Santa Catarina
| Address: | 1310 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734, USA |
| Phone: | +1 512-300-0946 |
| Site: | santacatarinarestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 8:30AM–10PM 8:30AM–10PM 8:30AM–10PM 8:30AM–10PM 8:30AM–10PM 8:30AM–12AM 8:30AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
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Dennis Cao
One of the most authentic and flavorful Mexican restaurants that Ive gone to in a while, especially so far away from South Austin. Came here on a whim while staying in Lakeway and this very casual spot is great for a group. We started our meal with their Queso Fundido with the added venison chorizo. Its a bit more complicated to eat than what normal Tex-mex fans would assume when ordering Queso, but this melted cheese is more like the cheese on a fresh hot slice of NY pizza than a liquid Velvetta. Its also served with their very wonderful homemade corn tortillas that you would have sworn were flour, instead of tortilla chips (which they do serve complimentary with a pretty spicy salsa with every meal. The main course for me was their shrimp Mayitas, which starred gulf shrimp marinated in their achiote pepper sauce. It comes on a sizzling plate with sliced onions and jalepenos adding the additional heat with every bite. The same wonderful corn tortillas accompany the shrimp along with a barrage of sides including black beans, guac, rice, white cheese, pico, and sour cream. Honestly its really a lot of food and everything was spicy, wonderfully seasoned, and cooked just right. We ended the meal with splitting an order of their Tres Leches serving. The cake is not as drenched in condensed milk so it still holds a traditional cake texture for the top half while reaching optimal saturation on the bottom. A sweet strawberry coulis criss-cross on top of the sizeable slice and is a wonderful way to cool the spicy burn most likely lingering from the main entree. The food was great, their cocktails were also very imaginative (watermelon jalepno), staff were friendly and courteous, and theres a pokestop right outside of the door. No complaints! Would definitely come back again.
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Amy Holland
Santa Catarina opened in the spot that used to be Flores, which is in a pretty nondescript little strip center in Lakeway. However, there is nothing generic about this "boutique" Mexican restaurant. The restaurant averages 4.5 stars on Yelp, and everyone seemed to comment on the interior flair of the food, and the fresh margaritas. Being somewhat of a margarita expert myself, I just had to try one. What sets Santa Catarina apart from so many other Mexican food establishments is that they make all their own fruit mixers for their margaritas, and have plenty of great flavors to choose from (prickly pear, guava and mango to name a few). Theyre made with fresh juice and agave nectar, and I have to admit- the mango was delicious! It was still fairly sweet though, and plenty strong, so I stuck with just one for the night. We have both been craving Queso Fundido lately, and Santa Catarina had that too. In fact, they had such an extensive appetizer menu that we ordered our whole dinner off of it. But there were plenty of delicious entrees to try, and I love the fact that they have some great vegetarian options as well (and also fresh corn tortillas made on site). We also ordered Sopes. They are a masa disc covered with all kinds of good stuff, including an almost mole-flavored beef. Yes- I ate a little beef!!! They were amazing. We cant wait to go back and give some other dishes a try (and maybe their half-priced happy hour, too!) If youre in the area, or looking for something different to try, I highly recommend Santa Catarina.
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Jeremy De Jong
Never have I ever written a review, however due to my intoxicated stupor I have decided Santa Catarina is worth every word I am about to write. If the tinge of tequila is too much to handle, i would reconsider your feelings towards tequila. The margaritas here are by far the best in Austin, Texas. Every handmade margarita, will leave you thirsty for another. On the rocks with salt. Now, if the idea of taking off your clothes later due to the indulgent amount of tequila you will consume isnt in the cards, consider sitting down for a meal worth every cent. South American cuisine that will leave you wondering when you can eat at this glorious establishment again. Queso fondido with mushrooms and handmade tortillas... oh and dont forget stuffed Capeado Relleno. I will also mention the highest of most of you reviewers concerns... the service. It is what a Disney fanatic might call "Fantasmic". Smiles, honesty, and can do attitudes. Now get the hell out of here and eat at Santa Catarina.
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Emily M
At first I was a little skeptical when I noticed there were but a few customers seated and honestly I wanted to leave when the server forgot twice about our two waters but Im so glad we stayed. The guava margarita was delicious and the watermelon margarita, according to my friend, can knock your socks off. I have never like ceviche but you gotta try theirs! By the time our food arrived, we were already stuffed! The chicken enchiladas werent to die for but they were good. The Baja tacos come with a high recommendation and the studded chicken and veggies were a hit!
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Orquidea Burke
Overall: mediocre service, poorly executed flavor, and overpriced. Specifics: Five pieces of shrimp (which smelled fishy) and small ladle of rice was $20. We ordered an appetizer of queso fundido which just tasted like it had been nuked in the microwave, there were no flavours to balance out the cheese. Our waitress never refilled our water glasses, even though we were there for over an hour. My Presidente Margarita was watered down. I was quite disappointed because I was hopeful for a local Mexican restaurant with more authentic flavours.
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Rob Odom
Not your typical tex-mex food. More authentic interior and coastal Mexican food. All done very well. I was especially impressed with their tacquitos dorados. Very tasty and filling. Top notch service and presentation was really nice. I wasnt so impressed with their queso (just not used to this type of melted cheese but it was ok for what it was). They do a really, and I mean REALLY, good prickly pear margarita. I will definitely be back to try out more of their food.
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David Grygier
Always great food. I moved from Lakeway so havent been back recently. From the Chips and salsa to the corn chowder (with huitlacoche) to the pibil and seafood relleno it is all good. Ive even had them bring two versions of the same dish to get my opinion as to which method of preparation was better. They have excellent food, a great atmosphere and they strive to get better. One of my favorite true Mexican places in Austin. Oh, the drinks are good too!
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Kevin Cortez
Everything was outstanding! The bartenders service was proficient. The drinks were on par. The food and presentation exceeded my expectations. Even the selection of plates and utensils matched the atmosphere spendidly. Great art! My only suggestion is to increase service speed. But when youre wining and dining finely, you shouldnt be rushin. Heavenly at the front door could ve more Heaven like. Be welcoming and show off them pearly whites!
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Kris Umlauf
The queso fundido with the venison chorizo is tasty and a great starter to share. Their mole chicken enchiladas ($10) were superb...with *real* mole sauce, not the sweet Americanized flavor, but authentic flavor. And you must try their Rock Star margaritas ($7), which are made with real fruit and are sweetened with Agave nector vs. syrup. Im working my way through all the flavors, but so far the guava is my favorite.
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A Private User
Its not just the food that is so darned delicious, its the food presentation, the ambiance, the service and the "La Paloma drink that i keep going back for! My most favorite is the "Pibil" menu item from the owners home town. My husbands most favorite is every "mole" dish that is served. The food is good enough that I am eager to try EVERYTHING at least once!
