RESTAURANT
GUIDE

El Chile Cafe y Cantina


1809 Manor Rd.
Austin, 78722-2432
512/457-9900
www.elchilecafe.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11am-10pm; Sun., 11am-9pm; brunch Sat.-Sun., 11am-3pm
The bill of fare features some Tex-Mex dishes, several Interior specialties, and a number of good vegetarian options.

BEST OF AUSTIN AWARDS

  • 2011: Critics Holy Mole, Best Tortilla Soup in Town
  • 2004: Critics Best Spicy Margarita

RESTAURANT POLL AWARDS

  • 2008: Critics Best Michelada
  • 2007: Readers Favorites
  • 2007: Critics Best Michelada
  • 2006: Critics Best Michelada
  • 2004: Critics Chips and Hot Sauce
  • 2004: Critics Patio/Beer Garden
  • 2004: Critics Remodel/Reclamation

more: Interior Mexican restaurants, East

La Fruta Feliz

The barbacoa is top notch, while the picadillo is mind-numbingly good, made from minced – not ground – beef. What sucked us in originally was the promise of chivo (goat barbacoa), which melts in your mouth with intensely good flavor and isn't too gamey. The carne guisada is tender and smothered in a rich, beefy, comino-kissed sauce, while the pork carnitas are tender and unctuous. When it all settles out, La Fruta has vaulted into rarified territory as one of the best taquerias in town.
3124 Manor Rd., 512/961-5013

Los Comales

This expert purveyor of real Norteño-style grilled meats and side dishes offers reliable Interior dishes such as puerco en chile colorado and pollo en mole poblano to round out the menu.
2136 E. Seventh, 512/480-9358

Papi Tino's

This newcomer offers a different take on Interior Mexican with a limited menu for dinner, but who could say no to cold beef salad and mango ceviche? A short roster of well-executed, cantina-style dishes is offered here for nightly dinner and weekend brunch.
1306 E. Sixth, 512/479-1306