Chuy's

"It’s easy to take Chuy’s for granted now that the decades-old institution has franchised throughout the South. Even at their original location on Barton Springs Road, most dishes are mediocre, especially compared to Austin’s many Tex-Mex alternatives. Still, Chuy’s perks are unimpeachable, like the ability to walk in with a large-ish group and have a good time in the kitschy space. Nowhere else has a large school of colorful metal fish swimming across the ceiling, and few places are this reliably upbeat (even without a few margaritas in your system)." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs

"It’s easy to take Chuy’s for granted now that the decades-old institution has franchised throughout the United States. In terms of quality, it’s a mixed bag, even at the original location on Barton Springs Road. Most dishes are mediocre, especially compared to Austin’s many Tex-Mex alternatives. But nowhere else has a large school of colorful metal fish swimming across the ceiling or a room full of hubcaps, and few places are this upbeat even before you've ingested a few cheap margaritas. The biggest perk of Chuy’s is the ability to walk in with a large-ish group and have a good time in a kitschy space buzzing with activity. Despite what the menu claims, there aren’t any true specialties here, aside from their queso that gets an upgrade from the green chili and ranchero sauces mixed in. Beyond that, grab whatever enchilada, burrito, or taco combo calls out to you. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Food Rundown photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Queso This is the only thing that no Chuy’s visit is complete without. It has all the meltiness of a standard Velveeta-based queso, plus a few other cheeses and green chili and ranchero sauces mixed in to enhance the flavor. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas The chicken runs a bit dry, but the green enchilada sauce on top—Chuy’s calls it boom-boom sauce—has a creamy tang that balances well with the serrano peppers and hatch chilis. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL The Elvis Presley Memorial Combo Elvis is the mascot of Chuy’s original location, largely because in 1982 the owners spent their $20 decorating budget on a velvet portrait of him. Now there are menu items named after the hip-swiveling rock god, like this one that serves up three types of enchiladas, a crispy taco, and queso for less than its namesake's painting cost. It’s a fine way to sample a bunch of things at once, even if none of those things are remarkable. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Chuy’s Famous ‘Ritas Everything goes down smoother with one of these. We prefer the traditional frozen margarita, but you can also get it in strawberry or a combination of both." - Matthew Jacobs

"There are roughly 100 Chuy’s locations across the United States, but this Tex-Mex empire started right here in Austin on Barton Springs Road. And it’s an empire built largely on melted cheese. This queso has all the melt factor of a typical Velveeta-based version, but with a few other cheeses mixed in to add some great flavor and texture, while a bit of green chili and ranchero sauce add some much-needed kick. We like the fully loaded version with ground beef, guacamole, and pico, but the cheese in this holds up on its own. The chips can be a little brittle, but not enough to prevent us from enjoying each bite.  What we got:  Queso, fully loaded" - nicolai mccrary

"Do you want some Tex-Mex? Do you not want to walk far from the festival? The Austin-born Tex-Mex chain is here for you, and everyone else at ACL. Sometimes a big plate of enchiladas and a margarita are worth the wait. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday; takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury

"The menu at Tex-Mex chain and Austin original Chuy’s is a crowd-pleaser for anyone, but the kids’ menu (with typical fare like a burger, chicken tenders, and enchiladas) comes with a choice of sides (mac and cheese, fries, or rice and beans), a drink, and dessert. Kids will love the funky decor, too. Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell