Doc’s Motorworks

 
We have talked often on these pages about the revitalization of South Congress Ave. It’s gone from a seedy, hooker-ridden (where actual Texas legislators got busted for trying to buy sex) den of iniquity to a thriving thoroughfare bustling with PG-13 energy and number of interesting and inviting eateries. One of these cool stories is that of Doc’s Motorworks: where art really imitated life because Doc’s, you see, used to be a real functioning garage.

Now it’s offering up Queso and Chips and Burgers instead of lube jobs and engine overhauls. And it’s got a great patio for sipping and noshing and So Co watching.

My favorite starters at Doc’s include The Chicken Quesadillas with grilled bell peppers and onions. I always add a little guacamole. The chicken is never dry and has a very pleasant taste. And the Fried Mushrooms stand up to the best I’ve tried in the city. The batter produces a crisp and tasty mushroom that is not overly oily as can sometimes happen to this dish. The Chicken Flautas are light and crispy and the chicken is moist and flavorful. I like to add a bit of queso with mine. Nice dish. And do try Doc’s Taco Salad. What I like about this dish is that it doesn’t come in one of those gigantic tortilla shells; rather, greens are topped with cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, green chile ranch and pico de gallo (that lives up to its name). On the side are tostada shells with cheese. If you’re watching carbs, have fewer shells. Either way, it’s very tasty.

Doc’s produces a very credible burger. My favorite is the Bleu Cheese and Peppercorn Sauce Burger. That first taste reveals that this one is a player: seriously good flavor with almost impeccable texture. Love the peppercorn sauce. And for the more traditional burger fan, try the BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger. With grilled onions and pickles and most importantly, a fresh roll, this burger never fails to deliver.

Doc’s also serves up a very compelling variety of platters. I have several favorites. The Chipotle Blackened Fish and Shrimp is good to begin with. The blackened tilapia is laden with flavor and has a light texture. Ditto for the shrimp. But then the rich and marvelous chipotle cream sauce takes the dish up a few notches. The roasted mix vegetables are a lovely complement.

And you must try the Roasted Tomatillo Enchiladas. The green sauce with tomatillos, garlic, onions and jalapenos provides an incredible flavor rush upon the first bite. And it gets better after that. Actually, all the enchiladas are very good. I love the Four Pepper enchiladas as well but we’ll save them for the next review.

Doc’s has a fun scene with both inside and outside dining. I never had the opportunity to bring my car here in this building’s earlier iteration, but I will now happily park my butt on a chair and avail myself of the tasty vittles.