Linger Over Some of Austin’s Best Tacos at the Renowned Nixta Taqueria | Eater Austin

"Backed by Michelin, James Beard, and Food & Wine credentials, this East Austin taqueria has grown from a neighborhood joint into a national destination, where chef Edgar Rico builds dishes around local ingredients and nixtamalized heirloom corn from Mexico, and you can linger in a lush garden patio splashed with colorful murals. You’re not an Austinite until you’ve had the duck carnitas taco ($10)—that’s law—made with seared duck legs cooked low for 16 hours; the earthy corn tortillas balance the rich, fatty, decadent meat while a citrus salsa adds a bright pop. The tuna tostada ($15) layers citrus- and tamari-cured yellowfin over avocado and chipotle aioli, finished with microgreens and a little furikake—it’s sharp, creamy, crunchy, and a little messy. The enchilada potosina tacos ($9) showcase Rico’s creativity: a potato-and-chorizo purée, duck-fat refried beans, shredded cabbage, and salsa are tucked inside a tortilla that’s worked into the masa, a delightful homage to San Luis Potosí, where his family is from. With counter service, beautiful scenery, and patio dining, long dinners over bottles of wine with large parties are the peak experience. The small, tailored menu rarely changes, but every Thursday through Saturday there are two nightly seatings for a $95 tasting menu that puts the restaurant’s innovation on full display (book on Resy). Out front on 12th Street, a community fridge and pantry lets locals stock or take what they need." - H. Drew Blackburn