Best Tex-Mex in Abilene: Abuelo's

I travel through Abilene, Texas every week. Due to my job, I do a lot of driving. Abilene is a great stop for a quick meal. If you don't know where it's located, it is a city in Taylor and Jones County, Texas, United States. Its population was 125,182 at the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene metropolitan statistical area, which had an estimated population of 169,893, as of 2016. So, not a big city like Dallas or Houston...but big enough to have a diversity of delicious options as you drive through it. And when it comes to Mexican cuisine (and great Tex-Mex), the best stop, without a doubt, is Abuelo's.

This is one of my most favorite Mexican restaurants. Of. All. Time. I could live on the papas (potatoes) alone. I fell in love with it in college and go any chance I can get. Most Mexican restaurants only offer beans and rice as sides, but they also offer mashed potatoes. What's not to love about mashed potatoes? BUT these are no ordinary mashed potatoes. These have green chili in them. And cheese. They add flavor but not hot heat. I don't know what's in them, but I think green chili's and cheese. (They call them 'papas con chile'). I have just ordered sides of papas some times, or at least ordered an extra side of papas. Did I mention their potatoes are good?

After my first experience here, I wanted to do something special for my family. The thought the ambiance, the size of the spot and the food was perfect for a party. So about four months later, I brought a party of 18 to celebrate my son's graduation. The hostess was very nice. Our server Anita was amazing! The food was hot and fresh....just a wonderful experience all around! I knew I had made the right decision.

The staff is always friendly and attentive to the needs of guests but during busy time again you might have to wait for food but that just gives you more time to eat the fire roasted hot sauce which is 'spot on.' When I get the chance, I ask to be served by 'Tess. She is an amazing server and the food was FANTASTIC. I'm here for a little while longer on business and I guarantee you, I will be back again. Their beef enchiladas with Chili Con Carne sauce are MAGNIFICENT. Chips and salsas are great, too.

Abuelo's is located on South 14th Street, near the corner of S. 14th St. and S. Bowie Drive. Our overall impression with every visit is a 5 star experience and so glad we gave it one more shot and will keep stopping by.

Take my advice - this is a great place to go for lunch or dinner. Friendly and fast service. The food is excellent. I ordered the fajita trio and enjoyed it to the last bite. I had the el jefe margarita and will be my go-to. Over two lunches and a group of great friends, they delighted us with four different salsas, smoked, tomatillo, regular, and habanero. I definitely recommend this place.

Final note - while writing this blog post, I wanted to visit this spot once more for another viewpoint of the menu. I brought two co-workers. One of us, named 'Mike' isn't typically a Mexican food-lover...however this place has changed his mind. His words - "it was absolutely amazing." Once again, the portions were big enough to be able to take some home. Debra (or Deborah) was a great server; she was so attentive and went above and beyond with us. She even offered to review the entire dessert menu with us to help us make the best decisions. She took her time and answered every question. Phenomenal.

My most recent experience clinched it - I will definitely be coming back to this place. I really appreciate the experience!

See you soon Abuelos!

4782 S 14th St, Abilene, TX 79605

(325) 692-4776

https://www.abuelos.com