Marias Tacos Xpress

Incredible! If you’re visiting Austin and want the real deal experience, come to Maria’s on Saturday or Sunday morning for Migas and a bloody Mary. You won’t regret it!
Good folks, great food, lots of history –
LOVE IT!

Casual ambiance with funky flair… like bikes and eccentric pieces hanging on the walls and ceiling. Most important – the food. I had the Guaca plate. It was a standout – fresh avocado stuffed with shredded chicken topped with melted cheese and a creamy tomatillo sauce. The mashed black beans were so tasty topped with cojita. I also ordered the tilapia fish taco just to try it was ok next to the awesome avocado plate and husband ordered pastor – his was very good. Pastor was grilled in some sort of very tasty sauce. Crispy and full flavored. They have a Full vegan selection. Cheap also – we are stuffed under $ 30 with two drinks included and enough food to feed 4.

Maria’s TacoXpress should be considered a landmark in Austin TX. The story goes Maria moved from Argentina to Texas and opened up this small shack serving breakfast tacos on South Lamar. In the 90’s, south Lamar was very different. You drive down now and see all the new apts and drafthouse but it used to be way simpler. South Lamar was low class buildings, some auto shops, a few side apts, and just way more chill. The original location was dark and had a dirt parking lot sitting off the side of lamar. This was when Austin was way more raw and under developed that what it is in current day. Maria’s large lot got converted to half her restaurant and room for new condo buildings, the old building was torn down for the current building.
Maria’s TacoXpress even got a spot on Diners, Drive-​ins, Dives on Food network a few years back. Lets focus on the food. Amazing big breakfast tacos with your list of customization choices. The freshly made tortillas enhance the flavor. Freshly cooked eggs, spicy chorizo, and thin shredded cheese. These tacos are certainly way more greasy than the other spots. You can even get a cactus taco. The migas taco is a winner. Lunch items are fairly portioned. Good fajita tacos, all pastor, nachos, enchiladas and quesadillas. They also server plenty of alcoholic drinks. Breakfast is served all day. They recently said they will be only open till 3pm now.
Now Maria’s is a true hardcore Austin place. It has been a long time establishment on South Lamar for a few decades. As new buildings continue to pop up on the street, Maria’s TacoXpress stays true. One thing great about this venue is the unique design of the place. Indoor and outdoor seating and artwork covered everywhere. You will see the walls covered in nostalgia from all the people Maria has come across. Unique tables and even one with a couch. The outdoor area has plenty of seating in the shade when the hot sun is out, or walk up to the 2^nd deck for an elevated view. I would just skip out on Sunday mornings. That is when the Hippy Church has service. You heard me, the Hippy Church has service every Sunday morning. Now you can certainly still order food, but don’t be surprised by the loud band and people dancing. Austin is a diverse city, and this is certainly considered a local spot by the hippie crowd. Oh is that offensive? Welp!
You know there are few places remaining of what Austin used to be like. It seems the continued population growth, construction & transformation of this city will continue to change this city. I’m talkin to you California transplants!!! Breakfast tacos are all over this city. However, back in the day, Maria’s TacoXpress was a staple foundation for breakfast. It still serves excellent food for a very affordable price. I wouldnt say Maria’s is the best taco place in town, but I still frequent there many times.

It was small, some what unclean, service was slow but the food was ridiculous. Loved it!

You want over the top everything? The answer is Maria’s.
I like to recommend this spot to out of towners/​out of staters. It just has the touristy feel (sorry). I hadn’t been here in about 5 years, but I wanted my Kansas friend to remember Austin in a unique way. I’m fairly certain he will! We arrived shortly after they opened on a Sunday morning (9am) and parking was plenty. I’m glad we got there when we did, because it is quite a popular place for the semi-​Latino/​non-​Latino folk to get their taco on.
My migas taco was good and so was my bandera taco (Sweet potato, black beans, guacamole and queso fresco). Breakfast prices are on point and the tacos are a good size. I love they have an entire meatless taco section on their menu. I’ve definitely never thought of putting edamame in a taco, because let’s face it that’s not what Latinos put in their tacos. BUT since I’m semi-​Latino (I came up with my own ethnicity) I may have to try that at home. Their salsas were good as well, and the coffee was better than I expected.
My one breakfast taco, one lunch taco and a coffee set me back $ 10. I wouldn’t hesitate to come back for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Delicious food and quick delivery. Highly recommend!

A good restaurant is not just a place where the food on the plate looks and tastes like the thing you had before and expect to find replicated again, like the output of some machine. It’s like a secret tunnel that can connect you directly to the heart and soul of another person – or, in the case of Taco Xpress, with the hearts and souls of a whole crew that has been working together for something like 20 years to put food on your plate that will feed you and make you happy. Veggie enchiladas. Gorditas made from scratch before your eyes. The house-​made corn tortillas, the al pastor plate, a big runny spoonful of chimichurri. You could call that lunch, but if you eat it at Maria’s you could just as easily call it home. This is a place of welcome. Eat here and be loved.

Rock solid Tex-​Mex. Eclectic atmosphere with a healthy dose of Keep Austin Weird. Food is good, full bar and close to the action of South Austin and downtown I

For breakfast tacos, I really think this is one of the best places there is. The décor is super funky, and it just feels like authentic Austin. There are fewer and fewer places that I think can still claim that honor (Chili Parlor, Broken Spoke, Saxon Pub, Continental Club, Hut’s, The Draught House, El Azteca, just a few that come to mind (not that I necessarily like them all but they feel authentic and they are who they are). But what I really like about Marias is it does what it does and it does it well. I have only ever eaten breakfast tacos here, but they have always been spot on. (Well I’m sure I’ve had a Dos XX here once or twice too). Their flour tortillas taste fresh and homemade, their fillings are generous and well seasoned, and I like their green and red salsas. This is the kind of place that locals and tourists trying to get off the beaten Torchy’s and Tacodeli path should both appreciate for what it is. Patio is pretty spacious and nice as well with lots of seating. The prices are more than fair, and I’ve never been unsatisfied. I believe they take phone orders if you want to grab and go on your way to work, but enjoying the divey atmosphere is certainly a big part of the draw here. And there you have it, review number 200, you’re welcome Unilocalers!

Let’s start with Great music on the patio. Then again I was there for SXSW so not sure of the talent pool any other time. The servers were very kind & attentive. I ordered chips & guac, fish taco, pastor taco & pollo taco. If you are gluten free or just prefer corn tortillas you have to ask for them because flour is the default. Fish was the best of my meal. Pollo was shredded & moist but I didn’t like the lettuce & other toppings. Guess I’m more of a street taco gal. The pastor was a bit dry. Probably because the chunks were pretty big compared to what I have had elsewhere. The chips seemed to be straight from a bag & guac only had a few tomatoes & onion for flavor so… not very flavorful. A large portion however. I’ll be back to check out their regular bands but may eat before I get there or I’ll stick with the fish.

Yummy, fast, vegetarian options that taste good, corn & flour tortillas. And good prices! I like the Bandera Taco which has sweet potato, black beans and guac. Yummers!!!

Love their tacos and the atmosphere is usually mellow. No better place for a quick stop for breakfast or lunch when you’re in the mood for awesome tacos

I’ve been coming here since they were where the Walgreens is, so you could say I’m an expert. Granted I admit to having only ever bought breakfast tacos. Maria, Fernando and their crew are amazingly consistent, fast, fresh, flavorful and economic. Prices have hardly changed at all in the 15 or so years I’ve known of them. Portions have stayed the same in that time too. I liked the old space, but let’s be honest; the new space rocks too with a lot more seating and great outdoor space.
Whether you want to just grab a couple tacos on the way to work, or get the full Sunday gospel brunch experience, you’re never going to be disappointed. Plus it’s hard to beat their salsa bar and the chimichurri sauce is to die for.
If you don’t know, just go. If you do know, go back (more often).

I just love Maria’s breakfast tacos. Have been coming here since it was the original little hole in the wall location where they started. Good Austin Tex-​Mex.

I arrived at 12:50pm on a Thursday. The venue stands out and looks really weird, hencing belonging in Austin. There was a big outdoor area. The inside had a lot of photos and decorations. Lots of photos of Maria, the founder.
I looked at the menu above and ordered and paid at the counter. This venue has a self serve vibe. I ordered the Cha cha tacos plate and a Jarritos. It was a crispy flat taco with beans, tomatoes, lettuce, pastor (ground beef), guacamole, and queso. $ 9.99. It was alright, nothing special. Mediocre at best.
Dunno if I would stop here again unless I want cheap and quick mexican food. You get what you pay for.

Excellent foods! I saw on T. V food network called Diners, Drive-​ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. That’s how we found out and went there today :)

Food was clean and good.
The experience is worth dropping in.
If you can get there on a Sunday morning you can eat and enjoy an early morning church outing with the people from the Hippie Church.
Say hello to Maria and Enjoy.

I was invited here last Friday with a big group from my office. This place is also conveniently close to my house, right near South Lamar and Oltorf.
The venue was really big. We sat outside where there was a large outdoor area with a stage and a live band. I never even made it inside. They have a bar outside where you can order drinks but for food you just go inside and order.
I had a few Mexicans martinis which were strong and perfectly flavored. We ordered queso and chips, queso 5 stars! I had two different tacos also. The steak taco had a rich flavor and was pretty filling. Also, I had a pork taco that had pineapple mixed in and I loved that! One of my friends ordered chicken quesadillas which I got to taste a few, good stuff! Every bit of food that we ordered was top quality. I’d like to go again and go inside and actually check out the menu.
The bartender that was outback ended up disappearing so we had to go inside and order drinks which took a while so that’s why 4 stars. I’ll be coming back on a less busy night and may end up bumping back to 5 stars. I really had no complaints.

Okay, so there’s the atmosphere and there’s the food. AtMOSTphere gets an A+++ rating. Food gets an B/​C.
This is best experienced if you go for Hippie Church on Sundays. It’s a trip of an experience: there are bands that play and lots of DGAF dancing. When I was there the band was a heavenly blend of gospel music and fleetwood mac. There was also a dude dressed in Wizard garb. I s*&t you not, ya just gotta go check it out.

I loved the atmosphere. Their salsa and dip is good. I got chicken tacos, and they are so spicy and I loved it. I will want to come back and try other things. I also got a margaritas and they are really good. I love the fun things they had to décor with.

Now this is my jam. With an outdoor space as wild is this, who can deny Austin’s weird rep?
Disclaimer: I frickin’ love greasy style tacos. That said, Marias nails my taco desire.
Solid chicken quesadilla tacos will leave you overwhelmed in cheese and salty flavors. Cactus taco was equally impressive. Both on this toasted tortilla, both makes my mouth water thinking about it.
Plus the music during Hippie Church! The balls-​to-​the-​wall décor! The giant ass lady out front. You gotta see it to believe it.

Maria’s tacos are delicious, but the restaurant has that old Austin «grit». It’s like a hippie, cool and fun but a little in need of a shower and some fresh clothes.
The guy behind the counter was SO NICE that I feel bad leaving less than a 5 star review. But, the tables were old and sticky and they have a real fly problem outside. I know that’s just Austin this time of year, but a good scrubbing would help.
Other than that, the place is ok. I’ll just take our tacos to go next time.

Super classic Austiny Austin weird classic. Glad to see it has remained open despite all the surround new construction. Entirely eclectic & exactly what I can imagine what Austin was like before we all moved into town!

Started off giving them a 3 star review because the food was on par with Taco Cabana but the atmosphere and service was decent.
Then I found a hair in my food… whatever, it happens
Then…I god d#### mouse ran by our table followed by a hungry cat.
Theeeeennnn…I was left hanging as the cat only batted the mouse around and didn’t go for the kill.

A really fun, cool, and funky place. The atmosphere is eclectic and the food is tasty.
I had the migas and they were good. Could have used more onions and tomatoes. Refried beans were disappointing. No flavor and just bland. Potatoes were fine. Not stellar. The real let down was the lack of homemade tortillas.
The husband had chilaquiles and he really liked them. His black beans were amazing! Hands down the best thing I ate.
Prices were low and the salsa bar had some great choices.
Overall, it was good. I’d come back again and have a beer on the patio and try lunch.

My crew and I arrived at the airport in Austin starved… My boss was already in town and had done a little research about where we should eat. He told us about Maria’s Taco Xpress and it sounded pretty good so we decided to meet there before we went to our hotel. He said that is was referred to as «The Hippie Church» on Sunday. It was Sunday so I was eager to see what in the world that meant.
We arrived to find very little parking available for the restaurant. After looking for a spot for about 10 – 12 minutes we just decided to park in front of the Walgreens.
We approached to see the line out the back door. Luckily, my boss had already gotten a spot in line so we just eased on by the crowd. You could hear the live music from inside so I was thinking that with the crowd and all of the energy we were going to be in for a treat.
We placed our orders (6 people) and began looking for a place to sit. After several minutes and a few table moves we found a spot outside under the 2^nd story patio.
I loved the «service» that was happening on the stage. I quickly figured out what they meant by «Hippie Church» There are literally old hippies singing and dancing to songs and hymns up on stage. There were at least 10 band members a playing various instruments and singing. It was fun! They did a version of Amazing Grace set to «The Animals», «House of the rising sun» that was oddly awesome. So far, 4 star place…
After about 25 minutes of entertainment we started getting curious about our food. Again, we were famished from the early flight. We got up, looked around, and asked the guy about our plates. He said it would be right up. 5 – 8 minutes later we see our number pop up on the screen. Eagerly, we went and retrieved our food and came back and dished it out to our crew.
I can’t’ speak for everyone at the table about the quality of the food because I didn’t ask, but how a dish like I had, could be tasteless is mind boggling. I ordered the Buddha bowl. It sounded wonderful in the description but lacked any true seasoning on any of the components. White rice, plain black beans, corn, cilantro, onions, a fried egg, and seasoned shredded chicken. Nothing… tasted like nothing… No wonder they have so many toppings and salsa’s to choose from. You have to flavor your whole meal yourself.
I ate enough to tame the beast raging inside me but the food reduced the 4 star rating I had to a 2 star experience. Blah!

This place is awesome! We were visiting Austin this past weekend and we heard about this place. So we checked it out for breakfast and had the cactus tacos and needless to say they were the bomb! We went back for breakfast all three days we were there. It’s a must if you find yourself in Austin.

Nothing to rave about here. We got some catering from them for lunch and while the portions are more than plentiful, the flavor is very meh. I tried a barbacoa taco and really couldn’t tell that much difference between a store bought tortilla, shredded beef and pico than what I experienced here. It’s weird since I’ve never had dry barbacoa before, but it was stringy and no moisture at all on the meat. Bleh. The rice, beans and queso are also all very meh. Not particularly memorable and better places in town imo.