Ken R.
Yelp
(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.)
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Hi, neighbors. We saw news reports that this iconic eatery in downtown Buda will be closing sometime in June for several months of renovations and repairs. So, Karen pointed out that today would be a great time to make another visit for a heaping helping of authentic Mexican food.
By now, I can only assume that most of our new neighbors in Turner's Crossing have driven through Buda and at least know where this place is located. It's basically impossible to miss if you go as far as the western edge of the historic downtown district.
Garcia's (not to be confused with Casa Garcia's) is a family owned, small chain that first opened in San Marcos in 1988. Six additional locations including the one in Buda have since been opened by the family's younger generation, proud to serve up their ancestors' best recipes.
Today, with temperatures in the low 90s and the comfortable deck awaiting us outside, we figured it was time to try dining alfresco. The deck was roomy and bug-free, and service out there was as efficient as we have experienced inside.
This was probably our eighth or ninth time to Garcia's in the 11 months we have been in Buda, and we had always enjoyed their small, clean and welcoming indoor dining areas before.
It is decidedly unfancy, but the food is delicious, the service is efficient, the portions are substantial, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly. It's not often you can find a place that checks all those boxes.
Now, time to write about the food, which is the reason we were there in the first place.
Instead of settling for the usual bowl of chips and excellent salsa, we opted for a small Garcia's Chile Con Queso ($7.25), a blend of queso mixed with sausage and pico de gallo. It was flavorful and a great start to our dinner.
Karen only wanted a single chicken and sour cream enchilada ($2.25) with no sides. She planned to concentrate on that excellent appetizer.
I chose the Taco Dinner ($10), which was two beef soft tacos served with the usual rice and refried beans. I thought I was ordering a small meal until I saw the size of those tacos. They were the biggest I have ever seen, packed with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Considering I helped Karen with that chili con queso appetizer, one of my tacos had to come home with me.
Despite the abundance of very good Mexican restaurants within an easy drive of Turner's Crossing, I rank Garcia's near the top. The menu is extensive, with several American dishes, and breakfast is served all day long.
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Following are notes from previous visits to Garcia's:
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We were out running some errands when we decided to pay a return visit to this charming and bustling little Mexican eatery at the edge of old downtown Buda. Karen and I both agreed that the homemade tortilla chips and spicy salsa that grace the table before ordering were as good as any we've ever had.
I chose the Chicken Fried Steak Ranchero ($11.50), with charro beans, Mexican rice, and corn tortillas. It was especially delicious when the steak was sliced and wrapped up in warm tortillas. Half of Karen's Spinach Enchiladas ($11.50), with artichokes and Monterey Jack cheese, along with refried beans and rice, came home with us.
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Garcia's was perfect for lunch today about 1:30, just as some Sunday regulars were leaving and tables were available.
I had the Chicken Taco Salad ($9.75) that included a scoop of the best guacamole I ever ate. Karen chose a breakfast migas taco. She's making dinner at home tonight, but we needed our weekend fix of Mexican food.
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After trying valiantly to use my halting Spanish today with our new housekeeper, who only speaks a few words of English, I was hungry for Mexican food again. So Karen and I decided to make another visit to Garcia's.
I had Los Tres Garcias ($13.95), a plate of three enchiladas -- cheese, chicken and beef -- each covered with a different sauce. My dinner came with Spanish rice, a monkey dish of charro beans, and a corn tortilla. Karen had the Flauta Plate ($10.75), with three crispy chicken flautas, the usual rice and beans, and a scoop of guacamole. Some came home with her for another time.
Karen had the perfect dessert waiting at home for us -- tres leches cake from the HEB grocery.
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Once again, we were pleased with our orders at Garcia's. I returned to a dish I previously enjoyed -- the chicken fried steak with ranchero sauce, charro beans, Mexican rice and corn tortillas. Karen had a half order of Shrimp Fajitas Quesadillas ($11.50), with Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Here's a shoutout to Chelsea, our friendly and very efficient waitress, who chatted with us when the place wasn't busy.