Sazon

My friend and I stopped in after spending some time at Barton, as soon as we came in we were greeted very warmly and I knew we picked the right place. It didn’t end there, we ordered the enchiladas and taco plates and they were amazing, we felt right at home here. Perfect for a night out or a nice bite to eat!

We live in the Zilker neighborhood and this place does not get the attention it deserves. The food, drinks, and staff are top notch. Definitely try the Puerco en Chili Colorado (pictured here). Both Moles are awesome as well. Also get the signature 1816 marg!

This is my new favorite Mexican spot in Austin. Their mole is on point, tortillas are home made, margaritas are tasty, potent, and cheap. The bartender (possibly owner) is super friendly and quick with the drink refills. It’s not fancy at all, but that’s honestly refreshing with the way Austin is going. This place is old school and awesome. Highly recommend!

My husband and I went to Sazon today for the first time, and we will DEFINITELY be coming back! We had Molly as our waitress and she is one of the best and most personable waitresses we have had in Austin. Also the owner is so sweet and attentive towards the guests as well. The food is authentic Mexican food from Monterrey. Love this place!

The food is always excellent here and the service is always so friendly.The corn tortillas are homemade and so special. We eat here just about anytime we are in South Austin. The margaritas are perfect. The chips and salsa really are the best of anywhere in Austin. The food is prepared with care. Every dish we ever order at Sazón comes out perfect and delicious. Indoor or outdoor seating are both very nice. Beautiful art on the walls inside, and nice mister fans on the patio when the weather is warm. And the prices are unbeatable. Very reasonable. We love this place!

Old school Tex-mex… This is classic Austin Texas-mex, the interior is pretty much what it used to be back when, as is the menu, and quite probably the prices too. Nothing that’ll blow you away, but all happily satisfying.

Truly great authentic Mexican food. Excellent service. The best chips & salsa in Austin - no exaggeration. Excellent frozen margaritas. Outdoor and indoor seating. A hidden gem.

This place has Bar Rescue written all over it… Absolutely gross. We had misgivings after walking in, they got worse when we sat down, and by the time our food arrived we all took a few bites and decided to get the check. Went to a different Mexican place down the street and started our meal over. Don't waste your time. - Inside smelled bad, hot, poor ventilation - Sat outside, table was sticky - Server dripping in sweat - Watery margs - Brown guac - Refried beans tasted burnt - Chicken tasted like canned

Our favorite Mexican spot in the neighborhood. Excellent food and Margarito's is one of the few places that is still fully kicking the old South Austin vibe. We frequent this place and love how many other regulars we get to see with every visit. One of the best molé's in town and the pipan sauce on a classic cheese relleño is to die for! Pair any of the dishes with the "Pink Cadillac" top shelf rita and you will be in heaven. Here we are always enjoying a great meal with family. Our Sazón familia! :-)

Best chilaquiles in Austin. I almost didn't want to write a review for fear that this spot would get blown up and lose its divey old Austin charm. Should've taken a picture too as it was plated nicely.

Old school Tex-mex... This is classic Austin Texas-mex, the interior is pretty much what it used to be back when, as is the menu, and quite probably the prices too. Nothing that'll blow you away, but all happily satisfying.

I had the conchinita pibil with rice and beans, it was good and came out fast. Homemade corn tortilla were a plus. Patio seating with fans and shade helped with the warm temperature outside. Fast service and good food, Worth another visit to try something else on the menu.

Wanted to give this old Austin establishment a try and we're upset we did. The place was empty when we walked in which should have sent us running in the other direction. My husband really wanted to get Mexican food and I didn't want to be a Naggy bitch wife. So we sat down. The waitress was great and attentive. They brought out chips and salsa. We ordered queso. It didn't taste like any queso I've ever had...red flag. We should have stopped there but we continued. We ordered guac which came out looking grey and tasted like it had been sitting in their fridge for months. I ordered the flataus bc how can you fuck up fried food! And my husband ordered the chicken mole. The flautas were freshly fried but flavorless. The chicken had no flavor or seasoning. I drowned it in their green salsa. My husband was not happy with his meal either. Not sure how this place is still in business

The food is very good. Fajita Meat is tender, flavors are great, the salsa is perfect spice, snapper was perfectly cooked, everything was great. Service is a bit slow but we had a lot of people. Very nice people. Ambiance is very cute and family friendly. Colorful, fun and a good place to just enjoy good food.

We walked in around 6:30 and it was completely empty, no waitress or hostess to be found - we thought it was closed. The waitress popped out from the back and got us started with chips and a delightfully spicy salsa. Everyone enjoyed their drinks and food, including the best dish (lucky me), beef medallions. Every bit of it was a surprise including the garlicky rice with bacon sprinkled on top. It was ridiculously priced at around $14. I don't know how they stay in business with such low prices but I will come back. Note: it's a little divey but in a good way. More for a casual dinner than a date.

Given all the Mexican restaurants around and even on south Lamar, I would recommend going somewhere else. I had the chili relleno with chicken and it was totally flavorless. We were here for cinco de mayo and wanted to enjoy some frozen margs but they also had no flavor. Lots of flies outside, tables were dirty. Only reason I didn't give it 1 star was because the service was totally fine and the refried black beans were the most delicious refried bean I've ever had. But unless you're coming for a bowl of that, I would recommend you go elsewhere.

Waitress was great, great service. We sat at the little patio and it was pretty good. I had pastor tacos and they were delicious my wife had chicken caldo and she said it was real good and the prices were reasonable. Definitely coming back!

I definitely think this is more of a happy hour and nosh moment, but if you have no set expectations and just simply want to catch up with your friends then this spot will definitely cover your needs. The menu is pretty concise but they have a few solid contenders. Every item I sadly ordered came to me wrong and to the point I just decided to not even make a fuss because it wouldn't get resolved. Service was a bit slow but the team seemed to not be as communicative with each other. There were a few times were we were idling waiting for drinks, chips for our queso, and napkins. The entrance for me was a tad confusing but if you're facing the outdoor patio from the front, the door wraps around on the left hand side. A few folks love to watch the games here so it's a bit of a restaurant meets sports bar.

Small menu but excellent food. Recommend the pastor with corn tortillas, they are homemade. Finally you can go from with there Mexican martinis.

I die a little inside every time a local Austin restaurant closes. It hurts not necessarily because I'm attached to every place but because every one of them played a role, some tiny and some massive, in my own Austin coming of age tale that began the first week of September 1999. Its the same way we mourn celebrities from our youth, think of talents like Robin Williams, David Bowie and Betty White. Then you think of the one-hit wonders who are now playing roadside bars, singing that one song three or four times to a couple dozen people, reminiscing of the good old days while they sing it for the fifteen-thousandth time. Sazón reminds me of the latter in so many ways. It was once a decent staple, the place you'd got for a good margarita and some carne guisada. You didn't expect to get blown away but you never got disappointed. Those seem like the glory days now... I don't even feel like describing the food because it's consistent with the rest of the experience. It just feels like the folks at Sazón have given up. The food had not flavor, the obviously store-bought tortillas were Randall's quality, not H‑E‑B. Nothing, absolutely nothing, reminded me of the Sazón from the past decade. I'm sorry all, it was just beyond disappointing. This place is sitting on a prime space on one of the busiest thoroughfares in one of the hottest emerging markets in the country, possibly the planet, and I don't think they realize the opportunity they're taking for granted.

I came here with a big group of friends for a birthday dinner, a few of them were hyping up the food and I ended up very underwhelmed. My frozen coconut Margarita was the best part of my meal and was actually really good! I ordered the chicken flautas(one of my favorite dishes) and it was very dry and bland , even with the sauce and extra garnish on top. Out of 9 people, there were 4 who felt the exact same way. Regardless, the staff were amazing and very accommodating. I would definitely stop back in for a round of margaritas, but that's about it.

This is kind of a a reminder of old school Austin and S. Lamar. The place is no frills but provides top notch margaritas and Mexican food. The quest and enchiladas are wonderful. Chips are made fresh. Everyone in there is nice. The parking lot is small but give this place a try.

Stopped in for a solo lunch between errands. I haven't been here in 2 decades. Sazon hasn't changed much in that time, although the pandemic has probably made an impact. Not very busy. Margaritas are still awesome! Food was okay but there is better interior Mexican cuisine a few miles in any direction. Not sure how much longer they'll be able to hold on...

Amazing pastor tacos & refried black beans! The mango margarita was just okay and the guacamole was a small portion, but there was great service.

Food: terrible Value: terrible Atmosphere: ok Service: good Wow where should i start. chips are fried in old rancid oil, two teaspoons of non mixed guacamole with no seasoning - $8, Tasteless non seasoned chicken, and meh enchiladas with cheap cheese and no depth in salsa with two mediocre drinks - all for $75 never again So many better Mexican options in Austin!

I love Sazon and go almost weekly. Nice patio and great food and prices. Remind me of the old Austin, I miss. A nice touch would be to have piped in music, but overall always a good experience.

Everything from my initial review stands, but the stench inside seems to have gotten worse. It literally smells like raw sewage is being covered up by a feeble air freshener. I had the pollo con pipian verde today, and the food continues to impress, but unless Covid has claimed your sense of smell, sit on the patio.

Sazon is not fancy, but this South Lamar 'old Austin' holdout serves up strong margaritas and delicious interior Mexican food. As the pandemic grinds on, and more Austin original restaurants are blotted out by rising rent and a million mid-rise condo developments, places like this need our support. For really delicious food (standouts include the Cochinita Pibil and the house made mole sauce) and absurdly fair menu prices, please give Sazon a shot. Don't be alarmed by the small parking lot or the interior that is maybe a little worn and in need of updating. This little restaurant is worth your time.

A little slice of "Old Austin" indeed. Low key, great people watching, and authentic interior Mexican food. Their chicken mole enchiladas, house salsa, and light as air tortilla chips are outstanding. The margaritas are delicious and super clean. Meaning no frou frou flavors or additives-- just orange liquor, lime, and tequila. Prices are very fair and it's generally just a chill hang. Amazing.

One of my favorite go-to places. Good salsa and margaritas. And interesting interior dishes. They have a patio, although the deck itself and furniture have seen better days, but still enjoyable. Ladies' restroom is weird, with two toilets (no stalls) in one room, but this kind of thing is what keeps Austin weird! Gotta love that! It's never super crowded and it's good quality for your money. ENJOY

I'm not upset with the wait staff, I'm mainly upset at management that this place was understaffed during dinner time on a Saturday night. We sat outside because we had a doggy and the table was soaked from the water dispensing cool-down fans. The busser cleaned our table and after a couple minutes, we were soaked from the fans. By our second basket of chips and salsa, our waitress finally took our order. I ordered the flautas and the ceviche. Now I now realize that it was my own fault for not reading and seeing it was made with white fish instead of shrimp, but I do enjoy eating white fish and this ceviche wasn't too great tasting. I even had the rest of the table try it and nobody was impressed. Also I wish there were a spicier salsa!! The flautas were delicious, but the garlic rice was... meh. I asked for charo beans on the side and they were forgotten to be brought out but after I reminded her, they were delicious. The service was subpar and All I wanted to do was show my boyfriend some good mexican food from Texas as we're visiting from out of town and we ended up eating whataburger afterwards /:

I'm not sure where I stand with this establishment yet. I liked that the cuisine is that of Interior Mexican cuisine, much like El Meson a few blocks away is also. PROS: + mole enchiladas tastes great + rice tastes great CONS: - dubious quality ingredients? (Tikin Xic made with tilapia, instead of the traditional grouper or drum) - ambience is in need of a huge update considering the prices on the menu - Oaxaca soup caldo xochitl is too plain. As of right now, I probably would still lean toward going to the other establishment nearby, but it's nice that this place is an additional option to South Central Austin for Interior Mexican cuisine.

There's a shirt hanging up over the bar in Sazon that says something like "the way that south Austin used to be" and that feels very true. Walking in here is like stepping into an old Austin that doesn't exist anymore, and these folks must own their building, and bless their hearts for keeping the place going. We went here for the first time last weekend and wanted to love it--we say that earnestly! we really did--but we're sad to report that most of the food was not very good. The frozen marg was cloying but the one on the rocks was better; salsa was super spicy, which was great, but the guac was completely unseasoned and boring. The caldo broth was basically water but we did enjoy the accompanying rice. The ensalada Mexicana was...strange. None of the ingredients seemed to go together very well and the ancho peppers were impossible to chew. Honestly, the best and most delicious dish we got was the tikin xic: the fish was well-cooked and the whole thing was super flavorful. Maybe we should have steered clear of the apps and stuck with a couple main dishes because we could have had a better experience. They were also completed understaffed since there seemed to be only one server for the entire restaurant indoors and out. Our hearts go out to this place and we want it to succeed, but we sadly don't see ourselves visiting again as of now. 2.5 stars, rounded up.

I have food sensitivities to a lot of food I used to eat and being a visitor to the great city of Austin, I was desperately trying to find something to eat after a very long, hot day of no food. The server recommended a Mexican Martini, a personal recipe of the chef, which had tequila and triple sec. It comes out in a shaker and was absolutely delicious. However, as I had not eaten anything the entire day, it wasn't long before the drink took my legs out from under me. The chef kindly came out and helped me find a dish that would accommodate my sensitivities. I did order food, which came with a basket of tortilla chips, but I can't remember for the life of me what it was. I do remember corn tortillas being part of the dish. I will go back for another Martini when I'm in Austin again but next time, I'm padding the stomach first. I appreciate a place that is local and will work with my sensitivities.

I went to Sazón years ago, and it was amazing, left a great impression on my significant other and I. We decided to check it out again and met here with our out-of-town family. We came on a Friday evening right after 5pm, and it was (thankfully for us) not packed yet. The menu is condensed to one sheet, I'm sure it's due to Covid related changes. I took it as a good thing, the less options led to easier decision-making. I went with mole. What I can't recall at the moment is if they had both red and green mole (sauce) available. I remember that being something memorable to me the first time we went. I couldn't decide between the pipián mole (green) and the Oaxaca mole (red) and the server brought out a little sample of each with chips so I could try the mole before selecting my entree. Due to that memory, I decided to go with the Oaxaca mole chicken (I don't think they had the green one unless I missed it). It was delicious. Everyone enjoyed their food and the laid back atmosphere. Since it was not busy we were able to enjoy our meal and catch up, and it felt like we were visiting family. Those atmospheres are hard to replicate so come support this business.

I went in one afternoon on a recent outing with my partner and we sat at the bar. The server didn't hesitate to suggest one of their secret menu appetizers for us, which we of course took her up on, and which was absolutely delicious. At the time, it was just two young women operating the restaurant on this late afternoon. They were so hospitable and charming, and made sure we were never left with empty margarita glasses. Do order their frozen margaritas. Their taco plates are also quite yummy. Upon entering this place, you get the distinct feeling that there truly aren't many of these Mexican eateries left in our city, and I am of the opinion that we certainly should treasure them while we still can.

My husband and I stopped here with a few of our Yelper friends for dinner. I had made reservations prior to coming here on a Saturday night. However, it was clearly not necessary (at least not on this particular Saturday or anytime??? Not sure on what is what). Most people who were dining/drinking were out on the patio area but we opted for inside seating. We were given chips and salsa and the waitress took our drink orders. Over half the table went with Mexican martinis. The Mexican martinis were okay but nothing compares to Trudy's. The chips seem store bought and my chip basket I was sharing with my husband had smaller pieces (end of chip bag pieces). The salsa was okay but honestly nothing to write home about. Now the meals were pretty good. I ordered the Tacos Al Pastor which is described as "Guajillo marinated pork is grilled with pineapple and topped with cilantro and onion. This Mexico City classic has its roots in the middle east." The tacos were decent and flavorful and the side of rice was amazing!! Note, I like rice but usually, I am never wowed by it. However, this rice was white with peas and carrots in it. My husband ordered the ENCHILADAS VERDES - Choose from cheese, chicken, veggie, or carnitas to fill two enchiladas which are topped with a tangy tomatillo sauce and jack cheese. He had chicken and had refried beans and rice. He thought it was decent and he also raved about the rice like me. If you want a cheaper meal with decent food that is not wow-worthy but tasty I would recommend coming here. Note the parking can be an issue since there is not a lot of parking on the side. This place could definitely use an update, especially in the bathroom.

My favorite neighborhood interior Mexican food spot in Austin. Perfect patio and the bar is a great place to dine too. Tasty margs, nachos, ceviche, fajitas. We are never disappointed.

My friend group always elects to come to Sazón for large gatherings. The main reason is the Mex marts which are served without the usual "two per person" rule. They are a real crowd pleaser but more tequila than I can handle, so I stick to my usual vodka soda. My go to dish is the Alambres De Vegetal. Beans, rice, and grilled vegetables. It's a good meal to keep things relatively light if you plan to go out after dinner. My other favorite is the Cameron Veracruz which is grilled shrimp in tomato sauce with a cup of rice. Again, not too heavy of a meal. It's a great spot just outside of downtown to gather and start your Saturday night without fighting crowds for a table.

Great place for good food and great hangout it isn't very decorated but plain in appearance but food really is tasty Tamarind margaritas yes I especially loved the good service quality food. I recommend for traditional Mexican food .i will return by a long shot

This place has amazing food, a dog friendly patio, friendly helpful wait staff, clean environment! The parking is not very good but that doesn't detract from the quality of the experience. It was like stepping into a little piece of mexico right in the heart of austin! I will definitely rate this place 5 stars. If the parking lot is full there are a couple side streets to park on.

This place is so underrated!! If you're reading this and it's open and you have at least one cubic centimeter of space in your tummy, go now. Great food, friendly and attentive staff, pleasant patio. It's not trying to be snobby and posh though, and that's quite fine with me, because it has its own personality. Best dish at the table last visit was surprisingly the pipian verde con pollo (I figured it would be the tikin xic.. great but not unreal-mind-blowing). But the chicken.. I mean who gets excited about chicken? Me, now, I guess.. it was so tender, nestled in ample sauce with such a unique, bright flavor. Shoot, I'm writing this at 6:30am sleepless and now I want that for breakfast. Or to have them make me a pillow out of the chicken. Ok maybe not, but it was that tender. The chips and salsa come with the meal and were nice and fresh. Ooh and some dishes come with really tasty pickled red onions on the side. I thought the cochinita pibil could've used a touch more sauce and just more vibrancy to it, but that's just personal preference. Covid-wise, went for an outside lunch and there was plenty of space. Our server was masked the whole time too, so no issues there. (Plus my group was all vacc'd.)

During COVID, taste is more important than ambience since everything is in styrofoam when delivered. Their chicken fajitas are amazingly tender and the chicken soup is so tasty! One of the few places that has tamarind margaritas.

They make amazing salsa, i crave the migas tacos and be sure to ask for their home made corn tortillas! And the mole is the best of the best! And add the Mexican martini and it's the perfect addition to any meal choice! Support this local business and add to your list to try asap!

Authentic Yucatecan Mexican food. Always reliable, always delicious and always the nicest people working there.

I love surprises. Especially good ones....and Sazon was a really nice surprise tonight. Firstly, the owner (and bartender, and waiter and chef) is running this lrestaurant with only 2 people, him and a very nice waitress. How is that possible?! I just don't know, but he's doing it. Second, I'm a little impatient....yes it's true. So when I didn't get immediate service on the patio (there were at least 10 full tables) I came inside to sit at the bar and was the only guest sitting inside and tougher to ignore haha. And from this vantage point our 5 star story begins..... I ordered a beer, a marg and the snapper. I blew through 2 baskets of really excellent chips and salsa while waiting, and then the meal came. I was BLOWN AWAY at the entree. Dang, why didn't I take a pic ?! The fish was perfectly spiced and cooked in a banana leaf, with rice and pickled red onions on the side. and they even included some freshly made corn tortillas on the side. Wow, what a meal! And can I remind our readers that my meal, as well as the 30+ hungry people on the patio all enjoyed dinner made and served by the owner (and bartender, and waiter and chef). I will be back! Hopefully on another really busy Monday to watch these 2 magicians work.

Been here twice. First time I was NOT a fan. I ordered their mole and it had a burnt taste to the sauce. Do not order this. Second time, I got the Chile Relleno. They do this so damn well. I think I was thinking about it the next day and started drooling. I will definitely be coming back and ordering the same thing.

A hidden gem in South Austin. The food and drinks are consistently amazing and you'll be treated like family...even on your first visit. Bonus: they are pet friendly on the patio.

Delicious! Delicious!! Delicious!!! Hands down best enchiladas my family and I have ever had. On top of that staff is super friendly and very courteous.

I always like exploring Sazón's interior Mexico inspired entrees. This trips delightful discovery was Puerco en Chile Cazcabel: a wonderfully spicy slow simmered pork dish that recently reappeared on the dinner menu. My wife had the Tikin Xic, a Yucatán fish dish with a heady achiote sauce on a banana leaf. It was all she could do to resist the urge to lick the banana leaf to get every drop of the sauce. Always worth the trip when Tex Mex isn't good enough.

The prices are great and it's never busy but the margs weren't quite blended correctly and the food was a tad bit bland. The biggest problem was how long the service took and how the servers were not super happy to have 5 customers on a Saturday night?! I would go again because the food was legit and my bf was digging on the salsa and hope to have a different experience.

7/10 queso. 9/10 enchiladas 10/10 tavo tacos if youre on south lamar and you want bfast tacos pick up a togo order

The service here is absolutely horrible, attitude for what reason? It's the customers that pay the bills for those working here. Food was definitely mediocre, nothing special. Will not be coming here again.

Sazon, why do most folks think you've lost your fizzle? For years it was the go to place in South Austin for some interior grub. I remember the hype and the great reviews and those huitlacoche empanadas. A few days ago I needed an al pastor taco fix and despite the falling ratings I turned in the parking lot. Place hadn't seemed to change much. I had changed a bit; thinking the wife was barely pregnant when we dined here previously. Now, a two year old little Rooster tagging along with me. For the venue I'm changing his name to reflect his Mexican counterpart. El Gallo started off with the queso. I usually throw out some cheese on a plate for his chips and tortillas. The rest never gets eaten and ends up a congealed brick in a bean bowl. Not this day my friends; the blend of the white cheese with the pico was naughty good. The bowl was empty and hopefully no passerby got photos of me almost pouring queso in my mouth. I'll also give them some props for the smoky chipotle salsa as well. My al pastor arrived as well as El Gallo's rice. The flavors of the al pastor were the best I've had in a while. Seems they threw the meat and the pineapple on the griddle producing a crunchy yet refined texure on the filling. Delicious charro beans and flavorful pacific style rice rounded out a surprisingly good meal for both of us. There were no issues with service on this visit; both servers working hard for the tables with lunch patrons. For this visit Sazon picks up right where I left her some two years ago. I had forgotten how many interesting dishes they have including a black mole. Thanks to the great food; I don't think it'll take me the same amount of time to visit again.

DELICIOUS Mexican martinis!!! and pretty large...about 4 glasses full in the shaker. Tacos were yummy and flan was amazing :)

The place was dead we want it certain table and they told us it was reserved (nobody was there we were the only ones!) and the people for the reserve table never came, the food mm was ok nothing out of this world but I'll not come back.

Need of some authentic soups and other interior fair, then you need to get to Sazón asap. The cochinita pibil and soup combo are the main reason we keep coming back, but the other is because Margarito, has been such a generous host. 100% recommend this homespun classic in the shadow of so many new and *formulaic* restaurants in the area. A taste of old Austin at a great price.

Sazón is awesome! I went here last night with my friend for her tenth wedding anniversary, since she and her husband were apart for their special day, and Sazón actually catered their wedding ten years back! (When 90% of your wedding guests fly in from up north, you make sure there's good Mexican food at the wedding.) The food is still just as good as it always was: amazing salsa, great fresh tortillas, and awesome sopecitos. Sadly, I don't come here enough since South Lamar is growing out of control, and it's nice to see Sazón hasn't changed much at all. This is one of my favorite Mexican places to bring friends from out of town, and it's significantly better than many other places.