Don Juan makes me happy.

The past few weeks have been… interesting, to say the least. One thing though, is that I moved from the San Marcos area to Austin. Yep, I am now a resident in the 78744. The move has presented a few distinct challenges, such as bus-only transportation, and long and somewhat confusing routes to get to San Marcos for classes.

I do believe I have become somewhat of a bus expert. Well, maybe not EXPERT, but I can at least get myself to where I need to go without being hopelessly lost, save for the few times I got on a bus I thought was heading south, but was secretly heading north. That was fun. 

I'm on a bus. All the time.

Anyway, living in Austin for the past 2 weeks has afforded me some awesome food opportunities that I had been dying to check out. One such place that I’d been pining after was Juan in a Million, the East Austin authentic Mexican food icon, that was featured on Man v. Food for the Don Juan taco challenge.

First let me explain one thing to you. I have this awkward fascination with Man v. Food’s host, Adam Richman. Some say it’s almost an unhealthy fascination. To them I say, STFU. 

Well, as luck comes to have it, one day last week a few of my friends were debating on where to go to lunch as I sat in silence, unknowing the area and surrounding restaurant options. Someone suggested “Juan’s.” Everyone chimed in agreement, and I was like, “Sounds good to me!”

I didn’t know what “Juan’s” was until we pulled up to the parking lot, and that’s when I went from calm to PUMPED. I was going to be dining at one of the places that I’d always wanted to check out; a place that Mr. Richman visited for a challenge and wrote about in his book, America, the Edible. 

Yep, this is a picture of a picture of Adam Richman from when he did the
Don Juan Taco Challenge for an episode of Man v. Food

To say I was excited is an understatement, but I think I hid it well.  I hope I hid it well at least. I got even more excited as we walked into the restaurant and Juan, himself shook each of our hands and welcomed us warmly into the crowded space, filled with this aroma of tantalizing spices and fresh tortillas and the sounds of sizzling meats and lively conversation.

We were promptly seated in the covered, outdoor space and were left to go over the menu. I didn’t really look at it at all. I knew what I wanted. And I wanted it bad. 

Some how, we got two waitresses, and two sets of our coffees and waters. No complaining from me, as I was kind of tired and could have used quite a bit more coffee than the two set down in front of me, but the confusion from the staff wasn't exactly appealing. Too many Indians and a sleepy chief I suppose. 


After about 15 minutes, our food was brought out, piping hot and smelling delicious. My first reaction to the Don Juan was, "holy shit." That thing was huge. Good thing my friend and I decided to split that sucker, otherwise I think that I'd have been in big trouble. 

The Don Juan

The Don Juan taco is essentially a big heaping pile of a delectable blend consisting of potato, egg and cheese and bacon served on flour tortillas. I must say, this isn't exactly something that I'd order on my own, but I just had to. 


And my goodness, am I glad I did. 

Mmmm....

The flavors melded perfectly with the steaming flour tortillas, and when drizzled with their spicy salsa, it's all over. That first bite I took sent angels singing and I swear I heard the Hallelujah Chorus. My eyes got wide and through a mouth full of breakfast taco, I grunted something along the lines of "oh my GOD this is amazing."


My friend and I were only able to power through about 1/3 of the enormous plate, but that's what take home bags are for, right?




Juan in a Million
2300 E Cesar Chavez St
Austin, TX 78702