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Local picks in Austin

Chips and salsa spots

A basket of chips and salsa that respects the crunch of the tortilla without being an afterthought to the main course.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
Los Pinos Jalisco image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican spot with a quiet atmosphere and a large shaded patio split for kids and adults. Chips and salsa are superb and unique, served quickly by attentive staff. Occasional Mariachi performances add lively cultural charm.

Chips come with great salsa and sometimes queso. Service includes quick delivery and attentive staff. The chips and salsa stand out as superb and different from others.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the street tacos."

"The outdoor seating area is delightful and beautiful."

"The chips and salsa here are superb and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $6 margaritas and appetizers.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour.

3

There is ample free parking available nearby.

02
Pollo Regio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy free chips with a variety of authentic salsas, including a spicy habanero. The place feels family-oriented and homey, perfect for groups. Service is quick and portions are generous, making it a relaxed spot with well-maintained facilities.

Free chips come with amazing salsas, including a habanero salsa that stands out. The flavors are authentic and not generic.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes amazing."

"The salsa bar has a great variety of fresh, flavorful salsas."

"The chips and salsa here have real, authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

Free fresh chips are always available.

3

The wait time is generally short.

03
Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Spacious Tex-Mex spot boasts authentic Mexican decor and a lively ranchero vibe. Kids enjoy the visible playground on the large patio. Fresh complimentary chips and salsa kick off meals, while the bar serves excellent margaritas.

Complimentary chips and salsa come out fresh and tasty. The salsa has a superb flavor that pairs well with the amazing chips.

People are saying

"The servers here are so attentive, they make it a great spot for dates."

"You get yummy free ice cream when you leave."

"The chips and salsa here are amazing and have good flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 margaritas and queso on Monday afternoons.

2

Sunday brunch features an all-you-can-eat buffet for $40 per person.

3

Happy hour specials include $7 margaritas all day from Monday to Sunday.

04
Javi's Best Of Tex Mex image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Open space with booths and bar seating creates a lively neighborhood vibe. Chips are thin and crispy, paired with flavorful salsa that is mildly spicy and always fresh. Enjoy quality margaritas served in frosted mugs, though it gets loud during busy hours.

Chips come thin and crispy with salsa that is flavorful and mildly spicy. Complimentary servings arrive fresh and are regularly refilled to keep them full and tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Tex Mex."

"The chips and salsa here are perfect and mildly spicy and flavorful."

"The chips and salsa were delicious and mildly spicy."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are reasonably priced, making it a good option for budget-conscious diners.

2

Parking can be challenging during the lunchtime rush, so plan accordingly.

3

The main entry door is not obvious, so look for signage.

05
DK Maria's Legendary Tex-Mex image 1

Enjoy fresh tortilla chips with mild salsa in a spacious, authentic Mexican setting. Comfortable seating and a lively atmosphere shine during live music nights. Don't miss the notable margaritas at the well-stocked bar.

Fresh, thick tortilla chips come with a mild, homemade-style salsa. The chips and salsa stand out as a fantastic starter and a nice bonus to the meal.

People are saying

"The salsa here had a good kick and was divine."

"The Mexican martinis here are top-shelf and so good."

"The chips and salsa were fantastic, like homemade."

Good to know

1

A 20% surcharge is added on Wednesdays for live music without prior notice.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

3

The restaurant charges a To-Go fee of up to $5.

06
Que Divino Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with spicy salsa and classic margaritas that kick off meals perfectly. Live music and a dog-friendly patio under oak trees create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Full bar and private spaces make it great for both casual dining and social events.

Chips come with delicious and spicy salsa that gets refilled without asking. The combination pairs well with a classic margarita and stands out as a favorite starter.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with deep flavors and just the right spice."

"The dinner here is delicious and the presentation is fantastic."

"I loved the chips and salsa; they were delicious and spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. with live music.

2

Taco Tuesday offers special deals worth checking out.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy events; we waited 45 minutes for dinner.

07
La Mancha Tex Mex Tavern image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Spacious indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio create a relaxed vibe. Warm, fragile chips come with fresh salsa that impresses every time. Fans enjoy authentic Tex-Mex vibes while watching games on multiple TVs.

Plentiful chips arrive warm and fragile, paired with very fresh salsa served immediately after seating. The chips suit salsa well and consistently impress with their tasty quality.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the chips and salsa, is so fresh."

"The outdoor seating here is a lovely, spacious patio."

"I really enjoyed their chips and salsa; they were amazing."

Good to know

1

Daily specials include 2 for 1 Fajitas on Mondays.

2

Beware that the sangria margarita is not included in happy hour prices.

3

Parking is free on-site, with additional free parking nearby.

08
El Mercado Restaurant image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Bright, cheery Tex-Mex spot with a dog-friendly patio and strong margaritas. White corn chips come with very spicy salsa and endless refills. Music blends blues, soul, and classic hits for a lively vibe.

White corn chips come with very spicy salsa that stands out. Staff keeps the refills coming, making it easy to enjoy the house chips and salsa throughout the meal.

People are saying

"I've never had a better Mexican martini anywhere."

"The brisket enchiladas here are delicious."

"The house chips and salsa were SO good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 PM until close on Mondays with drink discounts.

2

Live music occurs every Monday night featuring local artists and a surprise guest.

3

The lunch special includes a two chicken fajita taco plate for only $10.

09
Flores Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Huge outdoor space with a large kids' playground offers a laid back, family-friendly vibe. Quick chips and free refills pair well with fresh salsa, making snacks a highlight. Bright lighting and a shaded patio create a warm, comfortable spot for groups.

Chips come out quickly with free refills and fresh salsa. The combination is consistently enjoyable and often described as on point.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with a huge outdoor playground."

"The carnitas here are so tender and full of flavor."

"I loved the chips and salsa; they were the best we've had anywhere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant has a kid-friendly outdoor playground area.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially weekends.

10
Amaya's Taco Village image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large Mexican spot shines with perfect spicy chips and salsa. Beautiful decor and a cool bar area create a lively vibe. Outdoor patio offers a casual spot with flyover views, ideal for groups.

Chips come with a perfect spicy flavor that stands out. Salsa pairs well, making the combo consistently great and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The enchiladas here melt in your mouth with authentic taste."

"The chips and salsa here are amazing and perfectly spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available on weekends with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The full menu is available starting at 8am, perfect for breakfast options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can get crowded during lunch hours.

11
Casa Chapala image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large space with several patios offers a lively vibe and festive atmosphere. Live Mariachi and harp/violin duos provide engaging entertainment. Chips and salsa come fresh with custom spice levels and a mortar for grinding chili flakes.

Table side service includes custom spice levels and a mortar to grind chili flakes into the salsa. Chips come with salsa and bean dip, all served fresh and spicy on request.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"Martha's hospitality makes the salsa feel like coming home."

"I loved the chips and salsa, especially when I asked for spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for large gatherings to ensure seating.

3

Private dining room available for events up to 30 people.

12
Tres Amigos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with puffy tacos and generous margaritas. Fresh chips and salsa kick off meals with bold flavor. Traditional decor sets a comfortable atmosphere where music varies from calm to loud.

Fresh chips come with salsa that bursts with flavor. Both chips and salsa taste great and are a delicious way to start.

People are saying

"These enchiladas are delicious and taste like childhood nostalgia."

"The salsa here is phenomenal and full of flavor."

"The chips and salsa here are delicious and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect slow service as it's not a fast food place.

2

Karaoke events happen occasionally, adding to the atmosphere.

3

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes offered.

13
Chuy's image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Neon signs and 50's decor set a retro Tex-Mex vibe with a loud, energetic atmosphere. Enjoy complimentary warm tortilla chips and salsa with a creamy jalapeรฑo dip. Both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating offer lively spaces for classic margaritas and flavorful dishes.

Complimentary warm tortilla chips and salsa start every meal. A creamy jalapeรฑo dip adds extra flavor to the chips and salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the atmosphere is vibrant."

"The enchiladas here are delicious and full of flavor."

"The chips and salsa here are so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Chuy's has its own parking lot located in the back.

2

Expect long wait times if parking is unavailable.

3

Happy hour offers free queso and discounted drinks.

14
Micheladas Cafe y Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic music and framed folk art that create a chilled vibe. Free chips and salsa offer a spicy-hot kick perfect with their famous michelada. Dog-friendly patio with big screens balances upbeat energy and cozy comfort.

Chips and salsa come free and pair well with their famous michelada. The salsa has a spicy-hot kick that stands out alongside the delicious, savory chips.

People are saying

"I thought the food was even better than expected."

"The table-side guacamole is amazing and delicious."

"The chips and salsa here are delicious and a little spicy-hot."

Good to know

1

The cafe can get packed during events with the convention center.

2

Expect longer wait times during major sporting events like the Texas v. Oklahoma game.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during busy events.

15
Habanero Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, colorful spot with a hole-in-the-wall feel and lively vibe. Enjoy complimentary chips and salsa that kick off the meal perfectly. Cozy, crowded space serves authentic breakfast tacos and fajitas loved by locals.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive while waiting, setting a tasty start. The salsa pairs well with the crispy chips, complementing the meal.

People are saying

"I've never had a bad meal of their Mexican food."

"The salsa here is delicious and perfectly spicy."

"The chips and salsa here are delicious and spicy."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available each weekday at a great price.

2

Parking can be difficult with limited space available.

3

Habanero Cafe only accepts cash payments.

16
Enchiladas Y Mas image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers authentic cheese enchiladas and strong margaritas in a lively, friendly setting. Chips come with fresh salsa that stays crisp even for to-go orders. Space feels simple and cramped, adding to its local charm.

Chips come with fresh salsa that complements the crispy texture well. They include chips and salsa even with to-go orders, keeping the quality consistent.

People are saying

"I thought the enchiladas were among the best I had."

"The salsa here is flavorful and spicy."

"I was impressed with the chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

Enchiladas Y Mas does not open on Sundays or Mondays.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially during lunch hours.

3

The restaurant is very busy, often requiring a wait for a table.

17
La Posada image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy fresh chips and salsa served promptly in a warm, cozy atmosphere with a family-run vibe. Large seating fits groups comfortably while you sip on great margaritas. Food prices stay reasonable, making it a welcoming spot for all.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive promptly and keep guests satisfied while ordering. Staff ensures water and refills are available to accompany the fresh chips and salsa.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and reasonably priced."

"I found the enchiladas here to be delicious and filling."

"The chips and salsa here are excellent and just spicy enough."

Good to know

1

You pay near the front door in a narrow hallway on your way out.

2

The restaurant fills up quickly after 6 PM, so expect a wait.

3

Parking is easy because there is a big shared lot.

18
Fairways Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot boasts a breezy patio with golf views, perfect for a chill vibe. Strong margaritas and fresh breakfast tacos shine here. Chips and salsa come in a huge portion but are just average.

Huge portion of chips and salsa comes with the order. The quality of the chips and salsa is average and not very impressive.

People are saying

"You've got to try the breakfast tacos; they're amazing."

"The outdoor seating lets you watch golfers on the course."

"You have to try the chips and salsa; the portion is huge!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour features chips, salsa, and margaritas on the porch overlooking the golf course.

2

Alcohol service stops one hour before closing time.

3

The cantina offers a great brunch at reasonable prices.

19
El Arroyo image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Small Tex-Mex spot offers strong margaritas and smoked chicken that stand out. Artistic patios and a cut-apart school bus create a fun vibe despite some heat and crowding. Chips and salsa come fast, with salsa's spicy kick balancing crispy chips well.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive quickly with a friendly greeting. The salsa has a spicy kick that might challenge sensitive palates but pairs well with the crispy chips.

People are saying

"The food here was really good and delicious."

"The BBQ enchiladas here are amazing and a must-try."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials offer reasonable prices on weekdays from 4-7pm.

2

Weekday lunch is a great time to visit for a quieter experience.

3

They only accept credit cards and do not accept cash.

20
Casa Maria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with fresh chips and salsa served free. Cozy booths and traditional decor create a warm vibe. Enjoy real Mexican music and a full bar with sweet margaritas for a lively yet pleasant experience.

Fresh chips and salsa come free with meals. The salsa is delicious and the chips are excellent.

People are saying

"I loved the bakery items; they were amazing."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic."

"The chips and salsa here were excellent and homemade."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is on weekdays from 3 to 6 pm with $4 house margaritas.

2

Live mariachis perform every Friday from 7-9 pm.

3

They charge $5 for a basket of chips with salsa.

21
El Patio Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot with old school Austin decor offers a cozy vibe. Enjoy fresh chips and salsa that many call the best around. Strong margaritas and crispy tacos on flat tostadas complete the authentic Tex-Mex experience.

Fresh chips and salsa arrive right at the start. The salsa tastes delicious and the chips stay crisp. Many find them the best in the area.

People are saying

"I loved the beef and guacamole enchiladas."

"The bartender Ms. P was so personable and offered great drinks."

"I thought the chips and salsa were the best I had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, and a booting company enforces strict rules in the lot.

2

Expect to pay $100 if your car gets booted for not dining.

3

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 PM with $5 margaritas.

22
La Palapa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with huge dining room and lively bar playing Tejano music. Enjoy excellent margaritas alongside tasty tacos and enchiladas. Chips and salsa come fast, with spicy salsa and yummy chips, but watch for small portions.

Chips and salsa arrive quickly with drink orders. The salsa is very spicy and the chips are considered yummy, but portions are stingy and extra servings may cost.

People are saying

"These enchiladas were amazing and seasoned well."

"I sat at the bar with Daniela and she remembered what we drank."

"I found the chips and salsa to be pretty good and yummy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm every day with great drink specials.

2

Karaoke nights create a lively atmosphere, but check for schedule.

3

The restaurant can get crowded on Friday nights, so arrive early.

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