"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
"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
"Beneath this bustling Downtown Mexican restaurant, the Flour House welcomes up to 18 people with its intimate, candlelit dining room. Built in the 1860s, this beautifully preserved limestone space is a designated historic landmark, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for private dinners. For larger gatherings, La Condesa also offers Malverde — a lush, plant-filled event space located on the second floor. Both offer access to the restaurant’s menu and colorful cocktails, like grilled rockfish, sopes, and killer margaritas." - Darcie Duttweiler
"The Downtown Mexican restaurant offers up an excellent margarita lineup. The Margarita La Condesa, made with grilled pineapple, features a salted rim composed of cactus and lemongrass, and the signature frozen margarita, fueled by reposado, showcases rotating seasonal flavors. You’ll want to dine in, if possible. La Condesa’s colorful decor captivates with explosive wall art and a stunning multi-stringed light fixture. But if you prefer some fresh air, take a seat at one of its few outdoor tables, where you can dine and drink while watching people stroll by." - Kayleigh Hughes