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An Inside History of Antonio’s TexMex

By michael barnes | Saturday, August 29, 2009, 10:01 PM

One of the reasons I relish reporting the results of the A-List “Best Of” contests each week is that I learn something every time, often from readers. Few responders, however, have been as thorough and gracious as John Cortez, who saw that I’d never been to any of the Antonio’s outlets. The TexMex restaurant group — almost four decades old — won for Best Margarita in the A-List vote. So I decided to quote his message in full (with minor editing).

margarita.jpg
Thank you Mr. Barnes,

For a brief history of Antonio’s: It has been around for 37 years. It started out on North Lamar Boulevard just north of Braker Lane, serving from a makeshift window in the garage. The family moved out of the house and turned the bedrooms into dining rooms. Antonio’s at this time was very popular with the IBM crowd for lunch and, in the evenings, folks from North Austin, Round Rock, Hutto and Taylor made this their eatery.

The original family sold (the restaurant) to the new owners in 1983. They — Rudy Mendoza and John Cortez — added an expanded menu and margaritas shortly thereafter. A fire in 1984 destroyed the building and we were forced to move to Wells Branch when that neighborhood was just starting out. We enjoyed great sauces there for several years until we bought the old Manhattans building at Interstate 35 and FM 1325 in Round Rock. That is where we have been for the past 20 years. We also have a location at the old Dick Clarks building on Interstate 35 and US 183, which is currently being remodeled.

We also opened a location on Jollyville Road in 1995 which did very well. The condition of the building forced us, however, to close that location in 2008. The reason Antonio’s is experiencing a comeback at this moment is because we recently did an extensive remodeling project at the old Kirbey Lane location on Research Boulevard between Spicewood and Oak Knoll. This location has taken off very well, thus all the attention. The previous location was hidden on Jollyville Road, but had a loyal following.

When we remodeled this location, we added a larger bar, and this is where all the people are now enjoying our margaritas. We hope you can make it out to try our margaritas and enjoy them like everyone else has. Remember we are 37 years old and will be around for a long time.

Thank you

John V. Cortez Antonio’s Tex-Mex

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By KaitlinM

August 30, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

Now that I'm legal (almost two months now!) I'll have to try out their margaritas...and the food! I like one-of-a-kind restaurants with a history. Reading about this place kind of reminded me of an authentic Mexican restaurant just down the street from my mom's in Stafford (Houston/Sugarland basically): Lopez. It's a family owned Mexican restaurant, and it's one of very few things that I miss about Houston. Amazing food but haven't had a chance to try the margaritas yet. If you're ever in Houston (and looking for GOOD Mexican food) check it out!

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