Suerte is a Mexican restaurant in Austin. Here’s more about our recent dinner there.
You’ve probably heard the accolades about Suerte. It was voted ‘Best New Restaurant’ by Food & Wine Magazine and Eater. It was highly rated by The New York Times and Texas Monthly. All big accomplishments!
Looking back on photos, I dined at Suerte almost exactly a year ago, one day off. That time was a happy hour with friends and we had a really good time. Suerte opened in March 2018, so they had been open for about three months.
This time, I was back with my fiancé to celebrate his birthday. Will hates when I try restaurants without him, but I’m beginning to like it because it gives me the chance to return with him and give it another try. This is especially helpful if I liked a restaurant!
Suerte – One of Austin’s Best Restaurants
First, let’s talk décor. I like to describe it as pastel southwestern. The color palette features pale pink, yellow, light gray, and tan. Geometric patterns, cacti, and southwestern skulls pull together the motif. When it comes to seating, the restaurant varies from low and high tables and chairs and there’s even a big booth with a privacy curtain for large groups.
Chef Fermín Núñez leads the culinary team at Suerte, having trained at Launderette, La Condesa, and Uchiko previously. Suerte is all about masa. Their tortillas are made to order and pressed by hand. The differentiator is in the taste and you’ll easily become a fan with one bite.
You’ll find a strong agave liquor selection at Suerte, including tequila, mezcal, sotol, and raicilla. This is a great time to try them to see if you can taste the difference.
Our Dinner at Suerte
We arrived early and ordered drinks in their waiting area. I got the Nada Paloma (mezcal, Texas grapefruit, tequila blanco, citrus soda) and that drink was so strong, I sipped on it throughout our dinner. I’m typically not a tequila or mezcal drinker but it felt right for the cuisine. Will first got the Don Dario (respado tequila, tamarindo, sarsaparilla, lime) and I think his second drink, the Pepino No. 2 (raicilla, elderflower, cucumber, ginger) was my favorite of the three.
I wasn’t sure about the thick masa chips when we started on the chips con refried lentils and yogurt, but they grow on you. The lentils were tasty!
As ceviche usually is, the ceviche suerte (chile watermelon broth, jalapeno, heirloom tomatoes) was refreshing and an excellently composed dish. I loved the watermelon and tomato combined with the fish.
When the Mushroom tlacoyo (oyster mushrooms, cabbage, jalapeno black garlic salsa) dish landed on our table, it was nothing like I imagined! I liked the flavors in this dish and the presentation.
The must-order dish is the Suadero tacos – confit brisket, black magic oil, avocado salsa cruda. It was easily one of the best dishes of the night and one I’d order again on return visits. (I had tried it on my first visit too!)
My favorite part of the Goat barbacoa dish (charred hatch chile salsa, mint sorrel yogurt, sesame habanero salsa, bean puree, tortillas) was tasting all the salsas! They were outstanding while with the meat, I wanted more confit brisket from the previous dish. Could it be the salsas are the feature of this dish and the goat was simply the vehicle?
I wasn’t sure about the sweet corn side dish (with charred shishito peppers, corn dumpling, mimolette cheese), but Will really wanted to order it. I’m glad we got it because it was a delicious one!
I can’t forget about the tortillas! These came with the goat barbacoa and were part of the suadero tacos. They were flavorful yet subtle to let the main ingredients of the taco (the meat) stand out. But we know who the real star is.
We didn’t leave without trying dessert! El Sandwich’s presentation leaves something to be desired but this ice cream sandwich surprised us. The components – peanut marzapan, mango, and Mexican marigold semifreddo – sound like a strange combination, but somehow the peanut and fruit go together. While tasty, it’s not a must-order for me, so I’d want to try another of Suerte’s desserts next time.
Details for Your Visit
Suerte is a must-visit if you’re enthusiastic about trying out the buzzworthy restaurants of Austin. You might be drawn by the trend but you’ll be rewarded with an inspired exploration of Mexican flavors. I’m glad I visited again and would love to return!
- Ambiance: Classy, comfortable, energetic
- Attire: Casual but nice
- Noise Level: High (one thing I didn’t like about the restaurant)
- Reservation: Highly recommended or easily an hour wait
- Groups: Yes, they have tables for large groups, so make a reservation
- Plates: 4-6 dishes recommended for two people
- Parking: complimentary valet or find a metered street spot nearby
Suerte
1800 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Dinner: Sunday – Wednesday 5 – 10 pm, Thursday – Saturday 5 – 11 pm
Happy Hour: Daily 5-6 pm
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
https://www.suerteatx.com/
If you’ve dined at Suerte, what dishes do you recommend?
P.S. Want to read more about restaurants? See my restaurant posts here.
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