Austin, Texas, is a city celebrated for its vibrant culture, live music, and, of course, its exceptional food scene. Among the diverse culinary offerings, Mexican cuisine stands out as a true staple. From traditional Tex-Mex joints to innovative modern Mexican eateries, Austin boasts a rich tapestry of flavors waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor eager to dive into the heart of Austin’s gastronomic delights, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through the best Mexican restaurants this city has to offer.
Mexican food in Austin isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s an experience. It’s about the sizzle of fajitas, the comforting warmth of handmade tortillas, and the refreshing zest of a perfectly crafted margarita. It’s about family recipes passed down through generations and innovative chefs pushing culinary boundaries. In this guide, we’ll navigate through some of the most beloved and highly-rated Mexican restaurants in Austin, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your next craving. Get ready to discover your new favorite Mexican food destination in Austin!
ATX Cocina
Delicious barbacoa short rib at ATX Cocina in Austin, a top modern Mexican restaurant
For a truly refined and modern take on Mexican cuisine, ATX Cocina is a must-visit. This downtown gem offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to using heirloom corn tortillas, crafted by hand from non-GMO corn sourced from small family farms in Mexico. This dedication to quality shines through in every dish.
Start your culinary adventure with their exceptional salsa sampler or the creamy guacamole, perfectly paired with those exquisite corn tortillas. For main courses, the verduras, a medley of Brussels sprouts with verde chorizo and green mole, is a delightful vegetarian option. Don’t miss the smashed papas bravas, featuring smoked chili aioli and fried herbs, or the incredibly tender barbacoa beef short rib – a dish that’s consistently praised by diners. While ATX Cocina leans towards the higher end in terms of price, the quality of the food and the elegant ambiance make it well worth the splurge. Take advantage of their daily happy hour for a taste of their menu at a more accessible price point, and consider their Friday lunch service for a midday treat.
Eldorado Cafe
Takeout from Eldorado Cafe in Austin, showcasing their convenient curbside service
Eldorado Cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Known for its user-friendly online ordering and efficient curbside delivery, Eldorado Cafe makes enjoying delicious Mexican food incredibly convenient. Their menu is thoughtfully designed, clearly marking items that contain gluten and those susceptible to cross-contamination, making it easy for diners with dietary considerations to navigate their choices.
The Carnitas Cubanos, featuring crispy pork roasted in a flavorful citrus garlic mojo, is a standout dish. It comes accompanied by pickled red onion, pico de gallo, guacamole, and your choice of two sides. The Eldorado Rice and Las Calabasas (butternut squash hash) are highly recommended side options. For those craving enchiladas, the Beef Enchiladas are another popular choice. With a diverse menu and a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients, Eldorado Cafe is a fantastic option for a satisfying and fuss-free Mexican meal in Austin.
Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon
Fresh guacamole at Fresa's in Austin, a popular spot for wood-grilled chicken
Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon has quickly become an Austin favorite, known for its delicious wood-grilled chicken and vibrant atmosphere. With two locations in Austin, including the bustling South First spot with its convenient take-out window, beautiful patio, and lively bar, Fresa’s offers a versatile dining experience. The restaurant prides itself on serving authentic Mexican flavors in a casual yet stylish setting.
The wood-grilled chicken is undoubtedly the star of the show, offering a smoky and savory taste that keeps customers coming back for more. Complement your chicken with their fresh guacamole, best enjoyed with corn tortillas. The chimichurri skirt steak and grilled achiote & citrus chicken dinners are also highly recommended for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Fresa’s is the perfect place to enjoy delicious Mexican food in a relaxed and enjoyable environment, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout.
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine brings the vibrant flavors of Latin America to Austin. With locations including a popular spot at The Domain, Gloria’s offers a diverse menu that goes beyond traditional Mexican fare, incorporating influences from across Latin America. Known for its lively atmosphere and consistently good food, Gloria’s is a reliable choice for a group dinner or a fun night out.
A standout dish at Gloria’s is their hand-made tamales, steamed in banana leaves and filled with chicken, potatoes, and bell peppers. Their black beans and rice are also highly praised as perfect accompaniments. While the menu offers a wide array of options, the tamales are a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Latin flavors. Don’t forget to explore their margarita menu for a perfect drink pairing to complete your meal.
Grizzelda’s
A flavorful taco from Grizzelda's, known for its eclectic decor and strong margaritas
Grizzelda’s is as much about the ambiance as it is about the food. This East Austin hotspot boasts an eclectic and visually stunning space that makes it a favorite recommendation for visitors. The restaurant’s vibrant decor and lively atmosphere create a fun and memorable dining experience. Known for their potent frozen margaritas, Grizzelda’s is the perfect spot for a celebratory dinner or a fun night out with friends.
The menu offers a variety of delicious Mexican dishes, with the picadillo tacos featuring Jacoby aged ground beef being a standout favorite. The corn tortillas are highly praised for their authenticity and flavor. Due to its popularity, making a reservation for dinner at Grizzelda’s is highly recommended. Prepare for a lively and flavorful experience in one of Austin’s most visually captivating restaurants.
Guero’s Taco Bar
Outdoor patio at Guero’s Taco Bar in Austin, a great spot for live music and casual dining
Guero’s Taco Bar is an Austin institution located in the heart of South Congress. Famous for its lively patio area, often featuring live music, Guero’s offers a quintessential Austin experience. While known as a popular spot for entertainment and drinks, their food menu also holds its own, offering a range of classic Tex-Mex dishes.
While perhaps more recognized for its atmosphere and entertainment, Guero’s also serves up solid Mexican fare. Their chips and salsa are a reliable starter, perfect for enjoying on the patio while soaking in the Austin vibe. With a diverse menu and a prime location, Guero’s is a great choice for a casual and entertaining dining experience in Austin, especially on a sunny afternoon or evening when live music fills the air.
La Condesa
Takeout kit from La Condesa in Austin, highlighting their modern Mexican to-go options
La Condesa, located in downtown Austin, is a sophisticated and stylish restaurant offering modern Mexican cuisine. Known for its chic ambiance and innovative dishes, La Condesa is a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a refined dining experience. The restaurant’s menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Their taco kits, perfect for takeout, have become increasingly popular, offering a taste of La Condesa’s culinary excellence at home. The barbacoa cooked in banana leaf and the grilled mushrooms with mint chimichurri are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to unique and delicious flavor profiles. With its central location and high-quality modern Mexican cuisine, La Condesa is a standout dining destination in Austin.
Lupe Tortilla
Spicy Chicken Enchiladas at Lupe Tortilla, a Tex-Mex favorite in Austin
Lupe Tortilla is a beloved Tex-Mex chain in Austin, known for its generous portions, flavorful dishes, and lively atmosphere. A family-friendly favorite, Lupe Tortilla offers a wide-ranging menu of classic Tex-Mex staples, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The restaurant is particularly praised for its consistent quality and vibrant, energetic environment.
Start your meal with their renowned tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa, and bean dips. For main courses, the Lime Pepper Beef Fajitas and Carne Asada are popular choices, delivering classic Tex-Mex flavors. The Barbacoa Tacos and Spicy Chicken Enchiladas are also highly recommended for a satisfying and flavorful experience. Don’t miss out on their margaritas, available in skinny, frozen, and regular varieties, to complete your Tex-Mex feast.
Manuel’s Regional Mexican Cuisine
Manuel’s Regional Mexican Cuisine offers a more refined and authentic Mexican dining experience. With a focus on regional specialties and traditional recipes, Manuel’s provides a taste of Mexico beyond the typical Tex-Mex fare. The restaurant prides itself on its knowledgeable staff and commitment to showcasing the diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine.
While the menu features a wide variety of dishes, the enchiladas de mole and pescado a la Veracruzana are particularly recommended for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors. Manuel’s provides a more upscale and culturally rich dining experience, perfect for those looking to explore the depth and breadth of Mexican cuisine in Austin.
Maudie’s Tex Mex
Maudie's Tex Mex in Austin, a long-standing favorite for classic Tex-Mex and margaritas
Maudie’s Tex Mex is an Austin institution, serving up classic Tex-Mex dishes and strong margaritas for decades. A local favorite, Maudie’s is known for its comfortable, neighborhood vibe and consistently satisfying food. It’s a go-to spot for Austinites seeking familiar and comforting Tex-Mex flavors.
Popular dishes at Maudie’s include the Carnitas Tacos, Seasoned Beef Soft Tacos, and Beef Lover’s Enchiladas. The Taco Salads and Skinny Sheryl’s are also great options for lighter fare. With its long history and loyal following, Maudie’s Tex Mex is a quintessential Austin dining experience, perfect for a casual meal or a relaxed gathering with friends.
Suerte
Delicious gluten-free tacos at Suerte restaurant in Austin, known for its innovative cuisine
Suerte is an innovative and acclaimed restaurant in East Austin, celebrated for its modern approach to Mexican cuisine and its dedication to using heirloom corn. The restaurant has garnered significant attention for its unique flavor combinations and its commitment to showcasing the diversity of Mexican ingredients and culinary techniques.
The Suadero tacos, featuring confit brisket, black magic oil, and avocado salsa crude, are a signature dish that perfectly exemplifies Suerte’s creative approach. The goat barbacoa and grilled sweet papas are also highly recommended for a taste of their inventive menu. For a truly unique and upscale Mexican dining experience in Austin, Suerte is an exceptional choice.
Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos in Austin, a popular taco chain with a wide variety of creative tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is an Austin-based taco chain that has achieved cult-like status for its creative and often indulgent taco combinations. With numerous locations throughout the city, Torchy’s is a convenient and consistently delicious option for a quick and satisfying meal. Known for its “damn good tacos” and playful menu, Torchy’s is a must-try for anyone visiting or living in Austin.
With a vast menu of tacos, there’s something for every palate at Torchy’s. From the Trailer Park to the Brushfire, their tacos are known for being flavorful and generously filled. The queso and chips are also a popular side order. For a casual and tasty taco experience that truly embodies Austin’s food scene, Torchy’s Tacos is an essential stop.
Explore Austin’s Mexican Food Scene
Austin’s Mexican restaurant scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From upscale dining experiences to casual taco joints, there’s a Mexican restaurant to satisfy every craving and occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Tex-Mex, modern Mexican cuisine, or regional specialties, Austin’s culinary landscape has it all. So, venture out and explore these fantastic restaurants and discover your own favorite spots in the vibrant world of Austin Mexican food.
