To browse restaurants by city, pick from the pull-down menu at left under the Find a Restaurant tab.
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BUENOS AIRES CAFE EAST
1201 E. 6th (512-444-7770)
Open Mon-Thur 9-9:30, Fri & Sat 9-10 a.m., Closed Sun.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access ++ |  add to library | |
$ |
Austin
| Latin American /
South American |
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(From August 2009) Buenos Aires Café—Austin’s first Argentine eatery—has opened a spacious and inviting second location on the east side. Fresh and flaky, empanadas come with various fillings, including a don’t-miss carne picante with scallions, raisins, and green olives and a vegetarian’s dream packed with spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan. Entrées can be spotty; steer clear of the bland gnocchi and head straight for the pastel de papas, Argentina’s answer to shepherd’s pie. Vegetable lovers will enjoy the handmade herbed crepes (canelones caseros) filled with Parmesan and a portobello-eggplant blend. Beer & wine. |
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CHAMA GAUCHA
18318 Sonterra Place, just off Loop 1604 (210-564-9400)
Open Mon 5-10, Tue-Thur 11-2 & 5-10, Fri 11-2 & 5-10:30, Sat 4:30-10:30, Sun 1-8:30.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library | |
$$-$$$ |
San Antonio
| Steaks /
South American |
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(From June 2009) Another Brazilian restaurant celebrating the joys of broiled meat has opened on the North Side. Visit the splendidly diverse salad bar (greens, tomatoes, chicken salad, tabouleh, mushroom caps, artichokes, and on and on), then wait for the “gauchos,” who roam the dining room with meats impaled on their swords, visiting and revisiting every table offering slices or hunks of tender beef, lamb, chicken, and sausage. There’s a long wine list, comfortable chairs, and plenty of space. In short, this is a place to let your inner carnivore have his big day. Bar. |
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FOGO DE CHAO
8250 Westheimer Rd (713-978-6500)
Lunch Mon–Fri 11–2. Dinner Mon–Thur 5–10, Fri 5–10:30, Sat 4:30–10:30, Sun 3:30–9:30. Reservations recommended.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library | |
$$$-$$$$ |
Houston
| South American |
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(From January 2009) The prix fixe menu at this Brazilian churrascaria includes all-you-can-eat meats carved from skewers right at your table and impeccable greens from the lavish salad bar. Filet mignon, prime rib, top sirloin, pork ribs, lamb chops, and bacon-wrapped chicken (whew!) proved perfectly tender and simply seasoned. Only the Parmesan-crusted pork tenderloin was overcooked. For dessert (and, purportedly, a digestive aid), a papaya cream “smoothie” was a silky delight. Note: Those with small appetites can skip the roasted meat and enjoy the less-pricey salad bar. Bar. |
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INKA SOUTH AMERICAN CUISINE
12225 Westheimer Rd (832-379-1717)
Open Tue–Thur 11–10, Fri & Sat 11–11, Sun 11–9. Closed Mon. Reservations accepted.
map | latest review | access ++ | add to library | |
$$–$$$ |
Houston
| South American |
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(From November 2008) This lively, tropical space serves up complex dishes like delicious slow-braised duck in pisco (brandy) sauce over corn fritters and slow-roasted pork ribs nestled in banana leaves, slathered with a robust mole. Lighter options include ceviches, salads, and tortas. A sweet-potato-and-peanut soup was too dense for our taste, and both entrées could have used more marinade time for the flavors to permeate the meats. Kudos on the chocolate bread pudding, though. Bar. |
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QUISQUEYA
3503 N. Ware Rd (956-627-3325)
Open Mon–Sat 8–9, Sun 8–5.
map | latest review | access ++ | add to library | |
$$ |
McAllen
| South American |
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(From August 2009) Confronted with unfamiliar dishes from the Dominican Republic (but thrilled to discover them), we found the staff more than willing to explain and recommend. Chicken croquettes were a little dry but the oxtail stew—served with moro (Dominican beans and rice) and ensalada rusa (a potato salad traditionally served at holidays)—was excellent. The piñonate (a dessert of pineapple and coconut) was a great way to end the meal. We plan to go back to sample the sancocho (a rustic meat-and-vegetable stew). Beer & wine. |
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