After working side-by-side with his siblings at their respective Mexican restaurants in Central Texas for three years, Efrain Alvarado said he knew he wanted to go into the family business himself.

Efrain and his wife Ana Alvarado, who live in Wimberley, were looking for a place to serve their own, spicier versions of the Mexican dishes Central Texans know and love when they came upon a vacant space inside the Kyle Professional Center. The couple decided to name their new restaurant, which they opened in October 2010, Spicy Bite.

While Spicy Bite and the other family-run restaurants—Palm Cafe in New Braunfels, Seguin and San Marcos as well as Chepo’s in San Marcos—are somewhat alike, they are each unique in their own ways.

“All the restaurants are similar on the menu, but everyone has their own signature food,” Ana said.

“We’ve got more spicy food,” Efrain said.

“Everyone cooks different. I think it’s in their hands,” Ana said, laughing.

Among Spicy Bite’s signature dishes is a super taco, which comes with four ingredients or three ingredients and a meat, and those who finish the entire thing get their photo on Spicy Bite’s wall.

Originally from Durango, Mexico, the Alvarados moved to the area 20 years ago to settle down. Now with three children ages 15, 10 and 2, they say the community has been integral to Spicy Bite’s success.

They said the growth around Kyle has helped with business.

“It’s not like this [is a] small town anymore,” Ana said.

The family is involved with Hays CISD, supporting its sports team throughout the year, cooking tacos to welcome new teachers and even naming a quesadilla after the football coaches who frequented Spicy Bite every Friday night.

“We work hard every day to make fresh food,” Ana said.

“And make our customers happy,” Efrain added.

Spicy Bite
101 Hall Professional Center, Ste. A, Kyle
512-268-8051
www.spicybitekyle.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 6 a.m.-2 p.m., closed Mondays