The gist
After the previous owner and chef Luis Vences retired in 2020, he passed on the restaurant to family friend Victorino Estrada, who brings more than 10 years of experience in the Austin restaurant industry.
“Two weeks after I got the restaurant, the pandemic hit. ... It was so scary for me,” Estrada said. “I remember one day, we didn't sell a single plate.”
For a few months in 2020, Sierra's only offered to-go orders. Despite business challenges, Estrada said it was important for him to maintain and grow the loyal customer base that Vences built.
On the menu
Aside from a few new dishes, Sierra's menu mostly comprises of Vences’ original recipes, which combine classic Tex-Mex with authentic Mexican cuisine, Estrada said.
Sierra's has an extensive selection of breakfast and lunch options, most of which cost under $20. For breakfast, patrons can choose from dozens of taco choices or enjoy larger egg dishes, such as chilaquiles or migas.
For lunch, there's a variety of fajita, enchilada, tostada, seafood and soup dishes, including the popular chile relleno with ranchero sauce.
“We don't have anything under heat lamps and all that. If you order an egg, we are cracking it on the pan right then,” said Estrada, who grew up in Chiapas, Mexico. “I cook how my mom was cooking. It makes a big difference.”
What’s special about it?
Sun City resident Ron Thompson and his wife, Susan Thompson, have been eating breakfast at Sierra's every day for two years.
Ron Thompson said Sierra's remains his favorite Georgetown Mexican restaurant for the good prices, family-oriented atmosphere and great customer service.
“It's like going to the family dinner,” he said. “They'll see us park, and by the time we get in, our beverages are already on the table.”
Thompson also said Estrada has made a lot of changes to improve the interior of the restaurant.
“They've really brightened up the space, made it more comfortable for customers, and he's done a lot to keep the building up to code,” he said.
What's in a name
“Sierra is a very common last name in Mexico,” Estrada said. “Directly translated, it means ‘mountain ranges.’ So there's symbolism there, like keeping the establishment top quality and well maintained.”
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