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    Cruzteca Mexican Kitchen

    4.4 (425 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Cruzteca Mexican Kitchen Photos

    Business Info

    CRUZTECA MEXICAN KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Cruzteca Mexican Kitchen

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    Hidden gem with Wednesday happy hour all day specials!
    Ang F.

    Pro-tip: Wednesdays are happy hour all day with $2 off margaritas and specials on a number of different appetizers. Family run and not overwhelmingly big. Enjoyable staff provides guidance to favorites, such as the Guisada, Ceviche, and Beef Fajitas. Make sure to order the Mango Empanadas sooner rather than later, they run out quickly.

    Jamie P.

    I've been missing out on this place having lived in the area for a while! We visited for lunch and I ordered the roasted chicken tacos. They were large tacos and came with a fantastic sauce. Our server was really kind and our food came out quickly. We'll definitely be back.

    Chips and queso
    Julia C.

    Always fresh. Always delicious. Service is great. Queso is still amazing. Busy, but not too busy for a Sunday brunch. Perfect!

    Storefront
    Maria F.

    So we came for dinner first evening in Austin. We were only in Austin for a few days to explore the food, culture and vibe. Ended up having our dinner here and a brunch before it was time to head home. What I like about this place is the original family still using the old family recipe and continuing with their traditional food back Mexico but with a Texan twist. We met the owner and she was so friendly and proud of her family restaurant. All the staff were so friendly too. Braised beef enchiladas was my favorite. Lots of succulent meat and tasty sauce. My husband got the shrimp taco on corn tortilla (gluten sensitive). They had lots of options for everyone. I tried their Esquites too and that was really good. When you go back to the same restaurant while on a short visit in Austin, that tells you it's good. Try them.

    Kathleen M.

    I recently came back with my sister and was a bit disappointed to discover the coconut margarita was not as tasty as the last time I visited. Super sad, especially after I'd been raving about it to my sister! But, which the margarita just didn't hit the spot quite like it used to, the food was absolutely phenomenal (even though they were out of what I'd originally wanted!) I do wish their menu listed allergens and gluten free options, but the food itself is very tasty and the service was very prompt and pleasant. If you've never been to Cruzteca, I highly recommend checking it out! There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and the ambiance is also quite nice. Plenty of free parking, as this restaurant is located in a shopping center, and getting here is quite easy as it's just off of 290. We'll definitely be back, but I think we'll try a different drink next time! They do also offer a special event every few months (seasonal-theme) with a custom menu and curated drink tasting with a local liquor brand. Pretty cool if you like to try new things and experience food tasting events!

    Carnitas Tacos
    Lisa R.

    I had high hopes for this place. Menu had a few classics and some nice twists but overall traditional Tex-Mex items. The staff were very friendly, but ultimately the food was very average. Carne Guisada was so overpowered by cumin it was hard to eat. Same with the Mexican rice. Carnitas tacos were cooked perfectly, but lacked flavor (no salt, seasoning)land avocado sauce was bland. The skinny margarita was ok, but seemed light on flavor, which is odd given it's made with Espolon Repo and Cointreau. Maybe we picked the wrong dishes, but we probably won't go back.

    cruzteca family

    We went to Austin for a layover and we have the luck to find out this little Mexican restaurant. You need to meet TONY, he is amazing like the food. Recommended 100% +. Don't forget to ask Tony about the family history.

    Steve W.

    This place came highly recommended from two of our friends with whom we dined with. The 4 1/2 star total rating helped as well. This place is actually pretty small inside with only the three booths and no more than a dozen other tables to sit at (5 picnic tables outside). We came here for dinner, but they do have a good breakfast menu as well. They don't have any beer on draft (bottles only) and there are no craft beers at this time. However, they do knock two dollars off their margaritas during happy hour. The great thing about this restaurant is that it is a friendly family run establishment with great service and plenty of parking. They have a fairly full bar albeit fairly cramped with only five stools. We started offwith chips and salsa, which I have to admit comes with plenty of both (green salsa available as well). We all either had the typical texmex version of enchiladas or nachos and they were all good. It was so filling that we had no room for dessert. Plenty of photos to get you familiar with the business. All things considered: ****1/2.

    Kim Y.

    Great little spot for tacos and enchiladas! Good margaritas. Service is always friendly!

    Menu
    Karson S.

    Was looking around town for a new Mexican place to try for dinner and stumbled into Cruzteca on Tequila Thursday! Such a cute inside & they had a band pulling out all of the stops (12 string guitar, accordion, a bass guitar that looks like a ukulele - from Mexico music to polka music) - a very fun environment. We were personally greeted by one of the owners who was the nicest man. So glad to have us and personally made sure we had a nice time for our first visit in. Service was nice & pretty quick to get us our food & drinks. We tried the first marg option on the menu - it was fresh but a little salty so next time I want to try a tajin rum or one of the flavored margs. We started with the top shelf queso - very loaded if you like it meaty (or you can get the regular option which I also want to try next time). We ordered enchiladas - I got the spinach & mushroom ones (one with each kind of sauce) and my boyfriend got the las casa enchiladas with beef. I liked mine a bit better but we both totally cleaned our plates. This was a nice meal (but it was a bit on the higher price range for Mexican food). We enjoyed the atmosphere & the team was so so nice to us and even shared their story of how they started.

    Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas with Verde Sauce
    Aarti P.

    Every once in awhile you go to a place hoping it stands up to all the positive reviews. Cruzteca not only met the standard but in many ways was WAAAAY more than what I expected. Everything was so much more than we could have hoped for.. Service from Tony onwards was gracious, friendly and energetic, the cocktails well made and boy oh boy the food. Friends ordered the Ceviche, me the Chips and Salsa.. I want to go back just for the Mexican martini, chips and salsa. It's a tray of perfectly crisp yellow corn chip, a fresh tomato salsa, a salsa arbol and a salsa verde. Note: The Arbol packs some heat. I had one of the best vegetarian enchilada plates I have ever had. The veggies still had a nice texture, the beans and rice were not just support actors but perfect partners to the tangy verde sauce enchiladas. Was torn to write this review as this is a 1st come 1st served kinda place and as the pic shows, every table is taken. They have started tequila dinners, look forward to attending one soon.

    old-school beef taco

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    4 months ago

    Food is always good. Coffee could be better. The service is always great. It's a bit small, limited seating but worth it the wait.

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    Page 1 of 11

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    Fortune Teller - Bar

    Fortune Teller

    4.9(30 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    Parking? Easy. They have a front lot off Congress and another one off Sandra (just South on…read moreCongress after you pass the bar). The drinks? Oh my gaaahhd. I'm usually not a fan of 'craft cocktails' out bc they're overpriced and not nearly as good as what my partner makes at home, but these were glorious. These drinks had layers of flavor. And fresh ingredients. And they were reasonably priced. Honestly, I don't even remember the last time we had such good drinks out (ok that's a lie but another review and it was at that place where Crowbar used to be - but these win hands down). The bartenders were nice and knowledgeable (Did I mention they make amazing drinks?). The outside has a similar feel to Cosmic but more secluded which is nice. They have plenty of seating, mostly outside, and food from an onsite truck, Sabor Tapatio. Honestly, I feel like this place is a unicorn. 78745 low key vibe but also with some old school Austin feels (I'm talking 2005 mid-Noughties - not 20-teen Rainey Street batch cocktails). They also have coffee in the mornings which we'll be checking out sooner rather than later. 10/10 recommend.

    Met a friend here on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I was happy that it wasn't overcrowded - one of us…read moredid have to utilize the add-on parking in the back. There are plenty of different seating options but very few seats inside. The place is chill, ordering drinks took some time even with no rush. Seems like they have some pre-mixed type of cocktails. Honestly, neither of us liked our drinks much. We actually left it behind. The food truck is nice to have though we didn't get to try. Happy that South Austin is finally seeing some nice spacious outdoor hangout spots.

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    Fortune Teller - Outside

    Outside

    Fortune Teller - Great patio .

    Great patio .

    Fortune Teller

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    Equipment Room - Mocktail.

    Equipment Room

    4.5(120 reviews)
    4.4 mi78704 (South Austin)

    It's a rainy night in Austin. My girlfriend is in town because my cousin and her fiancé are getting…read moremarried in Austin. It's also the weekend of our one year anniversary. An hour ago it wasn't raining, but now it's pouring. A few months ago, I heard of a newer bar and experience called Equipment Room just right off of South Congress. Music means everything to me. Nothing can express emotions and instill a feeling in 3 minutes like a song can. I live for that. Equipment Room is inherently Japanese in concept. Existing in Japan for over 50 years, listening bars combine high fidelity audio equipment with impressively crafted cocktails and alcohol combining the passion of music in a space to gather with comfortable chairs and a beautiful atmosphere. The concept has expanded westward as all cool things inevitably do, but I would never think a spot would be successful in Austin like it would be in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and so on. As I back my car into a parking spot on South Congress, I grab the umbrella out of my trunk and walk my girlfriend and me to the entrance trying to not get ourselves soaked in the process. This is not the first time we have tried to go to Equipment Room. We tried to get a walk-in table just to see out of morbid curiosity and that was a failure. I booked her and me a table for this night and I was madly looking forward to it. As we got to the small entrance, we were introduced to the hostess who brought us from the stairs into the main underground space and to our seats on the couch in a large wraparound sofa with other parties sitting near us. The music is faint from the entrance, but once you walk through the main walkway, a wave of sound hits your eardrums. You're immediately engrossed into the music like walking into a concert hall or putting a fresh pair of headphones on for the first time. As we sat down, selections from Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik were playing through the speakers. Our hostess introduced us to their "User Manual" (their menu) where it contained all the snacks and drinks you could get your grubby hands on. There's more than just drinks and food on the menu. The first page introduces the concept and gives a few house rules. The second page shows all the equipment this so-called room has, from the premium Klipsch speakers, their preamps and amplifiers as well as their turntables and mixers. It's a dream page for music nerds. I want a $15k speaker in my apartment, but those noise complaints would never end. Our waitress came by shortly to give us water and take our order. Their menu is quite expansive, but the main pages we were told to check out were their A-side drinks or the classics and their B-side drinks, which are more experimental. We had to go with experimental for starters because who knows when you'll get to try something similar again. I started with a Goca Dünya while my girlfriend ordered a Deceptacon. The Goca Dünya was a vodka based floral drink with pistachio foam and Amaro Nonino, an Italian herbal liqueur. The Deceptacon was a rum-based cacao drink with a touch of lime and mint. It took a little time for our drinks to come out, clearly, as they are quite intricate. I loved my drink, bluntly. The pistachio foam was a great balance to the herbal flavors at the bottom. My girlfriend and I continued to enjoy each other's company as the music continued. The space we were in was decorated with posters and memorabilia from legendary artists coming through Austin and some general music decor like that purple album from that Prince guy. The DJ-curator that night was on a tear playing incredible soul music holding the bar hostage with a taste of funk. Jimmy Smith came next before transitioning to a few tracks from Bobbie Gentry. The last albums he pulled out were Steely Dan's Aja (a stone cold classic) and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life (a top 10 album of all time). Not only was he playing classics like Isn't She Lovely, but he threw down some deeper cuts like Black Man and Contusion. Incredible. We both got another drink with my girlfriend getting their A-Side Espresso Martini while I got the Brown Sugar from their B-Sides. It was a seaweed and mushroom infused whiskey with a few more bells and whistles and it was super unique. Quite a bit of their menu is Japanese-inspired in homage to the originators of listening bars. This includes Japanese beer, sake, and Japanese-inspired food and beverages on their menu. Very cool. The worst part of the night came when our hour and 45 minute reservation came to a close. I could've stayed there for another 3 hours and never grown tired, but with how popular this space has become, they gotta kick you out at some point. This is an experience you have to have. It's worth it. I'll be strolling back in soon enough because there is nothing like this in Austin and it's truly a special space. RIYL: Actively listening to music.

    Loved this place so much..!!! If you want to go somewhere to just lounge with low lighting and have…read moresome delicious drinks with great music in the background , this is place is it! They play no digital music and their speakers are installed throughout the whole building. The sound is great! The menu was so cute and on theme. The furniture and decor is mid century modern. I went here for my birthday and they gave my table a round of Sake shots, which was nice! My table ordered drinks: the Brown Sugar, Goca Dünya, Suffer No Fool (non alcoholic), Vitamin C. They were all delicious and they did not skimp on the alcohol! It was well balanced! I seriously recommend the Goca Dünya--that pistachio foam was addictive! For food, we got the Cheese board to have something to pick on and we demolished it, haha. It came with marmalade and crackers. The cheeses were great, along with the dried fruits and nuts. The cheese selections seem to rotate every other season, which is cool.

    Photos
    Equipment Room - XS made NA -- Lustau Fino Sherry, Giffard NA Pineapple Liqueur, passionfruit, lime, blue spirulina, mirin, dragonfruit syrup, Liquid Rizz

    XS made NA -- Lustau Fino Sherry, Giffard NA Pineapple Liqueur, passionfruit, lime, blue spirulina, mirin, dragonfruit syrup, Liquid Rizz

    Equipment Room - Beautifully simple bar tops

    Beautifully simple bar tops

    Equipment Room - Bar area

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    Bar area

    Here Nor There - The code has to be entered

    Here Nor There

    4.7(399 reviews)
    5.2 miDowntown
    $$$

    Here Nor There is one of the best speakeasies in Austin, hands down…read more The drinks are always incredible--thoughtfully crafted and consistently good. The ambiance is moody and intimate, with music that makes the whole experience feel elevated. Definitely a go-to for a great night.

    Last night we rounded out our evening with reservations at Here Nor There…read more If I told you the location of this speakeasy then...lol. It's been around since 2018 so most folks know where it is by now. Heads up, you no longer have to use their app to make a reservation. Simply do so through Open Table and that's when you'll get the entry code. So glad it's no longer a members-only spot as well. The basement location gives anything but a basement vibe. When you enter, you'll see the infamous black paint on white walls mural but then you're transformed into something more. An elegant and elevated high-end speakeasy that transports you to what life in speakeasy settings must have felt like in the days of olde. Who doesn't love being greeted by a tasteful, giant, fake bear with welcome cocktails? The low-lit space brings a feeling of warmth, secrecy, romance, and mystery. You absolutely get the feeling you're in a special and secret hideaway space. From the refined wallpaper to hand blown glass lighting fixtures to the lush and velvety sofa seating, you are truly immersed in the vibe. It brings a feeling of noir and romance with even sexier drinks. Being seated in one of the nooks is my favorite and just really adds to the overall experience. If you follow my reviews then you know I often refer to excellent cocktails as liquid works of art. And, in this case, it's like the most exclusive, high-end art gallery of liquid masterpieces. Cocktails with branded cubes, top tier alcohol and other ingredients from around the globe make for a worthy piece of drinkable art. It doesn't end with cocktails! The mocktails are equally as beautiful and delicious. I highly recommend the cocktails and mocktails. Service is exactly what you would expect and want it to be in this environment. Yes, the prices are a bit higher than average but you're paying for art, atmosphere, and experience that is beyond wonderful.

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    Here Nor There - Amaretto Sour

    Amaretto Sour

    Here Nor There - We in it!

    We in it!

    Here Nor There - Milk and honey

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    Milk and honey

    Lala’s South Pole

    Lala’s South Pole

    4.4(30 reviews)
    2.9 miCherry Creek

    If you've been to Lala's Little Nugget you know what to expect here, except…read more.. Imagine Lala's feels like a chill, comfy neighborhood bar where you can actually enjoy yourself, and the ambiance, and have a conversation with whoever you came with, instead of a tourist clogged beehive? Because BOOM that's Lala's South Pole. I'm not even a big Christmas person, and I am smitten. Charming, quite, festive. It feels like a hidden gem. I probably shouldn't be reviewing it so it can stay that way, but no one like a gatekeeper. Also, absolute baller pizza from Brooklyn Pie Co. I had to really talk myself down from going back the next night just for more pizza. The service is... well what you would expect from a "trendy" Austin dive bar, as in... None, but that's part of the charm kind of? I've actually tried a lot of new pizza places lately and this is what stands out in my mind. Drinks wise? It's a bar. They serve you alcohol. Nothing special, but nothing wrong with it either.

    I've been to Lala's Little Nugget a whole bunch of times but never to this location. We were there…read morefor Nickel City's holiday party (yes, in February) & had a fab time. They've got a huge back outdoor patio as well as a front patio. Brooklyn Pie Co. is set up inside to take care of your food needs. For those that don't know, Lala's South Pole (& Little Nugget) are year-round holiday bars. While Little Nugget really goes all out, South Pole isn't too shabby at all. Great decor, wonderfully curated holiday cocktails and mocktails, beers, spirits, and more. Super service. This is a place where there's no way you could ever feel sad or down and out because it's just pumpkin' with happy holiday vibes.

    Photos
    Lala’s South Pole
    Lala’s South Pole - Countdown to Christmas...

    Countdown to Christmas...

    Lala’s South Pole

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    Cruzteca Mexican Kitchen - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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