2 minute read

Twenty-Five Years of Deliciousness at Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant

3rd Generation Family-Owned Restaurant Serves Up Authentic Tex Mex and More

Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant, a staple on San Antonio’s Southside, is celebrating a major milestone: its 25th anniversary. The restaurant, founded by family patriarch, Ramiro Valadez Sr. and his wife (and culinary inspiration), Teresa, began in 1997 as a sort of hobby for Ramiro after he retired; he wanted a small place where he could serve great food and visit with friends and family members who lived nearby. But the secret of this special Mexican restaurant quickly spread and now 25 years and several expansions later, Las Cazuelas is thriving. Their clientele includes families who’ve long frequented their popular breakfast and lunch hours, as well as newcomers to the area and businessmen and women who work or live downtown or on the Southside and have a great appreciation for made-from-scratch everything starting with the tortillas and beyond.

Today, the sons and grandchildren of Ramiro and Teresa now operate the restaurant with plans for young members of the 4th generation to follow one day, to carry on the family tradition of fresh, house-made dishes from grandmother’s secret recipes.

Most of the recipes were Teresa’s family recipes handed down to her from generation to generation. A few new offerings now also grace the menu, as the Valadez family listens to requests from their loyal following. Regardless of the recipes’ origins, traditional Tex Mex is the order of the day. Breakfast, served all day beginning at 7 a.m., includes a wide array of breakfast tacos with combinations of bean, cheese, egg, potato, or chorizo and more, and popular breakfast items like Chilaquiles, Barbacoa and Huevos Rancheros available for dine-in or to go. Lunch is served daily beginning at 11 a.m. In the mood for Enchiladas en Mole, Menudo, Puffy Tacos, or Cilantro Cream Enchiladas? Teresa’s family recipes are good mouth-watering. The restaurant also offers hamburgers and steak, so diners have options even when they’re looking for a little something different. And, Las Cazuelas re- cently added alcoholic beverages to their menu, including a range of beer and frozen lime and strawberry margaritas. (Be sure to ask for the 25th anniversary commemorative margarita mug, while supplies last!)

The restaurant has grown significantly over the past 25 years, expanding three times and adding a large party room that seats up to 50 people for celebrations and get-togethers. They recently added a drive-through window that has become a popular “fast” option for people on the go. The restaurant’s drive-through-only specials like .89 cent bean and cheese tacos.

The Valadez family's work ethic has contributed to the restaurant's success. Vanessa Valadez shared that her grandfather's principle was that “hard work pays off”, and his work ethic has been passed down and embraced through the generations. And that includes the restaurant’s loyal staff; some of whom have worked for the Valadez family nearly since Ramiro’s dream of starting a small restaurant began. The grande dame is the restaurant’s cook, Chavela, who has been a part of the Las Cazuelas family for 25 years; and close behind, Marisol who has loyally served Las Cazuelas guests for 24 years. They have enjoyed watching generations of young customers grow up and bring in their own families to dine.

Las Cazuelas welcomes San Antonians to come visit! They’re located at 645 Chalmers Avenue in San Antonio (Phone 210.932.1785) and are open from 7am to 2pm Monday through Friday, and from 7am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Once you dine there, you’ll see why Las Cazuelas has become a staple of the Southside San Antonio community and a popular place to enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine seven days a week.

A Real Treat

We're Paleteria San Antonio, a husband-and-wife team making beautiful ice pops, ice cream and more. We believe in using real ingredients and responsible practices to make wholesome treats for all ages.

We change our flavors regularly and seasonally, so stop by often to see what's new! (210) 954-6753