Where are the Best Margarita in Austin, Texas?
Went here on a Saturday night recently… couldn’t believe that there is no bar in there to sit at. You can sit outside on an inviting patio for dinner but in order to wait for a table and have a drink, you have to sit outside ON A BENCH. Some families were waiting to be seated next to 4 guys drinking and talking loudly… Not really appropriate to sit outside next to kids while you’re drinking but there’s no where else to wait! Inside is just ok.. Wasn’t busy at all for an inside table at 7 on a Saturday night. so we skipped the drink on the bench and headed inside. Took 10 minutes for someone to greet us and order a drink. Another 15 to tbring our drinks, take our order, or even see if we had questions or mention the specials. The menus were disguesting, with old food stuck in between the plastic and the paper, and what looked like mold growing in between them. Yech.I threw back my mexican martini and ordered the the stuffed Pablano pepper which was pretty fresh and the pork was t
When I dine with locals we usually frequent one of the other locations for consistency and no wait. But when there are out-of-towners involved I usually take them to the “Milagro” location in Davenport Ranch in Westlake. Its a little more upscale, a great patio and nice drive in West Lake Hills. Because of the volume, Milagro struggles a little with consistency, but when its bad, its still pretty good. The food is Tex-Mex and I don’t believe they have ever claimed to be anything else. The margaritas makes those 45 minute waits go a little faster and the Mexican Special induces coma. My only complaints have been my hot plate has come before my cold plate once and the Diablo Soul Food (a normally heavenly concoction of queso, guacamole, pico and spicy meat) has been watery a time or two. Service is average, but they are always busy. Ask for a patio table on a nice day and don’t skip the margaritas and Diablo Soul Food. Yum!Pros + Great atmosphere for your basic Tex-MexCons
Although the competition in Austin for mexican food is tough, El Arroyo is what Austin’s all about. It’s not corporate like most of the others, and you can tell the big difference. The atmosphere is awesome and definately different than any other place you’ll find in Austin, it’s fun, service is good and straight to the point– if you want to have a good time, tell them, and they’ll show you a great time! The food could be better, but with a great atmosphere, great service, the price is right… El Arroyo is the place to be in Austin (especially after running/walking town lake, after class and work…especially for Brunch!)By the way- .99 margaritas on Thursdays are AWESOME! So are the 2 for 1 burgers on mondays (although it is a mexican restaurant- they have some of the best burgers in town!) (Ask for Torie- she’s the best server EVER!)Pros + Atmostphere, service, funCons – Parking, annoying birds if eating outside…
This is one of those rare TexMex food places where there is some healthy, tasty alternative to the regular if you’re not feeling like cheese, meat, beans, and rice. The ceviche is outstanding with squid, scallops, fish, tons of fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and spices. The only thing I haven’t figured out is why they put green olives in there—that’s a first for me. Moreover, there were a lot of them to pick out of the dish. The portion is noteworthy as it is HUGE and a fantastic bargain compared to normal serving sizes/prices (similar to crabcakes). The other reasons for going there—the “purple” margarita which includes EverClear so beware and be sure to have a designated driver ready, and the fun, casual atmosphere. Pros + potent margaritas, tasty ceviche at bargain priceCons – are there any?
We’ve been doing Jardine’s a couple of times per month for the last year or so…always great service and rarely disappointed with the meals. Try the tequila chicken (it’s also the Tuesday lunch special) or beef fajitas…always good. The tacos are a little bland as are the basic enchiladas. Hot sauce and chips are good…Margaritas are average…beer is cold! The service is always good, fast, efficient, attentive. Usually a wait during busy times only.
