Texas is a haven for Tex-Mex. From the bustling streets of Houston to the vibrant city of Dallas to the rugged landscapes out West, you’ll find a plethora of eateries, from cozy holes in the walls to well-established restaurants, all serving up the most delectable, cheese-laden enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, and flavorful tacos you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
However, if you find yourself in the state capital of Austin anytime soon, here are a few top-notch Tex-Mex eateries you don’t want to miss. The list was curated based on native popularity, longevity, quality food and drinks, and price.
1. Eldorado Cafe
A local favorite, Eldorado Cafe has been serving some of the best Tex-Mex in the city since its opening in the summer of 2017. The food is delicious, and the cocktails are out of this world.
Founders Chef Joel Fried, formerly of TacoDeli, another beloved Austin institute, and Joanna Fried hit it out of the park with this North Shoal Creek establishment. The menu boasts staples like scrumptious enchiladas suiza (my favorite), Alambre street tacos, and a classic chili relleno. The menu also features vegan dishes that are just as tasty and an array of different salsas that everyone will love.
2. La Cocina de Conseulo
If you blink, you might miss this tiny hidden treasure in central Austin. La Cocina de Consuelo, initially opened by the spirited Consuelo at 63, is now lovingly run by her niece, Letty Garcia.
If you’re craving a classic breakfast burrito rather than tacos, Consuelo’s is the place to get one of the best in the city. The stuffed tortillas are bursting at the seams with perfectly cooked potatoes, crispy bacon or chorizo, melted cheese, and so much more. Don’t forget to order the potato enchiladas with their homemade chili chipotle sauce– you’ll regret it.
3. Vivo
I have spent several birthdays at Vivo in The Linc in Central Austin. This spot serves up some traditional Tex-Mex with a touch of San Antonio. Guests can choose between puffy tacos, traditional enchiladas, fajita tacos, and so much more.
They also have extensive Mezcal and Tequila selections, making your meal even more unforgettable. Located right off Interstate 35 in the heart of the city, Vivo is easily accessible and offers plenty of parking.
4. Enchiladas y Mas
What could Enchiladas y Mas offer? Oh, right, enchiladas and so much more, but you’d be wise to try the homemade enchiladas the first time you stop by. This neighborhood eatery has been serving platters of cheesy goodness for over a decade, and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon.
In addition to the food, they also have a margarita that will knock you into next week, so be prepared to take an Uber home.
5. Mi Madre’s
Another highlight of the Austin Tex-Mex scene is Mi Madre’s, just a short walk from the University of Texas football field. This pillar of a restaurant offers sizzling fajitas, massive burritos, and some of the most delicious crunchy tacos with picadillo you’ve ever had.
We’re big fans of stopping by here after a morning walk around Town Lake and grabbing huevos rancheros and a plate of steaming migas. They offer indoor and outdoor seating services and online takeout ordering services.
6. Tamale House East
I was heartbroken when the original Tamale House on Airport Blvd closed. However, with its reopening on Austin’s Eastside, I can now enjoy their flavorful tamales whenever I want.
In addition to tamales, guests can also savor Austin staples such as migas, enchiladas, and tacos. Tamale House has been a part of our Tex-Mex tradition for over 60 years.
7. Julio’s Cafe
Julio’s Cafe has been serving high-quality Tex-Mex to Austin residents since 1983. Located in Hyde Park, it boasts an excellent patio where you can savor a refreshing margarita or beer.
This restaurant always impresses me. From their highly praised green enchiladas to their renowned roasted chicken, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the delicious flavors in every dish.
8. La Posada Mexican Restaurant
Located in South Austin, La Posada has been feeding Austinites for many years. This easy-going Tex-Mex spot is known for its combo plates, such as the Super Combo, which features beef or chicken fajitas, cheese enchiladas, tamales topped with enchilada sauce and melted cheese, beef or chicken tacos, rice, beans, guacamole salad, and tortillas, all for the low price of $13.99.
They’re also famous for their enchilada platters and breakfast tacos, but make sure you order one of their margaritas while you’re there. You won’t be disappointed.
9. El Arroyo
By this time, El Arroyo (meaning the ditch) might very well be a household name, considering how well-known they have become with their funny and, often, irreverent marquis in their parking lot. Regardless of how witty their daily sign is, they also serve some great food.
Their menu features creamy queso, excellent salsas available in jars, a Cancun avocado stuffed with steamed spinach, black beans, roasted corn, mushrooms, pico de gallo, queso fresco, and everything in between.
10. El Alma
El Alma on Barton Springs Road is one of my favorite restaurants in the spring before the heat becomes unbearable. The reason? Their rooftop deck and the stunning views it offers at night. They are almost as impressive as the food and cocktails at El Alma.
Chef Alma Alcocer draws from her classic culinary training and Mexico City roots to create unique tacos like the Adobo Shrimp, filled with pineapple, slaw, perfectly seasoned shrimp, avocado, and lime. Their margaritas aren’t too bad, either.
11. DeNada Cantina
I may be biased as a part-owner of this lively taco joint, but since it was established in 2021, DeNada Cantina has been serving some of the most flavorful Mexican-style street tacos north of the Rio Grande. The cantina is situated in deep east Austin and boasts authentic architectural elements imported directly from Mexico.
Guests can choose from a variety of tacos served on homemade blue corn tortillas and accompanied by a selection of three fabulous salsas. Options include juicy carnitas, savory shrimp or fish tacos, and vegetarian choices like my favorite, the Calabacitas. Don’t miss out on the delicious queso and the killer margaritas they serve. And make sure to grab a “pink cup” before you leave!
12. Guero’s Taco Bar
Guero’s Taco Bar, situated in the heart of South Congress, has been slinging tacos and delicious mojitos for over two decades in Austin. When the Central Feed and Seed store closed in 1993, Guero’s owners bought the building in hopes of expanding the modest taqueria they already had on the East side.
Locals and visitors flock to this bustling joint to enjoy frosty cold ones, hand-shaken margaritas, burrito plates, beef and chicken fajitas, and some tasty chalupas. If the food isn’t enticing enough, live bands often entertain patrons every weekend and most weekday nights.
13. Licha’s Cantina
I first learned about Licha’s Cantina when researching restaurants for my husband’s 40th surprise birthday party, and I am so glad I did. Not only did they provide excellent catering service, but they’re also a fabulous East Austin eatery.
Known for their Mexico City-style street food and delicious Mezcal cocktails, Licha’s never disappoints in satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings. I highly recommend their lengua (beef tongue) tacos, which are served on a skillet with guajillo peanut salsa.
