 1934 in the small town of Salvatierra in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Lucha made it her mission to perfect her family's recipes, often sharing them with her loved ones.
Don Juan's / Facebook
Her son's wife, Eva, shared her passion for cooking and became her understudy. Together, they perfected their plenty of classic favorites, like mole.

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In 2012, the family opened Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen here in Tenino to share some of Lucha's favorites with the world.
Jack Von Eberstein / Google
The food here is made from scratch daily, and it's outstanding. The street tacos are out of this world.
The menu at Don Juan's isn't as massive as you might expect for a small town Mexican spot. But here, it's about quality over quantity.
Don Juan's / Facebook
Between the tasty enchiladas and hearty entrees like carne asada, deciding what to eat here is actually the hardest part of the dining experience.
Make sure to wash your meal down with a margarita, if you imbibe.
Don Juan's / Facebook
The restaurant has a full bar and plenty of mocktails.
Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen is open Tuesday - Saturday from noon - 8 p.m.
Don Juan's / Facebook
This local family run business can use our support, so treat the family to some takeout and see why so many people love it.

Have you ever had the pleasure of trying the food at Don Juan’s? Rumor has it that this is where you’ll find the best guacamole in Washington.

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Featured Addresses
639 Lincoln Ave E, Tenino, WA 98589, USA