100 plates of chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
As a lot of you know, we've been on a epic, epicurean quest – a grand gustatory gamble with breaking the fast deep in the heart of Texas.
We've been scouring Austin for the very best chilaquiles it has to offer. We've torn apart the town, top to bottom, for more than two years sampling both highbrow and humble versions of this traditional Mexican dish.
There are no shortage of restaurants offering up their take on what shouldn't really be more than crisp fresh-fried tortilla chips (totopos) simmered with a red or green sauce until just slightly softened, crowned with a pair of properly-cooked eggs. With such a simple preparation, you'd think it would be difficult to screw up this classic.
We weren't looking for haute cuisine a la Mexicana, we just wanted an honest, reliable, simple Sunday morning comfort-food breakfast at a joint where everyone might eventually know us (and our broken Spanish).
There were standouts, certainly, but just as often there were store-bought chips, soggy and swimming in sub-par sauces, eggs that were under-cooked, over-cooked or not even offered as an option. There were some surprises, and there were some disappointments.
There were also some stunningly brilliant breakfasts.
If a restaurant presented only one sauce option for chilaquiles, Julie and I would typically order the same dish. If a restaurant had both verdes (green) and rojos (red), we'd order one of each. The majority of the time, we'd order eggs over-easy. If we knew the eggs were going to be happy eggs (see $9 chilaquiles), I'd go for sunny-side-up. Beans, potatoes and accoutrements (if available) were taken into consideration, as was the coffee or aguas frescas. The overall experience was key, but really, it all came down to the chilaquiles.
After eating 100 different plates of chilaquiles, we've done our due diligence, and now, we humbly present to you ten establishments that Julie and I both agreed have the finest chilaquiles in Austin. These are our favorites, the places we return to time and time again.
These chilaquiles are the best of the best.
El Torito (CLOSED)
El Torito chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The chilaquiles rojos, served with black beans, have a flavor profile to the salsa that seems to have been in subtle flux the last few visits – alternating between understated and mild, to nicely fiery, to having a little smoky chipotle bite. Regardless, they are still a top-tier red any day of the week. Both red and green versions are given a dusting of white cheese before being crowned by a pair of eggs. Crema is on the side.
The delicious cafe de olla has a bit of piloncillo in it, and the sandia agua fresca (when available) is a morning miracle. (Ryan)
El Michoacano Mexican Restaurant 2701 Hwy 71 E, Del Valle, TX 78617 (512) 389-3244
El Michoacano chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
La Casita 1519 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757 (512) 469-0105 www.lacasitatx.com
La Casita chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
If you were to judge the well-worn strip mall on Anderson Lane that houses La Casita by appearances only, you'd keep driving. The corner unit hides a vibrant decor, a friendly waitstaff and a tiny kitchen putting out perfectly-executed chilaquiles, both rojos y verdes. We visit often. (Ryan)
Curra's Grill 614 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 444-0012 www.currasgrill.com
Curra's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Curra's (and the now defunct Señor Buddy's) chilaquiles have been some of the best, most consistent breakfast plates we've eaten in the six years we've been in Austin. They are nearly flawless every... single... time. If you are new to chilaquiles, these will provide a high-level baseline for further exploration. (Julie)
Paco's Tacos 1304 E 51st St, Austin, TX 78723 (512) 323-6206 www.pacosaustin.com
Paco's Tacos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
I got caught stepping out on Julie with this one. Actually, I didn't really get caught so much as I just felt guilty for sneaking away on a weekday while she was at work and trying Paco's Tacos offering of chilaquiles by myself. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect and figured I'd be taking one for the team. Turns out, the chilaquiles with ranchero sauce were absolutely delicious, and I had to fess up and bring Julie back for breakfast that weekend. (Ryan)
This is one sweet little plate of chilaquiles. The sauce tastes to be a mix of a some kind of rojo and verde – rather along the lines of Señor Buddy's – but it has a spicy personality all its own. The portion is of delightfully-reasonable size with a single egg and no fuss. To make for a particularly well-rounded morning experience, the service is charming and the coffee hits the spot. (Julie)
El Alma Cafe 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 609-8923 www.elalmacafe.com
El Alma Cafe chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
This is one of the few places we've seen refried black beans, and my compliments to the chef for this singular choice with the tangy fresh verde. I think it works brilliantly together with the richness of the eggs, runny and cooked to perfection. I appreciate, as well, that these aren't chilaquiles re-imagined, they are quite recognizable and straightforward in spite of the change-up of bean variety. Overall, it was a well-balanced, well-seasoned plate proving that lovely and unique does not necessitate abdicating essential chilaquiles-ness. And the coffee..? Oh, my. When we're out for chilaquiles, I'm just happy if I can get black coffee that is palatable and wakes me up. This? This was like waking up to angels singing. More than worth the price of admission. (Julie)
Taqueria La Chapala 4201 S Congress Ave, #4, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 326-9090 www.restaurantchapala.com
Taqueria La Chapala chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Naranjo 85 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701 (512) 474-2776
www.elnaranjo-restaurant.com
El Naranjo chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Taqueria La Escondida #2 10900 Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78737 (512) 288-1450
Taqueria La Escondida #2 chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Tucked into the backside of a gas station, it’s easy to miss La Escondida #2. Don’t. (Ryan)
Kerbey Lane Cafe (various locations) 4301 W William Cannon, Austin, TX 78737 (512) 899-1500 www.kerbeylanecafe.com
Kerbey Lane Cafe chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
When chilaquiles showed up again on Kerbey Lane's menu, we got texts and tweets from friends and fellow chilaquiles fiends telling us it was finally time for a go at breakfast. What we got was a chilaquiles plate with the simple preparation that we love – properly verde-sauced and simmered totopos, topped with a toss of white onion and cilantro, a pair of perfect over-easy eggs and a dollop of crema. No goopy cheese, no snazzy drizzles or garish garnish, just all the right flavors in exactly the right quantities. For an Austin institution and kitchen that pumps out such a wide variety of dishes, it's nice to see that they didn't overthink this one and fancy it up, or turn it into one more bad plate of migas. Kerbey Lane's chilaquiles deserve a spot in their regular breakfast rotation. (Ryan)
The 90 runners-up – in alphabetical order – are as follows:
Aguilera's Mexican Food 7210 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78752 (512) 371-8909
Aguilera's Mexican Food chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Alfredo's Mexican Food 15608 Spring Hill Ln, Pflugerville, TX 78660 (512) 969-5007
Alfredo's Mexican Food chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling
|
Alfredo's does a very good fresh verdes with some heat. The red had a little more depth with chipotle, but was not as spicy. Small, but crisp totopos. The beans and potatoes were nicely-mild, but the sunny-side-up eggs were undercooked. Maybe over-easy next time. (Ryan)
From our location in South Austin, a drive up to Pflugerville for breakfast constitutes something of a commitment. While Alfredo's doesn't break our top ten, we left feeling it was worth the drive for their satisfying offering. (Julie)
Azul Tequila 4211 S Lamar Blvd, Ste A2, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 416-9667
Azul Tequila chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
I quite enjoyed this dish. Our standard order is always with over-easy eggs, but "eggs instead of chicken" put what we think of as a pretty typical plate into the fancy-drizzle chilaquiles price point ($9+). Give them a try, though, if you're in the South Austin area. (Julie)
Beto's Mexican Restaurant 3518 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702 (512) 386-5013
Beto's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Casa Arandinas Mexican Bar and Grill 9001 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX 78748 (512) 292-1822
Casa Arandinas chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Casa Garcias 1901 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 441-9504
Casa Garcias chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
I was so hopeful for this place, too, since it's near our South Austin neighborhood. We didn't try the guajillo sauce, but it was the least recommended when we asked. Sadly, there was nothing outstanding about either the green or the red. (Julie)
Casa Maria 4327 S 1st St, Ste 102, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 444-8861 www.casamariarestaurant.net
Casa Maria chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Changos Taqueria 3023 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 (512) 480-8226 www.changos.com
Changos Taqueria chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Changos offers a spicy verde sauce over a large plate of thick and very crispy chips, but it was missing some much-needed sour cream or crema to balance out the strong flavors of the sauce. (Ryan)
This is a potent plate with substantial totopos, which is far better than soggy flacid ones. I liked these and would eat them again – especially if I was looking for a kick of heat – but would definitely suggest sharing the plate and ordering sides of refried beans and sour cream. (Julie)
Cheko's 1304 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756 (512) 407-8480 www.gotchekos.com
Cheko's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Cover 3 2700 W Anderson Ln, Ste 202, Austin, TX 78757 (512) 374-1121 www.cover-3.com
Cover 3 chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Don Dario's 8801 S IH35, Ste D, Austin, TX 78748 (512) 280-1139 www.dondarioscantina.com
Don Dario's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
What Ryan said. (Julie)
Don Juan 2506 E Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78741 (512) 326-2225
Don Juan chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Don Mario Mexican Restaurant 1700 Ranch Rd 620 N, Ste 110, Lakeway, TX 78734 (512) 266-3319 www.donmariolakeway.com
Don Mario chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling
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Dos Amigos 3842 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722 (512) 762-3081
Dos Amigos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Arroyo (Downtown) 1624 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78703 (512) 474-1222 www.elarroyo.com
El Arroyo chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Arroyo (Far West) (CLOSED) www.elarroyo.com
El Arroyo (Far West) chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Occasionally we come across a plate where the sauce is thin to the point that either the chips get soggy or it just feels like you're eating a plate of flavored tortilla chips. The sauce should be substantial enough to be seen and experienced independently, to some degree, and as the chips soften there should remain fried tortillas with a bit of crunch to them. The sauce here had a good flavor, but it lacked substance and the plate was poorly executed, especially for the price. (Julie)
Long, thin tortilla strips (similar to Maudie's) simmered in a thin, tangy salsa. The eggs were overcooked, the dish was overpriced and the waitstaff was inattentive. (Ryan)
El Borrego de Oro 3900 S Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 383-0031
El Borrego de Oro chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Chile 1809 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722 (512) 457-9900 www.elchilecafe.com
El Chile chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Faro 1779 Wells Branch Pkwy, Ste 108, Austin, TX 78728 (512) 252-3430 www.elfaroaustin.com
El Faro chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The chilaquiles verdes at El Faro was highly tomatillo-based, tangy, but with very little heat at all. The red version was enchilada-sauce-style, and also very mild. The totopos were perfect, as were the eggs, but everything was drowned in a little too much goopy cheese, crema, onion and cilantro. The owners were incredibly nice, gracious and helpful. (Ryan)
I really had high high hopes for this sweet little place filled with a plethora of lighthouse art and decor. They seem to have a popular buffet thing going on, but the chilaquiles were just a little too much of a good thing. I think this is the first one we've seen served with seasoned rice, and the refried beans were heavily seasoned with cumin. If felt a more like dinner than breakfast. (Julie)
El Nuevo Mexico 911 W Anderson Ln, Ste 120, Austin, TX 78757 (512) 458-5454 www.elnuevorestaurant.com
El Nuevo Mexico chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Rincon 200 E Pecan St, Pflugerville, TX 78660 (512) 990-0250
El Rincon chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The green sauce here had a more definable tomatillo character than most, and was quite good. For some reason the dish got soggy quickly. Real sour cream is available, but is brought to the table in small tubular squeezy packets. (Julie)
El Rey (CLOSED)
El Rey chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Secreto de Abuela 817 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78702 (512) 389-2227
El Secreto de la Abuela chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
El Sol y La Luna (CLOSED) www.elsolylalunaaustin.com
El Sol y La Luna chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
If chilaquiles are what you must have for breakfast, these will serve you well. But the perfect simplicity of their Plantain Breakfast with over easy-eggs are such a treat that temptation wins for even this die-hard chilaquiles-lover. (Julie)
El Taquito 1713 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741 (512) 851-8226 www.eltaquito.com
El Taquito chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Light and bright with a big open kitchen and large TV screens in the dining area, I got the feeling that while offering a nice variety of breakfast fare this place was generally more focused on the late-night life. (Julie)
Garrido's (CLOSED)
Garrido's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The bacon was the best thing about these almost-flavorless chilaquiles. Sorry, Garrido's. (Ryan)
Gloria's Latin Cuisine 300 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 (512) 236-1795 www.gloriascuisine.com
Gloria's Latin Cuisine chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The Goodnight (CLOSED)
The Goodnight chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
To their credit (and ours), we received $5 off for the plate without chicken. (Ryan)
Guero's Taco Bar 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 447-7688 www.guerostacobar.com
A very saucy, tasty green with a slightly weird application of sour cream. A decent rendition, but not enough to keep us coming back for more. (Ryan)
Guero's does a lot of things right, and these are chilaquiles, but not destination chilaquiles. (Julie)
Hecho En Mexico 6001 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78749 (512) 301-0060 www.hechoenmexico-restaurant.com
Hecho En Mexico chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
I really wanted to like these chilaquiles, but they were a little too precious, a little too fancified, and that unfortunately didn't add up to a delicious dish that tasted like it was "made in Mexico." Attentive service and good coffee. (Ryan)
Jalapeño's Taco Bar (CLOSED)
Jalapeño's Taco Bar chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Jalisco Mexican Restaurant and Bar 6601 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 448-9111
Jalisco Mexican Restaurant and Bar chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Excellent red, with a combination of chiles simmered with jalapeño, onion and tomato – a richer, deeper ranchero than we normally get. The green was similar, simmered long with lots of veg, much like a tomatillo ranchero. Nicely-cooked eggs, but the beans were so creamy they tasted like peanut butter. (Ryan)
Janitzio (CLOSED)
Janitzio chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Jardin Corona 13233 Pond Springs Rd, Ste 301, Austin, TX 78729 (512) 250-1061 www.jardincoronarestaurant.com
Jardin Corona chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Javi's Best of Tex Mex 7709 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78744 (512) 386-8329 www.javistexmex.com
Javi's Best of Tex Mex chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Javi’s is next to a Starbucks on the way to the airport, in a sterile, strip mall setting that would keep you driving right by if you were looking for great chilaquiles. Of all the chilaquiles east of IH35 on Ben White, and there are a few, these are destination chilaquiles, well worth the drive from our zip code. I just might miss a flight for these. The green was spicy up front, with an assertive bite, but it was the chilaquiles rojos that had us swooning. A creamy, chipotle-laced red with a heat that didn’t hit you until you were about to take the next bite was one of the best, most interesting reds we’ve had. Thinly-cut totopos retained a nice tooth all the way to the finish. Served with sour cream and raw white onions. Good, strong coffee. (Ryan)
Jefes Mexican Restaurant 6300 N Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752 (512) 459-0034 www.jefesmex.com
Jefes Mexican Restaurant chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
La Catedral del Marisco 2711 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702 (512) 476-7878
La Catedral del Marisco #2 chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
La Catrina (CLOSED)
La Catrina chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
I wasn't quite as impressed as Ryan, but I suspect that was due in large part to my utter distraction with the unusual combination of new age music and Dia de los Muertos decor we encountered on our visit. I do clearly remember the table sauces being very delicious. We'll be back. (Julie)
La Cocina de Consuelo 4516 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756 (512) 524-4740 www.consueloskitchen.com
La Cocina de Consuelo chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Las Cazuelas 1701 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 (512) 479-7911
Las Cazuelas chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The first time we visited Las Cazuelas I was stunned that we could get two orders of chilaquiles and a pair of coffees for less than 10 bucks. I felt like we were ripping them off. The portion size is a little smaller than the gigantic platter it used to be, but the price hasn't changed. It's not the best chilaquiles in town, but at $3.95*, it's still a steal. (Ryan) *Price is no longer $3.95, it is now $5.99
La Familia 3601 W William Cannon Dr, Ste 900, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 892-1311
La Familia chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
La Fruta Feliz 3124 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723 (512) 473-0037
La Fruta Feliz chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Always unfussy, these chilaquiles – red or green – are terrific (though green is our go-to). Delightful, too, that the service here includes a bowl of chopped onions and fresh cilantro in addition to their hot sauce offerings. I'm not suggesting you should mess with a good thing, but having options here is cool. If coffee is not your cup of tea, this is the place to order an agua fresca. They have a wide selection – the sandia (watermelon) and fresa (strawberry) are particular favorites of ours. (Julie)
La Michoacana Meat Market 1917 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702 (512) 473-8487
La Michoacana Meat Market chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
These are some beautiful chilaquiles, but I think I was focused on an even prettier plate of sopes de desayuno that day. (Julie)
La Placita 5310 S Pleasant Valley, Austin, TX 78744 (512) 628-0277
La Placita chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Under certain circumstances, I can appreciate a slightly porky flavor in refritos. These were a bit much for me, personally. Don't get me started again about the goopy cheese. (Julie)
La Tapatia 13450 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750 (512) 219-5000
La Tapatia chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Licha's Cantina 1306 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 (512) 480-5960 www.lichascantina.com
Licha's Cantina chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Los Chilaquiles (CLOSED)
Los Chilaquiles chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Los Huaraches (CLOSED)
Los Huaraches chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Los Jasmines Mexican Restaurant 2463 Hwy 71 E, Austin, TX 78617 (512) 389-2810
Los Jasmines Mexican Restaurant chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The red was described as a ranchero on the menu, but was a rich, enchilada-sauce style. Excellent totopos, but they could have used a little more sauce. The green was mild, tasty, but also not enough sauce. Over-easy eggs were perfectly cooked, and the plate was dressed well with raw onion and crema. Good beans, good potatoes, excellent fresh red table salsa. (Ryan)
Los Jasmines Mexican Restaurant #2 (CLOSED)
Los Jasmines Mexican Restaurant #2 chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Los Pinos 4919 Hudson Bend, Austin, TX 78734 (512) 266-3231
Los Pinos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Maudie's Hacienda 9911 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX 78748 (512) 280-8700
Maudie's Hacienda chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Since they only offer one variety of chilaquiles, I ordered something else this particular day. Thank goodness. (Julie)
Maria's Taco Xpress 2529 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 444-0261 www.tacoxpress.com
Maria's Taco Xpress chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Mariscos Los Jarochos 9200 N Lamar, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78753 (512) 339-3022
Mariscos Los Jarochos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Mary's Tacos (CLOSED)
Mary's Tacos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Mi Cabana 4118 S IH35, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 792-9300
Mi Cabana chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The menu described chilaquiles al gusto! so I had high hopes for this Mexican joint in a former IHOP. Then I learned that al gusto means to taste, not with great gusto! The entire interaction was in Spanish, so it helps to know enough Español to order breakfast. If you don’t, pointing at menu items works. The verdes was thick, spicy and had a good hit of cilantro with a smattering of melty cheese. Two eggs, one slightly overcooked and one just slightly under. Good beans and potatoes, but the totopos were quartered corn tortillas, which made them unwieldy on the fork and they didn’t hold up well to the sturdy sauce. The red was an acceptable ranchero with large chunks of peppers and onions. Decent coffee. (Ryan)
Mi Ranchito 1105 Farm to Market 1626, Manchaca, TX 78652 (512) 292-8107
Mi Ranchito chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
The totopos here were super thin and just couldn't stand up to the sauce treatment. The plate looks so honestly composed, I keep thinking that with a few tweaks they have so much potential... (Julie)
Mr. Natural 2414-A S Lamar, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 916-9223
Mr. Natural chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
You might be gambling a bit with the chilaquiles, but for a heavenly head-clearing agua fresca you can do no better than their pineapple-spinach. (Julie)
Ñoños Tacos 102 W Powell Ln, Austin, TX 78753 (512) 550-8984
Ñoños Tacos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Polvo's 2004 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 441-5446
Polvo's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
We visited Polvo's for breakfast after hearing some good things, but were a little put off by their chilaquiles. Everything on the plate was swimming in an unappealing light brownish-red liquid. The only thing on the plate that had any tooth to it was the black beans. (Ryan)
Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant #3 14611 N Mopac Expy, Ste 103, Austin, TX 78728 (512) 246-0727
Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Russell's Bistro (CLOSED)
Russell's Bistro chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Salt and Time 1912 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702 (512)524-1383 www.saltandtime.com
Salt and Time chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
San Juanita Tacos 4406 S Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 443-9308 www.sanjuanitastacos.com
San Juanita Tacos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Santa Catarina 1310 Ranch Road 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734 (512) 300-0946 www.santacatarinarestaurant.com
Santa Catarina chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Sazón 1816 S Lamar, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 326-4395 www.sazonaustin.com
Sazon chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Señor Buddy's (CLOSED)
Señor Buddy's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Notice that there are no potatoes? And the absence of sour cream? You know you've got a winner when they're so good you don't even miss those little extras. Perfect every single time. (Julie)
Serrano's Tex Mex (Mopac) 5030 Hwy 290 W, Austin, TX 78735 (512) 891-7592 www.serranos.com
Serrano's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Sierra's Mexican Food 100 E Spring St, Georgetown, TX 78626 (512) 863-8644
Sierra's Mexican Food chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Super Burrito (VARIOUS LOCATIONS. CHILAQUILES NO LONGER AVAILABLE.)
Super Burrito chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
I was more drawn to/repulsed by the prospect of a giant burrito filled with carne asada, french fries, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream. I know what I'm getting next time we go to Super Burrito, and it's not the "nachoquiles." (Ryan)
Takoba (TEMPORARILY CLOSED?)
Takoba chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
A pretty, simple preparation with some potatoes and grilled onions on the side, Takoba's chilaquiles are a fiery, feisty fast-breaker with various, visible chunks of chiles in the sauce. Almost a little too hot for us on this particular visit. Worth a revisit. (Ryan)
Tamale House East 1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 (512) 495-9504
Tamale House East chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Notable only for the unique addition of styrofoam and floppy french fries. (Julie)
Taqueria Arandas (Stassney) 2038 W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 448-4771 www.taqueriasarandas.com
Taqueria Arandas chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Taqueria Chapala #3 6116 W Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78735 (512) 892-3871 www.restaurantchapala.com
Taqueria Chapala chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Taquerias Arandinas 700 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 693-0206
Taquerias Arandinas chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Taqueria Don Chuy (CLOSED)
Taqueria Don Chuy chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Taqueria Guadalajara 9207 N Lamar, Austin, TX 78753 (512) 832-6560
Taqueria Guadalajara chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Taqueria La Escondida #3 1333 W Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 (512) 707-1688
Taqueria La Escondida #3 chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Taqueria Los Jaliscienses 1815 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 445-4866
Taqueria Los Jaliscienses chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Both red and green were sad plates, with goopy cheese and quick-fried eggs. The coffee was no bueno. (Ryan)
Taqueria Los Jaliscienses 6201 US 290, Austin, TX 78723 (512) 452-3332
Taqueria Los Jaliscienses chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Tekila's (CLOSED)
Tekila's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Tekila's had a good chilaquiles ranchero with chunks of onions and peppers. The verdes was bright and fresh, but the eggs had an off taste that stayed with me for hours. A little too much goopy cheese and overly-spiced beans. (Ryan)
I thought the verde sauce was pretty tasty, but the balance of the dish overall didn't win me over enough to recommend it or warrant a return visit. (Julie)
Tex-Mex Joe's 7600 N Lamar, Ste F, Austin, TX 78752 (512) 371-3625 www.tex-mex-joes-n-lamar.com
Tex-Mex Joe's chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Tortilleria Krystal 1033 E Howard Ln, Unit C, Austin, TX 78753 (512) 252-7750
Tortilleria Krystal chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Trudy's South Star 901 Little Texas Ln, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 326-9899
Trudy's South Star chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Probably more well-known for their migas and Mexican martinis than anything else, the chilaquiles were underwhelming. The sauce is described as a spicy, roasted tomato jalapeño version, but was mild and bland to the point of boring. Thickly-cheesy. (Ryan)
Tyson's Tacos 4905 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751 (512) 451-3326
Tyson's Tacos chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 6628 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745 (512) 462-2515
Vallarta Mexican Restaurant chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Vazquez Restaurant 915 E Braker Ln, Austin, TX 78753 (512) 837-2753
Vazquez Restaurant chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
A nice, traditional rendition of chilaquiles at Vazquez Restaurant with no fuss, no muss, just the basics. The sauce was spicy enough that a little crema would have been a nice foil. (Ryan)
This was another verde-added ranchero-style sauce with a serious kick. I love spicy, but after a point it starts to weigh on you. Excellent beans. (Julie)
Veracruz All Natural #1 9003 Waterford Centre Blvd, Ste 180, Austin, TX 78758 (512) 363-5917 www.veracruztacos.com
(Note:
Veracruz All Natural is no longer serving chilaquiles or Sunday brunch
menu at trailers. Brick and mortar location does. Address updated.)
Just when I thought Julie and I had closed the book on chilaquiles in Austin, Reyna Vasquez – owner of Veracruz All Natural – dropped a first-class, stunningly-good breakfast beso on us.
We had already tried a few times to get ahold of these rarified chilaquiles. The first Sunday we stopped by, the trailer was closed for repairs. I called the following week to find that the special brunch menu was served only on the first Sunday of each month – essentially making these the most elusive of all chilaquiles in Austin, offered only 12 times a year.
I had a feeling they were going to be pretty good, but I had no idea just how good. At one point, Julie took a perfectly-proportioned bite and simply started laughing. She had no words, only a giddy roll of the eyes and a slight swoon. My reaction was incredulous silence, stunned disbelief, and an immediate clearing of my calendar for all following first Sundays of the month.
Both rojos y verdes are offered, plated (yes, actual plates out of a trailer) with your choice of charro, black, or refried black beans, and fried plantains. The chilaquiles verdes were as ideal as they get – fresh totopos with perfect tooth under a sauce so natural, bright and right, with just the slightest heat. Under the over-easy eggs were a few slivers of raw white onion and a dusting of hard-grated cheese. The red version was more mild and subtle, a little delicate, but refined and ridicously-satisfying. There were none of the overly-heavy, thickly-spiced, tomato-chile flavors we'd seen on so many plates of chilaquiles rojos before. Refried black beans (flawlessly seasoned) and sweet, crispy-edged, creamy-interior fried plantains finished the plate.
Texas Coffee Roasters provided the café and the sandia agua fresca was amazing. (Ryan)
Vivo Austin 6406 N IH35, Ste 2343, Austin, TX 78752 (512) 407-8302 www.vivoaustin.com
Vivo’s chilaquiles are verdes only, and that green is a very acidic, limey beast that is herbaceous and almost a little heavy. Much like a Mexican pesto, which would have been best friends with some crema and onion to balance things out. The beans were great, the potatoes were nicely-fried but underseasoned. Homemade corn tortillas were great, and the guajillo table salsa with roasty black flecks in it was stellar. Recommended. (Ryan)
Zocalo Cafe 1110 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703 (512) 472-8226
Ignore the colorful bell pepper and potato ensemble and you've got a pretty tasty, if slightly unconventional, chilaquiles "stack" served over whole black beans. (Julie)
Bonus chilaquiles:
Señor Moose Cafe 5242 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (206) 704-5568
Chilaquiles, for us, originated here, at a tidy, tiny little joint in a historically Scandanavian neighborhood in Seattle. They didn't even begin as a Mexican restaurant. It took nine months of the owner missing comida tipica, before Moose Cafe became Señor Moose Cafe, serving cooking straight out of central plateau Mexico's fondas and backroom kitchens. Their chilaquiles are rock solid, and a benchmark that has informed and shaped our opinions of every plate of chilaquiles after. If you're ever in Seattle, stop at the Moose. You will not be disappointed.
This was another verde-added ranchero-style sauce with a serious kick. I love spicy, but after a point it starts to weigh on you. Excellent beans. (Julie)
Veracruz All Natural #1 9003 Waterford Centre Blvd, Ste 180, Austin, TX 78758 (512) 363-5917 www.veracruztacos.com
Veracruz All Natural chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Just when I thought Julie and I had closed the book on chilaquiles in Austin, Reyna Vasquez – owner of Veracruz All Natural – dropped a first-class, stunningly-good breakfast beso on us.
We had already tried a few times to get ahold of these rarified chilaquiles. The first Sunday we stopped by, the trailer was closed for repairs. I called the following week to find that the special brunch menu was served only on the first Sunday of each month – essentially making these the most elusive of all chilaquiles in Austin, offered only 12 times a year.
I had a feeling they were going to be pretty good, but I had no idea just how good. At one point, Julie took a perfectly-proportioned bite and simply started laughing. She had no words, only a giddy roll of the eyes and a slight swoon. My reaction was incredulous silence, stunned disbelief, and an immediate clearing of my calendar for all following first Sundays of the month.
Both rojos y verdes are offered, plated (yes, actual plates out of a trailer) with your choice of charro, black, or refried black beans, and fried plantains. The chilaquiles verdes were as ideal as they get – fresh totopos with perfect tooth under a sauce so natural, bright and right, with just the slightest heat. Under the over-easy eggs were a few slivers of raw white onion and a dusting of hard-grated cheese. The red version was more mild and subtle, a little delicate, but refined and ridicously-satisfying. There were none of the overly-heavy, thickly-spiced, tomato-chile flavors we'd seen on so many plates of chilaquiles rojos before. Refried black beans (flawlessly seasoned) and sweet, crispy-edged, creamy-interior fried plantains finished the plate.
Texas Coffee Roasters provided the café and the sandia agua fresca was amazing. (Ryan)
Vivo Austin 6406 N IH35, Ste 2343, Austin, TX 78752 (512) 407-8302 www.vivoaustin.com
Vivo Austin chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Zocalo Cafe 1110 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703 (512) 472-8226
Zocalo Cafe chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
Bonus chilaquiles:
Señor Moose Cafe 5242 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (206) 704-5568
Señor Moose Cafe chilaquiles. © Ryan Schierling |
A job well done!
ReplyDeleteChilaquiles: the final breakfast frontier. These are the voyages of FoieGrasHotDog. Its three-year mission: to explore strange new Mexican restaurants, to seek out new totopos and salsas, to boldly go where no one has gone before.
DeleteFrank, I have to be honest and tell you that in no way am I tired of this dish. I could eat it every morning. Thank you for some great recommendations! One of these days we'll have to meet up for breakfast.
That would be great-sounds like we're in the same neighborhood! DM via Twitter some weekend!
ReplyDeleteYou know it! We'll hit you up soon.
DeleteI'm so impressed with this and am definitely going to keep it handy for reference! I went a few months ago and the chilaquiles I ordered definitely looked like this (though not my photo): https://www.instagram.com/p/u6Cn6vuaKX/ Really tasty, too. So maybe (hopefully) they've improved it since you guys last went?
ReplyDeleteOops, meant to say that I went to Tamale House East.
DeleteNo more floppy French fries! We'll have to try out Tamale House East again. It looks like they've switched it up... for the better.
DeleteThank god I found this blog, Chilaquiles have been my go to Texas Breakfast for a while. Definetly going to check a couple of these places out. I'll shoot you a shoutout when I share my adventures on Yobored.
ReplyDeleteWell, Anonymous, it's been a few years. Almost seven to be exact. I would like to hope you're still enjoying chilaquiles here in Austin, or somewhere else, maybe. It has been a while. My apologies for the tardiness in this reply. I hope you ate some good plates, and have some more planned in the future.
Delete