Curra's Hyde Park — Restaurant in Austin

This was my first time experiencing Curra's for a holiday work party. I do have different dietary needs that are different from others, but I was hoping from the good reviews that Curra's would step up to par concerning making adjustments and being flexible.

The service was wonderful as well the the atmospehere. The decor was beautiful, but I was left nauseous and wanting to leave this review in hopes that the food is better cooked/not come across food contamination for those that have restrictions, but want to be part of the omni food party.

As for the menu I didn't see any 'V' signs which would have been super helpful whether vegetarian or vegan. I also didn't see when it came to the tacos that it would be flour. I automatically assume that it is corn given that it is a Mexican restaurant or have the server ask whether I wanted corn or flour. Those options did not exist in this occurence. I asked all my questions concerning if the vegetables are cooked in butter or if the rice has chicken stock. The server was so nice and confirmed everything would be vegan friendly. When the food came in the tacos were in flour tortilla, I kept the meal, but asked for corn. The corn tortillas were okay, but the food taste was off. The veggie chorizo was flavorless, but spicy. I ended up eating most of the nopales (nopales are always good). The veggies on the side had a hint of beef, which left me ill and nauseous. I barely touched the rice and all the other items. I didn't want to risk it. I get this is not an all vegan restaurant, but when we don't have the option to choose a place for whatever reason I would like to be accomodated or be told something that it can't be done so I make sure I tell my party that I need to eat elsewhere. Instead I am left sick with the promise that things were vegan friendly. Again, I am writing this in hopes that there is better cleanliness in the back of the kitchen and avoid cross contamination of foods that could potentially cause more harm to someone else. I would also like to comment that it would not hurt the owner or whoever is in charge to look up for a different recipe for vegeterians/vegans. Cooking veggie shouldn't be hard, there are so many Mexcian recipes that flavorful, filling, and delicious that could be a benefit to review the menu in this establishment atleast for...

It must be an off day for the Curra’s family. I usually go to the Oltorf location and am always well cared for and the food is typically fire. However, today was my first time at Hyde Park and I was very disappointed.

It seems like there are only two servers plus the bartender scheduled for the front of the house on a Saturday afternoon. This is insane. The bartender is serving chips and salsa and running food to the next room over. He’s also picking up tables in the front room.

While it took a good ten minutes before I was acknowledged by the waitress, I understand why. They are sorely understaffed. She took my order when she dropped off the water. I ordered chips and salsa, the smoke and mirrors cocktail, and two chicken enchiladas with chipotle salsa, rice and charro beans. The food came out incredibly fast like maybe within five-seven minutes of my order and the bartender dropped it to my table. But I hadn’t received chips or my drink. The bartender served my chips. Then it wasn’t until I was finished with my first enchilada when my served asked if everything was ok and I reminded her of my drink.

I was surprised at the imbalance of flavors and portions with the food. The chipotle salsa was very bland tomato sauce considering it should be spicy and smoky- as chipotles are. The chicken seemed unseasoned despite being marinated in something. The rice was fine, it’s nice to see veggies included and it was a heaping pile but nothing to write home about. The charro beans was mostly very salty broth and bacon, there were very few beans. I was nearly finished with my enchiladas by the time I received my drink I was nearly finished with my enchiladas.

The ceiling in the front room is also leaking onto the floor.

It’s so sad because I typically love Curra’s but obviously, even though I live north, I need to stick with the...

Curra's is a delightful little Mexican joint in Hyde Park.

They have delightful salsa and chips. They will bring these to your table for free, And while ours came automatically, the menu says available upon request.

I ordered the mole enchiladas, $18, which were very tasty. Mole seemed to have a nice spicy Tang to it akin to something Curry adjacent. Very good! They give you the choice of two sides, I got the salad and beans. They are a purplish refried bean, and the salad was very good with strawberries A little fresca cheese and raspberry dressing.

My friend got a mint julep or some sort of specialty drink there that I had to sip of and it was very tasty as well. Non-alcoholic. They also got something like carne asada made from pork. That was very good. A specialty there. Sorry that I can't remember the name of it.

The prices are a little more expensive than your average Mexican around town. Though the food is better than your average. I do feel like $22+ is a lot for a chile relleno plate. Perhaps some of the prices should be a bit cheaper for what you're getting. Loss of one star for price of some of the items being a bit high. If I could have ranked it four and a half, I would have. Perhaps when I eat there again, and I likely will, I may revise this to 5 star, depending on how much I am wowed by the food versus price.

A direct competitor of this place would be El Chile Cafe y cantina on Manor road. I like them both a lot and would not say one is dramatically better than the other, perhaps depending on what you order. But they both have above average quality and tasting food.

Service was very...