How to Enjoy Maria's Taco Xpress

On the south side of Austin, Texas there’s a famous taco stand that stands out for its atmosphere, live music and eclectic crowd. If you’re going to be staying in the city, you should try to spend a meal at Maria’s Taco Xpress on Lamar Street.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Go on a Sunday. Despite it’s name, “Hippie Sunday Church” is for everyone. Make sure to get there early, as it can get a bit difficult to find an outdoor table after 12:30. Great old-time gospel music is the regular fare here, but it can come in many different forms.

2. Order the Al Pastor, along with some breakfast tacos. You’re going to be having a brunch, so mix up a little bit of a flavorful lunch item, such as Maria’s best selling al pastor, with a hefty portion of breakfast.

3. Order some morning drinks. Indulge in a Bloody Mary, mango margarita or mimosa. Get your groove going and relax.

4. Wear a flower. Most weekends an older man or a young girl wanders the crowd giving out free flower blossoms. Especially if you’re a lady, grab one to tuck behind your ear.

5. Dance. Once those drinks set in and you’ve got the flower power, get up and dance. Try to get into the music, which should be channeling the energy of the crowd. This is the part where you begin to commune with your own spirit.

6. Enjoy the weather and setting. Bask in the sunshine and take time to notice the little odd details of Maria’s. There’s flowers on the ceiling rafters, neckties around posts and all manner of oddities hanging around the place, from art to antiques. The crowd could be anything from hung over business-types to families to aging hippies.

Tips & Warnings

• Music plays from around 10:30 a.m. to close at 2:00 p.m.

[shannonny]

on 10/13/2008 I wish Austin wasn't so far away. I want to go Maria's after church and eat Al Pastor and get my hibiscus and dance and let my mind wander, too.