2 Best Restaurants in South Austin and South Congress District, Austin

If you're looking for high-quality authentic Mexican food, head to Curra's. Their house-made cochinita pibil is moist and tender and the enchiladas are a cut above most local establishments. Try the enchiladas con chile Colorado, filled with melted Monterey Jack cheese and braised pork-tip, marinated in guajillo and chipotle sauces. Portions are hearty, and the house avocado margarita has a devoted fan base. There's another lively location in the Hyde Park neighborhood just north of downtown.

This south Austin landmark has been slinging classic Tex-Mex cuisine since 1952, and while Austin foodie trends tend to overlook this family favorite, you'll hear few complaints from its steady crowd of happy diners. Combination dinners are many and varied, with all the usual standbys: tamales, crispy tacos, and more. Diehards swear by the chiles rellenos, enchiladas, and Bob Armstrong dip (queso with taco meat, guacamole, and sour cream). House margaritas, like the prickly pear, are pleasant palate cleansers. The expansive dining room can get noisy at peak hours, but the large outdoor patio is lovely in good weather.