Best cheese enchiladas in Austin! They call them "Enchilada Queso". Not spicy or flamboyant, just darn good. Ever try to order cheese enchilada's with a cheese topping at any other Mexican food place? That is almost never even on the menu. And asking another place to make them that way will often get you a surcharge for the cheese sauce as opposed to a venue's cheap green or red sauce. But at El Mercado, that is their specialty. (Hint: wait till the cheese congeals just a bit before eating) Anyway, I'm a 20 year customer based on those enchiladas. And my wife loves the Achiote Tacos. On the down side, my wife says their drinks aren't as strong as Trudys, especially the margaritas. And I'll have to admit that I like the beef fajitas at Serrano's better than El Mercs. And they don't have Splenda, so I carry my own in. Still, I visit El Mercado 10 times as much as all the other Mexican food places combined, and usually end up spending 2/3rds as much. It's a real bargain in my eyes. Enchilada Queso anyone? read more

Great spot! I love their Mexican martinis, and the chips and salsa which freely flow from the waitstaff. I've enjoyed certain dishes more than others, but it's never been bad. The tacos are great! read more

Not expecting the best Tex Mex from the north side of town, but my experience definitely could have been better. The atmosphere was overpowered with cheap decor and the place was surprisingly empty. As far as service goes, my waiter was very courteous and tended to my refills within a timely manner. Being a hispanic myself, I was greatly disappointed by the Carne Guisada I ordered. It was lukewarm and resembled a microwaveable meal served with a side of bland rice and runny beans. Not to mention it lacked the common hospitality of all-you-can-eat tortillas, I received a total of 3 wrapped in foil for the entire course of my meal. All in all, it was an affordable place for a quiet sit down dinner with good service. I personally wouldn't recommend it with a Trudy's being right down the street... read more

Dog friendly! This is my dogs favorite restaurant. They always bring out a dog water bowl for mg pup! The patio is great, however, sometime service is slightly slow while sitting on the patio. I love their Queso and bacon wrapped shrimp. read more

This is a favorite for me and my son. There is never a wait, great service, and the food is good to boot. I'm fond of the fish tacos paired with a Mexican martini (reasonably priced). **Order a "small" queso if you don't want to the one size (bowl) they offer. It is actually just a side but is perfect for two so you don't fill up.** read more

Hub was craving their brisket tacos, so we planned our day to land us in town for dinner. I ordered jalapenos stuffed with shrimp and cheese then wrapped in bacon. So good! Hub liked his burrito, but he did mention the brisket wasn't as moist as it had been in the past. He said it had a great flavor though. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. We don't go out to dinner that much, even more rarely in town, but this is always one of our go-to places. read more

We love this place! The service is friendly and quick every time. GREAT Margaritas, good food, and cool atmosphere. This is a place you must experience. read more

My husband and I went to eat there last night, and the food was really good. But even more so, I have to say the service was absolutely wonderful. I wish I had taken the young man's name that was assigned to our table but, he was very nice, courteous and on point with everything. Try it! read more

Really wanted to like this place but I remembered why I hadn't been in ages. The food is really just a disappointment all around. Coffee had a burned, bitter taste. All the food is smothered in American cheese. Service was excellent so the additional star from me. read more

OK, OK. I had a really bad experience here a while back and I'll be honest, this isn't my go to place. I went back recently and had a hankering for some beef enchiladas. I met a friend for lunch and had just that. It was DIVINE! Also, solid lunch spot with express lunch options all under $10. I think I just found out their purpose. read more

What a great place! First a warning! They do NOT skimp on the alcohol in their margaritas. Seriously serious stuff! And very tasty too! We sat at the bar and had a couple of appetizers. They were very good. The bar staff were awesome. The conversation at the bar was great. We were there in the afternoon. Can't wait to try it again in the evening when more folks are there. Just a great neighborhood restaurant and bar. Very comfortable. Give it a try! read more

Lemme explain what this place is great for: Mr. Vanessa comes home after a long day; filthy, hungry, and looking for a steamin' bowl of queso and a salty margarita. It's Friday, 7:30pm, and Trudy's, Z Tejas, and all our other faves are packed to the rafters with pretty people hoping to be the most attractive in the room. I'm hungry, a little cranky, and in the mood to park easily, get seated quickly, and have great service and a decent meal. El Mercado satisfies all of my needs in that tricky situation, and for that I am grateful. The salsa is great, the chips are fresh and hot, the queso is good (a little runny for my taste, we made an unholy mess getting it to our faces), the nachos are as big as your head, and the margaritas are tasty and not too sweet. Our server that night was fantastic, not too pushy, but attentive, observant and cheerful; in fact, I stopped to talk to the manager on the way out to give her a compliment. Best food ever? Nah, but good enough to tame a foul mood and a dirty husband? You bet. read more

No way!! Four of us attempted to go to dinner here, but we did not get past the water and chips/salsa. We sat in a booth against the wall. The server was friendly, and took our order. However, as we waited for our food a roach crawled out from behind a picture that was hanging on the wall above our booth. As if that was not gross enough, our friend knocked the picture down while attempting to hit the roach. When the picture fell, 3 MORE roaches were behind the picture. The 4 of us literally jumped out of the booth and told our server what the problem was. We left the place immediately. I will not go back to this place. read more

I patronized this restaurant for years, especially on Wednesday nights (2 fer 1 entrees) and Saturday breakfast. Then something happened; my husband thought he overheard the management say that they were trying to find ways to cut back on cost- well that happened and now their quality has taken a nose dive, especially for the drinks and the guacamole. After being away about a year, we decided to try lunch at El Merc, which turned out to be our final visit. WE wanted the lunch special; I asked for a change from a beef enchilada to a cheese one. I was told that they would have to charge $2 for the change- TWO Dollars! I asked to speak to the manager who told me that cheese prices are so high now that they cannot change cheese for beef without charging $2 for the amount of cheese that weighs less than an eighth of a pound. He then told me that there are other restaurants in town I could frequent if I did not like their policy. We will be taking his advice. read more

When I want Tex-Mex in my hometown, I skip the long lines at the ever popular Chuy's and Trudy's and head straight here. You can't beat the chicken fajitas and the prices. read more

Wanted to go to Vasquez's, which has excellent food, but they were closed. The GF decided to go here again, although it had been awhile. The waitress was really sweet and the service excellent. However, the food was AWFUL! My GF sent back her first dish (shrimp with some kind of meat sauce) and I had to force myself to eat the enchiladas-and I'm not a picky eater! For a $15.00 apiece meal, it was pretty bad! I nicely commented to the waitress about the food quality, as I will never be returning. read more

This place has become a bit of a Friday night tradition for us... and we love it! If, like us, you live in Crestview, Brentwood, or Allandale, then this place may very be within walking distance for you, and it's well worth paying a visit. When we first started going here we'd go on a Wednesday or a Thursday night, but it turns out that our love for cheap, great tasting, strong margaritas (which El Mercado has in abundance) made for an exceedingly painful workday the next day... so be careful, because they are quite strong. So, now El Mercado has become our "kick the weekend off" location of choice. I don't know if this is a good thing, or a bad thing, but the (very friendly) wait staff know to bring us 2 large margaritas, on the rocks, no salt, and a Philip's Special (very nice queso with all the trimmings) along with the obligatory complimentary water, and chips and salsa. I suppose it's a good thing... at least while my liver is still functional. ;) I'm not sure why the food here doesn't get more love, because there is some quite good food served here. If you want some flavor, I'm very partial to the Tacos Al Pastor (pork and pineapple), BBQ Tacos, or my favorite Prescado A La Chef (I'm not sure if that should be 'Pescado', but that's what the menu says!). The fajita meat is also nice and tender, for those that like something with a little "sizzle". Portion size is big, and they're usually pretty good about substituting things. For example, I usually prefer to have black beans instead of charra beans, or often I'll have an entree with two different stuff from separate entrees (YMMV). The decor inside is pretty funky, and colorful and I've also noticed that whoever controls the background music likes the 80s... so if you haven't any Kajagoogoo in a while, this may well be the place for you. They also have a couple of strategically placed TVs, so if you've been dragged there and are afraid of missing the game, they'll either have it on, or if you ask nicely, they'll most likely turn it over for you. Parking tip : If you drive by and the parking lot looks full, you can park next door on both sides (outside business hours, of course). Friday nights is the busiest time, but the most we've ever had to wait for a table is 10 minutes, and usually you'll be seated immediately. In conclusion, if you're like us, and want a friendly atmosphere which serves a great margarita (none of that sickly sweet stuff I keep on getting elsewhere), and some decent food, then head "Mid-Town" to El Mercado and let Salvador, Edgar, Nancy, Ryan, et al take care of you! We always have a good time there, and we hope you do, too. read more

My husband and I have gotten take out from El Mercado twice now. The chips and queso and chips and salsa are awesome! There is so much food for not very much money. The 2 of us, both ordering a plate and an order of chips and queso, and an order of salsa, was roughly $30. I am not sure as to the service since both times we've eaten from here has been take out. The food is good though. read more

The margaritas are refreshing and cheap during happy hour, and the chips and salsa are free and flowing, which keeps my friends going back and spending their tip money. I haven't tried any of the food on the menu but the melted cheese on the enchilada plate my friend ordered looked processed, which grosses me out. read more

I first tried this place about ten years ago and loved it!! I've always been a fan of chimichangas, and I especially loved theirs. I ended up not being in the area for a while so I kind of forgot about it until the other day when I was hanging out with some friends. We had tried to go to a few restraints but for one reason or another none of them worked out, so I suggested El Mercado. Our waitress was super nice and really patient with us. It took forever to decide what to eat. One of my friends wanted his order modified several different ways and she brought it out exactly as he wanted it, and even double checked to make sure that it had been prepared right. My other friend had a hard time deciding. She recommended something or other (I wasn't really paying attention...) and he really enjoyed it. Me? I got the chimichanga, and let me tell you, it was ten times better than I remembered it. They both ordered two or three rounds of drinks. I know one of them was a Margarita and another a Mexican Martini. They kept going on about how good they were. I don't drink, so I just ordered a Root Beer. I was so happy they had Root Beer :) I was worried that it wouldn't be as good as it was, but after so many years it seems as though it just got better. The only complain I really have about this place is that the doors on the bathroom stalls have this weird arc at the bottom. It comes up rather high making me feel a bit exposed... read more

My family and I have been regulars at this location since it opened. The last 6 months this particular location has gone down hill with the quality of the food and service. I understand that errors happen especially with pick up orders. The first incident was the wrong order completely. My daughter ordered enchiladas and when we got home and opened our boxes she received nachos. Now that generally wouldn't be an issue for most people but they were fully loaded and she is allergic to half the items on top. My daughter called and spoke to the manager Ryan. He offered a credit of $5.00. A little while after they hung up she received a call back from Ryan. He said that he pulled the receipt and that we made the error and that the nachos were a better deal. We called in our order tonight since we were running errands in the area. My daughter ordered bean and cheese nachos, queso (the Phillip's Special) chips and salsa. We got home and her nachos are fully loaded - even after she asked for everything on the side; she did not get chips and salsa. They served the queso in a tall cup which made it difficult to eat without pouring it out. If you're getting the special, ask for it deconstructed or regular queso. I called and spoke to Ryan and advised of the issues. He offered a credit, essentially, which would be fine if I could trust our food will be correct. We have overlooked wrong order on dine in, and previous to-go orders, and always went back to give them another chance. To be honest, if I were to check CC receipts, we go to the Burnet location at least 3/4 times a month between Grub Hub and pick up orders, which why this last trip has been so disappointing. I will say, the servers are ALWAYS courteous and Becky (the bartender!) is always super nice. When our food is correct, it's always GOOD, I just wish that management would correct the errors and not make me want to take my business elsewhere. read more

Ok, I think I have to bump them up to 4 stars. I've found that this place has my very favoritest taco salad in Austin. The rest of my previous review stands. I'd like to say that there are a lot more things on the menu I plan to try, but I don't know if I will EVER make it past my favorite lunch combo plate and now the bestest taco salad ever. read more

What is that smell when you walk in the front door? The tex-mex is OK but i nearly gag everytime I go thru the door. 6/30/2010 - just upgraded my star rating from 2 to 3. have gone back a couple of times for breaksfast. The funky smell in the entrance is still there, but discovered a GREAT breakfast dish... order the migas and add chorizo - really good. Will come back for lunch/dinner and see if there are any more surprises. read more

To Those of You Craving Tex-Mex: I would strongly urge you to cross El Mercado off your list of possibilities. It is sub-par in this rich land of Tex-Mex cuisine and generally unworthy of your time. However, if your ambitions are modest - if you simply want to enjoy a decent margarita and some pretty good salsa - then by all means, stop in for about fifteen minutes. This place reminds me of a college student who does just enough to make a passing grade, but refuses to put in a single extra iota of work. It's got all the basics, yet nothing is done very well, with the exception of the salsa, which is actually better-than-average. But salsa alone is not enough to lure me in to El Mercado when there are so many other, more over-achieving, Tex-Mex joints in Austin. read more

I have been going to one of the several El Mercado restaurants in Austin since I was a kid. I'm not sure why but I feel like this restaurant is overlooked. People always think of Trudy's or Chuy's but when it comes to Tex-Mex. But if you want good simple food, El Mercado is where its at! Its always consistent and at a good price. And maybe its good that everyone goes to Chuy's for me because I rarely have to wait to be seated even on a Friday night. The servers are always nice and keep the drinks and the chips and salsa flowing! read more

Nice neighborhood restaurant... During the week they alternate between Mexican Martini and margarita night... Only real difference is the Olive juice. Lots of great traditional Tex-Mex plates. Do yourself a favor and get some of the latin kisses read more

Not impressed by the food here at all! Just recently had tortilla soup and I have to say, as an Italian from Jersey, I make this Mexican dish better than they do. This is a fine place for a cocktail, but I would pass it up for eats. read more

I love this place! The food is great, the staff is friendly, & the ritas are delicious @ affordable! The decor is a little cheesy but the overall atmosphere is laid back & inviting. I highly recommend enjoying beef fajitas or the HOT LATIN KISSES (shrimp stuffed jalapeños) with a strawberry Rita on the comfy patio! read more

This isn't a foodie place, more of a feel-good go-to place for Tex Mex. My husband and I go here for lunch a couple of times a week. It's always busy and yet we never wait and always find parking. For me, it's ALL about their chips and salsa. So damn good. I have the sour cream cheese enchiladas. yum. And they'll give you a to-go cup on the refill for your drink. We've always had excellent service and it's cheap. Cheap and cheerful with the colorful Mexican decor. A bit dive-y but in my mind, very Austin-y. I've had similar experiences at all of their locations, but lately we've been eating at this one most often. read more

In my opinion, this had some of the worst Mexican food I've had in Austin, and I've tried many Mexican restaurants since it's my favorite food. read more

Very brightly lit, with an attractive coffee shop look inside. Outdoor patio smells of cigarette smoke. The mango margarita disappointing, but ok. The fish tacos excellent. If you sit along the wall, the a/c will be right above you, freezing you out. The employees can be overly loud and distracting. The waitstaff is average. read more

We are regulars as we live nearby and can walk over. We love the patio and find ourselves there at least once a week for drinks and dinner. It's standard Tex-Mex. Nothing fancy. Good margaritas. Nice patio. Friendly staff. Try the al pastor tacos or fajitas. This is definitely more of a "local/neighborhood" kind of place which gives it high marks from me. If you are looking for something unique or a place to bring your out of town guests, you will be disappointed. If you want low-key, no-nonsense, good food for the price, potent adult beverages, this is the place. read more

El Mercado should be your "go to" Tex-Mex restaurant if you 1) like poor service; 2) margaritas on-the-rocks that taste like they are made with a battery acid mixer; and 3) a beef fajita platter with a significant amount of onions, but few strips of beef. They usually do better ... perhaps three stars (get a mixed plate with a chili relleno), but tonight they bombed. read more

The fish tacos are good. The margaritas are cheap. Don't sit too close to the bathroom.

This place is going down hill.. I stopped by here this evening about 6pm, quickly seated ordered my foot, mercado plate, she brings me my taco/queso/guacamole and then my enchiladas. What?? no, i want all my meal together. I eat the taco. after couple bites of enchiladas there was a a LONG hair in my food, i make a face push everything away. waitress asks if i want a box, no i said there is a hair in my plate i want another one, nope she brings me my check!! I should NOT have tipped her. first time i have left a place hungry.. read more

OK, it's not the best food in the world but it is decent, standard tex-mex. I go there at least twice a week. This place has a patio, which is one of the main reasons to go. There's something about sipping drinks on a patio on a hot Texas day which makes me seek these places out. ...But the real reason you go to El Mercado is the margaritas. Tuesday and Thursday nights they have $2.99 margarita night. YAY! Get the rocks ones, not the frozen. Rocks = stronger at El Mercado. The taco plate's a little overpriced for just two tacos, but you can get three mini-tacos for $2.99. They're not on the menu, you have to ask. The Phillip's Special queso is great, as mentioned by another Yelper. The Chimichanga is the best thing I've had on the menu. The fish tacos are actually quite good, though I'm still not so sure about the whole Mexican seafood thing. The rice is pretty bland, but the charro beans make up for it...just mix the two together and problem solved. Damn you Yelp, now I have to go there for nachos and margaritas after work today. Ah, that's not so bad. read more

Great staff, always quick service. Food is decent. I love the Fish Tacos and the Latin Kisses. Unfortunately it doesnt smell very good in there some days. read more

Went here for a friend's bday dinner -- 12 of us altogether, I think? I got a Mexican Martini -- I know, why? I shoulda gotten a margarita, it was pretty sweet, which surprised me. Smooth, but okay. I was tempted to get their fish tacos (again, quest to find the best in Austin), but I actually wasn't in the mood, go figure! So I got the enchiladas -- again, just okay. Hmm, makes me wonder why I'm reviewing this place. But my poor friend -- he's such a people pleaser, and everyone else in the party apparently *loves* this place, and I have no freaking clue why. Send me anywhere else -- I mean, it's not bad, but why eat out if it's just going to be "just okay"? Our server was cool, I'll say that; maybe a tad slow, but nothing outrageous in my head. I'd say that maybe I'll come back to check out what some of these 4-star-raters recommended, but I don't even think I'll do that. read more

This was one of the only places open on New Years Day. Food was really bland (at least the vegetarian fare.) Nothing special.

I like the location and I like the wait staff they did good. I also like the food. I guess it's one of those old location in Austin that has been there for a while. read more