Juan in a Million

 
Hey there, restaurant fans. When Juan in a Million opened its doors 20 years ago, in a cozy little building at 2300 E. Cesar Chavez (E. 1st for you old timers), not too many people paid attention to the place with the great breakfast tacos and the catchy name. Well, that was then.

Head in there any day now–for breakfast or lunch–and there’s a crowd. Why? Well, it isn’t the name.

Juan in a Million

Juan in a Million understands the unique role that the Tex-Mex breakfast plays in the cultural tradition of Austin. Huevos rancheros, huevos a la Mexicana, the ubiquitous and irrepressible breakfast taco, migas, chorizo and let’s not forget Machacado Con Huevo. Stumped on that last one? Well it’s dried, shredded beef. Add onions, tomatoes and chile and we’re talking huge flavor. And that’s what I like most about Juan’s. Everything is huge!

They should subtitle it, “el grande.” for gosh sake.

The breakfast tacos are massive, and I strongly suggest that you get the bacon with egg, the chorizo with potato, or the Machacado. And at $1.40 apiece, compared to some other emporiums where the breakfast taco has recently climbed north of $4, they’re a great value.

Lunches rock at Juan’s as well. I love the chalupas. They are, of course, crisp tostada shells topped with refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.

Great taste. And try the guacamole salad. Juan’s has given me an entirely new appreciation for the avocado. And if you want to act like a real Tex Mexican, get the menudo. Even this gringo has tried it, and it’s good. You know, and rattlesnake tastes like chicken. Just kidding. It is good, even if what it is may be disaffecting.

And the cheese enchiladas, served with fresh corn tortillas, are smooth and spicy at the same time. I love ’em. Juan’s a little stingy with his chips. I say let ’em roll. But that’s my only complaint. Find your way to Juan’s soon, and you better hurry, cause a lot more than one in a million have discovered this place.