Where is the Best Mexican Food in Austin, Texas?
You may approach this place thinking its a slightly shabby Mexican restaurant, but then you see Don Juan’s Porsche in the parking long and you start wonder. Honestly, this is the best food to have after a night on 6th (as long as it wasn’t too crazy). I bet this place would make a killing if they were open late hours of the night. I have been here over 10 times. and I probably ordered the Don Juan 9 times out of 10. The Don Juan is CHEAP, GOOD, and FILLING! The place can get really crowded for lunch, so try to get there early if you want to get seated faster. And to top it off, you can generally see the proud owner Juan there to greet you with his famous hefty handshake (it almost knocked me off balance once!). Pros + Great food for an awesome value in a really chill place!Cons – Juan isnt ALWAYS around to shake your hand
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…
I have been to this restaurant at least 4 times in the past (before moving to Bastrop) because it was on the ?approved? list of my nephew and his ex wife, what with them being Vegans and all. They do have a number of vegetarian dishes, and I applaud them for being health conscious. GF and I went there yesterday, and the food was pretty good, especially the sauces, and in particular, the poblano cream sauce on the Enchiladas Chiapas. However, I cannot in good faith give them top marks. The prices were a bit on the high side, but so was the quality. However, for those prices, I would expect free chips and salsa. Even most dives give you free chips and salsa, and there is no reason why this place shouldn?t. As for those who give the joint poor marks because their avocado margaritas, I?d like to ask you just what the heck you were thinking ordering an avocado margarita? I mean, REALLY! A word of warning, though ? if you didn?t like the avocado margaritas, then I would recommend you NOT or
Online reservations, great, but when I called to confirm I spoke with a very unfriendly, young male host. That should have tipped me off to the level of service I should expect. Bar service took too long, waiter took even longer. Drinks during dinner took far too long and several were just plain forgotten! The menu is deceiving, it looks like a delicious assortment but it’s all rather bland. The food is not fresh, it’s thawed. From the ceviche to the mango salsa I was consistenly disappointed. I’ve been to several South American restaurants and this one is by far the least impressive. It’s as if Chili’s opened up a Latin chain, making it overpriced for what it is. Good for a group because of the large space, and with good company you forget so much about the mediocrity of the food itself.Pros + Spacious, Decent Parking, Good for GroupsCons – Service, Value, Flavor
If I could give this restaurant 4.5 stars, I would. The most notable thing about FSM is the decor … it is very unique, interior Mexico authentic and romantic with a capital R. The food is positively some of the best Mexican food I have ever had. FSM has a full and pleasantly unusual menu. Their flour tortillas are so f/cking good – I don’t even like flour tortillas, but I ate every single one they brought me. The recommended wine was amazing. However, unless my Mexican food is doing something extra special like driving me home, it is not worth the prices this place is boldly asking. I will most definitely go back, but only when I have a few extra dollars to throw away in a WTF whirlwind.Pros + Very, very good foodCons – Both you and your date should bring a form of payment
