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A plate holds sour cream enchiladas, rice, and refried beans.
Steak enchiladas at Chuy’s on Barton Springs
Chuy’s

Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin

Enchiladas, fajitas, and plenty of queso

by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated
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Steak enchiladas at Chuy’s on Barton Springs
| Chuy’s
by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated

Comfort food in Austin, Texas often means the spicy salsas and molten cheese of Tex-Mex. Nothing else will satisfy when that particular desire for sizzling fajitas or cheesy enchiladas hits. 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 icons, such as Matt’s El Rancho and Joe’s Bakery, and the spots off the beaten path, like La Cocina de Consuelo and Ramos Tex-Mex.

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

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Chuy's

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Though it’s now a national chain, Chuy’s got its started at this colorful and funky restaurant on Barton Springs Road over 40 years ago. Along with the kitschy decor, expect serious Tex-Mex, tangy and creamy jalapeño dip, and some of the best fajitas in town (Chuy’s version is marinated with Texas treasure Shiner Bock beer). There are indoor and outdoor tables at this Chuy’s, which offers curbside pickup of orders, and four other locations in Austin proper with various pickup and delivery options.

1728 Barton Springs Rd (Sterzing St.), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 255-2211
(512) 255-2211
A plate holds a green chili fried chicken, rice, and refried beans. Chuy’s

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Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant

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This 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 numerous combination plates. Takeout orders can be placed online, but eating inside the strip mall spot gives that hidden gem feel, with green booths, mix and match chairs, and a bar for solo eaters.  

14611 N Mopac Expy #103, Austin, TX 78728
(512) 246-0727
(512) 246-0727
Deep fried chilis sit on a plate between a scoop of rice and a bowl of pinto beans. Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant

Eldorado Cafe

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This 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 spicy, flavorful array of salsas. The dining room features multi-colored walls, Home Depot tile floors, and a colorful stained glass feature over the open kitchen. When the weather is nice, the restaurant sets up a few outdoor tables too, or get it to go online.

3300 W Anderson Ln #303, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 420-2222
(512) 420-2222
A pair of tacos topped with pico, guacamole, and shredded red cabbage sit in a dish. Eldorado Cafe

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Enchiladas y Mas

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There is one reason to go to this Crestview Tex-Mex restaurant, and it’s in the name: stunning enchiladas of all types, including enchiladas rancheras; enchiladas con queso; and beef, chicken, or vegetarian enchiladas. An order of chile con queso is never out of place on the table; the margaritas, served in a no-frills dining room, will knock you clear into next week. It can get super crowded in this spot for dinner so for those seeking a quick in and out, hit it at lunch.

1911 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7100
(512) 467-7100
A plate of enchiladas in red sauce are topped with melted cheese, guacamole, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. Enchiladas y Mas

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Vivo

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The Linc Tex-Mex restaurant is steeped in San Antonio traditions, which means puffy tacos (beef picadillo, shredded chicken, shrimp, and beans and vegetables are among the filling options) alongside enchiladas and fajita tacos on the menu, plus plenty of tequila and mezcal options. The dining room nods to the colorful culture of coastal Mexico, and the boisterous patio is always a good time. If for some wild reason you don’t want to stay, you can order it to-go or for delivery online.

6406 N Interstate Hwy 35 Ste 2343, Austin, TX 78752
(512) 407-8302
(512) 407-8302
A chile relleno covered in green sauce sits on a plate next to a scoop of rice and a bowl of pinto beans. Vivo

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Amaya's Taco Village

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The Tex-Mex restaurant with two locations (this one in North Loop and the other down south in Southpark Meadows) knows its tacos very well, serving sturdy tortillas filled with eggs, fish, chicken, beef, or even rib meat. The dining room is a great place for a party, with twinkle lights and vibrant decor alongside tables that easily push together. So is the little outdoor patio, for that matter. And it does offer takeout online.

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 in a converted house. Come to the Rosedale 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 also great — orders for anything on the menu can be placed online. The vibe is very DIY, reflecting crafty projects like painted tables and the sculptural use of kitchen utensils as wall decor.

4516 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-4740
(512) 524-4740
Carne asada is served atop tortillas, with rice and refried beans. La Cocina de Consuelo

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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 chicken or steak fajitas, and perfect crispy tacos with picadillo. If that sounds good, any and all of it can also be ordered online. The cantina decor inside and on the multiple colorful outdoor patios, however, are half the reason to come here.

2201 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 322-9721
(512) 322-9721
A plate of huevos rancheros with beans, cheese sauce, chicken, and potato chunks. Mi Madre’s

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Maudie's Cafe

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The Austin chain reigns supreme for all things Tex-Mex in the city. The chile con queso is a solid pick, as well as the molten cheese-layered nachos, tender fajitas, and carne guisada tacos. The curvy walls in here might make you feel a little funny if you have too many margaritas, so fair warning. Let those flashing lights on the walls mesmerize, and then grab a breath of fresh air on the patio. Takeout orders can be placed online.

2608 W 7th St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 473-3740
(512) 473-3740
Numerous Tex-Mex dishes sit on a table. Clockwise there are a quesdilla, queso, and salsa. chips, zucchini enchiladas, and roasted carrots covered in cotija cheese. Maudie’s Cafe

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Tamale House East

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The East Austin restaurant is part of Austin’s folkloric Tex-Mex history for good reason. The family dishes out steadfast migas, enchiladas, tacos, and its namesake tamales (regulars can easily get it all to go online, too), as they have been for over 60 years. Raise a toast to the portrait of Frida Kahlo that hangs over the bar and enjoy the vintage decor from any of the restaurants haphazard tables or patio seats.

1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 495-9504
(512) 495-9504
An oval white plate with a pale brown tortilla topped with brown meat, green jalapeño slices, and pickled onions. Robert J. Lerma/Eater Austin

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Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop

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If a condo displaces Joe’s, Austin as we know it will end. Although Joe’s may seem unassuming, but daytime Holly Tex-Mex institution has racked up recognition from the James Beard Awards and Michelin. This daytime Holly Tex-Mex institution typically incurs waits and lines, with fancy folks jammed up against those catching a quick meal between construction gigs. The dishes — breakfast pork chop or barbacoa plates, enchilada combos, and migas among them — are huge, affordable, and arrive quickly. Takeout orders can be placed in person or over the phone only, who needs the internet.

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 appeal of this rambling South Lamar historic ranch house-turned-restaurant lies in its menu of Tex-Mex specialties. However, its large, rambling size inside and out 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.

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 Dawson Tex-Mex restaurant 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 steaming refried beans. This place is a classic casita-style restaurant, with bright red chairs, ornamental iron works, and a line to pay at the front complete with last minute little treats.

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

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Chuy's

1728 Barton Springs Rd (Sterzing St.), Austin, TX 78704

Though it’s now a national chain, Chuy’s got its started at this colorful and funky restaurant on Barton Springs Road over 40 years ago. Along with the kitschy decor, expect serious Tex-Mex, tangy and creamy jalapeño dip, and some of the best fajitas in town (Chuy’s version is marinated with Texas treasure Shiner Bock beer). There are indoor and outdoor tables at this Chuy’s, which offers curbside pickup of orders, and four other locations in Austin proper with various pickup and delivery options.

1728 Barton Springs Rd (Sterzing St.), Austin, TX 78704
(512) 255-2211
(512) 255-2211
A plate holds a green chili fried chicken, rice, and refried beans. Chuy’s

Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant

14611 N Mopac Expy #103, Austin, TX 78728

This 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 numerous combination plates. Takeout orders can be placed online, but eating inside the strip mall spot gives that hidden gem feel, with green booths, mix and match chairs, and a bar for solo eaters.  

14611 N Mopac Expy #103, Austin, TX 78728
(512) 246-0727
(512) 246-0727
Deep fried chilis sit on a plate between a scoop of rice and a bowl of pinto beans. Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant

Eldorado Cafe

3300 W Anderson Ln #303, Austin, TX 78757

This 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 spicy, flavorful array of salsas. The dining room features multi-colored walls, Home Depot tile floors, and a colorful stained glass feature over the open kitchen. When the weather is nice, the restaurant sets up a few outdoor tables too, or get it to go online.

3300 W Anderson Ln #303, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 420-2222
(512) 420-2222
A pair of tacos topped with pico, guacamole, and shredded red cabbage sit in a dish. Eldorado Cafe

Enchiladas y Mas

1911 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

There is one reason to go to this Crestview Tex-Mex restaurant, and it’s in the name: stunning enchiladas of all types, including enchiladas rancheras; enchiladas con queso; and beef, chicken, or vegetarian enchiladas. An order of chile con queso is never out of place on the table; the margaritas, served in a no-frills dining room, will knock you clear into next week. It can get super crowded in this spot for dinner so for those seeking a quick in and out, hit it at lunch.

1911 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
(512) 467-7100
(512) 467-7100
A plate of enchiladas in red sauce are topped with melted cheese, guacamole, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. Enchiladas y Mas

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 (beef picadillo, shredded chicken, shrimp, and beans and vegetables are among the filling options) alongside enchiladas and fajita tacos on the menu, plus plenty of tequila and mezcal options. The dining room nods to the colorful culture of coastal Mexico, and the boisterous patio is always a good time. If for some wild reason you don’t want to stay, you can order it to-go or for delivery online.

6406 N Interstate Hwy 35 Ste 2343, Austin, TX 78752
(512) 407-8302
(512) 407-8302
A chile relleno covered in green sauce sits on a plate next to a scoop of rice and a bowl of pinto beans. Vivo

Amaya's Taco Village

5804 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78751

The Tex-Mex restaurant with two locations (this one in North Loop and the other down south in Southpark Meadows) knows its tacos very well, serving sturdy tortillas filled with eggs, fish, chicken, beef, or even rib meat. The dining room is a great place for a party, with twinkle lights and vibrant decor alongside tables that easily push together. So is the little outdoor patio, for that matter. And it does offer takeout online.

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 in a converted house. Come to the Rosedale 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 also great — orders for anything on the menu can be placed online. The vibe is very DIY, reflecting crafty projects like painted tables and the sculptural use of kitchen utensils as wall decor.

4516 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-4740
(512) 524-4740
Carne asada is served atop tortillas, with rice and refried beans. La Cocina de Consuelo

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 chicken or steak fajitas, and perfect crispy tacos with picadillo. If that sounds good, any and all of it can also be ordered online. The cantina decor inside and on the multiple colorful outdoor patios, however, are half the reason to come here.

2201 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
(512) 322-9721
(512) 322-9721
A plate of huevos rancheros with beans, cheese sauce, chicken, and potato chunks. Mi Madre’s

Maudie's Cafe

2608 W 7th St, Austin, TX 78703

The Austin chain reigns supreme for all things Tex-Mex in the city. The chile con queso is a solid pick, as well as the molten cheese-layered nachos, tender fajitas, and carne guisada tacos. The curvy walls in here might make you feel a little funny if you have too many margaritas, so fair warning. Let those flashing lights on the walls mesmerize, and then grab a breath of fresh air on the patio. Takeout orders can be placed online.

2608 W 7th St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 473-3740
(512) 473-3740
Numerous Tex-Mex dishes sit on a table. Clockwise there are a quesdilla, queso, and salsa. chips, zucchini enchiladas, and roasted carrots covered in cotija cheese. Maudie’s Cafe

Tamale House East

1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

The East Austin restaurant is part of Austin’s folkloric Tex-Mex history for good reason. The family dishes out steadfast migas, enchiladas, tacos, and its namesake tamales (regulars can easily get it all to go online, too), as they have been for over 60 years. Raise a toast to the portrait of Frida Kahlo that hangs over the bar and enjoy the vintage decor from any of the restaurants haphazard tables or patio seats.

1707 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 495-9504
(512) 495-9504
An oval white plate with a pale brown tortilla topped with brown meat, green jalapeño slices, and pickled onions. Robert J. Lerma/Eater Austin

Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop

2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

If a condo displaces Joe’s, Austin as we know it will end. Although Joe’s may seem unassuming, but daytime Holly Tex-Mex institution has racked up recognition from the James Beard Awards and Michelin. This daytime Holly Tex-Mex institution typically incurs waits and lines, with fancy folks jammed up against those catching a quick meal between construction gigs. The dishes — breakfast pork chop or barbacoa plates, enchilada combos, and migas among them — are huge, affordable, and arrive quickly. Takeout orders can be placed in person or over the phone only, who needs the internet.

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 appeal of this rambling South Lamar historic ranch house-turned-restaurant lies in its menu of Tex-Mex specialties. However, its large, rambling size inside and out 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.

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 Dawson Tex-Mex restaurant 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 steaming refried beans. This place is a classic casita-style restaurant, with bright red chairs, ornamental iron works, and a line to pay at the front complete with last minute little treats.

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

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