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Austin's best

Chips and salsa lunch spots

A lunch spot where the chips and salsa are a priority rather than a filler.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
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Updated May 2026
01
Los Pinos Jalisco image 1
Los Pinos Jalisco image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with extensive outdoor patio featuring plenty of shade and separate kid and adult sections. Atmosphere is quiet and inviting, suitable for conversation and relaxation. Occasional Mariachi performances add cultural character to the space.

Lunch offers fast service with a quiet bar area during midday. Meals suit all day with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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."

"This lunch spot has fantastic, fresh Mexican food, especially the enchiladas."

"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
Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Spacious Tex-Mex restaurant with authentic Mexican decor and a large outdoor patio featuring a visible playground for kids. Atmosphere feels like a ranchero on the border, lively with music that turns up as the crowd grows. Offers complimentary ice cream and a well-stocked bar known for excellent margaritas.

Lunch here features generous portions and great prices. The fajita lunch special stands out for quality, and service is consistently attentive.

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."

"Our Lunch Spot server Carmelo was incredible and attentive."

"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.

03
Javi's Best Of Tex Mex image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Open space with booths and bar seating creates a neighborhood feel. Atmosphere gets loud during busy hours, making conversation difficult. Frosted mugs and quality margaritas stand out as distinctive features.

Lunch specials come with a lettuce and tomato salad to keep things fresh. The lunch fajitas arrive in a huge portion on a hot plate. Service stays friendly and professional even during busy lunch 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."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious, with fresh ingredients and complex flavors."

"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.

04
Pollo Regio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious and spotless interior creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere with a quiet, familial vibe. A standout feature is the free chips and salsa bar offering a variety of fresh sauces. The place draws those who appreciate cleanliness and comfort while enjoying flavorful Mexican dishes.

Lunch features chicken dishes but quality varies. Some meals include burnt chicken rather than fresh options.

Complimentary chips and salsa come with every order. A salsa bar offers variety and freshness. The chips have a good crunch and pair well with the salsa.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot's chicken pieces were so big I ate them over two meals."

"I loved their complimentary chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and organization.

2

Prices range from $15 to $16 per person for most options.

3

A variety of salsas, onions, and chips are available for customers.

05
El Mercado Restaurant image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant with a bright and cheery atmosphere and a dog-friendly patio. Music mixes blues, soul, and classic hits, creating a lively but sometimes unusual vibe. Offers strong margaritas and a large free parking lot.

Lunch specials come in 10 varieties, served quick and hot with no soggy taco shells. Plates like the chicken fajita tacos with rice and chips cost around $10 and feel fresh and satisfying.

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.

06
Que Divino Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with live music and a dog-friendly patio shaded by large oak trees. Indoor and outdoor seating create a calm vibe suited for social gatherings and casual dining. Full bar and private event spaces add to its versatile appeal.

Lunch offers quick and delicious options with a fantastic menu featuring items like Campechanos tacos. The spot feels comfortable and friendly for dining with friends or family outdoors.

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."

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

"This lunch spot has fresh, delicious food with mouth-watering choices."

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
Habanero Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, colorful Mexican restaurant with a hole-in-the-wall feel and old Austin vibe. Atmosphere is crowded and loud, with tables close together creating a cozy but chaotic environment. Regulars enjoy authentic dishes like breakfast tacos and fajitas in a space that feels like a local community hub.

Lunch specials come with generous portions and include items like picadillo and enchiladas. Prices stay affordable, with weekday specials and options like Mexican Cokes adding value.

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."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious, especially the salsa."

"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.

08
Chuy's image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers Tex-Mex flavor with fun decor featuring classic cars and pet photos. Atmosphere feels lively and trendy, with a beautiful patio and ample indoor seating. Margarita selections stand out alongside addicting green sauce and excellent Mexican dishes.

Efficient and professional service supports quick lunches in a business setting. The patio offers a pleasant spot to enjoy tortilla soup and other lunch options.

Fresh chips arrive hot and quickly with salsa. The salsa pairs well with a creamy jalapeรฑo dip, making the starter worth the visit.

People are saying

"The chips and queso here are amazing."

"The chips and salsa were good and fresh."

"The Chicken Fajita Tacos at this Lunch Spot tasted fantastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $5 queso and $1.50 off margaritas.

2

Chuy's offers outdoor seating, ideal for families and large groups.

3

Reservations are not required, but expect reasonable wait times during peak hours.

09
Amaya's Taco Village image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a cool bar area offers a laid back atmosphere that suits intimate to medium groups. Music and crowd noise create a lively, sometimes loud vibe, especially when busy. Outdoor patio provides a casual spot with views of nearby flyovers.

Lunch offers quick service even during busy times. Specials like the Friday fish plate with grilled tilapia and the large enchilada plate on Mondays provide filling options with good flavors.

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 lunch specials here are a great value, with large portions."

"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.

10
Casa Chapala image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large space with several patios creates a lively and festive atmosphere, especially outdoors. Live Mariachi and harp/violin duos provide engaging entertainment. The vibe shifts from comfortable early to jumpin' late at night.

Lunch offers a buffet with several options including enchiladas, tacos, and desserts. Service during lunch is consistently great, and the buffet provides good value with delicious food.

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."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious, especially the enchiladas."

"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.

11
Micheladas Cafe y Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers beautiful decor with authentic music and framed folk art creating a chilled vibe. Patio seating is dog friendly and relaxing, with big screens showing games. Atmosphere balances upbeat energy for groups and cozy comfort for dates.

Offers great lunch deals with food good enough to visit twice. Serves a nice lunch that stands out for quality and value.

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

"This lunch spot's Mexican food is bursting with flavor."

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.

12
Tres Amigos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with traditional decor and a comfortable, familiar atmosphere. Music ranges from calming to loud, sometimes affecting conversations. Known for puffy tacos and a bar serving generous margaritas.

Offers lunch specials at great prices with a trusted local Mexican menu. Serves well for a quick lunch or casual family gatherings.

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 at this Lunch Spot is phenomenal."

"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
Enchiladas Y Mas image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Small, cozy Tex-Mex spot with a loud, lively atmosphere and a friendly, neighborhood vibe. Known for authentic cheese enchiladas and strong, well-priced margaritas. Space feels a bit cramped and simple, reflecting a long-standing local charm.

Lunch offers quick service and hot enchiladas. Every item on the lunch menu tastes delicious and suits a light meal when skipping rice and beans.

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."

"This lunch spot's enchiladas are a top favorite and always delicious."

"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.

14
El Arroyo image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Small Tex-Mex restaurant with artistic outdoor patios and a cut-apart school bus as decor. Atmosphere mixes fun vibes with occasional discomfort from heat and crowding inside. Known for strong margaritas and standout smoked chicken dishes.

Lunch features delicious specials that are very filling. The spot suits a casual meal with a drink before heading out.

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."

"This lunch spot's Tex-Mex food is delicious and reasonably priced."

"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.

15
Casa Maria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with attached bakery offers a warm, authentic atmosphere featuring comfortable booths and traditional decor. Real Mexican music plays, creating a lively yet pleasant noise level. The space includes a full bar with margaritas that lean sweet and mild.

Chicken fajitas stand out on the lunch menu. Service stays friendly and fast even when it's not busy.

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."

"The food at this lunch spot is so flavorful and delicious."

"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.

16
Flores Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Huge outdoor space includes a shaded patio and large kids' playground visible from an indoor area with glass windows. Atmosphere feels laid back and family-friendly, suitable for groups with children and large parties. Bright lighting and a warm, familiar vibe create a comfortable environment.

A busy lunch spot that still serves orders quickly. Good for a casual meal with a coworker.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's food was fantastic with large portions."

"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.

17
La Palapa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and a huge dining room suited for large groups. Atmosphere shifts from quiet dining areas to a lively bar with Tejano music and a DJ. Known for excellent margaritas and a menu featuring tasty tacos and enchiladas.

Lunch features a decent menu with options like enchiladas and a lunch special. The spot is convenient for midday meals near work or casual gatherings.

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 loved the lunch here; the food was delicious."

"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.

18
La Posada image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a warm, cozy atmosphere and family-run vibe offers large seating including booths and tables in a small space. Great margaritas and reasonably priced food complement the inviting, homey setting.

Lunch specials include crispy beef tacos and other dishes priced around $9.99. Quality food and satisfying portions make lunch a solid choice here, though prices have risen from earlier rates.

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."

"The lunch specials here are great."

"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.

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