Martha Camarena celebrated the first anniversary of her Mexican restaurant, El Roble, in June.

A veteran of the food industry, Camarena said she wanted to open her own place to feel a sense of ownership.

“I wanted something of my own for me and my family,” Camarena said.

El Roble, which means “the oak,” sits in a former house at the corner of Martinez Loop and Old Hwy. 81, just off the I-35 access road in Kyle. The restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes, the recipes for which Camarena picked up throughout her time in the industry.

There is no shortage of Mexican restaurants in Hays County, so Camarena said she strives to set her restaurant apart by providing the freshest ingredients for customers.

The restaurant’s selection of aguas frescas—fresh juices—include horchata, lemon and Jamaica, which is similar to hibiscus tea. Each are made fresh daily. The same goes for the corn tortillas. The recently introduced huaraches—essentially large chalupas—and taquitos—mini tacos—are made with fresh ingredients each day.

Other popular items at the restaurant include the chile relleno, tortilla soup and breakfast tacos, Camarena said.

Camarena and Maria Perez, who serves food and helps in the kitchen, said the restaurant’s customers notice the difference. In one year of business El Roble has gained a loyal following of regular customers, Camarena said.

For Kyle resident Domingo Rodriguez, the difference between El Roble and other restaurants is noticeable. He and his friends regularly order Camarena’s horchata, a drink made with rice, milk, cinnamon and sugar.

“It’s homemade,” Rodriguez said. “It’s not out of a package. That’s pretty good. You can buy those packages—I’ve seen them at the store—but it’s not the same.”

Rodriguez said he and his friends frequent El Roble for the huevos rancheros and Camarena’s ability to mimic different cooking styles.

“[My friend] really likes stuff done a certain way, like the Mexican way,” Dominguez said. “They do it for him. Like if he wants enchiladas, he wants the white cheese, and they do it for him. I’m more of a Tex-Mex guy, but the food is always good.”

The restaurant offers weekday lunch specials including a drink, a side and an entree, such as chicken fried steak or enchiladas, for $6.99.