Beto's is another new San Antonio restaurant that wants to serve the celiac community. With a simple menu that concentrates on handmade quesadillas, empanadas, and tacos, each specialty is served up in a variety of ways that is sure to appeal. The empanadas, regrettably, are prepared with a wheat pastry, but nearly all the quesadillas and tacos can be prepared gluten free with fresh corn tortillas!

Despite the simplicity of the menu, the individual recipes are complex, with the blending of fresh wholesome ingredients and a multitude of spices creating unique and flavorful fare. It is this complexity, however, that has kept the Defensive Dining Co-Chair busy clarifying and researching products in order to safely recommend as many dishes as possible.

Pop into Beto's, located on Broadway, just inside Loop 410, to talk with owners, Albert and Cheryl Mijangos. They are gracious and generous proprietors who truly want to provide authentic Latin food and drink that is delicious and gluten free. A few safe bets are the Grilled Fish Taco, Beef Fajita Taco, Chicken Fajita Taco, and the Chicken Tomatillo Quesadillas (no sour cream). The chips and salsa are also gluten free!

This is a place to take the whole family. It's family owned and operated, and it has that casual, make-yourself-at-home feel about it. The prices are very reasonable, and there's even a Lil'Betitos menu with gluten-free choices. (MP October 2003)