Overlooking RM 1431 and the Hill Country surroundings sits the newest Serranos location, which opened in Cedar Park on Dec. 18. We felt that these folks out here in Cedar Park and right there along Ronald Reagan Boulevard didnt have many eating options that give you a full dining experience and a good-sized bar and patio, Serranos Vice President Joshua Camacho said. The new location has 305 seats and includes a party room, patio and bar. Brothers Adam Gonzalez andDavid Quintanillaopened their firstSerranosrestaurant in 1987, and several locations followed. The Quintanilla and Gonzalez families use family recipes and fresh local products for the mesquite flavor of Tex-Mex the restaurant is known for. We use mesquite wood to cook all of our meats, vegetables [and] seafood, Camacho said. It infuses this nice smoked flavor. That is what really has set Serranos apart from competitors for years. The fajitas, especially the beef fajitas, are the restaurants best sellers, Regional Manager Shane Morrison said. Our beef fajitas are what we are really known for, Morrison said. We use outside skirt steak. It is very flavorful, and it really melts in your mouth. Serranos buys as many ingredients as possible from local vendors and supports local businesses. Serranos also supports schools, local sports teams, churches and other nonprofit organizations, Morrison said. Camacho said the business has plans for future expansion but will remain a family-run operation in the Austin area. We had the opportunity of expanding [farther] away, but [we would] rather stay in the Austin area so we can taste all the recipes and make sure we are upholding our standards of customer service, he said. Thats what I love about this businessits about the customers. Without them we dont have a Serranos.

Staff recommendations

Serranos Vice President Joshua Camacho and Regional Manager Shane Morrison recommend several menu items for customers. Parilla Mixta This entree is a fajita sampler, $15.99, that incudes chicken and beef fajitas and Austin-made jalapeno sausage served with carnitas, which is slow-cooked marinated pork. Camacho said the dish is flavorful and tender and is a great choice for tasting a variety of foods. Pollo PerfectoThis dish, $11.99, includes mesquite-grilled boneless and skinless chicken thighs topped with grilled onions and chile con queso. The dish is served with fresh avocado slices, rice and beans, and pico de gallo.