Fonda San Miguel Reviews

Fonda San Miguel is a long time favorite. The food is always outstanding, especially the corn soup. The venue is wonderful. Service is pretty good. They are always packed so timing is important. This time the top shelf Marquitas were only so so, thus we only had one round of drinks. This particular visit did not live up to their high standards. The rating would have been lower if not for our many great memories of enjoying ourselves there.

Always great, and the bar area keeps getting better ... with a remodel, in part, while closed for COVID. Great atmosphere, most romantic and cozy bar area in Austin. Great margaritas, best black beans in Texas, tres leches desert is world class. It’s all good, just go ... Great service too ...

First, we were stuffed after a large lunch and weren’t sure that we could make it through a full dinner. The food here is so good and authentic that we decided that we would go full out - Beef, Pork and enchilada’s. Chandler was a great server - try the shrimp horseback. All was melt in your mouth - a little quieter atmosphere but the building is absolutely precious and the food is to die for. Have to go here for a quieter but so authentic meal. They offer chicken fajitas for beginners that aren’t sure about Mexican food.

Fonda San Miguel is where we take out of town guests for real Mexican food. It is our favorite. The venue, menu, service and food are all excellent. You must go.

The chips and salsa was addicting. The lamb chops were so delicious and tender! I ordered the carne Asada and it was cooked perfectly and so flavorful. This is not tex-mex. This is authentic Mexican cuisine. Make a reservation if you can.

The steak tacos were partially burnt and not up to par with any other Mexican restaurant in Central Texas. The flavorless lamb was so dry a drink of water was required for each bite. A glass of wine was so old it was like consuming a glass of red vinegar. Appetizers came without the necessary tortillas or chips, and was cold by the time they arrived. The Mexican martini was so bad you would’ve thought you ordered it from a pub in Norway. Other than that, half of our party got very sick later that night and into the next day. But, you do get to pay a premium for all that enjoyment just so you can rub elbows with the ‘trendy’ and ‘hip’ Austin crowd that really know their restaurants (NOT).

As one of the top restaurants in Austin, we were extremely disappointed. The food was basic and boring. Our food cold or lukewarm. We ordered the queso appetizer but although there were two of us, they only brought 3 tortillas. The margaritas were the only good part of our meal. For the amount of money we paid ($22 for Enchiladas Verdes), the food should have been outstanding or at least very good.

I've eaten at a lot of NICE restaurants in Austin (check out my reviews). THIS is my new favorite. The building itself is super funky and cool. Service was great. The calamari was the best I've ever had. The lamb was incredible. The steak amazing. The mole sauce out of this world. Paired with some excellent cocktails. Epic!

Everything about the restaurant was authentic and well done! The food and service were excellent, and we enjoyed the atmosphere. We can recommend the guacamole, queso, homemade tortillas, enchilada verdes, and rellenos. Only a 12 minute drive from downtown and worth the trip!

Our favorite Mexican Restaurant! This is not your “Tex mex” food, this is authentic interior Mexican food with recipes handed down from generations. Whether sitting in the bar or the restaurant, service and food are fantastic! We prefer the bar with the beautiful atrium.

I usually love this place, high end Mexican classics, great ambiance. However, the other night we took our adult children and spouses out to celebrate a family birthday and were thoroughly disappointed. If my wife and I were there by ourselves we would have sent every food item ordered back, everything was cold and tasteless. Most expensive enchiladas Ive ever had and they were ice cold. Way over priced food and way under delivered as a restaurant. Off our restaurant rotation.

Great ambiance from the moment you walk in to sitting at the table enjoying their great before dinner cocktails to their exquisite cuisine,. Everything in that menu is scrumptious!

Not your typical Mexican restaurant with unusual authentic dishes that will tickle the tastebuds and satisfy everyone. Especially impressed with a full plant based/vegan set of options that was not just the substitution style approach but rethinking and reimagining dishes Drinks were great too

We arrived and were told there was an hour wait for the main dining area. We were told we could sit in the lobby area or bar as first come first serve. We sat in the bar and were able to be served. The waiter was less than friendly and a bit annoyed when we asked a question about a menu item. The food was good but for the price it should have been great. Wouldn’t go back. There’s too many other places to choose from.

We reserved ahead of time, and as soon as we arrived, our table was waiting for us. The place was packed, with lots of large parties. The decor is quite unique and you can feel the owners touch, as this is no chain restaurant. At first, we were a bit dissapointed at the limited menu, with very few options for vegetarians, and no kids menu. We ended up ordering the guacamole, which was pretty but not to my liking... Weird, as it is hard to mess that up. We then ordered quesadillas for the kids, the queso fresco (melted cheese) with rajas, one of the shrimp dishes and the tampiqueña. To our great surprise, the food wasnt good, it was cooked to perfection, the flavors were perfectly balanced, and the portions just right. We finished off with the flan, which was really silky and smooth, as well as the cajetas. Our waiter was very proper at first, meaning a bit on the dry side, but as the evening progressed he warmed up a tad, to make the experience more bearable. In todays world, service and over all experience weigh in as much as the food... Something to consider!

We visited tonight for a birthday dinner. It is a beautiful restaurant in a great location. We had a reservation for 6 PM and as usual on a Friday night there was no parking so we parked at the clinic across the street. We ordered the Ceviche Las Brisasa as an appetizer to share between the three of us and it turned out to be the best dish we had. It's a large bowl of firm white fish, garnish, shredded radish and diced tomato and it was delicious. At $18.50 it's a fair value given the fact that it satisfied the appetizer urge of all three of us. The three mains we ordered were a mixed bag. I had the Red Posole and I was disappointed. It consisted of mostly hominy with a little bit of pork mixed in. I added the little bit of cabbage, 4 razor thin slices of jalapeño, and small amount of radish they served with it but it still lacked any bite or real taste. At $20, it is a poor value, I can get much better Posole at Las Palomas in Westlake for less than 1/2 that cost. My wife had the Enchiladas Mole Pablno and she enjoyed it. She did comment that it tasted just like the same dish at Las Palomas which is priced $10 less, so obviously it was a poor value at $22.50. Our guest had the Pescado Veracruzano and her only comment was that it was very good. At $31.95 I can only guess at it's fair value since I haven't tried similar dishes around town. They comp'ed us a Flan Almendra since it was a birthday dinner and it was also delicious. So a delicious start and finish, with a so-so round in between. I should note that service was professional and timely without hovering and the kitchen did their part getting the food out hot and in a timely manner.

Tonight we took the family to dinner here!the ambience is so inviting and warm! Everything we had there was delicious. Including the mole enchiladas and pork tacos.

Christmas decorations were fantastic in this incredible ‘hacienda’ style restaurant filled with the owner’s fabulous Mexican art collection. Interior Mexican food was 5 Star+. Loved it !!!

Fonda San Miguel certainly has the wow factor when a person steps inside the exquisitely designed restaurant. Would highly recommend having a reservation especially on the weekend. We ordered their speciality margaritas: Numero Uno, Silver Coin (watermelon infused), and Cucurrucucu and all were unique and delicious. We have travelled throughout Mexico and have eaten at many Mexican restaurants in the United States so we ordered all of our favorite entrees to compare. We ordered the sopa de tortilla and the soup presented to us looked quite different. After a few spoonfuls, we flagged down the server realizing that he gave us sopa de elote. He apologized and gave us sopa de tortilla. There is nothing better than a really flavorful sopa de tortilla but sad to say their version was very bland and lacking ingredients and flavor. The sopa de elote was quite bland as well. The chicken enchiladas suizas could have used more sauce otherwise the flavor was adequate. My husband enjoyed the relleno picadillo which was covered with quite a bit of sauce. Overall, the margaritas scored high marks, adequate service, soup falling short, and the two entrees were adequate but not memorable.

Fonda San Miguel is a restaurant meant for those who know the difference between the real cuisine of Mexico and Tex Mex. This restaurant doesn’t serve fajitas, or burritos etc. If you want a fine mole, or a pepper stuffed with pork picadillo, pomegranate and a walnut cream sauce, this is for you. It’s great.

Fonda is one of those places you dont want to rate so the wait for a table doesn't get too long... However, this place is too good not to share. The ambience is perfect, the signature cocktails, the staff, and of course the authentic food makes this one of the best restaurants in Texas. There's nothing on the menu that doesn't represent. Was there celebrating a birthday with good friends, we all shared the queso fundido with rajas, two ordered the enchiladas with mole, and the birthday girl ordered a camarones dish off the menu (see pic). I ordered the Relleno de Picadillo...i usually order carne asada but this is about the only place where it's worth ordering what you normally dont. Of course, the tres leches was through the roof! An added bonus is the restaurant is in central Austin so you dont have to bother with the hustle and bustle of downtown. Grab a "silver coin" cocktail and enjoy!

Every moment of this evening was effortless and outstanding! While we waited (briefly) for our table, we were served icy water, airy fresh chips, and two delicious salsas. The atrium area is lush with beautiful tropical plants and intriguing decor. At the table, the electronic menu was easy to use and very informative. Our server was patient and helpful. Tacos al Pastor was the perfect appetizer, providing small, delightful bites that somehow satisfied and stimulated my cravings. The star of the evening was the traditional Relleno de Picadillo, just spicy enough and so exciting with almonds and raisins. The meal was perfectly paced and it was such a pleasure to spend the evening in this beautiful, happy place.

Dinner review. Their brunch is a whole different animal that needs its own discussion. Apps: Cordero: Grilled baby lamb chops. Super tender and flavor. Keep in mind they are bite-sized - 8.8/10 Drinks: Margaritas on the rocks > Frozen ones - 8/10 Entrées: Mixiote: Slow cooked lamb wrapped in a Mexican paper. The seasoning here is ridiculously good, and the meat is falling off the bone tender. Again smaller portions. - 8.5/10 Overall: 8.3/10

we came in the very early days when this first opened. the food was excellent and the atmosphere was charming. i am happy to say the same is still true these many years later. the Sunday brunch was full of yummy delights. surprisingly there were parking places.

I wished I liked this restaurant better than I did. The outside entrance and interior is amazing Mexican architecture at its finest. This is the prettiest Mexican restaurant I've been to. I had the camarones crema de chipotle and queso asados. My wife had the enchiladas suizas , but thought it was bland. Sorry, just not not taste.

Wow. Traditional food, up-scale. My wife and I ejoyed both salsas that came with chips--the green one was my fave--and we also ordered the fundido and ceviche. Very nice! The main menu had Enchiladas Suizas which my wife hadn't had since living in Mexico City--very good--and I found the Chile Relleno had a nice glazed almost smokey skin that was very flavorful...I even opted for a side duck enchilada. There was too much to try in one visit, but we'll be back...just wish I'd remembered to take pics. Oh yeah--the coffee cocktail that's iced with Soto and Espresso and the Flan were amazing finishes.

Dropped in for a drink with my wife. Ended up having a delicious meal. My wife had the fish Veracruz ... a classic taste treat. I had a special - Octopus in a mole-like sauce. Waiter recommended. Wow! Amazing flavor, every bite! Such a warm, art-filled venue. Romantic. Professional staff. Deserves its top rating.

I've been going to Fonda San Miguel since they opened, but have not been in several years because they went up so high on their prices. But I was taken there one evening lately and it's just like I remembered. Mercedes is gone, but the food is still great. I wish the food wasn't so expensive, so that I could eat there more often!

It has been over two decades since we last ate here. The restaurant has not changed much, if at all. The food is very good and the service was excellent. Our favorites were the Angels on Horseback (grilled shrimp wrapped in bacon) & the guacamole. The ceviche was good. The carne asada was very large and very good. I had a whitefish, spice rubbed and grilled and grilled veggies. A bit on the bland side. The margaritas were very good also.

I have lived in Mexico and love Mexican food and La Fonda rates among the best ever. I highly recommend it to visitors to Austin. The sopa de elote was delicious and the guacamole was excellent.

Fonda San Miguel is one of my favorite restaurants in Austin and my go to when I have friends come in from out of town. A friend recently traveled here from the UK and I took him to dinner there. He had told me he wanted something other than Tex - Mex (which I adore) and I told him this was more interior Mexican food. I am always delighted at the menu choices and the margaritas are impeccable. We started the calamari which was absolutely incredible and cooked to perfection. A must have. I ordered the wagyu tacos with nopal paddle and brick layer salsa. It was amazing. My dining companion ordered the lamb. The portion was HUGE and he absolutely enjoyed it. You can not go wrong with anything on the menu at this place. Beautiful interior and amazing staff. This place is by far one of my top 5 picks in all of Austin.

This is becoming my go-to restaurant when I visit Austin. Fonda was recommended to me by a composer friend of mine for Sunday brunch -- which was excellent. This was my second visit and I wanted to experience dinner. Also wonderful, from the food to the lovely atmosphere and service. Fonda is not hugely expensive (as some people think), even though they look that way. Have a delicious meal here and you will come back for more.

This unique chef-driven Mexican restaurant provides excellent, attentive, friendly service and has the most delicious food in ample portions! I had the MIXIOTE: slow-cooked, seasoned lamb in a papillote, or paper wrapper. It was a delicate and fall-off-the bone leg of lamb, beautifully seasoned, and the portion was so large it could easily have been shared by two. The dining spaces are inviting and comfortable. I have loved this place for three decades and the quality never falters.

Came here on a visit to austin while searching for a place to live. The food, the drinks, the service. Everything was incredible. We had the mole poblano and enchiladas verdes. Washed it all down with delicious margaritas and a tres leches for dessert. Will definitely return.

Been wanting to go here for a while, so for my belated birthday my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner last evening, June 12! Our server, Olga was great, so professional and most helpful. She brought out several more sauces for my husband to try besides the ones served for our meal, as they discussed different sauce preferences. The decor is gorgeous. It was super busy even on a weeknight but she kept coming back checking on us. It’s not a Texmex restaurant, authentic and gourmet, so is a little pricier but you would expect that from an upscale restaurant such as this. The menu is healthy and creative. Can’t wait to return!

beautiful restaurant - the decor is super and filled with artwork that changes periodically. Elegant and yet not the least bit pretentious. We went for the Sunday brunch buffet and sampled all the food which was exquisite. The guacamole and the calamari salad were some of the best I have ever had. Main courses were great and a wide variety of deserts that were excellent - I don't even like creme brule but ate this one with gusto! Staff very friendly and helpful. and don't forget to visit the ladies' room! I understand from my hosts who live in Austin that their dinner experience was super as well.

I love this restaurant so much. This was my second time there. Make reservations for main dining room in advance. Bar area is pretty large and first come first served. The silver coin margarita is very tasty. Watermelon and delicious. We got the carne asada plate and it was enough for two people. Just amazing. Service is great. Food amazing. The ambiance and restaurant is just stunning. Go now!!!

Came here for a family reunion and was not disappointed. Everyone loved there meal. The staff was very attentive and helpful. Never ran out of drinks. We especially liked the enchiladas. The ambiance of the restraunt is romantic. Would definetley come back when in Austin.

In the late 90s, I was in Austin quite a bit for work. On one visit, a client suggest that I go here and it was an amazing evening of food and margaritas! So when planning a recent trip with my wife to Austin, I wanted to re-visit Fonda San Miguel, especially when I saw the reviews here on TA were still good and they were written up in a lot of articles when I googled "Best Mexican restaurants in Austin." We had an amazing evening, much of it because our server, Uriel, was so amazing! His recommendations were ALL spot on, with phenomenal cocktails (can still taste the Watermelon Margarita!). The ONLY problem was that we ordered more than we could eat (did my best on my lamb dish!). Hopefully it won't be another twenty years before we get back!

We went here for dinner. The restaurant has been here for years and the decor is perfect. Food incredible and the service outstanding..

Absolutely worth a visit. Really good, authentic Mexican (not Tex-Mex) food. Great service and the restaurant is beautiful.

We went to the Sunday brunch buffet. The first thing that struck me was how beautiful the restaurant is. The hand painted posts and beams, and the ceramic tiles blend nicely to create a gorgeous dining room. For appetizers, they had both shrimp and fish civeche, both great. There were several mains. My favorites were the mole and the short ribs in a delicious red sauce. There were enough desert choices for every taste. I thought the tres leches was terrific. The service was excellent. All in all a great lunch.

Our daughter has lived in Austin for many years and has never been to this restaurant and kicks herself for the oversight after this visit. They scored big points with their Ceviche las Brisas and the Guacamole Salad. Moving onto the entrees there was no letdown. Enchilada Suizas was a hit as we shared it with the table as we did with all 4 entrees. I tried the Pato en Salsa Verde even though i am not big on duck I thoroughly enjoyed the dish. We chose the Tres Leches and Flan de Almendra and think we picked the best desserts on menu, but we will try others on future visits.

Super delicious interior Mexican food. A large variety of dishes. Be sure to go hungry. There is so much delicious food, and the service is top rate. This is not your cheap Tex-Mex. It is very expensive, but worth it for a special occasion.

We had a lovely dinner at this beautiful restaurant. The atmosphere is eclectic, festive, and art-filled, and service is good. The food was also good—we particularly enjoyed the al pastor tacos and the relleno picadillo. It is a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

Hadn't been here in a while, and never thought it was so Fabulous as others. However, returned here recently. It was Mediocre at best. We were given chips in a bowl for about one person, yet there were three of us. The salsas were good though. One person had the chile relent and thought it was Awful. Another had the lamb which was OK. I had the fish veracruz which was good. All in all, we would never return. It was EXPENSIVE for a Lack luster meal.

Have been coming here for years, and the quality and variety are always wonderful. It is expensive, but for a great meal or special occasion, well worth it. Classic interior Mexico in Austin, Texas. Never had a dish that was not excelent, and service is always attentive.

I've been going here for 3 decades. My go to for fresh interior Mexico regional food. there are so many reasons I like it, great food, service and atmosphere. Love this place.

We made the reservation here solely based on trip advisor reviews. My sister, cousin and I arrived after a 15-20 minute ride from our downtown Austin hotel wondering if this was going to be worth the ride when we could have walked to many restaurants. Well, let me begin by saying it was well worth the ride. We loved the atmosphere of this restaurant. We ordered the sangria ( the one disappointing part of our meal) which was just ok. We decided to order several appetizers to share as we could not decide what to order. The waiter was new but very attentive and informative. We had the tamale special, lamb chops, pork tacos and ceviche. In a word....delicious. Everything was fresh and tasty and so well prepared. The sauces added a nice punch of flavor. The only bad thing....we didn’t have another night available to go back! Be sure to give this a try if you like authentic Mexican.

We had dinner at Fonda for a bridal party and it was very obvious that it was a bridal party since the bride was wearing a sash so you would think the waiter would know that there would be split tickets right? Well nope at the end we told our waiter separate checks and he said he could not split the bill but we could figure it out ourselves and then just let him know what card to charge. It was 10 girls and we all had cards or cash for it took us an hr to "figure it out." By the end I was so upset it completely ruined the whole dinner experience. First of all as a server with any big party if you know you can not split checks at the end you should say something in the beginning. I was so upset that our waiter didn't say anything to us. He wasted an hour of our time. Never again will i come back. I'm really not sure how it has any good reviews since the food is not anything great either. You would think for the price you were getting the best meal but nope its just mediocre. Save your money and dine elsewhere.

Delicious food and excellent service every time we have come here. Every course was delicious and well presented. This is our go to place when in Austin. The flan was the best I have ever tasted!

OMG -like old Mexico-the best food this side of the border. Appetizers-mini lamb chops,shrimp, quesadillas-mind blowing amazing. Crazy good service and while I don’t drink spirits, my fellow travelers loved them. Super good service. One of my favorite restaurant s ever.

We love our yearly visit to Fonda San Miguel. The decor is visually exciting, and the food is great. I had grilled black drum and vegetables and chocolate flan.

A must go place if you visit Austin. Make reservations or go at 5pm. Sunday brunches are the best! Margaritas are unforgettable and the desserts will keep you coming back for more!

This was our first time at the restaurant. I and my husband went here for our wedding anniversary dinner and were astounded by the hospitality of the staff, the interior/exterior decor and of course the quality of the food. The outside is landscaped beautifully to fit the ambiance of the restaurant and the interior is absolutely spotless and decorated with amazing taste. Our waitress was very courteous and knowledgeable. Everything she recommended was right on point! The prices are very reasonable and the food quality is delicious ( the flavors are 100% ). The drinks are nice size and nicely made ( good alcohol and fresh ingredients). We ordered the lamb chops for the appetizer to share as it came with 4 medium sized grilled lamb chops and a sauce on the side; the lamb was perfectly grilled and melted in our mouths. For the entrees, I ordered the wagu carne asada and my husband ordered the duck enchilada. He is a huge fan of enchiladas but he said he never tasted anything this authentic and this delicious. The wagu came grilled thinly sliced with toppings on the side as well as hand made paper thin tortillas on the side. I definitely 100% recommend this restaurant to anyone who is coming to Austin Texas and would come back here in a heart beat. Whatever you decide to order you can’t go wrong as it’s all very authentic and cooked to order.

This restaurant has been around for a while here in Austin. It calls itself interior Mexican. Quite frankly I don’t really see a difference. Any issues or quickly handled and the staff is friendly. Not my choice for going out to dinner. I was surprised to see that it was middle of the road in every aspect. Relaxing atmosphere and decent cocktails.

Fabulous artwork. Great vibe. Romantic. Stellar food - lamb chops, angels on horseback, fish Veracruz, ceviche, black beans, and more. Great service too!

The best food, setting and great service for an Anniversary Dinner. An excellent Cochinita Pibil plus great Enchiladas Verdes and a couple of well done Margaritas. We recommend this restaurant (we have been here several Anniversaries) like one that truly has a real mexican flavor. But this year, they stop presenting us with a dessert for our Anniversary.

Excellent brunch spot. We loved the food and ambiance. They seemed very careful for the times although it would be better if they gave you the bill online instead of printed out. We didn't think the bloody Mary drink was that good but it is a Mexican restaurant so I'll give them that.

Visited with large group. Excellent service & server recommendations. 2 of us had the chili ancho- best Mexican dish I have had in several months. Would order again. Only surprise was lack of draft beer.

First time here in a few years. Place was crazy packed on a Weds night. Service could not keep up which made for a slow dinner. Drinks took 20+ minutes. Luckily the food is still top notch.

Staying in Austin for a conference? Pool your cabfare with friends and come here for excellent Mexican food away from the crowds of tourists. I had the pork-in-banana leaf with special beans and would have been happy to eat that for the rest of my life.

Fonda is terrific. The atmosphere is lovely and the service is very nice. We go there for special occasions because of the food, atmosphere and attentive service. Eating at Fonda is being transported to another city. There is a sophistication about Fonda that makes the craziness of the world go away. Go and relax. There is no need to hurry through dinner. Enjoy the surroundings and delicious interior Mexican food. It’s been a staple of Austin for years. If you are a visitor, get out and discover Fonda San Miguel.

Being natives of southern New England, we are not experts on Mex or Tex-Mex food. This place is the real deal in Mexican food from start to finish. I never order out chicken since we eat so much of it home. But they had a special half chicken marinated in a season broth type liquid for 13 hours. So I went for it and am glad I did cause it was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is authentic Mexican, bright yellows, reds, etc.A little too busy for me taste buy hey, its Mexican.

This is by far one of the best Mexican food restaurants in Austin.Ive lived here 25 years and I don’t kno how I’ve let this gem go in noticed..Amazing food 1st class service and atmosphere

This authentic interior Mexico restaurant has been a destination restaurant for four plus decades. The setting is a casa with a beautiful atrium and elegant dining room. The drinks are well made and the food is delicious. Try the Fish Veracruzano, perfectly baked white fish with a topping of olives, capers, tomatoes and onions in a mild red sauce. Perfect! Or the tasty but not spicy ceviche, stuffed squash , chili poblano (3 great choices), chicken mole and other great selections. Get there at opening at 5 pm and grab an open table in the atrium or make a reservation a day or so in advance. Bon apetite.

So good! Dinner with my wife and several of her work colleagues. All kinds of yummy appetizers -- beet tacos and cauliflower tacos, fried oyster tortillas (wow!), best lamb chops in Texas, memorable black beans, and crazy fresh guacamole. Entrees great too - shrimp, steak fajitas, and more. Still fabulously decorated for Christmas. Wonderful server! Great dining experience!

A beautiful restaurant, fine service .And the dishes all look authentic interior Mexican. Unfortunately, quality has slipped a lot, and the dishes lack zest an depth in taste. A disappointment as the food used to be super. Yet, every table was full. In the future, El Naranjo on South Lamar will be our go-to eatery for interior Mexican, and Matts El Rancho for Texmex.

Fonda San Miguel, a long-standing Austin restaurant, has outstanding food, exceptional service and marvelous margaritas. Walk through the front doors and you enter a bright, vibrantly colored indoor 'courtyard'. The restaurant itself has tones of terra cotta and yellow, delicious fresh made tortillas and each dish to made to order. The staff prides itself on exceptional service. Go for happy hour and stay for a delicious meal. You will not be disappointed. Stop by and watch the women making the corn tortillas from scratch.

I've traveled all over the world and U.S. eating cuisine of all sorts and this is the most amazing gastronomical experience I've ever had. The ambiance is very nice yet casual and the service is excellent. Food and drink are above and beyond. I won't ever miss eating here anytime I visit Austin in the future. I used to live near Austin and missed this one, unfortunately. Now I'm almost 1500 miles away and finally found it thanks to my hubby. Be sure to make a reservation as this is a very busy restaurant and for good reason! Valet is included. Our server, Fernando, was so attentive and wonderful. You've got to check this place out!

We went without reservations on a Friday evening and that was a big mistake! The place was packed. They said the bar was "first come, first serve", so we waited a while until some other couple left. The bar counter had three empty stools that were "reserved". However, these seats sat empty for at least an hour or more while multiple people walked over to sit there and were told no, they were reserved. Please don't say the bar is "first come, first serve" and then reserve bar seats. It's very annoying and unfair to your customers. Our food was very good, but extremely expensive and it was weird that they didn't have any diet sodas at all.

We’re so glad we were able to get a reservation at Fonda San Miguel! It was one of the best (Mexican) meals we’ve ever had! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s a beautiful restaurant with wonderful service. It’s busy & very popular but you are not rushed so you can enjoy the fine dining experience. We dressed dressy casual.

Very difficult to visit a good Mexican restaurant outside of Mexico,this one makes you taste what true good Mexican restaurants have to offer. Keep up the good work

Busy night after the holidays but the staff is in control and the food never disappoints. My favorite dish, Poplano pepper with walnut/pomegranate is to die for and I have it every year. The ceviche las brisas out of this world. Generous portion for 4 if you ask me. The staff is friendly and always very accommodating. Nice experience!

We enjoyed a very good dinner that was topped off with outstanding service from our server. I can’t remember his name but the receipt says “Redcorn”. I hope the restaurant acknowledges him. Highly recommend FSM and will return when in Austin

Highly, highly recommend! I’ve been here twice now and both times have been perfect. The atmosphere, the food, the drinks, the service…..top notch. This visit I had the chuleta (pork chop), my husband had mixiote (lamb in parchment), and our friends had rellenos. Absolutely no complaints, just delicious! As was the queso fundido and drinks! Service was timely and friendly without being intrusive.

Fonda San Miguel is one of those magical old school Austin places. The interior reminds me of some of my favorite places in Mexico City. Happy hour is the perfect opportunity to explore the menu and taste multiple items. Also, their cocktails are unique and always Mexican inspired. Be patient as there are a lot of people that love their happy hour. Know you’ll probably have to go to the bar, grab a drink and wait it out. But it’s worth it.

My friends and I went here for dinner on our first night in Austin. This restaurant was great. Service was really good and the atmosphere was very nice. I had the Pollo en Mole Poblano and it was excellent. The mole sauce was great. I would definitely come back.

This restaurant was great. We ate a variety of appetizers and each one was excellent. The service and the ambience were also excellent. This is a really good restaurant and I highly recommend it.

Fonda San Miguel serves excellent central Mexican food. It is our favorite because the venue is beautiful, the menu extensive, the service friendly, and the food is outstanding.

We really enjoyed our birthday dinner. From the moment that we walked into this beautifully decorated restaurant, we were not disappointed. The ceviche was outstanding! A generous bowl of fresh fish with avocado and pico de gallo. We loved the spinach salad, but our fish entrees were fabulous. I had a very generous portion of grilled fish with vegetables and my husband enjoyed a fish Veracruzano. The service was attentive and friendly. At the end of the meal, we met the owner, and we reminisced about restaurants long gone in New York City.

We recently had a very nice dinner at Fonda San Miquel. I suggest gettng reservations early as they go fast and the restaurant is busy, even on a Monday night. There's a large menu with, as expected, covers a variety of Mexican food. All of our food was very good. We particularly enjoyed the crepes for dessert. We were a little disappointed that the guacamole wasn't prepared table side. Service was good and prices are reasonable for the quality of food. We'd definitely go back

Finally had a chance to eat here. We had the Guacamole and cheese dip which was excellent and the wagu taco which was outstanding. Probably best Tex Mex in Austin area. Upscale building, excellent service. 4 people 8 margaritas with 2 apps about 180 bucks without tip

Not a planner? Grab a 4-top table near the bar .. before they're gone at 5:30pm. As others have remarked, this is THE SPOT for high, quality Mexican Food. Ambiance is great and will transport you to a lush, green Mexican hacienda .. We started with apps, like the ceviche & chips and guac .. pure bliss. Mains were great - try the Enchiladas w/ Mole or the Pork Cooked in Banana Leaves. Hook'em

I had heard of this restaurant for years and finally decided to try for date night with my wife. I was blown away. Although it is very pricey for a Mexican restaurant the food was amazing. I had the Pato Enchiladas and my wife had Pollo Fajitas. The only thing was that she only received 6 small breast pieces on top of a pile of grilled veggies so the portion size relative to the price was a bit skewed. However, they were not your average fajitas. They were marinated in a different tasting marinade and were cooked to perfection. The salsa with the duck enchiladas was simply amazing. Everything was awesome from the food to the atmosphere to the service. Drink prices were a little high and so was the price in relation to portion sizes of the food but other than that I cannot say a bad thing about this place, glad I finally went.

This is THE best, most authentic interior Mexican food restaurant in Austin. It has been here for years and just keeps getting better and better. As you step in the door, you feel as if you've left Austin and walked into a beautiful Mexican villa. As you wait for your table in the bar area, tropical plants and artwork surround you. The dining room is beautifully lit and your eye is drawn to the many paintings on the wall. But the best is yet to come. Every item on the menu is superb. I have tried most of their offerings but for the last years I have settled on my favorite, Chili Relleno San Miguel; no more experimenting. The service is perfectly performed. Things appear on the table as if by magic and plates disappear just as smoothly. A visit to this restaurant is a must for anyone visiting Austin who wants to sample a very long tradition of very fine food served in charming surroundings.

Nice atmosphere, prompt and friendly service, good adult beverages, solid Mexican food, and great friends all made for an enjoyable evening. Would we go back? Sure.

An authentic Austin experience well worth trying it. Varied menu to fit every taste. Try the chicken with mole sauce. The pork dishes are also excellent.Great drinks too. They are busy on weekends so reservations are advisable.

If you want to enjoy one of the best brunches in Austin look no further! This is excellent gourmet Mexican food prepared by some of the top chefs in the country. From the time you drive up you know your in for a special treat. The exterior and interior architecture of this restaurant are stunning and the waitstaff is both knowledgeable and professional. But the real star here is the food! From the egg dish, to the vegetables to the salads to the meats and desserts everything was simply awesome! Today for the meats they had a turkey mole, brisket, pork BBQ, and quail and each bite was better than the one before it! If you want a truly special Mexican dining experience in Austin - especially for Sunday Brunch this is it!!

The layout of the restaurant is a topic of its own that deserves praise. I was more interested in the food however. The ceviche was the best that I've ever had. The sauces complemented the already high quality meal. The tortillas were all hand made. Without a doubt I would recommend Fonda San Miquel. Hopefully I will be back soon.

Make sure to get a reservation as this is a busy place. Very attentive service by all the employees. Food was very flavorful. Had the tacos al carbon and my wife had a chicken quessadilla. Both were excellent. The chips and salsas were also great.

I am so accustomed to Tex-Mex that Fonda San Miguel stood out for me as a clean, fine dining experience on Mexican cuisine. The Ceviche is fresh and the tamales are scrumptuous. The prices are on the higher side but it's the ambience, friendly staff and quality of the food that make it worth it. If you're looking for a wonderful dinner with family in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, this is the place to go.

Some of the best food I've ever eaten. Very lovely setting. Great service. We were in town for our daughter's wedding & were directed to Fonda San Miguel by our hotel staff. Home run!!

This is not your typical Mexican restaurant with tacos and burritos and chimichangas but an upscale place with service and decor to match. The service was friendly and informative and guided us through the menu. Our main dishes of pork and duck were excellent and the refried beans the best I ever had. Highly recommend this place.

John was an expert waiter and very attentive. But selection on the menu was limited. We got two appetizers and started googling other places.

First visit but clearly not the last. HAVE RESERVATIONS! Wonderful menu from appetizers to dessert / coffees. Dinner for five - split the Angles on horseback (bacon wrapped LARGE gulf shrimp with pickled veggies and a Ceviche (think fish in a critus dish) - two of us did the fish, one the duck enchiladas and one the steak - all were equally flavorful and portion size just right. Flan , Tres Laches, desserts - at that point we were Full, happy and comfortable! OBTW for the 3 year old they made up a nice multi cheese melt tortilla. We will clearly be back.

Loved this restaurant from the front door. Lovely greeting and vertical dining room. There was a large party i was concerned about but it was not an issue. This is not Tex Mex! It is well seasoned delicious traditional Mexican food. Grilled meats and vegetables excellent guacamole The presentation is nice, service attentive but not pushy and never rushed. The chocolate cake at the end was superior!

Fonda San Miquel has it all - over the TOP eclectic, inviting atmosphere - great service - delicious drinks - and great traditional Mexican food. Note - this is NOT a Tex Mex restaurant - this is a traditional Mexican food restaurant. The Enchilada Suiza was great. We had a 2 large groups of 20 guests each (40 total) and they were able (with prior notice) to get us in on a Friday night. They set us at 6 tables. As well as they easily accommodated our group ordering off the menu and not having a preset menu (which really surprised me! I was expecting a choice of 2 meals at most.) I do have to say the most helpful was getting our own drinks at the bar area instead of ordering with the waitress to keep payment individually since our food was paid for by our host. Valet parking. Very romantic setting in the front room - I plan to come back for date night!

Life has been good to me and this restaurant is making it harder to leave the south. I want Seattle in my life. But I can't leave my fav. place.

Had not been to Fonda San Miguel in 10 years. I used to know the owner and chef before he passed away. His menu was, as they say, to die for. So back to the present. It was happy hour and the place was packed. We were lucky to get a seat and the round table in the patio. The margaritas were superior. That drink can be pretty bad if done wrong. The appetizer plate for four was enough to choke a horse. The lamb chops were the very best lamp chops I can recall. Some lamp chops have a favor of the lamb's butt but these were perfect. The rest of the eats were also the best I have tasted in a long time. The place is a six star in my book even if it is noisy and crowded.

Very bad service and attitude . We tried their Sunday Brunch and I would not go there again . For 42$ a person before tax and tip you Would expect a top notch service ; I had to chase the waitress for coffee and my husband had to wait 15 min for her to appear and provide water . No diet soft drink which is strange . The food is good but definitely not worth this amount. We tried the Fairmont brunch last week which was exceptional variety and service for 35$ a person , the week before we tried the four seasons which was 60$ a person and the food was exceptional and service was unbelievably amazing . The price of Fonda does not represent the service nor the food we got .

Fonda San Miguel does not disappoint. My review from last year (April 2018) says it all - still the best mole around. They do get extremely busy however we were able to walk straight in and were seated immediately. Everything on the menu is savory. We ordered the same thing as last time and it was every bit as good as it had been. Consistency is what makes a great restaurant and Fonda San Miguel is about as consistent as it gets. Very attentive staff. Certainly one of my all time favorites and has been for over 40 years. Sunday brunch is spectacular and delicious.

we went to the restaurant Saturday evening and had a wonderful meal. The ambiance is amazing, the service was excellent and far exceeded our expectations. We arrived a few minutes early and went to the bar to wait for our table. I asked the bartender about his margaritas, he said do you want me to make him the way I like them? I asked him to explain it, sounded great the Rita’s were wonderful. A little later we received a text message that our table was ready. We ordered a dish called Chille en Nogada. It is a poblano pepper stuffed with seasonal fruits such as Peaches, pears and apples. These fruits are mixed with beef, pork ,nuts and spices. The Nogada sauce is made with seasonal Mexican walnuts, almonds ,cinnamon and topped with fresh pomegranate seeds- it is served at room temperature and the flavor is delicately sweet. The last time that we had a meal equal to this we were in San Miguel Allende in the heart of Mexico. this restaurant is truly amazing

I have come here since I was a kid. This will most likely be the last. We had a family of 17. Most left 3/4 of their food on their plates. No one in the party had any great reviews on their meal. We had a family member who originated from interior Mexico and was excited to eat here. She was not impressed! What I got to taste: I had a very tough bacon wrapped shrimp. A lamb chop that tasted like charcoal. Mole enchiladas were not good. The Mole (I have had lots) was lacking any flavor. The only decent things I tasted was the Ceviche, pickled cauliflower that was with the bacon wrapped shrimp, and the coffee/cookie at the end of the meal.

I throw "5's" to restaurants like most people throw manhole covers--RARELY. In our book, a 5 rating is a unique experience that reserved for only a fine dining venue that is outstanding in each and every respect/aspect. We were in the area during rush hour traffic in Austin--an experience to be avoided at all costs--and it was much smarter to eat a great meal than to fight the traffic! We had never been here for diner, but always loved the food, service, ambiance.... We had no reservations at 5:30, but gave them a visit. We were seated immediately (but, the place was full by 6:30, so I suggest reservations!) without any drama. The place looked as good as we remembered--the art is a little strange, but it works in this festive environment. By the way, it was Mariachi Night and that may have accounted for the crowd. The food is excellent. We had the queso fundido (verde & rajas) to start, The dish is huge--a meal in itself! Beautifully presented with wonderful handmade flour tortillas. My wife had the pescado veracruzano, which she declared "best ever" and she loves the dish whenever it is served, but this one really stood out for the rest. I had the aguachile as my entree and it has one of the best cold fish dishes I have ever tasted--anywhere! Also, beautifully presented. The prices are very reasonable (downright cheap when compared to many fine dining establishments) for what you get! Our waiter was excellent--friendly, helpful and prompt without rushing anything. We really appreciate that kind of courtesy at a fine meal. It makes you feel as if you are dining and it is not a rush to get you out of the place! He took the time to describe all the dishes accurately and completely. His assistants were quick with the wine and water! The outside of the building is wonderful--it feels like a colonial dwelling from South America--the entry doors are great. The plantings around the building give it a tropical touch and the parking is well laid out to show off the building. There are not quite enough spaces for a big crowd, but there are parking options on the streets. We feel that this is the best "Mexican" food in Austin. It really feels more like the wonderful food in Mexico City that we had years ago--a touch of continental cuisine with a latin twist. All served in a festive and happy environment. We will be back more frequently!

Had drinks in the atrium which was airy (high ceiling), sparkling clean, with great airflow. Nicely done Fonda, made my wife and I feel extremely well cared for in these COVID times. Took food home, including ceviche, lamb chops, spinach salad, fish Veracruz, garlic shrimp, and caramel flan. Every dish was perfectly prepared, was packaged in a first class manner, delicious, and made us realize how much we miss dining regularly at this Waco interior Mexican institution in these COVID times. Had such a wonderful experience that we are planning a return in the next few weeks to dine in. It is quite obvious that Fonda has gone the extra mile to make their guests feel safe and to take necessary precautions to deliver a wonderful dining experience. Truly one of the best restaurants in Austin and the best interior Mexican food in Texas and beyond. Nicely done!

1st time in 30+ years the service and food horrible. 8/25 Monday evening Something changed as waiter and food presentation so far below anything we ever encountered

I can run a thesaurus of adjectives for this place :)! the food here is authentic delicious and pretty. The same time the place is super pictures and instagramable. Make reservation for the brunch well in advance. Loved the ambiance and their giant brunch buffet spread. do not expect much from the desserts though ... and the Tres Lechas sucks (was a part of brunch buffet) and was really disappointing. the Tamales in a leaf (don’t remember the authentic name) are to make a kill for. Cheers to the Taquila and Porsecco topped Momosas !

The setting is exceptional due to lights and trees. Service was top notch and we each loved the meals (pork and beef). The pork shank simply melted off the bone and we recommend highly.

My wife and I came to Austin and dined here in early May. We ordered the Carne Asada a la Tampiquena for two. The dish had a lot of flavor and the meat was tender. They offered a variety of sauces to go with the entree. For the price of the dish I would have expected a larger meal. We each had their Numero Uno Margarita. The drink tasted like warm lime water. For such an upscale, very well run operation, that was a surprise. Maybe it was an off night. On an upnote, our server Jantzen, was excellent and a sharp young lady.

While in Austin on business, sought out this authentic Mexican restaurant based on high ratings and reviews from TripAdvisor. It was spot on - from the eccentric Yet warm décor to the highly attentive waiter to the freshly made meal. It’s about a 20 min drive from downtown Austin. Grab an Uber with some friends - it will not disappoint. You can see the tortillas being made; creative cocktails; generous entrée portions. The waiter knew his menu extremely well and was able to address all questions from my group. We all enjoyed something different from chicken fajitas to shredded pork in banana leaf (can’t recall actual dish names) all were very happy with their choices.

This is the 2nd time I have eaten at Fonda San Miguel. I visit my daughters every year and this is a must stop each time. The food along with the service is excellent, and I don't say that about a restaurant very often The ANCHO RELLENO SAN MIGUEL is delicious. This time we tried the scallop special and loved it. You can not go wrong eating here. I look forward to my next visit to Austin and Fonda San Miguel

I read all the reviews and our family of four with two college aged children went for an early dinner. The ambience and staff were excellent....it’s just that the food was lackluster. I am certainly not a Mexican food expert, however, I felt the value was not present. Our food was somewhat bland. Presentation was nice, but no OMG bites. Would only recommend if wanting to avoid the loud places filled with revelers downing margaritas.

There was a group of about 70 for a private party and it was great! Wait staff was very attentive for such a large group! Each of the 4 courses was delicious, and served in a timely manner! Great drinks! This is a beautiful restaurant!

Best meal we had in Austin! Ignore the 2-hour wait for a table to lounge / drink / eat in the expansive perimeter around the formal dining room and bar. Very laid back. Drinks were fine. Food was incredibly good! Mexican steak was superb. Wait staff were equally good. And check out the paper mâché dragon near the entrance!

Absolutely the best interior Mexican food ii have ever had. My sister and I shared Ensalada de Temporada and the Carne Asada A La Tampiquena My husband had the Enchalada Verdes. Fabulous!

Visited here 24 years ago and it was amazing. Decided to go back on trip last weekend. Upscale Tex-Mex. The service was good. But the food is a bit lackluster. Not sure the steep prices are worth it.

Whenever we get to Austin we try to eat here. We were not disappointed. The food was great and the service was wonderful, thanks Merilynn. We had our granddaughter with us and she was treated royally.

The last time we went to Fonda San Miguel was when my Mother was alive and I forgot how wonderful Sunday Brunch was. My niece kept saying we had to go back and since it was her birthday celebration we went. The food was wonderfully displayed. I tried to sample everything and everything was the best, tastiest, most awesome Mexican food I've had in quite some time. I highly recommend Sunday Brunch at Fonda San Miguel. We'll be back within the month.

The interior was gorgeous and a lot bigger than it looks like in pictures. The atmosphere was really great. Everyone was super friendly and our server Luis was amazing. We told him it was our first time and he recommended some great dishes. I had the duck enchiladas which were super tasty and flavorful. Their guac was also the best I’ve ever had in my life, super flavorful and creamy. Food came out pretty quickly even though it was a busy night. Five stars all around, highly recommend!

It has been around for 30+ years! Go there and you will know why. Superb service and great food. A bit more pricey than most Mexican but you get what you pay for. We love the bar...and the area before the bar...but pick what you want! What is not to love?

Not your typical Mexican restaurant (tacos and burritos). They have those but much more. I had the leg of lamb. It was huge and perfectly cooked. There are many entrees to choose from. Eight of us each ordered something different. Everyone was pleased. Expensive for Mexican food but worth the price. Service was attentive. Will return soon.

My family of 4 (2 teens) went to Fonda San Miguel for brunch on a Sunday. Apparently, we lucked out because they are not open for lunch on other days. It was packed. The atmosphere was very interesting and festive. Their brunch is buffet style which at first, I wasn't sure I was excited about, but they had a very wide variety of food for appetizers, main course, and desserts. So, it gave us an opportunity to try different things. A fun place to go especially if you are visiting Texas and want to try something you don't normally get at home.

Outstanding food, service, and atmosphere. I ordered the ceviche as an appetizer and the cochinita pibil (Yucatan pork baked in a banana leaf) and both were VERY good. I'd highly recommend those dishes.

It's a breath-taking restaurant. The layout and the artwork are nice. The staff was attentive and expert in recommending food and wine. We split the shrimp appetizer. The shrimp was good but the accompanying vegetables stole the show. Had the beef dinner that was well presented and tender, overall very tasty. I really liked the mole covered enchillada. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful. The wine list was ok, not the highlight of the experience. All in all, a very good Mexican eating experience.

We had a party of 6 on this occasion. Everyone raved about how wonderful their dish was. The waiter could have been better as he was a bit slow at times and forgot a few things but the food definitely made up for that.

We selected Fonda San Miguel to enjoy the day of the dead. As always they stepped up to our high expectations, starting in the bar and then in the restaurant. Instead of listing our pleasures, let me just say they pleased us in every way.

I love the food. This is a great location. I love the parrot that is there. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

One of the best kept secrets about San Miguel de Allende is that it has lots and lots of restaurants....but only a handful of them, at any price, are any good (the rest range from mediocre to awful). This place has a great lunch buffet, and excellent service, for about $7 U.S. dollars. You want to come here. Their breaded fish is excellent, nice salad, everything fresh.

This is becoming part of my regular rotation when visiting Austin. I’m usually in town for 3 nights and will include Fonda for a dinner. Outside the downtown area with authentic food and decor. I started with a drink at the bar and went with a Mezcal drink recommendation from the bartender which I enjoyed. Had some chips/salsa while waiting. Once seated, started with the tacos al pastor. 4 street style tacos with pork and pineapple. I went with the cochinits pibil what I’ve had before. Pork slow cooked in a leaf. Very tender, juicy, and delicious. Comes with a unique sauce, rice, and house made tortillas. The service is always polite, professional, and knowledgeable.

Wow! Everything was superb, from the decor of the restaurant to the food. Service was amazing with our server demonstrating fantastic knowledge of the food and drinks. The main difficulty was deciding what to order form the menu because it all looked fantastic. Would I go again? Absolutely I would - unfortunately I live in England :-(. A brilliant place. My favourite Mexican meal ever!!!

The place is above average in price, so expect to pay a bit more than your normal brunch place. But the food is so worth it. Great tasting, gourmet.

Great restaurant for any night of the week but Saturday nights always a great night out. This place gets packed, the bar area is free seating, you’d need a reservation for larger parties for sure but also just to secure your table here. It’s a very popular restaurant. They have valet parking, and a car park. The staff are very attentive, they don’t bother you but make sure you’re good on drinks and food. We had lots of appetizers and beers and margaritas. I have a hangover this morning but it was so worth it! Life’s short play loud 🤣 we had such a fun time here catching up with friends and storytelling. As the night went on the stories got funnier. 🤪 Oh and we had ice cream with some choc sauce over it 😋 yummy. If you live in Austin drop by some time. If you’re visiting Austin the food and atmosphere is authentic.

Coming back from Peru we crave for good sevitche and pisco sour...m Fonda was the only upscale place offering them. Beautiful inside patio is a bonus

“High end Tex-Mex” ha! The food was great, the drinks were great & the ambiance was good, including the inside building decoration. I mostly came here since my name was in the title but hey, the food didn’t disappoint. We started out with their queso with chorizo & mannnn was it delicious. It’s not your typical queso, its better!! Plus they give you tortillas to eat with it, which is bad but so good! Haha! I ate & demolished the shrimp in chipotle sauce, highly recommended. My friend got their cheese enchiladas & was satisfied with that too. Must try!

My Austin friend has been going here for over 40 years. Great place, great service and can't say enough good. Tight parking lot spaces. Park elsewhere if you don't want people dinging your doors or car. We'll return in the future. Expect to drop about a C-note for dinner with one drink per person, meal and tip.

Staple location for authentic mexican food. Great for occasions-call ahead you will usually need a reservation for this place. Mole is amazing. They have a Christmas special dish that I can't remember but it is heavenly.

I guess I'm getting old. I just can't enjoy a restaurant where I have to shout to my table-mates and can barely hear their response. That was before the Mariachi band started to play. After that it was necessary to yell my order to the waiter standing next to me. We'd always enjoyed the more regional Mexican fare that Fonda San Miguel offered so my husband and I ordered rellenos. My RELLENO DE PICADILLO had a good flavor but the filling was dry to the point where some of the pork tasted burnt. His ANCHO RELLENO SAN MIGUEL was also dry. The abundant cilantro cream sauce. was all that saved it. I think we'll keep our fond memories of past brunches and celebrations here and try to forget this outing.

Absolutely fabulous experience! We arrived at precisely 5 pm on a Saturday as it was supposed to open then yet the place was already packed. We snagged one of the tables along the wall and enjoyed a beautiful view of the atrium. The food was excellent, both beautifully presented and delicious. We thought the chips and salsa were amazing, the enchilada suiza was the best enchilada we have ever tried, we also enjoyed the tacos Al pastor and the duck enchiladas. The prickly pear margarita was refreshing and the sangria was strong. The ambiance of the restaurant is like no other I have been in as it is exquisitely decorated with lovely paintings, intricate trim and all sorts of beautiful carved wood pieces. We travel extensively and this restaurant is one of the most impressive we have visited.

Great business dinner tonight at this beautiful restaurant. Very nice ambience, and good acoustics. Some newer Austin restaurants are so noisy, one could hardly listen to and hear the conversation. The Fonda is a restaurant in which you could actually have a real dinner conversation. Service was wonderful, very knowledgeable and attentive.

The restaurant is visually stunning, unique and transports you to elegant old Mexico. The food was good but for the price it should have been amazing. The service needs some work. We arrived at around 6:30 PM and the restaurant was quickly filling up - we were told we could have a table but would have to "be out" by 7:30. I was a bit taken aback. It would have been fine if the hostess had not had an attitude and been more tactful. I am fairly certain the waiter and kitchen would have as much a role as we had in us "getting out". Had I known the prices I probably would not have taken the table because we felt rushed and like 2nd class citizens. Our waiter while attentive was very abrupt and barely spoke - but who has the time for niceties when you have a stop watch running? Not a horrible experience but not a fine dining experience. The check said fine dining - the service like a bar bouncer at closing.

We hadn't visited for many years, but we had such a wonderful meal, and such a beautiful evening, that we all agreed that it should become a family tradition. There were seven of us, seated at a perfectly-sized round table. There was music playing and gobs of atmosphere and decor to dazzle the eyes, but it was still possible for all seven of us to engage in conversation together. Our server was polite, informative, and competent. But best of all, the food was fantastic. We started with three orders of quesos: my ten-year old preferred the plain; three of our party leaned towards the poblano version; and three of us went for the chorizo variety. We also had a guacamole which disappeared very quickly with the aid of some terrific chips. Entree highlights included the Ancho Relleno San Miguel which thankfully is just as great as it was many years ago; and enchiladas de mole poblano. That mole sauce seriously rocks! The margaritas were tops. Really, there was nothing about this visit that wasn't to our liking, and that is why we hope to repeat the experience many times!

I have been to Fonda (FSM) numerous times and it is always offers wonderful food and top tier service. But this weekend we went with a dear friend from out of town and two of us had the Rellena Negra special dish - made with black chili peppers from Fonda’s own garden. SPECTACULAR! The black sauce was incredibly flavorful but not overwhelming and the meat and veggies were cooked to perfection. Truly a wonderful experience you will not find anywhere else. Period!

Fonda San Miguel has been on my list of places to eat in Austin for a few years nowand finally got around to going. I made reservations 5 days in advance and times were still pretty slim. That just shows you how popular it is. Food is great and the valet service was exceptional with the guys remembering right away what vehicles belonged to us. I will definitely return! The queso is quite unique- not your traditional melted cheese; I have attached a picture. The duck enchiladas with a pesto sauce were amazing (photo attached). The margaritas were great and the desserts looked fantastic although I didn’t have room this go around. If you are wanting upscale Mexican food with a great ambience, Fonda San Miguel is the place!

Welcome Back ... Curbside Pick Up Last Week. Delicious (wonderfully seasoned and moist) chicken and specially priced wine at $25/bottle.

I went to this restaurant after 5 years. I’m super sorry to say that I was disappointed during my this visit. I sat on bar as I was alone.. to my disappointment both food and drinks were very disappointing. I felt like I wasted my money. I’m so sorry! Do not recommend.

As good as ever! Delicious sauces for with each dish.. lots of care taken for every plate..high equal level of ingredients. A real stand out and staple of the Austin food scene. Great service..thank you Olga!

An Austin institution with great Mexican food. Prices have climbed, but the drinks are inventive and plentiful (try the Margarita with Serrano Chilis!) and portions are generous and filling. Very well-executed and a place whose ambiance inspires fun and conversation among friends, or, whomever your guests are.

We went because of the half price appetizers. Three of us split the Plato de Miguel. The menu description said it fed three to four people and I would agree if you were planning on ordering entrees as well. All the food was flavorful. I’ve never tried lamb before but it was so tender.

What a unique atmosphere and ambience! Valet parking most appreciated. Angels On Horseback three grilled shrimp with white cheese, jalapeno and wrapped in bacon. served with house-made escabeche.---most delicious! Guacamole fonda del recuerdo, d.f. style. Ensalada De Espinacas fresh spinach salad with toasted almonds, toasted pasilla chiles and panela cheese. recipe from maria dolores torres of mexico city.

The food was delicious but the meal was ruined by the waiter. We went to celebrate our Anniversary and I won’t return for a special occasion dinner. The waiter was gruff at best and rushed us the entire time. We were so rushed through drinks and dinner we decided to return to our hotel for dessert. If you want a delicious meal at fast food pace, this is a great spot

Fonda is an institution in Austin! Any kid that went to UT will tell you that this is the place they went with their parents when they visited them at college. Terrific brunches on weekends and a dinner menu that is DELISH. You can't go wrong ordering. My favorite is the chile relleno which is so good I dream about it when I am back in Seattle. Make a reservation....this place is always PACKED!

Not your regular TexMex. More up scaled and, oh yes, more expensive, but really interesting Mexican food. Only drawback is the noise level!

I loved everything about this restaurant from the atmosphere, to the service and especially the food. It was fabulous and I would go back in a second!

Meal, Service and ambiance is great. The decor is very old world Mexico, with beautiful decor, interesting paintings. The food was wonderful. Margaritas are the best. The bar and restaurant are wheelchair accessible. Valet parking efficient and friendly.

We loved our experience from hello. The staff is lovely. The margaritas are the best and we tried a few of their specialties too. The food was spectacular, in fact no one talked and almost didn’t share. It was funny. We had a shrimp dish, chicken and pork. And all of us loved them. We can’t wait to go back. We are just sad we live far away.

Austin’s best high end Mexican restaurant is not downtown, it’s in the central Austin neighborhood of Brentwood. Fonda San Miguel has incredible food, ambience and style!

The food was amazing. Flavors were incredible. Our waiter made great recommendations. The atmosphere was just what we hoped for.. relaxing and beautiful.

Decor and atmosphere awesome, valet parking available. Go on a Tuesday, happy hour goes til close after it starts. Reservations recommended if they take them. Bacon wrapped shrimp with marinated veggies appetizer was amazing!

Went here based on the excellent reviews from TripAdvisor and even by the people we met in Austin. We got to the restaurant around 6:00 p.m. and it was already very busy. We HAD to valet park to get a parking spot...which is always ridiculous! This place has a very limited menu and it is very expensive for the items they serve. They start you off with chips and two salsa, one green and one red. Both were good. My wife got the soup with avocado, which she thoroughly enjoyed. I had a stuffed poblano pepper that was vey well done...with good heat/spice...albeit for $22.00, for ONE stuffed poblano!!! WOW. The one complaint I had was probably more our waiter than anything. We started the meal with their famous queso...it is NOT a Tex-Mex queso. The entire menu is traditional interior Mexican food...NOT Tex-Mex...although the menu did feature some enchiladas. The queso is cheese/peppers/onions seved on a hot iron plate much the way fajitas are served. Our queso came out already congealed, not sizzling and hot and melty. We didn't realize ours was served improperly until all the other diners had theirs with melty goodness. Be aware this is a lot of cheesiness for 2 people. All in all it was good, but if you go please know that it is quite pricey for Mexican food, it is NOT Tex-Mex, and if you order queso...make sure yours is served HOT!!!

The restaurant is beautiful but much bigger than we imagined. Do call ahead to make a reservation. Our meal was excellent and beautifully served. Kudos to our waiter Uriel. If in Austin, run don’t walk.

Best restaurant in Austin. Amazing ambience, very romantic setting. Professional service, which is also friendly and accommodating. Varied interior Mexican offerings that are always tasty and with a great presentation. Flavorful lamb chops, grilled shrimp great, and black beans are a must have, as is the ceviche. Best frozen margaritas in the country. Really! Love this place and look forward to going again soon.

Dear friends took me out to dinner at this majestic place. One friend I have not seen in ten years. Wonderful place to visit. We were treated like royalty. Beautiful atmosphere Beautiful music Great staff All homemade food. Appetizer - QUESOS FUNDIDO Main dish - ENCHILADAS SUIZAS Dessert - TRES LECHES CAKE Gets crowed the later it gets. Call for a reservation.

The Carne Asada was absolutely amazing. We all wished we had ordered that dish, even with the high price of $46, after trying my husband's. We will return just to be able to have this dish. Best steak we've had anywhere. The service was excruciatingly slow. It took an hour to get our food and over two hours for our entire dinner, so make a reservation and just go into it that you're going to enjoy the ambience.

The Uber driver looked puzzled and wanted to know which concierge was displacing us so far out of downtown as a group of 6 looking for the best of what Austin has to offer. While this place is cool to look at inside and out, it’s a family eatery out in suburbia rather than an upscale destination in the heart of things. Not what you want then you’re in town for just the weekend. The food was adequate and margaritas were great. The 3D portrait that looks like the Pope (but is actually the restaurant owner) is just weird. I don’t understand how this is restaurant is appearing on list after list of Austin’s top dining. It’s just not in that league and we are bewildered as to why a luxury hotel concierge would have sent us here.