Best Mexican Restaurant SW Austin? (West, O'Brien: restaurants, town, road)

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

We went to the Texican Cafe a couple of times, but really thought it was poor quality.

We went ONCE shortly after we moved back here and it was TERRIBLE. We couldn't understand how someplace like that could stay in business here when there is so much competition.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

We went to the Texican Cafe a couple of times, but really thought it was poor quality. I haven't been to Azul Tequilla. Although not everything we have had at Maudie's is great, they have good carnitas. We went to Flores in Lakeway when we lived there, and could find nothing much good about it, so we haven't even tried the one on Wm Cannon. We went to Hecho en Mexico once, but it was very expensive, so we haven't been back. I understand that it is good, however. We like Abuelo's, as mentioned before. Chuy's is good. But all this is extremely subjective. It is so much a matter of taste, that it is really hard to give recommendations. My suggestion is to try some of these places to see what you like. If you are asking because you want to take a guest, I would say that Chuy's, Maudie's and Abuelo's have the nicest decor of the ones I have tried.

Have you tried Santa Rita near Circle C? It is pretty good and has a nice decor, equal to Chuy's or Maudies, but not up to Abuelo's level.

We ate at Abuelo's once, the decor is upscale. As I recall they had valet parking, which I did not feel I needed on a week day. The food was good other then it seemed expensive for mexican food, probably to pay for the nice decor and great service.

[TexasHorseLady]

I tend to consistently go to Azul Tequila when in that part of town. Not exactly Southwest, but close.

[janejanejanejanejane]

We ended up on SoCo at Guero's. blah! they cannot even get salsa right. Thanks guys!

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by janejanejanejanejane

We ended up on SoCo at Guero's. blah! they cannot even get salsa right. Thanks guys!

Gueros is incredibly overpriced and over-hyped. We've given it three shots and have not been impressed.

[G Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Have you tried Santa Rita near Circle C? It is pretty good and has a nice decor, equal to Chuy's or Maudies, but not up to Abuelo's level.

We ate at Abuelo's once, the decor is upscale. As I recall they had valet parking, which I did not feel I needed on a week day. The food was good other then it seemed expensive for mexican food, probably to pay for the nice decor and great service.

We used to be in the habit of going to Santa Rita a few Mondays each month because of their 2-for-1 fajitas on Mondays. We haven't done it lately because we have had to cut back on meat consumption. But we should try them with other items. They are so close to us, we should use them more often. As for the expense of Abuelo's, my husband and I usually split an meal, so that cuts down on price.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

We used to be in the habit of going to Santa Rita a few Mondays each month because of their 2-for-1 fajitas on Mondays. We haven't done it lately because we have had to cut back on meat consumption. But we should try them with other items. They are so close to us, we should use them more often. As for the expense of Abuelo's, my husband and I usually split an meal, so that cuts down on price.

I like their Chicken Enchiladas with Suiza's (sour cream) sauce. Gueso and Cindy's Guacamole Salad is good too. I often call for take out and pick it up when we don't feel like cooking.

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by janejanejanejanejane

We ended up on SoCo at Guero's. blah! they cannot even get salsa right. Thanks guys!

Yeah, Gueros is all about the SoCo atmosphere now and not about the food. Although the margaritas are still pretty good.

Salsa is a pretty good indicator to me, too. Although there are many different flavor styles, I like to see:

1) The right consistency (a little watery)
2) A bit of a "bite" (to remind you you're in a Texas, not quite Mexico but things could get a little spicy with no warning)
3) Good balance (it's fine if you want to use cumin, cilantro or garlic, but it shouldn't taste overwhelmingly of any one ingredient)

[MtnLion512]

Speaking of salsa, Flores at 290/71 & Wm Cannon has some that is delicious. I agree that the decor leaves something to be desired but overall this is one of the best spots SW.

[G Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

We went ONCE shortly after we moved back here and it was TERRIBLE. We couldn't understand how someplace like that could stay in business here when there is so much competition.

I have to agree with you on this. I wondered myself.