9 Classic Tex-Mex Institutions Austin Has Loved for Decades

Austin has new restaurants opening every week, but the Tex-Mex spots locals love most have been around for decades.

Some are on their third or fourth generation. One started with a man selling tamales from a pushcart by the Capitol.

Here are the classic Tex-Mex institutions still serving Austin, oldest first, with founding years from each restaurant or a published source.

Every one was checked on its own website to make sure it is still open.

1. Cisco's (1950)

Rudy "Cisco" Cisneros opened Cisco's on East Sixth Street in 1950, according to Texas Monthly.

Texas Monthly called it a Tex-Mex institution when it turned 75, and there is still a bakery under the same roof.

2. Matt's El Rancho (1952)

In 1923, at age six, Matt Martinez sold tamales from a wooden pushcart by the Texas Capitol, according to the restaurant.

In 1952 he and his wife Janie opened the first El Rancho on East First Street, with just 10 tables. It moved to South Lamar in 1986.

The Martinez family still runs it, and its Bob Armstrong Dip is a local legend.

3. El Patio (1954)

El Patio calls itself an Austin original, carrying on a tradition Paul C. Joseph started in 1954.

It sits on Guadalupe Street near the UT campus.

4. Maudie's (1954)

Maudie's says its story began in 1954, when Maudie Hamilton Wilson started cooking for Austin politicos, families and students.

It now calls itself Austin's neighborhood Tex-Mex, with six locations around town.

5. Tamale House East (1958)

The Tamale House dates to 1958, when Carmen and Moses Vasquez served the downtown Austin community, per the restaurant.

Their family carries on the tradition today at Tamale House East on East Sixth.

6. Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop (1962)

Joe's has been an East Austin original since 1962, and the Avila family has run it for generations.

Come for breakfast, which its FAQ says is served all day, and leave with something from the bakery case.

7. Amaya's Taco Village (1976)

Amaya's says it first opened its doors in 1976, with family recipes perfected over generations.

Breakfast is served every day.

8. Juan in a Million (1980)

Two school teachers, Juan and Myrna Meza, opened this East Cesar Chavez spot in 1980.

Its website says Juan still shakes hands with everyone who walks in.

9. Chuy's (1982)

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

The company says it had seating for about 60, and the men's restroom was outside. Founders Mike Young and John Zapp wanted a fun, funky Tex-Mex spot.

Family places keep their own hours, and some close early or skip a day.

Check the restaurant's page before you go.

Which old-school Tex-Mex spot is your family's go-to? Tell us in the comments.