Eldorado Cafe is an Austin institution. The place is on and popping...always! We arrived at 8 pm on a Tuesday evening and there was a 20 minute wait, which turned out to be a lot less. My friend ordered chicken flautas whereas, I ordered two corn tacos (one chicken and one pork). Both dishes were quite tasty. In addition, my friend ordered a watermelon mocktail, which she enjoyed. Our server, Adriana and her trainee, Roger were very attentive and accommodating. The restaurant was busy but not chaotic. Everyone seemed to be in their own little worlds. Sedate atmosphere... Great food, service and fellowship. read more

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Popped in here on a Tuesday night with a friend around 8 PM and I was kind of shocked how busy they were. There was about a 15 minute wait and we waited inside and thankfully the table was ready before the 15 minutes was up. Service was prompt and attentive, my friend got tacos, don't recall which ones, and I got the flautas. Next time is totally get queso or something alongside as they were a tad dry but very crispy and the chicken was cooked well. Had leftovers as well. Got the watermelon nojito mojito and man that was amazing, very refreshing and fresh! read more

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We came on a Saturday and had about an hour and a half wait. We enjoyed a cocktail outside while we waited and they even brought us complimentary chips and salsa. The venue is cute, with open seating, colorful decor, and great art that gives it a fun vibe. The staff was friendly, and the food was great. Overall, it was a really pleasant experience! read more

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I was on my way to an event in The Domain, and took a detour to W Anderson ln, which as someone who lives in south Austin is street I rarely find myself on. I've heard Eldorado has been called the best Tex-mex in Austin, and it was finally time for me to try it out. I got a house marg which was huge! Then for food: there's 6 types of salsas to go with your on the house chips, and while I need to come back for the sampler, I was dining alone today so I went with salsa X. It was... okay I guess. Kind of mild in flavor, a bit smoky. But no worries because I ordered the Bobby earl smith plate, and selected a chicken mole enchilada, beans, and garlic mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious, and this might be the best mole I've ever had. Very chocolatey. I liked that the plate came with a small guac salad and avocado taco so it felt just a little healthier than some of the other options, even if it wasn't really. The mashed potatoes were good but maybe didn't jive with the Mexican food, but it's all good I chose it. Great food and would definitely come back! read more

Plenty of parking. Inside and small outside patio. Big bar you can sit at. Service was great. Love the feminine products stocked in the bathroom and adoptable dog pics to stare at while in the bathroom. Food portions are big but everyone is going to hate me bc I was not impressed. I found all the meats to be dry and some things lacked flavor. Best thing I ate was my friends veggies read more

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First time here. The Margaritas are amazing. I highly recommend the Margarita on the rocks with a Grenadine topper! They make their own Margarita mix. The Spritz Aperol is really refreshing. The chips and salsa's are so good. They have a wide variety of salsa's to try...they have so much flavor and a wide range of heat levels...low to extremely hot! All the salsa's are made in house! The Queso has so much flavor, very tasty. I ordered the Dart Bowl Enchiladas. It was very delicious. My wife ordered the Eagle Combo, she said it was delicious too. The service is 5 star! From the time you enter the cafe, to the time you leave, you feel welcomed, appreciated and well taken care of. The, hostess, bartender's, server's and manager made sure you had everything you needed and made sure everything was satisfactory to you. There's so many employees in this cafe doing everything. It had the feeling of a family owned business. I have to give a shout out to our amazing bartender's...Joaquin and Okie! They make the best cocktails. The cafe is small and very beautiful. I see why they are so popular... the service is outstanding, the adult beverages are great and the food is amazing! The atmosphere is upbeat and you feel like family. We will definitely be back...a lot! read more

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Eldorado is one of our favorite local restaurants. There will be a wait, but it will be so worth it. Grab a drink from the bar and a seat at one of the outdoor tables while you wait! There are heaters to keep you warm. The margaritas are delicious as are the mocktails. Love the spicy salsa and the chips are always fresh. We ordered a variety of dishes, including one of the bowls, steak and enchiladas. All were amazing! For dessert we tried the chocolate mousse and the donuts. Both were so, so good! Our server was great and had good recommendations. We will definitely be back! read more

Eldorado Cafe - Waiting outside - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

We arrived for a night out with some friends and put our name on the list. Then we headed out and got a table for waiting outside next to a heater. We ordered chips and green salsa with the watermelon nojito mojito drink and a margarita with tajin for my partner. They were perfectly made and the salsa was nice and spicy. We had about a 45 minute wait for a table and once inside we were seated and the server was quick to take drink and apps order. The restaurant spacious and tables make it kinda cozy. We had a party of 4 and together had two bowls that were excellent along with tacos. I had the beef fajitas with white rice and boy was it delicious. We all had another round of drinks and of course kept eating chips and salsa. Once dinner plates were removed we opted for the cinnamon and sugar mini donuts and an order or the chocolate mousse. Both were so dang delicious that I ate way too much. We split the bill and headed home. What a perfect Friday night at what I might call the best Mexican restaurant in North Austin. Of course we will be back! read more

Eldorado Cafe - Waiting table outside with drinks and chips - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Had an incredible experience at lunch today. The birria tacos were delicious and everyone at our table loved their food and drinks. We had an especially wonderful time because our server, Adriana, was so kind and provided the best service. The manager came over to check on us to ensure everything was going well and it was! The people here are amazing. read more

Came here for an early dinner on a Friday. Got there around 5 and had about a 45m wait for a group of 2. If you're going at a busier time I'd definitely recommend getting a reservation. Service was friendly and reasonably quick. We shared the hearts of palm ceviche as an appetizer, it was very refreshing and had a nice combo of lime tang and bear from the hot sauce I had the puerco navidad for my entree and thought it was really good! Definitely more of a red salsa person and like that pork better than the green, but both were very flavorful. The creamed corn was a phenomenal side, great combination of richness with a little kick, I'd never had a spiced creamed corn before or even thought of it as a possibility, but I loved it! The sweet potatoes also had a little kick to the, also tasty but much less memorable than the corn Overall we had a great experience and will definitely be back here in the future read more

Pretty good. Waits are long though and no benches to sit on as you wait. While the staff is a bit UNDERstaffed they are very nice and sprung into action upon a big water spill. They don't give much chips or salsa (only 1 free salsa). I had the el dorado burrito and they fit in a lot of meat in there more than more lazy places I go to that fill it with tons of beans. read more

Eldorado Cafe - Eldorado burrito - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Loved! Starting with the chips and salsa on the patio while we waited - crispy warm chips and super flavorful salsa. Couldn't stop going back for more! Also went with the piña mocktail (they did it for me without the cilantro). Very refreshing and well balanced, not too sweet on a very hot November day. The main dining area is casual and diner-like. I ordered the vegan Crunchwrap and the guaco taco. The vegan options were awesome and the wait staff was knowledgeable about the ingredients. She said the Crunchwrap was one of her favorite items on the menu, even as a nonveg person. read more

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The Wednesday lunch month to return to the El Dorado Café today for lunch. We arrived at 11:30 to find a line outside the door. We were told it was about a 30 minute wait which was pretty accurate. We were seated and brought menus promptly and ordered our beverages. Service was prompt and very friendly. I always order the Molly chicken enchiladas because they never disappoint. They were delicious as usual. If you'd like Tex-Mex, arrive early. El Dorado Café is very popular. Give it a try! read more

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The margarita was the best! Not too sugary, syrupy or made from a nasty mix here. Well made and simply delicious. We had a small wait but were directed to outside seating that had access to water and chips and salsa. The chips and salsa x were a nice appetizer to the meal, and good complement to the margaritas. Our entrees were also good - tostadas and enchiladas suizas. Fresh, hearty and tasty! We were too full for dessert but will definitely be back! Service was good too. read more

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Blanca was a wonderful server who made sure we were well taken care of and constantly checked in on us. Service was quick and did not feel rushed. Not photographed was the Whipper's EPT tacos which were absolutely delicious. All of their meats were well seasoned and I will be day dreaming about their tacos forever. Great service as soon as we walked in the door and we recommended the cafe to everyone staying at our hotel. I look forward to trying more of their food because they had so many options and choices, how can I not go back?? Can't wait to come back! read more

Eldorado Cafe - Chips and salsas Mezcal sandanista, Tamarindo - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Fun twist on Tex-Mex with casual and chill vibes. When you arrive, provide them with your name and number. They will text you when a table is ready. It is pretty packed during Saturday lunch time, ~30 min wait. They let you wait at an outdoor table on their covered patio/walkway first with iced water (thankful for this on a hot summer day!) and free refillable chips and salsa. There are 6 House Salsas to choose from, ranging from mild to hot hot hot! You can even opt to try all of them by ordering the Salsa Sampler. We got the Salsa Fresca, which is a mild red salsa. It only had a hint of spice, which allowed us to keeping eating it without hurting. They will give you more at the table inside as well. The Honolulu Pork Mini Tacos were amazing! It had red chile and citrus marinated pork shoulder, which was extremely flavorful and savory. I loved the pineapple jicama slaw with carrots and bell peppers that gave it fresh crunch. The avocado salsa on top was refreshing too. All loaded up on 4 mini corn tortillas and a pile of pickled onions added in the center. What a colorful dish! The Uchingon Bowl had lots of toppings and was extremely filling. Cheesey rice loaded with crispy pork carnitas that were smokey and had crispy edges with a nice bit of char. It was loaded with roasted squash, fried egg (good runny yolk), fresh avocado slices, pickled onions, and arbol salsa. Never got bored eating this. Plenty of parking in the front and some more on the right side of the building. Wheelchair accessible with a ramp in front. They have an extensive menu and will cater to your dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. The walls inside were filled with colorful art pieces, fun to look at while waiting for your food. Stellar warm and attentive service throughout, enjoyed the cozy atmosphere. Happy that they started us with chips and salsa while we wait, so we don't get hangry. Will definitely be back to try their Daily Specials! read more

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A Tex-Mex restaurant located on the Northwest side of Austin. It has a great menu and even a great selection of cocktails. I ordered the Chilaquiles Rojas. A large pepper stuffed with cheese and other stuff. My 2 sides I chose were the beans and salad. It was an excellent choice. The servings were just about perfect to blend the meal. Not too spicy, but very flavorable. The pepper had grest texture and cut nicely. The chips and salsa was terrific. A solid 5 for food. The service was excellent as well. Luckily we didn't have to wait. I do know people arriving later will usually be waiting. Our server was knowledgeable of the menu and drinks. She took good care of us. Service - 5 Not fancy but there is indoor and outdoor seating. The place is clean and has a good sized parking lot. Ambiance - 4. Thank you Eldorado for an excellent meal! read more

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This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area! We had to wait for 55 mins but it's worth the waiting! Definitely make a reservation ahead of time so you'll go straight to the table. I really enjoyed the salsa today and the medium spicy one was the best! Kathy's valentine taco was my favorite one! Yummy yummy time is beautiful! Come visit and enjoy the moment! Cheers read more

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We were good the want would be 1.5 hours but got lucky after 40 minutes to get a seat at the bar. The food was excellent. Laid back atmosphere in a non-descript shopping center but don't let looks fool you. Food is fresh and worth the trip. Portions reasonable as well as price. Ordered one plate that could easily have been from a fancy restaurant had it been someplace else. The carneasada steak was favorable and moise; spinach cooked just perfect; and mashed potatoes that were obviously cooked from scratch. Would recommend making reservations but definitely will be returning. read more

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I haven't been to El Dorado in a while, but happy to say it is still fantastic! The inside is super cute. I love their support of animal rescue with dogs available for adoption on the restroom stalls. Fun, friendly and attentive staff. Lots of variety with seasonal options. And every single thing is delicious...even left over! The Pinarita is my favorite drink along with Salsa X and basically any and every taco option. You cannot go wrong! read more

Eldorado Cafe definitely lives up to the hype! The food was super fresh and full of flavor. The tortilla chips were amazing, and the Eldorado Salsa Sampler was a hit -- especially the Molcajete Verde, Mera Mera Salsa, and the spicy El Scorpio! We tried the Enchiladas Suizas, Enchiladas Classicas, Lost Amis Bowls, and the Flan -- everything tasted great. I loved that the enchiladas weren't overly cheesy or heavy. Even though the wait was long, they had comfortable outdoor seating where we could relax and enjoy drinks. I'd highly recommend making a reservation. Also a great spot for vegetarian and vegan options -- plenty to enjoy! Highly recommend overall! read more

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In the area recently for a family wedding and having flown in to Austin we were on the hunt for some local flavor and this spot came highly recommended. We were lucky and found three open seats at the bar when we walked in, so we bellied up and ordered our drinks and dinner from there. It is a smallish space inside, so the energy was electric and lively. Bartenders were super-cool and very accommodating. We ordered drinks and then negotiated all the goodies we'd be sampling for our meal. We started off with warm chips and their famous salsa X...creamy with a kick. Next up was the house queso (a family favorite) with plenty of kick and creaminess to boot. My daughter and I split two tacos, the Clyde's fried chicken taco, and the too hot to tot taco. Both really hit the spot! Last up was Rene's awesome enchiladas served with rice and black beans. By that time we were nearing full capacity, but given how delicious everything had been we pushed through and gave it a valiant effort. They pretty much rolled us out of there as we headed back to the airport to gather the rest of our party and head to the hotel. So glad to have found this place and given them a try...would most definitely return! read more

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I can see the hype. I can definitely see the hype. I don't know if it justifies the wait times, but everything we had was a hit. The mini tacos plate had a concoction of different meats that were marinated and cooked down tenderly to perfection. I could have eaten 1,000 of these and died a happy death. The house margarita isn't for the weak. We joked at how strong yet effective it was. The bottom shelf tequila is sure to put some hair on your chest, ladies. Shoutout to the beef ribs. Sweet with HEAT! Mildly crispy on the outside and very tender on the inside. My friends doubled up on their orders. Everything was a hit. Even the chorizo queso. The only thing I wasn't fond of was the wait time and the fact that it was so packed that the servers couldn't be as attentive as necessary. They did try to butter us up with chips and salsa as we waited outside the in the cold. They had heat lamps, though. People love the place, so what can you do other than wait? The servers were still sweet. I can't wait to come back. read more

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Such an amazing place. Food is unreal, so fresh and flavorful. Salsas are next level. The staff and service is as friendly as it gets. Super friendly, great with kids. The menu is extensive and a bit overwhelming but clearly everything is good. Definitely get the unchingon bowl. My only issue with this place is how hard it is to get a table. Reservations fill up relatively quickly. You'll be waiting 30min to 2 hrs if you didn't have a resy. read more

One of the best mexican restaurants I have been too. Being a vegetarian I was surprised by the large amount of options for me. The crunchwrap, 'too good' tater tot tacos, and burritos are some of the best. Salsa sampler is a definite must try as well. read more

Eldorado Cafe - Salsa Sampler - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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First things first, be prepared to wait. There's a very casual outdoor waiting area where you can get chips and salsa as you wait. The waitress will also come out to take drink orders if you don't want to stand at the bar. There's ice water available as you wait as well, but the area is linear and connected to other stores. It's a cool vibe if you like it. We ended up waiting about an hour and 10 minutes on a Tuesday. That's exactly what we were quoted, so it was expected. The staff is super friendly and attentive once inside. We had enchiladas and a combo plate and the food was actually very tasty. Much better than normal Tex-Mex. My wife said the enchiladas could've used a little more flavor, but were good and well made. They serve Coke products here also, with a nice Austin vibe decoratively. I would recommend you try Eldorado Cafe! read more

Packed on a weekday night, definitely get a reservation ahead of time if you don't want to wait. Service was quick and friendly. One of the best Mexican food restaurants we've been to in a while. Meat was flavorful and salsas were fresh. We opted for the salsas sampler and that was a nice way to try multiple at once. They seem to be known for their enchiladas since there's several options. Tacos are tasty and pretty big for one serving. read more

Eldorado Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Really nice experience, we had the barbacoa taco, the Kathy Valentine taco, and the Brian's Alambre Plate with sides of CheezNRice and 3 Potato Hash. The meat mix on the Alambre plate was surprisingly good, it's essentially a mix of pork, beef, chorizo, and bacon held together with cheese and onions. An odd combination, but it works in context. The queso on the CheezNRice side was really good. I wasn't as amazed by the potato hash. We had two margaritas, which were good. The food is very hearty, I'd characterize it as comfort food. Staff were very nice. We got lucky and were able to get a table as walk-ins at 4:30 pm on a Saturday, but apparently it can be up to an hour wait, even that early. The price was pretty reasonable overall. The margaritas were $10, and our total bill including drinks and tip was $65, which is very good for Austin. read more

Went here after a long shift and the food was exactly what you need for a long day! The staff were super friendly and welcoming. Even the long wait we had felt short with how nice everyone was and with being able to order apps and drinks while we waited helped. The place is cozy and welcoming to all with delicious food that never fails! read more

Eldorado Cafe - Saturday special- Barbacoa taco - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My son catered for a Rehearsal dinner on boat cruise down Colorado River. The food was spectacular and did not disappoint! Staff, especially GM Brad, were amazing and above and beyond helpful and generous! Will definitely try in the restaurant on next visit! read more

I love El Dorado Cafe. Even though the wait is super long, the food and service is excellent. We waited almost 1.5 hours for a table on Friday night but we were able to sit outside with drinks and free chips and salsa while we were waiting. The food was great. I usually always get a side of mojo veg and a taco and this time I got a Kathy valentine taco and it was absolutely delish. This is such a classical TexMex spot in Austin in food and ambiance so it's one of our favorites of all time. read more

My 2nd time coming here. It was good and I enjoyed my food. The salsa and chips is great. I would come here again for sure. This place gets packed around lunch time. The times I came here we came at 11am, so it wasn't busy. read more

Eldorado Cafe - Taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I live across the street from this place and i bet they have been here a decade by now. When they first moved in I would get breakfast tacos all the time and they were amazing. I finally went to dine in last year with friends and everyone had amazing food and drinks. read more

What are they putting in their beans to make them so addictive?! It's not lard because they're vegan (sans cheese) so my best guess is crack. They're just refried black beans, but I can't get enough. Same goes for their calbacitas; simple sauteed squash with a ton of garlic. They're extensive list of plant-based options is fantastic, from enchiladas to crunchwraps, but I keep coming back to these simple staples. They just do them RIGHT. There will always be a wait no matter when you visit, but it's all part of the experience. You get to munch on chips and salsa until a table frees up so it's not bad at all. Everyone is so nice here too, they'll make you feel right at home. Absolutely love this place and support it to the ends of the earth. read more

Literally one of my fav restaurants now. I can't believe I've lived in Austin my whole life and missed it! Best tex mex in Austin

45 minute wait on a random Wednesday at 5pm? Sheesh. You know the food has to be amazing for that to happen and we were not disappointed. Bit loud but kid friendly coloring things and food menu if you're in that boat. Service here once you're inside is great. You can also opt to order drinks and eat your chips while waiting outside too if that's your thing. Food itself is very good. Warm chips and choice of salsa to start. Would definitely recommend the salsa fresa for a refreshing and fresh accompaniment. Entree wise, I got the pork burrito and that has to be some of the most flavorful pork I've ever had. Crisp, very well seasoned and they don't skimp on it in the burrito. Sauce adds some nice acidity and the rice and beans are also very well seasoned and round out the meal. Wednesday is also birria special day, so my wife got a set of the quesabirria tacos which were good, especially with the consome but played second fiddle to the burrito. On your birthday apparently you also get your choice of tshirt,hat or dessert and a high five! read more

I am shocked that I have never reviewed Eldorado Cafe. We've been many times and it never disappoints. Do know that a reservation in advance is important to avoid a long wait and they always seem busy!!! They have an amazing vegan menu with so many choices. I've had the tacos, enchiladas, and just recently tried the vegan crunch wrap - obsessed. Everything is just so fresh and delicious here. They also have a perfect tamarind marg here!!! Could not recommend more! read more

Eldorado Cafe - Tamarindo - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Before we headed home from Austin, the birthday girl wanted to try a good Tex-Mex restaurant. So, scouring reddit, I saw ElDorado Cafe mentioned by multiple people, and decided that was going to be the place. And we were all hair with the decision We were seated right away and drink orders were taken. Wex asked for food recommendations and our server was happy to give us numerous options. We started out with the ElDorado Queso, which had good flavor, starts out very thin, but as it starts to cool down, thickens up to a nice, gooey cheese. There were also chips and salsa to go around, which is always a plus For food, we tried multiple items. The crispy tacos were fried perfectly, had a good crunch and the best inside was drained nicely. The Kathy Valentine Taco was interesting as it's stuffed with a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese that gives a bite you weren't expecting and didn't know you needed in your life. The enchiladas, while good, didn't necessarily stand out one way or another. The shiny ribs were also well seasoned, with a good flavor, but hard to eat ribs after eating the ones at Terry Blacks. But they were still good. Overall, a nice Tex-Mex restaurant, definitely worth it if you're craving this type of food. Give it a try read more

Eldorado Cafe - Crispy tacos and Shiny ribs - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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A must get: molcajete verde. Everyone is trying to say you should get the salad x but no, molcajete is a MUST. Our waitress was supper attentive and nice. Got the shepherd pie (was in mash potatoes mood) and it was very filling9/10 Very causal place but there will def be a line!! read more

Delicious and worth the wait. You can wait outside and they will bring you drinks and chips. Everyone who worked here was so nice. The verde enchiladas were fabulous. read more