While we Texans will never shy away from a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, it’s finding these places that proves rather difficult. We’ve made the treasure hunt a smidgen easier by uncovering a family-owned, mom & pop Mexican restaurant that’s virtually unknown outside of San Antonio. La Bandera Molino features over a dozen types of tacos, all served on homemade corn or flour tortillas.
Driving down Zarzamora Street in San Antonio, it’s almost impossible to miss this vibrant orange building. It’s home to La Bandera Molino, a family-owned Mexican restaurant specializing in mouthwatering tacos. Fair warning: locals can’t get enough of the scrumptious homemade cuisine, so try getting here early to avoid the crowds.
Google/chowpapi.com
Inside, the no-frills, unassuming atmosphere is akin to someone’s very own kitchen. About half the space is consumed by a market selling everything from authentic Mexican pottery to farm-fresh, brown eggs. Behind the counter, friendly folks assemble tacos with an impressively large selection of ingredients.
Google/Rob Lisenbe
Both flour and corn tortillas are made from scratch daily, the freshness becoming more evident with each additional bite. As far as the tacos themselves, a handwritten menu boasts enough varieties to overwhelm you in the best way possible. Keep it traditional with a bacon and egg, or branch out and try something more exotic like beef tongue.
Google/Ruchi
Nopal, or cactus, is one of the restaurant’s signature taco fillings. A distinct smoky flavor enhances all the other present elements, whether you pair it with eggs, ancho peppers, or barbacoa.
Google/Andrew Chifari
Not a taco fan? Fair enough, although we definitely can’t relate. Plenty of other delicious options like chilaquiles, refried beans, and cheesy potatoes ensure everyone leaves with a happy belly.
Google/Bryn Harrington
Address: 2619 North Zarzamora Street, San Antonio, TX 78201. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
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The restaurant is such a hole-in-the-wall, it doesn’t have a website or Facebook page! Looks like you’ll just have to go there to see what all the hype is about.
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Google/Rob Lisenbe
Google/Ruchi
Google/Andrew Chifari
Google/Bryn Harrington
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Have you ever eaten at La Bandera Molina? What’s your favorite unassuming restaurant in Texas? Here are some of ours: 8 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Texas Dining Bucket List.
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