Feast Your Heart Out
When the sun dips low and the neons flicker on across Austin, the taco scene shifts into something a little more indulgent. Dinner tacos aren’t just quick bites. They’re layered, slow-crafted, and meant to linger with a craft cocktail and the warm hum of friendly chatter. From pillowy flour tortillas to masa ground into doughy corn rounds just hours before it hits the plate, these spots prove that when Austin sits down for tacos at night, the feast is just beginning.
Nixta Taqueria: Beet Tartare Tostada
A reverence for corn is paramount at Nixta. The name Nixta comes from nixtamalization, a process by which dry corn kernels are prepared in an alkaline solution. Led by Chef Edgar Rico, recipient of the James Beard Emerging Chef Award, the team takes nixtamalized corn and runs it through the molino to create the masa that goes into their lovingly-made tortillas. All in all, the process takes about 12 hours. The restaurant has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide with a Green Star and a Bib Gourmand for its dedication to sustainable practices and great food. The Beet Tartare tostada allows the flavorful, almost sweet, tortilla to shine alongside the earthiness of the freshly-prepared vegetables.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5-9pm Friday-Saturday 11am-2pm & 5-10pm Sunday 11am-3pm, closed Mondays
nixtataqueria.com
@nixtataqueria
Seven Spirits: Al Pastor Tacos
The Seven Spirits cocktail bar is named for the seven Mexican spirits of Mexico they feature: Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol, Pox, Charanda, Bacanora, and Raicilla. Though Seven Spirits is primarily known for its craft libations, the taco offerings pack as much of a punch as the drinks. The pork shoulder in the Al Pastor is succulent, and the pineapple is fresh and tangy. Stealing the show, however, is the Macha Guacamole with a smoky chili oil as the cherry on top. Be sure to visit on $2 Taco Tuesday to save a few bucks or use the change to buy another round.
Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-12am, Friday-Saturday 4pm-2am
1411 E 7th St.
sevenspiritsaustin.com
@sevenspiritsaustin
Licha’s Cantina: Alambre
Crossing the threshold of the historic century-old bungalow feels like coming home. Owner Daniel Brooks transformed the casita into a cantina inspired by his childhood growing up in Mexico City. Licha’s, named after David’s mother, focuses on interior Mexican food with an emphasis on house-made masa and fresh ingredients. Tacos are served build-your-own style and delivered via sizzling skillets with protein, a side of escabeche, and corn tortillas. The Alambre, one of the most popular options, features tender flank steak in flavorful chimichurri, onions and peppers, and finished with bacon. Enjoy with a cocktail made from their careful selection of agave spirits for a flavorful start to an evening of bar hopping on East 6th.
Sunday-Thursday 4-10pm, Friday 4-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm
1306 E 6th St.
lichascantina.com
@lichascantina
Este: Fish Tacos
Chef Fermin Nunez goes a little bit closer to the coast at Suerte’s sister restaurant Este. While mostly noted for its ceviche, oysters, and camarones (exquisitely messy jumbo shrimp: butterflied and grilled, shell on), the tacos deserve the same level of reverence. The Fish Tacos highlight a unique masa-battered swordfish paired with crunchy shredded cabbage and habanero-piquín hot sauce. Sitting on the patio while the weather’s nice, you can almost hear the waves hitting the shore.
Monday-Sunday 5-10pm, Friday-Sunday 12-4pm
2113 Manor Rd.
esteatx.com
@esteatx
Suerte: Suadero Street Taco
Renowned chef Fermin Nunez’ culinary muscles seem to stretch with no limit at Suerte. This Mexican restaurant offers a true fine dining experience with its exceptional service, enviable ambiance, and small plates that haunt the palate long after they’ve been licked clean. The Suadero taco, which traditionally features a fattier cut of pork or beef belly, is the vehicle that highlights the impressive confit wagyu brisket. Tossed in the aptly named Black Magic Oil (a fragrant concoction that notably features garlic, chiles, sesame, tamari, and fish sauce), the tender meat is served on pillowy corn tortillas. Bite for bite, it’s perhaps the most flavor-packed dish on the menu.
Monday-Thursday 5-10pm, Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-10pm
1800 E 6th St.
suerteatx.com
@suerteatx
Vecinos: Puffy Dechebrada Taco
Parked in the lot next to Zed’s New Zealand-style ice cream shop, Vecinos slings puffy tacos that do more than justify dessert. The melt-in-your-mouth beef Dechebrada is slow-cooked with peppers, onions, and tomatoes and wrapped in a crispy homemade corn tortilla. The pickled onions add tang, and the avocado salsa is perfectly creamy while the melted cheese pulls with each decadent bite.
Tuesday-Sunday 8am-7pm, closed Mondays
1814 Harvey St.
vecinostacos.square.site
@vecinos_tacos_atx
El Chile Cantina: Grilled Redfish Taco & Shiitake Barbacoa Taco
Over the last two decades, El Chile has solidified itself as a staple dinner spot for locals with its extensive and classic Tex-Mex-inspired menu. Guests can’t go wrong with an enchilada platter or charbroiled fajita puffy taco alongside a signature La Mangonada Margarita with chamoy. But after indulging in the staples, be sure to return to sample the tacos. The Grilled Redfish delights with jalapeño aioli and fresh cabbage. For a meatless option, the Shiitake Barbacoa does a triumphant job imitating the classic.
Monday-Friday 11am-10pm, Sunday 10am-9pm
1900 Manor Rd.
elchilecafe.com
@elchilecafe
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