DRIPPING FOOD: VALLARTA (AND A FIRST REPORT BY OUR MYSTERY DINER)
Restaurant openings around here are rarer than a cold day in July (or June, apparently), which is no doubt why we've received many emails asking about Vallarta, the new Mexican restaurant that just opened in the former Gigi's location. Vallarta's debut also ushers in the first report by our new and covert food critic. It may be a while before we hear again from our Mystery Drippin' Diner (and not because our wig and hat budget is very limited) but, just know, our new investigator is out and about and on the culinary prowl.
The Mystery Drippin' Diner stopped by the recently opened Vallarta at 2:30PM on a random weekday and found the parking lot teeming with life. Inside, the place had a buzz even at that odd hour. Diners sprinkled both the front and back rooms, the front room TV was turned on to a Mexican station with numerous diners watching from the bar, the back kitchen was jammin' with cooking noises, and the overall feel was one of authenticity and experience.
The Mystery Drippin' Diner stopped by the recently opened Vallarta at 2:30PM on a random weekday and found the parking lot teeming with life. Inside, the place had a buzz even at that odd hour. Diners sprinkled both the front and back rooms, the front room TV was turned on to a Mexican station with numerous diners watching from the bar, the back kitchen was jammin' with cooking noises, and the overall feel was one of authenticity and experience.
Indeed, experience runs in the family. Drippin's Vallarta is owned by
brothers who also own Vallarta and Jalisco in South Austin, as well as Tex-Mex
spots in Bastrop and Manor. The menu reflects their experience in serving up
typical Tex-Mex in combinations that diners want. Although Tex-Mex is clearly
the primary cuisine, fish is the notable sub-specialty. Gumbo is served daily,
oysters are daily arrivals from Corpus or Galveston, and a variety of fish
dishes dot the menu.
Your Mystery Drippin' Diner grew up in South Texas so has some experience
in what makes Tex-Mex taste like the real thing, and clearly these brothers know
what they're doing. The refried frijoles were superb, the rice done just right,
chicken enchiladas outstanding, and a chalupa, as tasty as could be. Overall,
Vallarta is as good as any of the pioneer Tex-Mex spots in south Texas.
Service was perfect, and ambience worth noting. It feels like a relaxed,
low-key neighborhood cafe, less showy than Flores, but the quality of its
Tex-Mex cuisine can match it, item for item. Breakfast tacos are served 7:00AM until Noon, and eight daily lunch specials go for $5.99 each, served from
10:30AM until 3:00PM The restaurant is open 7:00AM until 10:00PM every day. So far "Vallarta Jalisco, Since 1994, Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Seafood & Oyster Bar" lives up to its reputation elsewhere and promises to be a very positive addition to Drippin's eateries.
Vallarta is located at 2400B Highway 290 West.
Editor's note: As we understand it, the restaurant has applied for a liquor license. We will do our best to keep updated, but for the most current information on that status, Vallarta's phone number is (512) 858-5459.
Vallarta is located at 2400B Highway 290 West.
Editor's note: As we understand it, the restaurant has applied for a liquor license. We will do our best to keep updated, but for the most current information on that status, Vallarta's phone number is (512) 858-5459.
Posted by DSBabble.com at Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:09 AM 
Categories: dripping food
Tags: dripping springs vallarta
Categories: dripping food
Tags: dripping springs vallarta
Thanks for information on the new restaurant, but the reviewer forgot to mention a major requisite for a Mexican restaurant...the bar. Do they serve frozen margaritas?
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Last weekend we met some friends at Vallarta for dinner. The ambiance was very relaxed & we felt sincerely welcomed (4 couples total). The service and food were both superb. Our waiter & waitress were very polite and attentive. The gumbo (served as a surprise complimentary tasting) was delicious and it was obvious to all that each dish is freshly prepared on order. Vallarta will be surely become a popular spot in Dripping Springs.
Thanks,
Dan Heinz
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Excellent food and service!!! I had the cheese enchiladas, my daughter had a cheeseburger, and my husband had a grilled shrimp dish...all were outstanding. It is great to have an authentic TexMex restaurant in Dripping. Flores is ok but is more like a fast food chain. Each dish at Vallarta is made to order. When we went, you could bring in your own beer and they said they had applied for their liquor licence.
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