+1 512-394-7979
Gabriela's South Austin delivers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine in the vibrant South Austin neighborhood, making it a must-visit for lovers of bold, flavorful dishes and festive dining experiences. Nestled conveniently at 9600 S I-35 Frontage Rd, this Mexican restaurant captivates guests not only with its mouthwatering menu but also with its lively and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the food.
The culinary spotlight here shines on classics elevated with fresh ingredients and expert preparation. Their Birria De Res Taco Plate is a standout—handcrafted birria tacos served with savory consomé, rice, and beans that perfectly balance rich, slow-cooked beef with warm, comforting sides for just $16.00. Be sure to sample the Birria Tacos, beloved for their tender, flavorful meat and crispy fried shells that deliver a satisfying crunch. The Tacos Al Pastor and Shrimp Tacos also showcase the depth of traditional Mexican street food, each bite bursting with smoky, spicy, and fresh notes.
Complementing the food is their impressive drink selection. The Margarita Flight offers a playful exploration through several uniquely crafted margaritas, including the tropical and refreshing Mango Margarita and the cheerful Gabby's Margarita. For something a little different, the Mexican Martini and Pineapple Agua Fresca provide delightful twists that pair beautifully with the robust menu. Inviting starters like the Chips and Salsa, Guacamole, and the vibrant Salsa Sampler awaken the palate and set the tone for a dynamic meal. Don’t miss their street-style Street Corn—creamy, smoky, and bursting with flavor.
Brunch enthusiasts will find comfort and creativity with dishes like the Tipsy French Toast, delicately infused with rum and served alongside seasonal fruit, and the hearty Gorditas De Chicharron En Salsa Roja, which are filled with crispy pork belly bathed in a rich red sauce, paired with seasoned potatoes and charro beans for a savory start to the day.
Beyond the enticing food and drinks, Gabriela's South Austin excels in creating an atmosphere that’s both festive and welcoming. Customers have praised the vibrant décor, which includes multiple Instagram-worthy photo stations that enliven the space, making it perfect for gatherings with family or friends. While the music selection pumps up the energy, the ambiance remains approachable and lively, a space where the joy of dining is truly felt.
The service at Gabriela’s has drawn accolades for warmth and attentiveness. Guests repeatedly mention staff members who are friendly, knowledgeable, and skillfully attentive without being overbearing—enhancing the overall dining journey. Whether you arrive for a casual brunch with kids (thanks to nearby playground access) or a spirited dinner with a margarita in hand, the team makes you feel genuinely cared for.
Gabriela's South Austin is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that entwines playful design, exceptional service, and Mexican flavors that transport you to the heart of the street markets and cantinas. For anyone craving authentic bites, vibrant cocktails, and a festive vibe wrapped in genuine hospitality, this local gem is well worth a visit.
The atmosphere, the food, the drinks, the whole experience was great when we took our familia that was visiting. It's all very inviting and I would highly recommend it just solely for the great ambiance, but the food and drinks are the cherry on top. I've been to both locations and this one is my favorite. Clean environment, we went for brunch. Many photo op stations!
Absolutely loved everything about this place! The food was incredible—full of flavor, fresh, and clearly made with care. The atmosphere was upbeat and fun, perfect for a casual night out. But what truly made the experience exceptional was our waitress Esly- she was warm, attentive, and on top of everything without ever feeling intrusive. She added such a positive energy to our evening. Highly recommend—can’t wait to come back!
I had assumed this place was just one of those girly locations where they just pose and take pictures. Which it definitely is, however the food in both presentation and flavor is actually pretty darn good. The drinks are pretty and flowery but not too strong in fact we had to send two back because they tasted like straight pineapple juice. That being said, the remade the drinks with no extra charge. There was a DJ playing music and football on the TVs. Overall it was a good experience.
We were in the area visiting family, who recommended this place to us. As you can tell, they did a great job with the decorations and designs with the place. The music selection was excellent but the music was just too loud. It was not that busy when we arrived but it took almost five minutes to get seated. I’m not sure if the were short staffed but there were long pauses between service, almost Covid 19 type pauses. We ordered drinks, which were ok but it was hard to taste the alcohol. The salsas were great and I highly recommend the green one to people who love the heat. Our food arrived in a not so timely manner. One of us ordered chili verde and the meaty was fatty and sour tasting. Another ordered a torta and the fries were not crisp and looked and tasted like they were old or heated up in a microwave. My Mar, Cielo and Tierra came out really good. It was a lot of meat and the corn tortillas were good. Our waitress was Samantha C. And she was great about refills and checking in. It was just the long pauses. I would give this place another chance to redeem themselves. They got some things great but fell short in other areas.
This was my first time here but I’ve wanting to try it for awhile. Came for brunch with my 3 year old. Loved that we were so close to a playground and shopping (South Park meadows). Service was great! Kids quesadilla was really tasty and really cheap. Chilaquiles was pretty good but came out room temp (probably was ready first and had to wait for quesadillas). Definitely would come back.
Esly provided amazing service, super kind and even got my son an umbrella for his dr pepper so he felt included. Loved the service and the food. Good drinks as well.