El Chile is simply a wonderful little hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant -- relaxed and inexpensive with top-notch cuisine. Very casual dress -- classic Austin style with plenty of college students hanging-out. \r
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The first part of the meal that catches your attention is the black Salsa a la Charra that comes with the chips -- savory salsa that won't scare-away folks who can't handle heat. For an appetizer, get the Rajas con Queso for a delectable combination of roasted red poblano peppers, carmelized onions and warm Monterrey Jack queso that you can wrap in flour tortillas. Don't forget to try the Michelada for an introduction to spicy beer that means spicy -- it's an acquired taste.\r
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They have a medium-small menu, but for the main course, it's hard to decide because all of the choices are so good. I recommend the Tamal Azteca (veggies in tortilla-tomato casserole covered with ranchero sauce), but the Chile Relleno and Enchiladas Verdes are simply remarkable -- you'll have to go more than once to try them all! The black beans and rice are tender and cooked to perfection -- and there are a number of dishes that come topped with Oaxacan red mole which you can't find at many places.\r
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If you go for brunch, try the Huevos Motulenos for a twist on eggs sunny-side-up that will leave you wondering how you ever survived before discovering El Chile.\r
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There's a smaller variant of this restaurant with take-out called El Chilito a couple of blocks down on Manor, but if the owner ever decides to expand, El Chile could claim a place in Austin comparable to Chuy's but with a greater proportion of interior Mexican food, which is nice for a change.
Pros: Great food for a great price in a very casual setting
Cons: Margaritas need work
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