Maria's Taco Xpress

Doesn't Recommend

sunflowerblue

Joined 4 years ago

Not Good!!. NOT GOOD! There are 200 other taco places that are better than this place. Very bland! VERY VERY oilly!! My barbacoa taco had a steady stream of oil leaking out of it, all I could taste was oil it was disgusting. We have eaten at a hundred taco places around texas and this was the worst. Everything is very heavy handed. Gordita bread is so heavy and dense. Just very bland, oily, and heavy. Had a lot of promise - but failed miserably, ok atmosphere - kinda loud though and crowded. Also expensive considering other taco places that are better. Will not be going back. Do not recommend

Recommends

Anne Herman

Joined 3 years ago

Authentic and Affordable. Look for the dark-haired woman atop a sign with her hands thrown in the air and you've found it! Drive down south for a couple tacos with authentic Mexican spice and an eclectic, eccentric atmosphere.

There is both indoor and outdoor seating, both equally as comfortable even in summer heat, and both equally full of character. The exterior and interior are decorated with a huge variety of signs, instruments, artwork, kitchen utensils, kids' toys, and more. The eclectic decor reflects the assortment of customers. This hippy-styled place is accepting of all types of people - and dogs - who come through the door.

The tacos are full of spice and flavor. Each taco is only a few bucks and a couple tacos will fill you up. The menu offers as many options as the walls offer types of decor, with a good selection of tacos, plates, appetizers and drinks.

Taco Xpress is one of those places that contributes to Austin's infamous weirdness with its funky charm. Keep Austin weird and give this place a shot - we love it!

Doesn't Recommend

shannonanam

Joined 3 years ago

Another one bites the dust!. In Austin it's sad to see a place that you love go downhill on the quality of thier food when they expand. I lived down the street from this restaurant and went there every Sunday. The last two times my husband and I went was heartbreaking. The Carne Guisda was tough and was without any sauce. The migas were over cooked and bland. My tacos were horribly bland and very unsatisfying. I'm beyond bummed out but hoping they just hired a new cook in the last couple of months.

Recommends

PaddyMcP

Joined 4 years ago

Cool Atmosphere - Disappointing Food. I stopped in for a quick lunch on a Thursday afternoon. It has a really nice looking patio for live music, but no one was out there since it was so hot. Inside, really cool, hip decor. I was expecting a great lunch!

But then my food came. The "El Pastor" taco was OK (pork), but somewhat bland. The Carne Guisada taco was overcooked and had too much raw onion on it. The food was edible, but I wouldn't say it was enjoyable.

I'm sure on a cooler day, it would be a great spot to toss back a couple cold beers and listen to live music. But don't come here if you're looking for a good meal.

Doesn't Recommend

Sunson1

Joined 5 years ago

Fun atmosphere, below average food.. I recently moved to South Austin from Atlanta and drove by this place many times. It looked fun and saw the parking lot over crowded during the weekday which tells me that the food is cheap and good. The place is fun and easy but the food is cheap (in value) and cheap (in quality). Oh well, there seems to be a million other taco places to try!

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ohyeahlach

Joined 7 years ago

Would vote 4 stars for atmosphere, only 3 for food... What a fun place... took the fam here for breakfast tacos on a Sunday. Live folky band was strange to be at a mexican restaurant but they were really fun. We waited a really long time for our food after waiting in line to order (which actually goes quickly). They messed up our order but it wasn't a big deal since you expect that on a busy day. But the food itself just wasn't that tasty. We ordered a variety of tacos and they were under seasoned. Fajita taco was terrible, dry and no taste without peppers. After adding sauces we could Dr them up fine but should you have to?

Would come back and try lunch or dinner... people are so nice in there and the entertainment was nothing short of amusing.

Doesn't Recommend

abwcd1234

Joined 6 years ago

Terrible food. Below Average Maxican food. I went there for lunch on Saturday. There was a long line. Expected great food because of publicity. We ordered 4 different tacos, Barbacoa, Picadillo, Al Pastor and Pollo Guisada. Some of them were ordered with rice and beans. Barbacoa wasn't even near authentic Mexican barbacoa. It still had raw beef smell. I barely touched the dish. Picadillo was total mess. It was dripping waterly juice and had no taste at all. Al Pastor was ok. That was the only dish we finished. Pollo Guisada was barely ok. The beans and rice was just like the ones you can get from any fast food mexican restaurant. I went to this place 5 years ago and felt just ok at the time. But this time it's a no-no. I was upset to have spent $22 for this. I would consider this place even below Taco Bell.

Recommends

eljefe829

Joined 6 years ago

Good food, fun atmosphere. Seems like people either love the food here or hate it. While I agree that equal or better food can be found (example: Taqueria Arandas), it is going way too far to say the food at Taco Xpress is bad. The food is clearly made from scratch and with great care. I thought some of the items could use a little more salt, but that's a very subjective judgement.

Also, if you're in the mood for it, the atmosphere is fun. Bottom line, the food is good, reasonably priced, and it is a fun place to hang out.

Recommends

dallas50

Joined 6 years ago

Best breakfast taco's anywhere and the McMercy Family Band is amazing !!. I go to Maria's Taco Xpress every Sunday when I visit Austin. The very best breakfast taco's and the Gospel Brunch with the McMercy Family Band makes all worth the trip. Highly recommend to anyone looking for great food and a great band...

Doesn't Recommend

dohkimo1

Joined 6 years ago

Terrible food!. WOW! I was so disappointed. Taco Bell is even better than this place. I had the 3 tacos and the meat in them is one step above cat food! TERRIBLE!