Underrated Austin: Taco Flats

The first time I went to Taco Flats, it’s because the Peached Tortilla was far too packed next door and I was too hungry to wait. Fast forward a couple of years, and it’s one of my favorite places to pop in for a casual cocktail, taco, or a mountain full of nachos. (Peached Tortilla, I also still love you too!)

Granted, Taco Flats is kinda of set up like a sports bar, so if you’re expecting anything but, head next door. It has a wall of two seater tables lining one wall, and a bunch of high bar tables along the windows with several TVs above the bar. I have felt comfortable sitting anywhere and have gotten pretty great service in all areas, which is pretty great considering it is basically a sports bar. I’ve even sat at the bar alone and ordered nachos and a glass of rosé on tap and had a really great, relaxed meal solo. So, you do you.

Beef fajita Panchos

But, onto the food! Sure, the tacos ain’t cheap here, so people who scoff at Torchy’s and Taco Deli prices should keep on moving. BUT, they are fantastic (and, yes, there are definitely delicious very traditional taco joints in town I also very much enjoy, but that’s another post entirely). I’m partial to any of the tacos with burnt cheese on them, like the El Hippie (grilled jack cheese, refried black beans, guacamole, grilled onion, house escabeche) and Pirata (grilled jack cheese, refried black beans, grilled beef fajita, grilled onion, cilantro). If I’m more in a breakfast kind of mood, the the Bur-Ro is also my jam (fresh spinach, free-range fried egg, avocado, pico de gallo, queso fresco).

However, my absolute, hands-down, favorite thing to order at Taco Flats is the Panchos, which is just a fancy word for nachos. This absolute gigantic plate is loaded with house-made chips, refried black beans, American yellow cheese, grilled onion, guacamole, escabeche, pico de gallo, and topped with chicken or beef fajita or ground beef. My boyfriend and I will sometimes hunch over the bar and get two orders so we don’t have to share. I’ve even ordered a to-go order from Uber Eats when I’m too effing lazy to drive the three blocks to the bar. They are THAT good, y’all. I don’t know if it’s the house-made chips, which are thick and well-seasoned, or the spicy AF esabeche, or the super melty cheese, but it’s everything that is right in the world. Go, and order one ASAP.

Oh, and the cocktails at Taco Flats are equally as dope. While I often steer towards the aforementioned wine on tap, their libations are really delish. They tend to rotate seasonally, so two of my summer favorites are no longer there, sadly, but you can’t go wrong with any of their mixed drinks, especially if you like agave spirits since they steer pretty hard into tequila and mezcal.

So, don’t delay! Get some Panchos, or a taco (or two), and a yummy cocktail from this Burnet Road eatery/bar.