The best Mexican in Austin: Local Favorites.

Taqueria De Diez at 206 Trinity Street is the top-ranked Mexican restaurant on this list, and finding it is part of the experience. The entrance is a small bar down an alley off Trinity Street, and the taco counter is behind it, through metal doors. Diners call it a taco speakeasy and say the layout is fun even before the food arrives.

The tacos are what earn the ranking. Several visitors call them the best in Austin, and a business traveler who comes to the city often named it a favorite taco spot after one visit. The carne asada taco is a common order, with a quesadilla, a burrito and chicken fillings also named. Diners say the portions satisfy, and the menu stays focused.

The staff is described as efficient. Online pickup orders came out right on time, and a visit right at opening, which is half past eleven, found a busy room but a short wait to order. The line grows later in the day, and late night hours are another option.

Cabo Bob's Burritos at 2828 Rio Grande Street is a made-to-order burrito spot near the university. Customers move down a counter, choosing a tortilla, a protein and toppings, and several diners say the tortillas are made right in front of them. Visitors from other cities compare it favorably with national chains.

The fish burrito and fish tacos are the dishes diners name with the most feeling, calling the fish crispy, juicy and flaky. Brisket, quesadillas and bowls round out the orders, and the burritos are described as huge at a fair price. A group of about twenty-five ordered custom burritos ahead for lunch, and every one came out right.

The line is the main drawback, and a larger share of diners than at other places on this list had a disappointing visit. The process also surprises first-timers who expect a table. Call ahead for groups, order online when possible, and plan for a midday rush. Families with kids appear in diner accounts.

Suerte at 1800 East 6th Street is a taco restaurant built around housemade masa. Diners describe the room as relaxed and unassuming, with attentive servers and cocktails that match the food. A visitor on a short Austin trip called it the best meal of the trip, and the restaurant's reputation draws diners who planned ahead.

Suadero tacos are the most named dish, followed by brisket tacos and wagyu tacos, with a quesadilla and mole also earning praise. The fresh tortillas are the base of the praise. Diners with allergies say the server brought a marked up menu and guided their choices. Cocktails, wine and brunch all appear in diner accounts.

Reservations matter here. One party booked more than a month ahead for a celebration and was seated on time, and walk-ins report waits. Parking is a repeated note, so allow extra time. Brunch is a good way to try the kitchen with lighter crowds, and the patio helps in good weather. Prices run higher than a taqueria, which diners find fair for the quality.

Eldorado Cafe at 3300 West Anderson Lane is a Tex-Mex cafe with a loyal lunch crowd. Diners say the room buzzes with energy, and many describe the food as different from a typical Austin Mexican restaurant. Its popularity shows in the waits, which are common at peak hours.

Enchiladas are the dish most diners name, from the classic version with a rich, tangy sauce to mole enchiladas. The Thunder Rosa taco is another favorite, and the chile relleno special runs on Thursdays. A fireman combo plate is huge, and chips, queso and salsa make a good opening. Vegan diners mention the menu more often than at other spots here, and breakfast is also served.

Expect a wait. Quoted times of about twenty five minutes shortened to ten for one party, while another waited thirty. Reservations are mentioned, which helps for groups. The patio adds seating in mild weather. Lunch is the busiest time. Service earns steady praise, and margaritas are popular at the bar.

Santa Catarina Restaurant at 1310 Ranch Road 620 South is in Lakeway, in the Hill Country west of Austin, so it serves suburban diners rather than the downtown crowd. It sits in a shopping center with an outdoor patio, and diners describe a warm welcome from the hostess and bar staff.

Fajitas lead the orders, and a Yucatan style shrimp fajita was called the best one diner had eaten. Enchiladas and tacos are common, and the crema de elote and vegetarian tacos each get a mention. Complimentary nachos arrive at the start of the meal. Margaritas and happy hour are the most discussed drinks, and lunch is a busy time.

The dining room can get loud, and a larger share of diners than at other places on this list had a disappointing visit, so expectations should be moderate. Reservations are accepted, and a Mother's Day visit went smoothly after booking. Diners who sat at the bar were greeted warmly.

Papalote Taco House at 2803 South Lamar Boulevard is a small taco shop with roots in Austin. Diners call it a favorite in south Austin, and some have been regulars for years. The tacos are plain and generous rather than elaborate, and the shop offers a friendlier price than some of the larger taco chains.

Breakfast is the most discussed meal. Diners recommend building a taco with two fillings plus egg, such as chorizo and poblano, and say the size is good. At lunch the menu moves to street style tacos, alambres steak, and a torta. Vegetarian diners find real options, and the salsas get notice. The dining area was remodeled and expanded.

Weekday lunch fills the room from about noon to the middle of the afternoon, so arrive off peak for a seat. One diner noted the music volume, and the restaurant responded after the comment. Waits are modest, and ordering is at the counter. The shop works well for a quick breakfast before a day downtown.

Fonda San Miguel at 2330 West North Loop Boulevard sits in the Allandale neighborhood, off a main road and near quiet residential streets. It is the most formal Mexican dining room on this list, and diners call it quietly confident. A reservation is the key to getting in.

Duck enchiladas and the mole are the dishes that draw praise, with al pastor tacos and shrimp also named. Enchiladas lead the mentions overall. Margaritas are the drink most diners order, and happy hour is available. The menu is organized by region, and one diner found it confusing, so ask the server for guidance. Vegan options are mentioned by a few guests.

Reservations are heavily discussed. One diner booked a month ahead for a Tuesday evening and found the room full, and others say it books out. Birthdays and anniversaries are common occasions. Parking takes some effort, so allow time. The dining room is larger than it looks from outside. Diners also note that the menu lacks a list of non-alcoholic drinks.

ATX Cocina at 110 San Antonio Street is a modern Mexican restaurant with an emphasis on seafood, mezcal and tequila cocktails. Diners describe a lively, fast paced room, and the service moves to keep up with the crowd. Dishes arrive family style, which suits groups who want to share.

The octopus with chorizo is the dish diners call a standout, and crab, salmon and short ribs are also named. A tamal made with acorn squash masa opens many meals, and nachos and a Caesar salad appear in several accounts. Gluten-free diners are mentioned more than at any other place here, and servers handle the restrictions with care.

The back patio allows dogs, and one party praised the server who guided them through food and drinks. Happy hour and margaritas draw regulars, and brunch is available. Reservations are mentioned for dinner. The setting is sleek and business friendly, so it works for client dinners.

El Alma at 1025 Barton Springs Road sits next to Terry Black's, and diners point out that its parking is easier. The restaurant has green plants and rocks in the interior and a rooftop, and the patio is its busiest feature. A fun, relaxed energy runs through diner accounts.

Tacos lead the orders, including a lamb barbacoa taco. Enchiladas come with duck or chicken, and crab, shrimp and mole round out the menu. Margaritas are the most named drink, and happy hour is popular. Weekend brunch has its own followers. One diner found the drinks hit and miss, so ask the server which cocktails to try, and another warned about a pretentious feel.

Parking is mentioned as better than at its neighbor but still imperfect. Waits show up at peak times, and reservations are available. Service earns warm credit, with servers named in several accounts. The patio is the place to sit when the weather is good. Lunch and brunch are quieter than dinner, which suits groups that want to talk.

Habanero Cafe at 501 West Oltorf Street is a small Tex-Mex cafe that draws diners from across Texas. A couple from the Dallas area said none of the Tex-Mex they tried matched it, and a visitor on a first trip called it the best meal of the stay for the price. The room is plain, and the service is quick.

Breakfast and lunch carry the menu. Diners order enchiladas, including supreme and cheese versions, along with beef fajitas and breakfast tacos. Chips and a spicy salsa arrive first and are described as fresh. Prices are friendly, and portions are large. Several diners compared the food to home cooking.

The room is small, so waits are common, especially at breakfast and on weekends. A server who moves easily between Spanish and English earned notice, and the staff is described as professional. The cafe is not fancy, and diners like that. Arrive early or at off peak hours for the shortest wait.