The Best Mexican Food in Austin

Baby A's
Baby A's has five location all over town and is the home of the infamous Purple Margarita. There is a reason you can only order 2. If you order one from the bartender and drink it before you get to your table, you can still get two from your server. Be careful, have a driver if you try this plan. I recommend the Queso Compuesto too.
Other reviews: Yelp Yahoo Local

El Arroyo
1624 W. 5th
(512) 345-8226
The self proclaimed "Cultural Center of the Universe" is one of my personal favorites. A Red Bull Rita always helps with hangovers. Enchiladas Del Mar is also a good choice. The Monterey Chicken from the Atkins menu is my personal favorite.

Be sure and check out their daily updated sign for a laugh when you are nearby.
Other reviews: Citysearch Rob Balon Yahoo Local

Trudy's
Their three locations form the Trudy's triathlon. If you can have one of their Mexican Martini's in each location you will be well on your way to a DUI.
Other reviews: Yelp Yahoo Local

Guero's
1412 S Congress Ave
(512) 447-7688
The salsa bar, sidewalk tables, and live music make this a perfect place to start before spending the night on South Congress. Have a vegan menu as well.
Other reviews: Yelp Chowhound

Polvo's
2004 S 1st St
(512) 441-5446
Apparently they add gratuity for parties of four or more automatically. Be sure and check when you pay.
Other reviews: Citysearch Yelp Chowhound

Matt's El Rancho
2613 S Lamar Blvd
(512) 462-9333
Other reviews: Yelp Chowhound

Maudies
2613 S Lamar Blvd
(512) 462-9333
This is currently number 1 in our poll below. They have a gluten free menu and you can follow them on Twitter
Other reviews: Yelp Chowhound

Iron Cactus
606 Trinity St.
(512) 472-9240
If you eat here it is probably because of the location. The downtown location is great because you can get started before a night out without having to get dressed up. Right in the heart of 6th.
Other reviews: Yelp Tripadvisor

Iguana Grill
2900 Ranch Road 620 N
(512) 266-8439
Casual dress, but fancier food than average
Other reviews: Citysearch Yelp Austin 360

Oasis
6535 Comanche Trl
(512) 266-7810
I don't think the food is very good but it has an amazing view if you get there early enough for a good seat.
Other reviews: Yelp Virtual Tourist

Carlos and Charlie's
5973 Hiline Rd
(512) 266-1683
As casual as it gets. You can literally walk from the lake to a table. Live Music and a dance floor means the party can keep going long after you get off the boat.
Other reviews: Citysearch Yelp

Hula Hut
3825 Lake Austin Blvd
(512) 476-4852
Actually a mix of mexican and polynesian food. There is often a wait, but Hula Hut is practically an Austin institution.
Other reviews: Citysearch Yahoo Local Yelp

Cisco's
1511 E 6th St
(512) 478-2420
There aren't too many things breakfast at Cisco's can't make a little better. I don't know anyone who doesn't like the biscuits.

Don't be afraid to walk through the kitchen and check out the memorabilia on your way to a table. You also have to request chips and salsa on the weekends
Other reviews: Citysearch

Juan in a Million
2300 E Cesar Chavez St
(512) 472-3872

I finally ate here and was a little dissapointed. The famous Don Juan was big and cheap, but it was also bland. Combined with a long wait outside before you ate, I think I had my last meal there.

Other reviews: Rob Balon / Yelp

Maria's Taco Xpress
2529 S. Lamar Blvd
(512) 444-0261
They have a full menu, but I have only had their breakfast tacos. They were good.

Don't forget their live music throughout the week and trivia on Tuesdays
Other reviews: Citysearch / Chowhound / Yahoo Local

Manuel's
310 Congress Ave
(512) 472-7555
Perfect before a night downtown
Other reviews: Yelp Chowhound

Z Tejas
3 Locations. Its not my favorite, but very popular.
Other reviews: Citysearch Yelp

Azul Tequila
4211 S Lamar Blvd
(512) 416-9667
Other reviews: Rob Balon Yelp

Fonda San Miguel
2330 W. North Loop
(512) 459-4121
Perfect before a night downtown
Other reviews: Citysearch AOL Cityguide Rob Balon