Had the best dinner tonight at escuela farms! drinks- the Horchata Colada was definitely a highlight and not pictured was the Carajillo which was also SO good. food - Texas smoked brisket fajitas were sensational. So rich. The guac is to die for. I'd definitely recommend starting with the guac and then getting the crab flautas. They were a little spicy yet so good. & not to mention the service. Taylor was our server and she was very hospitable and really knew how to take care of us. The drinks were made well and we got to speak to Corrie the bartender to learn more about how he makes them which made it very personalized. They genuinely care about the culture + hospitality. It shows! I'd go here a hundred times. 10/10!!! read more

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Best dinner ever!! The ceviche, the guac, and omg the puffy taco was so amazing! Loved it read more

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First off, this place is such a vibe. From the moment we arrived, I was reminded of some of my favorite restaurant experiences in Tepoztlán, Mexico. It genuinely felt like we'd been transported somewhere far beyond the Austin city limits. The guacamole and aguachile were outstanding--authentic and easily on par with some of the best I've had in Austin or Mexico. The oysters with melon foam were equally impressive, rivaling some of my favorite oyster spots in town like Clark's and Austin Oyster Co. No surprise that some of the biggest highlights were the vegetables straight from the garden. Both the carrots and beets were incredible, and we agreed the beets might be the best beet dish we've ever had. We finished with the carne guisada, which absolutely blew us away. A massive beef short rib with a flavorful stew of vegetables and sauce that we spooned over Spanish-style rice and freshly made corn tortillas. We both agreed it was one of the most unique and flavorful beef dishes we've ever had. After dinner, we enjoyed a nightcap glass of wine and wandered through the garden, where we actually got to see the carrots and beets we'd just eaten growing in the ground. When we returned to our table, our server, Gavin, had perfectly timed a churro dessert to finish the evening. Such a thoughtful touch and a great example of the hospitality here. This is the kind of dining experience I'd expect to drive deep into the Austin Hill Country to find, yet it's right here in the city. Incredible food, beautiful atmosphere, and genuinely thoughtful service. One of the best dining experiences we've had in Austin in a long time. Escuela is something special. We'll absolutely be back! **closing note: if you're drinking, the cocktails here are far better than most high-end cocktail bars in the city ** read more

Escuela - Oysters with melon foam! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

5/5 Hands down, one of the best meals in Austin! Everything we had was incredible, from the fresh, smoky salsa to the charred beets with pistachio cream and the puffy brisket tacos. The tacos had such a unique flavor, with creamy guacamole and just the right amount of kick. The ribeye was absolutely amazing and easily one of the best steaks I've had in Austin. It came with herb butter, a delicious chipotle sauce, smoked salt, and pickled vegetables that perfectly balanced out the richness of the steak. And the star of the show? The churros! Crispy, delicious, and served with chocolate and caramel sauces that made them the perfect ending to an incredible meal. Beyond the food, the atmosphere made me feel like I was transported straight to Mexico. Everything from the flavors to the ambiance made this place special. I would eat here every day if I could. Escuela is an absolute must-try in Austin! read more

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What an amazing gem! From the minute you pull up you realize this place is truly different. I highly suggest, taking a stroll through their beautiful garden in which they grow their own produce for their restaurant. The Decor is breathtaking and the service top notch. The food is in an entirely different level. A lot of love and uniqueness goes into it. Presentation is just perfect. Cocktails with great! I am so happy this place has opened and am positive they will have much success. read more

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We came here the 2nd night of their opening and just wow! From the ambiance, to the service, to the food and cocktails - everything was excellent. As you can tell from the pics, we ordered a ton of food - 1. Aguachile Crudo - 10/10 2. Texas queso - 10/10 super different and delish 3. Shrimp Tacos - 6/10 (only bc they were cold by the time it got to our table but great flavors) 4. Al Carbon Fajitas - 15/10. Extremely tender steak and huge portion for sharing with others 5. Churros - 10/10 with that amazingggg chocolate sauce 6. Ice cream tacos - 15/10 absolutely incredible flavors. This was also courtesy of our server for our anniversary. We're so happy to have a place of this caliber in South Austin! Can't wait to go back! read more

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On the way to the restaurant, you pass through the older parts of Oak Hill. When you pass the fence of Escuela, you'll know it. It's like pulling around and into a gorgeous resort in Mexico. The compound is gorgeous! The restaurant is beautiful...transports you out of Texas. They offer complimentary valet, though it was quite backed up when we arrived, so we self-parked just past the gardens. Service was incredible. Everyone was super warm, friendly and attentive. The food was incredible. I especially loved the aguachile, the beets, the fajitas, the fried okra. But it was all amazing. Excited to go back to try more. We ordered the churros and tres leches to go...do not skip out on the churros!! Omg. Beautiful gem in Oak Hill. Will be back. read more

Escuela - Fried Okra (9). Yum! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Snagged a last minute table opening for Escuela, a former Oak Hill school and new restaurant, on a busy Friday night. We sat on the patio outside, which has large overhead fans and rain protection so we stayed cool and dry. Our excellent waiter, Gavin, provided awesome service throughout the evening and offered great suggestions. It's clear the space was thoughtfully planned out. Both the outdoor patio and indoor restaurant are large and elegantly designed with an Austin-Southwestern vibe. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner or a meal with friends. We started with a berry hibiscus tea that was refreshing and not too sweet. Our food came out very quick. We skipped the cold appetizers portion of the menu to avoid getting too full, and ordered the puffy tacos, corn rib elotes, and de-boned half chicken fajitas. Split between two people, the portion size was perfect and we still left with leftover fajitas. Both the fluffy tacos and corn rib elotes are a must. The bottom of the menu (in yellow) features items from Escuela's five-acre on-site farm until they run out. Since the restaurant just opened, our waiter informed us that everything is still from the farm. The corn rib elotes are exactly as stated; cut in slices with the core, you really do eat them like ribs. I think I'd prefer if the elotes was served off the cob, but the flavor was superb. The fluffy tacos are both airy and crunchy, served with juicy brisket, creamy guacamole, balanced with a fiery chile pequin drizzle that inspired me to finally make hot sauce with my own native chile pequin plant. The tacos were both mine and our waiter's favorite dish at Escuela, and I'd consider ordering them as an entrée if you're looking for a lighter meal. The chicken fajitas also had excellent roasted flavor and were served with an array of sides that made it perfect for 2-3 people. We loved the fresh flour and corn tortillas and queso fundido served in the skillet alongside the chicken, which is something I've never seen with fajitas before. The chicken fajitas were served on top of tasty pickled veggies from last season's garden that added another unique twist to the dish. Now for my favorite part of the night: the DESSERT. We ordered the Baked Texan, which is Escuela's take on a baked Alaskan. The torched meringue gave the dish a delightful campfire flavor, the chocolate cake was gooey and moist, and the semifreddo was creamy and refreshing. Fellow chocolate lovers, do not sleep on this dish! We loved the on-theme finishing touch of everyone's checks delivered in a classic novel. We received "Frankenstein"! Escuela offers complimentary valet parking but we opted for self parking in the two lots at the back of the property. The small garden in front of the restaurant is perfect for a stroll before or after your meal, and we enjoyed seeing some of our meal's ingredients growing right in front of us. From the food to the atmosphere and service, we had a great night. I never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait to go back to school! read more

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I was able to experience Escuela last weekend and so incredibly happy I did. You will notice right off the bat all the hard work in ambience and service that has gone into this new restaurant. The space is absolutely stunning with a gorgeous garden you can also walk through. Inside is low lit with beautiful decor. Fancy, but comfortable without being pretentious. The food is very tasty from the chips and salsas, and queso, to the perfectly cooked meat dishes. My favorite dish was the puffy tacos and fried okra. They were mouth watering. Every cocktail we had was incredible too. I love their unique twist to their cocktail menu using their seasonal garden ingredients. They paired with all the food so perfectly. Will definitely be back again. read more

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Hi, my name is Angel Salinas, and I'm a grumpy Mexican who is always disappointed by mediocre Mexican food. I was born and raised in Mexico City for 21 years, so Mexican food is something I take very seriously. I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in Mexico--Pujol, Quintonil, Máximo, Rosetta, Contramar, Mi Compa Chava, and many others--and like a dozen 3 michelins around the world. For a long time, the only restaurant I would confidently recommend for Mexican food in Austin was El Naranjo, which is sadly shutting down. More recently, Taqueria de 10 became another restaurant I could wholeheartedly recommend. Then I went to Escuela. I was expecting a beautiful place that played it safe with the food. Holy shit, was I wrong. This place is incredible. If Escuela were in Mexico City, where I'm from, I genuinely believe it would easily have earned a Michelin star. And I don't say that lightly. The mission, the vision, the attention to detail, the intentionality, and the commitment to farm-to-table are extraordinary. Farm-to-table is no small feat, and this restaurant simply does not cut corners. One of the things that really stood out to me is their commitment to doing things the right way, even when doing so means leaving money on the table. They don't carry Clase Azul or 1942 because they are well branded trash filled with additives, despite the fact that they could easily sell a ton of it and make considerably more money. Instead, they're committed to championing real producers who don't cut corners and who are doing things properly. They take the long route. They make things themselves. They obsess over details. And you can taste it. The quail mole is the second-best mole I've ever had in my life, behind Pujol's. That is an absolutely insane compliment coming from me. The churro is the best churro I've ever had in my life. Period. The octopus with peach mole--I don't know what kind of wild person, especially a German chef, has the balls to say, "You know what? Let's make a peach mole and put it on octopus." But somehow, it works. It was incredible. The crab flautas were incredible. The green chile drawn butter was genius. And honestly, adding green chile to the drawn butter was completely unnecessary--and that's exactly what made it so brilliant. It was one of the best things I've ever tasted, an absolutely genius combination and an explosion of flavor. The queso was the best queso I've ever had in my life. And the guacamole--I've eaten buckets and buckets and buckets of guacamole throughout my life. This one ranks very, very, very high. Then there are the cocktails. The martini was amazing. The mezcal cocktail was amazing. My wife doesn't even like mezcal, and she loved it. And then there's the carajillo. This is another perfect example of the philosophy behind this restaurant. They don't even use Licor 43 because of the artificial colorants, so they make their own version of 43. Who does that? Escuela does. And it makes one of the best carajillos you'll ever have. I even tried their house wine, and it was incredible. If you blindfolded me, poured me the red blend, and told me it was from one of the best wineries in California, I would have said, "Yep, that makes sense." Then you find out it's from Texas. The Tannat blend was incredible as well. Both Texas wines. Both absolutely mind-blowing. That's what makes Escuela so special. This isn't just a restaurant trying to make Mexican food. It's a restaurant with a genuine philosophy. A commitment to better ingredients, better producers, better techniques, and doing things properly--even when the easier and more profitable option is right there. I've never been to Chez Panisse, which is often credited with pioneering the farm-to-table movement, so I can't honestly compare the two. But according to you, there's no way it's better than this. So do yourself a favor. Go on an incredibly cute date. Treat yourself to a nice dinner. Celebrate a birthday. Celebrate an anniversary. Whatever the excuse is, go. Don't walk. Run. -- Angel Salinas A grumpy Mexican from Mexico City who is very difficult to impress. read more

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Just simply amazing. Excellent food and service. Try the spaghetti Bolognese.outstanding!.

Absolutely loved Escuela! We got the birote sourdough bread, charred beets, caesar salad, carne asada, and the green chili enchiladas. I absolutely LOVED the Caesar salad, green chili enchiladas, and carne asada. The beets were good but a little too salty and savory for me, I prefer a sweeter and brighter tasting beet. The birote was also good but I wasn't crazy about the pecan butter. read more

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Beautiful large restaurant with garden onsite concept. Food was not good. Shrimp in the aguachiles was very watery. Sourdough lacked flavor and nothing special. Caesar salad was good. Salsas were marginal lacking any distinct flavor and first basket of chips were cold and overly greasy and chewy. The second basket were better. The chicken in the enchilada were watery and mushy and offputting texture. The smoked chicken lacked smoke and salt and any flavor. The beef fajitas came 35 minutes later and were cold, lacked flavor. The queso around the chicken lacked salt. The beans were not Mexican flavor. A stand out on the positive side were excellent flour tortillas. The corn were flavorless. The service was off tonight. The enchiladas came out then 15 min later the smoked chicken then 35 min after the fajitas. The manager explained that dishes are coursed out but this style of service doesnt work for this menu. The manager took care of us amd went above and beyond with courtesy. read more

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This one is in it for the long haul. I have never been to a restaurant that has been open for such a short period of time, where it seemed like they had been open for years. I can't say one bad thing about this restaurant, the service, the food. We ordered the ceviche, the beets, the quail, the chicken fajitas, and the churros. It was a ton of food and absolutely everything was incredibly unique. I would've never ordered ceviche that had peanuts on it and it was incredible. The list goes on and on. We sat at the bar, our server at the bar was Tatum. She was absolutely incredible. We will be back, and we can't wait. read more

My family and I visited Escuala the other night and had a wonderful experience. The food was outstanding, the drinks were excellent, and the warm, attentive service made the evening truly special. A big thank-you to Matthew, Serene, Myles, and Trevor for making us feel so welcome and well cared for. It's clear this team takes pride in what they do. They're already setting a high bar, and we're excited to see this place continue to grow and get even better. We can't wait to return! read more

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The true definition of fine dining. Excellent service and celebration of events. Neat menu with each dish explained to you! read more

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This place deserves 10 stars!!! Saw it on Instagram yesterday afternoon, & went for dinner last night! Was able to get a reservation for 8:00 with short notice, but we went early to try our luck at the bar. FYI...much of the bar seating, both inside & out is reserved...so this is a nice option. After ordering the first round of cocktails, we began to look around & was quickly greeted by Ava, the lovely Director of Events. She was so gracious & offered to give us a tour of the gorgeous grounds. I suggest going online/socials to read about the history of how this restaurant came to fruition, the large garden where so much of the items come from, & the plan for an additional restaurant. The service, drinks, food, ambience, and experience is so impeccable that you feel as if you're on holiday in Mexico or Spain!! We cannot wait to go back because it is now my new favorite restaurant!! Apologies for not taking pictures of the food...I was so excited to start eating! Had the ceviche, with the best tortilla chips I've ever had! And combo steak & chicken fajitas. Perfection!! read more

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First time dinning experience. Overall the food was exceptional. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The beats, queso and chips were excellent. The puffy tacos and enchilada dishes were very good. The service was excellent and the covered patio area was very pleasant. Don't be surprised by the valet parking. I assume, tipping isn't required but appreciated. read more

This is a spectacular restaurant to service the food. Everything is outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant. The drinks were very good. Just a overall great great restaurant in Southwest Austin. read more

Fabulous 20th anniversary dinner and we will definitely be back for everyday dinners too! Paloma and Show & Tell were perfect starts, followed closely by a truly awesome ceviche. Plenty of options for the difficult vegan half- salsa tasting, sourdough bread, all the veg options, and tilefish for the non vegan. Colton knew everything about the dishes, offered excellent suggestions and made sure we were both well taken care of. read more