El Arroyo

Came for the Memes, stayed for the food. The Place has a good vibe. Chips and Salsa were very good, maybe too spicy for the sensitive lot but I enjoyed it. I didn't know what to try so had the El Arroyo special, again it was very good. Had an Original Margarita, the first one was Very very good, so good I wished I could make one like that. I ordered a second, the second was one of the worst I have ever had. It was a fresh batch and I think the mix got screwed up. All I could taste was the mix, no alcohol, it was a bitter sweet mess. I can confidently say that it's the 1st Margarita in my life that I could not finish and that's saying a lot. If you are in town and thinking about giving it a try, go for the heck of it, just don't put it up on too high a pedestal.

El Arroyo, an Austin Icon...still a very cool place, love coming here after 43+ years, it hasn't really changed much. Very cozy, nice friendly crowds and the restaurant staff are the best. Love eating at one of the outdoor dining areas. Spent many years driving 5th Street just to see what was on the sign. And OMGosh so much food, I had the enchiladas with crispy chips and tasty salsa, not too hot. With so many changes Austin has gone thru over the years, it's so nice to know you are still here.

I have seen posts of the El Arroyo sign messages for years! I was in the Austin area and made a point to carve out time to visit, not only for the sign but to also partake in some TexMex! The food was delicious. The only thing is it was $40 for lunch for 2 people! The serving size was what I usually see for dinner, but still a bit more expensive than I am accustomed to paying.

After years of wanting to try this place, I finally did! Their chimichanga was delicious! I ordered it with the verde sauce on top instead of the red sauce. I always get chips and queso at every Mexican restaurant I visit, and it was okay, a little on the thick side, almost like they just microwaved a block of velveeta and the salsa was not as spicy and flavorful as others I've had, but the chips were crunchy and yummy. I tried a bite of my husband's ground beef taco and it was seasoned very good too. Although the restaurant is not that big inside, I love the whole atmosphere and of course, their marquee is always hilarious! Very Austin!

We came in after a long run along ladybird lake. There was no free parking so we used the app to pay. There was a nice porch with seating, but no fans outside so we chose to sit inside where they squeezed us in during lunch hour. The AC was very cold inside! They brought us water and chips and we’re very attentive to our needs. The salsa was hot and delicious! We ordered fajitas, burrito, and ceviche. Will definitely order the ceviche again!

Fun place for drinks and food. Picture is of nachos I specifically asked to have the chips separately so the don’t get soggy. Try it sometime. El Arroyo got it right. Many other places can’t figure that out. Salsa had some slow building heat, chips were served fresh and warm. The food came out quickly and at the right temperature. Trey who served me did a great job.