Tony’s Restaurant Reviews

Since Sante Fe, NM I have been yearning for great southwestern fare, a cut above the conventional TexMex. This must be the place.

Wine choices by the glass were varied and the pours fair. My appetizer of avocados with tomatoes, onions and cilantro was refreshing – I always like eating the good fats. The Chicken Monterey with mild Texas goat cheese (those Texans do everything), Monterey jack, sauteed spinach, poblano rice and red bell pepper sauce was a great choice. The flavors were delicate and complimented the usual bland chicken breast (no fault of Via real – just the way it is with worldwide/USA Agri Business – maybe grass fed poultry will be the next buzz – free range here we come).

And of course the corn chips and spicy/fresh salsa are worth the trip.

4020 North MacArthur

Las Colinas Plaza

Irving, TX 75038

(972)650-9001

www.viareal.com

Authentic, authentic, authentic Mexican food served in a cheerful atmosphere – the bright colors lift the spirits, and you too can lift a few, since they serve great margaritas (ask for one of the better Tequilas recommended by the bartender).

And why not try some guacamole? The quest for the best continues. Theirs stands up to Rick Bayless’ stuff at Frontera and the Mambo Grill’s stuff as well (both in Chicago) – and even to the good deal Chipotle chain stuff. But the atmosphere is what this place is all about; friendly and cheerful beyond compare.

My chicken enchiladas with mole were the best I’ve ever had – the mole sauce delicate and not overpowering – and the tortilla wrapping was so well prepared that it melted in your mouth. Choosing all refried beans and no rice may not always be a good idea, but the beans were tasty and fatty and worth the calories – my attempt to reduce some carbs.

Wines by the glass are underwhelming, so stick with a beer or margarita.

This place is also a bakery, and open 24 hours! Housed in the historic market square, with La Margarita restaurant next door, I suggest this place though it is not located on the touristry San Antonio Riverwalk – let’s support the one of a kind places (though this place really doesn’t need any more press).

$

218 Produce Row – at Commerce and San Saba
(210) 225-1262

www.mitierracafe.com

Here I am in Texas longhorn country ready to have some real food for real people, and I did it! This family steakhouse opened circa 1989 and has survived the many, many chains popping up all over the place. Their fill-in-the-blank menu is filled out and presented to the waitress. Next, salad or soup is brought to the table next, and beer or soft drinks delivered with friendly staff (or ask for a cork screw to open your own wine – and while you’re at it, why not try a Texas cab), and then the entree shows up just in time.

The steak is tender (if not prime), cooked to your specific instructions, and while the only veggie entry is green beans of the canned variety, the overall quality of the steak justifies a visit here when in Waco.

There’s a “gourmet” place listed in the phone book, and its website is quite impressive, but I wasn’t willing to try something so expensive during my first visit to Waco in several years. Maybe next time.

I chose an excellent Texas wine which I purchased at the local liquor store – the Texans are getting prouder of their wines – and they are worth a try. Heitmiller’s beer list is long enough, even “all can beer” for $2.25 a pop.

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BYOB wine

Interstate highway 35 exit 343 (Elm Mott exit)
(on west frontage road just north of exit)

(254)829-2651
11am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday

Chuy’s has great margaritas, fresh and hot chips, delicious salsas, and super food. Try the Southwest Enchiladas or the Chiles Rellenos.
$

1728 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704-1037
(512) 474-4452

Driving Directions:

From downtown – Take Lamar south until you hit Barton Springs Road. Make a right and you’ll see them a few blocks down on the right; look for the laundry hanging on a line.

From MoPac – Take the Bee Cave/2244 exit and head east (toward Zilker Park) on Barton Springs Road. Drive through Zilker Park, and after the stoplight at Robert E. Lee, you’ll see them on the left.

From IH-35 – Take the Riverside exit and drive west (towards downtown) until you hit Barton Springs Road, make a left and drive past Lamar Blvd. (toward Zilker Park). You’ll see them a few blocks down on the right.

Shady Grove has delicious Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie. After a piece of this, have some of their veggie chili, or a Country Fried Chicken Salad. Add a glass of iced tea, or a margarita, and you’re all set. Yum!

pennies

1624 Barton Springs Road
Austin TX 78704
(512) 474-9991

Driving Directions:

From downtown – Take Lamar south until you hit Barton Springs Road. Make a right and you’ll see them on the right.

From MoPac – Take the Bee Cave/2244 exit and head east (toward Zilker Park) on Barton Springs Road until you see them on the left.

From I-35 – Take the Riverside exit and drive west (towards downtown) until you hit Barton Springs Road, make a left and drive past Lamar Blvd. (toward Zilker Park). You’ll see them on the right.