Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Dishes

At this ever popular Cowtown Tex-Mex institution (opened in 1935) just south of the Stockyards,  they don't have menus, do only two dinner dishes, and take only cash. But who gives a hoot when the food is this delish? Set in a rambling home (it looks like a handsome Mexican hacienda) with a lush outdoor patio sitting area, Joe T. Garcia's is, amazingly enough, large enough to seat 1,000 diners. But that doen't seem to affect the quality of the food or scene (it never feels crowded). We'd say dining outside is the classic way to "do" Jo's —unless the Texas heat is suffocating. Ordering couldn't be simpler: Choose between a heaping plate of succulently grilled chicken or beef fajitas, a big family-style dinner with tacos and enchiladas, or chiles rellenos, tamales, and chicken flautas at lunch. At night, Joe T.'s is a margarita factory, spitting out thousands of them—on the rocks and frozen (pitchers are a good deal if you have a group). Service can be erratic, though it's frequently lightning fast. A Mexican-style brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2pm.