Day 15: Güero's Taco Bar on South Congress

As the king pin of South Congress Tex-Mex since 1995, Güero's Taco Bar may be one of the most important ambassadors for Tex-Mex in the world. 

Floods of visitors stroll South Congress each day as they hope to encounter some of the famous Austin weirdness and some of the renowned Texas hospitality. Especially if they come from liberal states, many visitors to Austin are on their first, and perhaps last trip to Texas. After poking around in Allen's Boots, Lucy in Disguise, and Tesoros Trading Company they stumble across Güero's. Maybe it was a much anticipated visit planned with a guide book, or maybe it was a total surprise to encounter such a strange and foreign establishment, but there they are, a tourist staring at the faux weather-worn door, feeling their tummy grumble and their hair grow damp from the refreshing misters hissing over the sidewalk.

This may be their only chance in their lives eat real Tex-Mex, or as they might call it, "authentic Mexican food." 

First they are greeted with a massive basket of complimentary tortilla chips, and no they aren't Tostitos.

Then they are informed that they may help themselves to an abundant fresh salsa bar, also on the house.  

Next they begin to dig onto the multi-page menu and discover the daunting list of hand-crafted margaritas on the rocks. Their waiter recommends The Don, made with Don Julio Silver, Cointreau, and fresh squeezed lime juice, and accompanied by a warning that "this margarita is too smooth!"

They continue to struggle with the menu. They hem, they haw, but then they finally settle on trying some of those enchiladas they've heard so much about. When the plate arrives the tortillas are house-made, the cheese cheesy, the shrimp charred to perfection, the rice fluffy and a nice light yellow, and the charro beans fresh and clearly homemade.

The eater is in absolute heaven.

When they return home to Wisconsin or Germany they tell their friends about the experience of the lifetime they had eating Mexican Food in a wacky restaurant. "Austin is so cool!" they say. "You've gotta go there."

Güero's has a huge responsibility to represent Tex-Mex and Austin. Fortunately, unlike tourist areas in other towns, South Congress and Güero's are frequented by locals as much as travelers. The margaritas are truly top notch and the food is well-prepared. Although I couldn't say that it's my very favorite spot in town, I am proud to have first-time visitors to Texas stop into Güero's to see what this Tex-Mex stuff is all about. 

www.guerostacobar.com

Guero's Taco Bar - 1412 South Congress

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