The Tastiest Mexican in Austin

Habanero Mexican Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.3 (792) • $$

"Dining in as a tourist makes me feel like I got invited to the cool neighbor's party. Servers are always smiling and cracking jokes with the locals while moving so quickly. You'll notice everyone is eating something different - you know that's a great sign.AWESOME fajitas, if you take the food less traveled like me, GET THE TRIPAS FAJITAS. They made it crispy like I like it. If not, the beef or chicken rancheras will do just fine. Chile Relleno got a great balance of cheese and chicken that isn't dry and is well seasoned. If you're not from Texas, get the fries instead - it's the same fries in your fave Cali burrito - enough crisp on every frie and the goldilocks of thick/thin."

Licha's Cantina

★★★★☆ 4.1 (817) • $$

"Yummy Oaxacan Food with seemingly handmade masa items.The complimentary chips and dip are incredibly unique and delicious. They resemble creamy, spicy salsa aioli dips. Try it--you won't regret it! :)The chicken mole huarache ($15) was both filling and flavorful.The interior is adorned with lots of biblical decor, which is quite interesting. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available.Service was prompt! :)"

Pueblo Viejo

★★★★☆ 4.4 (651) • $

"The best horchata and breakfast tacos in Austin and also in my life!! Upbeat atmosphere with ample seating inside and out! They also have a whole bar and happy hour which I will come back to try ! Service is always quick and friendly and seriously You cannot leave here without the horchata!"

Papalote Taco House

★★★★☆ 4.3 (674) • $

"Hindsight is 20/20 but I deeply regret all the time I've spent driving down South Lamar and not stopping at Papalote. It has all the elements of a fantastic everyday kinda meal: Affordable, unpretentious, quick, homey, satisfying, and healthyish (if you want). Vegan options are slim but solid. Best of all, staff are very knowledgeable about the menu and can help when in doubt. You can't go wrong with the hongos y espazote tacos because seriously, mushrooms topped with avocado in tender corn tortillas? Say no more. The fried avocado taco (minus cheese) though, that's a real prize. Crispy on the outside and buttery inside, they're perfectly cooked and properly seasoned.In a town of many tacos, these are worthy contenders. Don't make my same mistake; stop in early and often."

Taco Joint

★★★★☆ 4.4 (622) • $

"We yelped, we came, we ate. Delicious steak tacos, the salsa and chips are keepers too."

Cabo Bob's Burritos

★★★★★ 4.5 (577) • $

"Brought one of my coworkers with me for lunch that had not been here. I've eaten here a few times it's always good always fresh can't go wrong brought him to experience and he loved it. He will definitely be back. Location was clean. Everything was moving quickly. Always a pretty steady, solid customer service experience and product is always fresh."

Casa Chapala Mexican Cuisine & Tequila Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (830) • $$

"I went here during organizational meeting. The staff doesn't judge you. This establishment serves traditional Mexican cuisine, yet it offers a few Vegetarian options. Furthermore, they can convert these Vegetarian options to Vegan options, upon request. What more can you ask?4 stars!"

Paco's Tacos

★★★★☆ 4 (706) • $$

"Best Salsa in town. The Mango Habenerro is AMAZING with the right amount of tangy heat. The service is always top notch, their coffee is fresh and hot. as an added bonus, if you dine in you will get to select your own unique coffee cup. Just like you are over at a friend's house. My order is always correct and the food is not only tasty, the servings are generous."

Rosita's al Pastor

★★★★☆ 4.1 (663) • $

"This was a fantastic spot for breakfast! I came here with my friends and had an amazing time. The tacos were packed with flavor, freshly made, and absolutely delicious. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the seasoning was just right. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to start the day. I'll definitely be coming back!"

Taquero Mucho

★★★★☆ 3.6 (779) • $$

"This is the cutest pink restaurant. The interior is adorable and there is also a nice outdoor area and a covered porch area with ceiling fans. Tons of cute spots to make pics for the 'gram. The drinks, chips and tacos were pink!While I loved all the pink and the fun vibe, I figured that was the "gimmick" and the food probably wouldn't be that great. Wrong! The drinks and food were quite tasty. Friendly service. Maybe a little slow but we were in no rush so no biggie.Recommend going on a weekday if possible, there weren't many people there so we could easily make pictures when and where we wanted to and be as silly as we wanted."

Taco Joint

★★★★☆ 4.4 (509) • $

"This is one of my favorite places to get tacos in Austin Texas. I know have been to both of their locations and it's safe to safe I am a fan I think spot is in my rotation when I come to Austin. Food: my go to taco is their beef fajita. My god, I am not sure how the season it but it's the best I've ever had. So much flavor and very tender. The breakfast taco that I always get is: bacon, egg, cheese and potato. So good and full of flavor. Their tacos are huge here! Yuge! 2-3 tacos from here and you will be stuffed for hours. This is my go to spot along with the other Location. We will be back soon."

Hecho En Mexico

★★★★☆ 3.8 (672) • $$

"First because it is a neighborhood restaurant, we walked to dinner and my route was shorter than my wife's choice to the meal by 6 minutes. So my Mole Poblano Pork Shank with black beans & rice was extra good. I celebrated with the La Hecho's Margarita with Tequila of the Centenario on the rocks & salt. My young daughter managed to break her child proof cup of milk and the staff was quick & attentive. The place after all these years still has the mojo for tasty authentic dishes."

Fuego Tortilla Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (576) • $

"i love fuegos - it was my go-to spot in college station when i was in college. i always get the el presidente or southern comfort tacos. the el presidente is packed with chargrilled chicken, smoked bacon, fried avocado, pico de gallo, jack cheese, and chipotle ranch - seriously, it's life-changing. the southern comfort is hand-breaded fried chicken with chipotle cream corn, crispy potatoes, grilled onions, and fresh country pepper gravy - so flavorful. the portions are huge, so i always wish i could order and eat both! you order at the counter, and they bring the food out fast - super easy. it's been too long since i've had it, and i'm so happy they have one in san marcos - the perfect place to eat after shopping at the outlet malls!"

Veracruz All Natural

★★★★☆ 4 (495) • $$

"Before my first visit to Austin last week, I had never had a breakfast taco in my life. I had heard of them, but was always a burrito gal myself. By the end of my trip, I was fully converted. I walked past Veracruz a few times during my stay, and on the last morning, it just felt right to go in. I'm so happy I did. The super cute menu on the wall grabbed my attention as a graphic designer... very nice touch. The woman who took my order was very sweet and welcoming. I wish I knew her name so I could give her a shoutout. I wasn't sure what to order, but went with my gut. I decided on the Migas and El Tradicional, both on corn tortillas, and a watermelon Agua Fresca. Turns out, I made the right choice. I took one of each of the salsas, used them all and loved all three. I was impressed with everything I ordered. The Migas was my favorite of the two tacos because the crunch inside gave it something extra special, but both were delicious. The watermelon Agua Fresca hit the spot as well. Loved that it was so large because hydration is life!Another perk is that you can walk through the lobby while waiting for your order and pick up a coffee from Alfred. Super convenient! I also loved eating outside, watching people walk by on a beautiful morning.I will be frequenting Veracruz when I return to Austin. Yes, I'm now moving here, and I'm not going to deny that breakfast tacos were involved in my decision to make Texas my new home."

Taco Flats - Burnet

★★★★☆ 3.8 (542) • $$

"This is the place for some delicious tacos! Props to James - our server - who made some awesome recommendations including a spicy margarita. So good!Casual environment. Bar seating - indoor seating - and patio options. Cute neighborhood vibe. I can't wait to go back."

El Taquito

★★★★☆ 3.8 (519) • $

"What's good in the world of Austin tacos? Well let me give you the 411! El Taquito is killing the game IMHO...a family friend and I decided we wanted to check out a few spots and this was the first...I almost said cancel the rest because El Taquito set the bar so high ...we went in to taste JUST tacos...no sides so here's the low lowWhat did we order?Campechana - this one had me from the jump...3 meats! Bistek,Carnitas and AL Pastor sheeeeesh Bistek Los Famosos - Steak...I would call it AsadaCarnitas - Awesome pork!How did it taste?Ummm damn good! I think that's a category. By far the Campechana was my favorite...the flavors were all on point and there's equal amounts of meat...complimented with the right portion of onions and cilantro!...keeping it classic is the way to my heart! The carnitas wooooo.. yessuh! Tasted fresh...they do make them to order...meaning it's not coming out of a warmer in to the tortilla. The Bistek was flavorful...only knock I had was it felt like they didn't cut the meat against the grain...big deal...chew a lil more it's still goodDid I mention the corn tortillas were FRESH MADE! Final pointsEl Taquito sits at the top of my list currently and it's because the food is super authentic ...the price of approximately $3.50 per taco and the amount of protein in the taco makes this a no Brainer! The fact that the corn tortillas are fresh made dammit man that's a winner....sorry no flour tortillas for a pureist! Like tacos...get yourself over to El Taquito..thank me later"

El Chile Café Y Cantina

★★★★☆ 3.6 (573) • $$

"Loved the vibe of this restaurant. It was full inside so we sat outside - it was really cute and boho vibes.I liked that the chips came with black bean sauce and spicy sauce, not your typical chips and salsa.Good portion sizes. I got the salmon taco. It was pretty lackluster. The salmon tasted really fishy and lacked any flavor really."

Amaya's Taco Village

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (642) • $$

"Food never disappoints! As close to Border Tex Mex as we can get. Quick pleasant service. Always busy but not too loud. Cute decor, a little worn but I didn't go there to eat the furniture! Will definitely go there again."

Papi's Pies

★★★★★ 4.8 (322) • $$

"I knew this place was gonna be good when the coffee tasted good. This is a family run place, which I love. The decor was so fun and unique. The food was outstanding and the service was great even though they were understaffed. You know this place cares and I can't recommend this place enough. I will be back!"

Tamale House East

★★★★☆ 3.6 (562) • $$

"You guys HAVE to come here oh my god. My wife and I were looking for brunch spots and this place came, what an amazing place. From the moment we walked in, everyone was so nice! Carmen was so nice and attentive to us, but so was everyone else I just didn't get a chance to get their names.This place looks incredible too! They have two separate outside seating, a small patio seating, and then the main inside which all look and feel wonderful. They have all these little plants all over the place that make it feel nice and homey as well. When you sit down, they also have QR codes on the table so you can order whatever you want, whenever you feel like, and it comes so quickly! But the food is the biggest reason to come here. I ordered the Pork Tamle with mole and WOW. The tamle was cooked perfect, it reminds me of the ones I would eat growing up, warm and tasty. Plus the mole was fantastic! The flavors blended together so well My wife had ordered the Moms Migas & Queso, this had to be the best thing on the menu. The cheese was melted perfectly, the eggs were so soft and fluffy, they even had small pieces of tortilla in it that I thought would make it taste funny but quite the opposite, it tasted perfect! It came with potatoes as well that were cooked perfect, nice and warm that complimented the eggs well.This place is a MUST for food or drink. You guys are missing out by not coming here, perfect Mexican food, perfect service. It's amazing"

Julio's Café

★★★★☆ 4 (451) • $$

"We were visiting the University of Texas and this was close by with good Yelp reviews. The area was Hyde Park, which was very cute. The lady who greeted was so nice! Since we were first time customers, she gave us free chips & salsa, which was delicious. I loved the thick and crispy chips and the salsa was perfect. I used it for my tacos too. I got the chicken taco plate, which I didn't know came with 2 tacos, and beans and rice. They are soft tacos and have lettuce and tomato on top of the marinated chicken and were yummy. I was very impressed with this little family restaurant. It seems to fill up after we arrived on a Saturday - seemed like the locals were taking advantage of their happy hour prices."

Pflugerville Taco House

★★★★★ 4.5 (333) • $

"Our Go-To Place for Mexican Food-- Not Tex-Mex. Friendly people. Go for breakfast and get "the Tower"- Its really good!"

Mi Ranchito

★★★★☆ 4.3 (363) • $

"Really enjoyable and tasty meal from their new and beautiful location. Large portions at an affordable price. Nachos-chips were thick but help up without getting soggy. Fajita chicken was absolutely delicious Beef ranchero enchiladas-delicious meet and sauceBunelos-a massive crispy dessert like a sopapia just not puffed upWhen I picked up the order the staff was very friendly Make sure to try all the self serve sauces as well"

Shore Raw Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (428) • $$

"I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher rating. We've been here a handful of times, and everything we've tried has been delicious. I love their shrimp poboys, but their Texan Steakhouse burger is by far the best burger in town! It's rich, salty, sweet, and spicy! The shrimp gumbo was also very delicious. They also have some of the best desserts in town. Don't miss out on the tres leches and the chocolate mousse. The service is great and pretty fast. I definitely recommend trying it even if you're not nearby, it's worth the drive."

Con Madre Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.2 (359) • $

"Best Al pastor tacos I've ever had. Service is great and fast. Try the lime water it's delicious!"

Casa Garcia's - William Cannon

★★★★☆ 3.5 (516) • $$

"One we were going to eat for breakfast was closed so we just happened to find this restaurant as an alternative. Well, a really good one.We got somewhat old time feeling after walking in like a 90' good old vibe. Clean and neat.The service was excellent and the food as you can see was super good. Big portions. And reasonable price.Definitely will come back again and try another dish!!!"

Los Chilakillers

★★★★★ 4.6 (291) • $$

"I have come to Los Chilakillers a couple of times for lunch now since I work near by. It's always packed (~10-20 min wait) and for a good reason. They have the best chilaquiles I have ever had and I order the Longhorn every time but change up my toppings. I usually get level 3 for spice level and it's the perfect amount of kick without having to constantly reach for water. The portion sizes are so generous that each order of chilaquiles becomes 3 solid meals for me. Despite the short wait, the service here is always excellent. Everyone is super friendly but sometimes the kitchen can be a little slow during peak hours. The music is lively and I love the colorful decor they have up. Since they are located in a strip mall parking is plenty and easy to find."

Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant #3

★★★★☆ 4.2 (348) • $$

"Ramos is my FAVORITE place to go for Tex-Mex! They have unbeatable prices, delicious food, sizable portions, and fantastic hospitality... what's not to love?!FAST FACTS:* Parking: located in a shopping center so there's plenty of parking available in the lot in front of the building* Online ordering: available for pickup at the restaurant* Delivery: available through third-party* Complimentary chips and salsa are served as soon as you sit down* They serve all-day breakfast!SERVICE - I've been to Ramos at least a dozen times and have always had amazing service! Even when they're busy, the servers constantly make sure you have drinks, chips, and everything else you need. The workers are friendly, accommodating, and make you feel like family. It makes a great food experience that much better!PRICING - Incredibly reasonable for the amount of food you get! The total for a large queso compuesto, combination #2 plate, combination #3 plate, Chipotle shrimp plate, and flan was $62.21 after tax and the portion sizes are HUGE!CHIPS AND SALSA (9/10) - Come prepared to eat your body weight in chips because they're that good! These are served complimentary when you sit down and they'll keep bringing them to you if you ask!The chips are the perfect thickness (no one likes a thin chip that breaks the second you dip it in salsa) and have a nice amount of salt. They're crispy and addictive in the best way! They are served with a red salsa and a jalapeño ranch... both of which are delicious with a slight kick!QUESO COMPUESTO (10/10) - It's a big bowl of cheese with pico, guac, and ground beef... aka it's amazing! I get this every time and always recommend it to others. If any of your entrees come with rice, pour some of this on top and thank me later!COMBINATION #2 (10/10) - This is always my go-to because you get to try so many different things! You get 2 cheese enchiladas with tex-mex sauce, 2 chicken flautas, one soft or crispy taco, and sour cream. It also comes with rice and your choice of beans and everything is delicious!COMBINATION #3 (9/10) - This one is for the enchilada lovers! Each enchilada has a different filling and is topped with a different sauce so it's a flavor explosion! This also comes with rice and your choice of beans.CHIPOTLE SHRIMP PLATE (10/10) - This is almost like a fajita on a plate (which is obviously a compliment). The shrimp are a good size and are tossed with the onion, bell peppers, and chipotles in adobo sauce which pack that delicious sweet and smoky flavor with a little heat. It's served over rice with a side of beans, lettuce, pico, and fresh avocado. This was my first time ordering this dish and I'll definitely get it again!HOMEMADE FLAN (9/10) - Yum! It's super sweet and decadent while also being light at the same time. It's a great sweet end to an already tasty meal!Ramos is one of the best kept secrets in North Austin! Be prepared... once you visit once, it will be the only place you want to visit for Tex-Mex!"

Azul Tequila

★★★★☆ 3.7 (432) • $$

"Great service and great Mexican food a decent price. Would go again. They have pretty drinks."

Juarez Mexican Restaurant & Bakery

★★★★☆ 3.9 (388) • $$

"Been to this place a few times and always absolutely enjoy being here. The service is always really good and it has a real laid-back chill vibe. This is the hole in the wall Mexican restaurant you have been looking for. The food is authentic and full of flavor. I definitely recommend coming here."

Sazón

★★★★☆ 3.8 (408) • $$

"Old school Tex-mex...This is classic Austin Texas-mex, the interior is pretty much what it used to be back when, as is the menu, and quite probably the prices too.Nothing that'll blow you away, but all happily satisfying."

El Borrego De Oro

★★★★☆ 4 (366) • $$

"The food here is amazing the vibe is smooth and relaxing the menu consists of your normal Tex Mex food it's original and tasty come try it."

Cisco's Restaurant Bakery & Bar

★★★★☆ 3.8 (401) • $$

"I and my friends were headed to a nearby dance pub and wanted to eat first. There were a lot of nearby restaurants within walking distance but we selected Cisco's based on the menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections all day long. I got the Cisco Special and really enjoyed everything on it. It had a big ol slab of fajita beef that I sliced up and had a bit with every bite. We got house margaritas on the rocks that were most welcome. My wife got the migas breakfast plate and said it was great too. Our server was grand and our six meals came out all together which was pleasant. As others have mentioned, the decor is a bit drab but the photos in the back room were fascinating. We enjoyed our visit and the reasonable prices. We'll be back."

Don Mario Mexican Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (353) • $$

"Lots of parking! Every time I drive by it's full of cars. There is paved parking, gravel parking and I've seen cars parked in the grass area. They have seating outside, and it's covered. Lots of space outside from what I could see. I walked up to the hostess desk, and they sat me right away. I sat down and an order of complimentary chips and salsa came to me right away. The salsa is warm, which was wonderful. And the chips were perfectly salted. The waiter took my food and drink order. I decided on the beef enchiladas.The beef enchiladas came 2, topped with cheese and lettuce and tomato on the side. Also came with Mexican rice and black beans. The black beans were mashed, not bean shaped. Sort of like refried beans. Not sure if that is how they serve black beans. They were good. I was expecting actual bean shaped and solid beans. The whole meal was delicious. I loved everything. Enchiladas were big. I only ate one. And took the second one home for lunch for the next day. Service was great. Good was great, price was moderate. A lot of food, good value. Totally will come back again. Happy that I gave them a try."

Texican Cafe - Menchaca

★★★★☆ 3.8 (382) • $$

"The place is deceptively big! So many rooms and tables, it's easy to get a table for two at any time.I've had great service when I come here. The servers are super friendly and will refill your chips and salsa so quickly!Ive had the chicken tortilla soup and the green chili soup and both are super flavorful. The bowl is humongous so if you want to share, get the large.The flauta plate is also a great choice as well. I've never had a bad meal here!"