This past Saturday, I came here for an UYE (Unofficial Yelp Event) and I fell in love with this place. I don't why but it had that Berkeley, CA atmosphere. I ordered the steak and egg burrito, and two Top Rock margaritas, for digestive purposes only. That Burrito was one of the best that I've had and believe me, I will be back and definitely make this one of my favorite breakfast burrito spots. read more

Taco Xpress - Grabbing a bite to eat! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I have always loved this place, from its previous location and all the way back to when it was a truck. Since it is closing in a couple of months, a lovely young lady arranged for several of us to meet together before moving on to another location in several hours. Rock solid as always. I did not have any alcohol as there was going to be plenty later. Myself, I had an Al Pastor taco and a Barbacoa taco. The Al Pastor was quite tasty and the Barbacoa was amazing. I am really grateful for the good food over the years, the trip down memory lane and a last meal before another Austin institution disappears. read more

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We were recommended to try these tacos. We tried everything on the special menu and some other on the taco menu. The selection is great! Love me a good breakfast feel on some tacos. They also have a great drink selection too. This is a great place to try different tacos that have a more home taste to it. Also the inside and outside of this place is a sight to see. Also has outdoor seating on their upstairs. Just walk up to the giant on the truck. read more

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Perfect bacon egg cheese taco. Got a little cilantro, a little red sauce, kapow. So dang good. Friendly staff and fun place to eat inside or on the patio. (Hey was that Britt Daniel from Spoon...?) read more

Pastor tacos are always our go-to and this one may be the best we have had in Austin- the flavor of the meat was soo delicious I am still thinking about it! The migas taco was tasty but the El pastor was the best. Tacos were super fresh! Tortillas and salsas were excellent. Also got the queso which was delicious. Will return for the El pastor, queso, and quick service! read more

Taco Xpress - Migas and el pastor - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

Super fun place, went on Sunday at noon, greeted with great music! Food was delish, creative twists to classic SW/breakfast menu. Loved funky decor, just felt comfy... read more

Taco Xpress - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place is the BEST!! You will never find a better breakfast taco! The staff is friendly and happy, and on Sundays there's a live band and dancing. Treat yourself to this experience! read more

Excellent service and food! I highly recommend the sangria, it was super refreshing and included fresh apples, oranges and lime :-) Nice ambiance. I love this place. I like that you pay at the counter, which makes the experience faster and laid back. Great salad and condiments bar. Staff was friendly and the food came out quickly. Welcoming environment. read more

This place is an Austin legend and I can see why. When you walk in the front door you're greeted by a funky and "weird" courtyard filled with murals, mosaics, memorabilia and a sign alerting you to the presence of a local cat that harmlessly roams the grounds. Once inside, you order at the register and take your pick of sauces, pickled veggies, and drinks. I highly recommend the tacos: the migas was very egg-y and cheesy and would definitely be filling. The chicken fajita taco had huge bits of garlic and onion which added to the flavor. My favorite taco by far was the barbacoa with chimichurri sauce. It was so herby, flavorful and delicious. Plenty of parking and no wait on a Saturday around 1 p.m. It was a gorgeous day and the outdoor patio made for a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the food! read more

My chicken taco was good. Chicken had good flavor and everything tasted fresh. Chips were crunchy (not stale) Friendly staff, tables were clean, fun atmosphere. read more

Crazy Maria you have yet again outdone yourself !!! I trully trully love coming in here and always being surprised at how good everything is and has been for years !! I remember when you guys started as one of the very first taco stands in this area and to this day you guys still put out awesome tacos not to mention your salsas at the salsa bar are beyond incredible, and the chimichurri RULES !!!!!! Thanks so much read more

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Maria, Mariaaaaaaaaaaa, you have deliiicious breakfast tacoooooooosss! If you like cheese, and let's be honest, if you don't, you're inhumane, get the migas taco. It is so good. Albeit sometimes they put a teeeeeeny bit too much cheese but I say it's always better to have too much than not enough. I've tried a couple other tacos, more on the plain side and I always fall back to the migas. Can't get enough. I love their standard salsa they throw in when you order tacos to go but they have plenty of others to try as well. I HIGHLY recommend calling your orders in because this place is always a mad house. Lines out the door! read more

Our go-to for breakfast tacos in Austin; authentic and great flavors, fantastic breakfast plates, wonderful staff and atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone looking for an authentic Austin vibe and quality/family made Tex Mex. read more

Holy nopales, these are GREAT cactus breakfast tacos! Seriously. And don't forget to get aside of both a red and green salsa. You'll be back ;) read more

Taco Xpress - 2 cactus breakfast tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love this Mexican place in Austin! There are a plethora of spots of Mexican and Tex Mex spots all over Texas. This joint is one of my favorites. Inexpensive, impressive salsa bar and drinks. Been here three or four times and it is always delicious! read more

An obvious staple of Austin. Great food, always friendly staff and always fresh. I won't claim to know all of Austin's tacos scene but this place is a stronghold for Austin culture, Austin flavor and Austin authenticity. Let's just put it this way: *please note this is the story as I was lead to understand it, and is based on word of mouth* Due to high rent spikes on Lamar, Maria was forced with the tough decision to close up shop and relocate. After several months of looking down the barrel of shutting their doors forever, the employees of this beloved taco establishment bound together and decided they wanted to keep the legend of Maria's alive by opening their own Maria's (with Marias of course). Went to Maria's last week for a standard migas and pastor and found the establishment was operating like a greased up V8 and turns out with the support of her employees Maria made it happen to stay put at the current location. Show me a restaurant that could say the employees are willing to step up and take on the risk in order to keep a great concept alive and I'll show you a better taco than Maria's (I cannot). Viva Maria y viven pastor read more

Maria's TacoXpress should be considered a landmark in Austin TX. The story goes Maria moved from Argentina to Texas and opened up this small shack serving breakfast tacos on South Lamar. In the 90's, south Lamar was very different. You drive down now and see all the new apts and drafthouse but it used to be way simpler. South Lamar was low class buildings, some auto shops, a few side apts, and just way more chill. The original location was dark and had a dirt parking lot sitting off the side of lamar. This was when Austin was way more raw and under developed that what it is in current day. Maria's large lot got converted to half her restaurant and room for new condo buildings, the old building was torn down for the current building. Maria's TacoXpress even got a spot on Diners, Drive-ins, Dives on Food network a few years back. Lets focus on the food. Amazing big breakfast tacos with your list of customization choices. The freshly made tortillas enhance the flavor. Freshly cooked eggs, spicy chorizo, and thin shredded cheese. These tacos are certainly way more greasy than the other spots. You can even get a cactus taco. The migas taco is a winner. Lunch items are fairly portioned. Good fajita tacos, all pastor, nachos, enchiladas and quesadillas. They also server plenty of alcoholic drinks. Breakfast is served all day. They recently said they will be only open till 3pm now. Now Maria's is a true hardcore Austin place. It has been a long time establishment on South Lamar for a few decades. As new buildings continue to pop up on the street, Maria's TacoXpress stays true. One thing great about this venue is the unique design of the place. Indoor and outdoor seating and artwork covered everywhere. You will see the walls covered in nostalgia from all the people Maria has come across. Unique tables and even one with a couch. The outdoor area has plenty of seating in the shade when the hot sun is out, or walk up to the 2nd deck for an elevated view. I would just skip out on Sunday mornings. That is when the Hippy Church has service. You heard me, the Hippy Church has service every Sunday morning. Now you can certainly still order food, but don't be surprised by the loud band and people dancing. Austin is a diverse city, and this is certainly considered a local spot by the hippie crowd. Oh is that offensive? Welp! You know there are few places remaining of what Austin used to be like. It seems the continued population growth, construction & transformation of this city will continue to change this city. I'm talkin to you California transplants!!! Breakfast tacos are all over this city. However, back in the day, Maria's TacoXpress was a staple foundation for breakfast. It still serves excellent food for a very affordable price. I wouldnt say Maria's is the best taco place in town, but I still frequent there many times. read more

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Yes, Maria's Taco Xpress is an Austin icon. I've been hearing about this place for years, a favorite for the Southies. I've been there on a Sunday before and it was crowded - a band out back and plenty of people fill the place. The Carne Guisada taco was great, something different than your usual taco experience. Their nachos were traditional - and were okay, not great. Another cool thing - the endless supply of cilantro, onions, spicy dillweed salsa, and salsa verde. While other places skimp on these where you have to ask for more, Taco Xpress has these items available to you in endless quantities. Since I love cilantro and onions, it's a match made in heaven, and that spicy dill salsa is VERY HOT! The Cons: $2.50 for a bowl of chips? You gotta be kidding me. I was quite shocked since most places give out their chips for free, and believe me - it's not worth $2.50. The prices have gone up a bit since my first visit a couple of years ago, and I bet if you ask them they'll blame it on the oil and gas prices (but that was last summer - and since then they've dropped. - so now what?). Can you say "sticky prices"? More on the tortilla chips: I was in line waiting to order, there was an attractive female in front of me, she placed her order that included chips and salsa. As soon as she realized it cost $2.50 she refused them - so the guy starts whispering (sweet nothings - probably) into her ear and ended up giving them to her for free. She smiled, shook her thang and walked away. Then when it was my turn to order - so what do you think happened when I asked for chips and salsa? He charged me double! I even unbuttoned my red silk shirt and showed off my hairy chest and 10 gold chains - but he still made me pay double? WTF?!? Thanks! I may not have the curves you're looking for but I make one helluva beer can chicken and long island iced tea - you son-of-a-bi*ch! No more skimpy silk shirts, z-cavaricci's, and hairclub for men for you bud - - I can tell when I'm not appreciated! Okay - 3.5 stars. read more

Best breakfast tacos ever. Might be the best tacos in austin to be honest. I haven't had one bad thing from here

I've honestly never really been that crazy about this place. This was my first visit since 2003ish. Back in the day I thought the food was good; but I wasn't ready to commit myself to waiting in line and jockeying for a parking spot at the original place. Leap forward to the new spot thanks to some Walgreens dinero. I like the vibe and the style of the building. The little courtyard in the front is cool. The interior still remains Austin proud and I am glad to see that the kitchen set up didn't change from the previous place. The Al Pastor taco made the the grade in my book. The pork is well seasoned with just the right amount of kick. Raw onion and cilantro make me HAPPY! I shared a bit of the tortilla and meat with Rooster and it met his approval as well. Despite my long absense, I'm glad Taco Xpress has stuck around to keep feeding the masses. read more

Flipping amazing. The ladyfriend and I rolled into Maria's Taco Xpress at around 9am on the day after Halloween. There was already a line and the witch in front of us was complaining that they had been waiting for over half an hour. Anyways, once it officially opened at 9, the line moved fast and by 9:10 or so we had placed our order. I ordered the Migas taco, the veggie taco, and one other one. The migas taco was by far and away the BEST breakfast taco I have EVER tasted. Honestly, it was amazing - everything about it. On the other hand, the Bloody Mary here is weaksauce. Don't be confused with that meaning that it was "weak", she put at least 2 shots in it, but it was crappy vodka and over-priced for the quantity. Plastic cups, boo. Not serving alcohol until after 10am - boo. If I want to get my drink on at 9:30, I should be allowed to. Big ass fly that landed and died instantly in my Bloody Mary - boo. The fact that half the customers were drunk from the night before and still in their costumes - pretty awesome! Word to the wise, Gospel Hippie Church doesn't start until noon on Sundays, so plan accordingly. read more

Taco Xpress - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

Took some determination to find this place! Served made to order, hot & fresh. Also had the chips & queso, but no photo. Good if you are in the area, but would not go out of my way. read more

Taco Xpress - Vegie rajas (tacos) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I come here an average of once a week. I'm embarrassed to say, sometimes daily. Staff is great and patient and they're good at working through a seemingly long line. I recommend starting with breakfast tacos if you've never been here. They remain within the top 5 category of my favorite breakfast taco places, combined with a great close location to where I live and having affordable prices, no wonder this is a common morning stop for me. Pro tips: get the refried black beans on anything or as a side. Also if you don't have a big appetite ONE taco will be enough for you. You can also request a variety of tortillas including wheat, flour, half corn and corn( to help out those Gluten Free brothers and sisters). The salsa bar... Be adventuring and try a few. The red is mild, the Smokey red is too, the Orange is medium, the green is hot. They also have house made chimchuri, Pico de Gallo ( definitely get that), cilantro and onions. I dare you to get the cactus taco. It's tasty but all you will want for breakfast in one single taco. And it is greasy. Don't worry it's good for you. When you decide to graduate from breakfast tacos try the fajitas. In fact a common breakfast for me is one breakfast taco , one fajita taco and a small side of guacamole. Enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas, and vegan options...oh my. And they have margaritas . PS- Sunday mornings are CROWDED. They have a hippie brunch where you may have people watching but be patient. Will update review after I try the "Guaca" read more

Taco Xpress - Guaca- Stuffed avacado with chicken covered in creamy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese served with rice and beans - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Eh...with so much competition on the breakfast (and regular) taco market you would think it would drive some places to try harder...for Maria's Taco Xpress, it doesn't. I've tried this place numerous times and I always just seem to find it lackluster and it leaves me wishing I had traveled a block or two further up to their competition. My last trip I tried their verde and avocado taco. The avocado taco was the best thing I had, though it was nothing more than sliced avocado with lettuce and tomatoes. Both were served on crunchy, over done tortillas. In the past I've tried several of their breakfast tacos as well and I find the same issue: mostly bland, flavorless tacos on over done tortillas. They do offer a full bar and have a great patio where they host some fun events. Next time I'm in town for one I'll be sure and eat before going to the event. (though be warned, parking can be a pain during said events so get there early). So there you have it-I am sad to say that I don't understand what Rachel Ray and Guy Fieri were raving about. read more

Hands down the best breakfast tacos I've ever had! It's an added plus that this establishment is cute as hell with lots of good vibes. There's something unique and special to notice everywhere you look (including live music outside), and it makes you feel like if Austin could be harnessed in one location, you're there. I ordered the breakfast tacos (1 of each) and they were ALL amazing. The portions are great, too! You won't be disappointed coming here. read more

After living in Austin for over 10 years I finally was able to venture out to this place with a great friend from S. Austin. We went for the soup on an amazing December day. Sat outside and looked out over the Walgreen's toward the north side of the river. The caldo is huge so it is best to share it with someone and to maybe get a taco on the side. I always think chips and salsa should be a freebie and that it the only reason for not a 5 star review. This is the place that locals and tourists both enjoy. I will be back soon! Maybe on a hippie church day! read more

Maria's Taco Xpress is the Best!!! We live out of town and make random trips to Austin, due to Covid a lot of the usual places we're not open and the AirBnB suggested Maria's. Their restaurant setup was perfect and I felt comfortable even during these times. Food was fast and delicious as well as the hibiscus juice. The owner has great energy and the whole location too! We will definitely be back. read more

My wife and I stopped by taco xpress on a Friday night at about 8:30pm just before the kitchen closed. We ordered three items off the menu. Crunchy taco's, green chicken enchilada's and el pastor taco's. They had live music playing on the patio and the place was fairly busy. The area where you order your food is very crowded with tables and chairs in the way with no real ordering line. The salsa bar is also awkwardly located by the entrance to the kitchen and it is also very close to other tables and chairs. Being 6'2 and having a 40inch waste I felt like a bull in a china closet. Even the soda fountain was strangely located by two table and chairs making it hard to fill your drinks. To the point the dinning room does not FLOW........ It was very awkward and cramped. The food on the other had was great. read more

Fondly referred to by our family as "The Taco Bitch" (with no offense to Maria as I'm sure she's a wonderful gal!)... Funky? Hell, yes! But dear friends, she's sadly overdecorated and overrated. She almost had me with the tacos but then she truly lost me with the Velveeta cheese enchiladas. WTF? (Why The Fives?) read more

I love Marias but.....they are now asking you to get your salsa, so Today at the salsa bar it was crowded and I waited my turn. I was just getting my salsa when a woman came in and virtually took over getting her salsa, so I said I was left handed and now could not get what I needed without running over her and she basically called me an asse for saying anything......this is Marias for god sakes and it was nine in the morning. read more

We stopped by for some breakfast tacos. We both got the migas taco, I got a potato egg and cheese taco & my husband got the steak & egg taco. They were good but nothing to write home about, however, the steak & egg taco was amazing! We will come back for that one! The salsa bar had a really good variety of salsas too. read more

Visiting from Utah doing a DDD tour. This place doesn't quite hold up to the other DDD destinations on the list. Hopefully it was just an off day. Maybe one day we will come back, and try it again. read more

Did someone say breakfast tacos? I'm in! You worked up an appetite on Sixth Street last night and now you have a whole day ahead of you. You can stay in bed or get out and make the most of the day. Go refuel at Taco Xpress where you can get made-to-order tacos and enjoy one of eclectic South Austin's coolest joints. The place is OK for kids too - I brought my brother and his eight year old son, who loves the place and the food. Once you get to the front of the line, your food will be ready in a reasonable amount of time, and the prices are fair. They have dinner and lunch items on the menu to, but I never got past breakfast tacos. Yum! read more

By far my favorite breakfast tacos in all of Austin. I've loved Maria's since the day it opened. Their salsa is fresh and amazing. EVERYTHING is fresh and amazing! read more

Maria's is my go-to place for migas. I also highly recommend the vegetarian taco & the al pastor. The al pastor is pretty greasy here but probably the best I've ever had.. II now live in Round Rock & it is quite a drive, but worth it. They even have tasty agua fresca and plenty of sauces & fresh cilantro. Yum. Oh, and if you like eclectic, "keep Austin weird" type places, you'll appreciate the atmosphere. Tips: They close early on Sunday. Be careful not to start craving their tacos late Sunday afternoon or you will be disappointed. Also, Saturday & Sunday mornings are CRAZY here. You can park at the Waglreens next door if it is too crowded. read more

Taco Xpress - Migas taco & vegetarian taco - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Realized after I had checked in this morning that I had visited Maria's Taco Express at their old location during a KOOP Radio benefit. Folks, this place is about as authentic old Austin as you can get. And, the food is simple but good. The Funkiness is a must when you're in Austin. Gotta find out if they still have the Sunday Hippie Gospel Brunch! Give Maria's a visit! read more

Taco Xpress - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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In short: f@#% the haters who tell you this place ain't what it used to be. The lines out the door every Saturday morning around 10 should tell you everything you need to know about the food. The decor is a little manic but I love the art piece created from Elvgren pin-up postcards in the men's room. You can easily be entertained by grabbing a table near the wall and reading about Maria's history, or venture outside for some people-watching on the patio. This is THE place to bring Austin visitors for their first breakfast taco. The breakfast tacos rock. (See my uploaded phonecam picture for evidence.) There may be better BT's in Austin but Maria's early morning cuisine is consistently great and the atmosphere just seals the deal. Try for yourself and I doubt you'll be disappointed. Tips: get there before 10 am. Don't order cheese on the chorizo breakfast taco (grease overload!). Try all the different salsas. Have plenty of napkins on hand but beware the wind on the patio which will scatter them well. read more

Taco Xpress - Breakfast Tacos at Maria's Taco Xpress - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

This has always been one of my standbys for tasty tacos when in South Austin. Usually two al pastor tacos, plus heaps of pico de gallo and salsa, is enough for me. A time or two the al pastor seemed to be unseasoned (something was definitely missing!). When they do it right, though, it's fantastic: spicy, citrusy and flavourful. Yum. Also, I used to order the crispy beef tacos (barbacoa, I think) but stopped because the meat was bland and never tasted of anything. Instead of using up 20 of their little plastic cups for my quota of salsa & pico, I now grab an extra cardboard container from the register area and pile everything on there. Really, I should have been doing this already instead of just realizing it a couple of visits ago... read more

What's a straight boy from Frisco going to do on a Tues. night in Austin ? Go to Maria's Taco Xpress for some Big Boobie Bingo of course. It was a hoot. The drag queens were a little disappointing. They left their bigger bras at home; talking about false advertising -- don't get me started. I stayed, I ate, drank, and chatted it up w/ a local couple. I also supported the local Austin pride chapter. Overall, it was good clean fun. I think I also brought some luck to our table. The couple won the jackpot. However, w/o getting too verklempt, the shiksa donated the whole thing back to Austin pride. Way to go girl. As it turns out, she worked at a local non-profit. Who knew that Texas had a heart. I digress. However, one thing I was very disappointed in was the food. I ordered a breakfast plate, and just couldn't stomach the refried beans and everything else was just blah. Maria, honey, if you're reading this, pls fix the food, and rework the menu a little or hire a new chef just for some of us foodies from the Bay area. read more

Let's start with Great music on the patio. Then again I was there for SXSW so not sure of the talent pool any other time. The servers were very kind & attentive. I ordered chips & guac, fish taco, pastor taco & pollo taco. If you are gluten free or just prefer corn tortillas you have to ask for them because flour is the default. Fish was the best of my meal. Pollo was shredded & moist but I didn't like the lettuce & other toppings. Guess I'm more of a street taco gal. The pastor was a bit dry. Probably because the chunks were pretty big compared to what I have had elsewhere. The chips seemed to be straight from a bag & guac only had a few tomatoes & onion for flavor so......not very flavorful. A large portion however. I'll be back to check out their regular bands but may eat before I get there or I'll stick with the fish. read more

Taco Xpress - Band playing on Outdoor patio - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Austin, Texas

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