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Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
"all i have to say is....TRES LECHES...a friend brought it as her addition to our tasty dinner and it was definitely the highlight of the…" read more »
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Some people say their margarita's have crack in them. I'm not sure but I have no problem if they do. Their salsa bar is awesome and food is delicious. Try the fish tacos and their unique fajita salad (it's huge and can be shared).
My new favorite item on their menu is the Grilled Snapper that is marinated in garlic. It is soooooo good. It will change your life and make your friends have entry envy. For serial. I want to get the recipe because it was unreal how flavorful it was.
I like the dive and love coming back for more crack, errr I mean ritas. I've been there for lunch and dinner and have no compliants. The service is always good and you don't have to wait long for a table. Great place for visitors, quick bites, low key dates and groups.
In a word, ceviche. They have the best GD ceviche in town. I recently left Austin and the whole time, I dreamt of Ceviche. From Polvo's.
Their salsa bar is pretty amazing too, although it's always a balancing act, you know what I mean if you've been there.
But what I really want to talk about is their parking lot. How do they not have insurance agents hanging out here all the time? I mean, they could enjoy a margarita while they do it. I know the neighborhood probably hates Polvo's because of the parking overflow, but considering the recent 2 hour wait we had, maybe more tables and fewer SUVs could be in order.
Seriously, last time I was here, a freakin Limo Bus showed up and evacuated a party of 15 shiny dressed yuppies, no doubt destined for 2nd Street after their authentic Mexican meal. They waited about 20 minutes, and then we got to witness Head Yuppie throwing a fit about how his reservation wasn't honored. Seriously? Since when does Polvo's take reservations?
What if Polvo's just opened a kitchen on 2nd? Everyone gets happy... neighborhood, yuppies and those of us who were around before they were competing with Guero's for Austin's trendiest Mexican.
They still get 4 stars for that amazing ceviche.
I dream of Polvos's salsa. Like, seriously... I tend to eat 4 bowls of it. By myself. In fact, if you go with me, plan on getting your own bowl, 'cause Katie ain't sharin'.
Their food is tasty ! I love their Tortilla soup, which is a MORE than generous portion for your meal & then some. The enchiladas Dona Clara are really good, but I always end up taking them home because I ate too many chips and too much salsa (see above.)
Their service is 'meh', but I'm so focused on getting my salsa on, I usually don't care.
The one thing that is way negative about Polvos' is their music. Sweet, baby Jesus, their music. 90% of the time I'm there I think I'm at the club with the techno music blaring. And then some random Iron & Wine will come on that really mellows it out...and then it's back to the thumping of techno music. What in the world?
Bottom Line: However, despite the meh service and the ridiculous music, I'll go to Polvos's anyday for that sweet, sweet salsa.
The only time I like this place is in the winter. They give out free ginger tea with tequila in it and free soup. Both are equally delicious.
Being on the porch in 40 degree weather was also tolerable thanks to a surplus of outdoor heaters and margaritas made with everclear. Alcohol blankets are the best kind.
Their food is average with extra points for their fish tacos. I have never had bad service and always leave there drunk.
Went for apps and a drink last night and it was pretty tasty....we sat on the patio and it was PERFECT outside...
I love it that they have a little salsa bar, the red salsa was my favorite but the tomatillo w/ mole (??) was good too.
we split a large queso and a veggie quesadilla and everything was really tasty. they give you chopped onion, cilantro, jalepenos and tomatoes to put in your queso which I thought was a nice added touch. the margarita I had was DELICIOUS! and eventhough I was a little tipsy after just one, i didn't detect a large amount of alcohol, which leads me to believe they put something like everclear in them...but i don't know that for sure.
I think we made it before the rush...we didn't have to wait for a table. Our server was very attentive, but also kind of like a ninja...i never went without a drink. the only problem i have with just about any place in austin that's in any kind of "trendy" neighborhood is that there is never enough parking...i'm sure the people who live down the street from here really enjoy all of us parking in front of their houses.
Been reading reviews on Polvo's for a while now. I really didn't even know where it was until the other day when I went to Torchy's and noticed it. When the wife requested Tortilla Soup today, it seemed like as good a place as any to get some!
Yes, parking could easily be crazy here. Fortunately we arrived at around 11:45 A.M. Not too bad then with maybe 4 spots available. Odd though that the restaurant wasn't anywhere near full.
So, I am kind of a Salsa fiend. I have no idea what the orangish looking salsa here is called, but I feel like it was the best. The red was a second and the smoky chipotle looking salsa a distant third. I'd avoid that one. Chips weren't any sort of a stand-out (they do charge a $1.75 for them), but they are fine to munch on.
My wife ordered her bowl of tortilla soup and it was HUGE. I had a few tastes and it was quite good with a hefty amount of chicken meat inside. Nice fresh avocado slices were on the side and ready to drop into the soup. YUM! She couldn't even finish it all.
I was in the mood for enchiladas. The choices of sauces are nearly overwhelming. I elected to get the shrimp/poblano pepper filling with the caliente sauce. WOW, was it ever spicy. This combo was a completely new flavor to me in the world of Mexican food and that impressed me! I could see myself never getting bored with all the enchilada sauce choices here!
The seafood choices impressed me as well, and I look forward to trying the ceviche sometime!
Interior was interesting and colorful. I'd avoid the booth seats next time as I felt I was sitting far away from the table. Lots of space there. And I know I didn't lose any weight!
Final Thought: I was a little surprised they DIDN'T sell Mexican Coke since regular Coke is sold by the can. Hint . . . Hint . . .
I'll say it: Polvo's scares me.
I hadn't been back in almost 3 years because the place is pretty much a zoo, any night of the week, after about, say, 7 PM. Screaming children, drunk happy hour wastoids, and crappy parking add to the distaste I have for Polvo's. It seems to me that the flavors of this place are replicated in several other parts of town in more desirable eating environments (think Evita's Botanita's and Azul Tequila).
But a friend invited me to give it another try this week. I'd had a horrible day, and the prospect of a margarita and some salsa sounded quite nice, even if it was Polvo's. I was surprised! The service was attentive, and the pitcher of glorious rocks margaritas came out quickly. Not the best I've ever had, but they did the trick. The conversation flowed with the glasses of margs, and soon I was perusing the menu. Small families began to trickle in (I heart you, little girl in a Supergirl costume), and while there were a few kiddie outbursts and the occasional firing of a laser gun in my direction, the patio proved to be interesting people watching.
And then, I saw it: caldo! I ordered a bowl, and as soon as our food came to the table, my eyes grew large with delight! A HUGE, steaming bowl of caldo presented itself, complete with all the fixins and a foil roll of two flour tortillas. Heaven for me is delicious caldo, rife with chunks of fresh vegetables and flavorful broth, and there it was.
This experience alone has taught me that maybe there's a good reason why some places in Austin have been reviewed two hundred and some odd times-- sometimes it really is worth the madness and bad parking. This is more of a 3 1/2 star review, but since I walked away so happy and full, I'll bump it up to four. I'll give it a try again soon, once the weather takes another dip in temperature. That bowl of caldo de pollo as big as my head will be waiting.
this place is going downhill fast, which is a shame, since it used to be once of my favorite places in S. Austin. The food quality is dropping, not as bad as Guero's yet, the staff is a bit clueless with seating. Worst of all, the clientele is quickly becoming a destination for hipsters, tourists, and the "shiny shirt" type. yuck.
Oh, Polvos...our relationship started off with a bang, went very hot and heavy for several months, then, like all good things, has slowly fizzled out....You lured me in with your delicious (and VERY strong) margarita pitchers that led me to act like a common floozie and encouraged more than a few truly epic nights on the Eastside, free salsa bar and shabby, yet charming, South Austin hipster atmosphere. I've celebrated more than a few memorable (hazy*) birthdays and special occasions for friends with you, and, let me not forget, you were always there for me post-Barton Springs. You were always there when I needed you!
Your food, however, has never impressed me. The ceviche is always a winner, but the much-touted fajitas are very hit-or-miss. Sometimes you get nice, juice meat and other times you get dry gristle. Also, you charge for the salsa bar now. Side note: try the black bean salsa. And, your OUTSTANDING margaritas (always house, frozen with salt!) lead to more than a few trainwrecks in your infamous parking lot. I've seen more than a few friends get their cars banged up.
I still give you 4 stars, though. Bottom line: go for the margaritas, ceviche, personable wait staff, and jovial atmosphere. While our relationship may have come to an end, I will always look back on you with fond memories.
Great mexican place. The Chile Relleno Al Nogal is excellent. Seriously, just thinking about the pecan sauce makes my mouth water. I have not tried anything else, nor do I care to. I hate to admit it, but I somewhat enjoyed the looks of disappointment and jealousy when my fellow diners tasted my fare. I must say it is odd that they charge for salsa, but the black smoky stuff is good, and so are the pickled peppers, carrots, and onions. The outdoor seating is quite nice, roomy even. I will return, as soon as Al Nogal beckons.
Margarita pitchers = bad idea when split between 2 people
Other than that, the drinks are strong, the salsa is terrible, as are the migas. The cerveza fajitas are good, as well as the giant burrito covered in queso, red sauce, and green sauce.
For some reason, they charge for chips and salsa, so I highly recommend passing on that. They automatically bring it to your table, so if you don't want it, be vocal about it. Otherwise, too late. Also, the salsa bar appears to have lots of choices, but I don't think its anything special.
I'm here EVERY week...have never been charged for the salsa bar and enjoy many, many house margaritas.
The fajitas (all kinds) are amazing, the Chile Relleno Al Nogal (with a special pecan sauce) is enticing, the Burrito...spectacular..also the Chicken Breast , which comes with an enchilada (and is prepared different every time)!
And that queso...damn good!
I adore this place. I have travelled all over and can never find a place quite like it. I adore the waiters as well. This place is like family.
I also am partial to the atmosphere. I went last week and nothing but Dr Dre was playing! Sometimes it's Tejano, Led Zepplin, ABBA from the house band during Christmas, Sublime...nothing makes sense and yet I want to go back for more and more.
Polvo's, I love you.
I know the place is pretty good, but is it the best Mexican you've ever had? Unless you're from Iowa or something, probably not. I'm guessing it has a lot to do with the location. In the ocean of Austin eateries, I am not sure how else to explain why this place is so consistently, absurdly busy. I've never been seated without a 20 minute wait or more.
But critical readers probably just noticed that I've been here on multiple occasions. It's true; I keep coming back. Personally, I kind of enjoy the laissez-faire service that comes with a busy place. But the food is also pretty solid. Best Mexican this close to my place, for sure.
And huge portions. I've never made it more than halfway through any of their dishes. (Speaking of, I recommend the potato flautas or any of the million possible enchilada possibilities.)
It's still a great place, and it's got character in spades. I love all the lights at night. Just don't expect the heavens to open up and gift you with the Divine Golden Chile Relleno of Wonder or anything.
My friend capped off her week-long celebration of her 23 birthday here. It was so much fun!
We went on a Tuesday, so it was no problem getting a large table outside (there were about 20 people there). The server was extremely helpful and patient for us to trickle in. We got started a few pitchers of margaritas before the food came, which was an aggressive move on our part. The regular margaritas are strong and so tasty. I typically don't even like margaritas, but those just really hit the spot.
I ordered a vegetarian taco, pretty boring. But they had a really awesome salsa bar for the chips. The huge burritos looked amazing - definitely enough for lunch the next day. Loved the fun, outdoor seating.
Not the best Mexican food I've had, but very good and the $15-$20(?) margarita pitchers really makes Polvos worth a visit.
One thing I wanted to do while I was in Austin is eat Mexican food. Sure, we have some pretty decent stuff in California, but I had heard that Texas does it bigger and better.
After my post-flight nap, the tour guide and I came here because we were both starving, and we both wanted to get drunk. After driving down a street where there wasn't much else, we came upon this bright neon beacon with twinkly lights on the patio. Of course I forced the tour guide to sit outside as I was tired of 60 degree temperatures in August.
We quickly got our chips, but it wasn't entirely clear where we should get our salsa. After taking our drink orders (of course we had to get the strong margatinis or whatever they were called), the server pointed us in the direction of the INSIDE of the restaurant for the salsa. I really wish that was indicated on the menu.
The tour guide got enchiladas, and I got some sort of burrito thing...which was not what I was expecting at all. I was also completely unprepared for the insanely hot item within my dish that basically melted a hole in my tongue. No matter, as the ability to refill my drink from my very own shaker quickly served as a painkiller.
The service was neither good nor bad, which isn't necessarily a good thing.
Would I go back if I go back to Austin? Probably not. Many, many more places I want to try.
As many people have said, parking can be an issue. On a Wednesday night, I still have to park in the neighborhood. There really a place to lock up bicycles either.
I've come several times. Their margaritas aren't half bad, but it can really vary in strength. This is a good place for big parties. Their gigantic burrito is basically the size of a Freebird's Super Monster.
Honestly, I don't think there was anything really WOW to this food. I think the salsa bar is ok - the dark roasted salsa is tasty but not spicy. My default for this is location is anything with mole. They have a bunch of different sauces as options, and this is the only place I could find with the sweet/spicy mole.
My waiter was decent - explained things, checked on us, kept the water filled. He was easy to talk to - even sat down at the table next to us as we talked about the menu. Nothing too push.
Once again, a good place for mexican food, but nothing I go crazy for or have a craving.
Not sure the mass appeal of this place. Food is, decent. Drinks are overpriced. The service is craptastic. The salsa bar is really sneaky that it seems like you don't pay for it, then it hits you on the bill and the salsas are nothing to write about. So I'm not going to write anymore.
food is decent, but a little pricey, drinks are alright.
but, the two things that stands out the most for me are the fantastic black/dark salsa, and the impossibly long wait times. this place is super busy constantly. not only is there almost no parking in the lot ever, the nearby neighborhood streets are stuffed to the gills with cars.
i have a few friends who insist on coming here again and again, and i always get a bit frustrated just thinking about trying to get a table at polvo's.
if you can wait long enough to sit down, and not just wander off to one of the many, many better food trailers up and down 1st street, try the black salsa, drink a little bit, and then wander off again.
A former huge fan of Polvo's, I felt compelled to create an account and write a review following my last two experiences there. Sadly, I have crossed Polvo's off my list of favorite restaurants and places where I will take visitors from out of town.
Last time's "pipian" sauce turned out to be a sweet pecan-cream sauce, which was much worse than it sounds. My friends and I had to sit inside, so we knew it would be loud, but we ended up having to hurry up and eat so we could leave because we couldn't hear each other at all (admittedly there was an obnoxious table next to us, which had obviously been there since the start of happy hour--certainly not Polvo's fault).
We decided to give Polvo's another chance this evening and were disappointed once again. The food was so-so and salsa and margaritas watered down. The service was dismal even though it was still early and the restaurant wasn't busy yet. The waiter brought me the wrong drink and my friend the wrong food, probably because he was more interested in hanging out with his friends two tables down. He was rude when we asked about splitting the bill (a simple polite explanation would have been perfectly acceptable) and then ran after us accusing us of swiping his pen. Again, what's wrong with being polite? If we had taken his pen, it certainly wasn't intentional.
I really want to like this place, but the combination of so-so to bad food, bad service and the new uncaring vibe make it impossible.
I think I just have to get this off my chest. I'm not as in love with this place as everyone wants me to be.
The food is good, but always has that one ingredient i'd rather them leave off. Obviously this could be solved by asking to keep it off, I just hate being a pain in the arse.
The margaritas are good of course but there is a law of diminishing [service] here as the evening progresses. They have completely forgotten my order more than once.
Good food, good margs, but nothing to write home about.
Best Carne Guisada Plate on this side of the Colorado River! Margaritas are great too! Only thing that lacks are the sub-par tortilla chips that seem to plague South 1st St. & the parking is slim to none.
fantastic ceviche, fantastic salsa bar, fantastic queso w the plate of add-ins, guacamole. Polvo's knows their sauces, a ton to choose from, love to mix and match different combos to add to my enchiladas, etc. I no longer drink, but when I did this was where I found my favorite Michelada - absolutely the best in town.
I love a place where you can get Enchiladas Al Pastor. And then there's Polvo's chile rellenos. Wow. I love a good relleno, usually my first order upon visiting a new spot - just a damn good litmus test for the way the rest of the menu may go if you ask me.
Chile Relleno al Nogal w Shrimp is on the short list for my all time favorite casual tex-mex dish in Austin. Dayum!
Amber and I went to Polvos tonight... it had a been a little while, but since Gueros (our first choice) wasnt open we ended up at the door of polvos.
We both had the trash can plate, which was fabulous.... the chips and various salsas were as good as always.
The only reason Im giving it 2 stars instead of 4-4.5: we were sitting at the closest table to the entrance to the restaurant on the inside.... they removed the mat to sweep around the floor and then threw the huge mat back down on the floor tossing every little piece of shit/dirt/what-every-the-hell crumb on us... After looking for random shit inside of our food an my GF wiping the dust off her face, we were able to continue on with the meal. Luckily our plates had yet to come.
Note to self: dont sit by the front door.
Note to polvos: tell your staff to quit doing that.
I have been to this restaurant literally dozens of times over my years here in Austin. For the past… Read more »
I've pretty much always enjoy my visits to Polvo's but this time I went for lunch and sat inside (both firsts).
I ordered migas because I thought that would be safe and pretty tasty. WRONG! As soon as I received my order, I knew I wasn't going to like it. The problem was that they weren't really migas.
According to Wikipedia, migas is "a dish in Tex-Mex cuisine consisting of scrambled eggs mixed with strips of corn tortilla."
My order of migas was just scrambled eggs minus the strips of corn tortilla, therefore, not migas. I decided I would ask the server just to make sure they didn't get my order wrong. He basically said, "those are migas, but I can bring you some tortillas or you can put some of your chips on there." Ahhh, excuse me? Put some of my chips in the eggs and create my own migas? I thought that was the cook's job?
Needless to say, it was a weird experience, and we got charged for the salsa! How tacky!
We went on a Sunday, and had a great time! The food is delicious and we enjoy sitting out on the… Read more »
On my previous review of Polvos I was a little tough. I felt like the service brought it down to 3 stars. In the time since my so so trip to Polvos I've probably been back 6 times and still had so so service, but the food and drinks keep me happy along with one of the better outdoor eating set-up in South Austin. Yesterday Mrs. L said lets go to Polvos on Friday and I found myself craving those delicious corn tortillas with one of those huge bowls of queso. Cravings like that warrant them a star back!
Despite my forgiveness of that memorable day of bad service, keep your guard up on that 4-person table gratuity. That is just not cool.
Polvos is somewhat of a mixed bag for me. Very good food, but the service is rock bottom (well, at… Read more »
I'm not crazy about Polvo's or their margaritas - maybe it's me. The chicken mole enchiladas weren't up to snuff and the neon hue of my margarita was alarming.
But I've got to admit: their salsa bar is rockin'. I can feel its fiery assault on my tastebuds just thinking about it. And their ritas do pack a stealth punch - just one and I'm down for the count.
I've come to realize since moving to Texas that I am not a fan of Tex-Mex. In fact, I pretty much can't stand it.
Enter Polvos with interior Mexican cuisine... ahhhhh... just what I needed!
Why not 5 stars? Well if you go when they're busy it's hard to hear yourself think and the waitstaff is super busy. Go during an off time and the food is divine!!
the margaritas are deadly. I think I woke up the next morning still buzzed after only 2 for dinner the night before. Make sure to eat plenty before drinking them!
The chilaqiles were excellent but you will remember them a bit later if you know what I'm sayin'
The salsa bar was great too - all of their salsas were pretty great.
The interior isn't that nice - it has a very "Austin" feel.
Good times overall
I hate to do this guys, but I have to be honest.
last night a friend of mine ate here, and it wasn't as good as usual. Everything seemed to lack the flavor it had before. Even my smokey, dark salsa didn't have that delicious kick that it used to.
We ordered a shrimp cocktail to share, and not only did it come out maybe one minute before our meal (despite being ordered at least 5 minutes before we ordered out meal) but it wasn't good. Actually, I would say it was bad. It was a bowl of tiny poop-filled shrimp, swimming in tomato sauce with avocado on top. There was no Cocktail about it. The tomato sauce was sweet, and had no kick whatsoever. Did they pour it from the can?
And evidently, when you order an extra sauce (in this case, salsa verde for my fish taco), they charge you $0.99 for it. Even though you already are paying for the salsa you can get from the salsa bar.
OMG Y'ALL HAVE TO TRY THE FISH TACOS. So flavorful and so so good. I usually get the flautas but I… Read more »
The only thing I liked about this place was the Elton John music playing in the background and the cute christmas lights that hang around the restaurant.
OK so where do I start?
Should I start at the fact that they bring chips to your table, point you to the salsa bar, and when you get the bill you are charged for it without notice. Um, last time I checked, when you go to a real Mexican restaurant, chips and salsa are complimentary.
The waitress was a dingbat from the start. It was one of those times when you order something specific, and you know that they are going to mess it up. Because of this I repeated my order twice. I wanted a simple burrito, beans and cheese. She had an attitude about her that I could tell she didn't care. I got my food and of course it was messed up. I didn't make a big deal about it, it had all kinds of crap in it I never asked for, so I just took it out.
Ok so this is the best part. The bean burrito that I ordered had NO BEANS IN IT! Ok, it had a few, but literally it was not even a burrito. I was craving a burrito, and I got a tortilla, with barely any beans. I thought I was crazy, so my boyfriend tried it and he agreed, no beans.
On top of that, drinks were a fortune there. Don't come here, it is just a pricey trap for hipsters.
Well in my reviews it's a TRY IT or STAY AWAY
First the place was dirty, second the staff was horrible (what incentive did he have), third the food was totally mediocre and well not good at all.
Roach crawling on the floor, door to patio left open so staff would not have to keep opening and closing which in turn let sweltering heat inside.
Does that sum it up enough for you to know where I am going with the recommendation.
Last, who or what rest. automatically adds a gratuity for a table of 4? Now that's outright bullshit, and pretty much just says how bad the food, service and all is when they have to do that. Oh and by the way, he screwed himself with his automatic tip, as I would have left a lot more as I usually do.
OH YEAH WITHOUT A DOUBT,
****************STAY AWAY********************************************** *
and the thing I also noticed now is that on Yelp there were a lot of bad reviews, then all of a sudden all these shining reviews which I thought Yelp would not let in as apparently it's obvious who was posting these, instead of trying to post fake reviews, maybe the establishment needs to cleanup their act, fix their food, and let the staff earn their tips based on their performance.
Pros: Guisada de Puerco
Cons: Inside seating is way too loud. I dig rowdy company, but the music was cranked so loud the server couldn't understand what we were saying.
We moved outside, and sat in an overflow area which was basically dark. We made it through dinner w/o a beverage refill which we asked for numerous times and 2 ppl in our party didn't get silverware they requested.
Final straw .. they gratted us 18% for a party of four. I've never heard of a place adding gratuity automatically for such a small party.
The result is .. we won't be going back. Sad too, because it used to be a pretty cool place.
Why does this place have as many stars as it does?*
Hadn't been in ages, but recently went with a couple friends. The chips and salsa (for which I paid, and thus feel justified critiquing) were okay. One for three on the salsas, which isn't bad considering how picky I am. The escabeche was way too spicy, and I love some escabeche (and regularly buy Tears of Joy salsa, am a native Texan, etc.).
Anyway, the food: everything was over-salted. My pork enchiladas with ranchero sauce were inedible. Ditto my friends' entrees. Three entrees, maybe twelve bites consumed. Check-back from the waiter? Not so much. A "why the hell didn't you eat more?" Not that either.
At least it was cheap and our server wasn't overly solicitous.
Next time I'm on S. 1st, I'll remind myself that there are roughly a million other Tex-Mex options and try one.
*This is a serious question, not one of those rhetorical devices. I'm genuinely curious how many pitchers of margaritas one has to consume to give this place five stars.
Great mexican food. There is a slight nod toward tex-mex, but this is really traditional mexican food (the kind I'd get living in Arizona).
I had Chicken and Pork tamales with rice and beans. My wife - the chicken chile relleno.
Mine was excellent - hers was a bit soggy (although we got it to go and ate it 20 or 30 minutes later - lesson for next time is to get the relleno sauce on the side).
This is my go-to place for true mexican in Austin.
Although I enjoyed the food and atmosphere, I can't really give Polvo more than three stars.
I was happy when the chips were brought to the table. After eating a couple, I realized they were stale and the waiter had forgotten to bring salsa. So I order my meal and ask the waiter for salsa. He tells me it's self-serve.
Ah yes, like Taco Cabana.
So I go to the self serve station and read a sign that tells me I'm going to be charged for the salsa. WTF!
Well, I thought, I can't eat those awful chips without salsa, but I don't want to pay them. That's what they expect me to do... they tricked me.
$F#k it. I grab two bowls of salsa hoping that I'll only be charged for one.
I enjoyed the meal, but I was very suspicious of the waiter after that. I mean, he totally neglected to tell me I had to pay for the salsa before I got up to get it. He still got a good tip, but he did donate $1.00 to my salsa fund.
In case you're still wondering, they did only charge me a one-time fee of $1.95 for the salsa.
Extortionists.
I'm no longer a Polvo's virgin! Yaaay! I've heard lotsof great things about this Austin institution, so I stopped by today for an early-ish lunch and had a most pleasant experience. My pal Alex arrived before I did, had a booth inside already but was kind enough to ask if I'd like to sit outside. The look of fear escaped from his face when I snobbily said, "I don't do 'outside' in the humid desert of Austin in June," but I did notice the cool patio area. Looks like a fine place to dine al fresco. In December.
It was plenty cool inside (love the funky Mexican decor, too) and our server was very attentive and wonderful. We ordered a small queso, which came with very wonderfully spiced taco meat, guacamole, tomatoes, and fresh jalapeno chunks. Yesssss. I was giddy when I noticed their offering of non-shellfish ceviche, too, so that's what I had for lunch. They were on par with the best in town, and served with saltine crackers, too. Perfect. I got a small order and there was enough there to feed two fish lovers. Alex got the beef fajitas, which I didn't try (his inner pit bull comes out when one tries to fork his plate), but they looked savory. I liked the selection of salsa's and goodies at the salsa bar, too. I've just been reading Crystal's review of the fish tacos, and will definitely be back to try those, along with a margarita next time.
i am a big fan of the guajillo fajitas- very unique- however I cannot figure out why they have to keep the techno music soooo loud you have to yell at the person sitting next to you and it is the same inside and out. Music is good- just not blaring.
I don't know what it is about this place, but I have yet to have a bad meal here. It is delicious. I totally dig the hole-in-the-all atmosphere and the really loud music. Their house margarits are o.k. tasting, but they really pack a punch.
I have never had bad service at this place.....
Well, what can I say that already hasn't been said?
Food= 3-4 stars
Ambiance= 4 stars
Margaritas= 3-4 stars
Service= 3-4 stars
Menu Cleanliness= 0 stars
Polvo's, your menus may kill someone from bacteria! I am no germophobe, but seriously, they are disgusting! The lamination on them is so thin that anything juicy just soaks right on in. Once when they got so bad, I claimed I would not come back, but alas you replaced them....only, they were of the same poor craftsmanship of the ones before. It's happened again. Most of the time when I am handed one of these bad boys they are so damp and stink of hot-sauce that it pains me to even touch them. Immediately after ordering I must wash my hands. It's laughable that you even try to hand people these things... Why! Why??? Can't you just get them replaced with ones like any other restaurant has???
P.S.: Quit gratting a two top, you idiots! You would get your servers more money if you didn't. It really is just bad business!
Polvos has the best Salsa bar in Austin, a great patio and killer margaritas. Their seafood dishes are also very good as is their breakfast menu.
The crowds can be somewhat scary at times, especially on Friday or Saturday evening, and the parking sucks, but if you try going during off hours, its really an enjoyable atmosphere.
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Mexican
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