El Riconcito is an authentic Guatemalan restaurant featuring many items on their menu. The portions are large and I especially loved their aguas frescas (the mango was delicious) and the Garnachas con Camaron. read more

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First time in trying Guatemalan food. Got there before the lunch crowd, seated promptly. Waitress was out quick, friendly and welcoming, drink orders in and supplied quickly. Helpful suggestions when we said we hadn't had this cuisine before, which was welcome, as the menu is HUGE. Almost overwhelming array of choices, for about any craving/style of eating/cooking method you could want. One of those places you could work through the menu, sampling everything that looked good, and it all looked good. Everything was prepared fresh, and was very tasty and filling. Portions were generous, and the flavours were a welcome change from our usual lunchtime stops. We will have to come back repeatably to try more of the offerings. Plenty of parking out front, easy access off of Anderson. Interior of restaurant is highly decorated, very pleasing atmosphere to dine in. Highly recommended! read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Chips and salsa (not spicy, but really good!) - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Service is always fantastic, food is made to order and comes out within 10min of ordering. I can't ever get tired of having this delicious typical Guatemalan breakfast. It feels like you're stepping away from Austin and into Guatemala. It's a whole experience. From the cultural decor to the sounds of xylophones playing Marimba (music from Guatemala). It's a vibe here. Check it out. Service is 10/10 (speaks both English and Spanish), food 10/10 & ambiance 10/10. read more

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Raw chicken in my soup. Soup said veggies & chicken and all I received was broth and chicken. I called, the lady who answered was rude. And that's not the first time shes come off like that. read more

Glad my brother suggested this spot. Beautifully decorated with authentic Guatemalan furniture and art, the dining area is spacious and clean. The server was kind and helpful. And handled our large party well. It took a little bit of time to get our food, but it was ultimately worth the wait. My favorites were the garnachas, dobladas, and plantains. The carnitas were also really good. Everyone enjoyed their aguas frescas as well. I'm not in that part of town a lot, but will look forward to coming back when I am. We were super hungry when the food came, so I forgot to take a lot of pictures. read more

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Servicio: Atención amable, poco descuidado -Atole de elote, no sabía del todo a elote -Caldo de camarones estaba muy rico Lo mejor son los rellenitos nunca fallan Ambiente : agradable, poco silencioso read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

With no meetings for two hours, I decided to go out for lunch. Have you ever walked into a restaurant and was totally transported to another place in time? That is what happened to me when I walked into El Rinconcito Chapin, a Guatemalan restaurant. El Rinconcito Chapin is located on Anderson Lane off the beaten path in a strip mall shopping center. Growing up in San Antonio, TX, I am used to seeing vibrant, large flowers and colorful furniture in El Mercado (The Marketplace). In fact, my reading chair when I was a child where I sat every day after school to read to my mom was bright red, with hand painted flowers. Thus, walking into El Rinoncito Chapin was like walking into a brightly colored happy place. The booths, chairs, paintings, and neon signs were bright and vivid colors. When you enter the restaurant, on the right-hand side is a display cabinet with bread stored inside. Also, a cabinet is filled with many random items - cologne, hygiene items and what looked to be board games. In this corner is also a display of decadent shaved ice selections and menus including daily specials. Such a familiar display... My server, Amanda, sat me in a booth and took my order. She was very friendly and helpful. I ordered the Tuesday (Martes) special, which was Chile relleno. The lunch special came with a potato salad, rice, two sauces and home tortillas. Everything was superb and totally different from what my brain was expecting. First, the Chile relleno was not poblano peppers stuffed with meat, cheese, etc. The Chile relleno had poblano peppers enclosed in a bread outer exterior with lots of chicken exquisitely flavored with the Chile relleno at the bottom portion (had the appearance of a large empanada.) Next, the rice looked like Spanish rice with green peas and carrots. However, the rice was so fluffy, airy, and soft...different from what I was expecting in a good way. The potato salad was not the traditional potato salad. Thinly sliced potatoes, carrots, celery strips were drenched in light liquid mayonnaise. I immediately thought I would not like it, but I tried it, nonetheless. Surprisingly, it was quite tasty. Finally, the standout item was the corn tortillas. These tortillas, I believe, were made from white corn. They were thicker than a traditional corn tortilla, soft and bursting with flavor. Loved them! During lunch hour, while the restaurant was not completely full, there was a great deal of foot traffic. In addition, there is free parking in front of the restaurant. I will be back to try more dishes especially the shaved ice. Everything I ate was delicious and memorable. Highly recommend this restaurant... read more

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My goodness, it has definitely been a hot minute since the last time I left a restaurant completely stuffed. This was my first time trying Guatemalan cuisine and I was completely blown away by the food here. I also want to quickly mention how I love the interior of the restaurant as well. They had transformed the setting to give off traditional Guatemalan vibes with the bright colored decor. As for the food, I was thrilled to see how many traditional dishes were on the menu including the national dish of Guatemala - the Pepian. The dish wasn't too heavy. I only wish it came with more veggies. We also ordered the Chapincito Plate so we can get a sampling of a few different items. It came with garnachas, chicken tostada, chuchito and fried plantains - all super delicious. I would have to say the highlight of my meal was definitely the garnachas. I loved it so much that I ordered a whole separate order of it. The tortillas were made so perfectly that all the toppings stay in place with each bite. My hubby ordered their Coctel de Camaron (aka shrimp cocktail) and it was honestly the most massive shrimp cocktail I'd ever seen being served at a restaurant. He thoroughly enjoyed it. The service was also amazing. Our server was super nice and recommended great dishes for us since it was our first time there. Keep in mind when you pay that the tip is already baked into the bill which is nice. They noted this at the bottom of the menu. I will certainly return in the future. I'm already dreaming of the garnachas from there. Yummmmm! It was truly that good. read more

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Met my mom here for lunch one afternoon after finding this place on Yelp. Neither of us had Guatemalan food before but we were excited to give it a try! The inside ambiance is bright and cheerful with artwork adorning each chair. Service was nice even with a language barrier, and the server gave some wonderful recommendations for first timers. They offer all sorts of aguas frescas, and they also have traditional desserts! The mole covered plantains are to die for. read more

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Been looking for an authentic spot like this for awhile and glad I found it. Definitely gives you a vibe like your back In Guatemala and the best part the food is just as amazing. Service is fast and food as well. Overall glad I found this hidden gem!! read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Loved it. Felt like going on a mini vacation as soon as you step inside. Food is obviously made with a lot of care and attention and is delicious! I got the sample plate - the Chapincito plate (little mini tacos, the tostada with a spread, a Guatemalan tamale, and plantains and would highly recommend this route if you're new to Guatemalan cuisine as I am. There are so many good looking things on the menu that I would like to work my way through. They do breakfast as well! And a little takeout bakery section. Such a gem hiding in plain sight. read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Chapincito Plate - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

I have been stopping here every Saturday and Sunday morning for fresh coffee from Guatemala and different things to go with it. Nothing has ever been a miss!! They are great and treat everyone like family. I really love this place and I think you will also! read more

Wow, this is a new restaurant with a lot of different and unique menu options. A must try especially for those looking for fresh and delicious Latin American cuisine. We will definitely come back. The restaurant was also very clean. read more

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I ate there yesterday. I didn't get anything too exotic for my taste. I got a grilled steak and it was good.

My fiancée is Guatemalan, so it's been great having a restaurant so close to home where he can get all his favorite comfort foods. We've dined in a few times, and the interior design is incredible - the pops of colors are so lively and bring warmth to all visitors, while the hand-painted art on the backs of their wooden chairs let you know that a lot of thought and care went into planning this place out. Their food is consistently good, offering up many authentic dishes that remind him of his childhood. He stops in every week to pick up freshly baked breads to have with our coffee in the mornings, and often brings home delicious chicken tamales wrapped in banana leaves (raisins added in during the Christmas season). I am especially fond of their mole de plátano dessert, and highly recommend it as well. read more

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Had no wait, great service and food came fast. Was there for lunch on a weekday and tried an antojito sampler. Everything was yummy, but my favorite was the garnachas and the plantain.ill be coming back for breakfast. Place is super clean. Also seems authentic. Great experience! Also, the marimba music is a nice touch! read more

I've been really craving some authentic food, with my interest in small, family-owned businesses. I was in Austin and decided to stop at El Rinconcito's. It was about 1:30p and parking was a breeze. The atmosphere immediately caught my attention, bright colors, festive music as well as fun snacks and drinks for sale at the counter. The woman behind the counter was kind and attentive and helped me decide on chicken tamales. The tamales were moist, flavorful and filled with an abundance of goodness. There was a tomato sauce incorporated, which was fun and different. I'll defintely be back and highly recommend! read more

I could say: 'This place is worth moving to Austin for.....', but you wouldn't believe me. Very small mom and Pop joint. The garnachas are AMAZING!! Very casual. They aren't open terribly late. read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Garachas! Excellent! - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Authentic food and wonderful service. The house made tortillas were incredible. I'll be back! read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Desayuno Campestre - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Un poco caro pero rico Cobran extra 3% por usar tarjetas también El ambiente es bonito pero tardado read more

Highly recommend this place for anyone interested in trying authentic Guatemalan cuisine. It's as if you've left Austin and entered a family owned cafe in Guatemala. I'd recommend trying the various tamales that are unlike what is commonly served at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants. The restaurant is large, clean and nicely decorated with traditional oil on canvas paintings that are sold throughout the country by indigenous artisans. The staff is attentive and friendly. Enjoy your trip into a new cultural experience and experience a different type of Latin cuisine. read more

I like the experience of trying cuisine from around the world. I enjoyed the colorful decor of the restaurant. The food was good and plentiful. The staff was very friendly. read more

Bought food for thanksgiving. The lady said when I ordered i would get 1 Lb of rice 1 Lb of corn 1 Lb of green beans. Truly disappointed. How is this a pound of corn. read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - a bowl of corn on a scale - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love that this restaurant is adding much-needed diversity in cuisine & culture to Allandale. I admit that Spanish is easier for me than others & it's a pretty bilingual joint, at least up front. So far, the tamarindo drink & large tortilla with beets & eggs on it are my faves. Gonna work my way through the rest of the menu when my appetite's greater! Hope this biz fares well cuz Allandale is SO BLAND & vanilla overall. I'll be a frequent patron as I live 1 mile away & go to the same shopping center a lot (Fresh Plus, Style Encore, Glow Nails & Play it Again Sports). Location in their favor, I def wanna vouch for it & update later as I try more menu items. Nice blend of eat-in & to-go plus Cashpay payment option & quick grab & go pastries up front w/the drinks. read more

We love El Rinconcito Chapin. I grew up in Guatemala and have now found a place that serves the best Guatemalan food. We love the tamales and the plátanos. The service is great. Although we had only been there a few times, the waitress remembered my name and what foods we like to order. Highly recommended. read more

I have really been craving some authentic food, with my interest in small, family-owned businesses. I was in Austin yesterday and decided to stop in to El Rinconcito Chapin's. It was about 1:30 in the afternoon and parking wasn't an issue. I loved the atmosphere! Bright colors, festive music, snacks and drinks for sale at the counter. I ordered two Chicken Tamales to go. The woman at the counter (owner?) was kind and attentive and my order was definitely worth the wait! The tamales were so abundantantly filled with goodness, that I could only eat one. They were moist, flavorful and delicious, not dry at all. I couldn't tell if it was a potato filling or a masa filling, it tasted a little like both. There was also a tomato sauce incorporated, which I have never had before, it was great! I will definitely be back and I highly recommend! Side Note: I had the 2nd tamale 2 hours later and it was just as good! read more

Terrible customer service, we waited more than 20 minutes at the table and no one ever came to to our table - I went to ask, because there were three people standing there talking and the gentleman only told me that they had a lot of orders, in other words that if I wanted to wait, if not, I should leave, it was my first time and the last with that service, I don't think they will last long, - the Gloria restaurant on the Domain has excellent service, they should learn from them or from Chick File read more

I have to admit I am never good at finding hole-in-the-wall places which are better than 5 star restaurants. I came here from a recommendation of a friend who is trying every restaurant on the North Lamar corridor. I saw his photos and I wanted to come here. This restaurant did not disappoint. First off, the restaurant is across the street from the Yellow Rose and close to where Lamar and Airport split. It's a small place so you might miss it. It is definitely small with limited parking. The door is broken and never closes. The service was somewhat slow but I didn't care. I ordered #25 which was steak with black beans, rice and corn. I tell you it did not disappoint. It was the best steak I have ever had and I've been to a lot of 5 star restaurants. The refried black beans was not dry. Rice was flavorful and the corn was tasty. The veggies which came with it was almost like having potato salad. This dinner plus Mexican coke was all under $20. It is so good that I want to come back and try more of their dishes or just have #25 all over again. They deserve a bigger restaurant at the same time, I don't mind the place they are in. I hope all of you try this restaurant. You will not be disappointed by them read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I have been here 3 times now (once at the old location and twice at this location). I have to say the new space is an upgrade. The food has always been good. I lived in Honduras a while back and am always happy to find good Central American. This one checks that box. In fact, I might even venture to say that this is THE best Central American food I've had in Austin... definitely authentic. It takes me back to my time there... I love the antojitos. Other than that, it was pretty busy this time, so it took a while to get the food, but everyone was really nice about it. read more

I just picked up a takeout order of Guatemalan tamales, chuchitos, tamalitos de chipilin, rellenitos, and champurradas. I'm missing my family this year and this is a little taste of home. Thank you! read more

Good stuff! I've been twice now and look forward to exploring the menu further. I'm not familiar with Guatemalan food but I intend to become acquainted here. On the first visit I had the churrasco entree, which turned out to be a feast of a steak dinner for just $14.99. The plate was overflowing with steak, seasoned rice, half-ear of corn, vegetable salad, soupy black beans, salsa, and blue corn tortillas, which are noticeably different from any usual tortilla you're likely to encounter in Austin. The thin cut of round steak was cooked medium as I asked, with some pink showing, and there was not a single bite of gristle or toughness. Fabulous for a relatively humble cut of beef, priced so reasonably. On the second visit I had the chicken con crema, because I'd noticed it mentioned on other Yelp reviews. It was wonderful, and turned out to be an unexpected experience in comfort food - the flavor profile was very much like chicken ala king - a dish I grew up with mainly in frozen, prepared entrees. This was like the homemade version my grandmother might have made. It was served with the same seasoned rice and blue corn tortillas I had with my previous meal here. The digs are humble, the service simple and friendly, with easy communication with servers in English on my two visits. There's so many great-looking items on the menu I can't wait to try! Cheers! read more

As a fellow Chapina who moved down to Texas from the northeast and has spent several summers of her youth in the city wonders of Guatemala City, San Lucas, Antigua, Peten etc... this place made me cry of nostalgia. The food was absolutely amazing and when I closed my eyes and smelled the dish in front of me, I was brought back to my childhood. The antojitos and their bigger plates were both absolutely amazing. Their breakfasts could improve to give you a better taste of what a real chapin breakfast consists of but overall this place is the real deal. My favorites: Garnachas, Enchiladas Chapinas (diff than the Mexican ones), Mixtas, Pepian dish, chilaquiles, chiles rellenos. Staff is super nice, place is cute and not too small but the parking is a little dicey. Try and park on the side street. read more

I went here recently for a quick date with my husband. We ended up running out of time before we had to pick our kids up from school so we got our food to go. I ordered the chile rellenos. The meal was absolutely awesome. I would definitely return specifically for this dish. read more

Sweet staff, good grub. Garnachas were yummy - like bite-sized gorditas. My friend and I both got tortas, but I'll be back to try the plates with blue corn tortillas. read more

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Superb! I had the pollo en crema, which was really good, Margaret ordered the churrasco antigueno, which was even better. The latter reminded me of the carne asada that I love so much at Aranda's over on the other side of my neighborhood. I can't believe I waited so long to try this place. I'm definitely coming back - I want to try the entire menu. Oh yeah: super-friendly service. read more

El Rinconcito Chapin - Pollo en crema - Latin American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Delicious, filling, and great service. Will definitely be going back! Highly recommend the plantain appetizer. read more

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Overall, the food was tasty and the service was quick but the menu didn't match what I ordered. First, I ordered the chuchito plate. The picture on the menu shows 2 small mounds, 1 of guacamole and 1 of cabbage along with 2 chuchitos. Instead, I received 1 tablespoon of guacamole, 1 tablespoon of shredded cabbage and 1 tablespoon of escabeche (pickled vegetables.) Skimpy and dissapointing. Next, I got the tamal made with mashed potatoes outside and chicken inside. To my surprise, it also contained a large hot jalepeno. Not on the menu and not welcome. Finally, when I received the bill, the tamal cost more than the menu price. Also, if you pay by card, you are charged an extra $2 for the privelege of not paying cash- nowhere disclosed on the menu. I did pay with cash. They did not return all my change. Tasty food but with all the skimping, extra charges and failure to return all my change, left me with a bad taste in my mouth. read more

I don't know what Guatemalan food is supposed to taste like but everything was excellent!!!! I cleaned my plate.

I'm not expert in Guatemalan cuisine so bear with me. I wish I could find a menu online to fill in the exact names of all the things I've tried! This is not a spicy cuisine although there are options to add heat if you want. I usually go around 3 or 4pm and it's pretty empty, which is good for me, as I need time to read through the extensive menu. A lot of it revolves around "plates" ("platos") that come with a main and a couple of sides (rice, plantains, a couple of other choices) for about $10-15. It's a good price for what you get but I'm more or a "grazer" than a full-meal person. No worries! They can customize. If you're unsure what you want because you don't know what you want except everything, then try the #20 (I think) - the Chapín Sampler. I can't remember the exact name. It consists of a "chuchito" (a tamal-like thing), some little tostada-like things (garnachas?), an enchilada which looks like no other enchilada I've ever seen, fried plantains, and I think still something more. $10. I apologize for not knowing the names of all the items as I'm still learning but that enchilada was a standout. I'm not sure what they did to make it so good and how on earth anyone can make a dish that centers on disgusting beetroot so good that I forgot I hate beetroot. It looks like more of a big, open-faced taco to me but again, I'm no expert in this cuisine. Those little tostadas (they're called garnachas I think) were great too! Chicken a-plenty with veg and a bit of crumbly white cheese on top. The plantains were not that good but I suspect that most folk will like them. I'm just not a big fan of fried bananas. The "chuchito", which looks like a little "present" or "gift" is filled with masa and chicken. Very good. No bones. Not greasy. Their tamales are beyond good. Moist, delicious. I think they come in pork but I've only had chicken. You can get them with potato, rice, or another option that I've forgotten and haven't tried. The potato was good to be sure but the rice one was great. The meat is wonderfully seasoned and you don't need a salsa to enjoy either of them. These tamales are big so don't order like a dozen. 1 or 2 is more than enough. They are wrapped in maxan (mashaan) leaves. Apparently this is an old indigenous method. I'd never heard of this plant. Google it. It's quite an impressive plant! I had also a chicken in cream sauce plate (pollo en crema?). It was OK. I wouldn't order it again but it sure reminded of the times I've traveled in Central America. It was a full chicken leg and potatoes bathed in a succulent sauce with a couple of sides. I was intrigued by this thing called "pacayas" which they serve as a "plato" and it's covered with egg. I just couldn't imagine anything surrounded by an egg. The server did not recommend it but I had to try so she ordered just one for me without having to get the full plato. It's the immature flower of a certain kind of palm tree and the taste is reminiscent of bitter melon. I'm not sure how they get it completely enveloped in egg, but they did it! This dish isn't for everyone as it's truly bitter and it's greasy. That being said, I'm unsure still whether I like it. It was unusual and new. I might try again in a different preparation. Bitter isn't a usual taste and I'm intrigued by the possibilities of this plant! Everything is made in house. The blue corn tortillas were a surprise and made just right - chewy, soft at the same time. Call it "al dente"? I've had Guatemalan cuisine before, but never like this. Usually I had some kind of Chinese-y things accompanied with overly-sweet sodas. This place is something special. They have those super-sweet sodas to be sure but they know something about indigenous, ancient cuisine that you're not going to easily find elsewhere. They take pride in their food and it shows. It is nothing short of excellent on many fronts. It's not fancy. In fact it's quite humble and homey. No hipster-Austin feel here. No craft beers. No "trendy". It's just good food with good people in a friendly, welcoming place. It can be initially intimidating with so many new and uncommon dishes but don't let that stop you. Let them help you - there are so many delicious things to try! read more

Delicious Guatemalan food! The chile relleno was perfectly seasoned and flavorful and the tamales are amazing.