So Austin is becoming a food-town, 3 of our restaurants were in Bon Appetit’s list of the top 20 in the US. Everyone knows the standard recommendations (Uchi, Franklin’s, Barley Swine…), so we decided to get some real finds — places that do not focus on ambiance, but are the quintessential dives, known for their good food and low prices. Our top choices for Mexican Food favorites are:

1. Arandas – Lacking a website but with 5 location in Austin, you will be hard-pressed to find a better place to get all your street-food favorites: aguas frescas, tacos al pastor or barbacoa, even nopalitos. The menu has evolved over the 20+ years to cater to broader audience, you’ll even see yellow cheese on a few plates, indicator of the Tex-Mex influence, but make no mistake, the food is as authentic as you are likely to find south of the border. If you are a bit daring, try their menudo, a great rumored cure for a hangover.

2. Dos Batos – Located in northwest Austin, one of our staff members that relocated to Austin from Monterrey swears this is exactly what she finds at home. The taco pirata is their specialty and well-worth all the raves it receives.

3. Dos Salsas – Both in Georgetown and Cedar Park, this is a favorite with Southern California transplants. Top plates are the enchiladas Mexicanas, Parrillada de Camarones y Fajitas, and their breakfast menu – lots of food at good prices. Fridays and Saturdays features live music and good margaritas. Several TSL people can be found there after a long work week.

4. Garcia’s – Every college has place like this, that serves tons of chips and salsa, can sit large parties and has cheap prices. Garcia’s is that for San Marcos. Anything with cheese – cheese enchiladas, cheese dip — is exactly what you would expect from this Tex-Mex dive.

5. El Tacorrido – This little stand only serves tacos, nothing else. Great breakfast tacos, tacos de chicharron, tacos de carnitas, it is all here — simple, easy, fast. Prices are a bit more per taco ($1.75) than you’d expect, but the extras (salsas, condiments) make this a favorite with true taco connoisseurs.

dives, great prices, mexican food, tex-mex