“Nixta Taqueria” (Austin)

“Nixta Taqueria in Austin offers a unique interpretation of traditional Mexican tacos. Owner and chef Eduardo Hretienko uses seasonal and local ingredients to create unusual combinations of flavors. He experiments with different kinds of doughs, marinades and unexpected sauces. “Nixta Taqueria emphasizes innovation while preserving the roots of Mexican cuisine.

“Mixtli” (San Antonio)

“Mixtli in San Antonio offers a unique experience in Mexican gastronomy. This restaurant offers traditional multi-course dinners that represent the different regional cuisines of Mexico. Mixtli’s chefs travel through Mexico, exploring a variety of recipes and cooking techniques to create unique dishes that reflect the diversity of Mexican culture.

“Suerte” (Austin)

“Suerte in Austin is a restaurant that combines Mexican cuisine with influences from modern trends. Here you’ll find traditional Mexican dishes like moles (chocolate-based sauces) as well as innovative combinations of ingredients and unexpected spices. “Suerte” brings a modern take on Mexican cuisine without losing its essence.

“La Condesa” (Austin)

“La Condesa in Austin offers bold and modern interpretations of Mexican food. The restaurant specializes in traditional cooking techniques, such as grilling and smokiness, and combines them with innovative ingredients and presentation. “La Condesa” offers a unique perspective on Mexican cuisine, presenting it in a modern and appealing way.

“Gloria’s Latin Cuisine” (Dallas)

“Gloria’s Latin Cuisine in Dallas offers an eclectic menu combining Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean and Caribbean influences. The restaurant offers unique combinations of flavors, including dishes with pineapple, coconut and seafood. “Gloria’s Latin Cuisine creates new and exciting experiences in Mexican gastronomy.

Restaurants in Texas experimenting with the tradition of Mexican cuisine bring a fresh perspective and innovation to this rich and diverse culinary culture. They keep the roots and traditions alive while incorporating modern flavors and trends. If you want to try something new and exciting, visit these restaurants in Texas and enjoy bold and innovative Mexican cuisine.

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We have spicy, sweet, fruity, frosty and our favorite spicy. Indeed, there is no shortage of delicious tequila cocktails in this city. Whatever type of margarita you’re looking for, Austin will likely make it in a frozen glass – with (or without) salt.

There’s nothing like tequila mixed with the perfect amount of lime juice in a salt-rimmed glass that reminds me of good times with my favorite people. After sampling our fair share of margaritas in a city full of them, we’ve rounded up the best margaritas in Austin below.

Best Rooftop: El Alma

El Alma serves modern Mexican food with a unique Austin twist. Spend a sunny day or a stellar evening on the beautiful rooftop patio atop Barton Springs Road, which offers the best views of downtown Austin. Try the sweet and fruity Mangorita or try the Flaquita, made with el Jimador Blanco flavored with serrano watermelon.

What to order: Alma has an alternate drink of the month – always a good option – but their Margarita Clásica is fine.

Happy hour: Daily from 3 to 6 p.m. Margarita Clásica for $7, Sangría for $6, discount Cerveza for $1 and Mangorita for $8.

Best Margarita House: Licha’s Cantina

Licha’s is a small bungalow known for its Mexico City-style street food and mescal cocktails in East Austin. The homemade margaritas, made with silver tequila, lime and kombier (triple sec), are available to steal during happy hour, which runs Tuesday through Friday. The outdoor space is huge, so gather your friends to grab a few pitchers in the large front, back or side patio.

What to order: Have you ever heard of ginger and lemon margaritas? It might be your next favorite cocktail.

Happy hour: Tuesday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. Cocktails and antohito for $8.

Best Date: Comedor

If you’re looking for a fun place to date, Comedor couldn’t be better. Chef Gabe Erales’ contemporary Mexican restaurant (Dai Due Taqueria, Noma) and Philip Spear (Uchi) is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday night. Outdoor dining, anyone? My favorite, however, was the carrot tequila, a bright original drink flavored with tequila blanco, anise chtabentun and just enough lemon to cut through the earthy richness of the carrot juice.

What to order: The Comedor Margarita, infused with orange and garnished with lime zest and a salty rim, is a fresh take on a southern border classic.

Happy hour: Monday through Thursday. 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Most options: Güero’s Taco Bar

Güero’s Taco Bar, another Austin classic, is a kitschy South Congress gem with one of the best people-watching patios in town. It also has one of the longest margarita menus on this list, offering many tequila options. Margaritas at Güero’s are served the old-fashioned way — shaken by hand and made with freshly squeezed lime juice. Pair your margaritas with exceptional Texas-Mexican dishes like mole, authentic al pastor tacos, or handmade tortilla enchiladas.

What to order: The Longhorn, mixed with 512 tequila made right here in Austin, is a Guero classic.

Happy hour: Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Frozen & Casa Margaritas for $4, $2 off specialty margaritas and $2 beer.

Best Upland Mexican: ATX Cocina

The contemporary Mexican cuisine you’ll find at ATX Cocina makes this restaurant one of my top recommendations. From large to small plates, their food menu never fails to disappoint with unique dishes like red chile fried chicken and classic Texas-Mexican dishes like queso fundido. If you’re a coconut fan like me, their Coco Loco is a sweeter cocktail that still contains tequila.

What to Order: Sometimes simplicity is just what you need with margaritas – the ATX margarita does the trick.

Happy hour: Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. Margaritas de la Casa for $9 and Mescal Paloma for $9.

Best seasonal drinks: De Nada Cantina

With a menu full of everything from breakfast tacos (a Texas-Mexican staple) to tacos served with homemade blue corn tortillas, De Nada Cantina will satisfy both your hunger and cocktail cravings. Bonus points if you try their seasonal pastries-the themed drink trend is one of my favorite things about this town!

What to order: Who doesn’t love a seasonal drink? De Nada’s seasonal margaritas are made with fresh, seasonal fruit.

Happy hour: Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Best combination of food and drink: Fresa’s

While Fresas’ Chicken al Carbon is to die for, their beverage menu gives a tasty plate a run for its money. There are drinks for almost every meal of the day – some of my favorites are pink mimosa, ranch water and pineapple mule.

What to order: Cucumber wins me over in almost everything. Marg with cucumber and cilantro from Fresa is no exception.

Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. $2 off all Aguas Frescas, Botanas, beer, wine and margaritas.

Best Place: Joan’s Fine Foods

This restaurant’s location alone could secure it a spot on any list of Austin favorites. Joann’s Fine Foods, located in the Austin Motel in South Congress, is a café and diner surrounded by upscale stores, local businesses and a lively atmosphere. Their beverage menu includes classic Texas-Mexican drinks like Paloma, but also offers the option to add liquor to any water fresca or juice on their menu.

What to order: Retro Margaritas have a light flavor with a touch of chili salt.

Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.

Most unique offerings: La Condesa

La Condesa is a popular Austin food staple thanks to their varied menu, which is always a winning feature when dining with a large group. Their drink menu is no exception and consists of less popular cocktails such as watermelon martinis made with elderflower liqueur and seasonal sangria made with fresh local fruit and orange liqueur.

What to order: I’m a big fan of adding fruit to margaritas, so the Margarita La Condesa with roasted pineapple is one of my top choices.

Happy hour: Monday through Friday from 5-6pm. Half off on all alcoholic beverages.

Most Authentic Taste: Fonda San Miguel

The authenticity of the atmosphere and cuisine at Fonda San Miguel is what sets this restaurant apart from many other Mexican restaurants in Austin. Their food and drink menu features many Mexican-inspired dishes and drinks such as chile rellenos, ceviche, and of course, margaritas!

What to order: Fonda San Miguel’s Pepino Pica with cucumber and serrano peppers is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

Happy hour: Monday through Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m. $2 off tequila and tequila cocktails.

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The Cove

Cove is not only a sustainable and local restaurant in San Antonio, but also a place for live music, a car wash, a self-service laundromat, a dog-friendly hangout and a playground for kids! Seriously, what more do you want? This is a great place to eat if you want to live a healthy lifestyle, support local producers and have a great time with great people. You’ll find creative tacos, grass-fed beef patties, kids’ menus and frozen treats on the menu. The Cove offers more than 50 Texas beers, and every day there’s something special happening on the Cove’s calendar of events. This restaurant doesn’t take reservations unless you’re interested in holding tables for a fee for your party. Just stop in to eat, starting at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Biga on the Shore

If you’re looking for a good dining spot right on the Riverwalk with great food, look no further than Biga on the Banks. This restaurant regularly serves new American cuisine with creative menu twists, and it’s a favorite among tourists and locals alike. The kitchen is run by chef Bruce Oden, who was a James Beard Award nominee for best chef in the Southwest. Entrees start at $25 and include such favorites as bay crab stuffed with American Lucian, 13-ounce roast beef ribeye, Hill Country venison with 11 spices and grilled quail meat. There are also some delicious desserts on the menu, such as Grand Mariner soufflé and panna cotta with buttermilk and blackberries. Make dinner reservations any night of the week.

Cappy`s Restaurant

Another great place for eclectic New American cuisine is Cappy’s Restaurant in San Antonio. Come here for fresh seafood, regional dishes and steaks. Opened in 1977, Cappy’s is open for brunch, lunch and dinner and is a short drive from downtown and the airport. Reservations at this restaurant are also recommended, and you can do so online. Some popular dishes on the dinner menu include Allen Bros. ribeye, rack of lamb, gumbo and salmon in Skuna Bay. After dinner, save room for a sticky toffee pudding or a slice of coconut cream pie. The bar also has a great selection of wines by the bottle or glass, as well as cocktails.

Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant & Bar Margarita

This San Antonio staple has been on historic 6th Street since 1996. It serves modern and redefined Mexican food and actually has three establishments in Texas (the others are in Dallas and Austin). In San Antonio, the restaurant is right across the street from the La Mansion Hotel. The hotel has a private patio on the riverfront. You’ll love the three pork loin with chili, pork and tamales, vegetarian enchiladas and queso composto. Come here for happy bar hours too!

Magnolia Pancake House

To start your morning right in San Antonio, be sure to stop by Magnolia Pancake Haus. This restaurant serves dishes made from scratch that are just like Grandma’s. In addition to pancakes, Magnolia offers delicious waffles, omelets, salads, soups and sandwiches. The restaurant opened its doors in 2000 and has since become one of the best breakfast spots in town. It has even been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Guy Fieri’s Dives. More than 70 percent of the menu is gluten-free if you’re food sensitive. It’s open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Smoke Shack

Smoke Shack in San Antonio offers great barbecue sandwiches and appetizers with sides to help you feel the spirit of Texas. This local barbecue shack is open every day, but on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and also at Nacogdoches, which is open for lunch. In fact, the restaurant actually started as a barbecue cart and served customers for four years before a full-fledged restaurant opened in town. Go here for brisket, braised pork, fried chicken and Frito pies for a Southern-inspired meal.

Dough Pizzeria Pei

San Antonio also has some great pizzerias, including Dough Pizzeria Napoletana. This restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in two San Antonio restaurants (downtown and Blanco Road). The restaurant has been in town since 2007 and specializes in delicious pizza typical of the cuisine of Naples, Italy and Southern Italy. Try the signature Truffle Burrata pizza or the signature Pork Love pizza when you stop by.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery

San Antonio breweries also offer delicious food, including Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery. Here you can order brunch, lunch, dinner, or late night. For example, you’ll often find fried chicken, bone-in roast pork chops, grilled red lucian and oysters on the dinner menu. Chef Jeff Balfour creates a modern take on Texas cross-cultural cuisine. Also, be sure to try a pint of Future Recognizes Us, In the Hands of Morpheus, or another local beverage. Order online to secure your table.

Blis

For a special dinner in San Antonio, choose Bliss. This new American-style restaurant is stylish and offers excellent food in a sophisticated atmosphere. Come here for upscale and impressive cuisine just south of downtown. Popular dishes on the dinner menu include prime beef tenderloin, duck foie gras, vegan platter and meat dishes.

Cured

We also love Cured restaurant in San Antonio for its creative cuisine and craft cocktails. It’s chef Steve McHugh’s new restaurant, which is housed in a historic building and specializes in hand-crafted dishes. It’s open for brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. It’s the perfect place to visit if you like meaty appetizers, both with small plates and large plate options to make your mouth water

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