Where to Get the Best Queso in Austin

In Austin, queso is not an appetizer. It is a food group.

Every Tex-Mex table in town starts with a bowl, and everybody has a favorite.

This list sticks to the places that keep showing up in Austin Chronicle readers' polls and the long-running spots that made their queso famous.

Every spot was checked on its own website for its current address, hours or menu.

1. Torchy's Tacos (Green Chile Queso)

Torchy's started as a single food trailer in Austin in 2006, according to the company.

Its Green Chile Queso is one of the fan favorites it says made it famous, and Austin Chronicle readers voted Torchy's the city's best queso in both 2025 and 2026.

2. Matt's El Rancho (Bob Armstrong Dip)

Matt and Janie Martinez opened the first El Rancho on East First Street in 1952, and it moved to South Lamar in 1986.

The restaurant counts its Bob Armstrong Dip among its innovations that became Tex-Mex staples across the country.

It was also a 2025 finalist for best queso in the Chronicle's readers' poll.

3. Magnolia Cafe (Mag Mud)

Magnolia Cafe started on Lake Austin Boulevard in 1979 and expanded to South Congress in 1988.

Its Mag Mud piles black beans, queso, avocado and pico de gallo into one bowl, per its menu.

It is open 24 hours Thursday through Sunday, which makes it the late-night queso move.

4. Eldorado Cafe

This North Austin cafe was a finalist for best queso in the Austin Chronicle's 2025 readers' poll.

It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.

5. De Nada Cantina

De Nada keeps it simple with tacos and margaritas, and its queso made the Chronicle's 2025 readers' poll finalists.

There are two locations, one on the East Side and one on South First.

6. Chuy's

Chuy's opened on April 16, 1982, in an old barbecue joint on Barton Springs Road, according to the company.

Its signature queso blends melted cheese with its made-from-scratch green chile and roasted ranchero sauces.

7. Maudie's (Queso Diablo)

Maudie's history goes back to 1954, when Maudie Hamilton Wilson started cooking for Austin politicos, families and students.

Today it calls itself Austin's neighborhood Tex-Mex, with six locations and a Queso Diablo on the menu.

Menus change, so call ahead if you are driving across town for one specific bowl.

Who makes the best queso in Austin? Defend your pick in the comments.