Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy

Mexican and Tex-Mex joints are a dime a dozen in Austin, but Abuelo's stands out for both ambience and an extensive menu. The restaurant is reminiscent of a posh Mexican courtyard with its colorful murals, statuary, and plenty of lush foliage. The food ranges from Tex-Mex standards like enchiladas and fajitas to more authentic dishes. Tortilla soup, a staple in the Southwest, is quite good here, as is Fundido del Mar, a concoction of shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and poblanos in a white wine-cheese sauce.