MI MADRES HAS BEEN SERVING TEX-MEX TO AUSTINITES FOR DECADES

WORDS BY STACEY INGRAM KALEH | PHOTOS BY MI MADRES

In the Local Legends series, we shine the spotlight on a business that’s been serving our community for three decades or more. These iconic spots have become part of the fabric of our shared culture, with multiple generations of Central Texans fondly reflecting on memories made and delicious bites consumed. In a rapidly growing and changing region, they’ve stood the test of time. Yet, they still need our support so that they can be enjoyed by future generations. It’s time to rediscover the restaurants and shops that keep Austin authentic, vibrant and resilient.

Rosa and Aurelio

If you are playing a word association game and someone shouts out “Austin,” it’s likely that “breakfast tacos” will be one of the first things to come to mind. Our city is known for crave-worthy concoctions wrapped in tortillas. And, if indeed breakfast tacos are top of mind for you, it’s likely that Mi Madre’s Restaurant is on your go-to list (if it’s not, it should be). Serving Austinites since 1990, Mi Madre’s has been topping various breakfast taco rankings for years.

While breakfast tacos may be one of the most popular items at Mi Madre’s — and they would be enough to keep us coming back time and again — there’s more to the restaurant’s story, not to mention their extensive menu.

Founders and owners Aurelio and Rosa Torres, adoringly referred to as “Mr. T” and “Mama Torres” by neighbors and regulars, opened what is now a vibrant community hub as a 10-seat taco shop and a labor of love. Natives of Saltillo Chihuahua, Mexico, they are longtime Austin residents with deep ties in the community, which they have helped shape through the decades. And they know what makes a superb taco.

“After working for a local restaurant and moving from cook to management, I knew I could make a better taco then what was available in Austin in 1990,” says Aurelio. When it came to creating a taco business, “not having the means did not stop us,” he shares. Aurelio saw a “For Lease” sign on top of a restaurant on Manor Road and stopped in to tell the then-owner that he was interested. “She quoted me a price I could not afford but I was relentless. I stopped by every day that month to try to negotiate a price I could afford. The owner was such a nice woman but she wanted out of the restaurant industry. One day I went in and she just handed me the keys with no money down, paying month to month. It was a Friday I will never forget and she said ‘It’s yours.’ We started the restaurant with $200 in savings and saved everything to pay rent.”

And so Mi Madre’s was founded, with heart and persistence. In its 34 years, it has been renovated twice — the eye-catching, tomato-red restaurant stands out on Manor Road and incorporates two dining areas, an outdoor patio and a to-go area. About 16 years ago, Aurelio and Rosa’s son and daughter-in-law, Edgar and Christina Torres, who are both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, began operating the restaurant alongside its longtime managers. They helped expand the restaurant’s offerings, adding a full bar and dinner service. They also own and operate School House Pub next door, and created Techo Mezcaleria & Agave Bar, a speakeasy above Mi Madre’s that is Austin’s first Hispanic-owned Mezcal bar.

There are many reasons to make a day of visiting or revisiting Mi Madre’s and the Torres family’s establishments. From coffee and breakfast to happy hour to dinner, they’ve got you covered.

Mi Madre’s menu includes a wide range of Tex-Mex favorites, like enchiladas, chile rellenos, fajitas, migas (vegetarian or with chorizo), carne guisada, and, of course, lots of tacos. You fill those tacos with options such as picadillo ground beef, chorizo, pork carnitas, stewed chicken, barbacoa, avocado, refried beans and more. At breakfast, be sure to pair with their delicious coffees like café de olla (Texas Coffee Traders-brewed with brown sugar, cinnamon, Mexican chocolate and star anise), cold brew, house-made horchata, and cafechata (half cold brew, half horchata).

If you’re visiting for dinner service, don’t miss the botanas, or snacks, like the Saltillo dip — layers of beans, ground beef and queso piled with pico, sour cream, avocado and pickled jalapeños — and the Mexican-style street corn, before diving into plates like the stewed chicken-filled poblano chile relleno smothered in ranchero sauce or Mi Madre’s Hijo, a crispy burrito packed with all sorts of greatness.

Pair any of these with a Mi Madre’s margarita, which uses El Jimador Reposado Tequila, Paula’s Texas orange and house-made margarita mix. If you want a twist on the classic margarita, you can choose from options like basil serrano, mango-chamoy or the Mezcalrita or “La Mamasita Cantarito,” a 64-oz. passion fruit margarita for two (or more) with grapefruit and Altos Silver tequila. If you’re picking up dinner for the family or are simply in the mood for solitude after a busy day, you can grab family meal packs featuring enchiladas, tacos or fajitas to-go, and peruse the drinks-to-go menu for at-home entertainment.

The food and drink speak for themselves — it’s no wonder we love Mi Madre’s. “We pride ourselves on consistency and high standards in our food,” says Aurelio. “This has been very important to me personally.”

Beyond the food, a welcoming and fun atmosphere draws us in. When asked what he feels has contributed to Mi Madre’s becoming a beloved restaurant, Aurelio points to hospitality and family. “Our staff get to know our guests by name and some of them have been coming for over 20 years. We are truly a family restaurant and you will usually see my wife or I greeting tables whenever we come in for lunch. My daughter also works at Mi Madre’s and she exudes hospitality and is always so warm and welcoming with our guests.”

With that level of attentiveness and commitment to service, the Torres family has created many heartfelt memories with their customers. Aurelio shares “About twenty years ago we did little mailers as part of our rewards programs for guests’ birthdays. We would send them a birthday card with a free meal coupon. I went to tell the guest ‘happy birthday’ and he said crying, ‘You are the only one who remembered my birthday.’ We both cried. He always recalls that day and has become one of our favorite regulars.”

These personal interactions at Mi Madre’s remind us why we love our community. The Torres family is providing fuel for both our bodies provides for both his community and his family, “I can only hope this once small, five-table restaurant will fulfill our family growth and happiness as well as future success.”

As you explore the diverse, exciting and ever-growing array of dining options in the Austin area, consider keeping Mi Madre’s on your list. If you’re truly a local, you’ll need your Tex-Mex fix on a regular basis. Let’s make sure supporting our neighbors and small, local businesses remains an important part of Austin culture. Continuing to patronize our favorite restaurants allows them to thrive as competition abounds, and it does not go unappreciated.

“We want to truly thank all of our guests who have become so close and sometimes like family,” says Aurelio. “We are locals and when you support us your money stays in Austin supporting our families. We hope to continue growing for another thirty-four years!”

Order Up!

May we suggest…

Breakfast: Can’t decide which taco to try first? Go with the Number Zero, a breakfast taco with bacon, egg, potato and cheese. “We had already numbered our tacos but wanted to add this one so we numbered it zero,” says Aurelio. It’s one of the most-requested items on the menu for a reason. Pair it with the house-made horchata.

Dinner: Try Aurelio’s personal favorite, the carne guisada plate. It’s a perfectly seasoned braised beef stew with Mexican rice and refried beans and is served with warm flour tortillas. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, the avocado taco or spinach and black bean salad are packed with flavor and sure to satify. Pair with Mi Madre’s margarita or a Martini Mexicano.

Mi Madre’s is located at 2201 Manor Road. Plan your visit or order ahead at mimadresrestaurant.com.

About the Contributor

Stacey Ingram Kaleh is a native of the Texas Hill Country. Born and raised in Austin, she lives in Spicewood with her husband, two young daughters and fluffy dog Zeus. She’s been exploring Texas wineries for more than a decade, enjoying great wine, stellar company and scenic views as she learns from local winemakers. Follow her wine adventures on Instagram @TXWineGirl.