(Note: I write Facebook reviews for residents of Turner's Crossing, a new development in Buda, as we all learn about good places to dine in Austin.) -------------
Karen and I figured it was another great day for a late lunch/early dinner to take the place of two usual daily meals. So, after my dentist put away his instruments of torture and assured me that it was safe to eat on my repaired tooth, Jalisco's was our choice.
Jalisco's is probably only 10 minutes from Turner's Crossing and is one of the best authentic and Tex-Mex eateries that we have found anywhere. That's why we have been there about 10 times in the nine months we have lived in Buda.
If you have not tried this convenient place yet, I urge you to check it out. It is in the shadow of Cabela's, in the restaurant-filled strip off Main Street near I-35.
Jalisco's only has two locations in the Austin area, and last year opened Taco Clem in Buda, a very good, fast-food place that I will review another time.
One thing in its favor when we decide on a combo afternoon meal is that lunch specials are in effect until 4 p. m. A revamped menu lists an extensive selection of lunches, all with generous portions and extremely reasonable prices. Unless somebody proves otherwise, I think most are dinner-size meals at reduced prices.
Jalisco's is a spacious, comfortable place with plenty of booths and tables, surrounded by attractive, low-key, Mexican-motif decorations and paintings. Table service is also available at a roomy patio. The wait staff is friendly and efficient. We always appreciate the fact that the noise level seems to be minimal for conversation, unlike some large restaurants.
I spotted something on the new menu that was just perfect. It's a lunch portion of chicken fajitas ($12), which comes with two warm tortillas, a mound of guacamole salad, and the usual refried beans and Mexican rice. The typical fajitas at other places are usually meant for dinner or two to share and come with three tortillas and a larger serving of chicken or beef, peppers and onions and the usual fajita accoutrements. It's just too much for one person, says the man now on a diet.
The tortillas were fluffier than usual, a welcome change from the usual flat and stiff tortillas at most places, making them easier to stuff and fold. The chicken was surprisingly juicy and tender. I'll have to try the lunch portion of beef fajitas ($16) another time.
Karen ordered something she had tried before and enjoyed very much. It was the appetizer sampler ($14), a platter loaded with two chicken flautas, two stuffed jalapeños, two fajita nachos, one cheese quesadilla, queso dip, guacamole and sour cream. She brought enough home for another meal.
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Following are notes from previous visits to Jalisco's:
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It was time for a return lunch visit to this slightly upscale, Tex-Mex eatery. It was every bit as good as the first time about a month ago.
Karen was pleased that she could order tacos à la cart. All she wanted was a shrimp taco, very reasonably priced. it came packed with five jumbo shrimp. Karen said it was probably the best bargain on the menu. Certainly one of the tastiest. She also wanted to try the tres leches dessert, and we split that.
I had a nice-sized burrito, stuffed with tender chunks of lean beef and topped with cheese and gravy. Of course, the sides were refried beans and Maxican rice. The bowl of salsa that came with the complementary chips at our table was some of the best we ever had. Great flavor, and not too spicy.
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Went to Jalisco's again today for an early dinner. Lunch specials were still in effect. Choice of great TexMex or authentic Mexican food, listed separately on the menu.
I had a huge burrito stuffed with beef, chicken, rice and beans. Cheese sauce over the top. It was on the lunch menu. Brought a chunk of it home. Karen had a half order of shrimp quesadilla and brought half of that home.
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For dinner today, it was back to Jalisco's in Buda, which has become one of our favorite Mexican eateries. Karen went with the shrimp enchiladas, complemented by creamy, refried beans and tasty Mexican rice. When she ordered, it sounded so good that I went with the same thing. I have never made a mistake getting what she does, and was again very happy with the choice. The shrimp enchiladas were magnifico.
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Mexican appetizers. It's what's for dinner. Karen saw this plate of assorted appetizers and figured that would make a great dinner. There wasn't a thing that she didn't enjoy. Quesadilla. Chicken flautas. Two small chili relllenos. Guacamole. Two large nachos with fajita meat. Half came home with her. I finished my pork tamales. read more