Chapulín Cantina — Restaurant in Austin

3.5 stars - and willing to give them another try!

My boyfriend and I visited Chapulin Cantina for my birthday and we had a “mixed bag” experience. I’m more than open to returning to see if this was a one-off negative experience or if these are consistent issue.

Pros: -Possibly the most delicious and refreshing horchata I’ve ever had (and I’ve had lots). -The queso flameado is AMAZING. However…. (See the cons below). -I ordered the Blanco Mole with grilled veggies and it was wonderful. Unique, dynamic in flavor, and well-prepared. -The Oaxaca-inspired decor is lovely, colorful, and inviting. -The host was very friendly and did his best to help us through out our dinner.

Cons: -3 small corn tortillas for an order of queso flameado is not ideal (or standard). Especially for $17!!!! -My boyfriend ordered the Arrachera Oaxaqueno and it was….laughable. I wish I had taken a photo. There were these tiny slices of steak and the rest of the large plate was filled with (poorly seasoned) fries. All for $36. 😭 -The service was truly abysmal. We waited a solid 7 minutes for our drink orders to be taken. We did not have one dedicated server, so we weren’t sure who to direct questions to. When we asked for a to-go box, it felt as though we were being rushed from our table - they cleared plates without confirming if we were finished. And then we waited over 15 minutes for our bill. It was odd. It was evident the servers were busy and short-staffed, but it was a really disappointing experience for our first time there and my birthday dinner. -Lastly, they seated us in a corner directly by the front door, so it was hot hot hot the entire dinner. (We went at 6:45 p.m.)

I used to go to Enoteca on a weekly basis and I’ve got to say, I really miss it. All of this being said, I’ll return again and give it another shot, and update this review (or not) accordingly. Sit at the bar and order the horchata and queso flameado at...

Updating my review: there has been a full turnover on staff and it shows. Thank you to management Gerardo & Josh and Keaton for instilling trust back into this local establishment. Y’all are phenomenal. Place is packed, food is delicious and service is unmatched. We will be back again and again!

We love the food here and come here weekly and have brought multiple groups of friends.

We order to go and eat in the restaurant.

For the first time ordering to go tonight my husband and I decided to sit down and have a frozen HH margarita for $8…what a deal! The bartender did not listen when I asked to order the same frozen margarita without the peach mixin. Even though we were the only people at the bar. When the wrong Marg came we explained we only wanted a regular frozen Marg and not the peach mixin. We apologized for the miscommunication to be polite. We then asked for two more frozen margaritas to go. He did not explain that the Margs would be HH and would jump from $8 to $16 a drink. When we got the bill and we shared we were surprised the HH price would not be applied and we were not informed he was quiet. After asking for the charge to be removed because the drinks had not been poured yet, he seemed annoyed. Once we signed the bill and were leaving he didn’t even wait until we left before the restaurant before he yelled loudly to the staff behind the empty bar. That girl is aggressive. Apologies sir that you do not listen and you do not have the customer service or decency to explain pricing would be different in an empty HH bar. Will continue to order from this restaurant but will not be sitting at that bartenders bar again. Which is a shame since we live...

The thought and care put into this restaurant made me set aside some time to give it the positive vouch it deserves.

I’m not the biggest fan of Mexican cuisine (it’s played out - especially here in Texas), but Chapulin changed my perspective.

What the owners have done is brought Austin what you’d have to be near Guatemala to have, and offered it to the city with a passion and presentation that is unique to their long honed skills and talent.

Before I get to what to try, know the staff are really motivated and knowledgeable, especially given the complexity of ingredients in all of the dishes and the daunting multitude of beverage offerings; the mescal menu is deeper than many restaurants wine cellars. Whoever helps the owners cook and plate the food could easily work in a Michelin restaurant.

If you want the kind of experience where anything ordered is delicious and worth the occasion or money, this restaurant is a - go.

Personally, I insist on opening with the Arroz Frito and the Tuetano. If you like soup, the Pozole Verde is a must because it is delicious and you’ve likely never had anything quite like it or will again; yes… it’s that good.

From there… everything else on the menu can lead to a great night.

And, while I view tacos as about exciting as a grilled cheese with margarine, these people found a way to make me want to try more of the ones they...