I've never been a big fan of Tex-Mex, mainly because most of the entrées strike me as cheesy fat grenades for big-boned people with bad teeth. I also rarely see the phrases "Tex-Mex" and "Healthy Lifestyle Choices" used in the same sentence. But I'm first to acknowledge that if you think things through instead of jumping the gun to conclusions, you can pretty much find some benefit in anything, which includes Tex-Mex as well. For instance, if you're low-carbing, fajitas can be your best friend. And if you occasionally foray through life as a Veghead like I do, Tex-Mex offers a whole world of that can be fun to play with - Paco's Taco just makes the decision process faster & easier. My favorite thing here is the Rice Bowl, I think the sautéed spinach & mushroom with an optional dollop of black beans for $4 is pretty much a perfect meal. Paco's also makes two great veggie tacos- the Hatch and the El Flaco - and if you lose the cheese and egg in the El Flaco, I believe you're now doing vegan. I should also mention the taco prices here range from $3 to $4, which puts them head-on with both Torchy's & TacoDeli. It's your call who offers the better value. But parking is easy, the delightful Ashley S. is a regular here, and on a Thursday evening at 7 it was filled with nice white people along with the two of us. Use your Yelp check-in app for a free Jarrito. This place appears to be a converted house, the inside dining areas used to be bedrooms, and you're going to hear every conversation around you. The outside table area is pretty expansive and probably fun to around in decent weather. The only reason I'm not giving Paco's five stars is I kept getting whiffs of "musty old house smell," which may not be a big deal for you, but it drove me up the wall. I seriously considered negotiating Febreze squirts for another dollop of black beans. Maybe next time. read more

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Reasons why I LOVE Paco & his tacos: -Cute eclectic house -Nice patio -LIVE music frequently -FREE wifi -THE FOOD! -Paco is my favorite uncle's name -Always parking -Convenient location right off the highway I started coming here A LOT more than I should admit. Because as much as I love this place, when is eating out every meal healthy for your insides? Well, when my fridge decided to stop working over a weekend, I had to toss everything. Then I got lazy and didn't go to the store to re-stock up on anything. And good thing I didn't because the electricity went out in our area for an entire day after the fact. Thanks to Paco's, I didn't starve. I simply either found a buddy to sit outside and eat with me or called in a pick-up order. Even if I didn't live a mile and a half away from this place (hey before biking here I had to check) I'd still go out of my way for their food. Some personal faves would be the $4.99 migas plate. Their white poblano rice is out of this world good. The corn tortillas aren't teeny tiny which is why I normally for-go corn tortillas at most places. And because its much harder to make or buy good corn tortillas. In my humble, tortilla snobbish opinion, their tortillas have got it goin' on. I dig the picadillo taco which is only $1.99 and can easily be one meal if you're not trying to overstuff yourself. The migas are fabulous, so I normally pair a migas taco (also just $1.99) with a dinner taco. But my new personal favorite taco is the carnitas taco ($1.99 baybayyyy) and its ingredients make my mouth happy. Delicious carnitas (this literally means "little meats" in Spanish) with fresh guac and pico de gallo. They had just made some sweet/sour kind of sauce and the man who is always there when I go paired it nicely with my taco. They even have sliders (have yet to try) if you're all taco-ed out, though I will never be. Its not in my blood to grow tired of food like this. And they have gorditas as well, definitely huge and filling. And no, these are not the Taco Bell's crap "Mexican" version of a gordita. I think I might be Paco's # 1 fan. read more

Paco's Tacos - The best migas plate! - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I drive past this place all the time while going to the grocery store and was happy to finally try it for lunch. The good and the bad: Pro's: They have a great patio and it's reasonably priced! Con's: The food service is slow, small parking lot, hard to get back out on the street if you are trying to turn right and the food flavoring was just not there. Also, you may have an air conditioning vent drip on your food, drink and/or table. Shrimp Taco & Scallop Taco: I ordered a plate that comes with a taco and a side but, added an additional taco. I have to say I was completely disappointed at the lack of seasoning and flavor in the tacos. The meat and toppings were just so bland and they all melded together. The tortilla was hard around the edges and not all that great either. Queso & Chips: This was the side that I selected with my plate. The queso was very cheesy and the chips were fresh. My recommendation is to come here to sit on their beautiful patio, eat queso and chips and drink some margaritas with friends. Beyond that I would get my tacos elsewhere! read more

Paco's Tacos - Taco plate with shrimp taco, scallop taco and chips with queso! - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

When writing a review on something as basic, but as varied as a taco, one must evaluate from the outside in. I like to start with the tortilla. A bad tortilla can ruin a good taco and no good taco can start with a crappy store bought tortilla. Whether you choose flour or corn doesn't matter as long as you choose fresh. This was my first time to try Paco's Tacos and he had me at tortilla. The comal toasted tortilla was perfection with little toasty bits of char. Perfecto, señor! I tasted the barbacoa, succulent beef, seasoned and topped with pick and, at my request, avocado. It was tender, moist and full of flavor, but not full of fatty bits, which was nice. The carnitas taco was also tasty and juicy. The tortilla held up on both and I left satisfied. The tacos, at least the two I tried, were fairly basic. No exotic ingredients, no new and exciting flavor combos. The restaurant is small but has a large outdoor area and if happily return to sample more tacos, but maybe look for some less simple combos next time. read more

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I ordered a plate of chilaquiles and they served me migas, I told the waitress that I ordered chilaquiles not migas. The lady that brought my order back correctly made it a point to tell me that I ordered migas, she said I even told you that migas don't have sour cream. Really why argue with me about what I ordered. While I left all eyes were on me like if I left without paying. The chilaquiles were not good at all. Horrible service. read more

Paco's Tacos is a cool, tiny little place, where the food is decent. I ordered the Migas , and wifey ordered the chorizo and eggs. In the words of my father in law, " somewhere, someone is saying, "now why don't they write?" The food is ok needed salt, and I'm not one for adding salt to anything. It was just missing something. The atmosphere was cool though. Lots of colorful paint everywhere. You can also sit outside and enjoy the air on a nice day. Good homemade salsa/hot sauce selection. The crew were all very nice! Will probably come back and try other menu items, might gave just caught them on a bad day. read more

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First time here and Margaret is awesome. Food was good too. Got a breakfast Gordita and it was bomb.

Wow! Went there for lunch and had two tacos and a small portion of rice and received beans with a fountain drink. $17.50!!! Either that's inflation or something is wrong here. The tacos were Tex Meh. I guess they are passing off the cost to retain employees to the customer because there were a lot of them there. Sorry at most it should had been an $11 lunch plate. read more

Paco's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

When I first moved to Austin I was extremely excited to try Austin tacos because you hear about them nonstop. This was the first place in the city that I tried and I was kind of disappointed. I took an employees recommended and ordered some sort of big taco. It wasn't very good and it was cold. Now I love tacos and I really didn't want to leave with a bad taste about the place I tried before everyone else. So I decided to give it another try on a different occasion. The 2nd Time was a little bit worse. The staff seem to be i their own world talking about their own personal lives and took some time to even approach me at the counter. Because they have lives too I didn't really care because I just wanted food. After asking some more suggestions (because last time wasn't good) the guy at the counter didn't really seem to care. He just kind of told me to "go with what I know". Obviously I'm asking you for a reason bro. I ended up just picking something basic (potato and egg) and taking it to go. Once I got home with 4 tacos for my friend and I, I check the back and the orders were completely wrong. They were yet again not warm and even got they wrong tacos. I will not be returning here again, it sucks because this was my first impression on Austin tacos and this city seems to take pride in that. Oh well. read more

As already mentioned, the parking is terrible. Go right past Paco's and park on the neighborhood street if it's at all busy. Otherwise this place is fabulous. The food is cheap, giant and delicious. The queso is great, the tacos are great and quesadilla was huge and fabulous. There's a small indoor seating area but lots of room outside, so Paco's is great on a nice day. It's got an eclectic look and feel and the employees are always super friendly so it's always my post picking up visitors at the airport stop.I love Pacos. read more

We normally enjoy eating here - but maybe they didn't have the same staff since it is the holidays!!! Enchiladas were not made as we ordered and refried beans were the worst - tasted like they came out of a can that was expired. The carne guisada plate was cold and meat was tough!! Hardly any gravy just a ton of pico on top. Too bad - this used to be a great place but will be looking for another Mexican restaurant in this area after that meal!!! read more

I took my wife here for her birthday breakfast at her behest, the new rival to Dora's tacos and Chipotle. I had the special taco - Angus steak, and another mix 'n' match. It was fairly quiet around 9am, with the owner carefully monitoring and training the staff. The tacos were yummy - interesting green salsa rounded out the flavour, and the tortillas were fresh and intriguing. I hope they get their booze license, and there will then truly be no reason to ever go to Chipotle again. Nice decor, plenty of seating, attentive owner, yummy food. A winning combo. read more

Paco's Tacos - Patio - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've drove by this place a million times growing up and finally decide to give it a try today and I was not disappointed. The chilaquiles were really good and the staff was great. I'll definitely be back read more

yesterday. I watched her walk take-out orders to customers and hand them off without gloves or a mask or any sort of protection system. It is not difficult to do parking spot take out like many other local restaurants. And a cashier wearing a mask is the minimum basic human-decency and health-safety measure I'd expect of any restaurant. Covid-19 cases and deaths are still rising in Texas and Travis County at this point. Even if you feel that the economy is more important than health it still make sense to prevent the spread of this pandemic with simple measures like having the person the the most human contact in your restaurant wear a mask! Paco's staff and management should be ashamed of themselves. I certainly won't be going back. read more

Queso was pretty boring, I think it was straight velveeta-analog. Salsas were ok but the lack of a dona taste-a-like was a bummer. Tacos were large and contained ample filling but the filling just wasn't that flavorful. Everything was sort of bland. Overall, I probably won't go back since Torchy's opened across the street. read more

Paco's Tacos - Chips and queso (large) - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I don't know why it took me so long to visit Paco's Tacos for the first time, but wow have I been missing out. This unassuming building with extremely limited parking yet plentiful outdoor seating on 51st St. delivers some truly fantastic (and cheap) tacos. You seriously can't go wrong at lunchtime with a build-your-own breakfast taco + one of their named tacos. I'm a huge fan of the Chicken Fajita Taco and the Hatch Chicken Taco. Top it off with some of their delicious basic Red Salsa or Habanero Sauce and you're good to go! The staff has always been exceedingly friendly every time I've visited here! read more

Fun atmosphere and great food! We stopped in for coffee and breakfast tacos and I just wanted to linger in their awesome outdoor area all day... All our tacos were great! You pick two ingredients from a long list. My favorites were probably the bacon/egg and chorizo/avacado. My mouth is watering a little bit just thinking about them! Salsa bar is a nice touch and everything we sampled from there was fresh and flavorful. read more

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We went for Breakfast, I got a create your own Taco and my friend got the Raise and shine sandwich. We loved our food. read more

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This place is great! I ate here for breakfast and ordered the big man. I recommend this restaurant to any person looking for an fulfilling meal! read more

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I am starting with three stars because there were a few things like noise and it seeming to be a little hectic with the ordering process and the kitchen area, but everything was correct with our order and the food came out quickly so maybe that's just how they roll...better under pressure! I have no doubt my next visit will make me want to update this to four stars. We had chips and salsa (I don't like paying for those, by the way) which was surprisingly spot on (is it bad that I was worried since white people were taking my order and my usual taco place rarely has anyone speaking English??) We also tried out their bloody mary which is very tasty. I am a bloody mary snob! We had an assortment of tacos and gorditas....all of which were devoured. I love the tortillas. They're a mixture of corn and flour....not too thin...not too thick...just right. Everything was very yummy....it's a cute building and they have a nice outdoor area for people to hang out and kids to have some moving room. The inside is pretty cramped, but they've made good use of what room there is. I will definitely be back here. read more

Had The Hatch and a Cece's Pescado here. Man they were both delicious and were delivered to my table fresh and very warm. They have a few different kinds of salsa available for you to use for your tacos. Though I didn't really talk to any of the people who worked here (was way too tired to blab) they all seemed relatively nice and jocular, my kind of people! At first I was thinking that this probably wouldn't be a very good restaurant because the exterior had a corrugated and a bit of a dilapidated build to it, yet the tacos were anything but dilapidated. They were next to immaculate in all actuality. I'll definitely be returning here, and I might just up my rating in the near distant future if return visits prove to be as exhilarating. Edit: next visit I had was also amazing. Taco were very fresh, warm, and delicious. Last time I went was pretty mediocre. The food was anything but fresh or warm. It was some of the most mediocre tacos I've had which is weird because before that the tacos were fantastic. My rating is more of a 7 out of 10 stars atm. I'll go again at some point soon and hopefully I won't be disappointed the next time around :/. Edit: Next time I went was amazing again :) I guess it was just an off day for them when I did that review. read more

In town from Southern California for the USC vs. Texas game and was hoping to find some decent Mexican food. Paco's Tacos did not disappoint. The portions were GIGANTIC! We ordered carnitas, fajita taco, loaded nachos, and a barbacoa taco. Everything was amazing. Good beer selection as well. Give Paco's a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

Paco's Tacos - Loaded nachos, fajita taco, and some cold beer. - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

I know there is no shortage of tacos in Austin, but this place is definitely a spot to try. My husband and I recently moved to the neighborhood and have made it our weekly Friday lunch spot. The tacos are amazing and the outdoor patio space is really cute and has a lot of seating options. read more

The tacos here are decent, certainly not among the best in Austin, but I'll probably never go here again. Last week I called in 8 tacos to go, including two vegetarian tacos for my vegetarian wife. When I came to pick them up 15 minutes later (what they told me), I had to wait another 10 minutes or so, which isn't a big deal. The issue, however, was when I got home, we only had 7 tacos. The missing taco was one of the vegetarian tacos. My wife was a little annoyed, but it got worse. As she started eating her other vegetarian taco, she found bits of bacon in it. It's clear that they were careless in scooping up the egg and got whatever bacon bits was on the griddle. So while everyone else ate their tacos, my wife had nothing to eat for lunch. Of course I called and complained, and whoever answered the phone was obviously annoyed at me for calling and just told me he'd refund the two tacos without any apologies. It's been about a week and there has been no refund to my credit card. Without calling and making a stink, I doubt I'd ever see a refund. I have long thrown away the receipt. The point is, I shouldn't waste more of my time to get a $6-7 refund. There are too many good places in town to go back to Paco's. read more

What I had: APPS - Queso Compuesto: it's not guacamole and beef queso not as partners, but as lovers. The dollop of guac is dropped into the queso. And it's good! The queso is especially impressive, though I'm not as much of a fan of the beef part. Just a little too heavy. But it's delicious and addictive. ENTREES - The "23" Sliders: it's very good! The bread, the beef, cheese, etc. is all very good. You don't taste the avocado that much, but, it's necessary to keep balance and keep the whole thing "wet" enough. - Beef Gordita: it was meh, but that's on me. The torta is a little dry, but I think I think I'm not much of a cornmeal girl. The beef is tender and not dry, the peppers and onions good, but it was lacking in flavor overall. Perhaps I'm a gross American that likes too much salt, but it could've used some more salt or something. It was overall kind of bland. (I wouldn't get this again. Or any gordita, I think.) - La Vieira Taco: the scallops were bite sized, not jumbo, shrimp sized. They were all perfectly cooked which is super hard for scallops! I think I would've appreciated larger scallops though, because it would've been easier to eat. The slaw was yummy. If you like scallops, I think this a great choice. (though, I probs wouldn't get it again. I'm kinda lukewarm on scallops.) A super solid place for food y'all! I'll probs bring visiting friends here. read more

Sooo bland, never wanted my money back at a restaurant till today. The chicken smelled weird and everything was so bland. Queso was too thick read more

Meh... We were a party of 5 and ordered quite a diverse cross section of the menu and were quite disappointed-food wise. Now, in terms of cool factor-this place is awesome! Nice, laidback atmosphere and up and coming location. Back to the food.... Sad, but true...the menu is bland and uninspired. Store bought chips, queso that tastes like it came from a can, forgettable tortillas and a menu that sounds cool, but ultimately disappointed. This is not really anything better than can be found in a multitude of mediocre restaurants. If this place were located in the Northeast, well maybe the Yelp rating would be justified....but in Central Texas?! No way. I know tacos. Mexico City, San Diego, South Texas all have their "taste". Paco's is neither trying to innovate or even imitate...just lazy. read more

The ambience is cozy and ecletic! The margaritas - mango especially were phenomenal! the woman running show was absolutely amazing and helped me decide what to order! the horchata and Torta was too good and salsa so yummy! We even got a brownie to go also delicious! It was super cute and reasonably priced and will definitely go again!! read more

Holly Cow Batman...Migas for $4.95....AND it tastes good???...Man what a find...Super cool place...I don't think I have ever seen owners, of a joint like this, care and interact with the customers so much...Salsa bar was outstanding....they will have at least one that suits your taste buds...Rice really stood out for me...Its awesome to find something on my plate that makes me go WOW...Hit this place UP...you wont be disappointed...we WILL be back for lunch... read more

Paco's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I wish I could add a sixth star. My boyfriend and I live downtown and discovered this place on a whim on our way to the drive-in theatre. I've been back a million times. Its a borderline addiction. The eclectic style is what originally caught my eye, but its the fantastically delicious food and even more fantastic staff that keeps us coming back. Mike has always been so generous and helpful when we're looking to try something new. He recommend we have the cooks pour the habenero sauce on the tacos while they're cooking for an extra kick. Though we can't speak for the breakfast, sliders or rice bowls, the tacos are to die for. I haven't had one I've been dissatisfied with. If you've got out of towners, TAKE them to Pacos! read more

Solid tacos omg. We also had the queso which was super tasty. Really fresh ingredients and loved the tortillas. The sauces stole the show though. Green sauce and salsa were so so good I couldn't stop dipping my fork in one the tacos were gone. Another plus is that this place isn't too popular yet so there wasn't a huge line. A new fave would love to come back. read more

Some of my favorite Tex mex in Austin, and that is saying something. Love their in house blended tortillas and how dog friendly their space is. read more

I really wanted to like Paco's. The building and location itself is really cute and the ambience outside is nice. However the bouquet of smells inside left much to be desired. Trudging through the scent of toilet bowel cleaner, we marched on, determined in our quest. 2 margaritas and chips w queso. Woof. The queso was literally Rico's cheese. Yes, the kind you find at a hockey game. Okay fine, they must have really good margs..? Actually the marg was essentially an off brand bud lime-a-Rita poured over ice. After $20 for this fine football game fare, we left hungry and defeated. read more

Pretty embarrassed it took me so long to review Paco's Taco's as I've been going for years. Things I love about Paco's: - Delicious tacos - large assortment of breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos. Each is generously filled. - Friendly staff and quick service - some weekends you can wait ~10 minutes for food but it's worth it. On weekdays, breakfast tacos to go are pretty quick. - Fun decor inside and out - great dog friendly patio. - Chilaquiles & their rice = yum! - Coffee - they have local, fair-trade coffee from Texas Coffee Traders + their own Paco's Blend! I love Paco's & their tacos! Highly recommend going there! read more

I. Love. This. Place. I'm a vegetarian, love Mexican and Texmex food and was looking for a great place in my general area that's not downtown or south Austin. This place is a true gem! I had it twice in one week when I first discovered it! The parking is atrocious but honestly, it's worth it. The laid back culture, outdoor seating, friendly service (despite being constantly busy!), fantastic menu and veggie options made this place an instant favorite of mine. Tip: If you get coffee, be sure to use their adorable vintage coffee mugs and nix the styrofoam! read more

This place is great little taco spot. The regulars will tell you that the chiliquiles are the best dish they offer. Breakfast is serves anytime but they have lunch and dinner too. read more

Paco's Tacos - The main area - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place is awful with their customer service. I don't remember the last tine my order was correct. If you like to be surprised at what you get when you order, this place is for you. Otherwise, don't bother read more

Worst food I have ever tried!! I ordered the enchiladas, no flavor at all the sauce taste like horrible marinara sauce. 2 spoons in I left the rest there. My husband got the migas and there were no salt, pepper. I notice he didn't eat the beans, after asking if he liked them he shook his head no, I tried them and beans in a can had more flavor than those! The worst 37 dollars and worst restaurant we have EVER tried. My TV dinner enchilada was better than this place! read more

Paco's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Yum! Went there today and it was really good. I had the Hook 'Em (Smoked Brisket chipotle BBQ sauce, pico de gallo, & homemade coleslaw) that was $3.85 and a Paco's Pick (Angus steak, seasoned potatoes, poblano & red bell peppers with Monterey Jack cheese) that was $4.50. I added refried beans and rice to make a meal. Both of the tacos were stuffed full and very tasty. Out of the two I liked the Paco's Pick better, but they are both fantastic. I also need to note their beans and rice that people say "oh they all taste the same"...no, they don't. They were good here! The rice was very fluffy and I can't pinpoint the seasoning, but it was very nice. It's a little on the pricey side for tacos, but it was very good. They also have some excellent outdoor seating to offer...a wee bit noisy because of 35, but still great to soak up the sun. Parking in back. read more

Found this place after leaving a nearby Home Depot and decided to give it a try. I like non-commercial/corporate restaurants and this one did not disappoint. I had the Paco's Bandito taco which is essentially a beef fajita, the Hatch with chicken and a barbacoa. The Barbacoa was pretty good and i would order it again. They make food to order and it comes out hot. The seating is limited inside but ample. They also offer cold beer to wash down your food. The parking lot and driveway is not the best, but it is not enough to stop me from coming here again when I am in the area. read more