Casa Garcia’s

Casa Garcia’s

By Beth Wade Thursday, 07 June 2007

Enchiladas score best flavor in Garcia’s expansive menu

When Jay and Pat Garcia decided to open Casa Garcia’s in South Austin in 1999, they had no idea they would own three successful Mexican restaurants within seven years, including a location in Pflugerville.

Serving up flavors and food from their childhood is now a passion for the pair, and they make sure they have the highest quality food on the market. The couple’s desire for excellence is apparent in the way they operate their business, taste their own foods and spend time to ensure that every item on their menu is authentic and tasty.

On a first visit, the expansive menu can be a little overwhelming and a decision can be difficult to make, but chips and freshly-made salsa are ready and waiting on every table to curb appetites.

One of Jay’s favorite menu items is appropriately named Jay’s Plate ($13.95), a rib-eye steak in ranchero sauce served alongside two cheese enchiladas and the standard refried beans and rice with guacamole salad.

The enchiladas have to be some of the best I have ever eaten. With bold flavors and a wonderful chili con carne sauce, they alone are worth the trip.

Another great selection is the Carne Guisada ($7.50), a classic Mexican dish of beef tips in brown gravy served with refried beans, rice and guacamole salad.

Everything at Casa Garcia’s is homemade, including tortillas hand rolled at the front of the restaurant and also can be purchased by the dozen ($3).

After dinner, a selection of traditional Mexican desserts is available. The sopapillas ($3.75) are made with fresh tortillas, hand fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Some standard American choices, including hamburgers and chicken fried steak, are another option.

The restaurant has a vibrant colorful atmosphere, adding to the dining experience. Bright walls are painted in the Casa Garcia’s signature color that has a deep red hue created especially for the restaurant by Sherwin-Williams with Pat’s help. She knew she wanted a rust color that no one else had seen.

The décor is simple and understated, a compliment to the bold flavors of the menu. Tables surround a fountain in the center of the main dining room, which adds tranquility to the bustling restaurant.

Casa Garcia’s serves breakfast and offers a full bar with happy hour specials on weeknights.

Mariachi Romancé

Every Friday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Also on special occasions and holidays

Performing traditional and contemporary Mexican music at Casa Garcia’s for two years.

Mariachi band members

• Enrique Romero-Trumpet
• Felipe Amaro-Guitiron
• Fidel Aguillar-Violin
• Pepe Martinez-Guitar
• Bedil Escobar-Viguela

Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Friday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Casa Garcia’s, 15803 Windermere, Ste. 601, Pflugerville, TX 78660, 512-989-2524 • www.casagarcias.net