Chuy's Restaurant, Austin

Equal parts Tex-Mex restaurant and Elvis Presley shrine, this place combines south-of-the-border dining with a Graceland atmosphere, all for a well-affordable price. The wait staff, friendly and helpful, have been voted as the fastest in town by 'Austin Chronicle' readers. Given the competition, it is no small accomplishment that this is commonly considered the best Tex-Mex restaurant in town. The Elvis homage, oddly enough, works. Hubcaps and images of the rock icon set the stage for a dining experience that is pleasant and casual. The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes (the house special, an overstuffed chicken-and-green-chile confection called a Chuychanga, is especially recommended), steaks and burgers, and features a selection of cold beers and mixed drinks to help wash down the hearty meals. Other branches are found at 10520 North Lamar Boulevard and at 11680 Research Boulevard, Austin.