AUSTIN, Texas — Life isn't always tacos and tequila, but at Gabriela's Downtown, it just goes hand in hand. Owner Gabby Bucio paired up with her brother, Arturo, to open up this cool spot off East Seventh Street.
He handles the food and she handles the marketing – and knows her way around the bar.
"I used to run a couple of bars here in Austin, " said Gabby Bucio.
Raised in McAllen, Texas, the Bucio siblings serve the classics, like agua chiles.
"It's a type of ceviche. It is shrimp curated in lime and green jalapeno sauce mixed with cucumbers and serrano peppers that are topped with peanuts soaked in Valentina and chamoy," Gabby Bucio added.
It's a kick in the pants when you've had a little too much fun the night before. Their sopes are popular too. These handmade masa cups are smothered in refried black beans, topped with shredded chicken, red cabbage, Mexican crema, queso fresco and salsa.
PHOTOS: A look at the menu items at Gabriela's Downtown
"I like spicy Mexican food and I love how it pairs well with margaritas, mezcal and tequila," said Gabby Bucio. "Most of our drinks are inspired by things I've had as a child like the mangonada."
She uses ingredients that she grew up around like tamarindo, chamoy and grapefruit. Their micheladas are huge.
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"Our homemade michelada mix is put in a popsicle so when you are drinking it, the popsicle, it doesn't dilute the beer, it just makes it more flavorful. It gives it a perfect balance as you are drinking it," Gabby Bucio explained. "We have one that has our agua chiles on top, we have one that has our ceviche, and for all our vegetarian friends, we have a fruit cup on top."
That's a whole "lotta" michelada and clearly why they're dubbed the "Michelada Kings."
Still hungry? The steak gringas ,or strips of marinated grilled steak served with tortillas, will fill you up.
Whether it's for weekend brunch, a party or a nice dinner date, you're always welcome at Gabriela's.
"Everyone is family, so when you come in its like eating with us at our house," said Gabby Bucio.
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