Casa Chapala Mexican Cuisine & Tequila Bar Reviews

Leo was a great server, good timing and refilled everything without an ask. Food was tasty! Best queso and tacos. Patio is chill and big! Dog friendly which is a plus.

Stopped by mid afternoon for drinks & appetizers. Tableside guacamole made to order & delicious nachos. Great food & drinks as always!

Had dinner at Casa Chapala for the 2nd time - very good food (more interior Mexican), very clean, great service and atmosphere. Had the Enchiladas Astlan - a stacked enchilada for the 2nd time - I recommend it. First visit, I also had guacamole, made fresh at the table and very good. Salsa was a bit watery, but good. Also had the fried ice cream; I think El Arroyo's fried ice cream is better. This is the former Serrano's location in the strip center at Shoal Creek and Anderson Ln.

I have been to Casa Chapala twice and I really enjoy there food. Today I had flan & it was absolutely delicious. Our family really enjoys eating here.

I randomly selected this joint and was pleasantly surprised by the relaxed atmosphere inside. Could have easily stayed for a few if not pressed for time. Choose a seat at the bar and throughly enjoyed my burrito. The mole here looked a big hit based on what others were ordering.

I've taken family and friends here. We've never had a bad meal, have always had great service, and Lupe is funny and gracious. I really love it here. They have a mariachi band that is fantastic.

If you are looking for a place with good Margaritas, then Casa Chapala is the place for you. The food is average, but consistent. A good place to try in the Austin area.

It's been a couple of years since we were in here. Decided to try on a recent Saturday evening. Much to my surprise we were promptly seated, the restaurant was not very busy on a early January Saturday evening unlike some of the more popular TexMex restaurants in the area. Service was fast and efficient, the food was very good and prepared as ordered, and the margaritas were excellent. I definitely would go back on a Friday or Saturday evening based on the food and drinks, or just to avoid the crowds and long waits at other places.

The food is wonderful and tasty, the staff is always friendly and helpful, and if you get lucky, the mariachis will be around to serenade you while you are eating. Love the fact that they make the salsa and guacamole right in front of your eyes. Food is authentic and they have a good amount of choices for every taste bud.

My colleague and I disagreed about whether we liked this restaurant. He did, I didn't. Nachos with salsa were fine, although the salsa was watery yet spicy at the same time. My colleague ordered beef taco's, which he liked a lot. I on the other hand ordered spinach enchilada's, which came with a sour green sauce I didn't like at all. Service was friendly and fast though, and you don't have to pay much... all in all: depends on what you order, I think. Plus: patio for outside eating!

My wife and I love this place and eat here at least 2x/month. It's not in a tourist section of town, but at the corner of Burnett and Research north of the downtown and 78704 madness. I had no idea it was around until we joined the Austin Tequila Society and discovered this is the group's headquarters. An easy choice since the restaurant's bar has over 100 different tequilas on hand. The food here is excellent. I've never ordered anything I didn't enjoy, and I like to sample the menu. Don't come looking for TexMex though. The cuisine at Casa Chapala is pure Mexican. The salsa and guacamole is prepared at your table side to taste. The tortillas are made by hand in the restaurant daily. The staff is friendly and helpful too. One last point. You can find a scaled down version of the restaurant downtown. It's good, but nowhere near as good as the original Casa Chapala up north.

Easy parking! Delicious food! Wish I was not driving so I could have had a margarita! Happy hour M-F, 2:00 to 7:00! Hubby had a huge beef burrito and I had the Sopa Azteca. Both were delicious! I don't know if they do this part all the time, but I've never seen it done before...they mix the salsa in front of you specific to how spicy you like it. The chips and salsa are very good. Great service all around!

Six of us enjoyed lunch on Sunday. Great brunch buffet. Barbacoa, bacon, carne guisada, chile verde, pozole, menudo, eggs, carnitas, pancakes, etc. Built a taco with barbacoa, guisada, beans and a fried egg & bacon - delicious guilty pleasure ! Our group also sampled the chicken fajitas, enchiladas mole, enchiladas suisa, enchiladas poblano, and enchiladas banderas. All were very tasty, as were the margaritas and Mexican martini. Very good service. The prices are a bit higher than other Mexican restaurants we frequent, but the quality is always excellent.

We were very early one Saturday morning with a couple of friends. Nice place hiding in the corner of a line shopping mall. The food (my omelette was light and tasty) was very good according to the four of us (Omelettes; Portobello Taco; Enchiladas; and outstanding sides). The service was attentive all the time and the food came hot and according to the orders.

I checked out the Tequila Society VIP this past Saturday, November 1st, 2014 at Casa Chapala, 9041 Research Blvd Ste 100, Austin, TX. I must say, it was very nice. We purchased tickets from owner Lupe Barragan a few months back. He informed that this would be a fantastic event. The many, many tequila vendors were outside and I actually was able to taste several brands I have never heard of. I had thought I knew alot about Tequila over the years. I learned alot from this event concerning Tequila and the various blends. There are over 1,500 to 1,700 manufacturer's of Tequila all coming from the five states of Mexico where Blue Agave is grown and flourishes. Mescal is like Tequila, however is made from other Agave, or cactus and not from the actual Blue Agave plant. The very best Tequilas were here along with Mescal. Not the typical grain low cost types you may have had growing up or have heard about. Now I will have to tell ya, that one reason to get things you want is to get in good with the owner of Casa Chapala. I think he enjoys myself and family and I see him treat everyone the same. Lupe is a fantastic person, the issue is you can't get enough of him. Service at Casa Chapala is good alot of times, and so so other times. I guess it all depends on the time you go, & how busy they are. Most of the time, it is darn good. If you frequent a place more often, the waitstaff knows your tendencies and it helps the overall I guess you could say where everyone knows your name type atmosphere. Now some items, are spectacular, and some not so much. The beans were very bland when I first tried them back in May of 2014. Casa Chapala moved locations and I just started going in May of 2014. I talked about it and Lupe heard me and changed the recipe a bit. So, he listens, which is a good thing! Going to Casa Chapala, you feel like you are actually in Mexico with the owner, Lupe, involved. There is mariacchi music and getting the expensive Tequila drinks $11 Perfect Margaritta are pretty darn good! You ought to check out this place, if you wanted to find some good fish dishes, basic chips and salsa is fresh! Corn tortillas are made right there in the restaurant. Looking to get the flour tortillas fresh coming soon.

Excellent meal and large portions. Salsa was spicy and flavorful. Will go there again when up that way.

This restaurant is hidden away in the shopping center at Burnet and Research. Great menu with lots of choices for the picky Mexican food lover. Ordered off the menu and was very pleased with the choices. The Tacos de Alambre and the Chili Relleno were both excellent. On another visit, we did the buffet which was lacking in flavor and presentation. Tamales were okay but the masa was falling apart. The soup was not yet done which looked very good but was not hot. Order off the menu and you can't go wrong. The pork carnitas are excellent. They prepare a salsa at the table which is hot but very tasty. They have a lady that makes corn tortillas which are excellent. Their frozen margaritas are excellent and seem to have a good bit of booze in them so order carefully as you may need a designated driver.

The new location of this restaurant is at the corner of us 183 and Burnet Road. The prices are reasonable and the service is good. There is a dog-friendly patio that was recently added. There is a decent selection of food on the menu and a daily happy hour. Lupe, the owner, will don his sombrero and tequila belt as his employees sing you happy birthday (with a "cha cha cha"). This is a nice restaurant that is family and locally owned. There is also a brunch on Sundays until three that includes a selection of home-made desserts.

Although our friend had made the reservation for 7 guests arriving at 4:00 for Happy Hour the table was not ready when we arrived a couple of minutes past 4:00 and the hostess couldn’t have cared less and was less than friendly. She did however get us a table together quickly and sullenly, at best, sat us. My fingers immediately found a blob of sticky as soon as I sat down - quickly wiped up by our waitress, but still. The food was mediocre, Texas Queso with Ground Beef was good, normal queso found at any Mexican restaurant with a tablespoon of ground beef added to it. Margaritas were good, however, the difference in frozen and on the rocks was simply ice cubes added or not. At one point I picked up a chip and there was a dead cricket with an amputated leg. The waitress walked up about that time and I showed her. She went to get the manager who came and declared “It’s only a cricket.” and offered to bring me more chips. Not sure why he thought I would want more chips out of the same bin the dead cricket came from, but I did decline. With that he was off without another word including an apology and so was the charge for my queso. Thanks for caring – not. The one saving grace in the whole experience was Jaza, our waitress, who was attentive, friendly, and eager to make sure our visit was a good one. Sorry your manager messed that up, Jaza, but thank you for your help.

I have been to Casa Chapala several times and have consistently been served a great meal with outstanding service. They recently moved to a new and bigger location at 183 and Burnet Road and it's still superb. One of my pet peeves about many Mexican restaurants is they'll serve you great good and then insult you with tortillas straight out of a package. Not Casa Chapala. Their corn and flour tortillas are freshly made as you dine and they complement the meal perfectly. Another good test of a Mexican restaurant...how are their rice and beans? Casa Chapala nails it again. They taste the way my mother makes them at home...just like the tortillas.

"discovered" this place a few years ago. All Mexican food is the same. Wrong!! Chapala's food, atmosphere and service is beyond belief. Became friends with the owners (have him mix you a Lupe's luscious drop). Loved it so much, got married in the bar area. That was in the old place. The new one is even grander. Miss the old atmosphere, but love the new space. Regularly send people there to try it out. Have yet to have a complaint from anyone. Have NEVER had a bad meal there in 5 years.

I really love this restaurant. More often than not, you'll find some of the best Mexican food in Austin in the shopping centers. Casa Chapalas is no exception. It's tucked away behind the Bead Store in a very unassuming location. Once you walk in, if you've been to Mexico you'll swear you are back there. The atmosphere is bright and cheery and sometimes noisy, like the restaurants in Playa Del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta. The menus are big and they contain great authentic Mexican food with some Tex-Mex thrown in for the faint of heart. I prefer interior, and I go mole and queso fundido and big margaritas, but that's just me. They make your salsa at your table to order, mild medium or hot (medium is good, trust me) and they make fresh guacamole. How can you go wrong? So far, this place hasn't missed with me and I eat there all the time. The service is always great, if it's your birthday they will make you drink three shots of tequila and sometimes they have a band in the restaurant that will play at your table. My girlfriend and I eat there a great deal. If you see a big red truck in the parking lot, it's me. Come eat at Casa Chapalas. I say so.

Just got back from an amazing dinner with a group of friends. We all ordered different dishes. The chips that come before your food comes with delicious different sauces- bean, cheese and salsa Everyone is friendly and was super in serving. They are patient, quick, efficient and fun! Best Mexican food I have tasted here! Thanks for a lovely dinner!

I was a litle put off at the prices and when my taco salad came and was placed in front of me I wasn't very impressed. Must be the property taxes in Travis county that makes the price of things so unreasonaby high? The food was good and the service was adequate and yes they have at least 200 different tequilas at the bar. The salsa was excellant!

We went during the week at around 1pm, quick service, good fresh food. We had the soup and some tacos. My wife had some wine. Everything was good. Had fresh spicy salsa made at the table. I didn't think it was necessary, but it was nice and fresh. We will for sure be back when in the area again. They had a nice bar area and I bet they have a good evening crowd.

EVERYONE was great to welcome us, took our temperature, so much food and the owner, Lupe, gave us a tequila tasting after our meal and welcome to come back for happy hour, WE WILL BE BACK!!

I don't know what some of the reviewers are on about -- we actually ate lunch here three times during a weeklong stay and it was a pretty pleasant rut to be in. I'm sure there are less expensive options away from the convention center, but this is real Mexican food, not plastic-lettuce-texmex-ick. It's tasty, the portions are reasonable (i.e. potentially small if you are a ravenous 15 year old, but exactly what we wanted to see). The service was invariably friendly, especially the woman (manager or owner I think) who was typically acting as hostess. The place is clean, bright and pleasant. If you want mexican near the convention center I don't think you'll be disappointed.

The food and service are always great, the staff is very friendly and we just love going there. If you go there on Friday or Saturday nights, there is a mariachi band.

This was our first time as I had a half price coupon. What a surprise we got. It is in a strip center and can not believe the food they serve. It was on a Sunday so was not expecting a happy hour but they had Mexican martini and margaritas for $5 and were excellent and not watered down. They also make customized salsa by the table side according to your taste. It had the charred tomatoes probably broiled and it was one of the best salsa we had. It also comes with warm bean salsa with freshly made tortillas. The taco and the fajita dinner was so fresh and hot. Would go back again and again. A little more expensive than average Mexican restaurant. For example, Fajita with chicken dinner is $16.

We frequent Casa Chapala on a regular basis. There is never a wait and the food is authentic to Mexico, sampling from various regions. Most nights during the week there are Mariachis and they make the guacamole and salsa tableside!

I rated this place a with 3 stars because they are always forgetting something in a togo order. If they were better at making sure their patrons leave with everything they purchased my rating would be different. Otherwise this would definitely be a 4-5 stars for their food!

They have moved to a new location at 183 and Burnet. Very nicely decorated. Great service and great food. I had the enchiladas. They were super.

This used to be one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. It has always been pricey but never minded paying a little extra on special occasions. My friend recently had his birthday here at the new location on Research. The first salsa you get they make in front of you and is great tasting. The refill on salsa tastes like Pace Picante Sauce! The server was less than friendly which bothered me. I don't know if they are trying to save money but the food wasn't anything special. The bartender came over and started pouring shots without even asking if we wanted them or would pay for them. I will not be returning. There are too many good Mexican restaurants in Austin to waste my time and money here!

Great food, good value. I expect to pay a lot more for this quality of food and attention. Chapala is a must-do when we visit Austin.

A traditional Mexican place, exquisite food, super attention, very clean, good parking, prices, quality is excellent, Miss Alba attended to us and was great, very cordial, friendly and very efficient, we recommend it when visiting Austin, thank you for the pleasant attention.

I love this place!! The food is ALWAYS exceptional & wait staff is great! My favorite is the mango ceveche...It is awesome! I get it everytime!! The owner is always there with a smile and remembers who you are from one visit to another. I highly recommend this place for a date night, girls night or family night!!

Casa Chapala is my family's go to place for Mexican food, and the new patio has opened to sit outdoors! Great service and food are consistent here. We love the salsa that the staff always asks, "How hot would you like it?" as they adjust the heat. The vegetarian dishes are excellent such as the eggplant-stuffed chile relleno. One of my faves! And the mole enchiladas made with homemade corn tortillas are delicious too. Another go to dish! The mariachis on Friday and Saturday evening are fun.

Best Coconut Shrimp & Taco Salad in town! Staff is excellent & owners frequently come by to say hello & check to see if everything is okay.

I was delighted to have salsa made at our table, guacamole made at our table, and a dish they called Molcajetes, which was similar to fajitas where they bring the food sizzling hot to you in a molcajete, just like Grandma used to use to grind chiles or whatever, rather than a hot skillet like they serve fajitas. Making my own tacos at my table was fun and the stew meat was plentiful, delicious and stayed hot. I've never had this in California. They also had a vegetarian mixture and one with shrimp and meat in it.

Four of us had dinner,and perhaps the ultimate test of dining was passed ... Nobody left hungry or wanting anything else. The food was delicious and there was a wide variety available. All servings came hot out of the kitchen. While we did ask for the salsa prepared at the table to be mild, it had no flavor. However, they also brought a bowl of hot salsa, which one person said was very good. There was also a bean dip. We had a newborn in a baby carrier, which they provided a stand for, and we appreciate when the mariachis came around, the trumpeters were cognizant of the baby, and played in the background, facing away from the baby. Definitely recommended, and we'll go back again.

The place was hopping late Saturday night with live music followed by canned dance music...and a few couples dancing. Booths and tables were filled with families with children, people on dates and groups of friends...all seeming to be having a great time. The menu is large and wide-ranging with Tex-Mex, Mex-Mex and dishes that appear more Spanish. Salsa is made table side as was the guacamole we ordered. Both were fresh and flavorful. My husband ordered a soup with lots of shellfish in it. He loves spice and this one had him wiping his eyes and blowing his nose. He said the flavor was fantastic and he can't wait to have this soup again. I had enchiladas Suisas which were good. I think I'll try a pollo next time. The service was excellent. Our waiter knew the menu well and offered excellent suggestions. Our glasses were kept full and he checked on us frequently. Despite the very loud music we had a good late night meal.

We love this place!! They should mark 2 bar stools "Reserved" for us! IMO they have the best margaritas and Mexican martinis in Austin and the food is wonderful as well. We have been going there since before they moved to their current location. In the heat of the summer, I love their shrimp and seafood cocktails. We have tried a lot of the menu and not been disappointed in a single thing! Since we are there so frequently, we know most of the staff and they are all friendly and Lupe, the owner is the best!

We were in this area and dropped in for a quick lunch on a Sunday afternoon. There was six of us and an infant in our group. The hostess gave us a warm welcome and happily seated us in a specific area per our request. Quickly our waiter appeared and got things started with beverages and appetizers. He was knowledgeable in regard to the menu and Margarita options and his recommendations were spot on. The salsas mixed and seasoned table-side were delicious and the Guacamole made table-side was the best I’ve ever had. Overall the menu offered many good options, the atmosphere was festive and the service very good. Give this place a try.

Chips stale, meat very greasy, service bad. Made complaint about food to waiter and all we got was shrugged shoulders. Never again.

If you like wonderful coconut shrimp, this is the p[ace to go! The shrimp are large and crispy with a great sauce that is also great with their homemade taco chips. I have never had a bad meal there!

Casa Chapala is located at the NE corner of Highway 183 and Burnet Road. It's daily buffet is now one of our regular stops. But watch out, it is very difficult to not overeat . It begins with the unique experience of customized salsa. Watch out for the hot, it is very spicy. The menu is very extensive, but it has been impossible for us to pass up on the $12 buffet. The buffet is very broad in it's selection with three types of enchiladas, three tacos, beef and chicken fajitas, salads, salsas, taco filings, menudo, and the queso is soooo good. All of the offerings are delicious, fresh and adequately supplied it is truly a fantastic eating experience.

We honestly do not know why this downtown Austin/101 San Jacinto Blvd location isn’t busier than it is. We stopped by for an early 5pm Tuesday night dinner with our 2 college age kids. It has excellent food and service; menu variety of Mexican dishes; and, the wait staff is friendly and accommodating. Even the young, cheerful manager is accessible for questions and highly visible around the restaurant premises. We 3 ordered a plateful of 3 chicken tacos; 3 crispy chicken flour flautas (shared by 2 of us); and, a single chimichanga & 1 beef taco plate. All were fresh, delicious, and service was expeditiously provided soon after our order. We also ordered two bowls of fresh guacamole, made to order at our table.The first dish was a bit salty but 3 out of four of us enjoyed it; so, 2nd time around, I asked for this 2nd one to be made without the salt, and it was really yummy. Nice, smooth avocado chunks with perfect flavors of chunk tomatoes and spicy pepper intermixed with the provided, large basket of chips. For our leftovers, nice clear plastic containers were provided. Delightful Mexican restaurant ~ definitely needs more loyal patronage for its fine service and friendly personnel at an ideal downtown Austin location for great Mexican food. Next time, I'm going to have delish margaritas with my meal!

We were at this restaurant in Austin the night of January 31 2022. Table attendand (Alejandro) was excellent, food good. To prevent other potential customesr, the reasons of the low score are: 1) they charge 3% if using credit/debit card, but this charge is not mentioned or adverstised only at the time you pay the bill. This should be clear in advance to avoid missunderstanding later. It is supposed the credit card fees are already included in the prices, I talked to the manager and he explained they are using some kind of law or permit to do this based on Covid.... etc. To me is a hidden cost. 2) Prices were not in the menu (as you read). I complained and was explained they printed the menu for that night and forgot to include the prices. I asked for the prices I was ordering with my family and to my surprise, when the bill arrives it was three to four dollars more. Unfortunately I can'not prove this because the information I receive before ordering was verbal (I should recordedthe conversation). Example, Carne Arrachera asada was told 22 U$S and was 24 U$S. Fajitas for two was told 44 U$S and was 48 U$S Bottom line, be aware of this situation. I was dissapointed with the 3% credit card charge with no visible warning of it in advance. Because of this, my daugther had a planned meeting for 20-30 persons there for her incoming birthday in January 2023 and I suggest to cancel (she did) and give the business to others.

The last time I went to a Casa Chapala restaurant was a few years ago. The food was great. The Research Boulevard location is huge, ready for big crowds and parties. Giovanni was a careful and attentive waiter. A lady came initially to our table to prepare hot salsa according to our spicy request. She brought rich garlic tasing beans in addition to the spiced to taste hot salsa and tortilla chips. We strictly did happy hour. The nachos were delicious and my husband enjoyed 2 chicken chipotle open tacos on freshly home made type hot tortillas, prepared on site. We had fun eating, tasting, and taking in the atmosphere.

good choice on Burnet Road at intersection with highway 183. This restaurant was originally on Anderson Lane at Shoalcreek. I was not sure where it moved and was glad to find it again. The food has been consistent and good Salsa prepared at your table can be adjusted to taste. For me the medium is on the hot side, so i opt for the mild. There is a good selection of food.

I was visiting the area with one of my Mexican friends and she picked this place, so I figured it must be good. This guerro was pleased. The price was reasonable, the food was great, and I've never had salsa made to order. Definitely worth a visit.

Our family loves to celebrate birthdays here because management is so gracious in topping birthday person with festive sombrero, singing happy birthday in their unique style and providing complimentary birthday dessert. We love, love the owner, Lupe, who always greets us with a warm welcome. We enjoy the food, service and atmosphere.

My Family, friends and I went to dinner on March 19th 2021. We were a big group they sat us in good time and the waitress was pretty nice. The only thing I would have to say after my experience at this restaurant is that I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN! Here is the reason why... Our bill was over $1k, this waitress offered us a SPECIAL called "LA PARRILLADA" with included an assortments of meats she was pushy for us to get one since we were a big party we asked what it included and she told us so we decided to get 1 the only thing she forgot to mention was that the so called SPECIAL was $300. She also took the liberty in putting 2 orders of the "Parrillada" when we all has said 1. I am not sure what she thought or how she was us but that bill was ridiculous. OVER $1K for that was not worth it. No freaking way I will ever go back there. Waitress charged a TIP of $155 and the restaurant still charged us a surcharge of $30 for using CC or Debit card. Like who is going to be carrying $1k in cash. It was insane. The beef fajitas were Salty and I saw more onions and green peppers than meat. I would not recommend this place I'm sorry but that night, March 19th they lost me as a customer. They should train their waiters much better. Before this happened we had gone to dinner there too (it was a couple of nights before), March 15th and the waiter was also very pushy for us to get that same special "LA PARRILLADA" he kept asking and saying "C'mon guys its a great special" he asked my husband atleast 3xs for us to get it. thank god that time we did not say yes. The drinks were not good either more lemon juice in my Mexican martini. I believe that the restaurant gives each of the waiters something if they are able to sale that SPECIAL. Its wrong what both waiters did.

A first visit to the north Austin location of Casa Chapala proved to be an unexpected delight. After 40 years of dining in Austin, I am probably pretty tough to impress with Mexican and/or TexMex cuisine. Casa Chapala managed to thoroughly impress me excellent execution of familiar dishes. I picked Bandera enchiladas as it provided one each of beef, chicken and cheese enchiladas. Each was an outstanding version. Most impressive, however, was the sides of rice and beans. All too frequently these are badly neglected versions--but in Casa Chapala's version--superior (and I'm really picky about my rice!!). Will be back repeatedly as there are numerous items on the menu I want to try.

It's not the most upscale décor, being in a strip center, but the food is really pretty good. The place is worth a try if you find yourself hungry in north Austin.

Handmade salsa for your chips. Enchiladas were great. The patio was nice to sit on. No complaints here.

It was an ok Mexican spot. The restaurant and decor were nice. The staff was friendly. The food was average even the chips and salsa.

Homemade sangria was really good! Happy hour specials were great. Service was FANTASTIC. Went with a group afterwork and really enjoyed.

My husband and I ate a late lunch at Casa Chapala on a Saturday. Our waiter was very friendly and gave us great service. My husband ordered chile relleno and we both thought it was tasty. The chile relleno came with spanish rice and refried beans. I ordered spinach enchiladas and neither of us like them much. I usually love spinach enchiladas. The spinach enchiladas came with white rice and black beans. Chips and salsa was delivered before we ordered. My husband ordered ice tea but it tasted like weak ice coffee. He likes coffee so he did not complain. The atmosphere was good.

The food is delicious, I especially love their Carnitas, the handmade salsa is made to your taste and it tastes delicious.

We were down in Austin and wanted to get a taste of what the locals eat. Our bartender at our hotel said she and her boyfriend eat here all the time and it's a shining star for the locals. We checked it out and it's quite possibly some of the best Mexican food I have ever had. The salsa is hotter than hades--- we ordered mild and our mouths were on fire. It's not hot in a bad way- the flavor is incredible, but be aware this is some hot stuff. I would highly recommend the enchiladas in the mole sauce. It was the single best mole I have ever had... simply incredible. We also had tableside guacamole (which wasn't made tableside but still delicious), and chili verde. I found the chile to have a lot of fatty pieces of pork in it, and I prefer mine a bit leaner, but it was still delicious. Overall an excellent experience. It's kind of hard to find but the food and service are totally worth it. I want to come back here again just to get the mole again.

There are so many Mexican restaurants in Austin, that they begin to all taste alike! But Casa Chapala is different. From the moment you walk in you know this is going to be a great experience. I have eaten here many times and it never disappoints. You are usually greeted by the owner, Lupe, his wife, or one of the family members. I love that it is family owned and operated. The ambiance is great and the margaritas are wonderful. I especially love their soups, but everything is super. Don't miss it.

My experience at Casa Chapala is definitely mixed. Some childhood friends and I had a reservation for Casa Chapala two weeks ago. I admit, our reservation changed three times, but it wasn't last minute. The very last change was made about 36 hours before the reservation, and the # was changed, in whole, by four people. That being said, when I called the last time, the woman I spoke to said she'd have to check with a manager to see if it was ok. Fair enough. I used to work in restaurants and I know it's important to make sure everything is covered. When she returned she gave me what felt like a lecture rather than a statement about how the manager said we can't change our reservation anymore and if all of our people don't show up on time, we will lose our reservation. The information was fair, but the delivery felt like my mom was scolding me through my little sister, which just felt like bad business. A simple, "OK, this is the last time we can alter the reservation, and all members of the party must arrive by your reservation at 8pm," would have been more professional than the lecture. So the night of our reservation all of us arrived before 8pm, so we were good. When I arrived at 7:50, I was unaware that half our party was already seated. I went to the hostess podium and said I was there for my party's reservation, but I understood I was early and we couldn't be seated until we were all there (all made clear to me in the phone call mentioned above.) She said ok. I asked if there was a place to wait, and she pointed me to the bar. The bar was full, so my husband and I went outside to wait in the car. I messaged my group of friends to say I was at the restaurant and waiting outside. I got three replies from 6 of the party saying they were already seated! Why the hostess didn't tell me this when I first came in and told her I was there for my party is beyond me!! Unfortunately, one of our party showed up with an unannounced guest, so we ended up with 11 people instead of ten. Totally our fault. Admitted. But again, the way it was handled was perhaps taken more personally than it should have been. One of our party said whoever they asked for a chair complained about not having the right kind of chair, seemed annoyed, and then handed over another one. Again, a more professional way of handling it would have been to just outright say we couldn't have an 11th person at the same table (fair enough and understandable) or just hand over the extra chair without the extra scolding. As for our server, he was excellent. I wish I'd taken his name but forgot. He took our party in stride, efficiently, and working quickly. My husband and I are vegan and when there aren't clear options, we typically resort to chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant, but my husband decided to take a chance and ask if any of the vegetarian options could be made vegan. The waiter knew exactly what my husband meant and helped us pick the perfect entree and sides. And it was delicious. We were sooooooo impressed with his knowledge and our food! Five star worthy! As for the atmosphere, it was definitely fun like a party. They have a guy in an oversized sombrero and holster belt that held bottles of tequila going around offering shots of tequila. He was obviously hispanic, as am I (Tejana), but I was a little uncomfortable with the blatant stereotypical outfit. I'm still not sure how to feel about that! A couple of other people at my table brought up the awkwardness about it, too. Around the time we left, they'd set up a DJ with music and people began dancing. It would definitely be a fun place to party. Overall, again, mixed feelings. Still, because it can be difficult to find vegan options at a Mexican restaurant, I had to give it four stars. The food itself was that good! That being said, I don't think I'll be back.

I have eaten here twice a year for the past 8 years or so. The guacamole (made tableside) and margaritas are consistently good. Unfortunately, the salsa is not as fresh and flavorful as it used to be and  on my two recent visits the food has become a bit bland and overly salted. This used to be my go-to place during SXSW, very mellow and usually full but without a long line. This year I tried the skirt steak (which bordered in jerky it was so tough and sinewy) and a classic burrito. The primary flavors of both was salt. It hasn't always been like this. I will give them another try next time I am in town, with hopes that the kitchen will return to their old habits of letting the flavor of the ingredients come through.

Now that I have exhausted my Spanish, let's talk about the food! The menu is huge, and the service is efficient and friendly. Stopped here twice in one week and both experiences were excellent.

The most recent visit to this great Mexican Restaurant was when they opened their new patio and coincided with their Annual Tequila Festival. I went with my my wife and friends...It was a delightful, most enjoyable experience! The food and service are great.

A must-do on every Austin area visit. Much better than standard Mexican food. The menu selections, variety and great-taste are available at a reasonable price!

This restaurant has a great staff who are always very friendly and efficient. We love the coconut shrimp and taco salad. They are both excellent. The owners can be seen frequently stopping at tables to gauge the service. They now serve breakfast and we can't wait to try the migas.

This is a fun and exciting Mexican restaurant with a full bar and Mariachis. The staff is always friendly , the owners are usually on hand to welcome you. The food is very tasty and authentic. A good variety on the menu is one of the reasons I come here often with family for dining in and also take out with co workers when we just can't leave the office. I can say that if there is an issue with your order they make is right promptly and courteously. My personal favorite is their Chili Rellano made in the traditional style not deep fried. They offer a nice variety of Enchiladas. Overall a welcoming place with consistently good food. Give it a try .

It is always a joy to be greeted by Lizette on Monday mornings. You have the best coconut shrimp in town! I have no suggestions on improving or complaints about anything. The owners Lupe and Lucina are very friendly and always stop by our table when they see us.

Food and drink were great as well as the Mariachis. Very lively and fun place to take a large group of people!

We stopped by as we were doing errands one afternoon. The lunch buffet looked tempting by we decided to order the Vallarta shrimp tacos and the fish tacos. The chipotle cream sauce was amazing. We are so glad that we stopped. We will definitely be returning! Service was great! Lupe was so welcoming!

First the good.....the atmosphere, salsa, and service was above average. The food - basic TexMex, enchiladas, tostadas, tacos, beans and rice - was not up to local standards. The menu had a wider variety than most, so maybe the other items would reflect better. Too many options to go back for this one.

We went with our family to Happy Hour and had great food and drinks. Great wait staff and they make the guacamole and salsa at your table. Delicious and outdoor seating.

Food was good, at least my fajitas were good. Our server was not very pleasant & we had to ask for items that were included in our dishes, very frustrating!!

My wife and decided to stop by for lunch. We already know their fajitas are delicious, juicy and tender. Their mole enchiladas are heavenly. So, I decided to try something different. I had the Shrimp & Mango Ceviche. My goodness. It was very good. I added the Mexican Hot Sauce much like a Sriracha then squeezed the wedges of lime and mixed it up. I ate it with chips and boy was I a happy Ceviche killer. BTW, the chips arrived at our table right out of the fryer as in too hot to handle. A short wait proved effective and the fresh hot chips with the ceviche was a wonderful medley of flavors. My wife had the fajita tacos. She could only eat one so she brought the other one home to enjoy later.

Great location! Great margaritas and food!! I would recommend trying it for yourself!! The service was excellent and attentive and the atmosphere is very nice. Not sure why it isn't more busy but I did arrive early in the evening.

If you enjoy tequila in drink, shots or for sipping then you need to come here and sample tequilas that you won't find anywhere else. They have tequilas from the inexpensive at $4 a shot to Dos Lunas Grand Reserve at $250 a shot. The food is authentic and very good. The mole is perfect. The seafood soup Mariscos de 7 Mares is delicious. Every restaurant serves fajitas but here the are grilled then sautéed with green and red peppers, onions and mushrooms. The spices they use give the fajitas a unique flavor. And before you get started on an appetizer, the sauceologist comes to your table to prepare a sauce unique to your hot factor.

Judging from the reviews, this is a Mexican restaurant & not Spanish. They are not the same thing! Please correct this.

Cannot rave enough about this place! Even though I'm in the top two percentile for (Trip Advisor) reviewers in Austin, I never review Austin, 'cause I'm tired of people moving here; but I'm breaking precedent today because Casa Chapala deserves the recognition. We started with them because of Juan (now their floor manager), who started with them this year, and brought some new staff with him when he left his previous employer. This young man is brilliant with customers (and drinks), and has an infectious energy and zest for life, and we wanted to see the place he upgraded to. Thank you, Juan! Casa Chapala is a family restaurant with two locations in Austin, and one great philosophy: family dining. Even if you are that single guy at the bar, when they get to know you, you will always be treated as family, or an honored guest. Today my son spilled my tasty Margarita, and our server Paco, replaced my drink for me. Just wanted to make sure that I got what I paid for, even if it was my fault for not being more watchful. The food is awesome, and plentiful! (Try the fajitas.) but the staff and owners (we met Lupe today), are the best part. Warm, inviting, and happy with their jobs. When you have this in a restaurant, you have all you could want in a restaurant. Try them, they are SO worth it! ¡La buena vida!

Valadez was our waiter, super nice!! Recommended a margarita that is so delicious. Music was bumping!! Loved the outdoor patio Saturday lunch. Price was great. Wheelchair friendly. Vegetarian dishes present. May not be vegan friendly but if that’s not a concern this place is jam on! Large parties during lunch is available and so much room for it! Have to say it, I will be back Valadez! 2 bars, one in and outside. Party sizes of 8 room

Delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our wide selection of meals here. Our large family group felt very welcome by Lupe and his team. Very attentive wait staff. Every time in Austin this is an essential stop for us. Thank you!!

Attended a dinner here in the upstairs conference area. Decor leaves much to be desired. Food was served buffet style for our group. The group room seats only about 25 people (uncomfortably). The bar is upstairs and very near the group room. Guacamole is made fresh at your table and is the best I've had. Steak and chicken fajitas were very good. Service was poor -- wait staff didn't have space to maneuver and seemed to have a hard time keeping drinks full. The food is great and the location is good (across from the Four Seasons), but this isn't a place that's going to impress guests for a business gathering in it's present state. Go here as friends or family but not as business dining.

My wife and I come back to casa chapala for tasty breakfast. They were really friendly and asked if they could take our temperature for safety reasons. Feel very safe environment during this time.

At work we often discuss & rate different restaurants. And when someone from out of town wants a recommendation on great Mexican food, there seems so little to choose from in the Austin area. Yes, there are plenty of places, but not GREAT places, until now... After a rave review from 2 co-workers, this past weekend my husband and I decided to give Casa Chapala try, at 183/Burnet. The environment is pleasant, not fancy, but very comfortable, with plenty of space between tables-- great layout. They mix the salsa fresh at your table and to your taste-- very unusual nowadays. The chips are excellent, made in-house, and combined with the salsa and complimentary warm bean dip-- a very tasty snack indeed! Of course I had to order the Margarita advertised, and it lived up to its wonderful reputation-- delicious, refreshing, not too sweet, but strong enough: I give it a 10. Our waiter, Nick, was very helpful and accommodating, knowledgeable and eager to please. The menu is vast, but organized, and the prices are reasonable. We ended up getting from the lunch menu, which was even a better deal. The chile relleno was as it should be, slightly crispy, light, flavorful with just the right amount of sauce & cheese. The enchilada plate was rated an A+. The rice, beans and all was so reminiscent of "Mom's" cooking-- we really enjoyed everything. A great place to eat, drink and relax, with an easy-to-find location in Austin. We'll be back. Thanks, Casa Chapala! Buen Provecho, ya'll!

The food has gotten more expensive and less tasty since they opened. The overall menu has good Tex-Mex, etc. selections, but they are not prepared with the high quality you'd expect from a restaurant this expensive.

This place provides an experience. Attentive servers deliver delicious food from a large menu. The pace is fast and to the ruythum of the Mariachi Band. Separated to the side is a high class Tequila bar boasting 202 different types. Not necessarily a "shot" bar, the fine tequilas are served in snifters. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and freely share their experiences and insights. Lunch buffet is also fresh and hot.

Located on the north side of town. Go here if you're looking for real Mexican food and atmosphere, including mariachis on some evenings--Fridays, I think. They have several vegetarian plates, including my favorite, enchiladas poblanas, made with grilled squash (not mushy!!) and a delicious sauce. Lots of Spanish-speakers eating here which speaks to its authenticity! Service is good. We eat here about twice a month.

This was my first visit to Casa Chapala but certainly not the last. I ordered the macho Burrito with chicken tinga. The burrito was decent size but smaller than I expected. It was very good, hot, and tasty even though the chicken was a bit dry. The homemade guacamole on top was very good. The rice was moist and tasty. The beans were smooth and delicious. The complimentary chips were excellent. The salsa was made at the table and was very good with a nice kick to it. The complimentary bean dip was excellent as well. My friend said this place has the best mole in Austin. The service was fast and friendly. The prices are comparable to other Mexican restaurants. They have indoor and outdoor seating. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the place to go.

I have no idea about what makes Mexican food authentic, but can say this was a good experience. Fresh, good but not Texas-size servings, friendly service....all in all, a perfectly fine dinner, but not one I would rave about. I had the shrimp cocktail and the fish tacos. All fine, price reasonable.

Fools was great, service was fast and good. Value of food was good. The drink on special was goo also.

Casa Chapala is a family run restaurant. They use all natural ingredients and do not use lard. You can really taste the difference. If you like tequila, have a conversation with Lupe, the owner of Casa Chapala. He is an absolute tequila expert and he loves to show customers a good time!

Friendly quick service and good, hot food! My enchiladas bandaras were outstanding. So was my husband’s pollo creama. We’ll definitely be back!

You have a wonderful staff of friendly, caring people. Lizette greeted us with hugs and Deanne waited on us with her usual efficiency. We also chatted with one of the owners, Lucinda. She and her husband Lupe are always so friendly. The Taco Salads were excellent, as usual. I highly recommend this restaurant

Located in a strip shopping center in the Colonnade at Burnet and 183, I didn't have high expectations for this place, but I was in for a surprise! The owners' daughter greeted at the door and remembered me on my second visit (or, was it my tenth?) They bring you chips and then, custom blend your salsa at table side, according to your heat tolerance, in a molcajete! If you don't know what that is, please eat somewhere else!The waiters are always incredibly friendly and polite, but very professional. the menu is varied and extensive enough to please any taste. Ask for the Borracho Beans as a side and try the Enchiladas Banderas. I almost felt like I was in San Antonio, for a minute! Finally! They have an extensive tequila selection for afficionados and good mariachis on the weekends, when the place really hops! Pleased to report that this family-run operation is a cut above almost all other contenders in Austin for Tex-Mex and interior style dishes. I will keep going, as long as they keep it up. It is not associated with any other "Chapala"-named restaurants in town.

Went for lunch one day and did not know anything about this restaurant. The staff was nice and efficient and I had the lunch buffet which was decent. Would go again.

Best Mexican dining experience ever! I ordered the fajitas for one - best tasting meet ever! Flavorful and tender! Rubi was our server and she was fantastic! The entire staff was pleasant and the atmosphere was great! Definitely would recommend this restaurant to everyone! Owner stopped by the table and was very engaging! If you like margaritas, try the sangria swirl with grand marnier floater - heaven!

When we are in the mood for some good Mexican food in our area, this is our go to place. The food is served quickly and hot. They prepare guacamole and salsa fresh at your table. The drinks are good but better if you can come during happy hour and take advantage of the happy hour prices on drinks and appetizers. Their queso is awesome and in general the prices for everything seem reasonable.

Four of us went for lunch on a Saturday. First visit in several months, being one of our favorite places for good Mexican food. Beef filled chile relleno lunch plate was good as were the enchiladas suizas, enchiladas pobanos, and burrito plates. Service was not as great as it usually is this time, but all in all we had an enjoyable lunch and will return.

We always feel as if we are one of the family when we eat at Casa Chapala! Everyone is always friendly, helpful and professional! The food is great and so are the drinks!

First off, let me start by saying that we ate ate the Trinity & Cesar Chavez location. It must be a new location, as I can't find it listed on TA yet. The atmosphere was great-we ate at around 7pm. The air conditioning wasn't working inside, so we opted for the patio which was surprisingly much cooler in spite of the July heat. Our waiter was helpful...almost too much so, by informing us that the "crappy bartender" was on shift that night, which explained the delay in getting our drinks (20 minutes), and all we'd ordered was a bottled beer and a margarita. The margarita came out without salt (and had been ordered with double salt), but it was a pretty tasty drink. We also ordered a tequila sampler, which comes with a garnish of cinnamon and orange, and is quite an interesting and tasty twist. Too bad the shots weren't chilled. We ordered flautas for our entree, and they did not come out as ordered either. Once our waiter brought out the accompaniments (pico, sour cream, guac), we were able to enjoy what we could. The chicken was a bit dry, but we found the side of black beans to be really good. Overall, the food was just okay, and we could have done without the waiter telling us all the reasons for the screw ups.

I read many reviews and decided to try the restaurant. We had reservations but on a Wednesday, it was not busy. Staff didn't seem to care and was not friendly. I don't think one person greeted us as if they were glad we came. Food was barely okay. The salsa made at the table and the guacamole "not made at the table" were good but the rest of our order - we ate a little and left, not to return.

We ordered the Baja Fish Tacos (15.99) and Mole Poblano (16.99) through Eat Out In delivery service. This was complete disaster. First, the order for Tacos was not correct and instead we received sauteed fish, rice and zucchini which was horrible. The Mole Pablano was extremely dry, refried beans were tasteless and rice was rice. We ate the chips and salsa which were free. I will never order from the place again.

This place is, well, one of the best Tex Mex places in central Austin. Here you will find excellent margaritas, a broad selection of tequila, and a diverse menu of really good food. The place IS Austin. Laid back, casual, and the service is top notch. Yeah, some people may tell you to go to some other restaurants, but this is the restaurant to go to,. Check it out. You will not be disappointed.

What a dining delight. The restaurant is no longer located on Anderson Lane. They are now at 9041 Research Blvd, #100. The manager, Lupe Barragan, ensures that you have a great dining experience.

Looking for a good Mexican Place and found Casa Chapala. The salsa, beans and chips as a complementary appetizer were a hit. Margaritas were tasty. The Shrimp in Garlic was wonderfully tasty. Unfortunately the accompanying grilled vegetables were soggy and mushy. My server was efficient and helpful, checking back frequently. Not much atmosphere -- TVs blaring from around the bar which was quite lively at times. A solid choice for good Mexican food.

They are no longer on Anderson Lane but have moved to Research and Burnet Road. The new location is lovely and comfortable with the same excellent service as previous location and downtown. They are very gracious and make you feel like one of the family. The service is very good. The conchita del mar is a fantastic seafood dish. And the molcajetes are a yummy change from the usual mexican fare. Also enjoy their enchiladas and burritos. They make fresh salsa at the table when you arrive. Just as spicy as you like it. Top it all off with an excellent margarita and you have a perfect night out.

Casa Chapala has pretty good Tex Mex. Things that they do better than your average tex mex is made to order table side salsa and guacamole. Also the house margaritas were pretty tasty and are served in beautiful swirled glass glasses. Service was very friendly but still a little spotty on a slow night. Things that were less impressive were the tacos all pastor. The chicken was a bit over cooked. I would still return to Casa Chapala whenever possible.

My daughter and son-in-law were with me. We were seated in a both (which we prefer) in less then five minutes. Waitress was helpful and prompt. Even the manager came by and visited with us. We have never had a service problem, and it will always be my favorite place to eat.

Good place to eat at and enjoyed the workers who were great. Chicken was good also beans and salsa was good.

a good place to go if you like to waste a lot of money on crappy food.

I visited Casa Chapala while at SXSW, and I wasn't impressed. While the guacamole was really tasty, I found the margaritas so-so and the chips and salsa fair. The service was good, and the dinner was served at a nice pace. We didn't have to wait for a table, even during SXSW. However, this restaurant paled in comparison to Chuy's. I'd recommend Chuy's over Casa Chapala, even though it's a drive to get there if you are staying downtown.

Ate at the Burnett Rd/Highway183 location for dinner while on a business trip. A little nicer than your average Mexican restaurant and not part of a large national chain (as far as I know). Wider choice than most Mexican restaurants including seafood and vegetarian. Would certainly return.

When ever me and my husband are in the area we like to stop at Casa Chapala. This time we wish we hadn't. They were only serving buffet which at first was fine. Than we find that approx. 70 % was deserts, salads and soup. There were only a few Mexican dishes which is what we went there for. Other than that waffles, pan cakes bacon and eggs. THAN we got the Bill.. Almost $60. 24.95 each WOW than they added 3% extra because we paid with a credit card. They give you a tip suggestions lol The server didn't so anything but bring us our water and the bill. No plates were picked up until she brought the bill. I had my first plate before the bartender brought me my bloody Mary which was good.

As a San Antonio native, I've eaten my share of Mexican food, but now I live in New York and needed a caterer for a family reunion in Austin. Casa Chapala exceeded my expectations. Not only was the food delicious, but it was hot and on time. Highly recommended!

We actually stopped here twice in quick succession, once a few days after Christmas and once on New Years Day. Both times we stopped for the lunch buffet. On the first stop we were rather late to the point they were starting to disassembling the buffet bar as we were making our final selections. On that day the items were getting a little old on the serving line but still acceptable. On the second visit they had the serving trays full and readily restocked with fresh items. Apparently the New Years day buffet was a "special" buffet with more and different items from the previous visit especially more breakfast items. We had two young children with us and they enjoyed the chocolate covered strawberries and marshmallows. I enjoyed the salad and the fajitas which you can make yourself. We added a couple bowls of queso to round out the buffet offerings. We all left full and satisfied. Good service on both visits plus they gave the kids balloons as we left.

For starters my group had the margaritas along with salsa and chips which is a normal thing to have in a mexican restaurant but this one was a little different. When the server came with the chips and salsa there was another waiter with him that made the salsa at the table. He asked how spicy we wanted the salsa and proceeded to grind the peppers into the tomatoes and such in a molcajete' which was really good. Then the main course consisted of both beef and chicken fajitas with homemade corn and flour tortillas which was really good also. Bottom line. Order the ordinary house margs and pretty much anything else on the menu and you won't be disappointed.

I have lived in Austin for 20+ years and really enjoy Tex-Mex and Southwestern food. It is pretty much what I eat when I do go out. This was my first time to Casa Chalupa and it will probably be my last. I will note that all the food (quesadilla's, chips and salsa, margarita) were all so-so... nothing to rave about but nothing wrong with them either. My main gripe was the service. It took almost an hour from when I ordered to when I got my food. I couldn't justify the wait based on the number of people that were there. And chicken quesadillas shouldn't be that hard.

Good Mexican food and atmosphere. The food was very good as was the service. The Mariachi band was a lot of fun!

We went there for a family get together. We had nachos, a mojarra dorado and some burritos. Everything was really good. They serve salsa and chips and the salsa was made in front of us, we could choose the "hot level". The only thing we didn't like is that we were sitting in the garden and had to come inside because outside smoking is allowed so the smoke was bothering us and we decided to move inside. But except of that very good authentic Mexican food.

This is the second time we have been since the restuarant changed locations. Excellent both times. The salsa is custom made tableside and the drinks are large and fantastic. We both had the Carnitas Zacatecas..good good good!! Great service and very reasonable prices.

Their lunch buffet is a good value if you are really hungry. Would not say you will find 5-star food but it was all tasty. Good salsa. Attentive staff.