I'm not Mexican, so I'm not pretending to be an expert on Mexican food. I'm simply sharing this…read morefrom the point of view of someone who travels a lot and has tried Mexican food in many different places, all with their own style. And with that said, this was honestly the best Mexican food I have ever eaten.
Taqueria El Compa was so good, I had to order twice.
The first thing I tried was the agua de Jamaica, and you could immediately tell it was made from scratch. It was fresh, flavorful, not overly sweet, and the portion was generous. The cup was huge, about half a liter, and it was exactly what I needed after coming from the airport starving.
For tacos, I first ordered three: chicken, beef, and carne asada. They were served on corn tortillas, not flour, and everything tasted fresh and homemade. They came topped with avocado, white onion, cilantro, and cucumber on the side, and every bite was delicious. The meat portions were generous, and the flavors were incredible. The green sauce was amazing, and the red sauce had real heat, so be careful if you're sensitive to spice.
It was so good that I went back and ordered three more tacos. That says everything.
The prices were also very fair. My first order, three tacos plus the agua de Jamaica, was only $16. My second order, three more tacos, was $12. For the quality, freshness, and portion size, I thought it was absolutely worth it.
What made the experience even better was the service. I had almost finished my drink and asked if they could add a little more ice to my cup. Not only did she add ice, she added more agua de Jamaica too and didn't charge me anything extra. That kind of care means a lot. It felt like eating at a family member's house, where they genuinely want you to enjoy your food and leave happy.
This place is clearly loved for a reason. While I was there, several people came in to order, mostly for takeout, so it definitely stays busy. I only found it because it was about 3 miles from the airport and had great reviews, and now I completely understand why.
If I could give this place 100 stars, I would. The food was outstanding, the service was kind and generous, and the whole experience felt special. If I ever come back to Austin, I will absolutely return.