El Patio Restaurant — Restaurant in Austin

If you're expecting a flavorful Mexican experience, turn around now. This place is a sad, soggy impersonation of Tex-Mex gone completely off the rails. I honestly don't understand how it has a 4.1 rating—maybe it used to be good under different owners, but as of now? Avoid at all costs.

Let’s start with the chips and salsa: they were mid at best. Even this supposedly "safe" starter was greasy and underwhelming. And unfortunately, it only went downhill from there.

We ordered the chicken and beef tacos, guac, and a margarita. What a mistake.

Taco shells? Deep fried wrong and soaked with old oil—you could literally taste it.

Chicken? Dry, bland, and felt like it came from a sad cafeteria tray.

Beef? Absolutely flavorless. Seasoning must’ve been optional, and they opted out.

Lettuce? Brown, wilted, and clearly past its prime.

Guacamole? Zero flavor. Might as well have mashed up air.

Margarita? Watered down and lifeless. No punch, no zest, just disappointment in a glass.

To be fair, the service was fine—no complaints there. But good service can’t save bad food, and this was very bad food.

Save yourself the regret. This place isn’t Mexican. It’s not even decent Tex-Mex. It’s just a poorly executed imitation. You’ve...

I saw so many people talking about how this is an austin classic and a go-to for mexican food, so I decided to go with a group of friends. the service was extremely slow and even after waiting for far too long to receive my food, it was more than just disappointing. I ordered the #2 which came with enchiladas, chili con queso sauce, a taco, and the classic beans and rice. the beans were dry and cold. not sure how you could mess up beans, but it was what I received. then the rice was less then average and lacking flavor. but here is where it gets extremely disappointing, the enchiladas. the cheese within was hard, contrary to the usual melty cheese that is expected with any cheese enchilada. the food itself seemed like it had been sitting out or was merely a microwave meal. the taco was just like any other and nothing special. chips were also cold and stale. also far from authentic mexican food and fits the tex mex description better, but even then you are better off going elsewhere. if you are seeking mexican food in the austin area just go to mama betty’s, chuys, or even el rey in dripping springs....

Growing up my parents and sisters and I used to go to a place we called "Mr. Josephs" because Mr. Joseph was my Daddy's friend and he owned the place. All these years later - Mr. Joseph's children are honoring their parents by running the restaurant like the parents did - keeping in place the quality food, and the charming personal service ... For me, it was like stepping back in time. It is not a new, fancy, well lit, sterile, chain restaurant - it has personality!! You will not find tofu & kale stuffed in a spinach wrap - attempting to call itself a taco - what you will find is hot, fresh,old fashioned - traditional TexMex - you know the kind that belongs in Austin (back before it was weird and you could actually afford to live in the city) but I digress... Try a combo plate - the taco was really good - guacamole was excellent and the cheese enchiladas unbeatable! and praline - don't forget the praline.. People new to Austin may not understand but long time native Austinite's will be in heaven. There is a reason they have been in business for 65+ years - I only hope they continue at least...