WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LIMES, GRAB TEQUILA, AND MAKE MARGARITAS

September 16, 2015

Today we’re raising our margaritas in toast to "El dia del grito" (September 15th at night), a national holiday celebrating Mexican Independence day (Sept 16th) from the Spanish colonies. Not to be confused with Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of the famous battle of Puebla, during one of Mexico’s serial civil wars of the 19th century. The holiday celebrates the defeat of the occupying French army and its conservative Mexican allies at the hand of liberal Mexican forces.

In honor of today, we’re reposting Anne's and Edson's top 3 picks for Mexican cuisine in Austin. Grab some tacos, squeeze a lime in your Topo Chico and get in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo.

LICHA'S CANTINA

Daniel Brook’s casita & cantina features modern Mexican cuisine from the heart- this is our top recommendation. Freshly fried chips accompanied by a jalapeno crema and a roasted orange salsa greet you at your table.  The tortillas here are made with homemade masa.  Each dish is served “small plates” style and cocktails are made with detailed care.  The Camaron con Mole(shrimp with mole, watercress, and sesame crema) and the Conchinita Pibil Cazuelita(Achiote braised pork, pickled red onion, mango and guacamole) are tied for our favorite, but the Pulpo con Chorizo(grilled octopus with chorizo) should not be missed. Typically mushy, the Tres Leches at Licha’s has perfect texture with the milk to cake ratio is perfectly sweet and creamy.

EL ALMA

Even with its service(either amazing or insanely relaxed) we love el Alma.  The lure here is a great view of the city from the patio and the consistently good food.  The Shrimp Chelada and the ceviche are always fresh- wash it down with their house margarita on the rocks(warning: they pack a punch).

EL NARANJO

Nestled in the heart of Rainey Street, El Naranjo features well-balanced dishes made from only the freshest of ingredients. Their menu is simple, but covers important ground. Don’t miss their daily specials.

Bonus: After your meal, head over to Bar Illegal, a “secret” mezcal spot located just down the street behind Clive Bar at 609 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701

HONORABLE MENTION

El Primo- 2000 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
This is technically not a restaurant, it is a food trailer. Authentic lengua tacos with salsa verde and barbacoa with roasted red salsa are the perfect hangover cure. Want just eggs, cheese, and potato? El Primo has all their Gringo bases covered.
Wash it down with a Mexican Coke or Topo Chico from the corner store nearby and you would think you were eating in the streets of Mexico, which South Austin kinda looks like anyway.