El Arroyo Restaurant

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1624 W 5th St
Austin, TX 78703

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(512) 474-1222
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El Arroyo Restaurant - Austin, TX
El Arroyo Restaurant - Austin, TX
El Arroyo Restaurant - Austin, TX
El Arroyo Restaurant - Austin, TX
El Arroyo Restaurant - Austin, TX
El Arroyo Restaurant - Austin, TX
Reviews
( 14 )
( 10 )
( 5 )
( 7 )
( 5 )

Best

This is hands down my favorite Mexican food in Austin. And it's cheap!!! The location is amazing, and the outdoor patio is so much fun, esp at happy hour. They have a nice indo...

Worst

The food isn't quite up to par, but hey, sometimes that doesn't matter, especially since they've got great...

The food isn't quite up to par, but hey,... 9/20/2007

JakeL Provided by Partner
The food isn't quite up to par, but hey, sometimes that doesn't matter, especially since they've got great drinks for great prices. more
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Most Austiny place in Austin 6/10/2007

Since college at UT I have been eating at El Arroyo, also known as ""The Ditch"" to locals. Every year I come back to town I have to stop by and get their world famous brunch on Sunday. Living in Texas my whole life I've had some great migas, but their's top them all. Great margarits, salsa, and live music too!!! Last time I was their the manager was playing in the band!!! See what I mean about most Austiny place in Austin!!! The Ditch is a must for those of you traveling through town, and if you already live there and haven't been... Shame on you!! Pros: Awsome place to hang out, and take friends... Great brunch, awsome margaritas Cons: Bland Rice... Can you air condition the outdoor dining area? Haha. more
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This is what Austin's about 5/10/2007

Although the competition in Austin for mexican food is tough, El Arroyo is what Austin's all about. It's not corporate like most of the others, and you can tell the big difference. The atmosphere is awesome and definately different than any other place you'll find in Austin, it's fun, service is good and straight to the point-- if you want to have a good time, tell them, and they'll show you a great time! The food could be better, but with a great atmosphere, great service, the price is right... El Arroyo is the place to be in Austin (especially after running/walking town lake, after class and work...especially for Brunch!) Pros: Atmostphere, service, fun Cons: Parking, annoying birds if eating outside... more
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$1 Thusday Margaritas and Decent Food 3/27/2007

Great place, $1 margaritas on Thursdays, 2-6 PM! Can't miss it! The food is good, while some say Chuy's and other locals may be better. Funny signs everyday. Chris is the best bartender, usually outside on Thursdays. Pros: $1 Margaritas Thursdays Cons: Parking maybe, dodging traffic, food could be better more
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Just OK, nothing special 3/23/2007

Went here with a group of friends and dined outside. Service was average, food was bland, we'll go to chuy's next time. Pros: Location Cons: parking, food nothing special more
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Great location, service, and atmosphere 11/26/2006

I come here on my routine walks to Zilker, origianally because of the strategic location, but now because of the good food and friendly atmosphere. The food is always good and the staff are always friendly and efficient. I reccomend El Arroyo on 5th to anyone, especially those passing through central Austin and don't want to pay too much. Pros: location, service, atmosphere more
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David the bartender 9/27/2005

He is very courteous, attentive to all the customers and especially our large group. We frequently have business lunches and business get togethers and we definately want him to be our bartender and server. When we do attend, we will request him and/or his area. Good location and atmosphere a bit different but we will continue to go. Food good also. Drinks were great!!!! Pros: bartender, food, good prices Cons: crowded, parking more
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hodgepodge 8/28/2005

Overall, I think this restaurant is suitable if you are in college, but other than that the place leaves much to be desired. The decor is a total hodgepodge, there is an industrial size noisy fan blowing on the customers outside, and even the inside is incredibly noisy. The food is definitely not spectacular and tastes like it's out of a can. more
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User review by austin2000 4/26/2005

This restaurant is Austin. It's eccentric, fun, and so laid back. We eat here weekly, and never have a bad time. It's a favorite brunch spot on Saturdays and Sundays, and their Migas are to die for. Saturday mornings require bloody mary's and theirs are the best. Nathan was making them this particular Sunday, and they were perfect. Also, Thursdays are 99 cent margarita nights.... If you can get past all the college kids, it's a lot of fun. I have never seen so many pretty girls in one place. I always end up having the cheese enchiladas. They are great. Sooner or later, I may venture out. Their crab rolls are fantastic. Try this place. You will love it. more
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Stellar Service, Chill Atmosphere 1/30/2005

I eat here all the time with my friends, and not just because I live a half mile from the restaurant! The restaurant's always got a vibrant atmosphere, a well-stocked bar, and a waitstaff delivering first class service with a smile. Our server Tisa was obviously no novice on the job! Try the Skinny Tacos (fajita chicken in a whole wheat tortilla with all the fixins) with dollar Dos Equis on Monday nights. Not to be disappointed!!! Pros: Laid-back atmosphere, Good value food, Fast service Cons: Occassional waits, Small parking lot, Mediocre chips more
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Lost reservation 12/19/2004

I called a few hours prior to our reservation time just to re-confirm for a large group and was told everything was set. We show up on time and they don't have record of our reservation. Had to make due and sit in the c-c-c-cold. Put a damper on the company holiday party. more
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A Great Night at El Arroyo 9/23/2004

The entire staff at El Arroyo was extremely friendly. They made our dining experience very pleasant, and I was especially happy with their treatment of my new dog. The food was tasty and the patio created a nice laid-back atmosphere. I will definitely go back! Pros: Great service, Dogs allowed, Nice patio more
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recommended 5/10/2004

I have been going to El Arroyo for years and I feel like the food has gotten better over time. The atmosphere is fun and exciting. It's the place to go when you want to be entertained. Pros: service, food more
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99 cent margaritas on thursdays 8/14/2003

My title says it all. College kids swarm this place because of their margarita specials. The food can be hit or miss. I've fallen in love with their barbecue chicken soft tacos and their spinach queso. I've ordered other things but didn't find them very appetizing. To sum it up, go for the margaritas but don't expect too much from their food or service. Pros: drink specials, cheap Cons: parking, service more
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Breakfast Tacos 6/7/2003

As my office was within walking distance, I went there 100+ times to grab a breakfast taco. It seems 25 times they were out of the one I'd want. At least 25 times they were out of orange juice. Pros: Good Food, Nice Price Cons: Poor Service more
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princess_malin is right on. 5/15/2003

Read the ""Mixed Bag"" review. I like to go there for the ambience, which I've rated much higher than the average. The outside patio over ""the ditch"" is an experience. Pros: value, ambience, austin experience Cons: food, wait more
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Lacking 10/28/2002

We used to go the the restraunt location off of Far West Blvd. No Longer!! They dropped the quick lunch specials and when a group of us ordered fajitas for catering the manager tried charging us outrageous fees because we forgot to mention we wanted the 2 person orders (for 40 people) rather than individual orders. A catering manager should know this kind of stuff. The quality of food was never fantastic but now it is poor. We will not be back till they have reasonable specials again and better food. more
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Ditch the Ditch 10/23/2002

Everyone tells me El Arroyo used to be the best Tex-Mex in Austin. I was there a month or so ago and refuse to go back. The margaritas were so-so. The ambience was loud and crowded. I ordered stuffed jalapeños, which looked more like halves of small baked potatoes stuffed with some oily orange cheese-like substance. My friends complained that the tortilla soup was cold. I had the BBQ Chicken tacos, which were almost mediocre. But our waiter was very nice and very efficient. Pros: service Cons: food more
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Mixed Bag 7/12/2002

El Arroyo is an institution. Ironically, their claim to fame lies in the much-talked-about sign outside the front, which posts daily quips about people and things in the city. Granted, the margaritas are good. But the food is merely so-so. Enchiladas are passable, salsa is just fine and the quesadillas are nothing fancier than what you could pull together yourself. But the food is not why you come here. This place deserves a visit if only for the legendary status it has reached within the Austin Tex-Mex scene. Besides, if you drink enough margaritas, who cares about the food? Pros: Margaritas, People, Service Cons: Food more
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Funky Patio 7/9/2002

They are right on top of an Arroyo (actually a ditch, but who's picking). The patio wraps around the building and the happy hour prices make this place a fun stop after work. Food isn't all that great, but the margarita prices more than make up for that. Fajita nachos are a good bet Pros: Great Patio, Happy Hour, Nachos aren't bad Cons: Hit and Miss on Food, Long Wait @ Happy H more
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Menu for El Arroyo Restaurant


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Editorial

  • Patrons are lured in by the daily commentary featured on the sign, and then captivated by pavilions and open decks reminiscent of the Swiss Family Robinson compound. This is the kind of place where...

  • 4/30/2010 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sun 10am-10pm, Mon-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm
  • Payments: American Express, Carte Blanche, Diner's Club, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Old West Austin
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