With how much time I’ve been spending in Mexico, you’d think I would be sick of Mexican food. NOPE. This Californian turned Texan has got it in my blood and tastebuds. My mom once told me that she ate a lot of hot sauce while pregnant with me to build up my tolerance for spicy things. Congrats mama, it worked.
One thing I love about Austin is the abundance of happy hours. Another thing I love is the abundance of quality Mexican food. This results in my slight love affair with Mexican happy hours in Austin.
Plus in honor of CINCO DE MAYO tomorrow, I felt like sharing my go-to happy hours with a Mexican flare in the downtown Austin area. Warning… these deals, bites & sips might be better than the San Diego Mexican food I grew up with. Sorry friends and family back home!
If you’re looking for tasteful craft cocktails in a trendy downtown atmosphere, look no further than La Condesa. Serving up easily some of my favorite cocktails in all of Austin, La Condesa makes a Mexican happy hour feel fancy. Do note that their portions are on the smaller side for the happy hour menu, but that just makes it a better excuse to order them all. And all cocktails are half-price. Get there early to score a table or you may be left in standing room only!
Happy Hour Menu Highlights:
- Watermelon-Elderflower Martini: 42 below vodka, st. germain elderflower liqueur, agave nectar, fresh citrus & watermelon juice ($6)
- Alma Blanca: Habanero-infused cazadores blanco, ginger liqueur, agave nectar, pineapple juice, fresh corn, hoja de hierba santa, hibiscus-rose-infused salt rim ($6)
- El Cubico: Whole leaf tobacco-infused cazadores reposado, vanilla-infused brandy, lemon, grilled pineapple juice, mezcal essence, volcanic-saffron-infused salt rim ($6)
- Guacamole Sampler: A tasting of all guacamoles including traditional, chipotle puree & toasted almonds, seasonal garnish, and jumbo lump crab & apple & coconut vinegar plus tasting of all the salsas
- Elotes: Mexican style street corn
Happy Hours: 5 – 7pm weekdays
400 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Benji’s happy hour is quite possibly my favorite happy hour in all of Austin. First off, it’s 3 hours long each and every day (mind you they are only open brunch on Sundays). Secondly, the menu is so good! When I could eat dairy their queso was easily one of my top 3 favorites in Austin. Also, the decor. I mean just take a look at their bar. SERIOUS INTERIOR DESIGN GOALS.
Happy Hour Menu Highlights:
- Frozen Margarita ($4)
- Paloma Cocktail ($4)
- Queso Blanco ($4)
- Brussel Sprouts with Chorizo & Dried Mango ($5)
- Baby Kale Salad: Buttermilk avocado dressing, grapefruit, chili spiked almonds ($5)
- Crispy Avocado Taco: Baby arugula, black beans, arbol jelly, radish, pickled onion, cotija ($5)
- Mango-Glazed Pork Belly Taco: Avocado, arugula, pickled onion, charred shishito peppers ($5)
Happy Hours: 4 – 7pm daily
716 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
With a heavy emphasis on seafood, Alcomar’s happy hour offers a fresh and different approach to the typical Austin Mexican happy hour. Plus the cocktail menu is exceptional. Don’t worry if you’re not a seafood fan there’s still plenty of great options on the menu to keep you satisfied.
Happy Hour Menu Highlights:
- Sangria: Spanish red, Jack Daniels, créme de cassis, fresh fruit juices ($5)
- Xalarita Margarita: Frozen, house cucumber-xalapeno puree, el chile rim ($6)
- Coyoacan Cocktail: Del Maguey mezcal, hibiscus, lime, agave, smoked hibiscus salt ($8)
- Queso Flamedo: Melted asadero cheese, corn tortillas ($8)
- with guajillo mushroom ($9)
- with shrimp tikin xic ($10)
- Crab & Guac: Grilled pineapple, serrano puree, corn tostadas ($11)
- Wood Grilled Calamari: Spinach, olives, caper mignonette, grilled lemon aioli, baguette ($10)
Happy Hours: 3 – 7pm daily
1816 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Photo via @cheats_eats
Too many great things about this spot but let’s start with the fact that it’s a house converted into a restaurant. So front porch, back porch, backyard, and all that jazz. Add their $5 happy hour and you’ve made a regular out of me!
Happy Hour Menu Highlights:
- Vampiro Cocktail: Tequila silver, sangrita, grapefruit soda, fresh jalapeno, spicy rim ($5)
- La Mula Cocktail: Mezcal, lime, ginger beer, jugo maggie, spicy rim ($5)
- Bonita Cocktail: Honey ginger rum, horchata, spicy cinnamon rim ($5)
- Cochinita Pibil Sopecitos: Two black bean layered masa cups with achiote braised pork, pickled red onion, avocado salsa, queso fresco ($5)
- Champinon Huaraches: Corn flatbread with roasted mushrooms, guajillo-peanut sauce, queso asadero, sesame cream, queso parmesano ($5)
- Flor de Jamaica Quesadilla: Blue corn tortilla, queso asadero, hibiscus flower, served with avocado salsa & sesame crema ($5)
- Camote Verduras:Roasted sweet potato, goat cheese, piloncillo-chipotle sauce, herb salad, pumpkin seeds, sweet milk ($5)
Happy Hours: 4 – 7pm Tuesday through Friday
1306 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Photo via @512bites
This casual Mexican eatery was made for patio weather. And while I have not actually tried their food, there’s a ROOFTOP PATIO. That and good, strong drinks are all you really need… am I right?
Happy Hour Menu Highlights:
- Jacked Sangria: Spanish red, jack daniel’s, créme de cassis, fresh fruit juices. ($5)
- Chilanga Margarita: Frozen margarita, orange, valentina, el chile rim. ($7)
- Guacamole al Chipotle: avocado, lime, cilantro, tomatoes, smoky chipotle crema, sunflower seeds. tostadas ($7)
- Queso Fundido with Chorizo: Melted jack cheese. flour tortillas, chorizo ($9)
- Ceviche Classico: Lime, lemon, and orange marinated corvina, serranos, escabeche onions, tomato, avocado. tostadas ($11)
Happy Hours: 3- 6pm daily
1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Safe travels y’all!
Best,
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