Although I do feel that Austin started the breakfast taco revolution, there’s actually not a lot of true Tex-Mex cuisine in Austin. I can say that because I’m from Houstoun, a city full of Tex-Mex classics like El Tiempo and the original Pappasito’s. That being said, there are so many fantastic Mexico City-style and interior Mexican restaurants in town. I’ve put together a list (in no particular order) of my favorite new and old Mexican restaurants and the few Tex-Mex options that get my seal of approval in town. I didn’t include any taco-only joints, just restaurants so if you want a list of the best tacos, click here for my guide!
The Best Tex-Mex & Mexican Restaurants in Austin
Tex-Mex
Mama Betty’s – Like I said before, there’s not a lot of true Tex-Mex in Austin, but after visiting Mama Betty’s, I can proclaim these to be the best fajitas in town. They have all the classics like Chile con Queso, Nachos, Quesadillas, and Enchiladas, but the Mesquite-Grilled Fajitas are what you’re ordering. The margaritas are great, too!
La Piscina – The Austin Proper’s La Piscina serves a ton of fresh seafood, as well as some of the priciest fajitas that I believe are worth it because they remind me of El Tiempo in Houston. I love the Mezcal Skinny Marg, Achiote Marinated Chicken Fajitas that comes on a sizzling grill with melted cheese and all the fixings — the melted cheese is what makes us all come back for these guys — Lobster Quesadilla, and Proper Guacamole!
ATX Cocina – Another Tex-Mex spot that’s more on the expensive side, ATX Cocina has a nice, airy, square bar that’s great for people watching and sipping on cocktails. Order the Hamachi and Queso Fundido.
Old Austin
Fonda San Miguel – Everyone has near and dear feelings about Fonda San Miguel. It’s more than 50 years old, and the building makes you feel like you are actually in someone’s home in Mexico. Go for the Enchiladas and Calabacita.
Matt’s El Rancho – This is the godfather of Austin Tex-Mex and a well-oiled machine. I’d say it’s the number one spot out-of-towners and locals populate every day of the week. You’ll literally discover a new room every visit in this stereotypical Texas-sized restaurant. The table will love the classic Bob Armstrong dip, and you have to get the nachos. It’s the only thing I order here!
Güero’s Taco Bar – Located on South Congress, Güero’s is one of the few local restaurants still alive on the street. You can get solid Tex-Mex and fresh margs, but the real treat here is the live music at the outdoor bar, which you can catch Wednesday through Sunday every week.
Maudie’s – An Austin classic that locals and high schoolers have been diving into for years. If you’re in the mood for classic Tex-Mex and want all the options with no frills (I don’t think there is one piece of art in the South Lamar location), then this is a great option! Think Nachos, Tacos, Enchiladas, and Fajitas. I also like their Caldo Tortilla Soup, Tamale Breakfast Taco, and Grilled Shrimp Tacos.
Manuel’s – I stumbled into this downtown spot my first week of college with four I had just met. One of them used a fake British accent to convince our waiter we had “left our passports” in the hotel and were 21. I’m sure I turned bright red, but I still got my first margarita! ANYWAY, these may be the best nachos in the city. The chips are individually dressed, which is very important to me, and you can even top them with fresh crab.
Tamale House – I had the best Birria tacos I’ve ever had in Austin here. Not to mention, the backyard has a gorgeous teal staircase and patio seating that feels like a Mexico City jungle with plants, hot pink walls on the house, and colors galore. It’s a great backyard to host a party, I’d say! I love the frozen margaritas in the big glasses as they’re not too sweet, yet really cool you down. I also love the green enchiladas. For a spot mostly known for breakfast, come here for a taco and a marg instead with no wait!
El Borrego de Oro – The biggest hole-in-the-wall on this list, you’ll never have a problem getting seated during brunch or lunch. I order the Tortilla Soup with rice every time.
Habanero Cafe – This authentic Tex-Mex spot is only open for breakfast and lunch. It’s pretty small, so you can expect to have a wait. These are some of the best chicken fajitas in town, and don’t miss their giant Horchata.
Polvo’s – This was the first Tex-Mex restaurant where I found Fish Fajitas, which are sizzling and incredible. You can watch the tortillas being made from scratch inside, and help yourself to the DIY salsa and escabeche bar.
Cisco’s – Willie Nelson and Lyndon B. Johnson used to eat here, so you probably should, too. The back rooms are full of history, and the buttered biscuits and migas are my favorite.
Interior and Modern Mexican
Suerte – As one of the most talked about Mexican spots on the east side, they offer a great happy hour and buzzy dining room with locals and visitors at all times. You can taste that they make their own masa, and I’d choose this for a weekend night out with friends or for a date. I normally prefer seafood over meat, but this place makes me crave meat for days thanks to their Smoked Goat Barbacoa, where you DIY your own build with their tortillas and salsa and the Suadero Tacos with Confit Wagyu Brisket and Black Magic Oil.
De Nada Cantina – Known for their hot pink plastic cups filled with strong margaritas, this is the most fun place to eat queso, drink margs, and order a couple tacos with your crew.
La Condesa – This restaurant started the revolution of nicer restaurants opening on 2nd Street 15 years ago, and since then, a number of pretty successful chefs have come out of this kitchen to open their own places like Suerte, Launderette, and L’Oca d’Oro. It is still a downtown hotspot before ACL live tapings and for large groups — the subterranean Flour House that seats 18 is the best and most intimate private dining room in Austin. La Condesa has my favorite Queso Flameado that might even be better than regular queso. I also recommend the Tuna Tostada, Hongos with Chimichurri, Esquites, and Churros.
Comedor – Chef Philip Speer’s upscale Mexican restaurant sits in the center of downtown with a lively atmosphere, fantastic mood lighting, and incredible high-end cocktails. The Bone Marrow Tacos offers a protein you might not be used to, but it still feels familiar in its taco form. Even if you are not a bone marrow fan, this changes your mind, plus it’s fun to add all the kale greens and sauces.
Licha’s Cantina – Licha’s is a little house on East 6th Street with a creative interior Mexican menu and front and back yard seating. There is often a wait here on weekends so beware. I like the Verduras Taco with sweet potatoes, and Tlaycoyos, which are black bean-filled blue corn masa cakes.
Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon – This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It’s very “new” Mexican with a lot of salad and veggie-heavy power bowl options with their signature wood-grilled chicken. You won’t find a collection of vegetable side options such as brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes like this at any other Mexican restaurant. You can also take home pints of their creamy and delicious ice cream.
Veracruz Fonda & Bar – Everyone talks about Veracruz’s breakfast tacos, but at their sit-down restaurant in Mueller — which won a Bib Gourmand award from Michelin — they’re expanding on their fresh, Veracruz cuisine with larger plates that I like, such as the open-faced Picadas, Mole Enchiladas, Calabacitas con Queso, fresh Shrimp Ceviche, and I can’t stop thinking about their flavorful rice and black beans! They have the best healthy-ish Agua Frescas, and I love the Cantaloupe flavor. They have specials every day, and it’s easy to get in on a weekday to enjoy high-quality food that’s a level above a food truck, while also ordering some mezcal cocktails. The staff couldn’t be kinder, and you can feel how happy they are to serve you.
El Alma – At this interior Mexican restaurant right on Barton Springs, take a seat on the rooftop and go for the enchiladas and ceviche with warm, homemade tostada chips.
Nixta Taquería – This James Beard and Michelin award-winning taquería is probably the first of its kind to have a back garden, delectable vegetarian taco offerings, homemade, natural wine, and a colorful backyard hangout that is casual yet doesn’t sacrifice the flavor or ingredients. Never miss the Duck Carnitas or the Carrot Tostada if it’s in season!
Eldorado Cafe – I love that this no-frills spot has a 45-minute wait regularly, even on a Tuesday, and that the menu has so many different options compared to other Mexican/Tex-Mex spots. I quill go back just for the incredibly tender Carne Asada Taco Bowl with fresh greens and black beans. Taste the freshness of every bite at Eldorado, chat with the kind staff that makes Austin feel like Austin, and the salsa sampler wins your initiation here with all 5 house salsas, made fresh every day.