a nice assortment of Austin, TX tacos
Warning: do not click this link if you are hungry.

Al Pastor taco $0.99

I found this GREAT little taco stand just a couple minutes South-East of Austin, off Hwy 183 and DG Collins Rd.  I was the only gringo there, and the girl inside spoke ZERO engles…which is always a good sign in my book.

Chorizo/egg taco (.99) was and great, especially with the chunky, vinagery house salsa piled on top..reminded me of Maria’s w/ the chimichurri (though not quite THAT good).

Bomb Taco Alert: the Al Pastor Taco (.99), was more like a BBQ pulled pork smothered in red sauce – but it was AMAZING…highly recommended.

Las Flores – try to remember that name – and go there next time you head out near the airport or traveling towards Lockhart – its right off 183 about 5 min south of hwy 71…It may be a little off the beaten path, but there’s also a Pollo Regio stand across the street- if you feel like u wanna double up.

will post more pics later.

-cabeza

my personal favorite breakfast taco combination: bean, bacon, egg, and cheese.. add maria’s famous chimichurri and you’ve got yourself a win-bear>

There’s a brand new El Chile Restaurant in Northwest Austin- in the old Mesa Hills Cafe building.  The reviews so far are mixed at best.  Look for a TT writeup soon.
El Chile | 3435 Greystone Drive | Map | Menu | Reviews

We also got a “numero dos”, downtown version of El Chile’s kid brother taco/coffee shop, El Chilito.  They’re open weekdays 7am-3pm.
El Chilito | 918 Congress Ave. | Map | Menu | Reviews

-cabeza

Nestled next to the lighthouse in Port Isabel (neighboring to South Padre Island), Manuel’s is truly a landmark for this region of Texas. Its an unassuming place, a small restaurant where the walls are adorned with football memorabilia, Scarface and the Godfather movie posters, and team photos from the local high school.. The service quick and well rehearsed. First off they’ll make sure you know about their tortillas. Fresh-made 18 inch flour tortillas filled the ingredients of your choice. “It’s like Burger King, you can have it your way,” the waiter mentioned on both of my visits.. More like taco heaven if you ask me..

The choices are endless, my buddy Svenson even had his filled with steak (uncut) and eggs! I chose the shrimp on my first visit and it was not a bad choice at all, considering the locale. When the taco comes, you cant believe how big it is. it doesnt even fit on the plate.. You are forced to eat the fillings for a while before the taco can even be closed.. and picked up for traditional munching.. Truly a wonderous taco experience.

Manuel’s solidified its world-class stature when it earned mention in Texas Monthly’s article “63 Tacos You Must Try Before You Die.” The magazine sited their machacado beef as a standout so I thought I would give it a try on my second trip. Machacado beef is dried beef, somewhat like a cross between the best parts of roast beef and beef jerky.. It has that chewy, slightly crunchy texture that is curiously delicious. When mixed with eggs, its achieves the same dynamic as bacon, you get the chewy & salty alongside the soft & fluffy – whats not to like?

To summarize, if I had a private jet, I would fly in to Port Isabel just to cure a hangover at Manuel’s.. its a magical place for taco lovers.. The beach and beautiful women of South Padre would be just an after-thought.

Manuel’s
313 E Maxan St
Port Isabel, TX 78578
(956) 943-1655
[MAP]

Score:

• Food Quality: 9 (hard to beat)
• Salsa: 6 (average)
• Atmosphere: 7 (low key)
• Service: 7 (a little above average)
• Price: 9 (alot of bang for your buck)

Total: 76% Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

“Hey man, You got something on your lip there…” “Shiit, that’s juss my Dirty Sanchez muthafucka”

If you want a more in-depth look at Torchy’s Taco’s- check out Chappy’s full review Here.

Today I only have eyes for one taco, and Holy Hell! Just got a chance to try the newest spawn of the fanatical quasi-breakfast taco dogma. It was a Revelation, or perhaps a Genesis. On the eighth day, Torchy shot his (proverbial) wad and created THE DIRTY SANCHEZ. I must admit it was the first time I’d been on the receiving end of this tasty treat…and for a dash of irony- its a meatless taco. Here’s the fillins:

Big Flour Tortilla filled with
fluffy EGGS
Tempura-fried POBLANO pepper
CHEESE
Pickled CARROT spears
Topped with Poblano-RANCH dressing

So, the tempura-fried poblano was the Alexis Amore of this gangbang, with the creamy ranch and tangy carrots playing perfect supporting roles (maybe Peter North and um…Carrot-top?), all melding into a greater-than-their-parts euphoria of taste, texture and smell. I heard thunder-claps, and visions of Dustin Diamond’s Saved by the Smell danced in my dome. Fuckin great taco and major props to Torchy’s for the balls to call it the Dirty Sanchez….

In the 24hrs since Taking the Sanchez, I’ve been flirting with the idea of this taco de-throning my longtime favorite alt-breakfast taco- Tatiana’s Tamale Taco at Maudie’s…But alas- Cabeza is never one to make a hasty decision. I’ll have to eat one more Sanchez to confirm the new champ..

oh yeah- I also had a beef fajita taco- which was amazing and also deserves props…If I can take my mind off the Sanchez for a second, then i’ll add to this post…

Torchy’s Tacos [map]
1207 South 1st Street
512-366-0537
Monday-Sunday 7am-11pm