Chuy’s, the Austin-based restaurant famous for its authentic Tex-Mex menu, officially opened its newest Central Florida location along Orlando Avenue last week. For more than 30 years, Chuy’s has served Tex-Mex favorites made from scratch, including Stuffed Chile Rellenos, Chicka-Chicka-Boom Enchiladas and Chuy’s famous Big As Yo’ Face Burritos.
Perhaps most surprising is the kitchen, with virtually no freezer space and everything from tortillas to drinks made-from-scratch, you can taste the difference with every bite. Flour and corn tortillas are hand-rolled and cooked every day on an authentic comal, a flat griddle traditionally used in Mexico and Central America to make tortillas. Also unique to Chuy’s are their ten Signature Sauces, you can even ask your server for a sampling of all 10 sauces and they’ll walk you through each one. And the drinks? No mixes here, the bartenders come in early each morning to squeeze the lime juice used for the day. So don’t expect frozen re-heated imitation Tex-Mex, because everything from the beverages to tortillas are crafted with care.
We visited on a Wednesday and arrived to a full and bustling restaurant filled with families and friends seeking a respite from their kitchen. Between the charismatic servers, eclectic restaurant and tasty menu we’d recommend adding Chuy’s to your restaurant rotation. Here’s what we sampled and enjoyed!
Guacamole: What’s a Mexican meal without some guac? Their version consists of a creamy blend of fresh avocados and Salsa Fresca.
Chicken Fajitas: Fresh chicken marinated in Shiner Bock beer, Serrano peppers, lime juice and secret spices. Chuy’s uses whole chickens that are never frozen and prepared daily. This classic dish comes with all the accouterments you’d expect – cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes – you know the whole smorgasbord.
Mexican Martini: Served with jalapeño stuffed olives, green-chile infused El Jimador Silver Tequila and rimmed with salt, my favorite drink of the night!
Classic Margarita: With bartenders that come in extra early each morning to hand-squeeze limes, it’s no surprise that their drinks simply taste better than pre-made beverages. Why drink sugary, powdered mixes when you can have the real thing?
Tres Leches: Maybe it was the margaritas talking, but this sweet, creamy sponge cake was pure goodness. Totally surprising coming from a place known for tortillas and tequila – but I’m glad we agreed to try a sweet course!
If you haven’t been to Chuy’s it’s definitely worth a visit. Grab your friends and go enjoy some Tex-Mex flavors! For location detail and their full menu, click here.
Photo Credits: Drink photos by Chuy’s