Wednesday, June 27

AVOID: Cafe Hornitos


Jarod and I work about 2 blocks from Cafe Hornitos, which is near the corner of 38th 1/2 and IH 35. We were quite excited to see that the building which had housed a very mediocre Chinese food establishment was being retooled as a Mexican joint. We giggled silently to ourselves, giddy with the thought of tacos that were a short, short walk away from our place of labor.

Sadly, we were wildly disappointed when we visited the place. It features a very run of the mill Tex-Mex menu, which wouldn't be a problem if the items on said menu were good.

The meal started off with a tasteless, watery salsa that let us know what we were in for. The crispy taco and enchilada plates that showed up soon after were a disaster. Just the worst kind of mediocre food that tasted like it came straight from the microwave.

We've been there, so now you don't need to.

Cafe Hornitos 1/2 star - Cornbiter Deluxe

9 comments:

Lee said...

I think you should give Hornitos another chance. I've been eating there a lot lately, and I think it's pretty sturdy Tex-Mex. Maybe you caught them on a bad day.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I'm on the same page with Lee. That place is actually pretty good. The Gordito plate is where its at. Its not gorditas, more like flour tortilla enchiladas. Overall, decent tex-mex hole in the wall joint. I like it.

Daddy said...

I concur with the two above... it's improved quite a bit...

Anonymous said...

Las Hornitas is my favorite Tex Mex resterauant in Austin. The tortilla soup is amazing.

Anonymous said...

I eat out every day and i can almost say that i have tried any restauran u can think of in austin and i can tell you that CAFE HORNITOS haves the best salsa in austin, and is NOT A WATERY SALSA at all, they have some of the best fajitas around i think that when it comes to TEX-MEX the guys at HORNITOS reely know what theyr doing. I been there lots of times and its allways great i havnt had a bad experience in HORNITOS, its a place that i recomend. GREAT FOOD FOR GREAT PRICES....

Unknown said...

Breakfast at Hornito's is really good, they have the hottest ranchero sauce and it's really delicious. I'd have to agree that this place deserves a second chance. The chipotle enchiladas are fiery and flavorful and the stuffed jalapenos are homemade. I really like the chalupas mexicanas, which come with fresh sliced avocado on top. I might agree with you that at first glance, you might call their salsa watery. But that's if you're used to the vinegary tomato paste jarred concoctions that pass for salsa at HEB. Taste Hornito's salsa again and you'll realize those onions are so fresh they're sweet and crunchy, the flavor is bright and mild, with just a hint of spice to keep you coming back. I'd hate to see you miss out on a great (affordable!) little mexican place. Give 'em another shot.

Anonymous said...

Hornitos is a really good, cheap and really good place to eat i agree the place is really good and you should give them a second chance.My favorite place to eat the food is great. and they also have live music every other Friday, what else can you ask for, Good and cheap

Anonymous said...

So... wait, do you think it's good? Cause I can't tell from your comment.

Anonymous said...

Delicious! What ATX is all about!!