El Amanecer

What a difference a few years makes. Was looking all over for a good brunch with Mexican and traditional breakfast items. Thought wehad found a place– not quite.
Went up to buffett hoping to find some good eats. Instead there was sysco like chicken tenders, cold soggy fries, chips– no salsa, canned pop, dried out looking pastries, menudo, chicken legs, and some other items that looked just old and unappetizing.
Our fault for not taking a look at it first.
Service was fine.
Bathrooms were filthy.
Not the same experience as last time. Lesson learned. Check it out first.

Went for the buffet advertised on Radio Rey and it was possibly the worst restaurant experience of my life. Not going to go into detail will make it short and sweet: terrible from top to bottom. Do not go.

El Amanecer is OK.
Observations:
–The vibe is authentically Districto del sol.
–The food is decent, but not mind-​blowing (and not as good as El Burrito Mercado’s cafeteria across the street — sorry).
–The atmosphere isn’t necessarily divey, but it’s nothing fancy either.
–The service was incredibly slow the last time I was there, but other times it has been fine.
If you’re in the mood to branch out, they have some seafood caldos and some other dishes that might be more authentic than the usual taco, flauta, burrito stuff. Most of my visits here, I’ve ordered enchiladas and they are always satisfying and the price isn’t too shabby for the portion. They also serve breakfast daily, but I’ve only been for lunch or dinner.
I used to come here a lot with my family as a kid, but less so now that I’ve discovered some slightly tastier places for Mexican. Still, it’s a solid option when you’re in the area.

We ended up here because Boca Chica had a half hour wait due to «understaffing». We headed back down Cesar Chavez, El Burrito Mercado on the left and this place on the right. I knew one of these restaurants were known for great food and the other, I knew nothing about. I guessed wrong!
I almost walked out when we entered because I just had a «feeling». The waitress approached us immediately so we did not have a chance to back out. There were two Mexican families in here and us. After looking at the menu, I knew I had picked the wrong place.
We got a tiny bowl of chips and a small plastic container of salsa, enough for about two chips… It was almost funny because I have never seen such a small container, we are talking a smaller plastic container than you get for salad dressing on the side. There were maybe 10 chips in the bowl and when they were gone they took our bowl away and didn’t offer more… Oh boy! I cant wait to get our entrees!
The chicken chimichanga had a whole chicken breast on the bottom, not the normal shredded chicken. something I have never seen before… Mixed in with it was rice and beans. At first it tasted ok, probably since we were starving but after awhile, it did not taste so good and it was very bland.
The enchiladas were OK… Service was pretty good considering there was only one waitress. We also overheard another couple stating how tasteless their food was. Most definitely should have went to Taco Bell, would have been better and cheaper! Only reason I gave this two stars was because the service was OK and the salsa was very good, just wished we had more than enough for two chips! Go across the Street to El Burrito Mercado, you will be happy you did!

The mediocre food would have earned this place 3 stars, but the notoriously slow sevice brings it down to 2. Maybe check out the mercado across the street instead…

Authentic Mexican food, which, I’m slowly learning is mostly under seasoned food but that’s OK if I’ve got salt and pepper on the table.
I order the marinated steak tacos, which, aside from the grease they were swimming in (I mean really, I don’t want to eat that) they were OK. Not served with much. Overcooked (tough). Some rice, beans, and the tacos were corn tortillas (always a plus) some cheese and cilantro. Nothing special. But they tasted OK.
Wife had some cheese enchilada and with a tostada and it was just OK. Not bad, not great. Right in the middle. It’s definitely Mexican food when there are a lot of Mexican people eating there. I think you know you’ve got something authentic. Kids had a chicken quesadilla that tasted like ass. I mean really. Why boil/​poach chicken in water? There’s NO flavor in that. Other child had a shrink quesadilla. Ack.
We might try them again in search for the «wow, this is great» factor, but this time, the first time around, we weren’t.
Oh, but the Guacamole was definitely A-​OK. I’d order that again.

The reward for a morning knocking down errands on Robert Street was a fine lunch at El Amanecer. Much of the menu contains the expected burritos, tacos, combo plates, etc. However, there were a few surprises, including a rather amazing looking seafood soup served in a giant bowl which appeared more than enough to feed the two patrons enjoying it.
Sticking to the expected, though, yielded pleasant results. Guacamole was fresh and paired well with the complimentary chips and salsa. The pork tacos were generously stuffed with flavorful roasted chunks of pig and topped with cilantro and salsa Verde. The beef taco comes stuffed not with ground but rather with roasted shredded beef, which is much more flavorful (and authentic). Chicken tostada and chicken enchilada were mild and satisfying; both came with lots of tender roasted shredded chicken meat.
Portions are generous. Most entrees are in the $ 8 – 12 dollar range, which is a great value considering each plate will likely yield leftover possibilities. Service is friendly and very prompt. The only thing missing is a full bar, however the decent compliment of Mexican beers helps save the day.
I think the food, service and overall value proposition here beats Boca Chica hands down, and I’m looking forward to trying that vat of seafood on my next visit…
You will enjoy.

My favorite Mexican place! The food is authentic with large portions, the service is exceptional, and the prices are very reasonable.

8AM I happened to be in the neighborhood. I was the first and only customer. I got eggs, hb, and enchiladas. All were very good. They like the big platter effect. Coffee was only 1.50, so I thought why not. I asked and it was Folger’s. Sorry. A very cozy place with 2 good size rooms. A very Spanish speaking staff. Bathrooms are downstairs, I hate that, but were very clean. I’ve been here for dinner in the past and enjoyed it. A good menu with lots of seafood options. I was given the regular menu and the separate breakfast one. I’m not sure what that meant. You can watch Latino tv in the evening. It seems very authentic here.