Curra’s Grill in South Austin is the perfect dinner spot for someone looking to escape the standard Tex-Mex dishes in town and try something a little more authentic. The kitchen offers a welcoming selection of chicken, beef, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes with a descriptive menu that even non-foodies can understand. All of their meals are packed with flavor, reasonably priced and come with enough meat, rice and beans to take some home and make lunch the next day.
For entrees, the self-proclaimed “Mother of All Mex” offers up delicious preparations of pork, including Cochinita Pibil (a pork leg marinated in banana leaf), Carnitas (pork marinated in soda, milk and orange juice) and Chile Colorado (pork braised in guajillo sauce). More familiar dishes of steak, chicken and veggie fajitas are available, as well as Carne Guisada and Tampiquena.
Curra’s also supplies a great selection of tacos, with the Tacos Al Pastor sitting atop the menu for good reason. The combination of tender pork and pineapple that has been perfectly seasoned matched with sweet avocado sauce is worth the trip alone.
The South Austin staple also serves up one of the city’s best vegetarian dishes. Their award-winning vegetarian enchiladas are hearty enough to satisfy even the staunchest meat enthusiast.
The only downside of dining at Curra’s is the small parking lot out front. The spaces are tight and are usually all taken on a Friday or Saturday night. Your best bet is is to park around the corner on East Side Drive and make the short walk back; only a small inconvenience to sit down at one of Austin’s great Mexican restaurants.