Tex-Mex and Asian influences can be found in the menu of Chinos and Gringos LLC, which opened its first brick-and-mortar location April 2 in Oak Hill.

The restaurant first launched as a food truck in 2014, when friends Tom Hsieh and David Deicke decided to branch out from their restaurant careers. Hsieh and Deicke worked together at Hula Hut in Austin before coming up with the idea for Chinos and Gringos, Deicke said.

“We’ve both always had the dream of owning our own place,” he said.

From left: Co-owner/operators Tom Hsieh, Owen Holley and David Deicke opened Chinos and Gringos LLC in Oak Hill Centre in April. Counter service, takeout and online ordering are available at the 1,200-square-foot restaurant. From left: Co-owner/operators Tom Hsieh, Owen Holley and David Deicke opened Chinos and Gringos LLC in Oak Hill Centre in April. Counter service, takeout and online ordering are available at the 1,200-square-foot restaurant.[/caption]

Hsieh, a longtime Southwest Austin resident, learned Chinese cooking techniques from his family, which owns restaurants in Taiwan and in Pflugerville, he said. Deicke is from San Antonio, which is where the idea for the restaurant’s puffy taco—a San Antonio staple—originated.

“We wanted to incorporate my Chinese cooking background into what we know really well, [which is Tex-Mex],” Hsieh said.

The food truck’s success inspired Hsieh and Deicke to open a restaurant, partnering with fellow co-owner/operator Owen Holley.

Kimchi nachos ($3.50/$6) are topped with grilled kimchi. Kimchi nachos ($3.50/$6) are topped with grilled kimchi.[/caption]

Holley noted there are Filipino influences in the menu as well, citing the Chino Taquito—a nod to lumpia, a traditional Filipino dish similar to an egg roll—as an example. Korean flavors can be found in the kimchi fries. The menu also includes tacos, breakfast tacos, rice bowls, fish tacos and housemade sauces.

“We will have a secret menu,” Deicke said.

The restaurant uses all-natural chicken, certified Angus beef and organic eggs as well as some locally sourced ingredients. Chinos and Gringos is BYOB and will eventually apply for a beer and wine license with the city, Hsieh said.

Chinos and Gringos LLC, 6705 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 608, Austin 512-296-2761, www.chinosandgringos.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 7 a.m.-9 p.m; Fri.-Sat. 7 a.m.-10 pm, Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.