Now, thanks to my status as reviewer for Taco Town, the risk-and-reward tables have been turned. If the place really sucks, at least I’ll do a good deed by warning others about the eminent dysentery awaiting them. And on the rare occasion that the mystery restaurant is GOOD, I will be hailed as a modern day taco explorer, “The Columbus of Tacos” if you will…the pieces are falling into place…wmahaha!So, armed with a new confidence and sense of adventure I decided to leave the friendly confines of Taco Town and venture into the vast uncharted waters of the taco world.Twas only minutes into my voyage, I spotted my first Mystery Taqueria, it was in a strip mall. I fought off visions of Pancho’s- “Good tacos are NOT a myth. I’ve tasted them” I reassured myself…The First day’s quest was in sight, and my boat landed on the sandy shores of a small province called Taco Village. Obviously not a coincidence- I was destined to discover Taco Vilage.Amaya’s Taco Village
5405 N IH35 - Capital Plaza Shopping Center - Austin TX
(512)458-2531I confidently strolled inside, only to find the place PACKED. It was the lunch rush I guess. I had to wait about 5 minute to get a table for 1. The clientel was mostly Latino- a good sign for sure. The wait staff was all middle-aged Mexican women. They were prompt and courteous. I got my Ice-T and chips & salsa pretty quick, then started perusing the menu.There was a hand written sign taped to the front door that said, “todays special- Enchiladas Verdes. chicken only $7.00″
I figured that was as good a place to start as any. I also ordered one Crispy beef taco ($2.50) I gotta try the namesake, and a side of sour cream (free).The menu was pretty much the standard tex-mex fare- fajitas for 2 was $22, seems a bit pricey, but maybe its for good reason.My food came VERY FAST, like 3-4 minutes later. I was impressed by the massive plate of enchiladas bulging up at me. They were smothered in a relatively thick verde sauce and topped with a generous amount of melted white cheese. The taco came on a plate by itself, and it too was impressive in size, at first I was skeptical of the taco shell, a bulging fired flour shell that looked pretty greezy. There was shredded american cheese, lettuce, and beautiful ripe tomato chunks inside. My 1st bite was the best Taco I’ve had in months. If you like Vivo’s puffy tacos, then you’ve got to try these- actually Its like Vivo tried to copy these ones, and they failed. the ground beef was savory and plentiful. Each bite was like a dream come true.Some guy at a party the other day said to me, “ehh. I don’t really eat tacos. You know, a taco is a taco.” Well first of all, Dude you obviously haven’t had a Taco Village taco. Sencond of all- You’re bannished from Taco Town! BANNISHED!!

Anyways, the enchiladas were better than average, especially with the addition of sour cream (though the verde sauce was a little too bland). The rice and beans were exactly what texmex rice&beans should be- good filling for the obligatory “cleanup taco” along with scattered chunks of taco meat and chicken. The Salsa was standard Tex Mex also, but had a good consistency, the kind that stays on the chip even on a botched dip. Chips were homemade goodness, the thin kind. Points for the chips.

So, the only real problem with the enchiladas was that I couldn’t take my eyes off the taco. It was that good. I had truly discovered a shining gem in the world of taco. I will definitely go back and I’ll be bringing friends.

So, in light on my new discovery, I will no longer be the Gatekeeper on these forums. I’ve earned the right, the privilege. I hereby dub myself- “CABEZA DE TACO” THE GREAT TACO EXPLORER!

Food Quality 9
Salsa 7
Service 8
Price 6
Atmosphere 5 (there were ads on the menu and the table was plastered with ads, bunk…)
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Overall 70%