Editor Pick
The Texas Embassy
- February 28, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Matt Winslow from Essex, United Kingdom
The Texan Embassy Cantina is a Tex-Mex restaurant right in the heart of the Capital, just round the corner from Trafalgar Square. Walk through the tiny wooden doors of this old London building to find yourself on the border of Texas and Mexico. The decor consists of a terracotta floor, village hut bar, and Mexican flags and number plates. To your left will be the hostesses, who will ask you if you have booked, although I have been here when I have not reserved a table. If you have to wait, they give you a vibrating pod and show you to the bar, where you can order plenty of cocktails, tequila, and Mexican beer with a slice of lime.
You may be seated downstairs, which I find can be a little noisy, as you have the kitchens and bar fighting for attention. Upstairs is a little quieter—and makes the toilets easy to reach if you have too much to drink.
Food-wise, you should be able to find most things on the menu: fajitas, soup that comes in a tea pot, Southern-fried chicken burgers, and steak/pork dishes. Portions are generous and the free nachos and dips are always welcomed. For afters, try the chili ice cream. A strange sensation of the cold ice cream, which is also spicy and hot, will await you.
I would say that this is the place to come with mates after work, or after a day travelling round. It is okay for families, too, just be careful of the smoke. The atmosphere is very friendly and your hosts cater to you very well and seem to recommend drinks with strange names to the unsuspecting diner—who enjoys them and orders more.
Don't worry if you cannot speak Spanish—the gents' and ladies' (so I am told) toilets have language tapes playing for you to learn/brush up whilst you answer nature's calls.
I have eaten here many times, and it is a good place to know if you want a quick meal or an evening out. It is reasonably priced and close to the Embankment, Charing Cross, or Leicester Square Tube stations.
From journal Hidden Place in London