La Popular Taquería. Photos by STUDIO 1208
La Popular, the newest upscale Mexican restaurant in Austin, Texas, opened its doors in April and is already making waves in the city’s culinary scene. Developed by Grupo Carolo, Mexico City’s premier restaurant group, and California-based Eureka! Restaurant Group, La Popular is the second stateside concept from one of the world’s top gastronomic epicenters, Mexico City.
La Popular’s menu offers a delectable range of authentic Mexican cuisine with an extensive agave-centric cocktail program, providing a fun, sociable dining experience. Executive Chef César de la Parra leads the kitchen, presenting an elevated take on classic dishes using exceptional ingredients and innovative preparations.
Diners can indulge in a variety of starters, including Ahi Tuna Tostadas, Queso Fundido Con Chorizo, Aguachile, and Heirloom Tomato & Oyster Mushroom Ceviche. The restaurant’s signature tacos are made with housemade corn tortillas and range from Al Pastor to Campechano and Baja. Notable large plates include Habanero BBQ Ribs, Ribeye Fajitas, and Chicken Mole Enchiladas. For dessert, diners can choose from Tres Leches and Churros with chocolate ganache and dulce de leche dipping sauces.
La Popular’s agave-centric beverage program is led by Vice President of Beverage Operations Trevor Tyler, showcasing eye-catching, experiential craft cocktails. The bar highlights an impressive selection of more than 80 labels of tequila and mezcal, including blancos, reposados, añejos, extra añejos, cristalinos, and rosas, as well as mezcals ranging from espadín to jabali and more.
The chic and modern interiors of La Popular feature backlit smoky mirrors, wood paneling, chevron-patterned wooden floors, and neon. The 22-seat bar at the center of the space features glossy green tiling and a copper overhang suspending six large screen TVs, ideal for sports game viewing. The lush, modern space features an expansive patio with warm hospitality, which invites guests to celebrate and gather with friends and family.
Chef de la Parra, a Mexico City native with over two decades of experience, oversees the menu development for 27 restaurants in Mexico and 26 Eureka! restaurants in the United States. Chef de la Parra’s passion for food began working on his family’s ranch. Prior to his current role, he trained at a variety of Michelin-star restaurants around the world. An instrumental member of the leadership team at La Popular, he looks forward to being part of its continued success and expansion in the United States.
“I’m so thrilled to introduce La Popular’s menu of authentic Mexican cuisine to the Austin community. Our dishes truly honor and encompass Mexico’s sense of community and place,” says Eduardo Gomez, CEO of Grupo Carolo and Eureka! Restaurant Group. “We hope that La Popular will become a destination both for celebration and gathering with our approachable menu and fun, social atmosphere,” says Paul Frederick, Founder of Eureka! Restaurant Group.
La Popular is likely to make an excellent addition to the thriving Austin food scene, offering diners a chance to experience Mexico’s rich culture and cuisine in a fun, upscale setting.
La Popular’s new location can be found at Lantana Place, situated at 7415 Southwest Parkway, Building 5, Suite 100, in Austin, TX 78735. The restaurant is open for business from Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Happy Hour is available Monday to Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an extended Taco and Tequila Happy Hour from 6:00 p.m. to close on Tuesdays. Stay up-to-date with La Popular’s latest offerings and events by visiting their website at www.lapopularcdmx.com and following them on Instagram at @lapopular.cdmx.
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