valentina’s tex mex bbq [closed]

Due to connections at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (see? the federal gummint ain’t all that bad!), I was introduced to Valentina’s before it was discovered by the eaterati. And whoo-boy, was it good. Mere months later, Valentina was getting love from Texas Monthly and everyone else for its bbq, its tacos, and its bbq-filled tacos. This success allowed Valentina’s to move from its convenience store parking lot to its own space on Manchaca without losing the charm of trailer service and outdoor seating.

I’m not sure who Valentina is (a daughter?), but the food comes from the able hands of Miguel Vidal, his wife Modesty, and his brother Elias. It all starts with the brisket, which is some of the best in the state, and then gets enhanced with touches of Mexico in sandwiches and tortillas.

The most memorable dish I’ve ordered is the Real Deal Holyfield (pictured above), a huge breakfast taco with a choice of smoked brisket or pulled pork [I went with brisket], bacon, fried egg, potatoes, refried beans, and tomato serrano salsa all stacked on a housemade tortilla ($9). Trust me, you only need one! The brisket is so good here that the chicken and pork pale in comparison. The tacos aren’t cheap, but there are as delicious as they are enormous.

April 2024 update (a fall from grace):

My last visit to Valentina’s did not go well. It didn’t help that, while waiting in line for a late-opening, a customer backed into me, drawing gasps from the rest of the crowd.

he, angry: Did I hit you?

me: Yes.

he: I figured you saw me and would get out of the way.

me: I’m standing on the sidewalk.

Finally opening some 30-minutes late, I ordered the epic Holyfield.

“We don’t have any sliced brisket, but I can get you chopped.”

Fine, fine. Coffee? He looks over at the drink counter. “We forget to make it.”

After tip and tax, my taco comes in at an Elonesque $20.

Every table in the joint is a mess of sauce and strings of meat. I find the cleanest one and sit down. Despite being the third party in line, it takes another 30 minutes for my taco to arrive. The tortilla is fresh, but perhaps a bit too fresh since it’s not fully cooked. The taco is good, but not $20 good. While waiting in line, someone noted that Valentina’s had become inconsistent. Indeed.

Over subsequent weeks, storied come out of Valentina’s seeking new management and being investigated by the feds for  not paying employees. A sad fall for what used to be one of the best places to eat in Texas.