Salsa options range from mild and tangy, to slightly sweet fire sauce. Clockwise above: medium heat tomato based salsa, hot Habanero sauce, and mild tomatillo sauce.
Lunch specials include $4.99 for two tacos and an iced tea (including refills). I tried the Cochinito Pibil tacos, pork in a habenero sauce cooked in banana leaves, which was flavorful and very tender. If you are gluten-free, ask for corn tortillas. I didn’t ask if they have separate kitchen areas for the gluten-free orders, although a friend eats there on a regular basis who recently discovered their aversion to gluten.
This is one of the other lunch special tacos on the menu: Green Chile. Not spicy. Pork is just as tender as the first tacos. I removed most of the large pieces of white onion, otherwise it’s a great taco.
Also tried the vegetarian option on the lunch menu that did not involve fish, the Spinach Enchiladas, which were tasty and full of veggies. The black beans were slightly harder than I would make them.
Lastly, the carnitas rojo tacos which are pork simmered in a red sauce, probably my favorite so far.
The atmosphere is hole-in-the-wall but the staff were all pleasant. They try to spruce up the tangerine walls with art and mirrors. It lacks in high class comforts but makes up for it with authentic Mexican flavors. Evidence is on the chalkboard menu on the wall next to the kitchen, it lists “Gourmet Tacos” which are not found on the menu, you’ll have to ask if they have any of them available that day.
Molca’s is at 8127 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759
For more Mexican restaurants check out my city guide post, or view the entire Austin City Guide here.