I will say that this rating is only based upon the food not at the customer service! I was invited to Friday night dinner at Polvos. After looking at the menu I was super excited to try it! The waiter asked us what we wanted to drink without even bringing a menu. He then brought me back the wrong order. He then later brought out food without bringing any small plates of utensils! Upon bringing my fajitas he placed it in my partner's hands instead of on the table burning his hands. The waiter never came back after that But the new waiter was attentive, knowledgeable and made up for all the mistakes. The food was delicious, I ordered the combination fajitas for one which was enough to split. The pastor n steak fajitas were perfect. The steak would be my preference! Seasoning perfectly! And has enough for left overs. Guacamole was also great! It was so good I forgot to take quality pics. I ordered the makers mark n Diet Coke, after they got it right, was delicious and strong! I also tasted the watermelon margarita which also flavorful! The ambiance was on brand with typical South Austin restaurants! Just hoping for way better service next time. read more

I visited Polvos on a Saturday evening with a party of 10 for a group dinner. While the kitchen and bar completely delivered on flavor and portions, the front-of-house service left a lot to be desired. ​The food itself was fantastic. We ordered the steak and al pastor fajitas, and both meats were tender, robust, and seasoned to perfection. The drinks are well-crafted with a notably heavy pour that gives you great value. They bring out complimentary chips, but keep in mind that accessing the salsa bar comes with an extra charge. ​Unfortunately, the service put a serious damper on the night. Right after we sat down, our server asked for our drink orders before handing us menus, and once we finally got them, he rushed us to order. We had to ask for basic table settings like utensils and silverware. We ended up moving tables to accommodate our group better, but kept the same server. The biggest issue came when the fajitas arrived: the server handed me the skillet plate directly into my bare hands, assuming it was safe to touch, but it was scorching hot and burned my thumb. Throughout the entire evening, the staff was inattentive and dismissive. ​Ambiance-wise, it carries that classic retro Austin diner vibe with lively music playing inside and plenty of outdoor seating options. Logistics can be tricky for larger groups because the on-site parking lot is very small, so be prepared to find street parking nearby. ​Overall, Polvos is great for flavorful interior Mexican dishes and strong drinks with casual friends, but they seriously need to step up their table service and safety before I would consider bringing a large group back. read more

Our original dinner plans were for an early dinner at Da Nada's on South First. However the line was out the door so we pivoted to option B Polvos South. Do not judge a book by it's cover as the building is old world charming as in the interior. Samuel C will be very annoyed to know that the salsa bar now costs $3.50. We took advantage of their salsa and we were not charged, probably because we ordered queso with chips. We began with the Chile Con Queso. This was a typical melted American cheese queso, but the guacamole, ground beef and pico de gallo arrived on the side. My Enchiladas de la Casa was beautifully presented. The two enchiladas was seasoned with rich guajillo sauce that was mildly spicy and a tad smoky. I opted for the fajita beef and it was very tender. Plus one's Enchiladas Doña Clara plate was a very healthy portion. This dish is spicy. The two homemade enchiladas are dipped in their guajillo sauce and stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese, onions, and topped with cabbage, jalapenos, avocado and dried cheese. Our Marghies and Mexican Martinis were a tad too sweet for us. No biggie as our food was a strong 4-star experience. read more

Polvos gets 5 stars for me. It's not the service, which is amazing (slow at times) but the mahi mahi fish fajitas. Yes if you know you know. They are fantastic. The mixed vegetables on the bottom served with beans, rice, etc and tortillas....yes yes yes I've been visited all their locations over the year, places that have shut down and the fish fajita never fails me. When I have people come into town, Polvos is high on my list! read more

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Came back to try again. It's just solidly average food, but it's overpriced. Also annoying they charge $3.50 for the salsa bar. Three types. They are fine, but chips are pretty basic inclusions in a lot of eat in restaurants. I had a pastor taco. Girlfriend had a fish. Fish has nice flavor, but not very firm. Felt a bit overcooked. Tacos were fine. Corn Tortillas at homemade. Average. read more

Solid Mexican spot! Came here with a friend on a Wednesday after work and was seated promptly with plenty of seating available. We shared the Chile Con Queso which was a solid starter while we waited for our mains. I ordered the Fajitas Ranchera with chicken which was great. Portions are generous so come hungry! read more

Polvos South - fajitas ranchera: great, generous portions - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The food is served hot and fresh! Very flavorful. Service left a lot to be desired. No host upon arrival. read more

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These MFr's offer margarita pitchers...I love these MFr's! Not just for the margs. They're cool people and they serve really good Tex-Mex. I like the fish tacos and the enchiladas Dona Clara. Carne guisada is pretty damned good as well. Caldo de pollo when it's cold. If you're here for breakfast, bring your date. The "Trash Can Plate" easily feeds two. Don't forget that marg pitcher. You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning and they won't serve it to you if you're solo. read more

Delicious interior style Mexican dishes & plenty of Tex Mex as well ! Friendly staff & cozy atmosphere! Great bar options & variety of seating options! read more

We had the nachos--10/10. The chicken enchilada plate--10/10. Frozen margarita--10/10. Honestly, everything hit. Service was excellent, and the music was a great mix that really set the vibe. The salsa bar added to the whole experience--tons of options at every spice level, so there's something for everyone. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, which I appreciated. The place was clean all around, including the bathroom (and yes, even the soap was good--details matter!). Quick heads-up: those margaritas are strong--three and you're done, so pace yourself read more

Polvos South - Margarita with Tajin - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

The highlights of Polvos are the sauces. You can choose from several different sauces for enchiladas. The staff brings chips out immediately and you go inside to choose your salsas from the salsa bar. The tacos and fajitas were a hit. They have a large menu with several protein options and it was hard to decide which direction to go. The frozen margarita was not my favorite; I'd steer toward the Mexican martini which is perfectly balanced and plentiful. I'd level up the tequila as we had one of each - well and top shelf and the top shelf was much better. We sat outside and it was very chill. The resto wasn't overly crowded on a Tuesday evening. read more

It was ok, not as good as several years ago and the prices are astronomical. I won't be going back! I don't see the value. I wondered why the parking lot was empty, when before it was covered up busy! read more

When I think of Texas I automatically think Tex-mex. And when I think Tex-mex I immediately think of fajitas. Just a month prior I had the most amazing experience with fajitas in Houston. So when I planned this trip to Austin, I tried searching for some great fajitas. I ultimately ended up here and was not a big fan. The fajitas in Austin do not compare to what I had in Houston. The service was a little slow, they weren't that busy and the food was just mediocre at best. We ordered their queso and it came with ground beef. They didn't have just queso on the menu. And we also ordered their chicken & beef fajitas. The queso was very watery and not thick how it's supposed to be. And the fajitas came in the middle us eating the queso. The chicken and beef were chopped small and mixed in with peppers and onions with cheese on the side. The flavor of the dish was good but nothing special. The cheese and lettuce on the side really though me off. Definitely won't be returning here. read more

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Polvos used to be a decent restaurant years ago, but unfortunately that is no longer the case. My son and I met a friend and his toddler there and the experience was extremely disappointing from start to finish. We waited over 45 minutes for our food, which might have been forgivable if the quality had been good. It wasn't. The spice profile was completely off. The sauce on the huevos montelanos looked like eggs drowning in an orange liquid with very little flavor balance. The potatoes were greasy and unpleasant. The fried bananas were especially disappointing. Plantains should be caramelized and sweet, but these were undercooked and almost raw. Our friend's quesadillas were also overly salted to the point of being difficult to eat. Polvos used to be worth visiting, but based on this experience it has really gone downhill. I would not recommend spending your money here. One star is a stretch. read more

A friend was visiting and had a hankering for Polvos. It was a Sunday and a perfect patio morning. It opened at 930 so we got there a bit after it opened. It was perfect timing. There were plenty of parking spaces and more than enough open tables for us to choose our spot. We had a dog with us and they provided dog bowls and water! :) We had the queso because...you have to get the queso! It's so good. Don't forget to visit the salsa bar inside to grab any salsas you may want. I ordered Huevos a La Mexicana and my friend got tacos. It was so good and our waiter was great. He took good care of us! read more

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A party of 5 went for lunch today. We were trying to get back to work so I didn't scutinize the ticket but I should have!!!! 1) They brought chips to the table and told us the salsa bar was open. We got salsa - - and they charged $3.50 for it! 2) A non-cash adjustment fee for using a debit card. AND HERE'S THE KICKER.... 3) They included gratuity for a table of 5. Who does that?!?! I didn't catch it and added another 20% on top. Driving back, I thought "how did lunch for 5 come out to $150.?" The food is alright - but I've had much better - - and what kind of mexican restaurant charges for their salsa? And who adds gratuity for a table of 5. I doubt I'll be back! read more

So extremely disappointed. This is the 4th time we have eaten here when visiting Austin. Food has always been amazing, and it was tonight as well. However, the service was abominable. I ordered taco a la carte, beef fajita. That is all it said on menu. When it came, it was mixed with peppers and onions. It was for my daughter and she won't eat it like that. So we called waiter over and told him they needed to be plain, meat only. He huffed and puffed and yelled at us "you didn't tell me that, are you kidding me" NO SIR. Then when husband went to pay, he brought up what happened and the manager dead ass looked at him and said "so you don't want to pay for the tacos?" NO APOLOGY....nothing. I have never experienced anything like that. Apologize for having one of your staff berate your customers. Super pissed about this! read more

I got the choriqueso and while it wasn't super flavorful, it was very filling and very affordable. The restaurant also provides free chips and there's a salsa bar with pickled vegetables. The vibe was fun and it was really packed on a Friday night and I enjoyed it. I would come back again. read more

Polvos South - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Me and my friend ordered HOUSE margaritas, and they charged us both top shelf. Meaning $14 for a single margarita. When we told the server, he refused to change the charge. Don't come here if you don't want to get scammed. Tacos were good though. read more

Do not up charge for sauces on exotic taco or for the protein! It is listed in your menu on table and you did not disclose this information when ordering. Then you say it's in your QR code at table but not on written menu that you hand to us. Really? And your "salsa bar" that had two salsa on it did cost an additional $3.50 but you did not tell us that or advert that either. WTH? read more

Visited during happy hour and thoroughly enjoyed their frozen margarita. The happy hour isn't extensive (domestic beers & margaritas) but the drink was strong so you'd probably be fine with just one margarita. The food is always excellent. It's a tiny big pricey, but I'd recommend it. read more

The wait staff is awesome! The tortillas lady up at the front making homemade tortillas is RUDE! Personally, I think she should be hiding in the back. If you ask her for tortillas she will NOT give them to you. I thought for a minute she may own the tortilla set up in the corner of the restaurant but I can't believe that. On another occasion I saw her arguing with staff and on another occasion I saw her slightly shove another employee from coming into the tortilla section where the ladies (waiters) pick up food! She was confronted by the employee. It's toooo much DRAMA with the tortilla lady! She's entertaining in a violent way.NO BUENO!! Pa tras por favor!!!!!!! read more

This restaurant was great! Parking lot was full so we had to park on the other street over. Very nice inside. Our server was really good and came back with refills. Food was hot and tasted really good. I really liked it here. Glad we tried it out while in Austin. read more

This is 1st review ever! I went to polvos today for lunch! I had the ground beef enchiladas n sn iced tea! The food was so mediocre at best! Bland! No taste. What a waste! I've lived in Austin for 40 years!! What happened to this restaurant!! Very upsetting! read more

The music is blasting so loud you can't even have conversations at the table. Polvo's is not what it used to be and the food is way overpriced. Mexican food is made with simple ingredients; charging $19 for a couple of cheese enchiladas is way too much. This is not an upscale restaurant by any means. It's a casual spot in a neighborhood. The only thing that remains the same about Polvo's is their margaritas. The service was not the best either. The food took a very long time to come out. The server brought 2 out of 4 dishes prepared correctly and the other two sent back. Thanks but no thanks. I will not return. read more

Wow! Where to start? At the beginning, I guess . . . There were no menus, not even on request -- QR codes only. In 2024. There was also no wifi. I ordered tortilla soup, chicken fajitas, and a house margarita. The waiter came back and told me they were all out of tortilla soup (and also all out of caldo de res), so I went without. The margarita was weirdly bland, almost as if I had a cold and couldn't taste. It had very little lime flavor and none of the orange flavor (e.g., Cointreau or triple sec) that it should have had. The chicken fajitas looked burnt and were indeed very, very well-done. They came with onions. No red, yellow, or green bell peppers, just onions. That isn't actually fajitas! I bit down on a bone in the chicken. (See photo.) The beans came immersed in cloudy liquid bean juice. At first, I couldn't even see the actual beans; I thought they were my missing tortilla soup. Every forkful I ate I had to hold up for 5-10 seconds first, to let it drip-drain. Otherwise, the drinks (a paloma and a coconut margarita) and the food (tortillas, rice, guacamole, and sour cream) were okay. Not great, not bad. When the waiter brought the check, I saw a charge of $16 on it for the missing soup. I called this to his attention, and he pointed out that below the total was a subtraction of $16 for "spills." Okay, so they did actually charge me the correct amount, but the way it was done was confusing. With so many good Mexican restaurants in this town, I see no reason to go back. read more

Polvos South - The bone I found in my chicken. - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

The new menu shows after six people and more gratuity will be applied and the check cannot be split, which is OK. I have no problem with that but we had less than six people the server Janett said the new menu was wrong she said when she scanned the other barcode menus, they all said something different. So my party that was less than six was charged gratuity and unable to split. read more

Polvos South - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Not impressed! Polvos has been one my favorite places to eat. Today I wasn't impressed with the waiter and food. 1) Waiter took my order and never came back. 2) I couldn't request a refill for water or Dr. Pepper, 2) Cold food, probably as it took 25 minutes for order to arrive or just sitting waiting to be delivered, 3) had to get my own To-Go box, 4) Had to find the waiter to request my bill. 5) Since food was cold I boxed it up and heated a home since I couldn't get any service. Great place to eat but it's losing its original quality of service and atmosphere. read more

Polvos South - Notes to the waiter. - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Have visited this place over the years and enjoyed the food and ambience. Visited recently and the place was literally infested with ants inside the building. Walking over tables , on my person. Salsas were not tasty per the past. Music blared through a cheap audio system. Very disappointing. Waitress was good. read more

Super yummy lunch Our waiter was great w/our 2 1/2 yr old & 4 1/2 yr old grand kids Lots of napkins. Fast service He makes the very delicious horchata aqua - so good ! read more

Very good food. Very fast service. House frozen margarita amazing. Chili conquest amazing. Mole sauce amazing. read more

Polvos South - Mole and shredded chicken enchiladas with black beans - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

The location is nice and the staff is super friendly. The food is super overpriced, my quesadilla with no sides was $15. The quesadilla was good but not that good to pay so much for. read more

Polvos South - Cheese Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I came here Sunday evening with about 15 people. It was my first time ever and I enjoyed the food. The pitcher of margaritas was delicious too. I ordered to chicken tamales and they were only $6. What a deal and they were spicy too. Our server was friendly and checked back on us often. This was a very casual restaurant. The only thing that I didn't like was they wouldn't split the check. read more

I have not been to Polvo's in over 10 years and although lately, going to some of Austin's staples has been disappointing, I am so happy that Polvo's is still killing it with the best chicken caldo around! My husband was feeling a bit under the weather and was craving a good chicken soup so we ordered Polvo's to go and when we got home, the order was exactly as I had asked with extra jalapeños and cilantro and it was piping hot! It's so much food that we were able to have seconds the next day. You definitely get a bang for your buck. You have to place your to-go orders at the bar at a kiosk or one of the employees will help you out. Thank you Polvo's for still using the same traditional recipe and for not skimping with your ingredients. read more

Pavlos never disappoints! The margaritas are some of the best I've ever had, and the food is consistently delicious. The service is always top-notch, making every visit enjoyable. Highly recommend! read more

Polvos looks so very festive from the outside, but the actual seating both indoor and outdoors is a bit dingy and not comfortable or pleasant. We sat outdoors to enjoy the festive lights, but the tables are white folding tables. Chips are served upon arrival, salsa is serve yourself from big bowls in the middle of the restaurant. I am glad it is serve yourself, because service was very slow - we waited and waited for our check at the end of the meal. We ordered the beef fajita and shrimp tacos - food is greasy, not the highest quality. Disappointed as it does look like a party from the outside! read more

Came here for a work event, so the food was catered. We got to order drinks though and can confirm - this is the biggest and tbh tastiest pina colada I've ever had!! It was so sweet and creamy and the glass was HUGE. I was very happy with it and feeling very happy after I was done with it! The chips and salsa were also really good and I had a bite of my friend's taco which was excellent. This is a very cute place to go with friends in my opinion! read more

Polvos South - I think this was a margarita? My friend's hand is there for size! The drinks were huge! - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I agree with many reviewers below that this place is expensive for no reason and that's why everyone is posting pictures of their check. $16 for queso?? I took my out of state friends here and it for sure scratched the itch for Tex Mex and it was fine, but damn. Service was good. The salsas were very very delicious that was the best part and its self serve which was cool. I'll go back when I win the lottery. read more

Polvos South - Enchiladas Dona Clara - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

Loved it the steak was tender loved it and i would it it again. I didn't feel like writing 85 words enough said.

I was in Austin on business and was looking for some authentic Mexican food. I found Polvos South on Yelp and read all of the reviews. On my way and all that I can say is thank you Yelp. Such a great choice for authentic cuisine. I ordered the pork verde enchiladas and they were amazing. I asked for the spicy green sauce and it was spicy. But it had great flavor and I would order it again and again. Actually I went back a few days later and brought my friends. I also want to comment on the chips and salsa. You grab salsa at the salsa bar and again the flavors were amazing. Service was really good. They were attentive but not overbearing and I was very happy. I will return and actually came back a few days later. Please support this business. read more

Polvos South - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas