Best of 12 Mexican restaurants in Downtown Austin
Mexican restaurants in Downtown Austin offer a wide variety of delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From the vibrant street tacos at Taquero Mucho to the upscale interior Mexican dishes at La Condesa, there is something for everyone. Other notable mentions include Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar, Pelons Tex Mex, and Veracruz All Natural, all of which are top choices for locals and tourists alike.
- 1. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
- 2. Veracruz All Natural in Downtown Austin
- 3. Torchy's Tacos
- 4. Taquero Mucho
- 5. ATX Cocina
- 6. La Condesa
- 7. Micheladas Cafe y Cantina
- 8. Pelons Tex Mex
- 9. Comedor in Downtown Austin
- 10. OneTaco Taquería @ Little Woodrows (Food Trailer)
- 11. Las Perlas
- 12. MEXTA Mexican Restaurant
1. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
Upscale Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere and extensive tequila selection

Iron Cactus, located on 6th Street in Austin, is a great place to enjoy drinks and people watch. The outside terrace offers a fantastic vantage point for observing the hustle and bustle of the street below while enjoying top-notch drinks and delicious food.
The Mexican food at Iron Cactus is exceptional, particularly the chips, salsas, and chicken enchiladas. The salsa verde is so tasty that you may find yourself, like me, requesting additional servings. The restaurant's enjoyability is such that, during my 11-day stay in Austin, I chose to dine there on three separate occasions.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
2. Veracruz All Natural in Downtown Austin
Austin's first food trailer turned brick-and-mortar Mexican restaurant

Steak tacos are a customer favorite, with many praising the tender and flavorful steak that is expertly grilled. The steak quesadilla also receives high marks for its delicious taste and large size.
The fresh juice is another standout, with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Made from a combination of orange, pineapple, and spinach, it is a must-try for anyone who enjoys freshly squeezed juices.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
3. Torchy's Tacos
Austin-born taco chain known for creative and high-quality ingredients

Torchy's Tacos has received high praise from reviewers, who describe the service as helpful, quick, and amazing. The restaurant is particularly known for its delicious and highly-rated food, with standout items being the queso and tacos. The portions served are generous and the flavors are unique, offering a delightful combination of sweet and savory elements.
During a work trip to Austin, a recommendation led a customer to Torchy's Tacos. They had a great experience, with enjoyable food and a fun atmosphere. The tacos were a hit, and the "nookie" dessert was a sweet surprise. The queso was also noteworthy, with a unique texture that was almost like hummus. Overall, the visit to Torchy's was a memorable and enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
4. Taquero Mucho
Authentic Mexican street food experience in Austin

The service at this establishment is generally described as quick and friendly, with staff who are attentive and have a pleasant demeanor. However, there have been some complaints of slow service from certain guests.
The food served here is mostly enjoyable, with several standout dishes. Yet, some guests have suggested that there is room for improvement in the quality of the food and that the pricing could be adjusted to better reflect the quality.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
5. ATX Cocina
Contemporary Mexican dining experience with a focus on craft cocktails

The food at this establishment is highly rated by customers, with several standout dishes. The Caesar salad, Carne Asada steak, Big Glory Bay Salmon, and guacamole are particularly popular, and the portions are generous, encouraging sharing among diners.
In addition to the excellent food, the drinks also receive high praise from customers. Many comment on the unique and delicious flavors, with some noting that the drinks are surprisingly strong and potentially addictive.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
6. La Condesa
Elevated Mexican dining experience with a trendy vibe and live music

La Condesa, a restaurant in Austin's 2nd Street District, is known for its interior Mexican dishes and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant takes a modern approach to Mexican cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes. One of the standout features of La Condesa is its bar program, which boasts an extensive collection of 100% blue agave tequila and mezcal.
In addition to its food and drink offerings, La Condesa also has a lively atmosphere that makes it a popular spot in Austin. The restaurant's interior is beautifully designed, with a sleek and modern look that is both elegant and inviting. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, La Condesa is a great choice. With its delicious food, top-notch bar program, and vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Mexican cuisine in Austin.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
7. Micheladas Cafe y Cantina
Featuring a lively atmosphere with live music and entertainment, A great spot for events and parties, Specializes in Mexican cuisine and micheladas

Micheladas provided an excellent dining experience with delicious Mexican food and exceptional service. The staff went above and beyond, ensuring that water and chip refills were always prompt, creating a very pleasant and attentive atmosphere. The menu offered a variety of tasty options, including the brisket tacos and alambre, while the queso and salsa stood out as well-prepared and flavorful.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Happy Hours
8. Pelons Tex Mex
Authentic Tex Mex cuisine in a vibrant setting

The food served at the establishment was enjoyable and of high quality, but it did not fully meet the expectations of Tex-Mex cuisine. The location and service were notable highlights, with the former being particularly convenient and the latter being exceptionally attentive and helpful.
Despite not delivering on the Tex-Mex front, the food was still a delight, going beyond mere satisfaction. The overall experience was so positive that the individual is already eagerly anticipating a return visit. The combination of great location, excellent service, and delicious food contributed to making this a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
9. Comedor in Downtown Austin
Authentic interior Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting

The decor of the establishment is unique, featuring a dark but open interior and an unmarked entrance, creating a distinct and memorable atmosphere. The food served is excellent and superior in quality, which makes the mixed reviews it has received somewhat surprising.
The restaurant offers an amazing dining experience, with exceptional food, atmosphere, and service. The margaritas are particularly noteworthy, and the staff is commendable for their patience and attentiveness. They even accommodated the speaker's confusion when they received two happy hour tacos on one plate.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
10. OneTaco Taquería @ Little Woodrows (Food Trailer)
Authentic Mexican street food in the heart of downtown Austin

The first account raves about the best taco they've ever had, emphasizing the exceptional quality of the dish. The author also compliments the staff for being amicable and welcoming, which greatly enhanced their dining experience. They enthusiastically encourage readers not to miss out on this eatery.
The second review features a vegetarian taco and a dish called the Gringa, both of which received high praise for their delicious taste. The prices were described as affordable, making it an excellent option for a quick, satisfying meal. The queso was also a hit, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
11. Las Perlas
Authentic coastal Mexican cuisine in Austin's vibrant downtown scene

The tacos at this unspecified location are a standout, with the quality being so high that one visit for tacos is not enough. The comment is made that the tacos are possibly the best encountered in Austin, which speaks to their flavor and overall deliciousness. A variety of tacos were tried, including shrimp, cauliflower, and mushroom options, making for a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
This establishment's tacos have received high praise, with the taste being so exceptional that a single order of tacos is not sufficient. It's noted that these tacos may be the best experienced in Austin, which indicates their overall excellence. Among the tacos consumed were shrimp, cauliflower, and mushroom varieties, creating a memorable and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
12. MEXTA Mexican Restaurant
Handmade tortillas and house-made sauces

The ambiance and service at Mexta are outstanding, making it a must-visit destination. The delicious food and breathtaking atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend paying a visit to this establishment and trying the impressive menu.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems