Taqueria Arandas #5

Taqueria Arandas #5

Daily, 7am-midnight

Taquerias Arandas first opened in Austin in October of 1988, and has gotten bigger and better with each passing year. Location No. 5 is on South First, about a block south of the intersection with Oltorf. It's located in a long, narrow cream-colored cinderblock building, and the parking can be a little dicey. But once you get inside, you won't be disappointed.

At Arandas, you'll find food like that from the state of Jalisco in Mexico; if you go there looking for Tex-Mex, the joke's on you. What sets Arandas apart from the majority of the rest is the unbelievably low prices compared to the high quality of the food, and the authenticity of the flavors. These are folks that care about their product.

Breakfast at Arandas is served from 7-11am, and all of the standard breakfast bases are covered. But allow me to mention that the tacos are 80 cents each, or three for $1.99! The wonderful migas are only $2.99! That's a lot of fine food for three bucks!

Arandas is one of the leaders in the tacos al pastor wars, and for good reason. Two paper-thin handmade corn tortillas enwrap a large portion of diced pork simmered in chiles and citrus, topped with diced onion and cilantro, with a side of shredded cabbage. One of these beauties, or any of the other tacos (tongue, brains, barbacoa, fajita, chicken, pork, or avocado) will set you back an amazing $1.30.

Tortas (sandwiches) are another option, made with any of the taco meat choices. We tried the excellent Torta Cubana, which was a large bolillo roll filled with thin breaded beef, ham, cheese, sour cream, and cabbage for $2.25. The burritos are gargantuan, and a mere $2.25. Tostados, two-meat combo plates, enchiladas, and quesadillas round out the other menu choices.

The house special is the carne asada plate. It comes loaded with a thin, marinated, grilled beef steak, topped with grilled scallions and cactus strips, and beans, rice, and an avocado salad on the side for $5.75. It's very appetizing, and a definite hunger buster.

Taqueria Arandas has earned its place as one of the premier Mexican food spots in Austin. The food is fabulous, the prices are ridiculously low, and the staff is efficient and friendly. But you'd better come with a big-boy hunger, and don't fill up on the chips and tantalizing salsa before the real food gets to the table!