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Local picks in South Austin

Kid-friendly Mexican food lunch spots

You want a lunch spot that serves authentic Mexican food without the long wait.

Based on 973 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taco Brother image 1
Taco Brother image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Classic taco truck setup with covered picnic tables and a shaded seating area creates a casual, inviting atmosphere. Music plays softly, adding to the good energy while people enjoy authentic, flavorful tacos made fresh to order. The space feels private and comfortable thanks to an added awning over the waiting area.

Food portions come in generous sizes, often leaving enough for dinner. The spot is conveniently close, just a short walk away, making it easy to grab lunch while waiting around.

Tacos and breakfast burritos stand out with authentic flavors and quality ingredients. The El Primo, Al Pastor, and picadillo tacos come with delicious salsa and fast, friendly service.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"The salsa verde here is amazingly delicious and spicy."

"The lunch portions here are huge, you'll have leftovers."

Good to know

1

Most breakfast tacos cost between $3 and $3.25.

2

There wasn't a long wait during my visit.

3

The parking lot is busy but has ample space available.

02
Tacoly Moly By Ygor image 1

Food truck sits in a laid-back, scenic lot with tons of outdoor seating shaded by trees. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, enhanced by live music and a welcoming vibe. Offers best tacos and burritos alongside great beer and cocktails, attracting families and casual diners alike.

A taco truck serves both breakfast and lunch with tamales and pastor tacos featured on the lunch menu. Bowls are also available for a late lunch option.

Tacos here stand out with blue corn tortillas and homemade salsas. Burritos, especially the Pastor burrito, come large and full of flavor, while quesadillas pack a punch with generous fillings.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are super flavorful and generous with toppings."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and fairly priced."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Live music and entertainment create a unique atmosphere at the event.

3

The food truck offers generous serving sizes at affordable prices.

03
El Perrito ATX image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic El Paso style food with spacious indoor and outdoor seating featuring colorful murals and art decor. Atmosphere feels casual and nostalgic, with a lively bar area and live music on weekends. Popular for $5 margaritas and unique dishes like shredded beef flautas and fried green chile rellenos.

Lunch offers unique and delicious options that stand out from usual spots. The team delivers great service making it a solid choice for a midday meal.

Authentic El Paso Mexican food shines through with shredded beef flautas and rolled drowned tacos in sauce. Picadillo tacos, quesadillas with special sauce, and horchata add to the homemade, flavorful experience.

People are saying

"I thought the drowned tacos were among the best in Texas."

"I found authentic El Paso Mexican food here."

"The OG hotdog at this lunch spot is flavorful and filling."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and plentiful near the restaurant.

2

Taco Tuesday features live music and special menu items.

3

Menudo Sundays offer a unique dining experience with Oldies music.

04
El Marisquero Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Outdoor covered dining with shaded picnic tables creates a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Loud cumbia and reggae music fills the space, giving it a lively, beach-like vibe. The setting feels like an authentic Mexican seafood experience with a chill, nostalgic energy.

Offers a refreshing lunch ideal after a pool day or on hot days. Serves seafood that feels light and satisfying in the heat.

Seafood tacos stand out with fresh, full flavor. The quesadillas are large and packed with prawn and octopus. Tostadas offer a crispy chip with great texture and flavor, especially the ceviche tostada.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican seafood here to be the best in Austin."

"The Mexican seafood tacos here are fresh and delicious."

"The ceviche at this Lunch Spot is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

El Marisquero Seafood is a BYOB restaurant, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

2

A hidden 5% fee applies for card payments, which may not be clearly posted.

3

Prices for seafood dishes are generally affordable, but some may find them high for the portion size.

05
La Familia Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with a recently remodeled interior offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like a family gathering. The vibe is quiet and friendly, attracting regulars who appreciate affordable Tex-Mex classics and all-day breakfast.

Lunch specials cost around $8 to $10 and include enchiladas or taco plates with iced tea. Portions come in huge sizes, and daily specials run at lunch and dinner.

Fresh, family-run Mexican food shines with sizzling fajitas and perfect shrimp chipotle enchiladas. Tacos come with crispy shells and well-seasoned meat, while margaritas are strong and free of chemical flavors.

People are saying

"You have to try the pozole; it's some of the best Mexican food I've had."

"I thought their breakfast tacos were amazing and filled to the brim."

"I enjoyed the great food and service at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Margarita Mondays offer good value with discounted drinks.

2

Breakfast is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

Daily specials are available for both lunch and dinner.

06
Twin Peaks image 1
Sports bar

Open layout filled with many televisions shows a wide range of sports including football, soccer, and UFC. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and relaxed to energetic and fun, supported by a heated patio with great views. Cold draft beers and a rock music playlist complement the lively sports bar vibe.

Lunch specials cost less than fast food and come with a great atmosphere. Friendly staff like Amy and Chloe L make the experience enjoyable.

Street tacos come in several varieties including crispy and quesabirria, all packed with flavor. Chips arrive with extra salsa, and margaritas stand out as exceptional.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and visually and tastes great."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is awesome and attentive."

"Jada was so friendly and attentive during my visit."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

Expect BOGO wings during happy hour, a popular choice.

3

Late night happy hour starts at 10 PM with special pricing.

07
Tejas Birria- Austin image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck with outdoor seating under umbrellas offers a family-friendly vibe near tennis courts. Atmosphere feels lively and inviting with warm, friendly staff. Seating is basic and can be uncomfortable, but the focus remains on the best birria tacos in town.

Lunch features Birria tacos with a minimum order of four, which can be too much food and expensive for a midday meal. Beverage availability may vary during lunch hours.

Birria tacos stand out with a stupendous amount of meat and rich flavor. Unique dishes like Birria Ramen and birria pizza add variety, all offered at prices cheaper than many other spots.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and flavorful consume are amazing."

"The Texas toast soaked in the consomรฉ was amazing."

"This lunch spot's birria is amazing, especially the quesabirrias."

Good to know

1

Tejas Birria is a food truck with outdoor seating available.

2

Expect large portions that are worth the price.

3

Street parking can be tricky around the food truck.

08
Five Four Restaurant & Drafthouse- S Austin image 1

Upscale restaurant combines rock 'n' roll memorabilia with spacious seating and multiple big TV screens for sports viewing. Patio offers fire pit and retractable ceiling, creating a versatile outdoor space. Atmosphere blends fresh, clean design with a lively, slightly formal vibe.

Lunch offers a solid value with a $10 menu until 3 PM. Options include a rib eye sandwich with a delicious sauce, and the service is quick and friendly.

Chips with exquisite queso stand out alongside amazing fish tacos and solid fried fish tacos. Steak, chicken fajitas, and classic sides like mashed potatoes and spinach dip round out the menu.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has delicious French dip and chicken fried steak."

"The fish tacos here are amazing and a solid choice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9 PM to close with $5 beers and $6 long islands.

2

Parking can be difficult; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, primarily high barstools.

09
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina (South Austin, TX) image 1

Sports bar offers many TV screens showing various games and sports shows, creating an energetic atmosphere. Outdoor palapa dining adds a lively vibe ideal for socializing on weekends. The setting includes hard stools without backs and a style reminiscent of casual, themed bars.

Lunch specials include street tacos that many find pretty good. Service varies with friendly waitstaff like Mia and Savannah, though busy times can cause long waits and occasional billing errors.

Tacos come with all the fixings and include options like goat and carnitas. Chips and salsa are legit, and the tortilla soup stands out as excellent.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, just like Luisa's energy."

"My lunch spot waitress was so attentive and made my experience pleasant."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly on weekends.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller vendors.

3

Food typically arrives quickly, usually within 15-20 minutes.

10
Taquerias Arandinas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with cozy, authentic decor and casual, family-like atmosphere. Music plays softly, creating a fun but relaxed vibe. Tables sit close together, and TVs show games, adding to the lively yet inviting setting.

Sizzling fajitas bring strong flavor to lunch here. Several dishes offer a quick, tasty bite for a midday break.

Tacos feature tender, juicy meats like barbacoa and al pastor with flavorful, creamy green salsa. Pozole and enchiladas offer authentic Mexican tastes, while chips and salsa include a standout orange salsa.

People are saying

"I thought the authentic Mexican food here was phenomenal."

"The salsa here is fresh, flavorful, and has a great kick."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Prices are not displayed on the menu, leading to unexpected charges.

2

The restaurant does not sell alcohol, so bring your own if desired.

3

Refills on drinks are not available; consider ordering large beverages.

11
El Secreto de Abuela #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with casual taqueria vibe and air spray paint decor creates a homey atmosphere. Food offers reasonably priced breakfast tacos and standout dishes like menudo and steak poblano. Place feels like a hidden gem with a genuine, relaxed energy.

Lunch offers a cheap, fast, filling special that satisfies hunger well. The #1 lunch special delivers great value and taste consistently.

Homemade Mexican dishes stand out with spicy chilaquiles verdes and perfectly balanced ceviche on crispy tostadas. Breakfast tacos and crispy tacos offer great flavor at reasonable prices, while favorites like mole, menudo, and fajitas bring rich, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really tasty and flavorful."

"The menudo here is the best Mexican food in town."

"The lunch special is cheap, fast, filling, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch costs $13.95, but the price isn't clearly posted.

2

Dine-in customers receive free chips and salsa.

3

Extra tortillas cost an additional 75 cents.

12
Jalisco's Restaurant & Bar at Austin, TX image 1

Vibrant cantina vibe fills the space with live Mariachi music and multiple TVs creating an electric, festive energy. Casual and friendly atmosphere welcomes guests who enjoy authentic Mexican dishes and a strong selection of tequila and cocktails. Outdoor area with heaters and a photo spot adds to the lively setup.

Lunch specials offer carne guisada and guisada con enchilada plates at decent prices. Service is quick, making it a solid choice for a fast lunch break.

Authentic Mexican food features homecooked flavors with dishes like El pastor and skirt steak tacos, cheese enchiladas, and a large chicken chimichanga packed with filling. Breakfast tacos and tortilla soup stand out, served promptly with a vibrant cantina vibe.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and tastes like home."

"I really liked their salsas, especially the spicy green one."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was delicious and piping hot."

Good to know

1

Wednesday features all-day happy hour.

2

For birthday celebrations, they bring out a cake and play 'maรฑanitas'.

3

Reservations are needed for large parties, especially on weekends.

13
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.

Breakfast tacos feature great flour tortillas and fresh, flavorful salsa. Enchiladas with rich mole and barbacoa stand out as favorites, alongside migas and huevos rancheros.

People are saying

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

"I loved their delicious Tex Mex and fajitas."

"The lunch specials here are great."

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.

14
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.

Homemade Mexican dishes feature tender beef fajita tacos and a taco salad with an exceptional tortilla shell. The salsa stands out as a highlight, paired well with perfectly cooked Huevos Lucio and flavorful mole and beaners.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos and fajitas, is so flavorful."

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

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.

15
True Texas BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant inside a grocery store offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a quiet, calm atmosphere and friendly vibe. Live country music and an indoor playground add to the experience. Spacious, clean setting with budget-friendly prices and free parking.

Lunch here offers delicious BBQ with options suitable for work meals. Convenience stands out with easy access to grocery shopping upstairs.

Brisket shines in the enchiladas and birria ramen, both packed with rich flavor. The elote dip and loaded elote bowl add creamy, spicy notes, though tostada chips come stale.

People are saying

"The brisket here is so tender and delicious."

"This lunch spot's BBQ, especially the brisket and pulled pork, is fantastic."

"The brisket here is falling off like melted butter."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, they offer $2 off on beers.

2

Thursdays are Trivia nights hosted by Mark, which are lots of fun.

3

The establishment is clean and very reasonably priced.

16
Bill Miller BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Simple building with a shabby chic dining room and 70's cafeteria vibes creates a cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere. Busy drive-thru and efficient service keep energy lively despite some chaos. Regulars enjoy affordable, well-prepared barbecue in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.

Quick online ordering makes lunch convenient and ready on arrival. The menu offers great lunch options suitable for family and friends, making it a solid stop on the route.

Brisket and potato tacos stand out with crunchy bacon and a satisfying mix of egg and cheese. Breakfast tacos shine as a go-to choice featuring hearty fillings like beans and potatoes.

People are saying

"I loved their sweet tea; it was just the right strength."

"You should definitely try their breakfast tacos."

"This lunch spot's food is consistently good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20+ minute wait due to the batch cooking system.

2

Drive-thru service is generally efficient, even during busy hours.

3

Combo meals are priced around $10, offering good value.

17
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Bar area offers a laid-back atmosphere with great music and a casual vibe. Seating near the bar includes rickety booths, and the environment feels relaxing despite some noise from children. The place suits casual meals with friends or family and stays open late.

Lunch here offers a friendly atmosphere suitable for group celebrations like birthdays. The menu provides enjoyable options that make for a great midday meal with coworkers.

Quesadillas come loaded with chicken, beef, beans, cheese, and vegetables, offering bold flavors. Steak fajitas stand out and can be customized to avoid allergens like shrimp. Margarita chicken adds variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, Austin anticipated our needs."

"This Lunch Spot's food is great and always served hot."

"The steak fajitas here are delicious and excellent."

Good to know

1

Chili's offers a '3 for me' deal that is affordable and easy on the wallet.

2

The bill pay machine is located at the table for quick payments.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to high customer volume.

18
Beto's Restaurant and Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican-themed interior features colorful Tex-Mex decor and a small bar with TVs. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly, with great music enhancing the lively vibe. The front porch offers a sunset view, adding a relaxed outdoor option.

Lunch features a consistently amazing chicken feed plate. The spot suits both lunch and dinner occasions with familiar, reliable dishes.

Offers a deal of three 2-topping tacos for $4.50 with a standout green salsa that is flavorful but not spicy. Features tasty dishes like quesadilla, tortilla soup, and crunchy chilaquiles, plus strong frozen strawberry margaritas and happy hour drafts.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, hot, and fresh."

"The Mexican food here has really kind and attentive servers."

"This lunch spot has amazing food and great service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday until 7 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Live music occurs every Thursday night, enhancing the dining experience.

3

The menu prices for to-go orders differ from in-house dining prices.

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South Austin, Austin

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