If you’ve been on the hunt for a Mexican restaurant in Austin that is warm and welcoming, has great outdoor seating, offers a full bar, offers a fun and upbeat atmosphere that’s wild enough for a group of friends while still being intimate enough for a date, and that’s affordable, Polvos on 1st Street in south Austin is where it’s at.

Interior Décor Done Right

This place is just so dang cute that we can’t help talking about it. With colorful Christmas lights that occupy just about every square inch of ceiling and wall indoors (and icicle lights on the patio), comfortable chairs and large, family friendly tables, and some traditional Mexican wall murals, there’s not much to not like about Polvos. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday party with margaritas or are hoping to get cozy with a significant other over chips and salsa, the ambiance is great for everyone.

Heaping Portions

Another great thing about Polvos are the portion sizes, which are heaping. Really, finishing the plates here may prove difficult. On a different note, everything is so good that’ll you’ll regret not being able to scarf it all down immediately, but thrilled when you remember you have leftovers the next day.

Dishes to Share

If you’re not dining solo, or even if you are, we definitely recommend sampling at least one appetizer. The nachos de lujo are the best, and consist of corn tortillas that are covered with refried beans, Monterey jack cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and guacamole. For an additional 99 cents, you can also add pastor, picadillo, beef, chicken, fish, shrimp, or veggies. Another great appetizer is the papas Monterrey, which is freshly cooked potatoes sautéed with onions and jalapenos. The third appetizer that is really a must-try is the jalapeno relleno stuffed with Monterey jack cheese and chipotle sauce, and served with rice, beans, and corn or flour tortillas.

Entrees to Be Selfish With

While appetizers are great to be shared, the entrees are all so good that we doubt you’ll want to be giving out free bites. If you love enchiladas, all of the enchiladas are fabulous, and all come served with rice and beans. Choose between veggie or poblano enchiladas, chicken or cheese, fish or shrimp, or carne asada, guisada de Puerco, al pastor, beef, or chicken fajita enchiladas. Then, add a salsa choice for a little kick. In addition to enchiladas, Polvos has all of the other traditional Mexican favorites, too.

Great for Kids

If you have kids and are looking for a family-friendly establishment to dine at, there’s a kids menu here that your little ones will love. However, you might want to consider calling a babysitter, and a cab, because the margarita list here is mind blowing, and you really shouldn’t miss the coconut or peach ones.

Mexican Breakfast Choices

For migas, huevos, chilaquiles, breakfast tacos, and more, you’ve got to try Polvos in the AM. The establishment opens at 7 AM, and breakfast is served all day, although breakfast menu prices increase after 3 PM.