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A plate of tortillas, shredded red meat, rice, a pile of creamy beans, a cup of sauce, and sliced limes.
A dish from La Cocina de Consuelo.
La Cocina de Consuelo

14 Sizzling Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin

Enchiladas, fajitas, and plenty of queso

by Kelly Stocker and Nadia Chaudhury Updated
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A dish from La Cocina de Consuelo.
| La Cocina de Consuelo
by Kelly Stocker and Nadia Chaudhury Updated

Comfort food in Austin, more often than not, means Tex-Mex. Once that particular craving hits, nothing else will do. There’s nothing more satisfying than digging into sizzling fajitas or cutting the first piping hot bite out of a cheesy spicy enchilada.

The mashup of Mexican fare with Texas tradition has led Austin to the proverbial promised land of flavors, full of bowls of sopa azteca, carne guisada, and refried beans. Eater’s guide to the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin will lead to both the tried and true and the spots off the beaten path, such as Matt's El Rancho, Joe's Bakery, La Cocina de Consuelo, Marcelino’s. Habanero, and others.

For more Tex-Mex and Mexican in Austin, look to the city’s best tacos, breakfast tacos, queso, margaritas, and Mexican martinis.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant

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The Wells Branch restaurant’s menu reads like a dictionary of Tex-Mex favorites. Chimichangas stuffed with roasted chicken, green chiles, and smothered in sauce; tender pork marinated in red chile; steak a la Mexicana; fajitas; tortilla soup; fried ice cream, and so many combination plates. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

14611 N Mopac Expy #103, Austin, TX 78728
(512) 246-0727
(512) 246-0727

Eldorado Cafe

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The North Shoal Tex-Mex restaurant is full of old-school tastes and vibes thanks to owner Joel Fried, who happens to be a former Tacodeli chef, and the team. There are cheesy enchiladas, piquant short ribs, and a ridiculously flavorful and spicy array of salsas. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

3300 W Anderson Ln #303, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 420-2222
(512) 420-2222

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Enchiladas y Mas

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There is one reason to go to Enchiladas Y Mas, and it is right in the name. Oh right, also the margaritas that will knock you clear into next week. It’s packed all the time because everyone’s gotta get their fill, so plan accordingly. There are indoor dine-in services.

1911 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7100
(512) 467-7100

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Vivo

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The Linc Tex-Mex restaurant is steeped in San Antonio traditions, which means puffy tacos alongside enchiladas and fajita tacos, plus there are plenty of tequila and mezcal options. Pickup and delivery orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

6406 N Interstate Hwy 35 Ste 2343, Austin, TX 78752
(512) 407-8302
(512) 407-8302

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Amaya's Taco Village

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The Tex-Mex restaurant with two locations (the other down south in Southpark Meadows) knows its tacos very well, serving up sturdy tortillas filled with eggs, fish, chicken, beef, or even rib meat. Pickup orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

5804 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 458-2531
(512) 458-2531

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La Cocina de Consuelo

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Consuela’s dream was to open a kitchen, and at the tender age of 63, she did. Come to the restaurant now run by her niece Letty Garcia for the amazing breakfast burrito bursting with whatever you want. The potato enchiladas with chile chipotle sauce are amazing. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

4516 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-4740
(512) 524-4740

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Mi Madre's

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The Cherrywood restaurant is a pillar for Tex-Mex in the neighborhood, offering massive burritos, sizzling fajitas, and perfect crispy tacos with picadillo. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2201 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 322-9721
(512) 322-9721

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Maudie's Cafe

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The Austin chain reigns strong for all things Tex-Mex in the city. The queso is a solid pick, as well as the gooey nachos, tender fajitas, and carne guisada tacos. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2608 W 7th St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 473-3740
(512) 473-3740

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Marcelino’s

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An intricately sequined Virgen de Guadalupe watches over diners with gentle approval at this counter-service spot. Expect homemade corn tortillas, bacon that has a cult-like following, and superb carne guisada. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor dine-in services.

901 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 926-1709
(512) 926-1709

Tamale House East

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Tamale House East is part of Austin’s Tex-Mex history, and for good reason. The family dishes out steadfast migas, enchiladas, tacos, and tamales, as they have been for the past 60+ years. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 495-9504
(512) 495-9504

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Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop

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If a condo displaces Joe’s, Austin will end as we know it. This Tex-Mex institution typically incurs waits and lines, with fancy folks jammed up against those catching a quick meal between construction gigs. The plates are huge, affordable, and arrive quickly. Takeout orders can be placed in person; weekend takeout orders can be placed over the phone; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-0017
(512) 472-0017
A white oval plate with a crispy taco, rice, refried beans, and enchiladas covered in yellow cheese sauce.
Chicken enchiladas, crispy beef taco, rice, and beans from Joe’s
Deana Saukam

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Matt's El Rancho

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The rambling historic ranch house restaurant’s appeal and menus of both interior and Tex-Mex specialties make it a good spot for groups and family outings. Though the tostadas compuestas and the beef enchilada are stellar, everyone’s really there for the Bob Armstrong dip and a Mexican martini. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-ins services.

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-9333
(512) 462-9333
A person holding up a big bowl of yellow melted cheese with a clump of ground meat and guacamole in the middle.
The Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt’s El Rancho
Robert J. Lerma/EATX

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Habanero Mexican Cafe

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This little daytime spot on Oltorf has all the staples (fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas) but the specialties are truly boss. The El Patron huevos rancheros come with two fried eggs smothered in ranchero sauce, all next to a pile of fajitas and a lake of refried beans. There are indoor dine-in services.

501 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-0443
(512) 416-0443

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Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

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The far south truck marries the best that Texas has to offer: Tex-Mex-barbecue. It’s best exemplified in the form of the Real Deal Holyfield breakfast taco: a fried egg paired with potatoes, refried beans, bacon, and smoked brisket. Plus there are great fajita tacos. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

11500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
(512) 221-4248
(512) 221-4248

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Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant

14611 N Mopac Expy #103, Austin, TX 78728

The Wells Branch restaurant’s menu reads like a dictionary of Tex-Mex favorites. Chimichangas stuffed with roasted chicken, green chiles, and smothered in sauce; tender pork marinated in red chile; steak a la Mexicana; fajitas; tortilla soup; fried ice cream, and so many combination plates. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

14611 N Mopac Expy #103, Austin, TX 78728
(512) 246-0727
(512) 246-0727

Eldorado Cafe

3300 W Anderson Ln #303, Austin, TX 78757

The North Shoal Tex-Mex restaurant is full of old-school tastes and vibes thanks to owner Joel Fried, who happens to be a former Tacodeli chef, and the team. There are cheesy enchiladas, piquant short ribs, and a ridiculously flavorful and spicy array of salsas. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

3300 W Anderson Ln #303, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 420-2222
(512) 420-2222

Enchiladas y Mas

1911 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

There is one reason to go to Enchiladas Y Mas, and it is right in the name. Oh right, also the margaritas that will knock you clear into next week. It’s packed all the time because everyone’s gotta get their fill, so plan accordingly. There are indoor dine-in services.

1911 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7100
(512) 467-7100

Vivo

6406 N Interstate Hwy 35 Ste 2343, Austin, TX 78752

The Linc Tex-Mex restaurant is steeped in San Antonio traditions, which means puffy tacos alongside enchiladas and fajita tacos, plus there are plenty of tequila and mezcal options. Pickup and delivery orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

6406 N Interstate Hwy 35 Ste 2343, Austin, TX 78752
(512) 407-8302
(512) 407-8302

Amaya's Taco Village

5804 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78751

The Tex-Mex restaurant with two locations (the other down south in Southpark Meadows) knows its tacos very well, serving up sturdy tortillas filled with eggs, fish, chicken, beef, or even rib meat. Pickup orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

5804 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78751
(512) 458-2531
(512) 458-2531

La Cocina de Consuelo

4516 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756

Consuela’s dream was to open a kitchen, and at the tender age of 63, she did. Come to the restaurant now run by her niece Letty Garcia for the amazing breakfast burrito bursting with whatever you want. The potato enchiladas with chile chipotle sauce are amazing. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

4516 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-4740
(512) 524-4740

Mi Madre's

2201 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

The Cherrywood restaurant is a pillar for Tex-Mex in the neighborhood, offering massive burritos, sizzling fajitas, and perfect crispy tacos with picadillo. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2201 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 322-9721
(512) 322-9721

Maudie's Cafe

2608 W 7th St, Austin, TX 78703

The Austin chain reigns strong for all things Tex-Mex in the city. The queso is a solid pick, as well as the gooey nachos, tender fajitas, and carne guisada tacos. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2608 W 7th St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 473-3740
(512) 473-3740

Marcelino’s

901 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702

An intricately sequined Virgen de Guadalupe watches over diners with gentle approval at this counter-service spot. Expect homemade corn tortillas, bacon that has a cult-like following, and superb carne guisada. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor dine-in services.

901 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 926-1709
(512) 926-1709

Tamale House East

1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Tamale House East is part of Austin’s Tex-Mex history, and for good reason. The family dishes out steadfast migas, enchiladas, tacos, and tamales, as they have been for the past 60+ years. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 495-9504
(512) 495-9504

Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

If a condo displaces Joe’s, Austin will end as we know it. This Tex-Mex institution typically incurs waits and lines, with fancy folks jammed up against those catching a quick meal between construction gigs. The plates are huge, affordable, and arrive quickly. Takeout orders can be placed in person; weekend takeout orders can be placed over the phone; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-0017
(512) 472-0017
A white oval plate with a crispy taco, rice, refried beans, and enchiladas covered in yellow cheese sauce.
Chicken enchiladas, crispy beef taco, rice, and beans from Joe’s
Deana Saukam

Matt's El Rancho

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

The rambling historic ranch house restaurant’s appeal and menus of both interior and Tex-Mex specialties make it a good spot for groups and family outings. Though the tostadas compuestas and the beef enchilada are stellar, everyone’s really there for the Bob Armstrong dip and a Mexican martini. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-ins services.

2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-9333
(512) 462-9333
A person holding up a big bowl of yellow melted cheese with a clump of ground meat and guacamole in the middle.
The Bob Armstrong Dip at Matt’s El Rancho
Robert J. Lerma/EATX

Habanero Mexican Cafe

501 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704

This little daytime spot on Oltorf has all the staples (fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas) but the specialties are truly boss. The El Patron huevos rancheros come with two fried eggs smothered in ranchero sauce, all next to a pile of fajitas and a lake of refried beans. There are indoor dine-in services.

501 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 416-0443
(512) 416-0443

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

11500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748

The far south truck marries the best that Texas has to offer: Tex-Mex-barbecue. It’s best exemplified in the form of the Real Deal Holyfield breakfast taco: a fried egg paired with potatoes, refried beans, bacon, and smoked brisket. Plus there are great fajita tacos. Takeout orders can be placed in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

11500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
(512) 221-4248
(512) 221-4248

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