The Best Neighborhood Tex-Mex is at El Chile
El Chile crafts relaxed Tex-Mex fare for the neighborhood
Words by Jessi Devenyns Photos by Baptiste Despois
For almost two decades, the bright aqua and lemon-colored El Chile sign has graced Manor Road as a familiar beacon for a small Tex-Mex restaurant with a covered patio and a cozy, standing-room-only bar. However, in recent years, that neighborhood stalwart has seen a move, an upgrade in ambiance, a change in ownership, and also a few changes to the menu. El Chile still serves some dang good enchiladas and margaritas though.
Justin Audibert, El Chile’s director of operations, stepped into the role in 2021, just after the restaurant changed hands and moved into its new location. But he still remembers the old location fondly, “We really haven’t changed much from the old group. We want to keep everything the same at the core.”
While many of the familiar staples like enchiladas and queso retain their prideful place on the menu, new offerings have been added to the mix, including a brunch menu featuring summertime-in-a-glass cantaloupe margaritas, as well as classic and comforting chilaquiles verdes.
However, Justin’s personal favorite is a nod to his own roots growing up by the Gulf of Mexico. “The red fish dish is great; getting it grilled with that chili lime sauce is really, really good.” The fish is laid on chiltepin lime salsa, topped with a cucumber carrot slaw, and accompanied by charred parmesan green beans to create a crescendo of flavor in each bite. As a Texas transplant, he admits that the barbacoa taco also holds a special place in his heart.
However, if enchiladas are a Tex-Mex must, the chicken tinga is an option that will certainly satisfy. Whether complemented by the deep, chocolatey notes of a mole rojo, dressed up in a poblano crema sauce, or simply smeared with a traditional verde salsa, this classic dish is sure to warm the soul. But don’t forget to order a side of tortillas. Both the flour and corn options are made in-house daily and are a decadent vehicle to consume some of their scratch-made sauces and salsas that are delivered to every table.
El Chile’s happy hour is also worth visiting. At the low-key neighborhood joint, seats are almost always available, and the margarita options are enviable. From a classic frozen blend to a spicy watermelon option, these Tex-Mex essentials are made with hand-squeezed limes and achieve just the right balance of citrusy sweet and salty tequila.
The new stewards of this old staple still approach Tex-Mex cuisine with care and mucho amor. From the friendly welcome at the door to the warm atmosphere that pervades, having a bite at El Chile is as familiar as it ever was, and it is something that nearby neighbors look forward to again and again.
Contact:
(512) 457-9900
1900 Manor Rd.
elchilecafe.com
