Brian Ethridge said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

IASIP Rocks said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

SoonerFrogs said:

---

El Con is not what it was. Surprised no mention of Leal's.

---

You speak the truth. Leal's ain't that great either.

---

Excuse me?

---

The El Con in Waco is very meh. I haven't been to Leal's in quite some time, but it wasn't anything to write home about when I went.

I have heard that the El Con in Bellmead is better. I'm not sure how 5 miles makes a difference, but apparently it does. I used to go to the place way up on Valley Mills until they changed vendors. Now it's the same generic crap as everybody else.

I never understood why mexican joints bought that spanish rice. It's terrible. PEAS at a MEXICAN joint? Ya wey! No bueno. Great mexican rice is easy: toast some rice in oil, add chopped onion and saute, followed by some tomato paste and cilantro and garlic. Then add chicken bouillon and water and cook it till it's done.

---

The peas in rice are a regional affair. Jalisco and Tamulipas both use peas and carrots.

---

I'm impressed you know that. But, that stuff is out-of-a-box junk that comes from vendors. It isn't hard to cut up fresh carrots and buy frozen peas.

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

IASIP Rocks said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

SoonerFrogs said:

---

El Con is not what it was. Surprised no mention of Leal's.

---

You speak the truth. Leal's ain't that great either.

---

Excuse me?

---

The El Con in Waco is very meh. I haven't been to Leal's in quite some time, but it wasn't anything to write home about when I went.

I have heard that the El Con in Bellmead is better. I'm not sure how 5 miles makes a difference, but apparently it does. I used to go to the place way up on Valley Mills until they changed vendors. Now it's the same generic crap as everybody else.

I never understood why mexican joints bought that spanish rice. It's terrible. PEAS at a MEXICAN joint? Ya wey! No bueno. Great mexican rice is easy: toast some rice in oil, add chopped onion and saute, followed by some tomato paste and cilantro and garlic. Then add chicken bouillon and water and cook it till it's done.

---

The peas in rice are a regional affair. Jalisco and Tamulipas both use peas and carrots.

---

I'm impressed you know that. But, that stuff is out-of-a-box junk that comes from vendors. It isn't hard to cut up fresh carrots and buy frozen peas.

---

Most, if not all of them, buy par-cooked rice and put frozen carrots and peas into the mix during the process, FYI.

trey3216 said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

IASIP Rocks said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

SoonerFrogs said:

---

El Con is not what it was. Surprised no mention of Leal's.

---

You speak the truth. Leal's ain't that great either.

---

Excuse me?

---

The El Con in Waco is very meh. I haven't been to Leal's in quite some time, but it wasn't anything to write home about when I went.

I have heard that the El Con in Bellmead is better. I'm not sure how 5 miles makes a difference, but apparently it does. I used to go to the place way up on Valley Mills until they changed vendors. Now it's the same generic crap as everybody else.

I never understood why mexican joints bought that spanish rice. It's terrible. PEAS at a MEXICAN joint? Ya wey! No bueno. Great mexican rice is easy: toast some rice in oil, add chopped onion and saute, followed by some tomato paste and cilantro and garlic. Then add chicken bouillon and water and cook it till it's done.

---

The peas in rice are a regional affair. Jalisco and Tamulipas both use peas and carrots.

---

I'm impressed you know that. But, that stuff is out-of-a-box junk that comes from vendors. It isn't hard to cut up fresh carrots and buy frozen peas.

---

Most, if not all of them, buy par-cooked rice and put frozen carrots and peas into the mix during the process, FYI.

---

Whatever the method, it's wrong. And it's nasty.

"Forget it, Jake. It's Tamaulipas."

El Crucero.
Jesus is a wonderful man and he has an amazing family. The older daughter went to Baylor I believe. My buddy has his graduation dinner here and I always stop here for a burrito every time I am in Waco.

If you don't mind driving for the best Mexican food you can get, El Jardin in Hamilton TX guys the bill. It's a solid 45-60 minutes from Waco but their food is stellar. Chips and salsa off the chart, great enchiladas and the best fajitas I've found anywhere. El Con can cannot touch this place...not even close.

Additional fun fact: It's family owned by a young guy who spent years going through the citizenship channels to finally get legal last year. When his approval got held up, the entire town complained and he got an endorsement from a senator to speed up the process.

Only went to this place once but I was impressed by Lolita's at Franklin and about 17th. You want their salsa with the cheese in it for sure. And we've ordered in breakfast tacos several times, legit every time.

MoneyBear said:

---

If you don't mind driving for the best Mexican food you can get, El Jardin in Hamilton TX guys the bill. It's a solid 45-60 minutes from Waco but their food is stellar. Chips and salsa off the chart, great enchiladas and the best fajitas I've found anywhere. El Con can cannot touch this place...not even close.

Additional fun fact: It's family owned by a young guy who spent years going through the citizenship channels to finally get legal last year. When his approval got held up, the entire town complained and he got an endorsement from a senator to speed up the process.

---

This is GREAT to know. Regularly pass through there.

Leal's in Woodway. Great breakfasts.

MoneyBear said:

---

If you don't mind driving for the best Mexican food you can get, El Jardin in Hamilton TX guys the bill. It's a solid 45-60 minutes from Waco but their food is stellar. Chips and salsa off the chart, great enchiladas and the best fajitas I've found anywhere. El Con can cannot touch this place...not even close.

Additional fun fact: It's family owned by a young guy who spent years going through the citizenship channels to finally get legal last year. When his approval got held up, the entire town complained and he got an endorsement from a senator to speed up the process.

---

Continuing with other places outside of Waco, I'll mention El Tapatio on 84 at the western edge of Gatesville. Have eaten there a number of times. Caveat: it's been a while since I was last there, but imo at that time it beat anything in Waco.

Old300Bear said:

---

My favorite is Mi Casita next to the Dominos on Hewitt Drive. Just good texmex like you get in small town Texas. Also pretty cheap.

---

Good call Fred...100% agree

See your folks in there all the time.

Here's a trivia question...I don't think this place is still open but what was the name of the Mexican place in Waco on Hwy 6 near the old Pagitt's Camera store?

La Cabana. It used to be on the corner of Waco Dr and 18th. Owners were from Mexico attending Baylor. Husband and wife. Had a great buffet at one time.

I remember that being on Highway 6 between Richland Mall and Target. When was it on 18th and Waco Dr and which building was it in?

On the corner where the pawn shop is now. My friend was the manager.

WILLIS said:

---

MoneyBear said:

---

If you don't mind driving for the best Mexican food you can get, El Jardin in Hamilton TX guys the bill. It's a solid 45-60 minutes from Waco but their food is stellar. Chips and salsa off the chart, great enchiladas and the best fajitas I've found anywhere. El Con can cannot touch this place...not even close.

Additional fun fact: It's family owned by a young guy who spent years going through the citizenship channels to finally get legal last year. When his approval got held up, the entire town complained and he got an endorsement from a senator to speed up the process.

---

This is GREAT to known. Regularly pass through there.

---

Totally worth the stop. It's on the square downtown.

canoso said:

---

MoneyBear said:

---

If you don't mind driving for the best Mexican food you can get, El Jardin in Hamilton TX guys the bill. It's a solid 45-60 minutes from Waco but their food is stellar. Chips and salsa off the chart, great enchiladas and the best fajitas I've found anywhere. El Con can cannot touch this place...not even close.

Additional fun fact: It's family owned by a young guy who spent years going through the citizenship channels to finally get legal last year. When his approval got held up, the entire town complained and he got an endorsement from a senator to speed up the process.

---

Continuing with other places outside of Waco, I'll mention El Tapatio on 84 at the western edge of Gatesville. Have eaten there a number of times. Caveat: it's been a while since I was last there, but imo at that time it beat anything in Waco.

---

They're about the same, but the El Tapatio (or, as the locals call it "El-Tap") on 84 that is in the middle part of town is just a little bit better than the one on the west end. The west end has more room, but the service and the food is better at the other one.

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BaylorHistory said:

---

You people like some terrible Mexican food.

1.) El Crucero just off the Circle on Robinson Dr
2.) Rufi's Cocina on 35th
3.) Valles on Valley Mills


For to go orders you have to hit up 3 specific locations for three different types of food

1.) Taqueria Zacatecas (LaSalle) for barbacoa torta or cabeza tacos
2.) La Milpa (LaSalle) for barbacoa nachos
3.) Taqueria Mexican Taco (Speight) for al pastor tacos

Obviously some of these aren't TexMex but that's the good stuff right there.

---

I was trying to limit to Tex-Mex, but El Con is good for a greasy plate of enchiladas and crispy taco.

If I want to do Mexican or Salvadoran I don't expect El Con to have that.

---

so, no Paupusas at El con?

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

SoonerFrogs said:

---

El Con is not what it was. Surprised no mention of Leal's.

---

You speak the truth. Leal's ain't that great either.

---

now is that the Leal's of West Texas Fame?

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

IASIP Rocks said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

SoonerFrogs said:

---

El Con is not what it was. Surprised no mention of Leal's.

---

You speak the truth. Leal's ain't that great either.

---

Excuse me?

---

The El Con in Waco is very meh. I haven't been to Leal's in quite some time, but it wasn't anything to write home about when I went.

I have heard that the El Con in Bellmead is better. I'm not sure how 5 miles makes a difference, but apparently it does. I used to go to the place way up on Valley Mills until they changed vendors. Now it's the same generic crap as everybody else.

I never understood why mexican joints bought that spanish rice. It's terrible. PEAS at a MEXICAN joint? Ya wey! No bueno. Great mexican rice is easy: toast some rice in oil, add chopped onion and saute, followed by some tomato paste and cilantro and garlic. Then add chicken bouillon and water and cook it till it's done.

---

The peas in rice are a regional affair. Jalisco and Tamulipas both use peas and carrots.

---

yes, and it is a little more complicated than that.

J.R. said:

---

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BaylorHistory said:

---

You people like some terrible Mexican food.

1.) El Crucero just off the Circle on Robinson Dr
2.) Rufi's Cocina on 35th
3.) Valles on Valley Mills


For to go orders you have to hit up 3 specific locations for three different types of food

1.) Taqueria Zacatecas (LaSalle) for barbacoa torta or cabeza tacos
2.) La Milpa (LaSalle) for barbacoa nachos
3.) Taqueria Mexican Taco (Speight) for al pastor tacos

Obviously some of these aren't TexMex but that's the good stuff right there.

---

I was trying to limit to Tex-Mex, but El Con is good for a greasy plate of enchiladas and crispy taco.

If I want to do Mexican or Salvadoran I don't expect El Con to have that.

---

so, no Paupusas at El con?

---

oh, yes, is. extra slaw

J.R. said:

---

J.R. said:

---

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BaylorHistory said:

---

You people like some terrible Mexican food.

1.) El Crucero just off the Circle on Robinson Dr
2.) Rufi's Cocina on 35th
3.) Valles on Valley Mills


For to go orders you have to hit up 3 specific locations for three different types of food

1.) Taqueria Zacatecas (LaSalle) for barbacoa torta or cabeza tacos
2.) La Milpa (LaSalle) for barbacoa nachos
3.) Taqueria Mexican Taco (Speight) for al pastor tacos

Obviously some of these aren't TexMex but that's the good stuff right there.

---

I was trying to limit to Tex-Mex, but El Con is good for a greasy plate of enchiladas and crispy taco.

If I want to do Mexican or Salvadoran I don't expect El Con to have that.

---

so, no Paupusas at El con?

---

oh, yes, is. extra slaw

---

no.... no way. Lots in our town however

J.R. said:

---

J.R. said:

---

J.R. said:

---

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BaylorHistory said:

---

You people like some terrible Mexican food.

1.) El Crucero just off the Circle on Robinson Dr
2.) Rufi's Cocina on 35th
3.) Valles on Valley Mills


For to go orders you have to hit up 3 specific locations for three different types of food

1.) Taqueria Zacatecas (LaSalle) for barbacoa torta or cabeza tacos
2.) La Milpa (LaSalle) for barbacoa nachos
3.) Taqueria Mexican Taco (Speight) for al pastor tacos

Obviously some of these aren't TexMex but that's the good stuff right there.

---

I was trying to limit to Tex-Mex, but El Con is good for a greasy plate of enchiladas and crispy taco.

If I want to do Mexican or Salvadoran I don't expect El Con to have that.

---

so, no Paupusas at El con?

---

oh, yes, is. extra slaw

---

no.... no way. Lots in our town however

---

You need to login to your sock account if you're going to converse with yourself

JR ,
It is not the Leal's from Muleshoe. Wish it was.

WacoKelly83 said:

---

La Cabana. It used to be on the corner of Waco Dr and 18th. Owners were from Mexico attending Baylor. Husband and wife. Had a great buffet at one time.

---

that was the hip new place for a year or so. great warm salsa.

great margs. good food.

- el BUmma

J.R. said:

---

Brian Ethridge said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

IASIP Rocks said:

---

BarleyMcDougal said:

---

SoonerFrogs said:

---

El Con is not what it was. Surprised no mention of Leal's.

---

You speak the truth. Leal's ain't that great either.

---

Excuse me?

---

The El Con in Waco is very meh. I haven't been to Leal's in quite some time, but it wasn't anything to write home about when I went.

I have heard that the El Con in Bellmead is better. I'm not sure how 5 miles makes a difference, but apparently it does. I used to go to the place way up on Valley Mills until they changed vendors. Now it's the same generic crap as everybody else.

I never understood why mexican joints bought that spanish rice. It's terrible. PEAS at a MEXICAN joint? Ya wey! No bueno. Great mexican rice is easy: toast some rice in oil, add chopped onion and saute, followed by some tomato paste and cilantro and garlic. Then add chicken bouillon and water and cook it till it's done.

---

The peas in rice are a regional affair. Jalisco and Tamulipas both use peas and carrots.

---

yes, and it is a little more complicated than that.

---

I know abuelita-in-law from Southern Zacatecas who is illeterate, but the best cook in South Waco uses peas and carrots.

I am surprised that Abuelo's has not come to Waco.

Bruingirl said:

---

canoso said:

---

MoneyBear said:

---

If you don't mind driving for the best Mexican food you can get, El Jardin in Hamilton TX guys the bill. It's a solid 45-60 minutes from Waco but their food is stellar. Chips and salsa off the chart, great enchiladas and the best fajitas I've found anywhere. El Con can cannot touch this place...not even close.

Additional fun fact: It's family owned by a young guy who spent years going through the citizenship channels to finally get legal last year. When his approval got held up, the entire town complained and he got an endorsement from a senator to speed up the process.

---

Continuing with other places outside of Waco, I'll mention El Tapatio on 84 at the western edge of Gatesville. Have eaten there a number of times. Caveat: it's been a while since I was last there, but imo at that time it beat anything in Waco.

---

They're about the same, but the El Tapatio (or, as the locals call it "El-Tap") on 84 that is in the middle part of town is just a little bit better than the one on the west end. The west end has more room, but the service and the food is better at the other one.

---

Never ate at the downtown location since I knew the servers at the original place and it was closer to my workplace. Will try downtown next time I'm out that way, which is now seldom. If it's better than the original, Katie bar the door!

Hecho in Waco, El Conquistador,, Chuy's-yea

I am normally a Los Cucos fan, but the Waco location seems to underperform the San Antonio locations.

Also of mention: Trujillo's, La Fiesta, Castillo and the drive inside that little house on La Salle.

Not a huge fan either, just seems like a natural for Waco.

canoso said:

---

Bruingirl said:

---

canoso said:

---

MoneyBear said:

---

If you don't mind driving for the best Mexican food you can get, El Jardin in Hamilton TX guys the bill. It's a solid 45-60 minutes from Waco but their food is stellar. Chips and salsa off the chart, great enchiladas and the best fajitas I've found anywhere. El Con can cannot touch this place...not even close.

Additional fun fact: It's family owned by a young guy who spent years going through the citizenship channels to finally get legal last year. When his approval got held up, the entire town complained and he got an endorsement from a senator to speed up the process.

---

Continuing with other places outside of Waco, I'll mention El Tapatio on 84 at the western edge of Gatesville. Have eaten there a number of times. Caveat: it's been a while since I was last there, but imo at that time it beat anything in Waco.

---

They're about the same, but the El Tapatio (or, as the locals call it "El-Tap") on 84 that is in the middle part of town is just a little bit better than the one on the west end. The west end has more room, but the service and the food is better at the other one.

---

Never ate at the downtown location since I knew the servers at the original place and it was closer to my workplace. Will try downtown next time I'm out that way, which is now seldom. If it's better than the original, Katie bar the door!

---

Downtown doesn't serve alcohol, but they don't care if you bring in your own.