Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Abuelo's Mexico ~ regional chain : Hurst, Texas


Currently they exist in 9 states with 26 locations strewn about the southern half of the US. Texas remains their stronghold, and our former NE Tarrant location of Hurst is still open.

Latest visit: Oct 2017 (Hurst, Texas)

First visit: Aug 2004 (Hurst, Texas)

We first visited Abuelo's in the summer of 2004, but for whatever reason Mrs. RJG didn't care for it, and we didn't return for a half-dozen years. Then one day last year we were talking with our neighbors about Mexican food, and they said their favorite place was Abuelo's. I figured that may be because they are hardcore West Texas folks and the chain is based in Lubbock. But we gave it one more try shortly thereafter... and we've been going back ever since. 6 years from first publishing this post, that remains true.

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The first thing you notice about Abuelo's is how stunning the restaurant looks - on the inside and out. It's like a Mexican vacation resort (and this remains even after they relocated across the street). Generally that's a red flag for the RJG. When the money is put into the decor, we fear that's at the expense of the food budget. But that's definitely not the case at Abuelo's. And in fact, Abuelo's offers some pretty unique items that one may only find in a dive. For one they may have the best habanero salsa I've ever had. It's a blazer, but extremely tasty, with that fire roasted chile taste (I just got that feeling in my tongue - I feel like going there right now!). They also have a chipotle medium hot and a tomato based mild. Both are very good, but do not compare to the habanero. Funny that they serve it in a tiny little tin with the other two other salsas in larger bowls. But I'm sure most folks would rather only have a taste. But not the RJG - he asks for a BUCKET of it. And the chips are tasty enough without salsa. The Tex-Mex dishes here are a mix of staples and more authentic Mexican (for example, you can get fried eggs on the enchiladas, that sort of thing). I liked their baked overstuffed burritos, loaded with melted cheese, tasty con carne and whatever meat filling I'd like. Mrs. RJG says their crunchy tacos are the best! Rice and beans are delicious and beyond the norm. Let's go further with the beans: Abuelo's has the absolute best refried beans I've ever had! And they are still sizzling hot on the last bite.

Abuelo's has a full bar, and their margaritas (frozen and au natural) pack a punch.

This is a good place to take guests, or business associates. Though for the many times we've been, it's just been the wife and I. Overall a great Mexican restaurant.

8/22/04; 10/22/11 (new entry); 10/24/17

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