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DON JUAN ON THE SQUARE
113 E. Erwin
(903-526-0702)
Open Mon-Thur 11-9, Fri & Sat 10-10. Closed Sun.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access + |  add to library |
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Mexican |
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(From July 2011) This authentic spot in downtown Tyler reminds us of our favorite little joint in Tijuana. A refreshing break from the Tex-Mex chains that dominate the East Texas dining scene, Don Juan has got sparkling margaritas, fresh ingredients, attentive and friendly service, and almost alarmingly low prices. The menu offers a variety of dishes, but we’re always drawn to the sopes, thick, fried corn “cakes” topped with beans; your choice of steak, chicken, or cheese; and lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, and white cheese. And we never can resist the sopaipillas. |
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DOWNTOWN COFFEE LOUNGE
200 W. Erwin, Tyler
(903-266-9192)
Open Mon–Fri 7–5. Closed Sat & Sun.
map | latest review | access ++ | add to library |
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No cuisine listed |
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(From May 2011) Just off the square, this new coffee shop is already building a reputation beyond the lawyer set for its ever-changing menu of breakfast pastries, light lunch items, and yummy desserts. On a recent blustery day, we were warmed by the vegetable soup, then opted for the creamy, extra-cheesy mac and cheese as a main course. The relaxing atmosphere is a decidedly un-Starbucks mixture of nou-veau upscale and artsy lounge. |
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MANGO EXPRESS
111 E. Ferguson
(903-592-3578)
Open Mon–Sat 10–5, Sun 7–5.
map | latest review | access + | add to library |
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Latin American |
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(From February 2012) With no mango on the menu and no fast food in sight, the newest spot on the square in Tyler is a mystery. What we did find, though, was a simple setting, warm service, and an abundance of delightful Venezuelan dishes. We sampled the maduros con queso, tasty fried plantains with melty cheese, and the cachapa, a grilled sweet-corn cake filled with cheese and shredded chicken (a delicious mix of flavors, though the accompanying black beans and rice were on the bland side). A friend marveled at her patacón: shredded beef, tomato, onions, and pickle sandwiched between slices of plantain. The refreshing cantaloupe and watermelon aguas frescas were like drinking liquid fruit. |
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TAQUERIA EL LUGAR
1726 E. Gentry Pkwy
(903-597-4717)
Open Mon–Thur 11–9, Fri & Sat 11–10. Closed Sun. Cash only.
web site | map | latest review | access + | add to library |
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Mexican |
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(From January 2012) Despite the satellite locations that have popped up around the city (all run by family members), our favorite remains numero tres, in north Tyler. For the first time, we forsook our usual order of beef super quesadillas for the chicken variety, and we were completely hooked. El Lugar is short on frills but generous with fresh ingredients (like local vegetables) and Mexican (not Tex-Mex) spice. It’s a go-to spot for the discerning taco eater, so expect a wait at lunchtime. |
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TAQUERIA EL LUGAR
1726 E. Gentry Pkwy
(903-597-4717)
Open Mon–Thur 10–9, Fri & Sat 10–10. Closed Sun. Cash only.
map | latest review | no access | add to library |
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$ |
Mexican |
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(From January 2012) Despite the satellite locations that have popped up around the city (all run by family members), our favorite remains numero tres, in north Tyler. For the first time, we forsook our usual order of beef super quesadillas for the chicken variety, and we were completely hooked. El Lugar is short on frills but generous with fresh ingredients (like local vegetables) and Mexican (not Tex-Mex) spice. It’s a go-to spot for the discerning taco eater, so expect a wait at lunchtime. |
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WASABI SUSHI BAR AND ASIAN BISTRO
5617 Donnybrook Ave
(903-939-0211)
Open Sun–Thur 11–9, Fri & Sat 11–10.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | add to library |
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No cuisine listed |
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(From November 2010) Tyler was deeply in need of this upscale spot, the newest on the East Texas restaurant horizon. The sushi is imaginative and, for this landlocked region, magnificent. You can choose from familiar rolls (Dragon, Cucumber) or original, Texas-pride-inspired versions, like the Houston, Lone Star, and Tyler Texas. We dove into the Blue Bayou (tiger shrimp, avocado, and asparagus garnished with lobster, caviar, spicy mayo, and eel sauce), which barely left us room for our order of crispy shrimp—almost unbearably delicious prawns served with baby corn in a honey-sweet garlic sauce. The atmosphere in this always crowded place is nice but unpretentious and the service efficient and friendly. Bar. |
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