Habanero Mexican Cafe Reviews

Great cheap eats for lunch

Yum, yum, yum we wanted authentic Mexican as our last meal to end our 17 day trip In Texas. This did not disappoint. Servers are fast and experienced but also super friendly. Food came out fast and everything was absolutely delicious. Totally recommend.

great local place, serves really good and authentic mexican food. important to note that this is a great tiny restaurant, but dont expect something romantic if youre coming here.

Each day they have a different lunch special for under $6 and so far what I tried was excellent. The service was great also. The only downside is the place is limited, so plan well on when you're going to go.

There are lots of Mexican restaurants in Austin, many make their way with splashy décor and fancy margaritas. Usually the food is pretty good. Well in New York it would be considered fabulous, but in Austin's competitive Mexican food environment, a much higher bar is set. Habanero is a little place with fast service, some really great food and cheap prices. No margaritas, just beer, sodas and huge glasses of iced tea. Every time we have gone there was a line of locals, but the line moves very fast. Portions are large so we have started sharing. The beef fajitas are served sizzling on an iron plates. The skirt steak is well seasoned and makes you wish you had not just eaten a whole basket of chips and a bowl of their good salsa. The chili rellenos are large and tasty, coated with pan-fried egg batter, served simply without a shovel load of extra ingredients. This is one of that group of authentic Mexican restaurants that opens at 7 am to serve the hard working construction workers their Migas. For lunch you can expect a wonderful mix of what makes up Austin, from manual laborers to computer geeks to musicians.

CASH ONLY! We had only a short wait. We were pointed to a table and took it. Chips were store bought. Salsa tasty and quite hot. Tea came in large Text sized iced tea glasses with lots of ice. Big plates of food delivered in a reasonable amount of time. Rice and beans were excellent. Crispy taco had lots of meat. Bean tostada has lots of salad and ripe tomatoes . Gringo Brito with chicken fajita meat also excellent. Everything well seasoned. Tea was fresh and limes juicy. Did not try the desserts. More food than I could finish on my plate. No tortillas served with meal. (Did not ask) No need to wait at your table for a check. They do not use them. Just go up front to the register to pay. Your check is already there. CASH ONLY

This is our favorite neighborhood restaurant, regardless of cuisine! Inexpensive food of the people, nothing on the menu is bad - believe me, I've eaten pretty much everything on it. Huge iced tea, friendly waitstaff, fast service even when busy. Austin has lots of Mexican restaurants, most of them mediocre at best. They sell themselves with lots of glitz and booze. Here, you get the feel and food of home. We consider it such, eating here at least once a week.

We tried to try the Habanero Mexican Cafe Friday afternoon. It was around 2:00 p.m. Not the lunch or dinner rush. It is a small place, while waiting to get to the front I looked around and almost half the place was empty. Be prepared it's cash only. There is an ATM inside. They gave us a 30 minute wait time. Nope, we left and went to Guero's Taco Hut on SoCo. The was a large crowd and no wait. This place may be pretty good, however I don't have patience for incompetence.

This restaurant is tucked in Austin. A hidden gem that everyone wants a piece of. The restaurant has a very authentic feel and decor. The food was juat fantastic to say the least. Had a fried burrito and it tasted like a piece of heaven. The salsa is spicy as it should and the tortilla chips were fresh and warm. We also had Tecate beer with the meal. The prices are very reasonable and the service is great. I do recommend this restaurant if you are in Austin and love authentic Mexican cuisine

Have been eating Tex-Mex in Austin for 40 years and I would rate Habanero around the top. A good menu with some unique choices along with standard Tex-Mex fare. Enchiladas with verde sauce are wonderful. South Austin is the Mecca of Tex-Mex and this lace is great. Only problem is limited seating. You have to get there early for lunch. Parking in the back and by the park.

I've driven past this cafe a million times, but when I saw that the Austin Chronicle listed it as one of the top 100 restaurants in Austin, I decided to give it a try and take my partner there for his birthday breakfast. So glad I did! It is typical Mexican breakfast fare, but especially delicious! My only small complaint is that they serve french fried potatoes with breakfasts. They are good fries, but I would prefer another type of potato. A super friendly staff makes this an excellent choice. I will try dinner or lunch there for sure!

The title says it all... Superb authentic food, family business, friendly service and prices... As close to best in class as can be!!!

We discovered this place a few months ago and have already been back three times. The hours on Trip Advisor are wrong; they only stay open until 3pm. We had their beef fajitas, carne asada, and steak ranchero. They were all seasoned well and were flavorful. The Horchata is large and delicious. This place gets really busy around lunch time. There is always a wait. I recommend coming at an off time for a shorter wait time. We’ve never had problems finding parking, but again, we come during off times.

Eggs ok. Service ok. Kind of crowded. Menu selection ok. Friendly and warm. If you like cumin ask for enchiladas verdes. A T M available.

All things considered: Quantity and quality of the food, prompt, friendly service, and price, Habanero's is probably the best Mexican restaurant in Austin. Every year during Lent, they have a special menu or 6 or 7 items that includes grilled cat fish sautéed in mixed peppers, tomatoes and onions, shrimp enchiladas, and vegetarian enchiladas. This is in addition to their 2 daily lunch specials. Wednesday's beef or chicken fajjitas are excellent. Their gordita's (Mexican hamburgers) and also a treat. The salsa is very tasty and will definitely get your attention. I do not think you will be disappointed by a visit to this restaurant. While they open at 7am everyday, they are only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday.

delicious tex mex menu and yummy horchata. Huge menu and super affordable with gigantic portions. Chips and salsa are delicious and all of the tacos and enchiladas were amazing. It gets crowded but is worth the wait. Staff is friendly and attentive and service is quick.

We ate dinner at Habanero cafe this weekend and we were not disappointed. The beef fajitas and corn tortillas were excellent. We ordered nachos supreme for a appetizer and beef fajitas for two, it was difficult to finish everything and with drinks cost only $35 dollars. Highly recommend this restaurant.

my husband, 13 y/o son, and i went to habanero on a recent trip to austin. my husband found it online and threw it out as an option for saturday lunch, along with some tried and true chain restaurants. my 13 y/o son wanted to try something different, so habanero it was! we were all very impressed with our meals, as well as the chips and hot sauce. everything was delicious! service was good and prices were reasonable. the place is small and unassuming...but those weren't bad things!!

Deep in South Austin just off of South 1st Street,an authentic Mexican restaurant serving both Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine.At breakfast mid week excellent spicy queso,guac and salsa,vegetarian tacos,ranchero plate,chuletas ranchero and Zack attack plate.Bodega like ambiance with good service and very fair prices.Relatively small so probably gets busy on weekends.

Currently my favorite table salsa. Superb veggie enchiladas and tacos. Avoid breakfast here and don't be surprised when your dish comes with fries on the side.

As vegetarians, we got the El Gringo burritos. Embarrassing order, but oh so good. Will go back every time I'm in Austin.

My new favorite place. Small, not noisy and delicious food. I had the veggie enchiladas (best I've ever had). My husband had the chicken fajitas. So tender and tasty! Even the beans and rice were great. We will definitely be back.

Family-owned Mexican restaurant, no frills, just good food. Service is great and so is the food. Closes at 3 PM most days. No charge cards, just cash. Wonderful food!

Seriously amazing food and vibe. My husband is from Mexico and raved about the bean soup and rice. He said it was just like his mom made. He’s a chef (graduated from the CIA) so for him to rave about the meal says a lot. It’s a bit of a hole in the wall but totally worth the visit if you want truly authentic Mexican food. Oh…and definitely order the horchata…delicious!!

This is one of 3 spots we love for Mexican breakfast, brunch or lunch. It is in a house like structure on Oltorf just west of south congress. The service and food are pure Mexican and the food is served quick and it's tasty. Some tips: it is cash only, it can get busy and you may have a wait and park in back. They have great charro beans, tacos and huevos rancheros. The salsa is perfect and they poor it from large pitchers. Holds its own with Curra's and Cisco's for morning Mex!

Amazing! The best breakfast tacos. Amazing, attentive staff. Very welcoming. Charming atmosphere. You have to check out this spot. It’s a hidden gem. Try the Migas, Michado, or if you want traditional- the BACON-EGG-Cheese hits hard.

Got breakfast here before a hike, and it was delicious fuel for a successful day out on nature! We tried cheese enchiladas, tamales, flair as. Friendly service, reasonable prices. Not fancy, but real good food.

I'm not a huge fan of Tex-Mex but this place is great & cheap! Lives up to the hype. The mesquite flavor of the grill is delicious on asada & fish tacos. Fried burrito was filling & yummy. A must visit in Austin!

We were visiting my son and he found the place for my wife, who loves Hispanic food. The place is small but the food was great. Service was excellent and staff friendly. They accommodated changes with ease. I had shrimp quesadilla and the shrimp was cooked to perfection. My son had three different tacos, beef,chicken and pork and asked for it spicy. He also was thrilled. He lives there and said he would definitely return. My wife is on a diet and ordered the taco salad with fajita beef. Also a hit. Enjoy.

Not the best I ever had but way above average. The place was packed and that is always a good sign.

Eat here on a fairly regular basis and have never been disappointed! Worth the wait (as there most times is a wait) but it's worth sticking around for once you get seated. Service is great and the food is excellent!

Staffs are friendly. We decided on takeaway since there was a wait and we had 2 young kids with us. The food however was too salty and oily for my taste.

We went on a Sun. at 8am while many were still at church. Plenty of seats. We ordered some of the breakfast platters and they were amazing. I had the deluxe ranchero plate, that spicy sauce was to die for. The fries are pan fried just like the old school way my parents use to make them. Ordered the horchata, which was like jumbo size and sooo good. Never had the Xangos so we ordered that and it was very good as well. I noticed elderly Mexicans coming in and order the soup which was old school with the big piece of potatoes, corn and meat in it. If I had space in my stomach I would have ordered that as well. Love it, if we are ever in Austin again this will be our stop each time!

Terrific chips and salsa, large portions, get there a little before 5 because it fills up quick.

On a busy Saturday night (our first in Austin) we found Habanero via Tripadvisor. It was wonderful, fast & very reasonably priced. We had a variety of menu items & each was delicious. We finished at the perfect time to view the emergence of bats on the Commerce St. bridge.

I am a native Texan living in LA. I was in Austin briefly and found this place on yelp. I will always go back every time I go to Austin. Top notch Tex-Mex, everything you could want. The chips and salsa were excellent. And the guacamole? Wow. As good as it gets. My hard shell taco (I am a fanatic) was outstanding. More cumin than normal, which made me very happy. And the cheese enchilada with chili sauce was just right. Also the service was great! Loved it.

If you have a big appetite, Habanero Mexican Cafe always serves plentiful portions. I had machacado and eggs with potatoes, and beans. The sauce was thick, tasty, and really flavorful. Everyone enjoyed their selections. The menu has great a great variety and everything I have had has been very well prepared.

Great local hole in the wall with authentic Tex-Mex grub. Excellent service, reasonable prices, casual atmosphere, family friendly, alcohol served.

I’ve never been to a restaurant that i absolutely loved everything I’ve tried .. except for when I went to habanero. The best Tex mex I’ve ever had- the beef fajitas were out of this world. I had the rice and pinto beans - delicious and prices are great. Can’t wait to visit Austin again and return here. We had our 8 month old daughter and the place is tight but we brought a booster seat we put her in and it worked out fine.

Authentic Mexican food. Very happy about it. The breakfast tacos are delicious and the coffee is amazing. The staff is so so nice - I love it that they are perfectly bilingual. Highly recommend the nuevos rancheros and the egg/bacon/guacamole tacos. If I lived here, I would come every week! Buenísimo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Our party of six thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at this cafe. Great chips and salsa, awesome enchiladas! Reasonable prices, friendly service, super casual. I'll be back!

Had lunch here recently with a couple buddies. Good stuff! Lots of variety. Very reasonable prices. Food was tasty and interesting, not your typical boring Tex Mex.Service was quick and friendly.

We tried to go to dinner last night and it was dark inside! Are they still open?? With such high reviews, it would be sad if they shut

Go for the food...order the daily specia...any day, any special! And they're like $6 or so for a genrous plate of food. This place consistently delivers. Even the standard fare like fajitas and enchiladas are worth it. And their charra beans are the best in town. Lunch can get crowded so it's best to get there a little before noon, especially on Wednesday (fajitas ranchero special) and Friday (it's Friday). Enjoy...

Great food at best prices in Austin. The place is small and service is uneven, but the plates are worth the wait and price.

I've lived in Austin for 16 years and eaten at Habanero for 10. It's not the best Mexican food, but it is close, and it is cheap. NEVER AGAIN. I went there this Saturday at 4pm to meet a friend. They close at 5 and on the way in I took stock of the seating situation. About half the tables were empty. As I walk in the owner, who is almost always at the front, asked how he could help. I said I'm going to meet friend but I'd like to just grab a table. At this point, I hadn't eaten all day, and I desperately needed some chips and queso. The owner replied - we don't seat incomplete parties I said - half your tables are empty (this was with inquesitive, pleading tone) The owner replied - yeah (this wasn't a standard yeah. it was a yeah like he'd readied himself for an argument. At that point, I unhappily took my seat. My friend arrived and the owner so quickly ushered him in that I couldn't try to disuade him. After the queso hit, my friend had successfully calmed me until I see the next table. The owner sat an incomplete party right after us. The big difference being that group was Hispanic. BTW, the friend who joined me was also Hispanic and received immensely better treatment. I'd long recognized that Hispanic people who speak Spanish were more warmly received at Habanero. I never realized that it went so far as to a true double standard in rude vs kind treatment. My friend and I finished our meal. Being the stubborn person, I am - I said to the owner - you sat an incomplete party right after me The owner said - yeah (with the same what are you gonna do about it attitude) I said - I've eaten here for a decade, and I'm going to have to think long and hard before I eat here (this was one of the points that bummed me out most. It was 100% honest that'd I'd eaten there for a decade and brought many friends there through the years. The owner didn't care in the least) I said - have you had a bad week (I was trying to give him an out. any out. he just had to grab the line and say yeah, it's been a little tough) He replied - actually, I've had a great week. It's only when I have to deal with PEOPLE like you who try to tell me how to run my business that I get upset (the owner not only burned the bridge. he poored napalm on it and stocked the water with pirahnas.) I informed the owner to give the remaining change to the waitress (roughly $7.80 on an after tax tab of $32.80), and I walked out. I've never experienced anything like that in my life. Most people would say he was having a bad day or the incomplete parties deal is his peragotive. Both true on some levels, but when combined with the incomplete application of the rules and the absurd difference in treatment between how I was received and even how my friend was received, it sure felt like racism to me.

Visited just before the rush of weekend brunchers crowded it. The place is rather small and devoid of any unnecessary décor, giving it a homey feel that is very welcoming. The attendants were efficient and friendly. Tried the chili Colorado, tacos, gorditas and picadillo. Everything was delicious and served generously. Worth the ride there, and not a far walk to the shops on Congress. A great stop for great food.

This place hits all the buttons, good food, nice setup and fast service. Centrally located is nice as well. Parking is a push but so is everywhere else in the area, just part of the charm. Worth looking into

Pros: Completely authentic Mexican food! Served hot and delicious! The flavor and quantity were well over the asking price. Service was impeccable and the food was incredible! The owners spend time investing in their staff and the qaulity of this food and the service and it shows! Went on a Sunday for lunch and it was packed! Full house for hours, but so worth the wait! Cons: A bit of a challenge to find if your from out of town but still well worth the drive. The decor is simple and true. Expect no frivolousness. The place is a bit smaller but well, the food makes up! Bravo to the owners!

I eat on a semi-regular basis, mostly because of the Charro beans (the cheese enchiladas are not worth a second order), and I live in the neighborhood. I go in for a $20 To Go order and as my credit card is transacting I ask if there is any salsa in the bag. An older guy (i.e. not some disaffected slacker, possibly an owner or manager), tells me that I did not order any. I spy a large bin full of small containers of salsa behind him so I ask if he can throw a few of those in. He replies they are .25 cents a piece. My credit card had already gone through so I just replied "never mind..."

Looking for good Mexican food and found it! Especially love the chicken quesadilla so much we took one to go. It was very crowded but they fit us in. Friendly staff. Remember to bring cash 😊

I love Habanero and think it is one of the most underrated mexican restaurants in Austin. It is casual and small, but the beef fajitas (ranchero is you like spicy) are the best I have ever had. If you want a low key, but great, dinner. Check out Habanero.

Good place!

Away for years, dreaming of their caldo and tripas the last thing I expected was to be recognized and greeted in such a friendly way.The food was excellent as always, it seems Habaneros is one thing in Austin that hasn't changed.

We go here with locals. It's their little hideaway. And I know why too! Service was fast. Food was exactly what I wanted every time. Everyone seems to know everyone there. One visit put this little tucked away place at the top of my list. Unless of course I want to spend more money. This place is very affordable enough to bring the whole family.

Good little house converted into a restaurant. Hot and spicy Mexican food, reasonably priced. Enjoyed the tacos!!! Will be back again soon!

Authentic Mexican food. The salsa is hot and the chips fresh. This is our annual trip to Austin and we always eat at this restaurant. It doesn't matter which food item you choose you will not be disappointed. Very muted seating but worth the wait.

The hot sauce was excellent. I like it hot and I was not disappointed. If you like the chain salsa, this will be hot for you. The verde chicken enchiladas were really flavorful. Guacamole was fresh & excellent. Portions were good. Plenty to eat. My wife had veggie tacos and raved about the flavors. I will take her word on the veggie stuff! We definitely will return as this was our first visit.

We visited this restaurant because we were in business in Austin , The food was delicious but I specially loved the Charro beans, the staff was very friendly and the prices were very affordable plus establishment was very clean.

They only take cash and the prices are incredible. Salsa amazing. My pork chops, beans, rice were done perfectly and only $12.00. They've been around forever. Wait Staff excellent.

Great 24 hour breakfasts. I love Huevos Gringos and their Fajitas. Eggs are soft with creamy cheese queso, and beans. Great with warm fresh tortillas.

Only being in town for a few days it was very important to not waste a single meal at a less than spectacular restaurant. We went to Habanero's for breakfast on our first day and went be back again the next day. It was that good! Being a frequent traveler to Mexico we are no strangers to authentic Mexican cooking and this was spot on! I'd go back just for the house-made salsa...

OK, I'm a little reticent to write a review of Habanero. Not because my opinion is negative, by no means. But, because I would love to keep this wonderful place a secret! This is a "must" for a visit to Austin! The food and prices and unbeatable! The atmosphere is comfortable and unpretentious. The staff is attentive. You can't go wrong!

this is a small but good place.bought lunch for the wife and inlaws and was very reasonably priced.had the carne asada and good chips and salsa.washed down with a few dos equis.everyone got something different and everyone was pleased.How often does that happen?we had to wait about 15 minutes to get a table but after that we had great service.good food and reasonable price.

Two of my co-workers and myself go to the Habanero Mexican Cafe at least twice a month. We usually go on Thursdays for that day's special: Chuletas Rancheras, which includes two thinly cut pork chops in a ranchero sauce, grilled onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, guacamole, rice and beans. We usually get there around 11AM and occasionally have to wait for a few minutes for a table due to the popularity of this restaurant. They have other daily specials for about $6 a plate as well. My other favorite lunch item is Grilled Shrimp Ranchero which includes lots of shrimp in a ranchero sauce, grilled onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, guacamole, rice and beans for about $9 a plate. Chips and salsa are included when ordering a meal and both are refreshed as needed. Staff are very responsive, friendly and have a great sense of humor. I always request no rice and guacamole with my orders and when they deliver my plate they'll often say "Chuletas Rancheros with extra rice or Chuletas Rancheros with extra guacamole" with a really big smile! Due to all the favorable reviews by Tripadvisor members, the Habanero Mexican Cafe is rated in the top 3% of all restaurants in Austin at the time of this review. And the reason why? Great food at great prices and wonderful staff. Bring your family or friends or go solo as you will not be disappointed.

We go regularly to Habanero because the food is consistently well prepared, plentiful, and delicious. My husband likes to have a steak dinner and I usually have a taco. The spiciness is just right. The hot sauce is flavorful and while the restaurant is small, as soon as customers leave, there are more coming in.

Place is small, but worth the wait. Great service and food!!! Since we were from out of town for a big event, we were looking for that little place no one else knew about lol. So glad we found this restaurant, we will definitely come back when we are in town.

Excellent real-deal Mexican cafe, fresh ingredients, tasty & genuine - definitely the real deal - lovely breakfasts!

This was my first stop in Austin. I'm from NYC where there isn't a huge Mexican food scene, so when I saw the reviews for Habanero Cafe, I was super excited for authentic Mexican cuisine. And I wasn't disappointed! I ordered the beef fajitas and a breakfast taco for good measure. Every piece of the entree, down to the sides of rice and beans, was perfectly seasoned. Even the chips and salsa were tasty! The restaurant itself is cozy with an authentic Tex Mex feel. The staff is extremely courteous. And for the quantity of food you get, this place is c-h-e-a-p. I easily found street parking at 1PM on a Friday and was seated immediately.

In town for holiday celebrations with family, we were determined to find food we’d fallen in love with while living in Austin in the 1970s and 80s. As a baseline, our forever favorite Tex-Mex was found (sometimes twice a day!) at Carmen’s La Tapatia on East 6th Street. Discovered Habanero’s via Eater.com on the list for best classic Tex-Mex. Arrived after the lunch rush and were quickly seated with a basket of warm chips and excellent bowl of salsa. Needing to save room for a family gathering, we elected to split the Grilled Veggie Taco Plate and ordered two tall glasses of iced tea. Food came promptly, but during the short wait we noted both customers (an eclectic mix of blue- and white-collar workers, multi-generational families, loners, and couples) and plates (*everything* looked enticing, well-plated and sized appropriately – no trashcan lid sized plates overflowing with gunky yellow cheese). Our food was delicious. When it came time to pay the bill, we walked up to the counter and the cashier knew exactly what we ordered and we paid up (cash-only). Reminded us again of the old days when your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant was like going home to family. Will definitely return on our next Austin visit.

this is a worthy option for classic Mexican food. The salsa is a little off, as are the chips, but the other dishes were pretty good. It definitely beats the Tex-Mex garbage, but you can get that here too. Being from California, the bar for Mexican food is set rather high. The above rating was created in relationship to other Mexican food options in Austin. Probably 2* at home.

First time here and both my mom and I were very content with the food, service and environment. I got the gordita plate and was not disappointed at all! My mom has the enchiladas verdes with ground beef and she enjoyed it as well. The plates come with refried beans and rice and guacamole or pico d Gallo. We will be back! It is cash only though so make sure you take enough for all your cravings.

My family and I are from deep South Texas and wanted real authentic Mexican food like back in the valley. This place is absolutely fantastic and as Authentic as they come. My favorite was the Migas...great service!!!!!

A great place with great food. We have breakfast here every time we come to Austin. We keep saying we’re going to have lunch but can’t resist the breakfast!

Two of us arrived close to 1:00, the busy lunch time. Waited only 10 minutes to be seated. Service was swift and courteous. The kitchen prepares everything fresh and it took maybe 15 minutes. Both our entrees came with Mexican rice, pico de gaio and refried beans. Everything was delicious. Portions were large - saw many people taking leftovers home, as did we. Tables and chairs are rustic and close together but work fine.

The food here never disappoints. The best daily special (IMO) is the mesquite grilled fajitas on Wednesday. I've eaten this fir years and years and have never been disappointed

Talk about a hole in the wall. But man - this place rocks... some of the best Mexican food I’ve had ever. Service is good. Excellent guacamole and salsa. Large portions of food. You won’t leave hungry. I highly recommend

I use to love this place but they are never opened. We got there 15 before closing and we got denied. What Hours and days are they opened, called no answer, went by and they are closed. When the heck are they open, website hours aren’t accurate.

I always try to stop at this place when I am in Austin. I love their piccadillo and the quaint neighborhood feel of this eatery.

My son and I were in Austin and he found this cafe on YELP, and I am so glad he did. Everything from the time we walked in until we left was perfect. From the salsa and chips to the enchilada's and fajitas... I would definitely be a regular if I lived in Austin! The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was as well! We will definitely be back ~

The is THE best mexican food I have had in the last 8-10 years. THe only drawback is that the place is very small and at lunchtime, the place gets pretty crowded.

My wife and I frequent Habanero for Sunday lunch with our grandson (age 9). There is always a wait, but the wait never seems to be too long (we typically arrive about 11:45). I am not sure why another reviewer suggested avoiding Habanero for breakfast. While I don't really enjoy eggs, both my wife and grandson often order migas. I have had many of the other offerings without disappointment. Salsa is great.

It has been 4 years since I added a new menudo place on here. Tried this place last week. Very good menudo. The only issue I had was the chair they sat me was very uncomfortable. But the decor was good and the food definitely above par.

Excellent Mexican food made for those who like the real thing.Welcoming staff,great service and amazing value. Cash only

My husband and I love this restaurant. We have been eating here for over 10 years whenever we come to Austin. My favorite is the Carnitas plate and his is the Catfish Ranchero. My mouth is watering now! Staff is friendly and service is very good. Their hours have changed over the years and now they are only open on Fridays for dinner. Other days are breakfast and lunch only.

Wow, sometimes the smallest places are the best. This restaurant was small but momma was in the back preparing the best food ever! We had chicken fajitas which were served with an abundance of grilled green peppers and onions. The salsa was absolutely the freshest salsa I have ever had (no jar salsa used here!). The refried beans, rice, queso, chips, and fajitas' fixings were equally good. Best of all the prices were very reasonable, service was incredible, and our meal was served super fast. I would highly recommend you stop by for lunch or dinner! We will absolutely return the next time we are in town.

Loved the salsa.....Hot! And the carne asada, and menudo. The restaurant only has 15 small tables, but they take care of you quickly and efficiently. We also had the cheesecake dessert that was deep fried with caramel!!

Had the breakfast tacos. The chips and salsa was very delicious. Beef fajitas had a lot of flavor. Great value.

Habanero is a quaint family run restaurant located in South Austin. Their primary focus is on delivering a great meal and it shows. The food is very authentic and the service always comes with a smile. They are open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays and dinner on the weekend. They have specials on each of the week, with Fajita Rancheros on Wednesday's. This place is packed during lunch on weekdays and early reservations is recommended.

They take CASH only (ATM in seating area), usually very crowded with longish wait times and somewhat noisy. The decor is dated and their processes antiquated. Please don't go. 😀 Too many people already know about this great gem. The regular salsa is outstanding and then when supplemented with the spicy Habanero salsa the salsa & chips is an awesome staple. The daily (Mon-Fri) lunch specials are very affordable. My favorite is the Thursday Carne Guisada. That is my go to dish even when not the special. The pork is so tender and the sauce is always reliably delicious! Definitely get your CASH money's worth here. I also love their Carne Asada tacos with Pico de gallo & hot sauce (salsa). You usually see lot of take out orders being also provided. One last quirk is you don't ask for the check from waitress when dining in...you just go to cashier and settle your tab there. Stay away...please 😎

had a great meal here. small place, great value. Obviously popular with the locals. The people who work there are great and I would definitely go back

Not bad, but bad at all... Went to lunch there because a friend was in town and wanted Tex Mex... And I was in the mood to try someplace new... Found this place online and decided to give it a go. On a Sunday around 11 am we were able to be seated right away but around 1130am, it started to fill up.... Not many seats in this place so get there early.. We decided to go for the chicken and beef fajitas... Spicy. Well worth it... For my taste buds it was not that spicy, just a little kick which is good... But my friend from California said it was hot... Guess living in Austin has toughen my tolerance for heat. It was good... Very good. It came with beans, rice, guacamole, and a choice of corn or flour tortillas. The fajitas came on a hot skillet, and on a bed of onions, peppers, and tomatoes. All Good. Be sure to bring cash, as they accept Credit Cards.. But there is an ATM in the lobby. Parking is all around, very little up front but plenty out back. We will be back.. They do a lot of business and it shows.. There was a line when we were leaving.

Great chips and salsa and great food! The place is a little small, but they do a good job of keeping people moving. Overall, an Austin highlight!

A group of us went here the other day for the first time, even though this place has been around for years. We were seated and received waters, salsa and chips quickly. Their chips are really good because they're not too salty or thin. I ordered a combo chicken/beef fajita quesadillas, and they were delicious. They weren't my favorite, but I'd order them again. Wish they had had more veggies on them, and the meat seemed a little overcooked. Our food came super fast, so I think a lot of the ingredients (like the meat) may have been in a warmer or something. Next time we go, we'll go earlier in the lunch rush instead of later. My vegetarian friend had the potato/egg/cheese burritos, and the other two had enchiladas. Everyone's plates were empty, so I assume they enjoyed theirs as much as I enjoyed mine. Overall, the service was excellent, food good, and prices were reasonable. Will return for sure.

Fantastic breakfast. and great salsa. There might be a line at weekends but it's locals not tourists. a must visit along with "Little Mexico" restaurant nearby. Both great

Nice hidden Mexican spot on West Oltorf that offers great service and tasteful/bland. I tried the chicken Verde enchiladas what the chips and salsa which is very good .Just an f.y.i they usually take cash only and is closed by 3 p.m. during the weekday.

Family owned and operated. Cash only. Food was great and plenty of it. We had the Zack Attack and Chili Relleno for lunch. Check their hours as they usually close at 3 except on Friday and Saturday(?). Lots of menu items to choose from for all folks.

Amazing mexican food! They have lengua (beef tongue) and Tripas (beef intestine). Very delicious and hard to find. There is also usual tex mex. Love that there is both tex mex and authentic. Great service, cash only but there is ATM. Will be back many more times!

First visit, so I ordered my standard test & personal favorite - the migas plate. This one got an A+. Great texture, fresh pico, and all around delicious. I ordered it with beans and potatoes and was surprised to get French fries, but they were fresh not frozen, and really good. The refried beans were well seasoned. My spouse ordered the spicy shrimp torta with rice & beans. While they weren't very spicy, the shrimp were tasty and the sandwich was great. He said the guacamole was exceptional and the bread was perfection. We both loved the house salsa. We will definitely return.

Very disappointing. Our waitress brought us chips, salsa, waters and menus when we arrived.....and then she disappeared for 20 minutes. When I saw her again, I asked if we could order. She said "sure, i'll be back in just a minute." She was gone for another 20 minutes. We FINALLY ordered our food and it took a long time to arrive. The food was sub-par. I ordered chicken fajitas. They were supposed to be served over a bed of onion and peppers......the onions were BURNT so black they were inedible. The peppers were RAW. The chicken was ok, but wasn't really cut properly for fajitas. Given the wait, I had been hoping for some great food, but this food was just gross. Everything about this place was a disappointment.

Had time before the flight so googled mapped Mexican restaurants south of downtown and choose Habanero. Quesadilla Habanero stuffed with fajita beef was cooked evenly and perfectly spiced. Chicken enchiladas were moist with just the right seasoning. Guacamole was chunky and fresh as opposed to being pureed yesterday and stored overnight. Chips were excellent. Only thing missing is a margarita.

My wife, son, and I ate lunch here on a Saturday. 20-30 minute wait. Was well worth the wait. Family style, family owned restaurant. Great Tex-Mex food. If I lived in Austin, I'd eat there every week.

This place is small so get there early. I really liked the salsa although some people might think it is too hot. It tasted like it had a touch of habanero which I liked. Everyone was pleased with their meal as we had the breakfast tacos, the tacos (Picadillo and Barbacoa), and a combo plate. I was hoping the Picadillo would be the same style as in Mexico, but it was not. It was more like the typical Tex-Mex taco. The ground beef tasted fresh though and the refried beans tasted fresher and more fluffy than most places. Also, the guacamole that came with it was fresh and tasted good. I found myself dressing the tacos with lots of the salsa for some kick. If you like Tex-Mex, I think you will really like this place as it it fresh and a good value.

We have been on a quest for the best Tex Mex Mexican food in the Austin area. This is the place we've been after. Great nachos! Chili relleno was awesome. Old school perfection.

my first migas, love their huevos rancheros, migas and weekend caldo.

Enjoyed it years ago, finally went back. Saw on the menu a favorite of mine - Chile Colorado. Waitress suggested one corn and one flour tortilla. Gosh the entire meal was a disappointment. The Red Chile tasted like vinegar based barbeque sauce and the meat was overwhelmed by onions. In addition, both the corn and flour tortillas were rubbery. I hope that their other dishes are truer to their original roots and the restaurant hasn't fallen prey to "americanizing" their dishes.

Stopped here after Jester King Craft Brewery. Started with complimentary chips with habanero salsa (mucho caliente) continuing with lunch tacos: carne asada, pollo ranchero, carne ranchero, y picadillo... Excellente! $2tacos... $8 total without tip. Try your Spanish; they're very accommodating and gracious. My husband said, 'everything cheap here!'

Very good and authentic Mexican fare. The caldo de Reyes available on weekends was outstanding. This is a modest family owned restaurant and your expectations should match. Great for lunch but a little too tight for a relaxing evening dinner.

Habanero's is a really good option if you are looking for good Mexican food in the Austin area without moving into the more commercialized and expensive options. It is a popular place and seating is limited, so give yourself a little bit of time to wait to be seated. The service was very good and added to our enjoyment of the meal. We would recommend Habanero's to others and would dine here again.

Our first meal upon arriving in Austin, easy to find (with GPS) and the food was splendid - Tex-Mex, best I've ever had. They don't take plastic - cash only - but there is an ATM inside. Be prepared to wait a little bit, depending on the time of day. There is a ramp for disabled guests.

Authentic Mexican restaurant with great Mexican beer and salsa to die for. Good and fast service. Well worth the visit a little bit outside of the down town area.