Time for a new round of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance city guide! This year I’ve chosen Mexican as one of my topics. There are several interpretations of Mexican food in Austin. You can find interior Mexico at a few places, and I will point these out, but there’s a whole lotta TexMex here too. The lines blur in a handful of fusion restaurants, where you might find kimchi in your burritos!

Are you hungry? Let’s get started!

Fast, Local, Different

$ Tacodeli (12001 Burnet Rd. & 4200 North Lamar Blvd.) Accolades galore at Taco Deli! One look at the menu and you’ll understand why: Akaushi Picadillo, Puerco Verde, and a vegetarian named The Heather! Ha! One of the best parts is that they proudly use Non-GMO certified organic eggs.

$ Molca’s (8127 Mesa Drive Austin, TX ) Delicious tacos to suit anyone’s palate, including gluten-free friendly options. I’ve tried the spinach enchiladas and the cochinita pibil tacos, both were fantastic and a very affordable lunch for around $5, including iced tea, chips and salsa on the side.

$ Torchy’s Tacos (4211 Spicewood Springs Road Austin, TX) If you like creative trailer food, check out the brick and mortar location of Torchy’s Tacos. The regulars rave about this hidden gem in the north. Really the only thing Mexican about this place is that the dishes are put into a tortilla. Spicy, as the name suggests, is the Diablo Sauce which goes beyond my tolerance level but you can try it while you’re there!

$ Yummitaco (12518 Research Blvd Austin, TX) Fusion is the name of the game here! The owner is Vietnamese-American and created his restaurant using tacos, migas, and kimchi. Sounds odd until you try it! Kimchi fries are awesome, albeit slightly off topic, but you can order them to accompany the BigTex Burrito. Asian-Mexican food, who would have thought?

$ Juarez (1701 S. Mays Round Rock, TX) “Bakery” does not exude images of dinner platters, chips and salsa, I know. The bakery bit is really just a bonus on top of all the other wonderful Mexican offerings. We normally come for brunch on Sundays, when the line is out the door – everyone hungrily waiting their turn to order barbacoa, huevos, and chorizo. $ La Cocina Bar & Grill (602 McNeil Road Austin, TX) The story behind the chef and owner of La Cocina is an interesting one. He studied in Italy and created an interesting Mexican menu with touches of his past abroad and in California. I’ve never been disappointed here despite some of the reviews online. Last visit was with my father, who thoroughly enjoyed our meal and flan for dessert. Stick to the Mexican offerings like carne el pastor, chicken enchiladas, and the queso. The Better Chains

$$ Gloria’s (3309 Esperanza Crossing Austin, TX in the Domain Shopping Center) This may be further south of the border than other places on this list, Gloria’s features Salvadoran entrees and $4 happy hour margaritas (only the house variety not the $9 mango ones – lesson learned!). Being in the Domain, there is an upscale feel to the decor and presentations on the plate (read: smaller portions). You will find ample parking behind Macy’s which is around the corner from Gloria’s.

$$ Manuel’s (10201 Jollyville Road Austin,TX) Interior Mexican is the focus of Manuel’s menu. The tortilla soup was good here. Sit out on the patio and hang out with a few drinks at happy hour, try the ceviche.

$$ Trudy’s North Star (8820 Burnet Road Austin, TX) Mexican-American fare with a decent drink selection for happy hour or late night gatherings after a day outside in the heat. Weekend brunch is packed every time we try to go. Stuffed Avocado comes highly rated (and pricy!).

Silvercoin Margarita (watermelon infused tequilla) and Ceviche de Langosta y Mango (lobster and mango ceviche) . $$$ Fonda San Miguel (2330 North Loop Boulevard West Austin, TX) Brunch option may be the best value here at a popular up-scale interior-Mexican restaurant with a great wine selection. Meet up with friends at happy hour for aCeviche de Langosta y Mango (lobster and mango ceviche)

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Honorable Mentions

Jardin Corona (13233 Pond Springs Road #301 Austin, TX 78729) Pechuga Jardin Corona and the salsa verde come highly recommended.

Dos Batos Woodfired Tacos (2525 W. Anderson Ln Austin, TX 78757) Menu is short and sweet. Smokey sirloin or Veggie tacos, tortas, carnitas, kid options, beer and Mexican coke.

Casa Chapala (3010 W. Anderson Ln Austin, TX 78757) Specializing in tequila and generations-old Mexican dishes.

Taquiera Taco More (9414 Parkfield Drive Austin, TX 78758) No website but they have consommé de cabrito (goat soup).

Chuy’s Panaderia (8716 Research Blvd Austin, TX 78757‎) Mexican street food and bakery, locally owned.

Alfredo’s (800 Pecan Street West Pflugerville, TX 78660) Breakfast platters are great and cheap too!

Morelia Grill (920 East Palm Valley Boulevard Round Rock, TX 78664) Always a crowd at dinner time!

Dos Salsas (1104 S. Main St. Georgetown, TX 78626) Tex Mex, Mexican, seafood, bar, Saturday night salsa lessons.

Taco Cabana (9605 Research Blvd, and 12525 North Mopac Austin, TX and other locations) Bear with me a moment, I realize this is fast food and drive-thru, but it’s the best fast food where you can get breakfast platters, tacos, beef fajitas and guacamole served with freshly made tortillas that are pillowy and warm. And if you decide to stop in they have a great fresh salsa bar. Cheap and good food, period.

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Check out the 2013 Austin City Guide for more!