Last Updated on May 16, 2026 by Brian Kachejian
Feature Photo Rolf_52 / Shutterstock.com
Tex-Mex food has to be one of the most delicious foods served in Texas restaurants. The food combines Mexican and American cuisines. It is usually served with lots of spices, cheese, meat (beef, chicken, and pork), beans, and chili peppers. Everything is brought together by the tortillas, which are flatbreads made from cornmeal or flour. The blending of Mexican and American cuisines makes Tex-Mex food unique to the region.
Austin, known for its world cuisines, is home to many fantastic Tex-Mex restaurants that have built a loyal following in the community. The diverse menus at these restaurants offer a wide variety of food, from traditional favorites like enchiladas and tacos to more modern dishes with interesting flavors. It’s something that has helped the city consistently rank among the best foodie destinations in the country. From delicious tacos for a quick lunch to a family dinner that’s sure to please, you can be certain you will find something to love at a Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin.
Here are our 10 best choices for Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin:
#10 – Suerte
Suerte is a popular spot for contemporary Mexican cuisine in East Austin. This is the place to go for delicious and creative dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their menu is full of mouthwatering dishes like mushroom sopes, refried lentils y crema, and eggplant sikil pak. Located in the heart of East Austin, Suerte offers a unique and exciting dining experience for locals and visitors alike. The bar area features a wide selection of Mexican spirits, craft cocktails, and natural wines to complement any meal. Suerte gives you a chance to experience Austin’s vibrant food scene at its best.
Address: 1800 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://www.suerteatx.com/
#9 – El Alma
El Alma Cafe y Cantina is a popular Mexican restaurant in Austin, offering delicious and innovative cuisine that blends traditional flavors with modern techniques. Their menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, along with a wide selection of creative cocktails that perfectly complement any meal. With cozy indoor dining spaces and an inviting patio, El Alma is the perfect place to enjoy a casual meal or come for after-work drinks and tapas. Whether you’re craving classic tacos or something more adventurous, there’s something on the menu at El Alma for everyone. According to the chief chef and owner, Alma Alcocer-Thomas, they aim to create an authentic experience and strive to use the freshest ingredients possible. Nothing much is said about the restaurant’s atmosphere, but many reviewers agree that it is warm and inviting, making you feel right at home.
Address: 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Website: https://www.elalmacafe.com/
#8 – Fonda San Miguel
From sophisticated takes on traditional Mexican cuisine to flavorful, authentic dishes, Fonda San Miguel is the perfect spot for a delicious, satisfying Tex-Mex bite. With over 30 years of experience crafting delicious, high-quality Mexican dishes using only the freshest ingredients, Fonda San Miguel is a favorite among foodies and casual diners alike. The restaurant is a pioneer of interior Mexican cuisine in the United States and has earned widespread acclaim for its commitment to authenticity and high-quality dining experience. It has received numerous accolades over the years and continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Address: 2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Website: https://www.fondasanmiguel.com/
#7 – Javi’s Best of Tex Mex
More than just your average Tex-Mex restaurant, Javi’s Best of Tex Mex is known for its delicious and authentic dishes that are packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you are in the mood for a classic enchilada, some crispy chicken flautas, or a mouthwatering quesadilla, Javi’s has something for everyone. With a large selection of specialty margaritas and Mexican martinis, as well as a vibrant, upbeat atmosphere and friendly service. There is something about Javi’s Best of Tex-Mex that keeps customers coming back for more. It has a truly unique, one-of-a-kind vibe that simply can’t be beaten.
Address: 7709 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78744
Website: https://javistexmex.com/
#6 – Trudy’s South Star
Trudy’s South Star might have opened its doors in 1977, but this Tex-Mex restaurant has quickly become an icon in the Austin community. The restaurant is known for its authentic, scratch-made Tex-Mex fare, as well as its creative cocktails and newly renovated indoor and outdoor dining areas. You can find natural, local ingredients in all the dishes on their menu, and the food is always fresh and delicious. Something that gives this restaurant an extra-special touch is the sense of community and family you get when you visit. The modern, welcoming atmosphere is perfect, especially given the restaurant’s history. Some of the popular dishes that keep the Tortilla soup and Avo chicken Caesar salad coming back again and again.
Address: 901 Little Texas Ln C, Austin, TX 78745
Website: https://trudys.com/
#5 – Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
This restaurant chain is known for serving delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine and a wide selection of tequila cocktails. It’s one of those few restaurants where you can get traditional and modern fare, along with great happy hour deals and beautiful views of the city. It’s a level 3 restaurant and bar located in downtown Austin and San Antonio, with patio seating available overlooking the city. It’s considered the best choice for fresh, delicious Mexican food and drinks, attracting locals and tourists alike. The restaurant serves that perfect blend of traditional and modern Mexican flavors, coupled with a great atmosphere and exceptional service.
Address: 606 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
Website: https://ironcactus.com/locations/austin-mexican-restaurant/
#4 – Güero’s Taco Bar
From its historic landmark building to its expansive menu of handcrafted margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine, Güero’s Taco Bar is a popular gathering spot in South Austin. It has become a local favorite for its vibrant atmosphere, warm hospitality, and mouthwatering offerings like handmade corn tortillas, authentic tacos al pastor, and other regional specialties. The food served here has impressed locals and visitors alike, earning it a reputation as one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. Whether you’re looking for a cold beer, an ice-cold margarita, or delicious tacos and other authentic Mexican dishes, Güero’s has something to satisfy your craving. With live music, a full bar, and outdoor patio seating, Güero’s is the perfect place to unwind with friends or meet up with family.
Address: 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Website: https://gueros.com/
#3 – Chuy’s
Having opened its doors in 1985, Chuy’s Taco Bar is a family-owned and operated Tex-Mex restaurant that has made a name for itself in this region, not just for its delicious food and comfortable atmosphere but also for its commitment to using fresh ingredients and providing excellent service. With a menu that features unique Tex-Mex flavors and dishes, Chuy’s Taco Bar has something for everyone, from traditional favorites like fajitas and enchiladas to more adventurous options like green chili and homemade flan. The creativity expressed in the food they serve here is also reflected in the restaurant’s decor, filled with eclectic touches that make it a fun and unique dining experience.
Address: 11680 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
Website:https://www.chuys.com/
#2 – Juan in a Million
Forget about the simple, bland breakfast options at basic restaurants – Juan in a Million is all about serving up delicious, homemade Mexican fare in a welcoming, family-friendly setting, literally. Here you can enjoy classic dishes like enchiladas, Menudo, and huevos rancheros alongside modern favorites like the famous Don Juan Taco. Whether you’re hungover or just craving a filling, delicious breakfast, Juan in a Million has got you covered with some of the best hangover eats in Austin. The hangover-busting tacos and other menu items have earned this East Austin restaurant accolades from Eater and Business Insider, as well as a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.
Address: 2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://juaninamillion.com/
#1 – Matt’s El Rancho
Our top Tex-Mex restaurant, Matt’s El Rancho, is known for serving fresh, family-friendly cuisine that draws crowds with its enchiladas, margaritas, and more. Founded in 1952 by Matt Martinez and his wife Janie, this Austin institution is now owned and operated by their daughters and grandchildren, who continue to make everything from scratch using only the finest ingredients. It’s the restaurant you want to visit for the original Bob Armstrong dip, the best margaritas using fresh-squeezed lime juice, and other authentic Mexican dishes. According to the Martinez family, many of the Tex-Mex staples known today, such as margaritas and seafood dishes, were first introduced at Matt’s El Rancho.
Address: 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Website: https://www.mattselrancho.com/
