Fresa's - 9th & Lamar
Mexican restaurant · West End ·
Wood-grilled chicken, modern Mexican eats & ice cream.
Wood-grilled chicken, modern Mexican eats & ice cream.
"Sometimes you wake up on Saturday morning and think to yourself, “I may or may not have gotten hit by a bus last night.” Your default move in this situation might be pancakes or a burger or the leftovers from your late-night chicken tender run. But ours is Fresa’s. Taking the idea of drive-through to a whole new level, Fresa’s gives fast food an Austin overhaul. It’s satisfying enough to become your go-to hangover meal, while still counting as the kind of healthy-ish meal Austin people appreciate. That’s a good thing, since its location on North Lamar near the corner of 6th also puts it amongst the zen yogis and barre-going activists. And yes, you can definitely wear your yoga pants and flip flops. Fresa’s is known for its tacos, but they also make some of the best sides around. Between the crispy brussels sprouts, Mexican street corn, and roasted cauliflower, you’ll find plenty of not-terrible-for-you (but still awesome) things to eat. Often find yourself hangry after work with a need for something fast? Fresa’s comes in clutch with easy dinners as well. The wood-grilled chicken meals (which come loaded with rice, beans, tortillas, and vegetables) and bowls (also stuffed with tasty things) will do you right pretty much any day. But whatever you order, don’t forget the churros - they’re one of the best ways to spend $3 in this town. Although we wish they had a few more seats, this is the ideal meal for any situation requiring a laid-back, easy option. The people running the window are usually pretty friendly too. Take the whole experience up a notch by bringing your order to the Whole Foods rooftop overlook the city, and you’ve even got yourself a date. Food Rundown Crispy Brussels Sprouts Perfectly fried, with good seasoning and crunch, these are a must. Order an extra side of the Pasilla Aioli. El Super Bol The name speaks for itself. This bowl combines chicken, black beans, kale, avocado, escabeche, steamed rice, and queso - and it’s the perfect all-in-one meal. Queso Fresa’s queso is excellent. (But be warned: they get kind of stingy with their “tiny” queso option - man up, get the regular.) La Fresa The staple taco here is a beautiful mess of Achiote Chicken, avocado, cheese, onion, cabbage, and cilantro. If you don’t eat more than two you’re not really living." - Chelsea Bucklew
"You can’t miss Fresa’s—just look for the giant rotating neon chicken out front. Once you’re actually inside, order stuff like the Power Bol with wood-grilled chicken and enough vegetables to feel better about those two donuts you housed at the office breakfast this morning. And on the days when Austin feels like you’re walking around inside a blow-dryer, you don’t even need to get out of your car. The drive-through will make you excited to be alive. Or at least to be getting your lunch here. There's a second location in Bouldin Creek." - nicolai mccrary, adele hazan, raphael brion
"Reheatable Thanksgiving meals in small ($125) and large ($315) sizes, each with roasted turkey breast and pan gravy, citrus-serrano pepper-cranberry sauce, chorizo stuffing, sides, and dessert. A la carte pozole meal kit is available ($18). Deadline: Monday, November 25. Pickup: Wednesday, November 27. Order online or call (512) 915-0362." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Enjoy Mexican pollo al carbon at the downtown Austin drive-thru’s full-on restaurant. Wood-grilled chicken and meals are the stars of the menu, available in achiote/citrus and Yucatan-spied. There are also tacos, nachos, bowls, and more. The cocktails don’t hurt either, plus the kid-friendly patio and dishes. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Ordering a drive-thru agua fresca just means you have to drink it as fast as you can, especially from the West End location. Or, if you’d rather get a lot, there are half-gallon options too. Expect flavors like lemon, sandia, pineapple-mint, and horchata. There are full-on restaurant locations on South First and in Westlake. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; the South First restaurant includes indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Darcie Duttweiler