Chi'Lantro — Restaurant in Austin

Chi'Lantro!!! I'd heard about it for a long time and how amazing the Kimchi Fries were! Their growth is a testament to the large following they have in the Austin arena. With the cold weather and stiff wind Wednesday and Day 3 of the dreaded common cold—-my granddaughter and I decided one of the brick and mortar locations would be best. It was a toss up between the S. Lamar location and this location-both near her place. The "Shore Location" as this is called is a beautiful property-lots of glass and metal -huge , tall windows-tall condos and apartments surround the area-easy access to bus route and campus.

Since I'd heard the fries were legendary I had to try them...we agreed to split an order and each decided we wanted our own bowl-and to order a ToGo for the grandson as this was girl time.

Hannah advised me to "follow the instructions on the menu board" and I'd be fine.

We ordered the fries-and were asked to choose a protein so opted for beef. Then -I was up-choice of rice, noodle, lettuce, taco (2) or burrito. I opted for noodle and a pretty Asian designed bowl was given a healthy dose of fine, sweet potato noodles. Next-choice of protein-beef, spicy chicken *my choice. soy glazed chicken, glazed tofu, add fried egg? (Yes) add Queso (no-not this time)-on to fresh chopped veggie /herb selections-me? Everything but Cilantro...kimchi-yes and half a fresh avacado (no guacamole due to cilantro)-sauces-I believe there were at least 6 options-I chose the Magic Sauce(it was ranked 2 flames). Hannah managed her and her brothers bowl-. I ordered us beverages when I saw the fountain was Maine Root offerings including Ginger Beer (I’ve never found on a beverage fountain anywhere!)

I had a very short lived heart attack when I saw the size of the “fries” that we had gotten for an appetizer. It easily could’ve been shared by two people as a main course or three or more for an appetizer. Once I got over my shock and paid our bill I couldn’t wait to get back to a table and start chowing down.

The fries were crispy and fresh even though nearly buried under a mountain of beef and other toppings and of coarse Kimchi. OMG 😲 Really delicious! It was hard to focus on our conversation and try different areas of my bowl and an occasional “have to have a couple more fries” moment!

Hannah and I both enjoyed the Ginger Beer too. The cost was moderate-we took the leftover fries home along with the grandsons takeout and Hannah and I both had half our dishes left for lunch tomorrow as well.

It was really great to enjoy discussing her upcoming teaching assignment in S Korea and have an intro to some great Korean food at the same time.

I’ll...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Despite there being something wrong or misplaced on my order 97% of the time (no sauces, missing topping on tacos, little modifications missed sometimes) (it’s also important that I add I order through Uber/Favor when these mistake happen) the food quality is always right and delish!!! This food has seriously got a hold on me, I order here multiple times a week! Their tacos are better than Torchys, if I could buy their salsa by the gallon I would! Their tofu!!! Their carrot ginger dressing!!! Their basil peach lemonade!!!!!And I wasn’t a fan of kimchi before but these guys just add their magic touch bc it’s delish. The staff is also always willing to fix the mistakes and are always nice and I appreciate that. The manager herself once came to redeliver an order that was messed up and I appreciate that type of customer service so much! A staple restaurant in Austin restaurant for sure!!! Everything on the menu is amazing! Oh and lastly they have a value menu and I love that bc it gives everyone a chance the experience the greatness that is Chilantro. Thanks...

There's no doubt that Chi'lantro is delicious. Its zesty meat smothered in delicious sauces over rice or fries punctuated by sharp veggies is something of dreams. And it has an inherently Austin aesthetic to it: Born here, it has truly come to embrace its heritage. The single bulbs hanging from the ceiling look like something from a Fray album, and the postered pictured scattered on the walls are of fresh large eggs, and of washed veggies.

But, despite its local vibes, its closest kin -- to me -- is Chipotle. Delicious? Yes. Fresh? Absolutely. But for the $12.00 you'll spend here, you'll get a meager portion of meat and a lot of rice, beans, and sauce. You'll love every bite, but be left wondering if it was worth the price, or if you weren't perhaps bamboozled out of your money. The host of customization options is vast, but with many coming with additional costs on top of your selection. Much like Chipotle, it's hip, and delicious, but you'll be left wondering if you got tricked onto a bandwagon that isn't quiet worth the price...