El Chile Cafe y Cantina
Austin, TX 78722
Phone: (512) 457-9900
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Chicon Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Editorial Review for El Chile Cafe y Cantina – by Citysearch Editors
In Short
El Chile makes use of a small multilevel space with soft lighting, Mexican artwork and walls in vibrant azure, light ochre, soft lime-green and yellow shades. Sophisticated touches include terra-cotta, concrete floors and a window made of glass blocks. Light, refreshing seviche with lime, avocado and generous fish chunks, is served with thick house-made tortilla chips. Camarones enchipotlados feature a tangy, red chipotle sauce covers several tender shrimp.
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Insider Tips
ParkingIf you're dining at night or on Saturday, two large outdoor lots (UT permits usually required) are available next to the restaurant.
What to DrinkTry the unusual and tasty prickly pear margarita in an oversized glass from the blue ceramic-tiled bar.
Where to SitA spacious enclosed patio contains festive red folding chairs with Mexican serapes.
Look GoodChips and salsa is served with a mini carafe of extra salsa, so no need to ask for more when your bowl is dry.
User Reviews for El Chile Cafe y Cantina
05/04/2008 Posted by sabamigo
Had a very bad experience with my friends at the new location of El Chile. The owner and waitstaff were disrespectful at best, not concerned about customer service or word-of-mouth. I cannot recommend this restaurant. and will not return to either the Manor or Far West location.
Pros: none
Cons: Extremely bad customer service soured entire experience
05/04/2008 Posted by jennhbaustin
We have long put up with sub-par service at El Chile on the eastside to enjoy Chilango margaritas, but we tried the new Far West location yesterday and will not be going back to EITHER location. The owner, Carlos Rivera, and his waitstaff were downright rude to us. What started out as an enjoyable margarita on a pretty Saturday afternoon, spiralled downhill with each order having some sort of addl. charge (which we wouldn't have cared about), but were told we were cut off after 1 drink because we weren't ordering dinner for each person (starting with multiple appetizers instead, one of which never arrived) because the restaurant didn't have it's liquor license yet, thus couldn't charge us for the drinks. We gladly would have left money for the drinks they couldn't charge us for, and had planned on ordering dinner, but after rude, disrespectful service from our waiter and the owner, we threw down what we thought we owed and left. Poor customer service is always shocking, but especially when it comes from a restaurant owner. Please patronize businesses that value their customers. We then went to El Arroyo on Far West and had a completely opposite experience (with a $200 tab.) Go enjoy their larger patio, great food and friendly service. Ask for Alex, the waiter who redeemed our evening. : )
Pros: Chilango margarita
Cons: Service, Ambience, Value
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