El Chile serves up some of the best Mexican food and drinks in town. But, beware: it’s a really popular place and you’ll have to wait during prime time. Don’t go to El Chile thinking you’ll have an intimate talk with your companion – it’s loud. But it’s a great place to take visitors who want to be in the middle of the Austin atmosphere.
First off: the drinks. This was the first “gringo-owned” place in town (that I know of) to serve micheladas, beer with lime and spicy rim salt. Great on a summer day! Another winner is the chilango margarita, a delicious margarita with orange liqueur and that spicy salt rim. The margarita specials with in-season fruit also win raves from my friends.
The appetizers are the usual line-up, but done with freshness and quality. The entrees are where the restaurant really shines. I had some enfrijoladas (chicken enchiladas with black bean puree) that, I hate to admit, were better than my homemade ones!
I’m not a fan of the Puebla-style brown mole, but El Chile serves Oaxaca-style red mole chicken that is fabulous! You can order the lunch/dinner plate or get it on the Caesar salad. Magnifico! Another item not to miss: the chiles rellenos.
Next to try: weekend brunch at the new El Chile on Greystone. I can’t wait!
1809 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722
512.457.9900
3435 Greystone Dr
Austin, TX 78731
512.284.7863
http://www.elchilecafe.com/
Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader
