Austin isn’t a metropolis that’s precisely hurting for Mexican eating places, but when yellow cheese and scorching fajita plates aren’t what you’re within the temper for, contemplate a visit to La Common, which is operated by a bunch out of Mexico Metropolis — which makes for a little bit of a distinct vibe vs. the extra conventional border-driven flavors you’ll discover in Texas.
La Common — which additionally operates a location close to Sacramento, California — is constructed round a spacious bar and contains loads of seating each inside and outside. On a earlier go to prematurely of its formal opening a number of weeks in the past, we sampled a large swath of each the foods and drinks menus, which I’ll deal with in flip, as that is foremost a spot designed for each consuming and consuming.
First, the meals: Whereas not fairly inside Mexican, the central and coastal prospers are apparent, together with dishes constructed round mole and seafood — however which seem alongside enchiladas, tacos, and even bbq ribs. Don’t sleep on the guacamole topped with beef chicharrones (a hearty portion) or the ribeye tacos. The latter don’t appear to be a lot, with a skinny slab of carpaccio-like beef atop a corn tortilla, however the depth of taste in these is healthier than any taco I’ve had in latest reminiscence. I discovered the mole enchiladas to be a little bit of a miss throughout our go to, however spiking them with one of many 4 salsas served tableside is a straightforward method to prop issues up.
Hardly ever does a Mexican restaurant convey its A-game to progressive cocktails, however I used to be dazzled by quite a lot of of the tiki-influenced choices on faucet right here, beginning with the you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it Oaxacan Jellyfish. This concoction of rum, pineapple, lime, blue lemongrass, and coconut cream is basically a non-frozen Pina Colada, served with a bubble of lemongrass smoke that’s blown tableside. It solely lasts a number of seconds earlier than popping — nevertheless it’s lengthy sufficient to snap one of the uncommon cocktail images you’ll ever take. Whereas it’s a summery sipper, I used to be way more enamored with the Yucatan Toucan, a play on phrases for La Common’s spin on a Jungle Chook cocktail. The bar doesn’t even listing the components for this one, nevertheless it’s constructed round a clarified mezcal punch, served with a cinnamon sugar cranium that’s set on fireplace — once more, tableside. The mezcal spins this traditional rum drink in simply the suitable manner, which the readability of the cocktail makes you suppose it’d simply be wholesome when you end it off. Which I did. Of any drink served right here, that is the one I’m dying to get the recipe for.
Different cocktails are additional spins on classics, together with the energetic ardour fruit-heavy Perlas, with reposado tequila and lime, and the Rely Diablo, a far too smoky Negroni twist with mezcal and ghost pepper tincture, garnished with dried chili threads. Do save room for the Carajillo, which, other than the Margarita, is the one unadulterated merchandise on the listing. The combination of Licor 43, espresso, and vanilla cream is the right dessert to pair with La Common’s plate of miniature churros, served with two dipping sauces. Don’t desire a cocktail? Try La Common’s properly curated mezcal listing, which is unusually damaged down by agave species as a substitute of area or producer.
Located in a quiet a part of Austin west of downtown, it’s straightforward to get right here and the parking is free. The restaurant was packed throughout our preview go to, however service was capable of sustain though clearly everybody was nonetheless of their first few days on the job.
I’ll be again.
7415 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, TX 78735
lapopularcdmx.com
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