Republic Cantina

"Truxton Circle’s cactus-covered stop for Tex-Mex makes a meaty brisket chili with ancho and pasilla chile powder, onion, cilantro, crema, and cotija cheese. Dig in to discover a surprise serving of caramelized cornbread at the bottom. In true Texas fashion, the bowl is bean free to let the beef brisket shine." - Missy Frederick

"The gold foil wrapper is fitting for breakfast tacos worth treasuring at this Tex-Mex cafe in Truxton Circle. Republic Cantina builds them on stretchy, rich flour tortillas that would pass muster even in Texas. Go for the smoked brisket, served with fried onions, potatoes, and avocado salsa, or a carne guisada (stewed beef) variety with scallions and crispy tortilla strips. Other options on the cafe menu (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily) include a fruit and granola bowl, chilaquiles, or avocado Texas toast with radishes, cotija cheese, sesame, fried onion, and cilantro oil." - Tierney Plumb, Tim Ebner

"In addition to a daily ‘Outlaw Hour’ from 4 to 6 p.m., Republic Cantina also offers discounts on food and drink between 9 and 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Tex-Mex eatery offers $5 Modelo Especial, margaritas between $8 and $10 and to eat, nachos made the Texas way for $7 and a Frito pie with smoky brisket guisada, queso, onion and jalapeño for $8." - Claudia Rosenbaum, Tierney Plumb, Vinciane Ngomsi

"If you have a hankering for Tex-Mex on Election Day, this Truxton Circle spot has free queso for anyone with an “I Voted” sticker on the day of the election. Grab the free hot cheese dip as early as 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and as late as 4 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Kalina Newman

"The gold foil wrapper is fitting for breakfast tacos worth treasuring at this Tex-Mex cafe in Truxton Circle. Republic Cantina builds them on stretchy, rich flour tortillas that would pass muster even in Texas. Go for the smoked brisket, served with fried onions, potatoes, and avocado salsa, or a carne guisada (stewed beef) variety with scallions and crispy tortilla strips." - Tierney Plumb, Adele Chapin