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Take a break from your normal order of cheese-smothered beef enchiladas and make a run past the border at these spots for some of Austin's best Mexican food.

Nixta Taqueria

Though Austin’s undoubtedly boiling over with <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/austin/best-restaurants-austin" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">incredible restaurants</a> right now, one thing we’ll always be known for is game-changing Mexican cuisine. After all, when a state goes so far as to form its own culinary subcategory—hello, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/austin/best-tex-mex-restaurants-in-austin" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tex-Mex</a>—it's clear that there’s a serious love for mole, pozoles, ceviche, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/austin/best-breakfast-tacos-austin#map=show" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">tacos</a>, and just about everything else <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/mexicos-best-kept-vacation-secrets" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">south of the border</a>. These corn- and flour-clad delights are the real deal—close your eyes, ignore the chatter, and you’ll immediately be transported to Mérida, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/visiting-oaxaca-city-what-to-know" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Oaxaca</a>, or the <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/things-to-do-in-mexico-city" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">bustling streets of Mexico City</a>. Whether you’re looking for a <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/austin/moving-in-austin-guide-where-to-live" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">neighborly hangout</a> or a place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, here are Austin’s very best places for traditional Mexican eats. 
&nbsp;

Though Austin’s undoubtedly boiling over with <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/austin/best-restaurants-austin" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">incredible restaurants</a> right now, one thing we’ll always be known for is game-changing Mexican cuisine. After all, when a state goes so far as to form its own culinary subcategory—hello, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/austin/best-tex-mex-restaurants-in-austin" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tex-Mex</a>—it's clear that there’s a serious love for mole, pozoles, ceviche, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/austin/best-breakfast-tacos-austin#map=show" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">tacos</a>, and just about everything else <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/mexicos-best-kept-vacation-secrets" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">south of the border</a>. These corn- and flour-clad delights are the real deal—close your eyes, ignore the chatter, and you’ll immediately be transported to Mérida, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/visiting-oaxaca-city-what-to-know" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Oaxaca</a>, or the <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/things-to-do-in-mexico-city" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">bustling streets of Mexico City</a>. Whether you’re looking for a <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/austin/moving-in-austin-guide-where-to-live" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">neighborly hangout</a> or a place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, here are Austin’s very best places for traditional Mexican eats. &nbsp;

Situated within walking distance to ATX Cocina and La Condesa, La Piscina has transformed downtown’s 2nd Street District into a mecca for elevated Mexican dining. Why? Because their ceviches and oysters are fresh-off-the-boat tantalizing (just a squeeze of lime and you’re good to go); their Cochinita Pibil (pork shoulder and belly in banana leaf with rice, beans, and tortillas) is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And if you want a bit of drama, they’ll give you the whole shebang via table-top sizzling Fajitas or Crepes Flambees loaded with fruit, Cointreau, and ice cream. Plenty of mezcal and handmade Oaxacan dishware only seal the deal further.&nbsp;

lapiscinaaustin

La Piscina

For the best Mexican-style chicken around, look no further than Fresca’s Chicken Al Carbon. Here, you’ll chomp on rotisserie-style bird doused in either achiote and citrus or Yucatecan spice rubs. Both are served with charro beans, rice, onions, jalapeño, corn tortillas, and salsa. Fresca’s, of course, caters to Texas dietary requirements: the red meat option is a Chimichurri Skirt Steak, and the seafood option is Aji-glazed prawns. Note that there are now two locations, one on 9th and Lamar and the larger South First location, where more variations are available. How to order: Order takeout via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/fresassouthfirst/v3" target="_blank">Toast</a>&nbsp;or get delivery via <a href="https://www.favordelivery.com/order-delivery/fresas-336/1703-south-1st-street-austin-tx-78704-24067/" target="_blank">Favor</a>.&nbsp;

Fresa's - 9th & Lamar


Fresa's Chicken al Carbon

The 2019 hole-in-the-wall addition has developed a loyal Eastside following thanks to their incredible homemade corn tortillas packed with veggies and proteins. Standouts from the relatively short menu include Tuna Tostadas (marinated yellowfin tuna cured in citrus, soy, avocado, spicy mayo, cilantro, and furikake) and the Duck Carnitas Taco (duck confit, salsa cruda, watermelon radish, shaved white onions, cilantro). And who doesn’t love an almighty Breakfast Taco? Especially when it's ladled with housemade bacon, roasted fingerling potatoes, Tillamook cheddar, scrambled eggs, and lacto-fermented hot sauce, and served until 5 pm. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

Nixta Taqueria


Mexican chef-restaurateur Richard Sandoval brings a splash of color to Fareground Food Hall with Taco Pegaso, a street food counter based on fantastical Oaxacan alebrijes. Expect lunchtime goodies like tacos and burritos, from the rich red Chicken Tinga to the multi-sensory Al Pastor (marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro), plus a queso to end all quesos—and not just because it’s a bargain at just $5. The vendor also stocks Mexican ice pops and hibiscus or horchata aguas frescas. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating or order takeout via <a href="https://order.faregroundaustin.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Fareground</a>.

Fareground at One Eleven


Taco Pegaso

Modern Mexican with a touch of glam, ATX Cocina takes you back to sunny days at Riviera Nayarit’s beach clubs. Each plate is generously portioned, gluten-free, and good to share, with highlights spanning Carne Asada with mole pozole, tomato, roasted jalapeños, and cilantro, and the miso-marinated Big Glory Bay Salmon with caramelized rice, macha-ponzu butter sauce, and wilted greens. There’s also a <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/austin/best-happy-hours-in-austin" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">daily happy hour</a> and even taco and margarita kits to-go, if you want to take the fiesta home.

ATX Cocina

Founded and run by sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, Veracruz has expanded its footprint to several additional locations including East Austin, Downtown, and Tarrytown. And while the meaty tacos get all the attention, the vegan option, El Diferente, actually steals the show—the refried pinto beans, potato, mushroom, avocado, corn, and poblano pepper melt so magically together, no brisket can compete. That’s not the only vegan option done well—they also have vegan queso made with cashews, and a host of fresh juices and smoothies available. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating or get delivery via <a href="https://favordelivery.com/order-delivery/veracruz-all-natural-1552/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Favor</a>.

Veracruz

Veracruz All Natural

El Alma remains one of the most popular spots in Barton Springs, thanks to a rooftop boasting skyline views and a menu that’s equal parts quality and affordable. Here, chef Alma Alcocer showers Austin with Mexico City-born gems like Crema de Elote and Roasted Duck Relleno, among other enticing dishes. Happy hours run daily between 3 pm and 6 pm, and the weekend brunch from 10 am to 3 pm is well worth booking days in advance. How to order:&nbsp;Get delivery via <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/store/el-alma-cafe-y-cantina-barton-springs/uuqvIe0jQ0qRVC4EqpVtyQ" target="_blank">Uber Eats</a>.

Photo courtesy of El Alma

El Alma

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Aged in both American and French oak barrels and finished in port wine casks, <a href="https://drizly.com/liquor/tequila/anejo-tequila/1800-cristalino-anejo/p101821" rel="noreferrer sponsored" target="_blank">1800 Cristalino Tequila</a> is an ultra-premium, crystal-clear añejo meant to celebrate life’s special moments with taste. So, this Cinco de Mayo, elevate your experience and raise a glass with 1800 Cristalino instead—your taste buds will thank you.

Photo courtesy of 1800 Tequila

Blind Barber

La Condesa is just as buzzy and trendy as the Mexico City district it’s named after, with a large dining and patio area for you and your crew to kick back on. Hit up the Sunday brunch happy hour from 11 am to 2 pm for half-priced signature cocktails that make the outstanding ceviche taste even better, or go for the Mimosa by the bottle, which comes with your choice of two agua frescas. Perfect for group fun in the sun. How to order: Order takeout via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/lacondesa/v3" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

La Condesa

This East Austin institution has long been hailed as the number one purveyor of authentic Mexican cuisine, and it indeed lives up to the hype. The bright and welcoming outpost sources local heirloom corn from Central Texas to make their famous masa in-house, and the resulting ultra-fresh tortillas arrive filled with flavor-packed seasonal offerings like confit brisket and oak-smoked pork chops. Weekend brunch sees their take on delicious pastries (including a Beef Kolache), while the Sunday through Thursday happy hour provides fantastic boozy deals. How to order:&nbsp;Order takeout via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/suerte/v3" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Suerte

This family-owned stalwart has been a neighborhood darling for over two decades—ever since 2000, when Mexico City native Marisela Godinez first brought the flavors of her mother’s kitchen to Austin. The menu features an eye-catchingly wide range of regional specialties like Ceviche Acapulqueno, Chile en Nogada, and Chilorio del Norte (aka northern-style guajillo pork). And if that weren’t reason enough to drop everything and head on over, it’s all made from scratch and sourced locally whenever possible. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating and takeout.

El Mesón

Inspired by Mexico City’s soulful street eats, Licha’s Cantina is IG-gold from concept to plate. The menu features housemade masa, slow-roasted meats, and sauces redolent with spices. Picture-perfect compositions to snap with your phone (and between your lips) include Cochinita Pibil and Tinga de Pollo, which sit beautifully alongside homemade tortillas, guac, salsa, escabeche, pico, beans, and chips. Keep an eye on their social media pages for seasonal party packs and other one-off enticements, alongside a killer happy hour from Tuesday through Friday. How to order:&nbsp;Order takeout <a href="https://www.lichascantina.com/pickup" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a> or get delivery via <a href="https://www.favordelivery.com/order-delivery/lichas-cantina-11741/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Favor</a>.

Licha's Cantina

For more bang for your buck this Cinco de Mayo (and beyond), head over to Sazón, where flavors move effortlessly between Puebla, Yucatán, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Mexico City. Two of the most distinctive offerings are the Pipian Verde con Pollo (toasted pumpkin seed sauce, poached chicken) and Alambres de Red (grilled beef tenderloin with vegetables), both coming in at less than 15 bucks total. Keep your flip-flops and stretchy pants on—things here are both laid back and Texas-sized. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating and takeout.

Sazón

With museum-quality artwork, exotic plants, and international décor setting the scene for their classic regional cuisine, Fonda San Miguel has made a name for itself as one of the finest interior Mexican restaurants in all of America since opening in 1975. Feast on Calabacitas Rellenas, Enchiladas, Ancho Relleno San Miguel, and more, along with a bounty of rice, beans, corn tortillas, and the requisite chips and salsa. The illuminated bar’s Margarita on the rocks is numero uno, and all tequilas take a refreshing happy hour dip on Monday through Thursday afternoons.? How to book: Reserve <a href="https://www.fondasanmiguel.com/reservations/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>. &nbsp;

Fonda San Miguel

Fonda

On Burnet Road, T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs charms crowds with Tucson-style hot dogs tracing their roots back to Sonora, Mexico. That’s right—this joint had the audacity to introduce an already meat-obsessed city to heart-stopping bacon-wrapped sausages topped with beans, diced onions, tomatoes, mustard, and a squirt of mayonnaise and, let’s just say, we’re here for it. They even fly the buns in from Arizona, for goodness sake. A vegetarian dog is also available, as well as burritos and quesadillas. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating or order takeout <a href="https://tlocs-hotdogs-103892-107872.square.site/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

T-Loc's Sonoran Style Hot Dogs

T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs

The name “discada” refers to a seven-layered northern Mexico culinary technique also known as cowboy-wok cooking, and this homey East Austin fixture definitely lives up to its rustic moniker. The unassuming trailer only serves two dishes: The Little Taquito with pork, beef, onions, and bell peppers topped with pineapple, and the Elote en Vaso, a cup of bright yellow corn dressed with Tajin, mayo, and queso fresco. Note that these talented guys sell out almost every day, so call ahead or follow their social media to ensure yourself a plate. How to order: Order takeout <a href="https://curbtocar.com/discada" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

discada

<a href="https://admin-preview.thrillist.com/authors/james-wong" target="_blank">James Wong</a> is a contributor for Thrillist.

Essential Mexican Restaurants

This Cinco de Mayo, Thrillist and 1800 Tequila are partnering to guide you to the best Mexican restaurants in your city so you can dig in on delicious nachos paired with a fresh margarita.

Essential Mexican Restaurants: Best Mexican Spots in the US

Mexican

Austin’s Best Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo and Beyond

Best Mexican Restaurants in Austin: Where to Order Authentic Mexican Food

From artisanal masa programs to roadside taquerias and the top queso in town. 


1800_Tequila_892904_Apr22

Though Austin’s undoubtedly boiling over with incredible restaurants right now, one thing we’ll always be known for is game-changing Mexican cuisine.

Discada

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Austin’s Best Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo and Beyond

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