Relocation of popular Tex-Mex, interior Mexican restaurant stirs up more customers

After setting up shop at several different Austin locations throughout its 10-year history, El Chile Cafe y Cantina has found another spot for the local restaurant at 1816 S. First St.

Carlos Rivero, owner and founder of El Chile, said he is happy he decided to move his restaurant to the South First location.

"It's been a big success," Rivero said. "We're really busy. It's larger than our last space and probably in a more high-traffic location."

Rivero, who grew up in the food business, said the new location is about twice as big as the original location at 1809 Manor Road. He added that he sees a lot of potential in the area south of downtown Austin. Because of the bigger space and increased seating, Rivero closed down the original location in June to transfer the employees to the new restaurant, which opened that same month.

"[The increased demand] is why I brought my team from El Chile to this location, because I wanted to make sure we did a perfect job," Rivero said. "

Rivero said that what sets El Chile apart from other restaurants includes quality ingredients and the restaurant's modern take on Mexican cuisine.

"[We have] a lot of attention to detail," Rivero said. "All our food is made from scratch. We have award-winning salsa and great recipes. We have a great chef who makes really great off-the-menu specials, too. That was a big key part to our success as well."

The relocation is not all that Rivero has in store for El Chile and his other restaurants. Rivero said he is going to reopen the original location of El Chile on Manor Road and is planning a second location of El Chilito—a burrito and taco restaurant—near Manchaca Road and Redd Street.

"I think [the relocation] was a great move," Rivero said. "It seemed like a daunting task when we opened, but it turned out to be pretty cool. It's why I feel like we can reopen the old [location] and branch out a little bit that way. We're doing a really good job here. It's been super busy, and we've been managing it really well. [There are] lots of happy folks, including me."

On the menu

Carlos Rivero, owner and founder of El Chile Cafe y Cantina, said the restaurant has already seen many customers since its move to 1816 S. First St. in June. He said much of that success is due to the quality of the cuisine and El Chile's reputation.

"Well-recognized and well-presented food, I think that's what makes us a big success," Rivero said.

Some of El Chile's popular items include:

Carne asada a la tampiquea—Grilled sirloin steak with rajas served with an enchilada de queso, guacamole, rice and refried beans

Downtown Charlie's Special—A combination plate including camarones a la plancha and either Angus steak or achiote-chicken fajitas

Enchiladas verdes—Two chicken enchiladas topped with a tomatillo sauce that won first place for green sauce at the 23rd Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, Monterrey jack cheese and creme

Enchiladas de mole—Two achiote-roasted pork enchiladas topped with mole poblano sauce and toasted sesame seeds

El Chile and other new ventures

El Chile Cafe y Cantina - 1816 S. First St., 512-457-9900, www.elchilecafe.com, Tue.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun.–Mon. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Brunch served Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

El Chile at 1809 Manor Road is expected to reopen Oct. 22

El Chilito near Manchaca Road and Redd Street is expected to open in spring 2014