Five favorite: TexMex

So, I was trying to come up with a list of good places to eat in Austin, and finally realized that I could spend all day telling you about the yummy options here. Instead, I'm breaking it down to my favorite 5 in various categories.

It goes without saying that I love to eat. Like, a lot. I have a tendency to judge places that I visit based on how enjoyable my meals were. When I lived in California I hatched numerous plots involving salsa and FedEx. Sadly, none of them ever quite played out. You see, of the American versions of Mexican food, you have your Southwest, your CaliMex, and then there is TexMex. Now, I'm sure growing up in Texas colors my opinion, but seriously, TexMex is best. There, I've said it. 

When you come visit me in Austin, here is where I'll take you to experience some queso-laden love. To hell with the calorie count.

1. Trudy's - If my last meal on earth is a stuffed avocado with suiza sauce from Trudy's, then I can die happy. Bonus if I paired it with a mexican martini.

2. Taco Deli - I sold breakfast tacos for these guys back in college. Best job I've ever had. Make sure you order potatoes on your breakfast taco. They mash them smooth and add a bit of jalapeno for spice. A little roja or dona sauce, and you are set for a great day. One of my favorite weekend mornings involves breakfast at Taco Deli south, followed by a stroll across the street to the greenbelt access for a hike.

3. Chuy's - Really fabulous queso. The chile relleno is pretty damn good too. 

4. El Chile - Revitalized or gentrified East Austin depending on who you're talking to, I love the Manor Road location. The mole is extremely tasty, and the ambience is great.

5. Z Tejas - They aren't strictly TexMex, but what they do have is very tasty. Try the chile relleno. This is also a great restaurant for the view. Up north, they look out over the hills, downtown is in a hodgepodge of what looks like two old houses with a connecting balcony right on 6th street - the non-drinky part.)