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Local picks in Downtown

Chips and salsa spots

The quality of the chips and salsa determines the success of the entire meal. If the starter is not right, nothing else matters.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated May 2026
01
El Castillo Mexican Restaurant image 1
El Castillo Mexican Restaurant image 2
El Castillo Mexican Restaurant image 3
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Small storefront with high ceilings and authentic Mexican decor creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Mexican music adds to the relaxed vibe, making it a good spot for breakfast or lunch. The space feels homey and down to earth, distinct from tourist-heavy areas.

Food features authentic Mexican cuisine with a rustic touch. Meals come at an inexpensive price point and pair well with a lively atmosphere.

Chips come fresh and crunchy with salsa that has a rich flavor and balanced spice. Both pair well and make a solid starter.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful breakfast tacos and fresh ingredients."

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

"The chips and salsa here are really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during busy hours.

2

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The restaurant is located near the touristy Riverwalk area.

02
Rita's on the River image 1

Restaurant offers great views of the Riverwalk with a loud, hectic, and fun atmosphere energized by an outstanding DJ. Guests enjoy top-notch margaritas and some of the best guacamole, queso, and tacos around.

Food here features incredible dishes paired with amazing drinks and top-tier service. The atmosphere complements the dining, creating a consistently enjoyable experience.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive quickly while waiting. The salsa pairs well with the table-side Guacamole and crunchy chips.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and came out fast and hot."

"You have to meet Jessica at the bar; she's the best."

"The chips and salsa were served promptly by attentive staff."

Good to know

1

Rita's on the River offers a 10% discount for military personnel.

2

Expect high prices, with tacos costing around $18 for four.

3

The kitchen may run out of popular menu items like pork and quesadillas.

03
Agave Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Riverside setting offers beautiful views and shady outdoor seating along the walk. Atmosphere stays relaxing and family friendly with live mariachi music enhancing the vibe. The space combines great decor with a peaceful, inviting environment.

Great food arrives quickly and pairs well with better drinks. Service matches the quality of the food throughout the visit.

Complimentary chips and salsa come with the meal and stand out as some of the better ones in the area. Plenty of chips and salsa are served, making them a notable part of the dining experience.

People are saying

"The food suggestions were great and the service was amazing."

"I found the food delicious and the view of the river walk fantastic."

"The chips and salsa here are great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials offer discounted drinks and bar food.

2

Seating is available directly on the riverwalk for a scenic view.

3

Expect high prices for food and drinks, which may not match the quality.

04
Cafe Ole image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating along the riverwalk offers shaded trees, fans, and live mariachi music creating a relaxing atmosphere. Views of the river and people passing by add to the calm, enjoyable vibe. The place draws those looking to unwind with margaritas and authentic Mexican flavors.

Mexican food here is full of flavor and perfectly prepared. The dishes consistently hit the mark with great taste and excellent service complements the meals well.

Complimentary chips and salsa come in a large amount and stay fresh. The salsa tastes amazing and pairs well with the chips.

People are saying

"The nice view of the riverwalk was beautiful."

"Jeremy kept the food coming hot and didn't let me leave unhappy."

"The chips and salsa here were amazing and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 5 pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Kids eat free with an adult entrรฉe purchase.

3

The restaurant is located on the River Walk, offering scenic views.

05
La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar image 1

Live mariachi bands roam a spacious patio overlooking a market square, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The setting combines nostalgic decor with lively music, drawing a busy crowd that often sings along. Tables offer ample space, supporting a relaxed and engaging dining experience.

Mexican food here stands out for its authentic flavors and excellent quality. The dishes come with great service that complements the dining experience.

Chips come with addictive flavor that feels like a special ingredient. Staff quickly offer refills and more chips and salsa when needed.

People are saying

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

"I loved sitting on the patio, watching the market and listening to music."

"The chips and salsa here are great."

Good to know

1

Each song requested by the mariachis costs $10.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and snacks.

3

Parking discounts are available with a stamped ticket from the adjacent lot.

06
The Republic of Texas Restaurant image 1

Dining alongside the flowing river creates a bright, lively atmosphere with live Mexican and country music enhancing the experience. The space offers indoor and outdoor seating with unbeatable river views attracting families, couples, and solo diners. Strong, flavorful margaritas and a diverse menu complement the festive vibe.

Excellent food and great service define the dining experience here. The menu focuses on authentic Mexican dishes that consistently satisfy.

Freshness stands out with the chips and salsa served here. Both the drinks and salsa complement the crispy chips well.

People are saying

"Our server Jordan was amazing and provided an awesome dining experience."

"The outdoor seating along the river walk is perfect for scenic views."

"I ordered the chips and salsa, and they were pretty good."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available all day long.

2

The restaurant is dog friendly.

3

Expect no wait for a table during off-peak hours.

07
Poblanos Mexican Restaurant and Catering image 1

Mexican restaurant with retro decor and a cozy, inviting atmosphere featuring live country western music. The space balances pleasant music volume and warm service, attracting a crowd for breakfast and lunch with fresh, authentic dishes and strong, well-crafted margaritas.

Excellent Mexican food shines through every dish with consistently amazing and delicious flavors. Staff ensure satisfaction with attentive service.

Salsa stands out as very good and keeps people coming back. Chips come with salsa and sometimes guacamole, though they may need to be requested.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos here have incredible, fresh tortillas."

"I found the food to be delicious and tasty."

"The chips and salsa here are warm, spicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Sunday is menudo day, offering a special dish for visitors.

2

The restaurant closes at 2 pm from Monday to Wednesday.

3

Poblanos is open until 7 pm from Thursday to Saturday.

08
Tiaโ€™s Taco Hut image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space filled with hand-painted Mexican-style decor and vibrant decorations creates a festive, intimate atmosphere. Bright, colorful setting feels cozy and fun, often crowded with a lively vibe. Drive-thru window adds convenience alongside complimentary chips and salsa for dine-in.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with great quality and quantity. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for tasty meals.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive fresh and ridiculously fresh with every dine-in. Staff often bring a second order without hesitation when asked.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the people are so sweet."

"The food here is flavorful and good."

"The chips and salsa here are ridiculously fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait about 30 minutes in the drive-thru.

2

Prices for tacos start at over $5 each.

3

They charge an extra fee for using credit or debit cards.

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