 "Photo: Jeff McWhorter")
The black substance in the bowl is not liquid bean, which would be one's first guess. Rather, the dip that comes with the complimentary basket of chips at El Chile Cafe y Cantina is a combination of spices and roasted peppers pureed into a roasted tomato, jalapeno and garlic salsa. And it is delicious.
El Chile is a low-key establishment just east of I-35 on Manor Road, and the deliciousness does not stop with the mole.
The colorful interior and picture windows at El Chile create an inviting atmosphere that would be best enjoyed with a group of friends prepared to share large appetizers and entrees.
Fostering this friendly vibe is El Chile's drink menu. The Michelada, a spicy beer-and-lime-juice cocktail, will punch your taste buds right in the face and overwhelm any other flavors competing for control of your palate. If that doesn't sound like a pleasant experience, the house margarita is a less violent alternative, offering a nice combination of sweetness and bite. Many of El Chile's appetizers are available in small or large portions. The small servings are more than enough for one person, and the larger order should be shared. The guacamole at El Chile, served as an appetizer with a plate of tostadas, is creamy, rich and fresh. Each dipped chip is an education in how guacamole should taste.
The only disappointment at El Chile are the generic tasting flour tortillas offered with several of their entrees. Accompanying an order of fajitas though, the bland tortillas serve their purpose of providing a wrapper for beef that was perfectly salty, moist and tasty and chicken that was only slightly less so.
The roasted peppers and onions - served sizzling alongside the beef and chicken - are as good as the guacamole, surprisingly juicy and bursting with flavor.
Austin abounds with options when it comes to Tex-Mex, but the offerings at El Chile are as good as anything in town. An East Austin location and large outdoor seating area keep patrons from suffering through the sort of wait one might find at Chuy's. The guacamole alone is worth a trip, and be sure to watch out for the Michelada.
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