Verde’s Mexican Parrilla owners Joel Munguia and wife, Aubrey, ventured to Austin from Houston to look for a space to open their restaurant. When they saw the Hamilton Pool Road site’s patio and green lawn, Joel said the couple knew the location was perfect for their eatery.

“In my mind, I wanted a place for kids and families to come eat,” Joel said. “The restaurant location is great because it has two separate spaces—one area in the front for a nice, quiet anniversary dinner, and a spot in the back that is safe and fenced in for kids to run around and kick a ball.”

The couple had previously worked in the restaurant industry in Houston but knew they ultimately wanted to bring their children back to the Hill Country, he said.

The Munguias opened Verde’s in April 2008.

The restaurant’s menu includes grill-based meats served with unique sauces. Joel and Aubrey said they wanted to infuse the flavors of Mexico with the grill.

Chef and General Manager Cody Kidwell has been a part of the restaurant since it was a concept, Joel said. Kidwell was the chef at the former barbecue restaurant that is now Verde’s.

“We like to deconstruct the traditional [Mexican foods] and think, ‘How do we make this not in a typical way?’” Kidwell said. “We are purposely not doing what other restaurants are doing around town.”

Examples of their unique menu items include the Chipotle Pork Chop with a Honey Glaze ($21.99), Pollo Palomino ($9.99-$13.99) covered in poblano cream sauce and appetizer Bacon Wrapped Quail Breast ($14.99).

The meats at Verde’s are all-natural, and its dishes are made from scratch, Kidwell said.

“We serve duck, lamb, and quail—things you wouldn’t normally eat at a Mexican restaurant.” Joel said.

The restaurant also has a Round Rock location.

16018 Hamilton Pool Road, Bee Cave 512-263-0500 www.verdesmexicanrr.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 4-9 p.m., Fri. 4-10 p.m., Sat. 3-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.