Betos on Broadway - San Antonio, TX

Beto's would probably be a great after work or night time dining joint.  They seem to be set up to be a great tex-mex version of a beer garden.  The outdoor area had its own bar, picnic tables and kids play equipment.  It was way too hot for that on my visit.  Everyone including me was forced into the inside air-conditioning.

The atmosphere was kind of festive.  There didn't appear to be anything special going on.  The place was just packed and the crowd was in a good mood.

They had a pretty decent beer selection.  I tried the Xingu.  It was a nice Brazilian black beer.  I recommend it.

I used the beer to wash down the fish tacos.  They serve the fish tacos with a generous amount of a creamy avocado sauce.  It was very good.  I would not call it crazy triple-D good but, it was very good.

Betos is worth checking out if you are in the area.  I would rate them an 8.8.

8142 Broadway Street
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 930-9393
www.betosinfo.com

Maria's Taco Express - Austin, TX

Maria's was one of those triple-D destinations that I had been trying to get to for a long time but had never had the opportunity.  I was glad that I finally made it.

One of the things that makes a triple-D restaurant is the unique atmosphere.   Maria's is kind of funky in the indoor/outdoor layout.  The architecture sends you off in every which direction.  There are all kinds of cool stuff on the walls.  A huge half mannequin/statue with arms stretched out to the sky greets you on the way in.  Maybe that's supposed to be Maria.  There is no shortage of funky and unique restaurants in Austin, Texas.  I am not sure that I would say that Maria's necessarily stands out from the Austin crowd.

Maria's is famous.  There were pictures of Guy Fiere and Rachel Ray with Maria on the wall from when they were here.  The real Maria walked right past me but, I didn't recognize her.  Someone told me afterwards.

We started off with some nachos and caso sauce.  The caso had a nice spicy kick to it.  It  was pretty good.  I had the fish tacos.  They were very good.  No complaints but, they didn't knock my socks off either.

I would score Maria's an 8.7.  My initial reaction was for a higher score but, I think that was just part of being happy to have finally made it here. Also, I was with my family at a triple-D restaurant which I rarely get to do.  I'm usually on a business trip. So, I was probably just feeling good.

Maybe I didn't order the right thing but, I just don't feel like Maria's lived up to the hype.

Maria's is cash only.


Maria's Taco Xpress
2529 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-0261
www.tacoxpress.com