Austin is home to many global cuisines, but Tex-Mex takes the crown as the local favorite. This blend of Mexican and Texas-style comfort food can be found on just about any street, often in family-run restaurants that have operated for years. Here are some of the Tex-Mex restaurants worth visiting in Austin.

Overhead image of a table filled with entrees, chips and salsas at Cisco's.
Courtesy of Cisco's.

Historic Tex-Mex Landmarks

Matt’s El Rancho
This restaurant was built from humble beginnings when owner Matt Martinez got an early start at the age of 6 selling tamales from a wooden pushcart around the Texas State Capitol. He eventually opened a restaurant with his wife, and Matt’s El Rancho is still whipping up old-school favorites more than 65 years later. Come for the famous Bob Armstrong Dip (a to-die-for queso) and enchiladas (the spinach poblanitas are the way to go, with fresh spinach, poblanos, mushrooms, house sauces and lots of cheese), but stay for the welcoming family atmosphere.

El Patio
Once you spot the neon sombrero on Guadalupe Street, you’ll know you’ve found the jackpot for tasty Tex-Mex. A mainstay since 1954, El Patio continues to impress with fresh ingredients and hot dishes made right as they’re ordered. For the full experience, start with an order of nachos for the table, then dive into the El Patio #1 (including guacamole salad, chile con queso, a crispy beef taco, two cheese enchiladas, and beans and rice), then wash it down with a house margarita.

Cisco’s
Four reasons to soak up the old-school vibe at Cisco’s — the restaurant’s food, bakery, bar and friendly service. The family-run business, open since 1950, attracts everyone from famous athletes and musicians to politicians, locals and first-time Austin visitors. Order hearty huevos rancheros or tasty tacos for breakfast, pair lunch with a Mexican Coke or Topo Chico, and savor sizzling fajitas while sipping a frozen or on-the-rocks marg. Don’t forget to try a basket of their famous homemade buttered biscuits.

El Arroyo
This Austin eatery is known for its goofy attitude (check out the #ElArroyoSign). But one thing they take very seriously is their food, and it’s been that way for over 50 years. Pop in to El Arroyo for dishes like the green chile chicken chimichanga, Santa Fe enchiladas with pulled pork or a cowboy steak burrito. Sip a classic Royo Rita margarita or a Bloody Maria made with tequila instead of vodka. And be sure to visit the gift shop to pick up souvenirs emblazoned with some of their funny sign messages.

DK Maria’s
DK Maria’s brings vibrant flavors to classic dishes that Texans know and love, served in a cheery, colorful restaurant. Every plate was inspired by DK Maria’s rich, spicy heritage. Try the signature brisket enchiladas, topped with chipotle sauce and chile con queso. Sample a trio of tamales — pork, chicken and brisket. Or dig into a big burrito wrapped in a 12-inch tortilla. Accompany your meal with a Modelo Negra or Lone Star Beer. Or choose a margarita in strawberry, mango, peach, jalapeño or cucumber flavors.

Image of a basket of chips and salsa on a table at Eldorado Cafe with various margaritas and cocktails sitting behind them on the table.
Eldorado Cafe. Credit to Courtney Pierce. 

Neighborhood Favorites

North

Casa Chapala
Casa Chapala offers a festive atmosphere, homestyle Mexican fare and over 200 types of tequila. Opt for tableside guacamole and the chicken breast with green mole. Or choose a burrito stuffed with steak, grilled chicken or pork carnitas. Entertainment features lively mariachi bands, singers and DJs.

Eldorado Cafe
This North Austin staple is home to comfort dishes like cheesy enchiladas and various homemade salsas. Chef Joel Fried of Eldorado Cafe knows his way around a kitchen and serves yummy Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Enchiladas Y Mas
Two nieces of the former Enchiladas Y Mas owners saved this longtime Tex-Mex favorite from shuttering. Promising to keep the same menu and margaritas that have had diners clamoring since 1994, you can still dive into a steaming plate of fajitas or the namesake enchiladas.

El Mercado
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at El Mercado. Start your meal with Phillip’s Special Queso, then dig into the Mercado Plate, which includes chile con queso, one crispy taco, guacamole salad, and two beef or cheese enchiladas.

Plates of assorted Tex-Mex entrees and sides on a white table.
Courtesy of Chuy's Tex-Mex.

South

Güero's Taco Bar
While strolling South Congress Avenue, be sure to stop by Güero's Taco Bar for delicious Mexican dishes. Load up on a variety of tacos — from brisket to al pastor — and don't forget to check out the salsa bar. After you've eaten, head next door to Güero's Oak Garden to listen to live music under the oaks.

Maudie’s
Tex-Mex staple Maudie’s has become quite the Austin icon. All six locations offer dishes like chalupas and an extensive selection of enchiladas, plus fresh-squeezed juices, never straying from its rooted generations of flavor and tradition.

Chuy’s
You may have seen Chuy’s in other cities, but if you want the authentic experience, visit the flagship eatery on Barton Springs Road. There’s usually a wait, but it’s well worth it to get your hands on a deep-fried chicken Chuychanga or the fresh-made, creamy green chile and boom-boom sauces.

Image of a yellow plate with three tacos sitting on a table with two sides of salsa and a beverage.
Courtesy of Mi Madre's.

East

Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
Open since 1962, Joe’s serves breakfast all day in the time-honored tradition of an old-school diner. Order the Miga Con Todo Plate with two scrambled eggs, corn chips, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cheese, beans and two tortillas. In 2023, Joe's was honored with the James Beard America's Classics Award.

Mi Madre’s
Enjoy tried-and-true Tex-Mex dishes and drinks on the patio at Mi Madre’s. No matter what brings you to this East Austin favorite, make sure you start with the saltillo dip — layers of beans, seasoned ground beef and queso piled with pico, sour cream, avocado and jalapeños.

Licha’s Cantina
Licha’s Cantina is known for its Mexico City-style street food and mezcal craft cocktails. Tacos served in a skillet include the Al Pastor (marinated roasted pork with pineapple and onions) and Alambre (skirt steak with bacon and queso asadero).

Central

Julio's Cafe
Take a seat in the cozy retro dining room or dine on the patio at Julio's Cafe, serving fresh Tex-Mex and top-notch service since 1983. Must-eats include perfectly seasoned fajitas and chicken enchiladas with green tomatillo sauce. Just say yes to the homemade chicken soup and a frosty marg.

Chips and Queso at Matts El Rancho in Austin Texas
Matt's El Rancho. Credit Jody Horton.

Austin Tex-Mex Signature Dishes

Newbies to Tex-Mex cuisine might need a beginner’s guide when perusing restaurant menus, so we’ve come to the rescue with explanations of some of the common items you’ll encounter.

Queso — Simple melty cheese dip, meant to be eaten with tortilla chips or used as a “smother” on dishes.

Enchiladas — Cheese enchiladas in chili gravy represent Tex-Mex at its most authentic. But baked enchiladas can be filled with a variety of meats and topped with salsa, queso, cream sauce and more.

Fajitas — Theatrical presentation of grilled meats, usually served with grilled peppers, onions and a stack of tortillas, delivered on a screaming-hot cast-iron skillet with billowing steam and an unmistakable sizzle.

Frozen margaritas — Frozen margs were originally invented in Texas — try the classic lime. Some restaurants also offer flavored options like strawberry swirl, prickly pear, mango and more.

Sopapillas — Perfect end to a Tex-Mex feast. Puffy pillows of fried dough, often coated in cinnamon sugar, are drizzled with honey.

Need more options? Check out these guides to the best margaritas and breakfast tacos around Austin!