Tex-Mex is a local cuisine loved by families in Austin, especially when dining out. We’ve rounded up the top five family-friendly Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin that provide delicious and authentic dishes, generous portions, and accommodating atmospheres.
1. Torchy’s Tacos – Torchy’s Tacos is a popular chain of Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin known for their inventive and delicious tacos. They use fresh ingredients and their menu includes something for everyone, from classic beef and chicken tacos to vegetarian and vegan options. They also have a great atmosphere, with funky decor and friendly service.
2. Chuy’s – Chuy’s is another popular chain of Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin that is known for its delicious food and fun atmosphere. Their menu includes a wide variety of Tex-Mex classics, from enchiladas to fajitas, and they have a great selection of margaritas and other drinks. Their colorful decor and friendly service make for a great dining experience for the whole family.
3. Trudy’s – Trudy’s is one of the family-friendly Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin that is known for its delicious food and great happy hour specials. They offer a wide variety of Tex-Mex dishes, including fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas, as well as burgers and salads. Their margaritas are also a must-try. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, making it a great spot for families with kids.
4. El Alma – El Alma is on top of the more upscale Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin that is still family-friendly. Their menu includes a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, as well as cocktails and a great selection of tequila. Their rooftop patio is also a great place to enjoy a meal with a view of the city. The atmosphere is sophisticated but still welcoming to families with kids.
5. Matt’s El Rancho – Matt’s El Rancho is about the only one of the classic Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin that has been serving delicious food since 1952. Their menu includes all the Tex-Mex classics, as well as some unique dishes like the Bob Armstrong Dip, which is a combination of queso, guacamole, and beef. Their outdoor patio is also a great place to enjoy a meal with the family. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it a great spot for families.
Top 5 Family Friendly Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin
Torchy’s Tacos
Address: 1822 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 am to 10 pm
Phone Number: +1 512-916-0184
Torchy’s Tacos is one of the popular Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin, known for serving delicious and unique tacos. The interior of the restaurant is lively, colorful, and has a quirky vibe. The signature food on their menu is their famous Trailer Park Taco, which is made with fried chicken, green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese, served on a flour tortilla with poblano sauce.
One unique thing about Torchy’s Tacos is their creative menu, which includes a variety of interesting and delicious taco combinations, such as the Brushfire, which is made with Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapenos, mango, sour cream, and cilantro, served on a flour tortilla.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Trailer Park Taco – Fried chicken, green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese, served on a flour tortilla with poblano sauce.
▣ Brushfire Taco – Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapenos, mango, sour cream, and cilantro, served on a flour tortilla.
▣ ▣ Democrat Taco – Shredded beef barbacoa topped with fresh avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, onions, and a wedge of lime, served on a corn tortilla.
▣ Fried Avocado Taco – Hand-battered avocado, refried beans, topped with pico de gallo, lettuce, and shredded cheese, served on a corn tortilla with poblano sauce.
▣ The Independent Taco – A vegetarian option made with portobello mushrooms, roasted corn, black beans, avocado, cotija cheese, and cilantro, served on a flour tortilla with ancho aioli.
The restaurant’s service is friendly and efficient, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant is usually busy, but the staff manages to keep up with the demand and ensure that the food is served fresh and hot.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Trailer Park Taco and it was incredible! The chicken was crispy, and the green chilies added a nice kick of flavor. I also appreciated the friendly and attentive service.”
“I tried the Brushfire Taco, and it was one of the best tacos I’ve ever had. The combination of jerk chicken, mango, and grilled jalapenos was surprisingly delicious. The service was great too, and the restaurant had a fun atmosphere.”
“The Fried Avocado Taco was so tasty! The avocado was perfectly crispy, and the poblano sauce was a great addition. The service was excellent, and the staff was helpful in making recommendations.”
Torchy’s Tacos in Austin is a lively and popular restaurant known for its creative and delicious taco combinations. The Trailer Park Taco and the Brushfire Taco are popular menu items, and the service is friendly and efficient. The restaurant’s quirky interior and fun atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Torchy’s Tacos stands out among the Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin.
Chuy’s
Address: 1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm
Phone Number: +1 512-474-4452
Chuy’s is one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin, known for its vibrant decor and flavorful food. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with colorful, eclectic items, such as hubcaps, old records, and Christmas lights. The signature food on their menu is the creamy jalapeno dip, which is a blend of jalapenos, sour cream, ranch, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips.
One unique thing about Chuy’s is their commitment to using fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch, including their tortillas and salsas.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas – A popular dish made with seasoned chicken, cheese, and Boom-Boom sauce, wrapped in fresh, handmade tortillas and topped with melted cheese.
▣ Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken – A delicious chicken dish made with tender chicken breasts, green chilies, and jack cheese, served with green chili sauce and rice.
▣ Fajitas – A classic Tex-Mex dish made with marinated grilled meat (beef, chicken, or shrimp), served sizzling hot with onions, peppers, tortillas, and all the fixings.
▣ Chuychanga – A unique take on a burrito, the Chuychanga is a large flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, cheese, green chilies, and spinach, deep-fried, and topped with sour cream and cheese.
▣ Quesadillas – Simple yet delicious, Chuy’s quesadillas are made with fresh, handmade tortillas and your choice of filling (chicken, steak, or veggies), melted cheese, and served with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
The restaurant’s service is friendly and attentive, with staff always ready to provide recommendations and make sure that customers are satisfied with their experience. The food is served quickly, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to answer any questions.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas, and they were amazing! The Boom-Boom sauce is the perfect blend of spicy and creamy, and the handmade tortillas really make a difference. The service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was fun and lively.”
“The Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken was so delicious! The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the green chili sauce had just the right amount of heat. The service was great too, and the restaurant’s decor was quirky and fun.”
“I really enjoyed the Chuychanga – it’s a unique dish that you won’t find anywhere else. The fried tortilla adds a great crunch, and the chicken and cheese filling is tasty. The service was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a fun atmosphere.”
Chuy’s in Austin is a vibrant and fun Tex-Mex restaurant known for its commitment to fresh ingredients and scratch-made dishes. The creamy jalapeno dip is a must-try, and the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas and Elvis Green Chili Fried Chicken are popular menu items. The service is friendly and efficient, and the eclectic decor adds to the fun atmosphere. Chuy’s deserves to be ranked among the top 5 Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin.
Trudy’s
Address: 409 W 30th St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm
Phone Number: +1 512-477-2935
Trudy’s is one of the top Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with colorful murals, festive lights, and quirky decor. The signature food on their menu is the stuffed avocado, which is a ripe avocado stuffed with chicken, jack cheese, and pico de gallo, breaded and deep-fried, and served with ranch dressing.
One unique thing about Trudy’s is their extensive drink menu, which includes a variety of margaritas, cocktails, and beers, and their commitment to using fresh ingredients and locally sourced products whenever possible.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Stuffed Avocado – The signature dish at Trudy’s, a ripe avocado stuffed with chicken, jack cheese, and pico de gallo, breaded and deep-fried, and served with ranch dressing.
▣ Enchiladas – A classic Tex-Mex dish made with your choice of filling (chicken, beef, or cheese), rolled in fresh corn tortillas, topped with sauce and cheese, and served with rice and beans.
▣ Fajitas – Grilled strips of marinated meat (chicken, beef, or shrimp), served sizzling hot with onions, peppers, tortillas, and all the fixings.
▣ Chimichanga – A large flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of filling (beef, chicken, or veggie), fried to crispy perfection, and served with rice and beans.
▣ Tacos – Trudy’s offers a variety of tacos, including the popular Crispy Beef Tacos, made with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese, served on crispy corn tortillas.
The restaurant’s service is friendly and efficient, with staff always ready to provide recommendations and make sure that customers are satisfied with their experience. The food is served quickly, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to answer any questions.
Customer Reviews:
“The Stuffed Avocado was out of this world! The chicken and cheese filling was delicious, and the avocado was perfectly ripe. The service was excellent, and the margaritas were fantastic.”
“I tried the Enchiladas, and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The sauce was flavorful, and the filling was generous. The service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was fun and lively.”
“The Fajitas were amazing – the meat was cooked perfectly, and the peppers and onions were tender and flavorful. The service was great too, and the restaurant had a great energy.”
Trudy’s in Austin is a vibrant and fun Tex-Mex restaurant known for its commitment to fresh ingredients and scratch-made dishes. The stuffed avocado is a must-try, and the Enchiladas and Fajitas are popular menu items. The service is friendly and efficient, and the eclectic decor adds to the fun atmosphere. Be sure to check out their extensive drink menu, which includes a variety of margaritas, cocktails, and beers. They stand out among the Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin.
El Alma
Address: 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm; Friday, 11 am to 10 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm
Phone Number: +1 512-609-8923
El Alma is among the Mexican restaurants in Austin, known for its modern, upscale atmosphere and elevated takes on traditional dishes. The interior of the restaurant is chic and sophisticated, with a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking Lady Bird Lake. The signature food on their menu is the Enchiladas Suizas, which are made with roasted chicken, tomatillo sauce, crema, and queso fresco, served with rice and beans.
One unique thing about El Alma is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and their focus on sustainability. They source their produce from local farmers and use eco-friendly practices in their restaurant.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Enchiladas Suizas – The signature dish at El Alma, made with roasted chicken, tomatillo sauce, crema, and queso fresco, served with rice and beans.
▣ Tacos – El Alma offers a variety of tacos, including the popular Al Pastor Tacos, made with marinated pork, pineapple, onion, and cilantro, served on corn tortillas.
▣ Guacamole – Made fresh to order, El Alma’s guacamole is a must-try, made with avocado, serrano peppers, lime juice, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips.
▣ Carne Asada – A classic Mexican dish made with grilled steak, served with charro beans, guacamole, and corn tortillas.
▣ Ensalada de la Casa – A refreshing salad made with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, jicama, and avocado, tossed with a cilantro-lime vinaigrette and topped with queso fresco.
The restaurant’s service is attentive and professional, with staff always ready to provide recommendations and make sure that customers are satisfied with their experience. The food is beautifully presented and served quickly, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to answer any questions.
Customer Reviews:
“The Enchiladas Suizas were amazing! The chicken was tender, and the tomatillo sauce had just the right amount of tang. The service was great too, and the patio had a stunning view of the lake.”
“I loved the Al Pastor Tacos – the pork was perfectly marinated, and the pineapple added a nice sweetness. The guacamole was also fantastic, and the service was attentive and friendly.”
“The Carne Asada was cooked to perfection – juicy and flavorful. The Ensalada de la Casa was a refreshing complement to the meal, and the service was impeccable.”
El Alma in Austin is a modern and upscale Mexican restaurant known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and elevated takes on traditional dishes. The Enchiladas Suizas and Al Pastor Tacos are popular menu items, and the guacamole is a must-try. The service is attentive and professional, and the patio offers a stunning view of Lady Bird Lake. Be sure to check out their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They rightfully rank among the top 5 Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin.
Matt’s El Rancho
Address: 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm
Phone Number: +1 512-462-9333
Matt’s El Rancho is amid the top Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin, known for their classic dishes and lively atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant is colorful and eclectic, with murals and vintage decor. The signature food on their menu is the Bob Armstrong Dip, which is a blend of queso, guacamole, ground beef, sour cream, and pico de gallo, served with tortilla chips.
One unique thing about Matt’s El Rancho is its rich history – it has been a family-owned and operated business for over 65 years, and many of the dishes on the menu have been passed down through generations.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Bob Armstrong Dip – The signature dish at Matt’s El Rancho, a blend of queso, guacamole, ground beef, sour cream, and pico de gallo, served with tortilla chips.
▣ Enchiladas – A classic Tex-Mex dish made with your choice of filling (chicken, beef, or cheese), rolled in fresh corn tortillas, topped with sauce and cheese, and served with rice and beans.
▣ Fajitas – Grilled strips of marinated meat (chicken, beef, or shrimp), served sizzling hot with onions, peppers, tortillas, and all the fixings.
▣ Chiles Rellenos – Large poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and your choice of meat (beef or chicken), battered and fried to crispy perfection, and served with rice and beans.
▣ Tacos – Matt’s El Rancho offers a variety of tacos, including the popular Brisket Tacos, made with tender smoked brisket, onion, and cilantro, served on corn tortillas.
The restaurant’s service is friendly and efficient, with staff always ready to provide recommendations and make sure that customers are satisfied with their experience. The food is served quickly, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to answer any questions.
Customer Reviews:
“The Bob Armstrong Dip was incredible – so rich and flavorful. The Enchiladas were also delicious, and the service was friendly and efficient.”
“I loved the Chiles Rellenos – the batter was perfectly crispy, and the cheese and beef filling was amazing. The Fajitas were also a hit, and the atmosphere was lively and fun.”
“The Brisket Tacos were the best I’ve ever had – the brisket was perfectly smoked, and the tortillas were soft and fresh. The service was attentive and friendly, and the Bob Armstrong Dip was a great start to the meal.”
Matt’s El Rancho in Austin is a classic Tex-Mex restaurant known for its rich history and signature dishes. The Bob Armstrong Dip is a must-try, and the Enchiladas and Chiles Rellenos are popular menu items. The service is friendly and efficient, and the eclectic decor adds to the fun atmosphere. Be sure to check out their family-owned history and long-standing presence in the Austin community. They rank amid the top 5 Family Friendly Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin for good reasons.
So, don’t settle for just any Tex-Mex restaurant. Bring the whole family together with one of these top five family friendly Tex-Mex restaurants in Austin. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as too much Tex-Mex! Let’s embrace the delicious flavors of Austin and get our Tex-Mex on!
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