The Best Tex Mex in Austin: Top Spots For Authentic Cuisine

Austin is famous for blending unique flavors and cultural influences into entirely new genres. From live music and arts to food, the city is one of the most vibrant on the planet. If you’re looking for the best Tex Mex food in Austin, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want brisket and BBQ influences in your Tex Mex dishes or more traditional Mexican options like tamales, tortilla soup, and jalapeno tacos, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your craving.

The Best Tex Mex Spots in Austin

Matt’s El Rancho

https://mattselrancho.com 
2613 S Lamar Blvd

Ask any local Austinites what their favorite restaurants are and you’re sure to hear about Matt’s El Rancho. What started as Matt Martinez selling tamales from a pushcart at the Capitol has evolved into one of the most iconic Mexican fixtures in Austin. Don’t miss the Mexican martini, chile con queso, and the famous Bob Armstrong dip.

La Casita Guanajuato

https://casita-guanajuato.business.site 
1519 W Anderson Ln

One step inside La Casita, and you’re immediately transported to a quaint Mexican restaurant that would be right at home in Mexico city. Vibrantly orange, purple, and yellow walls add a touch of cheery pizazz while televisions displaying telenovelas or the latest soccer game ensure you’ve found an authentic spot. Customers rave about the tortilla soup, but don’t miss appetizers like the chile con queso of guacamole dip as well as mainstays including huaraches, tostadas, and asado de Puerco.

Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop

https://joesbakery.com 
2305 E 7th St

You know you’ve found a tasty food joint when there’s always a line out the door. Joe’s Bakery combines classic Mexican staples like beans, chicharrone, and cilantro with Texas meats including bacon and pork chops. While most of the family’s recipes aren’t gluten-free, you can opt for veggie dishes and their corn tortillas or corn tortilla chips, which are gluten-free and provided by Fiesta Tortillas.

Cielito Lindo Mexican Cuisine

1540 Cypress Creek Rd

Cielito Lindo offers so much more than just tacos and burritos. Here, you can grab authentic tamales and specialty dishes like pozole. While it’s located in North Austin, this Mexican restaurant is worth the trek. Bring your own booze and chow down on some of the best Tex Mex in Austin.

El Secreto de Abuela

817 Airport Blvd

You know you’ve found authentic Mexican food when a restaurant serves up fresh chips and homemade tortillas. Enjoy delicious tortas, chalupas, and seafood dishes like the coctel de camaron. Chase your burrito or chile relleno with a michelada or a refreshing fresca.

Habanero Mexican Cafe

http://www.habanerocafe.com 
501 Oltorf St

Located in South Austin, you’ll find the classic fare from migas breakfast tacos for brunch to nachos and gorditas. Try the Carne guisada, which features beef tips drenched in spiced gravy or opt for the Steak Ranchero featuring perfectly cooked steak with grilled Serrano peppers, onions, and tomatoes. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the large menu also features tongue and catfish.

Marcelino’s

https://www.marcelinosfoods.com 
901 Tillery St

Formerly known as Marcelino Pan y Vino, this Tex-Mex restaurant was an East Austin icon before the east side even became a hot spot. Here, you’ll find some of the best damn tacos in all of Austin. In addition, you’ll find huevos rancheros and menudo that is just as good as your abuelita’s.

Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant

https://www.ramostexmexrestaurant.com 
14611 N Mopac Expy #103

Ramos Te-Mex offers a large menu of classics from queso and nachos to fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, and adobada. Don’t miss their happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm for discounts on margaritas and other classic beverages.

Enchiladas y Mas

https://www.facebook.com/enchiladasymasaustin/ 
1911 W Anderson Ln

Enchiladas y Mas is an assuming Tex-Mex joint run by two brother-in-laws for more than 50 years. The restaurant is always packed – and for good reason — they serve up award-winning dishes from enchiladas and fajitas to migas and taco salads. Their selection of Mexican beers and margaritas offers the perfect finish to a fabulous meal.

La Cocina de Consuelo

https://consueloskitchen.com 
416 Burnet Rd

Run by the enigmatic Connie, this Tex-Mex kitchen is famous for its breakfast burritos. Choose form one of the popular breakfast burritos or create your own by selecting three ingredients including beef chorizo, turkey bacon, and nopalitos. Feeling like sharing? The Enchilada Tray serves six people and features 12 spinach and mushroom, beef, cheese, or chicken enchiladas.

Tamale House East

https://www.facebook.com/tamalehouse.east/ 
1707 E 6th St

Tamale House East has been serving up delicious Tex-Mex food for more than half a century. The prickly pear margarita pairs perfectly with the grilled fish tacos while the cochinita pibil plate and the homemade tamales are sure to fill you up.

Güero’s Taco Bar

https://gueros.com
1412 South Congress Ave

This Mexican cantina is the perfect spot for enjoying tasty treats like mole and tacos al pastor with friends and family. Enjoy seasonably beautiful weather on the Oak Garden patio or cozy up to the full bar featuring every Mexican beer you can think of as well as authentic margaritas made with fresh lime juice and high-quality tequilas.

Maudie’s Tex-Mex

https://www.maudies.com
Multiple locations

All the meats in Maudie’s tex-mex dishes are pasture-raised and the eggs are locally-sourced for an ethical dining experience. With a motto like “love at first bite” the menu has been tailored to feature Austin favorite’s including chile con queso, oven baked nachos, and fresh guacamole as well as Mexican staples such as chile relleno and crispy beef tacos.

Trudy’s Tex-Mex Restaurants

http://www.trudys.com/index.php 
Multiple locations

Trudy’s offers multiple locations throughout Austin where you can enjoy Tex-mex specialties such as Mexican martinis, migas, and cholula honey chicken. Don’t miss their stuffed avocados and make sure to try one of the house specialties — the pollo gratinado and fajita relleno are two of our favorites.

Dive Into Flavor With the Best tex-Mex in Austin

These Tex Mex restaurants and food trucks are some of the best in Austin. Featuring everything from vegan-friendly stuffed avocados to meat-packed enchiladas and burritos, you can’t go wrong with a visit to one of the spots on this list.