Restaurant Review: Restaurant Review

Dos Batos

2525 West Anderson, 512/452-0001, http://www.dosbatos.com
Sun.-Thu., 11am-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm

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Photo by John Anderson

Dos Batos

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.