Nuevo Leon - What's the excitement about?

[ThrowittoRoy]

I continuously hear about Nuevo Leon, and how great it is.
Juan in a million was the only place I used to go to until last week.

4 of us went there for lunch, and not a single one of use thought our meal was anything better than an "eh, it's alright".
We're definitely not going to spend another lunch hour there.

What's the deal? Why do people like this place?

***The only thing that was good about our trip to NL, was when we were leaving the restaurant we spotted a crack addict fall on his face across the street. This crackhead swayed to and fro for a good 20 seconds (while his girlfriend was on the phone arranging I assume another "score"). There were numerous times we thought he would lose it and he did not disappoint my friends! A full-on cement face plant to which he got back up surprisingly fast!!

Additional notes: She did NOT ONCE take her attention away from the phonecall or offer any assistance - she had priorities.
This was at 12:05PM on a Wednesday afternoon...good work fella...

 

[jimmyjazz]

I like Nuevo Leon's management and staff as much as I like the food. They remember names and treat people well.

The food is maybe a bit better-than-average TexMex. It's certainly not amazing, although I do like their cheese enchiladas quite a bit.

 

[AhhhCraig]

Their food has always been average to me, but they do make some potent margs. Next time you are in that area, go to Dario's. IMO Dario's is much better than NL.

 

[Texas Horn]

Agreed that Dario's is where it's at. My all-around favorite in Austin.

NL is a great place for a Friday night Tex Mex feast with some great margaritas and some atmosphere. Food is better than El Rancho, but there are plenty of better spots for good Tex Mex

 

[OrangeBlooded]

according to this board, anything east of I-35 is the place to be.

 

[ScoPro]

The most consistently best cheese enchiladas in Austin for the last 30+ years have been served at the Dart Bowl.

 

[Basketball Jones]

Food is pretty average, EXCEPT for the "Old Fashioned Tacos" -- spicy filling, grilled tacos. They are incredible.

 

[utexas_61]

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[hornian]

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[Texas97]

I have lived in Austin since 1993 and yet I have never been to Darios. Need to change that.

 

[rtchorn]

The first time I ate at Nuevo Leon, I wasn't all that impressed. But it was a cool funky little place to take chicks to in college. It grew on me and now it's in my rotation when I head back to Austin. It's not the same as when it was in that little house, but it's still a solid place.

 

[Mesohorny]

please....don't try Dario's
avg Tex-Mex
not good
stay away

 

[Double J]

I work down the street from Nuevo Leons and I've eaten there probably 5 times. Not bad but nothing special. I have heard that the margaritas are good though. Ive eaten at Darios once and had happy hour there twice. The food was a little better then Nuevo Leons but they overcharged me on my beers I think. Luckily I wasn't paying that night.

 

[unpaintedhuffhines]

I'm not sure anyone ever claims that NL is all around excellent cuisine. Any review I've ever seen (or heard) relates to the all around great experience there. As mentioned, great owners and management. They even remember a gringo like me when I go there.

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[TheFied]

The owner remembers me every time. I ran into him at the new one in SW Austin and he waved. I then went to talk to him and he remembered me. I had assumed that he was waving at someone behind me at first....

The food at the SWAustin one can improve but it is very new and i'm sure they are working out the kinks.

 

[SomeMildLanguage]

I heart Nuevo Leon.

 

[hornian]

I have to third the old fashioned tacos. Those things are the tits.

 

[TheFied]

i went to darios a few months ago and it was good stuff but at the end of the day it is tex-mex.

darios, nuevo leon... they are all pretty similar. you likely end up likely one more than the other based on experiences that you can remember eating there with friends and family.