"When you’re planning a big birthday dinner for some friends, a good move is the modern Mexican restaurant La Condesa with its attractive space, shareable dishes, and strong mezcal cocktails. The prices can add up quickly, so order a few heavier things like the cochinita pibil and esquites so no one leaves hungry (or too drunk). And if you want an excuse to use the word “spelunking,” ask about their secret subterranean dining room that seats 20. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"Downtown Austin is home to a number of modern Mexican restaurants worth a visit, but when looking for a reliably robust menu and a well-balanced margarita, count on La Condesa. Sopes, tacos, and tostadas can all be found here, along with a standout chicken mole. The space feels bright and lively, the outdoor patio is perfect for people-watching, and La Condesa’s happy hour, which includes 50 percent off drinks weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and $3 tacos at the bar, is a tough one to beat." - Taylor Tobin
"The Deal: Half off all drinks and $3 tacos at the bar Austin has many, many margaritas. La Condesa’s is one of the best in town. During happy hour, you can get it for half off, along with anything else off the drink menu (including mezcal flights). Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"In a city full of great Mexican food, La Condesa’s modern takes on classic dishes (combined with some of the best tortillas in Austin) make it one of our favorite spots to grab a meal Downtown. Snag a table on the cozy sidewalk patio when the weather is nice, and enjoy some half-priced drinks before a movie at Violet Crown Cinema next door. Or just stop in for some excellent tortas, tamales, tlacoyos, and huaraches. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - nicolai mccrary
"When you’re planning a big dinner for some friends from out of town, your first move is to take them out for good Mexican food. And because they might not be ready for the real-deal mole kind of situation, La Condesa is a good entry point (attractive space, shareable dishes, and strong mezcal cocktails). The prices can add up quickly, so order a few heavier things like the carne asada and elotes so no one leaves hungry (or too drunk). And if you want an excuse to use the word “spelunking,” ask about eating in their secret cave meant for a large group. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - adele hazan, nicolai mccrary