50 Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin

“Juan in a Million is a popular Tex Mex spot in Austin, known for its delicious food and great prices. The Don Juan taco is a must-try, a classic that can feed 2 or more people and is an unmatched deal at $7. This long-standing location is always busy, so be prepared to wait, but the attentive staff makes it worth it. Come early or late to avoid lunch crowds, and don't forget to tip the wait staff. It's a great alternative to crossing the border for Mexican food, and they'll even help you take a family photo.“

“Matt's El Rancho is a great family-oriented restaurant that accommodates large parties with efficient and friendly service. The food is delicious, with standout dishes like the non-battered Chili Shrimp Relleño with tomatillo sauce and excellent refried beans. Despite being busy, the staff ensures that everyone has a great experience, and the praline at the end of the meal is a sweet treat.“

“Mi Madre's Restaurant offers a great dining experience with friendly and attentive staff. The food is solidly made, well-seasoned, and delicious, with unique taco combinations to try. The restaurant is small, but the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is welcoming, even for dogs. Standout dishes include the carne guisada and potato egg bacon and cheese taco, and don't miss the mango chamoy margarita. With great food, fast service, and a helpful staff, Mi Madre's is a great spot for any occasion, including special celebrations.“

“Maudie's Cafe serves delicious meals at a great price. The menu offers a variety of options, including vegan bowls, chicken tacos, breakfast dishes, and fajitas. The restaurant is known for its excellent margaritas, chips, salsa, and queso. With all-day breakfast, you can enjoy breakfast favorites like the Sausage Migas plate and pancake platter anytime. The friendly and caring staff, led by standout server Amelia, make you feel like family. Parking is easy on Sundays, but may be more challenging during busy periods.“

“Habanero Cafe is a highly recommended Mexican restaurant in Austin, known for its amazing service and delicious food. The habanero burrito with fajita beef or chicken is a popular choice. The restaurant is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, with multiple parking options. While they don't serve alcohol, the food is the star of the show. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's worth the wait for a table.“

“Torchy's Tacos is a popular restaurant known for its delicious Mr. Orange and Alabama Shake catfish tacos. The queso is a favorite among customers. The restaurant offers a variety of tacos that can be customized to one's preference, and customers can choose from different sauces. The service is generally friendly, with staff such as Michelle and Brenda going the extra mile to ensure customers have a great dining experience. The manager, Lily, is praised for her excellent service in handling large groups. The atmosphere at Torchy's Tacos is happy and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for a group meal.“

“Hula Hut, a lakeside restaurant, offers a mixed dining experience. The servers are generally great, and the ambiance by the water is pleasant. However, the restaurant has faced some issues with its menu and service. One notable incident involved a customer's son who is allergic to nuts. The salad ordered came with pistachio nuts, which were not mentioned on the menu, nearly causing a serious situation. The restaurant should be more transparent about the ingredients used in its dishes, especially for customers with food allergies. The frozen drinks and bartender service receive high praise, but the self-service chips and dips station has been described as "gross." The waiter's upselling tactics and the payment system at the table have also been criticized, with customers feeling pressure and a lack of authentic connection. Despite these challenges, the restaurant is praised for its tasty, balanced salsa and crispy, crunchy tacos. Overall, Hula Hut provides a mixed dining experience, with room for improvement in menu transparency and service quality.“

“Julio's Cafe offers a solid and affordable dining experience with a friendly and casual atmosphere. Known for their tasty chicken nachos and authentic Mexican dishes like beans and tortilla chips, this family-owned restaurant also serves delicious margaritas. Customers appreciate the excellent service from staff members like Claudia and Mrs. Chayito. Whether you're a local or just visiting Austin, Julio's is a must-visit spot for a taste of Mexico.“

“Kerbey Lane Cafe - South is a staple in Austin, offering a unique blend of greasy spoon-like comfort food with a twist of home cooking. The cafe provides a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options, and the service is consistently excellent. While the prices may be a bit steep, the quality of the food and the 24-hour weekend hours make it a must-try.“

“Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant #3 is a go-to spot for delicious Tex-Mex home cooking. The staff is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience enjoyable. The carne guisada is a must-try, and the complementary chips with salsa are a nice touch. The restaurant offers a happy hour with drink discounts and a variety of drink options including frozen margaritas. The beef fajita burrito and black bean and cheese nachos are highly recommended dishes. The warm, fresh chips and perfectly made salsa add to the overall great dining experience. Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant #3 stands out as the best Mexican restaurant in the area, with top-notch Carne Gusada that keeps customers coming back for more.“

“Papa Joe's Tex-Mex in Austin offers fantastic barbacoa and menudo, worth the travel. The breakfast tacos are a must-try, with friendly service and delicious flavors. The cozy atmosphere adds to the experience, even if there's a bit of a wait for the made-to-order food. A great spot for a satisfying meal.“

“Tamale House East is a cozy Mexican restaurant with a home-y atmosphere, decorated with plants and art. The staff is friendly and inviting, and the restaurant offers a parking lot with free validation for two hours. The menu features a variety of options, including the popular Mom's Migas & Queso, Texas-sized tamale plates, and chicken enchiladas. The food is well-presented, tasty, and well-seasoned, with vegetarian options galore. The outside seating area is picturesque, and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. With a range of dishes to choose from, including unique options like Mushroom Spinach Enchiladas and Cochinita Pibil, Tamale House East is a wonderful place to enjoy great Mexican food.“

“Texas Chili Parlor offers a variety of tasty dishes, including cheese enchiladas, Mac n cheese, and a delicious chili dog. The enchiladas are filled only with cheese and come with a perfect mild chili sauce. Customers recommend trying the enchiladas special and the Grande Burrito with beef fajita and queso sauce. Despite slightly long wait times, the service is good, making it a staple restaurant in Austin with great food, service, and prices.“

“Enchiladas Y Mas is a popular Tex Mex restaurant that serves up nostalgic dishes reminiscent of West Texas. The restaurant offers a variety of options, including crispy tacos, enchiladas with red meat sauce, and flavorful rice and beans. While the margaritas may be small, the food is plentiful and satisfying. With a mid-day crowd and limited parking, it's best to plan ahead. This local favorite has been a staple for many years, offering generous portions and delicious meals for both dine-in and takeout.“

“Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina is a highly-recommended restaurant serving delicious Mexican cuisine. The menu offers a range of dishes, including tres leche pancakes, beef fajitas, fillet mignon, and queso with beef, chicken enchiladas, tacos, and taquitos. The service is consistently excellent, with friendly and attentive staff. The atmosphere is spacious and ideal for large parties, with a well-decorated restaurant and plenty of free parking. Reviewers praise the generous portions, reasonable prices, and excellent service. Overall, Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina is a great choice for a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.“

“Good menu of choices, I had the enchilada and they were only okay. Nothing overly special but nothing necessarily wrong. I will say the spicy cucumber jalapeño margarita wasn't as flavorful as expected so was slightly disappointed in that. Service was good, they have a cute outdoor area and have weekly evening activities (movie Wednesdays, live music Sundays, etc). It was good overall but wouldn't necessarily be a place I would continue to choose as my go-to.“

“Baby Acapulco offers a great dining experience with hot, fresh, and delicious food at fair prices. Their tacos, including the puff tacos and tacos al pastor, are a highlight, with flavors that will transport you to Mexico. Be sure to try their creative margaritas, like the lime Rita and purple margarita, but beware of their strength. The service is exceptional, with friendly and attentive waiters. However, be aware of the shared parking lot with 7/11 and take note of the parking signs to avoid any issues. Overall, Baby Acapulco is a great spot for a tasty and enjoyable meal.“

“Pelons Tex Mex offers a unique dining experience with various indoor and outdoor seating options, including outdoor seating under a 500-year-old oak tree. They serve great food, including margaritas, and provide good service. The restaurant is a great spot for a date or pre-show dinner, with plenty of parking in the area.“

“Nasha is a gem in the area, offering delicious food and great value. The staff is friendly and patient, with a variety of draft beer choices. The vegetable jalapeño curry was perfectly spiced, and the fluffy, garlicky naan was a hit. The lunch special, featuring Saag curry with lamb, was a flavorful medium spice level, served beautifully on a large round plate. Each compartment held a different item like salad, fried veggies, and garbanzo beans, along with mint chutney and naan. The fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes make Nasha a must-visit spot.“

“Dalia's Tex Mex offers exceptional corn tortillas, praised by customers as the best they've ever had. The restaurant's menu features popular dishes like enchiladas verde, quesadillas, and the steak Cuban Torta, all prepared with fresh ingredients and friendly service. Customers consistently rate Dalia's as an excellent dining experience.“

“Taco Xpress, now a food truck, retains the spirit and flavors of its previous location, much to the gratitude of its customers. Offering vegetarian options, their tacos come with a generous serving of vegetables and can be purchased at a reasonable price. The salsa, including a creamy green one, has been well-received, despite not always being as spicy as some customers expect. The staff is noted for their kindness, even going the extra mile to bring orders to customers' cars. Many regard Taco Xpress as having the best breakfast tacos in Austin, TX.“

“Amaya's Taco Village is a great Mexican restaurant with delicious food at decent prices. The atmosphere is family-oriented and electric, perfect for intimate gatherings. The menu is simple but satisfying, with a must-try cheese dip. The staff is professional and welcoming, making your dining experience enjoyable. Conveniently located near hotels, it's a top recommendation for authentic Mexican cuisine and mango margaritas. Enjoy a casual dining experience with easy parking and handicap accessibility.“

“Texican Cafe offers a delightful Tex-Mex dining experience with its old Spanish-style decor, cozy booths, and full-service bar. The menu features a variety of classic Tex-Mex dishes, including enchiladas, stuffed avocado, and tortilla soup. The service is efficient, and the restaurant is popular with both locals and visitors. While the margarita flight may not have lived up to expectations, the food is consistently delicious, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. With ample parking and a family-friendly atmosphere, Texican Cafe is a great choice for those craving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine.“

“Torchy's Tacos is a popular restaurant known for its delicious flavors and welcoming atmosphere. The fajita tacos are a highlight, though some customers find the portion size a bit small. The establishment is praised for its friendly staff, who cater well to the local athletic community. Despite limited cell coverage, Torchy's Tacos offers a great dining experience.“

“Baby Acapulco is a hidden gem that serves delicious food and drinks in a casual atmosphere. While the restaurant may not have a flashy exterior, the service is warm and welcoming. The menu features a variety of options, including the popular queso compuesto, which is a must-try. The queso compuesto is so good that you'll want to order two. Other popular dishes include the mixed fajita, which is a great option for groups, and the "cowboy enchiladas" which are carne guisada enchiladas that are unlike anything you've ever had before. The drinks are also worth trying, with recommendations for the purple margarita and the coconut margarita. The patio area is dog-friendly, but be aware that it can get very sunny. Overall, Baby Acapulco is a great choice for a fun and satisfying meal.“

“Mellizoz in Cruzteca offers delicious food including migas burrito and queso with tasty chips and salsas. They have vegetarian and vegan options, all reasonably priced. The restaurant is kid-friendly with a big parking lot. Known for excellent service, Mellizoz catering is highly recommended for weddings.“

“Mama Betty's Tex-Mex y Cantina serves outstanding food in an amazing atmosphere. The staff is phenomenal, ensuring a great dining experience whether with family or for a quick lunch. Freshly made tortillas are a highlight, and the restaurant is a great spot for groups of all ages, with excellent service that anticipates every need.“

“Grizzelda's offers excellent food, service, and ambience, with a cool vibe and good drinks. However, the noise level indoors can be overwhelming. The prices are a bit high, especially for the quality of some dishes. The fish tacos were bland, but the enchiladas were tasty. The guacamole was a highlight. The service was decent, although a bit rushed. The fajitas, corn, and guacamole were excellent, but the barbacoa was lacking in flavor. Overall, it's a mixed experience with some hits and misses in terms of food and service.“

“Torchy's Tacos is a restaurant known for serving some of the best tacos, with balanced food at reasonable prices. It is wheelchair accessible and offers a kid-friendly environment, making it a great spot for families. The restaurant is a popular choice for many, with consistent and accurate orders, and a comfortable seating area. It is often visited by locals, including a cheer gym nearby, who appreciate its welcoming atmosphere. The bar serves refreshing drinks to accompany the delicious meals.“

“Salsa Limón is a popular Mexican restaurant in Austin that offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. The frozen and on-the-rocks margaritas are praised, and the asada quesadilla is a customer favorite, with well-seasoned beans and rice. The restaurant is known for its great prices, friendly service, and cold beers and cocktails, making it a local favorite.“

“Kesos Tacos is a favorite spot for many regulars. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making it a comforting place to visit after a long day. The menu offers a variety of delicious options, with the Big Tall Gringo and Baja-shrimp tacos standing out. The queso is a must-try and has kept customers coming back for years. Overall, Kesos Tacos is a community gem known for its great food and service.“

“Nasha offers a creative menu with dishes like Tikka Nachos with Paneer and Aloo Gobi Enchiladas with Tikka sauce, which are out of this world. The patio and bar areas are cute and inviting. The restaurant also serves garlic nan, tikka masala, and millionaires curry, which can be shared. With a lively music selection and perfect service, Nasha is a great spot for a good time, good food, and good company.“

“Torchy's Tacos is a popular restaurant known for its delicious tacos, rice and beans, and nookies. However, some customers have reported inconsistencies in the quality of their food, particularly with the breakfast tacos. While the brand itself has a strong reputation, certain locations have faced issues with incorrect orders, cold food, and undercooked potatoes in the breakfast tacos. Despite these concerns, Torchy's Tacos remains a favorite among many customers, with the potential to improve the consistency of its offerings.“

“VIVO is a restaurant known for its delicious and flavorful dishes. The chips and salsa are a must-try, highly regarded by customers. The hibiscus margarita and queso are popular choices for starters. The beef quesadilla, chicken and beef enchiladas are some of the main dishes that have received positive feedback. The vegetarian squash and pepper dish is also a recommended option. The Verde sauce and Verde enchiladas are not to be missed. The restaurant's service and recommendations, such as those provided by Dani, have been praised for being fantastic and helpful. The Mexican cannoli is a unique and popular dessert. Overall, VIVO is a great dining option that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.“

“Javi's Best Of Tex Mex is a gem worth supporting, especially during busy times. The deluxe queso, tortilla soup, and prickly pear margarita are simply yummy and available for takeout. While some dishes like enchiladas could use a more traditional cheese, the rice, beans, and flautas are delish. The bustling lunch rush is a testament to the delicious food this place offers, making it a must-try near the Austin airport.“

“Torchy's Tacos near Crux Climbing Gym in Austin offers awesome tacos like green chile pork. The staff, including Bryce, Alex, and Nate, provide top-notch service, making the experience enjoyable. Limited parking is available at this location. Nate's exceptional service at the Burnett location makes it a standout spot for delicious food in a cool setting.“

“Maudie's Hacienda is a Tex-Mex restaurant known for its tasty fare and accommodating service. Guests love the Chicken Tomatillo Enchiladas and Diablo queso. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience. For those with allergies, the restaurant goes above and beyond to provide suitable options like modified protein bowls. The ambiance is welcoming, and the food, like the combination Fajitas and flan, is highly praised. With ample parking available in a big shopping complex, Maudie's Hacienda is a recommended spot for flavorful Tex-Mex dishes.“

“Serranos Cocina y Cantina is a restaurant known for its Pollo Perfecto dish and queso. The Pollo Perfecto, as its name suggests, is generally considered a great chicken meal, while the queso is a popular starter. The menu also features beef and chicken fajitas that have received positive feedback. The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere, and the staff is often described as friendly and attentive. However, there have been some complaints about food quality and service. The restaurant has a traditional Mexican decor and has undergone renovations in the past. Despite some inconsistencies, Serranos is still considered a worthwhile option for those in the area.“

“El Paisanito, a neighborhood food trailer, offers great flavors and good meals, especially later at night. The Cuban sandwich and torta are top favorites among customers. While some prefer crispier fries, the overall experience is delightful. With friendly service, this food truck stands out with its burgers, breakfast options, and quick service. A go-to spot for delicious food at reasonable prices, El Paisanito is appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere and variety of menu items.“

“Taco Shack is a restaurant that offers breakfast tacos, which can be enjoyed with either corn or flour tortillas. The breakfast tacos have a great taste and are reasonably priced. In addition to the tacos, they also serve potato egg & cheese on flour and bean and cheese options, which are delicious. The restaurant also offers fresh iced tea that goes well with any meal. In the morning, Taco Shack opens at 6:30 am, giving customers an early start to their day. However, it's important to note that the restaurant has a policy of closing at 2 pm, and customers are expected to finish their meals and leave before then. The staff at Taco Shack have been described as friendly and attentive, providing good service to their customers. However, there have been some complaints about a particular employee who was abrasive towards customers. Despite this, Taco Shack remains a popular spot for customers seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.“

“El Mercado Restaurant has been a favorite since the 80s, offering delicious food and excellent service. Customers love the nachos and margaritas, while the staff, including Yvonne, are always friendly and accommodating. The restaurant even has a dog-friendly patio. With a mix of blues, soul, and classic rock playing in the background, it's a great place to enjoy a meal and maybe even break out into song with friends.“

“Taqueria Morelos is a small restaurant off the highway, offering delicious breakfast tacos and plates. The service is friendly and attentive, with a kind and caring staff. The menu includes chorizo egg tacos, pastor tacos with nopales, bacon and potato tacos, and more. The salsa, both red and green, complements the meals well. Prices are reasonable, and the cozy interior provides a comfortable seating area. It is recommended to arrive early, as the restaurant can fill up quickly. The portions are generous, with two tacos being a satisfying meal for some customers. Overall, Taqueria Morelos is a delightful hidden gem for a delicious breakfast.“

“I always see one of my fellow foodies, Sir Laurence, at this taco truck so I knew that it had to be decent and decided to give it a try. I ordered the chicharron tacos and which were phenomenal! Oh man, you talkin' about packed with delectable awesomeness! You can dine-out under a Gazebo which is nice especially during hot sultry summer days. The only problem that I have with Tino's is the location. It's really tough to get into if you're traveling west on Hwy 290, especially during peak traffic hours. Nevertheless, I'll be back!“

“Torchy's Tacos offers tasty food, with salmon tacos and queso being a favorite. The staff, particularly Caroline, goes above and beyond to provide excellent service, making the dining experience enjoyable. Whether accommodating vegan requests or ensuring orders are correct, the staff, especially Caroline, shines with patience and efficiency.“

“El Patio Restaurant offers a nostalgic atmosphere, thanks to its current manager, who has a good relationship with coworkers. The food is good, but can be hit or miss depending on personal taste. While the service is generally good, it can be slow at times. Despite some decline in quality, the restaurant still has its charm, and its $20 pitchers of margaritas on Thursdays are a draw.“

“I visited Lion's Muny today to practice putting, chipping, purchase a logo cap and eat at Cisco's.I was starving so I grabbed two chicken tacos and an unsweetened iced tea. Silvia is super friendly and the kitchen somehow served up my food super fresh and fast. The chicken was moist. The crispy shells were excellent quality. Watch out, the red salsa was a bit spicy, but no worries they have sour cream to smooth it out.Their menu was way more extensive than I expected. Call ahead to make sure that when you visit they are serving the full menu.I visited at 1:30 on a Wed and it was about 90°. It wasn't crowded being so close to the Capital. Very comfortable and I even found a shady spot to practice my chipping.“

“Chuy's is an all-around great place to eat, serving huge burritos, delicious enchiladas, and refreshing drinks like the Shirley Temple. The restaurant is kid-friendly, with a special menu and cute decorations. It can accommodate large parties and offers decent vegetarian options. With plenty of parking and amazing quality food at fantastic prices, Chuy's is a great dining spot.“

“Chuy's, a Tex-Mex restaurant, offers a mixed dining experience. While the employees are described as friendly and the bar is well-stocked, the food quality seems inconsistent. The chimichanga is praised as lighter and better than expected, but the hatch chili sauce is found lacking in flavor and spice. The presentation of the plate is also noted as disappointing, with no beans included. Overall, Chuy's provides a lively atmosphere with a capable bartender, but the food quality may not meet all customers' expectations.“

“Maudie's Tex-Mex offers a diverse menu with several vegetarian options, though the quality of food and service can be inconsistent. The restaurant is known for its nice ambiance and clean facilities, but some customers have reported issues with temperature control and mediocre margaritas. However, the catering services have received high praise for their attentive staff and delicious food.“

“Maudie's Too offers exceptional Tex-Mex cuisine at reasonable prices, making it a local favorite in Austin. The restaurant's atmosphere is lively, with a bustling bar area, though the limited seating can be a downside. While the food quality is consistently high, some guests have reported concerns about cleanliness, particularly in the bathrooms. Overall, Maudie's Too provides a enjoyable dining experience, especially for special occasions.“