Garcia's Mexican Restaurant - Round Rock

Garcia's Mexican Restaurant - Round Rock

Written by Jim Dawson Wednesday, 07 December 2005

Tex-Mex restaurant makes every meal a family affair

It is appropriate that Garcia’s is located in an old house in the downtown Round Rock neighborhood, because the mood is homey and family-oriented. With only 15 tables and booths set within the framework of the living rooms of the house, it feels like you’ve come home for dinner.

The Tex-Mex food served by a young, friendly wait staff adds to the feeling of sitting down to dinner with friends. This family appeal, along with the home cooked food, has made Garcia’s a popular place since opening in 1998.

Begun by Brenda Botello and Anna Garcia, it is now managed by Brenda’s son, Charles Botello and his wife Jessica Obregon. The couple have been with the restaurant since its opening, and assumed managerial duties in March of this year.

Jessica works days and Charles nights, so that one is at the restaurant, while the other is with their two young children.

A white board outside the restaurant announces the daily specials which Jessica enjoys describing.

“On Thursdays, we make our chili relleno using poblano peppers which we hand bread.($6) It’s first come, first served. Last week we made 15, and they were sold out at lunch.”

She says another popular special is the chipotle chicken burrito ($6.50) which is the Tuesday special. She also recommends trying the spicy chicken kisses as appetizers on Friday to go along with their top shelf margaritas or domestic and imported beers. The seven kisses are sliced chicken breasts rolled with bacon and serrano pepper, tossed with red spicy sauce and served with ranchero sauce. ($6)

Saturday and Sunday mornings is the time to enjoy a leisurely Mexican breakfast. The migas are topped with queso and served with refried beans and potatoes. ($5.25)

The breakfast tacos are huge. The largest, named El Pepe, is scrambled eggs with sausage, beans, potatoes, and cheese. It is so big that they use a burrito-sized tortilla. ($3.25)

The lunch specials include enchilada combination plates with the choice of beef, chicken, or cheese along with tacos, rice and beans. ($5.75 - $7.50)

The community spirit adds to the lure of Garcia’s. Any local policeman, firefighter, or EMT in uniform can eat for half price. Mayor Nyle Maxwell held his election victory celebration on Garcia’s outdoor patio last November. Charles says baseball great Nolan Ryan is among the restaurant’s many regular customers.

“Garcia’s is family-oriented from cooking to serving to customers,” Charles says. “I feel like I wake up every day on a holiday and have a large family to cook for.”