Texas Embassy Cantina

Our rating 

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star

User rating 

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star

 23 reviews

Venue Image
1 Cockspur Street,
Trafalgar Square,
London,
SW1Y 5DL

0872 148 4283
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.

The ViewLondon Review

StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
Review byYasmin Kaye31/07/2009
Head to the Texas Embassy Cantina for some hearty Tex-Mex food in a relaxed setting.

The Venue
Just a short walk from Trafalgar Square, the Texas Embassy Cantina is in a handy location for a long meal following some city centre sightseeing or with the aim of fuelling a few hours at the nearby National Gallery. The huge ground floor room can seat quite a few people - mainly at wooden tables in the centre, though a comfortable booth-style seating area is also available near the bar. The high ceilings, exposed brickwork, and ceiling strewn with colourful lights give the venue a relaxed and airy feel.

The Atmosphere
With the traditional music adding atmosphere yet remaining at a low enough level as to not impede conversation, the room fills with the buzz of contented customers chatting over their food as others enjoy drinks at the open plan bar. Service is happy, friendly and efficient.

The Food
Upon arrival each table is presented with a complimentary plate of crispy corn tortillas. Served with a fresh, piquant and very tasty tomato salsa, the first round is on the house and each additional one is £2.75. For those who aren’t watching their waistline the flautas (£7.55) are a delicious (if rather rich) choice of starter. These chicken and cheese tortillas are deep fried and presented with a homemade guacamole. That old favourite chilli con carne (£4.95) is surprisingly fresh and tender with a hint of spice that complements the cheese topping. Soft tortillas are included to mop up any leftovers.

While the starters are pretty big, the mains are huge, typically Texan-sized portions. Luckily (considering the size of the portions) asking for a doggy bag isn’t frowned upon here and may even be recommended. Tres Amigos (£11.25) are three chicken, beef and black bean tacos which can be ordered either soft or crispy. The chicken is succulent and spicy, while the beef is less impressive but perfectly agreeable nonetheless. Although the black bean taco is quite heavy, the chopped onion mixed into it offers welcome refreshment. The dish is served with rice and a large pile of full-flavoured refried beans that are much better than the usual canned example. The rib platter (£16.50) is heaven for carnivores – a double whammy of baby back ribs and barbecue sauce offered with sweetcorn and a choice of fries, mash, or salad. Whilst the sweetcorn unfortunately doesn’t taste very fresh, the rib sauce has a deliciously sweet and smoky flavour.

Sadly the desserts are disappointing, the sizzling apple pie (£5.50) being far too floury, and tasting seriously undercooked, with an apple centre that seemed to have absorbed the flavour of the pastry and bland vanilla ice cream. Although the fresh, tart flavours of the key lime pie (£4.95) offer a welcome contrast to such heavy starters and mains, the dessert as a whole is underwhelming, and the pastry suffers from having the same floury taste as the apple pie.

The Drink
The house Spanish Pleno Blanco Bodegas 2006 (£12.50 a bottle and £3.50 a glass) is a perfectly agreeable, easy-drinking white that provides a good balance to the spicy food. The rest of the wine list is reasonably priced with the most expensive bottle costing a mere £21. A selection of Texan-inspired cocktails – margaritas are their specialty – start from £5.75 and the usual Mexican and American beers (from £3.50) are also available, along with a long list of around 25 to 30 types of tequila.

The Last Word
Texas Embassy Cantina is friendly restaurant in a good location where the portions will satisfy even the hungriest Tex-Mex fan.
Texas Embassy Cantina has been reviewed by 23 users

Most Read Today

image
01 Half Term London Events and Activities

Keep the kids smiling with a range of exciting hal...

image
02 London Fashion Week Tickets

London Fashion Week tickets promise exclusive glam...

image
03 Imagine Childrens Festival

Meet Dennis the Menace, do science experiments and...

image
04 London Fashion Weekend Tickets

If you need a fashion fix, London Fashion Weekend ...

image
05 Queens Jubilee Bank Holiday Events

Celebrate Her Majesty's 60 year reign with a four ...

Content updated: 15/02/2012 21:45
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

This Week Try With A View® Card

Fakhreldine

Use your View® Card for 50% off the food bill and 2-4-1 drinks.

Latest Restaurants User Reviews

  • Thai Garden and Grill
    We went here last Saturday and were shocked by the service! Some ...
    StarNo StarNo StarNo StarNo Star
    WestsideMP on 15/02/2012 @ 19:45
  • Scarlet Dot
    I was here with my girlfriend for a meal on Valentines Day, the m...
    StarStarStarNo StarNo Star
    rayLondon on 15/02/2012 @ 19:35
  • Spice of Hanwell
    Don’t let the generic location of this resturant deter you from s...
    StarStarStarStarStar
    eastoftheson on 15/02/2012 @ 18:53
  • Nazrul
    Simply fantastic. Unpretentious atmosphere with good chilled ...
    StarStarStarStarStar
    giddy909 on 15/02/2012 @ 18:06
  • Meat People
    I love Meat and I love People so I had a high hopes for Angel's n...
    StarStarStarStarStar
    SophieAnne on 15/02/2012 @ 17:22