La Cazadora Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in San Antonio

Absolutely the smallest dining space that I have yet to visit in my quest for good, better, best Tex-mex in this, our city of Tex-mex gardens of eden. I counted 11 tables in what had to be a 20 x 20 room. 46 years ago, the age of this bisabuela of Mexican kitchens, this restaurant found its niche in a now rather tired shopping strip with surrounding derelict buildings a common sight. West Ave., a location for a number of past and present Tex-mex haunts as well as the much remembered Ringo's Bean Burger stand.

I had thought there might have been some connection to El Cazador restaurant I visited in the 80s in its site across from the KMart at 410 and Fred. I knew the gender of the names were different and quickly found out there was no thread of commonality between them.

Finally! Another restaurant that offers my favorite combination plate of ERB (enchiladas/rice/beans) and a puffy taco. We usually have to combine and/or substitute items to achieve this particular combination which can add another 50% to the cost of the meal at times. The Cazadora Plate, a lunch special, quickly ended our hunt for a satisfying selection.

Nits: I really hate the fact that a scratch kitchen serves store bought chips, but there they were. Acceptable for some mindless nibbling with a thin, incendiary sauce to dip them in, but not as forgiveable when used as the base for attempting a tasty plate of nachos. Somewhat light on the toppings which haphazardly "covered" the Tostitos, the frijoles had an unusual hint of flavor remnant that I can only liken to vinegar. Most Unusual!

Not Nits: Can you air pop rice? This stuff was most pleasingly unplagued by a refried oil slick nor was it sticky like the old caramel covered popcorn balls granny used to wrap in wax paper and hand out on Halloween. This was a fluffy mouthful bite after tasty bite.

I did feel a few nostalgia pangs as I sampled the cheese enchiladas. Not government cheese, but more like I remembered the taste from the halcyon public grade school enchilada Wednesdays. (Wife thought the cheese tasted funny, but she also went to school those formative years in Hawaii and for all I know had Spam Wednesdays instead). The gravy topping would benefit from a teaspoon or more of picadillo, but there I go again imposing my chili con carne topped ideal on a perfectly good enchilada.

Puffies made the report card at a solid B. Not a gold star worthy rendition, but the smaller masa munchkins held up nicely under grip pressure and remained oil drip free to the last bite.

My dining recount ends here with a sincere wish that the small businesses like this one continue as long as the family wants to run them. They are such a part of San Antonio's history, character and bragging rights for arguably the best or at least most widely varied Tex-mex food in the state. ...

My family has known the founders (and their children, who now operate the restaurant) for decades, since it was a dream they struggled to make real. I’ve eaten Mexican and Tex-Mex (and San Antonio’s unique versions) all my long life and THIS is the best. The nachos rancheros are sublime - crisp tortilla chips filled with picadillo, cheese, minced onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes. San Antonio’s unique puffy tacos are freshly made and delicious. Want a lighter meal? Opt for a chalupa (what those horrid chains call “tostados”) - a flat crisp corn tortilla topped with layers of beans, cheese, your preferred meat, avocado. Hungry - go for one of the combination plates. Whenever possible, La Cazadora is my first stop after getting off my plane (and my last stop before leaving). I wish it was possible to bring the restaurant to DC, but I am afraid if I did, something vital would be missing. Maybe it’s in the water. It’s definitely in the heart and the soul...

Food is great as always. Wait staff Service is good as well. How ever the older lady who I believe that is the owner is very rude over the phone when I called today like she always is. I don't go there often so I forget the lunch specials from time to time. I called today about 10:20 or so and she said well don't you come here you should know the specials. I replied I'm sorry I just forget cuz I do not go there very often. she replied will the specials are green enchiladas, Saltillo plate, and cazadora plate, for the day and they don't start till 11 very rude. If it wasn't for the good lunch special prices and food that are so good I would not be stopping here. Menu regular prices are outrageously...