Our Story.
Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant is a family owned business in San Francisco located in the SOMA. Don Ramon’s has been serving authentic flavors from Ayulta,Jalisco to its local and visiting clientele. Ramon and Guadalupe Ramirez brought the appreciation for ingredients, traditions and techniques of Mexican cooking. Ramon had a vision of opening a sit-down Mexican restaurant and working alongside his family. Leo, Lucy and Nati Ramirez have kept their family’s legacy strong by serving the same recipes and providing excellent customer service.
Valencia Cafe.
In 1963, Ramon and Guadalupe Ramirez worked at The Valencia Cafe located at 211 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94103. The cafe served Mexican and American favorites such as freshly wrapped tamales, enchiladas, grilled cheese, hamburgers etc. An all time favorite at the cafe was spaghetti and meatballs or roast beef with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The early days in the restaurant business Ramon and Guadalupe Ramirez were working hard, while their children were attending St. Charles School located on Shotwell Street.
Jay's La Perla.
The SOMA was surrounded by commercial/industrial warehouses providing jobs for the middle class and a family oriented neighborhood in 1967. La Perla Grocery Store opened on 229 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Soon after, they closed the cafe and expanded the deli site to create Don Ramon’s. Still operating the Valencia Cafe the family split responsibilities amongst each other and built their clientele around San Francisco. Expanding their business, the grocery store turned into Jay's La Perla. As Mexican food became a demand in San Francisco, La Perla was serving up fresh tamales by Guadalupe Ramirez that made this establishment a favorite. With a small dining room to accommodate lunch and dinner rushes, their business was thriving.
Don Ramon's Mexican Restaurant.
Opened in 1982, Don Ramon's housed a spacious two-story main dining area, arches and iron balconies and a fountain with a staircase. Designed by Javier Ramirez , Mexican-style wooden tables and chairs with terracotta flooring stay true to their culture. Once opened, hospitality and customer service became a key to this family's success in the restaurant industry.