Restaurant Review: Restaurant Review
Get in on this hit early
Reviewed by Virginia B. Wood, Fri., May 6, 2011
Dos Batos
2525 W. Anderson #175, 452-0001Sunday-Thursday, 8am-9pm; Friday-Saturday, 8am-10pm
www.dosbatos.com
Monterrey, Mexico, natives Javier Gracia and Miguel Ancira chose Austin as the site of their first American restaurant venture, and we're lucky they did. This taqueria with a goofy sense of humor turns out superior food from a mesquite-fired grill. It could well be the basis for another successful homegrown chain. The quality grilled meats and side dishes are a well-executed homage to the street foods of the partners' hometown. Everything we sampled was packed with appealing flavors.
Order at the counter, and relax in the tidy dining room. Sip a Topochicada (Topo Chico with lime juice and cane sugar over ice, $2.95) or a frosty MIKEchelada (the spicy house version of a michelada made with Lone Star, Carta Blanca, or Tecate, $4.95) and listen to the wacky J-pop music while you wait. Our favorite items so far are the North Mexico-style tacos, the Pirata (smoked Angus sirloin, sea salt, cheese, and avocado, $6.95 large/$3.95 small) and the Ostin (Portobello mushrooms, red onions, and bell peppers grilled with olive oil and served with cheese and avocado, $6.95/$3.95). The house hot sauce is warm and smoky – very tasty.
Sandwich lovers will want to try the Torta Chipotlera (grilled pork carnitas in smoky chipotle salsa with avocado, tomato, and tangy Mexican crema on a soft roll, $6.95). Don't miss the Granny Elote ($2.50), a bowl of corn kernels spiced with lime, Mexican cheese, and crema and dusted with chile powder – the only thing missing is the cob and the mess on your chin! These guys are on the right track – check them out now so you can say you tried Dos Batos when they just had their first outlet in Austin.
