I went here with my family who was visiting out of town. Everyone was extremely happy with their food. The Mexican martinis are worth every penny. They are delicious and have decent amount of alcohol. We had the queso appetizer. It comes with guac, ground beer, fresh jalapeños, and cilantro that you can add to your queso depending on what you like. For dinner I had the cerveza fajitas and was blown away. The flavor of the meat was awesome. Some of my favorite fajitas in Austin. Our server was awesome and very friendly. Very laid back guy and very Austin. I am looking forward to returning to Polvos for dinner and drinks very soon! read more

Yum! I LOVE this place. Great margaritas, they actually have puréed fruit in their fruit ones. It's Interior Mexican food, not Tex Mex, which makes it unique. The inside feels like you are in Mexico and it has a nice big open outside. Tip: get fajita meat in whatever you order-it's all good but the way they season the fajitas is to die for. read more

Some of the best beef fajitas I've ever had! Love the funky atmosphere.

Polvo's was where I was first introduced to the idea that a Tex-Mex restaurant felt they could charge their customers for chips and salsa. I planned to never go back based on that alone but kept getting dragged back with groups. Each time the food, drinks and service became progressively worse, to the point were I thought a practical joke was being played on me. But the only joke is how that place continues to find people willing to go there. I've been doubled charged for their almost booze-less margaritas, and grat'ed on a table of four for pointing that out, even when the menu says it's an option for five or more. read more

GAAAAAAAHD-AWFUL! Abandon hope, all ye who enter here! I would just leave it at that, because it was so horrible it's almost a waste of my fingers' energy to type this, but the story is too good not to share. So, first off, our server was either stoned, off of his medication (or on TOO MUCH of his medication), or just suffering from heat stroke...but regardless, it took him at least 15 minutes to come to our table, which felt like a lifetime. A hot, loud, smelly lifetime. This is Austin, Texas, y'all. It's frickin' hot. Fry an egg on the hood of your car hot. THERE WAS NO AIR CONDITIONING IN THIS JOINT. Box fans everywhere. It was so miserable inside that we could barely eat our measly burritos, which were almost inedible anyway. Someone told me that their margaritas were some of the best in town, and the price was reasonable (two dollar signs or whatever). Let me tell you....I've had stronger virgin margaritas than that offal that I so unfortunately ordered a pitcher of. As it turns out, the waiter never came back to ask us how our food was, fix my #$@! margarita so it didn't taste like Jim Jones' Kool-Aid, and when he finally DID bring our check, he walked off as I was trying to tell him everything that was put on our table was rubbish. That was an hour of my life and $40 I'll never get back. read more

This place was great. Our waitress Chelsea was awesome..!! She was very understanding of our special needs, along the lines of gluten and garlic free selections. My wife and I had dinner and she didn't get sick. That is a plus for us and we will being returning back to this location. read more

I am not sure why this restaurant got 3 rating, I love their chicken fajitas Rancharo, it does taste like Indian curry. Drinks are little bit expensive, did not like they charging for salsa. Overall I do enjoy evenings there. For Service: 4/5 For Food: 5/5 Decor : 5/5 They can surely improve on service,some of them are too good and some of them are ok. But overall it is 4/5 service. When it is mexican one word comes to my mind POLVOS read more

Have eaten here for over a decade. When I initially went, they had killer fish tacos with some great choices of sauce to adorn them with. I had not been in a couple year, until recently, and now they're gone from the menu!? Sad Move! Their fish choices are still mostly better than much of the other Mexican fare in South Austin, so I stay dedicated. Its a good time, and the atmosphere is usually warm and inviting, their margaritas are pretty good too! read more

Won't go there again. Second time I've been here and they once again "ran out of guacamole," BUT they had avocado to give me as a replacement. Um WHAT? How do you have avocados, but can't make guacamole. I explained to my server that my dish came with guacamole, and he then pointed out that the avocado was my guacamole. Once again, NO, that is not correct. He then said the manager would come over and talk to me. Did a manager come over? NOPE, but another server did... and was of zero help. Terrible customer service and clearly don't know how to stock guacamole. I'll add that this was the MIDDLE of the day, so what were they planning on doing for the dinner crowd read more

Briggs was the best waiter ever!!! We never had to ask for anything he was already on it!! The food was great as well as the drinks!! I will be back!! read more

I absolutely love this place. I've been coming here for eighteen years and it's been a standout. The migas, machacado, the fish tacos, salsa. All of it's so damn good. read more

The only reason to come is for the margaritas. The food is subpar and priced high. The parking and wait is horrific. Half of the time I've come, I've had bad service. Chips are free... But then they charge you for the salsa. Deceptive. This place just isn't worth it. read more

So good and inexpensive, salsa bar is amazing and portions are huge. Also a really fun authentic vibe. I'm glad we found this place during our one weekend in Austin. read more

I've been a fan of Polvo's for over a decade though since moving to the edges of Austin have not eaten here for a year. My wife and I stopped last night for a late dinner and experienced one of the worst meals we can recall having. The Fish a la Plancha my favorite dish was way oversalted. The pepper strips that were previously bite sized and tasty were large and overcooked. The refried beans had an acrid and chemical like taste. The (flour) tortilla's were hard and inedible and the corn tortillas were falling apart. The salsas, which they have long been known for, have been completely changed. Only one was tolerable. Their signature brown salsa was harsh and off flavored. I have always tolerated their weak margaritas and lackadaisical service because the food was reliable, if not remarkable but no more. We are finished with this place. read more

If you don't come and eat fajitas at this place, then you're just a dumb, dumb idiot. And I mean it. This place is ridiculous. Best ever. read more

Chelsea was a GREAT server! The restaurant was incredibly busy. Inside was WAY too loud, but I imagine outside would be much more pleasant. Good was good. It's what you expect from authentic style Mexican. Flautas were very good. read more

Yuck. I miss el alma and also matts! Yummy there not here. Low grade and the margaritas were good about 5 years ago and now they suck. I sent mine back. I won't return here. read more

Happy hour!!!! These are the first margaritas I have ever tried that are actually smooth and not just sour, I can even say they were perfect... I also ordered the cerveza fajitas and if it was possible I would give it 10 stars read more

A good Tex Mex restaurant in South Austin that serves great margaritas and good food. The food isn't off the charts but it is good for your Tex Mex needs. The place is always packed which means they have steady business coming in, but you would think they would at least from the cheap plastic folding chairs for the outdoor patio. While you're waiting for a table head inside to grab a margarita from the bartenders that are always helpful. read more

This is a great place for really good Mexican food done right. Should be 5 stars all day but I found out the hard way after paying for and picking up a to go order that they charge $3.75 for a can of coke! $3.75 for one singe can of coke?! Not even the bottles of Mexican coke, just the same old .65 cans you can get out of any vending machine. Craziness....Other than that though, the food and staff is great and honestly, all of their other prices aren't bad at all for the amount and quality of the food. Just stay away from cans of coke unless you're ready to take out a second mortgage on your house! read more

My second review! This place is fantastic every time. The fish tacos are my and my wife's go to meal. The ingredients taste fresh. I've eaten a lot of tacos in my time and it's pretty easy to skimp on ingredients like the rice and the beans, this place doesn't do that Pretty pricy place to eat. Might wanna take out a small loan before coming! Nice staff. They weren't that attentive but they were all so busy. Love this p read more

I have to admit, I love me some Polvo's. Their fish fajitas are so unique and delish...and who doesn't love a pitcher of frosty margaritas shared with friends on their outdoor patio?!? However, what I don't love is cigarette smoke- especially when I'm dining and eating (in the company if a baby AND a pregnant friend, no less)! When we alerted the staff to the table near us that was smoking, they did very little to remedy the situation-simply turned on the fans in the outdoor eating area. The table continued to smoke and we continued to be disappointed that Polvo's would allow them to do so when it is illegal and clearly bothering other patrons. Shame on you, Polvo's- have some respect for the law, your customers and the general public health. read more

We went to the location in N. Austin on Bratton. The beef fajitas were fantastic, as were the beans, rice, and tortillas. The margaritas were perfect. We will be back! read more

DO NOT HERE! I came for my birthday with a group of 15 for the first time because I heard the food was great. Service was HORRIBLE. We did not know that they do not do separate tickets before ordering. We spent an hour trying to figure out the bill. Very upset and my birthday is ruined behind bad customer service here! read more

One word: fish tacos. I come here about once a month, and never miss a chance to get their amazing fish tacos. I have introduced probably 40 people to this place, and never had a single one be anything but Blown Away by their food. It's a South Austin classic, and it's great that they have one in North Austin as well. I've never been here for happy hour, but I hear they're tequila and margaritas are amazing. The salsa bar is not to be missed either, and it's a testament to how good it is that they they charge for it and yet people still get it. It's the only restaurant I've ever come across that actually charges for salsa, but yet it's amazing that every single person in the restaurant has salsa on their table. You gotta try Polvos if you come to Austin! read more

This was a big disappointment. The quesadillas were greasy, the service was poor, and the quality of food and the price was not good. They nickel and dime you for everything. Unlike most Mexican restaurants that offer chips and salsa at no charge, this place does charge you. The service was poor - had to literally look for the waitress to get refills on water or anything I needed. The waitstaff is congregating in one corner, chatting and laughing rather than attending customers. Considering the quality of food, it's overpriced. read more

This place is the best Mexican restaurant in Austin,TX. The food is excellent and the margaritas are amazing. They get really busy on the weekend so don't be surprised if you have to wait for a while or if your having trouble getting good parking. When you order the margaritas, make sure you ask for some mango sauce on the side to mix! YUM! read more

They tried to make me eat the wrong order/charge me for getting the order wrong! The manager here must be as crazy as that Thai Noodle House waitress (see my review for that place). I ordered my item, and when it was brought, the server (not the waiter - the waiter was good), mumbled something inaudible. When I took a bite, I knew it was the wrong order. I told the waiter, expecting an apology, and then to wait a bit for the right dish. NO! The waiter came back saying that his manager says, if you want another order (the original dish), we're going to have to charge you for both items. I couldnt believe my ears! I got furious at this point, and started saying various stuff to the waiter about the situation, good service, etc, with my voice slightly raised (at this point, the persons sitting in front of us, who were seated for a few minutes, got up and left). So, I told him Im not going to pay for another order, just forget about my food, and put my friend's food in a to go box. The waiter felt bad, said he understood the situation, it's just his manager calling the shots. So, the waiter went back, came back with the right order, and said that he and the cook, did this for us (ie, went around the manager). The waiter and cook saved the day, but the manager tried to pull some crazy nonsense. With that said, the food's fairly good. read more

VERY GOOD! Great food great Price! Lot's of flavor and great variety. The fajitas and margaritas are excellent! The place is chill, I like the outside seating. I will be back! read more

MY favorite Mexican food in town. Shrimp A La Plancha changed my LIFE!!! Fajitas a Guajillo also!!!

Most of my encounters end up a little hazy (margaritas) but they're fairly consistent in the tasty food department.

salsa bar, great ceviche, and absolutly awesome margaritas. Enough said I am hooked

Fajitas are solid, margarita pitchers the way to go.

Absolutely my favorite shrimp dish in town is here, Shrimp a la plancha! Definitely a different dish and has gotten rave reviews from everyone I have taken there. read more

Polvo's is a joint that is helpful for when you cannot think of anywhere else to eat and you are trying to accommodate everyone. Standard Tex-mex fare, margaritas by the pitcher, and a relatively convenient location. In my few experiences there, the service is playing catch-up to a line of already slightly drunk early 20 year olds, waiting to continue their drinking spree while enchilada plates are slung over the heads of customers. Worth the experience once but no need for a repeat performance. read more

This place is legit! It is definitely a place to take friends to and have a good time. I usually like to sit in the patio area and start out with some chips and salsa. The food the great but the margaritas hit the spot. They runs around $25 and they are filled with alcohol! Cool place to be on the weekends! read more

We always enjoy Polvo's. The meals are flavorful and the margaritas kick you know what. Whenever family or friends come to town, we try to have a meal there and they are always impressed. We even had our small "rehearsal dinner" there the night before our wedding. Part of the ambience of the place is people watching and while you may see groups of people waiting, the wait time never seems long. Give this restaurant a try. read more

Great patio and atmosphere! One of the best Mexican food restaurants in town! Highly recommend any of the taco choices and all the salsa options in the salsa bar! read more

I was excited to try this spot after hearing about it from some friends but now I can't see what the draw is all about. The food was fair but the service was not so great. Our waiter seemed pretty much like he wished he were someplace else and charging for chips and watery salsa was a first for me. Can't say I will be back to this joint with all the other great places in the area to choose from. :( read more

Gave it another shot....Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Every time I go to Polvo's and give them another chance to make up for the bad experience they come through. Unfortunately, this time they did not. EVERYTHING has gone up in price. The small ceviche we had was all vegetables with no fish and yes, it was $9.99 (the old price for the large ceviche). I ordered a shrimp quesadilla. For the price I paid for it (10.99), you'd think it would have been more than an 8 inch tortilla with some cheese and small shrimp in it. You would think.....ABSOLUTELY NO TASTE what-so-ever. The best part about my meal was the side order of black beans and the one diet coke I had. You get unlimited refills, as long as you ask for it. If not, the wait staff will not even offer to bring you another one. Charging someone $2.25 for a can of diet coke....inequitable at best. Sorry Polvo's...you've lost a fan. It'll be a very long time before I come back to give you another chance at winning me back over. read more