The Best Mexican Food in Austin

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Mexican Food in Austin

Its not hard to find mexican food in Austin. Sometimes it can be hard to find good mexican food. Whether you are looking for casual by the lake, formal downtown or anything in between it is here.

Use the map to find somewhere nearby and please vote in the poll on what you think the best mexican place in Austin is.

Best Casual Mexican Food 

Looking for a quick bite? Quick Margarita after work? One of these should do it.

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: Citysearch 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: Citysearch 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
Other reviews: Citysearch 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: Citysearch Yelp Chowhound

Maudies
2613 S Lamar Blvd
(512) 462-9333
This is currently number 1 in our poll below. They also have a gluten free menu.
Other reviews: Yelp Chowhound Citysearch

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 Citysearch

Best Mexican on the Lake 

Want to show tourists the lake? Maybe a first date with something to look at? These places on the lake can do either.

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: Citysearch 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

Mexican Breakfast 

Looking for migas or a breakfast taco?

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
Other reviews: Rob Balon Yelp Citysearch

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

Best Upscale Mexican Food 

When you are looking for something a little nicer

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 Citysearch

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

Map of Best Mexican Food around Austin 

When you just want something close by

Vote on the Best Mexican Food in Austin 

Let the rest of Austin know where they should eat

Loading poll. Please Wait...

What else? 

Let me know what you think. Did I miss anywhere?

StephenC wrote...

Your lens is Yum Yum! Making me hungry. Mexican food is perhaps the BEST cuisine in the world.

ReplyPosted May 28, 2009

Lensmaster

Grant wrote

el patio?

Reply Posted May 11, 2009

AcaiBerry4U wrote...

nice lens/list. But you're missing my favorite - Iron Cactus

ReplyPosted April 30, 2009

Senora_M wrote...

I don't live in Austin, but I love Mexican (Tex-Mex) food. YUM!!

ReplyPosted April 10, 2009

Lensmaster

Donna wrote

Maudie's is the BEST! Great food, great atmosphere! Lots of locations so you can get to a Maudies from anywhere in Austin. Yummy Hot Sauce and great breakfast tacos. I recently had Maudie's cater a party at UT. Leila was great to work with on the arrangements and Heidi did a fabulous job at the event! Everything was hot and fresh and the price was right! Great job from a great Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin!

Reply Posted November 28, 2008

 
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