Don Juan Mexican Grill and Bar, an Ann Arbor-area chain, has taken over the former El Camino Real restaurant at 551 W. Dussel Dr. The restaurant group, which also includes Los Amigos in the Ann Arbor area, entered into Ohio for the first time with its Maumee location.

The restaurant offers a six-page food menu that took almost an hour to peruse during a recent dinner visit. The server was patient and helpful as we tried to decide.

MENU: Don Juan Mexican Grill and Bar

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One diner took the recommendation of our server and ordered the grande burrito fajita ($11.59) with steak. "Grande" doesn't even begin to describe the almost foot-long burrito stuffed with steak, onions, and bell peppers. The burrito was then topped with a thin layer of white queso that avoided being soupy and added an extra umph of flavor. The entree was served with a tasty side of guacamole salad.

Other selections included Mexican chili ($3.99 for a bowl), pollo loco ($12.59), a chicken enchilada ($2.99), Spanish rice ($2.99), soft tacos ($7.79), enchiladas supremas ($9.99), lobster enchilada ($12.50), and salmon al chipotle ($12.99).

The Mexican chili was a pleasant surprise. A deep bowl was heaped full of ground beef, pinto beans, and a broth that had a wonderful smoky cumin flavor. The chili was then topped with onions and cheese. It also served as a great dip for the warm tortilla chips that were brought to the table on our arrival.

The pollo loco is diced grilled chicken breast deliciously cooked with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini. It's served with rice and three tortillas, but the dish easily comes with enough filling for at least six tortillas. The concoction was a surprisingly light, yet filling option that ended up serving as three meals.

The chicken enchilada and the Spanish rice were good but offered no surprises.

The soft tacos are available in beef or chicken. I selected the chicken deluxe (additional $1.50 for a topping of sour cream, guacamole, and tomatoes). The tacos were tasty yet predictable. My only complaint was that the chicken was a bit tough and somewhat overwhelmed by the deluxe toppings.

The lobster enchiladas — one of numerous seafood dishes on the menu — included three enchiladas topped with tomatillo salsa and cheese and was served with rice and plenty of sour cream, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. The salsa had a mild flavor that worked well with the lobster. The pieces of lobster that fell from the burrito were equally great on their own.

The salmon al chipotle was a sizable piece of salmon topped with a chipotle cream sauce and served with the same mix of vegetables as the pollo loco. The sauce offered a nice heat to the dish, but the salmon was slightly overcooked at its edges.

The enchiladas supremas served as a great sampler, offering one of each cheese, beef, chicken, and bean topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

It also should be noted that the generous menu offers a half dozen vegetarian specials, including versions of fajitas, burritos, and a chimichanga as well as mushroom quesadilla, and nine children's menu ranging from the expected Mexican fare to a hamburger, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and a corn dog.

Happy hour runs daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and specials include half off of margaritas, which include traditional lime, strawberry, mango, raspberry, and a surprisingly good blueberry.

I have seen some online buzz about people disappointed by the closing of the Maumee location of El Camino Real, but our experiences at Don Juan were overall enjoyable and the restaurant is worth a visit if you're in the area.

Contact Bill of Fare at fare@theblade.com.

Star ratings are based on comparisons of similar restaurants. The Blade pays for critics' meals.

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First Published September 11, 2014, 4:00 a.m.