9 Best Mexican Food Restaurants in Austin
Chris Kim
September 19, 2024Austin, Texas, is known for its amazing food, especially Mexican cuisine. From tasty tacos to flavorful enchiladas, Austin has many restaurants that serve delicious Mexican dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite at a taco stand or a fancy meal in a rooftop restaurant, Austin has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will explore nine of the best Mexican food restaurants in the city. These places are popular for their mouthwatering food, friendly service, and fun atmospheres. You’ll find a mix of traditional Mexican flavors and modern twists that make it unique.
List of 9 Authentic Mexican Food Places in Austin
Here is the list of top Mexican restaurants in Austin to enjoy a meal, whether you choose to dine in, take out, order for delivery, or grab curbside pickup:
1. ATX Cocina
ATX Cocina is a nice restaurant in Downtown Austin to enjoy a fancy meal. The food is really good, and the drinks go well with it. I suggest trying a few different dishes and sharing them with others. The tuna taquitos and pork belly sopes are delicious, and the crab-stuffed chile relleno is also very tasty. The menu has some unique choices. The service is great, and it makes the visit even better.
- 110 San Antonio St #170, Austin, TX 78701
- Website (512) 263-2322
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Friday to Saturday: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, and Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Dining Information
2. El Patio Restaurant
I recently visited El Patio for a quick lunch, and it turned out to be an amazing experience! This restaurant is a true hidden gem. The service was outstanding, especially from my waiter, Francis, who was friendly, efficient, and genuine. I tried the enchiladas with guacamole verde sauce—one was beef, and the other was chicken. I also had rice and beans on the side. I don’t often give a perfect score, but I really enjoyed everything! The chips were light and crispy, while the salsa had a tangy kick with a hint of smoked garlic. I loved it so much that they brought me another round. My main dish arrived hot, just the way I like it. The verde sauce was bright, tangy, and sweet, pairing perfectly with the chicken. The guacamole was fresh and made from scratch—not just mashed up. A big thank you to everyone for such a great lunch! The manager even stopped by to see how I was doing. She was cheerful and friendly, but I learned it was her last week. I hope she enjoys her next adventures.
- 2938 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
- Website (512) 476-5955
- Monday: Closed, Tuesday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, and Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Dining Information
3. La Piscina
La Piscina is a hidden gem located on the 5th floor of Austin Proper Hotel, making it a fantastic rooftop restaurant. The space is beautifully decorated, and the views are absolutely stunning. The service here was fantastic. Our server was friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. They started us off with some crispy tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole, which were delicious and full of flavor. I ordered the Alberto beer on tap, which I enjoyed, and the Watermelon margarita was amazing. For our starters, we tried the ceviche, but it was a bit of a letdown for me—I’d give it a 6/10. It had too much coconut sauce and not enough shrimp. However, the lobster quesadillas were incredible, scoring a perfect 10/10, as were the asada fajitas. The fajitas were so tender and flavorful that I couldn’t believe how good they were. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at La Piscina and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal.
- 600 W 2nd St 5th Floor, Austin, TX 78701
- Website (512) 628-1415
- Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
4. El Taquito
El Taquito is an awesome place to eat! We tried a variety of tacos, including bean and cheese, chorizo and egg, and tacos al pastor. Every taco was delicious. The aguas frescas, especially the lemon and pineapple flavors, were super fresh and tasty. The restaurant is clean and well taken care of, which I really appreciated. Plus, the music added a fun vibe to the place. Our food came out quickly, and you could tell that they really care about making sure every order is perfect. I highly recommend El Taquito for anyone looking for great tacos.
- 1713 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
- Website (512) 851-8226
- Monday: Closed, Tuesday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Thursday: 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM, Friday: 10:30 AM - 1:00 AM, Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM, and Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Dining Information
5. Taco Pegaso
I went to Taco Pegaso, located on South Congress Avenue, looking for a taco, but I ended up trying the picadillo empanadas instead. Wow, they were amazing! I haven’t had empanadas this delicious since my trip to Mexico. The prices were also really good. The oaxaca cheese inside made a big difference and added a lot of flavor. If you’re in the mood for something tasty, you should definitely treat yourself to these empanadas! Just remember, they only take card payments, so leave your cash at home. Overall, I had a fantastic time at Taco Pegaso and would highly recommend it to anyone!
- 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
- Website (512) 465-2107
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Dining Information
6. La Condesa
While walking downtown, I accidentally found La Condesa, and it was an amazing surprise! The restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere, and my experience was probably one of the best I’ve ever had. I eat out a lot, and this place really stood out. Our server, Ismary, was the sweetest! She made us laugh from the moment she came to our table, turning our dinner into a night we won’t forget. She recommended the best dishes on the menu, and the drinks were fantastic too. I tried the Carne Asada because she said it was “to die for.” At first, I thought that was a bit much, but I was completely wrong. It was honestly the best Carne Asada I’ve ever tasted. I can’t wait to go back, and I’ll be telling all my friends about La Condesa.
- 400 W 2nd St A, Austin, TX 78701
- Website (512) 499-0300
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Friday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dining Information
7. Fonda San Miguel
Fonda San Miguel is a really cute restaurant with great food and friendly service! We started with guacamole and ceviche, and both were super tasty. For my main dish, I picked the vegetarian enchiladas with cauliflower and mushrooms in a creamy salsa verde. Vegetarian food can sometimes be plain, but this dish was full of flavor! I even thought about how I might make it at home. Our friend had shrimp in chipotle sauce, and it was delicious—perfectly cooked and very tasty. My husband chose the lamb, which was so soft it fell right off the bone! The tortillas were warm and yummy, and the sauce for the lamb was great.
- 2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
- Website (512) 459-4121
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Friday to Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM, and Sunday: Closed
Dining Information
8. Suerte
I had a fantastic dining experience at Suerte, located on 6th Street in Austin. The service was excellent—my server was really attentive and made sure to respect my food allergies, which made me feel safe and happy. They took the time to explain what I could eat and even made notes on the menu for me. The food was outstanding! Everything was made with fresh ingredients, and the presentation was thoughtful and beautiful. I especially loved the ceviche and the tres leches dessert. Both were delicious and very satisfying.
- 1800 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Website (512) 522-3031
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Friday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, and Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Dining Information
9. El Alma
El Alma is a lively restaurant in South Austin that offers delicious Mexican food with a modern twist. The colorful murals and warm wooden furniture create a festive atmosphere, making it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a meal outside among the greenery. The menu features amazing tacos with creative fillings like smoked brisket and crispy fish. Don’t miss the tasty Mexican street corn, which has a smoky and tangy flavor. For vegetarians, the rich enchiladas and fresh ceviche are must-tries. Their drink menu is impressive, with some of the best margaritas in Austin, available in many fun flavors. They also offer refreshing house-made aquas frescas and a great selection of tequila and mezcal. The service at El Alma is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to recommend dishes, ensuring a great dining experience for everyone. Overall, El Alma is more than just a restaurant; it’s a fun place to enjoy vibrant Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re dining in or looking to cater an event, El Alma is a fantastic choice for anyone in South Austin.
- 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Website (512) 609-8923
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Conclusion
Austin has some amazing Mexican food places. The nine restaurants we talked about have a mix of traditional Mexican flavors and new, creative dishes.
Whether you’re enjoying the tasty enchiladas at El Patio, the fresh ceviche at Suerte, or having a meal with a view at La Piscina, each spot is special. You can sit down for a meal, order takeout, or even get delivery from many of these places.
So, if you’re in Austin and want great Mexican food, try one of these restaurants for a meal you won’t forget!

Chris Kim, a contributor for TexasTasty, has a passion for sharing the essence of the Lone Star State through his writing. Born and raised in Texas, Chris offers a unique perspective shaped by his background in journalism and love for storytelling. He crafts narratives that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of Texas, whether he's exploring hidden gems in local communities or savoring the diverse flavors of Texan cuisine.
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