On Sunday, January 25th, We Taco Bout It visited Pete's Tako House. The spot is outside of our usual Westside and Southside hunting grounds, but it came to us highly recommended by our friend Angelica Guzman-Jeffery. Apparently, this spot has been around since 1978, but recently moved to a location, next to the Brooklynite. Not knowing what to expect, we ventured in with Eddie's kids in tow.
We found ourselves having a highly enjoyable meal and could see ourselves coming back for more. Here is our review.
Ambiance - Pete's Taco House is a very comfortable, relaxing restaurant. The yellow walls are inviting and the decor is very eclectic. There 's a mix of Texas, religious, artistic, and kitschy decorations, including someone's trophy from a competition (seemed like that of a proud parent) and a picture of the "Pope-mobile" that apparently drove by the old location on his previous visit to San Antonio in 1987. And while it was pretty easy to find a table at 9:30 am when we arrived. An hour later, it was pretty packed and almost at capacity. Surely, the locals like this place. 5 Tortillas
Service - The service was pretty great. The friendly staff checked on us right away, provide ample refills for our waters and coffee, and checked on us throughout. Even though a line was building for seats, we never felt pressured to finish up and the food came out fast and hot. In fact, for future visits, they even take reservations. 5 Tortillas
Menu - The menu options at Pete's are pretty standard from what you'd expect from a Mexican restaurant. All of our usual favorites were represented, along with some classic lunch items. They even have options for the taco-averse (yes, those exist) as Eddie's kids ordered the 'pancake plate.' (He didn't make a scene, but did seem perturbed when confronted their choice. "Your father co-writes a taco blog and you order a pancake plate?") 4 Tortillas
Food - The food was excellent overall. Teno tasted the Chorizo and Egg, Machacado a la Mexicana, and the Bean and Egg. The Chorizo and Egg had a perfect grease level. The Machacado was tasty and spicy. If he found a flaw with anything, it would be the Bean and Egg. Not a bad taco, but not a great one either. The bean to egg ratio could be adjusted a smidge. Eddie ordered a Bean and Cheese taco and the Machacado a la Mexicana, and then ate the bits of egg, pancake, and bacon left behind by his kids. He did this despite the waitress asking if he would like another taco. "No, I'm just going to finish off their plates." (That's what my dad would've done.) 4.5 Tortillas
Overall - Pete's Tako House is a solid restaurant with great ambiance, service, and food. We would certainly bring our friends and family here on a future visit.
Pete's Tako House
Teno's Tidbits - I was pretty impressed that Pete's gives you the option to make a reservation. This is pretty common at many restaurants these days, but it was a first for me to see it at a taco spot. I made a reservation anticipating a packed house, but luckily we were early enough to not really need it. Good to know for the next time.
Eddie's Extras - Hipsters. They're everywhere. Given the location, I thought this place would be full of them. We did see a few, having coffee, eating omelettes, reading the paper. Fortunately, it was 9:30 when we arrived and most of them were likely still sleeping off their PBRs. Then Teno noticed I was wearing a hat and sporting a beard. Ok, fine. There's room for everyone in this town. Austin may be weird, but San Anto is eclectic.
I'm keeping the hat, but going back to a proper Gen X goatee. Excuse me as I go back to my Counting Crows station on Pandora.
