Austin’s Top Tex-Mex Restaurants
In the city of Austin, there’s a bevy of amazing eateries serving up wonderful Tex-Mex food and more authentic Mexican-inspired dishes. We’ve rounded up our top picks for grabbing chips and queso, fajitas and a marg, or any other Tex-Mex favorites you crave.
Matt’s El Rancho
2613 South Lamar Blvd.
Matt Martinez originally opened his restaurant on East 1st Street in 1952 before moving to a much larger South Lamar location in 1986. Matt’s El Rancho is a Tex-Mex mecca is known for its iconic Bob Armstrong Dip, a delicious bowl of queso topped with ground beef and guacamole — it’s a must-order. And for your main meal, try the Sizzling Fajitas or Asadero Tacos, and no matter what you eat, don’t forget to top it all off with a fresh Martinez Margarita or Matt’s Knockout Martini.
Joe’s Bakery
2305 East 7th St.
This family-run business is an Austin institution that won one of the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic Restaurants awards in 2023. Owned and operated by the Avila family since 1962, Joe’s Bakery serves breakfast all day to patrons who have frequented the establishment for decades. For a classic Tex-Mex taste, go for the Huevos Rancheros and Migas for breakfast or the Carne Guisada and Barbacoa for lunch. And don’t forget to grab a baked treat from the pastry counter!
Tamale House East
1707 East 6th St.
Home to some of the best tamales in town, Tamale House East is making everything from scratch in their East Austin kitchen. The Texas-sized tamale flavors are pork, chicken and bean, cheese and jalapeño. Plus, their enchiladas and tacos are amazing as well. Take a seat for breakfast, lunch or dinner from the self-proclaimed Queen of Tamales at Tamale House East.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
308 South Main St., Buda
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is more than your average barbecue spot. With Tex Sandwiches and Mex Tacos, owner Miguel Vidal brings the best of both worlds together at Valentina’s. Mesquite-smoked meats range from classic brisket to chicken and beef fajita and a variety of sausages. Visit for breakfast, served from 8 to 11 a.m., to indulge in their incredible breakfast tacos, while you check out their new location in Buda, a must-visit for a one-of-a-kind take on Tex-Mex cuisine.
Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar
1511 East 6th St.
Austin’s self-proclaimed “original Tex-Mex restaurant” is Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar. Open since 1950, the venue fills up with lifelong food fans pretty much all day, every day. Their homemade biscuits are a breakfast staple, and their breakfast is served all day. There’s also Cisco’s Muny Cafe, an additional Cisco’s location serving up Tex-Mex classics at the Lions Municipal Golf Course.
Habanero Mexican Cafe
501 West Oltorf St.
Habanero Mexican Cafe boasts an expansive and well-price menu chock full of Mexican culinary favorites. The family-owned Tex-Mex diner is located on Oltorf Street near South 1st. Best known for their fajitas, we also love the house specialties, or Platos de Case, including the Flauta Plate, Chile Relleno and Steak Ranchero. If you visit during prime weekend breakfast and lunch hours, there might be a wait, but stick it out and you’ll soon be relishing in some of the best Mexican fare in town.
Enchiladas y Mas
1911 West Anderson Lane
Casual, reliable and consistently tasty, Enchiladas y Mas is a kid-friendly spot on Anderson Lane. This no-frills eatery is obviously known for their fantastic enchiladas, but the tacos and flautas are also worth a try.
Eldorado Cafe
3300 West Anderson Lane
For Mexican-inspired comfort food, make a visit to Eldorado Cafe. Founders Joel and Joanna Fried were both in the restaurant business for years before opening up their own spot. They serve many dishes for all three meals of the day, as well as offering plenty of vegan options for their customers, like a Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme and Veganchilada. Eldorado’s bright and welcoming atmosphere contributes to its status as a community and neighborhood favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Curra’s Grill
614 East Oltorf St.
Curra’s Grill is a Mexican food mecca, particularly famous for its frozen Avocado Marg! Beyond the green frosty beverage, the grill gives guests a taste of Mexico in their fabulous food. The carnitas are some of the best in town, and the variety of enchiladas will satisfy any Tex-Mex cravings.
Maudie’s
Multiple locations
With a location in many of Austin’s most popular neighborhoods, Maudie’s is a go-to Tex-Mex spot for many diners. Enjoy Fresh Guacamole and Chile con Queso to kick things off on the right note before indulging in the Hernandez Enchiladas or Chicken Chile Relleno for the main meal. No matter what you eat, you’ll want to wash it all down with margaritas made with freshly squeezed juices.
Grizzeldas
105 Tillery St.
Grizzeldas is a pink-hued, elevated Tex-Mex spot situated in East Austin. Ideal for a girls’ night out, there are many shareable items such as the Queso Fundido, Barbacoa Quesadillas and more. For an extra fun weekend meal, head to Grizzeldas for brunch, complete with the Churro Chicken and Waffles, Chilaquiles and Chorizo Brunch Burger.
Polvos
Multiple locations
Polvos serves delicious interior Mexican food, along with many Tex-Mex dishes. The large menu will ensure there’s a little something for everyone at the three Polvos locales in town. The margaritas are always flowing, and if you grab a table during happy hour, you’ll snag a great deal on select drinks and apps.