Nixta Taqueria — Restaurant in Austin

I'm from LA, so I have a bit higher expectations for my Mexican food. But my issues with this place has not much to do with food. 1. The wait in line was too long for no good reason. I don't care if you put some nonsense explanation by the entrance (small kitchen, etc). Please hire more people and get a better POS system with more efficient/effective cashiers to move the line faster! 2. The prices do not justify the dishes. So darn expensive for such a small quantity of food! WTH? I really felt gouged or, perhaps more accurately, robbed in the broad daylight. A small vegetarian taco for $10 is gouging. No matter what. 3. Please get better tables and chairs. Our table for two was so unstable and old that we did not have a peace of mind while eating. If you are charging your customers so much for food, get decent and safer furniture. I think it's time to get new chairs, too. 4. Please accept cash. Some people do not have credit cards, and/or some people like myself do not like to use credit cards while traveling because if the credit card number is stolen, I will have trouble continuing with my travels since I cannot replace my card easily. 5. The iPad used as POS had to be replaced twice with the person in front of me. After standing in a snail-paced line for over an hour, I did not want to see that. Finally, here is my verdict on the food: they were okay, just okay. Nothing to really say, "Wow." I had a smoked napa cabbage taco, a cauliflower taco, beets tartare, corn bread, citrus salad, and rice pudding. They were interesting because the tastes were somewhat different unlike most Mexican I had, but nothing for me to crave enough to come back for, especially at the prices these items were charged. Originally I wanted to give 1 star, but I decided to give 2 stars because the bus person (NOT the cashier or "manager" or server in the line selling alcoholic drinks or anyone else who thought they were in "charge" with an attitude) who also sometimes brought the plates to the...

May, 24, 2025 Review Two:

On my second visit to Nixta, I experienced a moment of clarity. This restaurant has firmly secured a place in my top ten dining spots in Austin. Once again, the food was nothing short of exceptional, vibrant, and full of nuance.

The wine selection paired beautifully with the meal, and the atmosphere was enhanced by a charming vegetable garden that, though modest in size, clearly provides fresh ingredients used daily in the kitchen.

What truly sets Nixta apart is its interpretation of Mexican cuisine. The dishes are unlike anything I have encountered before. They are elevated yet approachable, rooted in tradition yet unafraid to innovate. It is a rare and refreshing reminder that Mexican food can be as refined and delicate as it is soulful and bold.

Nixta is not only consistent, it is quietly revolutionary.

Review One: Nixta Taqueria offers a welcoming atmosphere that immediately drew me in. The thoughtfully designed decor enhances the setting, contributing to a bonny and enjoyable backdrop. I appreciated small touches like the inclusion of dog water bowls.

The food was exceptional—fresh, light, and full of flavor, providing a refreshing take on traditional Mexican cuisine. The duck carnitas were juicy and flavorful, while the enchilada potosina tacos were creamy and comforting. However, the carrot tostada had an overpowering amount of ricotta cheese that disrupted the balance of flavors. The Sholeh Zard was well-executed with a pleasant sweetness, though best shared due to its richness. The standout dish for me was the squash flautas, which were delicately prepared. I also respected the attentive service and their commitment to sourcing produce directly from their garden, adding a noticeable level of brightness to each dish. The public fridge was a unique and commendable feature.

Overall, Nixta Taqueria stands out for its high-quality food and...

First time here. $5 for a quesadilla. That is literally just a cheese taco. The cheese isn’t melted enough to be considered a quesadilla. Just call it a cheese taco. No sides… I asked if there was plates (like 2 tacos rice and beans) the dude at the counter was really nice. He was really informative. pointed at a side that’s apparently $12? I was told they don’t have chicken or beef. I love duck but I haven’t been feeling good, so I’m not gonna eat something out of my normal diet. Chorizo, avocado and I forgot what the other option is. :(

He tried to sell me on a tuna or cauliflower taco… (I forgot I was in Austin when I came to order lol my bad) they hand you a fork for your tacos which for so many reasons is weird.

It’s so weird. The service is good. I declined a light at my table because I have a headache. Another server came up with one and I declined again. He left it at the table. Which is fine he’s just doing his job. (In hindsight, I wish they never gave me the light. I took the pictures of the tacos using my camera flash) When I sent the pictures to my boyfriend, he was absolutely disgusted. I’m kind of glad I ate in the dark because these tacos do not look good. The beans definitely have flavor for six dollars. I wish they gave me a bigger portion of beans at least. I can’t say the same for the cheese or the tortilla.

For the prices, you would think there would be more than picnic tables and plastic everywhere. The “freshly made tortillas” taste like cardboard I am currently housesitting. And after walking to two food trucks that no longer exist. I was really hoping that third time would be the charm

Honestly, I think it’s the customer service that...