Best New Kid on the Block

El Chilito

We thought this new addition to Manor Road's Restaurant Row was too good to be true when it opened this year and started serving delicious Mexican take-out breakfast and lunch items, along with aguas frescas, ices, and other goodies. With its walk-up windows and tiny glassed-in kitchen, this offshoot of the larger, sit-down El Chile restaurant up the road has taken a boxy old fast-food edifice and turned it from a vacant eyesore into a friendly neighborhood gathering spot. Brightly colored tables and chairs also allow patrons to sit and eat on El Chilito's outdoor deck. Things just get better and better too, as the restaurant has recently extended its 2pm closing time to 9pm and also put in for a liquor license.

El Chilito Tacos y Cafe
2219 Manor Rd., 512/382-3797
www.elchilito.com