If living in Kyle has taught us anything, it’s that we definitely used to take authentic Mexican food for granted. But after countless tacos and margaritas, it’s understandable if you’re starting to feel like there’s nothing left to try. That’s where we come in – below, you’ll find our picks for the best Mexican restaurants you can visit right now.
Texican Cafe
$ | (512) 262-7680 | WEBSITE
This is not a hot take, but Texican Cafe is the best Mexican spot I’ve ever tried. Without it, so many of the other great places in Kyle wouldn’t feel quite right – the taco stands, the family joints, the upscale cantinas, etc. And, although the generous portions, friendly service, and consistently tasty food stand out, there’s something else that I always think about whenever I talk about this place: The fajita chimichanga.
Especially, that combination fajita platter, which seems to put every diner at the table directly under its spell. And, from the moment I tasted it, the verde enchiladas had the same effect on me. Whenever it comes up, it’s like a craving I can’t shake, and I inevitably find myself calling ahead and driving to Kyle.
Los Vaqueros Cafe & Grill
$ | (512) 262-0336 | WEBSITE
Los Vaqueros has only been serving breakfast for a few months now, and it’s already one of my favorite new morning spots in Kyle. It follows the same cozy, homey formula that made their lunch and dinner so popular—tasty Tex-Mex food, excellent margaritas, and servers who actually listen when you ask for something special. It’s comforting, reliable, and will briefly make you forget you’re eating at a restaurant. Briefly.
Starting your day here with a plate of their huevos rancheros will only heighten that effect. The converted-house space reminds me of the neighborhood joints I grew up eating at in Texas, where everybody knows each other’s order and the atmosphere feels more like a friend’s kitchen than a business. There isn’t really a bad choice on the menu, but if you don’t get at least a few sopaipillas for dessert, you’ve done yourself a disservice.
Head to their back parking lot off the main road, or just walk in and grab a table—you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.
Taqueria BRIANAS’S
$ | (512) 921-5826 | WEBSITE
While we all wait for the next great food truck to seize the local dining zeitgeist/give us something to text our friends about, might I suggest revisiting Taqueria BRIANAS’S, the acclaimed Mexican spot known for its exceptional gorditas, mini tacos, and delectable burritos?
Not only is the shredded chicken burrito – prepared and cooked to perfection – fantastic and flavorful, but the establishment particularly excels at capturing the unique blend of comfort, authenticity, and casual dining that fills a food truck experience in Kyle. In the times before everyone started staying home, you could witness all of those things on a random afternoon at Taqueria BRIANAS’S, the truck located with its comfortable outdoor seating area.
Now, you can get their signature gorditas or shredded chicken burritos from the truck; replicating the outdoor comfort is up to you.
Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant
$ | (512) 262-0429 | WEBSITE
I almost can’t believe this place exists. It combines all of my favorite things – families laughing over massive plates, Maty’s perfect hospitality, and apparently, yelling at my server, begging for another basket of chips with that addictive red and green salsa. Let’s just say I’ve had to wrestle with a lot of complex hunger pangs while getting through their menu.
And whenever I want to return to my own authentic, flavorful, margarita-obsessed cravings (and trust me, that’s pretty often) or just want some of the best Mexican food in Kyle (much more often), I head to Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant.
This popular spot for family dinners does Mexican food the way I grew up eating it – which means generous portions, a liberal meat policy in those quesadillas, and something called the breakfast tacos, a delicious morning option that comes with eggs, tortillas, and savory fillings that’s an all-out-brawl of flavor in your mouth. Just bring a jacket since it can get chilly, or find them ready to welcome you with friendly service.
taqueria la reyna kyle
As someone who’s been chasing authentic Mexican flavors across Texas, of course I’m heading to Taqueria La Reyna Kyle. What’s not to love about this place? Rich, savory pastor tacos, exceptional barbacoa, that surprisingly decadent hamburger, friendly Spanish-speaking staff who make you feel welcome, and, you know, that down-to-earth charm. And not that I’ve planned this out or anything, but, for the sake of this review, if we were to hypothetically grab a casual lunch, it would probably be here.
Maybe I’d sheepishly admit their legendary Al Pastor is almost too authentic for my usual Tex-Mex expectations, perhaps we’d share an order of those intriguing horse meat tacos while I ask about their secret to such rich flavors. Who knows? Like I said, I haven’t given this much thought at all. Taqueria La Reyna Kyle is that hidden gem in TexMex country that makes you feel like you’re actually in Mexico.
La Hawaiiana Pollo al Carbón #2
$ | (512) 578-6643 | WEBSITE
First off, whether you’ve been to Kyle or not, you need to try these tacos. Second off – if you haven’t had pastor tacos from La Hawaiiana Pollo al Carbón #2, what the hell are you doing? Not only are these some of the best tacos in town, but they’re also a perfect casual meal for the whole family. While it’s technically “kid-friendly” (with the casual vibe and outdoor seating to match), the menu also deftly sneaks in flavors like rich chorizo and super savory hamburger.
They also, as my one friend put it, “Include a surprisingly addictive green cream salsa.” Like I said, the perfect spot. But to return to the pastor tacos we began this blurb with, one of the best places to find them is at La Hawaiiana Pollo al Carbón #2 in Kyle. Warm corn tortillas are filled with juicy, marinated pastor – and is definitely fit for both the hungry parent, master of wrangling kids, and you, the master of getting salsa all over your shirt.
La Hawaiiana Pollo al Carbón #2 is available for outdoor seating, just pull up near that busy street.
Taquizas La Salsa Voladora
$ | (512) 578-6643 | WEBSITE
Here’s the deal – I’ve never actually been to Mexico, but the entire country’s culinary traditions are currently represented in Kyle, and at some point last Tuesday, I accidentally ate my weight in tacos. Is it fine dining? Not exactly, but everything’s flavorful, authentic, and primarily uses fresh corn tortillas as vessels, so obviously I’m obsessed. If you decide to check it out too, make sure you try the food at Taquizas La Salsa Voladora.
The charming Mexican spot in TexMex county has a cozy, transported-to-Mexico energy and a menu that feels like a love letter to street food. Think al pastor tacos, barbacoa, and some of the best cabeza in town.
La Bonita #2 Mexican Restaurant
$ | (737) 293-8432 | WEBSITE
La Bonita #2 isn’t new (it’s been a Kyle staple for years), but I don’t think I’ve eaten anywhere else over the past month. This family-run Mexican spot is comfort food at its finest, featuring standout homemade salsa and an even better breakfast menu – the chicken fried steak plate, the breakfast tacos, the poblano pepper dish, etc. There’s also a fantastic quesadilla, so pair your first (or 50th) visit with an order from their kitchen.
Their welcoming vibe and great service are consistent whether you dine in or take out, so you could keep it simple with a couple tacos, or go hearty and order the full breakfast plate. Whatever your Mexican food needs, add in some of their homemade salsa, too. You might even be able to pay with cash.
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
$ | (512) 268-4524 | WEBSITE
When I was a kid growing up in Austin, I used to think the only good Mexican food was what my abuela made, mostly because she’d spend all Sunday simmering her legendary chili con queso. But my standards have expanded over the years (in part because I’ve been dating a San Antonio native), and we’ve been loving Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, Kyle’s ultra-reliable spot for authentic flavors and welcoming vibes.
It’s great, especially if you want to taste that standout chili con queso, and even better with an order of their Mexicana tacos and Barbacoa Street Tacos. The Central Texas favorite has that comfortable atmosphere many regulars adore, and the one in Kyle is closest, but honestly, I’d probably drive to San Marcos for another basket of their fresh chips, a plate of their tasty dishes, and that attentive service that keeps the chip baskets promptly refilled.
(Yes, it’s affordable delicious food at a great price. No, that doesn’t mean it’s cheap). Also their chili con queso is better than any chain’s. Don’t @ me.
Abuelito’s Authentic Mexican Food
$ | (512) 803-1082 | WEBSITE
Based on the list of the 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Kyle, this is one of the coziest, most authentic, randomly heartwarming spots to ever grace this Texas town. I mean, the very first bite of their carnitas tacos – which are loaded with meat and full of flavor – does hit a little too close to home, re: my own cravings for real Mexican food (although usually, I am not the one writing the review).
But that taco – and plenty more like it – totally encapsulate what it’s like to be a hungry diner in a place that feels like family. And although you can no longer just walk in without a bit of a wait (no small part of the experience), whenever I want to feel warm, welcomed, and very satisfied (a.k.a., like someone who just discovered their new favorite spot) I head to this authentic Mexican joint in Kyle.
It’s tres cozy – maybe you’ve seen their four different salsas with varying levels of spice? – and has all of the homemade gorditas, fresh green salsa, and, most importantly, delicious, meaty mini tacos one could ever want on a casual night out. Dine-in for that home-like atmosphere, or find them on the delivery platforms.
