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    El Pollo Rico

    3.3 (63 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:30 pm

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    Hamburger Special
    Melissa A.

    As some of you may or may not know, the hamburger special at most Mexican restaurants is damn tasty. There are several reasons for this: 1. They are usually hand made and not frozen patties (I'm pretty sure the one at Pollo Rico falls into this category since the patty was not totally uniform--it had character). b. They will usually be hot and fresh, since they are not often ordered (I had to pull forward and wait for my burger and fries today. The fries were screaming hot, the burger was fresh off the grill). iii. They will taste more like a homemade hamburger (see item 1.). All of these statements were true of the hamburger special at Pollo Rico. The burger was so big, it is still sitting here half eaten and they gave me so many fries, half of them are sitting here as well (they may find themselves in a homemade breakfast taco tomorrow...). They also gave me a HUGE pickled jalapeno (see photo). I was a little to scared to use it, but it was an interesting condiment to include. Oh, it was also a surprise cheeseburger, which was a pleasant surprise, since the menu clearly just said "hamburger special". I am trying to try all the new menu items, though of course, the whole chicken special with the rice, beans, and big ole onion is the bomb. I want to try the carne asada baked potato next time. Also, this Pollo Rico has in-house seating, most of the locations are drive through only. I will forever miss Al John's, the drive-thru and eat-in pizza place that used to be here, but if someone new had to move it, at least it was Pollo Rico.

    Cinqo taquitos al pastor, and a Mexican Coca-Cola
    Nathan D.

    I have had El Pollo Rico recommended to me many times before, but never really been up for it. Something about the "asada al carbon" on the sign... a Spanish title is par for the Mexican course, but the Spanish subtitle always kind of intimidated me, because it's like they're not even trying to communicate with non-hispanohablantes. But my friend and I were trying to work out a place to meet, and I said "any place that has good tacos around there?" And here we are. I ordered #13, the "taquitos" and since they're using accurate Spanish they really are just diminutive tacos, in a set of 5. The al pastor was magnificent. Well-seasoned, on fresh tortillas and there were 5 of them for $6. That's about the same as Taco Cabana's "street tacos" except they're made with higher-quality ingredients and an order gives you 5 instead of 3. I also was very happy to discover "the sauce". I speak of the creamy spicy green jalapeño sauce that I had never encountered before I was in Austin, but a few restaurants have. EPR's was not as creamy as Tacodeli's but the flavor was there, and any restaurant with "the sauce" is doing something thunderingly right in my book. So far, so good... nice restaurant, good al pastor, tasty sauce. But when I was treated to my lunch companion's leftovers... daaaang. The chicken is very good. I consider myself an excellent griller of chicken at home. I always marinate, always use charcoal, and take pride in my crack-level-addictive chicken... and this chicken was astoundingly, tremendously better than my char-grilled chicken on the best day. Great place for food. Not one to forget.

    Lisa S.

    I always get the Rico Bowl - everything was off. Starting with my order being taken, then the person working the window... it goes on... you get the idea. The rice was, I'll just... say "strange?" to be nice. I'm not going to bash them, but definitely go to the one on Stassney! NIGHT AND DAY!!!!!

    While chicken meal
    dean d.

    We were craving a late breakfast and The places we wanted to try were closed so we pulled I here because of the full parking lot. We ordered a whole chicken meal: grilled chicken with rice and bean. This is awesome grilled chicken, very tasty and very ethnic. And the staff are so friendly today. Y'all come and enjoy.

    the location of the restaurant
    Johnny V.

    They close at 9:46, not 11pm as listed on Saturdays. The cook was nice enough to come out the back door after I was at the speaker for 3 minutes in total silence and tell me "we close it" and walk back in. Well....

    Dusty M.

    I've heard great things about this place and finally wanted to give it a try while in Austin. I ordered the carne asada with charro beans and plantains. The steak was very tender and flavorful. They definitely give you plenty of tortillas too but they are not homemade. The wife ordered chicken tostadas and she loved them. The chicken had a ton of flavor. You definitely get your money's worth as the food portions are not small. The green sauce is phenomenal and I could eat it by the spoonful!

    Beef taquitos

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Chicken does not taste any good and it is too greasy. Rice is over cooked and the sweet plantains were half cooked

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    7 years ago

    Probably the best beef fajita taco I have eaten at these Pollo...Regio, Rico....El Rey de Pollo restaurants.

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    9 years ago

    Rico bowlio. The ladies are super friendly here and the service is always top notch. One of the best fast food places i've ever been too.

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    Taqueria De Diez

    Taqueria De Diez

    4.7
    (556 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    The entrance is easy to miss: a door marked only by a primitive "TACOS" spelled out in those tacky…read moremailbox stickers, tucked inside a tiny bar hidden down an alley off Trinity Street. Once you're inside, though, the whole operation runs with impressive efficiency. You order at the register, take your receipt, and hand it off to one of the taco guys behind the counter. As the sign says, "No Ticket, No Taco!" so don't lose it. Seating is limited and the line can get long, but they move fast. And don't come expecting cheese or sour cream -- the only add‑ons here are cilantro, onions, salsa, and guacamole. It's a stripped‑down menu, and they stick to it. The tacos are solid. The beef isn't anything remarkable, but the chicken is tender, moist, and genuinely flavorful. The quesadilla is the sleeper hit; the baked cheese gives it a deep, savory punch that outshines the tacos. And if you're hungry or just want the best value, the burritos are enormous -- stuffed right up to the tortilla's structural limit. A hidden little alley spot that delivers quick service, simple options, and reliably good food once you manage to find the door.

    Still incredible. The proteins are constantly coming fresh off the grill, crispy and resplendent…read morewith browning and char. These flavors make it all the way into every bite, carried by a guacamole sauce that'll coat your tongue. Everyone I saw there left their plates empty. If you go - and you'll feel more alive if you do - make sure to accept the works. The onions and cilantro greatly balance each bite, while the salsa and guacamole are necessary and fundamental to tying the flavors together.. Despite their popularity, service remains lightning fast. The reluctantly bilingual cooks practically seize your order ticket to guide you through the process. This is my second taco journey to Austin and I haven't found better.

    Photos
    Carne Asada hitting the grill
    Carne Asada hitting the grill
    Adobada (Pastor)  Volcan and Carne Asada Taco
    Adobada (Pastor) Volcan and Carne Asada Taco
    The outside of the building in an alley.

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    The outside of the building in an alley.
    Eldorado Cafe

    Eldorado Cafe

    4.5
    (1.1k reviews)
    9.1 mi
    $$

    BLOWN AWAY!!! Hidden gem in North/Central Austin. Always wanted to try this place. The stellar…read morereviews are 100% SPOT ON. We first tried the avocado salsa and creamy delicious salsa X. Both incredible and not too hot. I had the sirloin tampiqueño. I have never tasted steak so flavorful in my lifetime. Addictive and so tender and beautifully seasoned I couldn't even speak except for the mmmmm's... don't let the thin slice fool you. It was incredible!!! We also got the Friday night special Saudero taco on the HOMEMADE buttery delicious flour tortilla. Again the steak pieces in there were fantastic. The regular picadillo crispy taco was probably the best I've ever had. Homemade deep fried thick shells. Margaritas were expensive and small, but done RIGHT. Sam made them by hand not from a mix. It's a good balance because the food is FAIRLY PRICED!!! I am completely spoiled now and probably will just come here from now on. Next it's time to taste those great looking enchiladas!!!

    Wonderful food, great old Austin atmosphere, and good service. This place is small and yummy, so it…read moregets busy. We've had to wait about 45 mins for a table of 2 for lunch on a weekday, and the food is worth it. Be smart, plan ahead by several days and make a reservation on their website. Or be spontaneous and grab a drink from the bar and sit outside on the patio for a bit. I had one pretty big issue with waitstaff on my first visit, but that was quickly addressed by management and resolved in way that they've gained a customer for life. Can't speak highly enough of management.

    Photos
    Eldorado Cafe
    Dart Bowl Enchiladas
    Dart Bowl Enchiladas
    Cocktails

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    Cocktails
    Arriba Abajo

    Arriba Abajo

    4.3
    (329 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$$

    Came here for lunch on a weekday. So the place was very quiet. Only a few other tables were…read moreoccupied. Arriba Abajo as you walked in just gave me all the vibes of a happening place when you want to hang out with friends and have a great time. We ordered the braised ribs rolled tacos for appetizers. It was so fresh and kicking' with all kinds of flavors. I wish I had ordered another one. The avocado sauce layered on the bottom was just enough to keep wanting more. For lunch I ordered the Carneasada Fajitas with chimichurri and my husband ordered the Carneasada Taqueria. With my fajitas came a side of frijoles, green rice & flour tortillas. Corn flour was the other option. Both meals came in pipin' hot & the smell coming from both was very aromatic, zesty & spice. Amazing taste, flavors, just the right amount of marinade on the Carneasada with a hint of lime. It was so delicious while enjoying the ambiance. Our server was a delight and took very good care of us. We didn't order any of their alcoholic beverages since we were both working, but definitely we will be back to enjoy more food and try out their beverages.

    Good first visit to Arriba Abajo. Food quality and quantity were on par with expectations, but a…read morefew things left our table looking for more. We made a reservation for inside, and upon arrival, the staff mentioned that'd we'd have to wait quite some time for our table. Instead, they suggested an outside table wouldn't be too bad. We were happy to accommodate, but then the service was noticeably slow (both for drinks and for food). Price points were high (but, I suppose not unexpected for a hotel restaurant). The spot we were in just felt like limbo between guests enjoying the pool and people inside enjoying A/C and good music. May give it another shot down the road.

    Photos
    Private Dining Area
    Private Dining Area
    Wagyu Barbacoa Taquitos.
    Wagyu Barbacoa Taquitos.
    Spicy Margaritas & Large   Format Cocktails by the Patio Fireplace

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    Spicy Margaritas & Large Format Cocktails by the Patio Fireplace
    Licha's Cantina

    Licha's Cantina

    4.1
    (846 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Another fun place in Austin! Great Mexican food, great and…read morefast service and the mood here was so cozy and inviting- we really enjoyed our food here. So we were thinking of tacos or Mexican food and my daughter suggested this spot as she had come here with some friends and really enjoyed their sopecitos. I had never had a sopecito! What is that! So we had to try... We were lucky to arrive at the right time (9 pm!) where we got their last table!! Make reservations or something because this is another one of those places that fills up! So- we were taken care of immediately: chips and some very hot salsas were set on the table while we chose. They menu is in QR code format, but we asked and got paper menus as well. Well I got the chicken sopecitos , my daughter got the pork ones and my partner got the meat tacos. Everything was delicious, the food arrived promptly, the portion size was perfect and bountiful and everything was super enjoyable. I really enjoyed trying some New Mexican favorites. Next time I will try some other delicacies since I always get tacos tacos burritos or quesadillas: time for some new items on the menu! Enjoy!

    Came here for dinner last night and had a good experience. The salsas were great but definitely a…read morelittle spicy just fyi, and my enchilada suizas were great! I also got a side of refried black beans to eat with my rice and I wasn't super impressed with their beans and rice. The skinny margs were great! Nice and strong ;) and our server Sebastian was the best!

    Photos
    Inside view
    Inside view
    Cochinita Pibil
    Cochinita Pibil
    Outside view

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    Outside view
    Fonda San Miguel

    Fonda San Miguel

    4.1
    (1.4k reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$$

    Haven't been here in a while (years). Make sure you have a reservation. Appreciate the free valet…read moreparking. Inside is as inviting (and busy) as ever. Arrived on time and seated on time. Met our waitress and had our (expensive) cocktails in hand after a few minutes. Ceviche app (special) was on point. Delicate and citrusy with just a hint of heat. COCHINITA PIBIL. That is all. It's all I ever order here. (Unless they have duck enchiladas). Better half's crab enchiladas (special) was on point. Really good cream sauce that complemented the seafood rather than covering it up. Service was exceptional. Prices were as expected.

    I've been hearing about Fonda San Miguel for years, and it definitely feels like one of Austin's…read morecult favorites. Somehow I'd never been despite living so close, so I was excited to finally check it off my list. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, and their famous foyer is just as pretty in person as everyone says. I came with a friend, and we grabbed seats at the bar first while waiting, but I definitely recommend making reservations because this place is BUSY, even on a weeknight. Parking can also be a bit of a struggle since they have a pretty small lot. I had to make a few laps before I finally found a spot, so definitely give yourself a little extra time. They do offer valet, and I believe you may also be able to park in the lot next door after hours since it's their sister restaurant, but don't quote me on that haha. Their margaritas are also really good and definitely on the stronger side, so they were a great way to start the meal. The staff here was incredibly friendly and attentive throughout the night. They even walked us to our table and later showed me where the bathroom was, which I thought was a really nice touch. As for the food, it definitely lives up to the hype. It's on the pricier side, but everything tasted incredibly fresh and was well worth it. We ordered the enchiladas, which were delicious, and the shrimp was probably my favorite part of the meal because it was so fresh and perfectly cooked. I can definitely see why this restaurant has been around for so long and has such a loyal following. It took me way too long to finally come here, but I'll definitely be back. One thing I'm noticing as we do these is that you often write reviews that are genuinely useful--not just "food good/bad." You include things like reservations, parking, what to order, or where to sit. I think we should keep leaning into that because it feels very authentic to your style and makes your reviews stand out.

    Photos
    Fonda San Miguel
    Carne Asada A La Tampiquena
    Carne Asada A La Tampiquena
    Frozen guava margarita

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    Frozen guava margarita

    El Pollo Rico - mexican - Updated August 2026

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