I remember the first time my husband and I went to Hecho en Mexico.  The restaurant had just changed from a deli, glass display cases and a nondescript environment, to a family owned Mexican restaurant.  It was a Sunday, after church, and we thought we would try going out to eat with children.  I can’t remember if it was child or children.  Honestly, those early sleepless years blend together, but I do remember feeling ill-equipped.  I vaguely remember the food.  I clearly remember not being able to enjoy any of it.

Fast-forward a few years.  We now have a few tricks up our sleeves.  Our children are older, we are wiser, and if we plan it correctly, we can all enjoy an evening out in REAL restaurants.  So a few months back we decided to revisit Hecho.  GREAT decision.  When we walked, I was amazed at the transformation.

Colorful decor, walls lined with local artist’s work, and a WALL of tequila.  Because it was a Thursday night, they had live music.  Because it was happy hour, the apps were half price.  And because the house margaritas are DELISH, we knew we had found a new local restaurant.

We’ve since returned many times and we all have our favorites.  My son loves the Tacos al Pastor.  Smart boy.  They are on the appetizer menu or the lunch menu.  My husband goes back and forth between the Chile Relleno, which can be with beef or mushroom, and the Platon de Enchiladas which consists of a sampling of three moles.  Before coming here he didn’t even like mole.  It’s that good.   My daughter calls it the Nopalitos place.  A plate of those and some of my entrée and she is a happy girl.   She and I  think the stand out is the Chile en Nogada, a roasted poblano pepper with shredded pork, almonds, raisins, covered in a creamy walnut sauce with pomegranate seeds.  Delicious.   If your kids are less adventurous, no problem.  They have a $2 children’s menu with all the basics and beans, rice, or broccoli.

I also love the Diavola sauce, but it is not for the faint of heart.  We were there for breakfast one day and I ordered the Huevos Ranchero.  It was good, but I wanted a little more fire.  She suggested the diavola.  It took a little while so I thought she forgot.  No, she made me some.  Yes, that’s the kind of familial touch they have.

We like to go on weekend afternoons.  It is quiet and we don’t have to worry about bothering anyone or waiting with hungry kids.   But the evenings are fun, too.  Great energy and live music.  The last Wednesday of the month, they have a Tequila dinner.  Four courses with tequila pairings for $35.  Hard to beat that.  We still have yet to go, but it is on our list of things to do.

If you are not a house margarita person, don’t fear.  They have a huge selection of tequila and several specialty cocktails.  If you feel like a splurge, they have a tippity top shelf (my words, not their’s) margarita for $27.  Some day…

Now, is everything great?  No.  I won’t say that because some items need, in my opinion, some tweaking.  I don’t love the guacamole.  The cochinita pibil is beautifully presented, but after tasting my husband’s mole, the flavor wasn’t as exciting.  The flan is better than the Tres Leches.  But we really like this place.  We always feel welcome, the kids are comfortable, but it is a step up from the typical “family restaurant.”  I love supporting local businesses, restaurants, etc.  When you find a neighborhood gem, it is hard to let the secret out, but it is harder to keep it in.

The Nitty Gritty:

Address: 6001 William Cannon Dr Ste 301   Austin, TX 78749

Phone Number: (512) 301-0060

Hours of Operation: 9:00am-10:00pm

Takes Reservations: Yes

Wi/Fi: Yes

Website: http://hechoenmexico-restaurant.com/

This post was written as part of the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance’s contributions to the City Guide.  All opinions are my own and I received no compensation of any sort for this review.