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Photo Cred: Javelina and Compass + Twine
Let’s review the facts about Javelina:
- There is no Michelin-starred Chef at the helm
- Pete Wells’ New York Times review was an epically satirical slight (no joke, read here)
- The owner has zero prior experience in restaurant business
- Truffles cannot be found anywhere on the menu
So can we get an AMEN? Finally, there’s some great, authentic Tex-Mex food in New York City. And, finally, there’s a restaurant that gives Queso the love and attention it deserves.
Javelina is unpretentious and delicious. Sure, it’s not a high-falutin Manhattan restaurant that executes with robotic ease. It has its kinks, and we like love it that way (so get off our jock, Pete). The owner, Dallas-native Matt Post, is as down-to-earth and pleasant as they come. He simply could not find good, true TexMex, so he created it himself. Good tamales were of particular importance to Post, so he worked hard to capture their authentic flavors and texture. The fajitas at Javelina come out sizzling on the plate with some of the best flour tortillas you’ve ever feasted on. The tacos are also darn good – particularly the San Antonio Puffy Taco served on fried corn tortillas with spicy marinated pork shoulder, pickled red onions, cilantro, and cotija cheese. We’re pretty sure every dish pairs well with the spicy and refreshing Jalapeño margaritas.
Although there’s no dessert menu at Javelina, they do drop by with some heavenly sopapillas dusted in cinnamon and sugar at the end. On the way out, we had to ask Post about the whole Blue Bell sitch. Like any true Texan, he was devastated by the recent development for the ice cream maker but was pleased that he could at least serve plenty of Shiner Bock to drown away the sorrows. We liked Javelina and will be back.
GET THE: Fajitas, Tacos, Queso, Jalapeño Margaritas
