Maudie's Tex Mex Cafe

When you are in Austin, you have to have Tex Mex, and the best place for that is Maudie's Tex Mex Cafe. There are now 6 Maudie's locations in Austin, but my favorite is still the original Maudie's off Lake Austin Blvd. Maudie's started here as a hole in the wall and despite spreading around the city to swankier locations, they have stayed true to their Tex Mex roots. The crowd at Maudie's is part of the attraction -- everything from politicos to preppies, tourists to townies, hippies to Hell's Angels!

You have to start with a margarita, chips and salsa and Maudie's queso. The menu is huge. Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, salads, and quesadillas dominate. For the less adventurous, there are even cheeseburgers and grilled cheese (but why bother when there's all that great Tex Mex?). Maudie's has a nice kids menu too.

My favorite entree is Tio Chon's Enchilada: two cheese enchiladas smothered in chili con carne and onions and then baked, then smothered again in a spicy ranchero sauce, chile con queso, lettuce and tomatoes. Perfect with a margarita.

The perfect time of year at Maudie's is the spring or fall when you can sit on the patio and enjoy a cool night. Football season is tops too, but be prepared for a wait if its a home game night for UT!