In 2001, Dalia Giron—who manages the restaurant—and her family took over the business offering staple dishes from their native El Salvador as well as Tex-Mex and American options.
What they offer
Starting at 4 a.m. the restaurant serves a wide range of breakfast tacos and plates that are offered until 1 p.m. Customers can order Tex-Mex sections like chalupas, enchiladas and chiles rellenos. American offerings include burgers, sandwiches and chicken strips.
Originally from El Salvador, Dalia said her family began incorporating traditional dishes to the menu nearly 10 years ago.
“We wanted to evolve with the growth we’ve seen in New Braunfels, Giron said. “We knew we were one of the few places that offered Salvadorian food.”
On the Salvadorian side, the restaurant makes pupusas—masa dough cakes filled with meat, beans, cheese or vegetables like loroco, a type of edible flower bud that is used in many Salvadorian dishes.
Other menu items include yuka, tamales Salvadoreños which can be ordered with pork, chicken or corn and fried plantains—served with a side of beans, eggs and cream. The dessert menu has plantain empanadas, arroz con leche, and atole—a hot drink made of masa dough, water and spices.
The big picture
Giron said she and her family pride themselves in being one of the few restaurants in New Braunfels to open early to serve workforce employees, construction workers, truck drivers and other early risers. Monterrey Cafe is open Monday through Sunday from 4 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- 2570 S. I-35 frontage road, New Braunfels
- www.facebook.com/elmonterrey.caffe
