Chispas

3.7

23 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Chef-curated tacos and hand crafted margaritas in downtown Austin! Indoor and outdoor seating, weekday happy hour & weekend brunch by Chef Jason Dady. Dine in, to-go or catering!

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(512) 551-2554

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Tex-Mex
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(512) 551-2554
Website
http://chispasaustin.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jason Dady
Catering
Let Chispas spark the party with every catering and private dining event! We offer customer pick-up, party package delivery and full-service experiences for any occasion. Our professional wait and bar staff will make this your most memorable event yet. Choose from customer pick-up, downtown Austin delivery, or full service experience and live everyday like it's Taco Tuesday.

Location
214 W. 4th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
4th & Lavaca
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Elotes$6.00
Mexican Street Corn, Cilantro, Cotija & Mayo
Dressed Chicharrones$5.00
Avocado Mousse, Tapatío Hot Sauce & Chile-Lime
Huevos Rancheros Deviled Eggs (6)$7.00
Avocado Tostadas (3)$10.00
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt & Lime Zest
Grande Nachos Supreme$30.00
Piled High para a la Familia! Enough for 8

Soup & Ensalada

Add Any Meat to Your Salad for $4

Ancho Chile Tortilla Soup$7.00
Chile-Infused Chicken Broth with Crispy Tortilla, Jack Cheese & Shaved Cabbage
Mixed Green Salad$8.00
Roasted Tomato-Cumin Vinaigrette, Strawberries, Candied Pecans & Goat Cheese

Tacos

You Choose: House-Made Corn & Flour Tortillas. First two bowls of salsa and gluten-free chips are complimentary. Additional salsa costs $2, with all net proceeds benefitting local HS Culinary Arts Programs to continue to enrich our next generation of young chefs

Tacos Chispas$10.00
Double Decked! Two Hand-Made Flour Tortillas Topped with Black Beans, Wrapped Around Two Crispy Shells, with Barbacoa, Cabbage Slaw, Pico de Gallo, Lime Crema, Cilantro & Cheesy Gravy
Carne Asada$3.75
Onion, Cilantro & Lime
Duck Confit Carnitas$4.00
Duck Taco? Yes, We Did. Lime Crema, Bacon, Jalapeño & Pineapple
Smoked Brisket$3.50
Classic Texas BBQ with Pico de Gallo
Butternut Squash$3.50
Goat Cheese, Candied Pumpkin Seeds & Agrodolce
Tongue 'n' Cheek$4.00
Beef Tongue & Barbacoa with Classic Garnishes
Tofu al Pastor$3.50
Pineapple, Onion & Cilantro
Satx$4.50
Crispy Sirloin with Cheese Enchilada, Gravy & White Onion
Black Bean & Jack Cheese$3.00
Like Black Jack but Less Risky
Pork Belly Adobado$3.75
Tomatillo-Apple Pico de Gallo
Carne Guisada$3.50
On a Bed of Rice & Cheese
Chicken Mole$3.50
Braised Chicken Thigh & Nutella Mole with Toasted Sesame Seeds
The Boss$4.50
Bean and Cheese with a Fried Egg, Fresh Avocado & Crispy Bacon
Baja Pescado$4.00
Lime Slaw & Valentina Crema
Wild Mushroom$3.25
Cremini & Shiitake Mushrooms with Caramelized Onion
The Burraco$6.50
Bean and Cheese Burrito Stuffed with a Deluxe Crispy Taco, Green Chile Queso, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream and Jalapeño

The Essentials

Made-To-Order Guac$10.00
Like it sounds: Fresh Avocado, White Onion & Zesty Pico - Just Waiting on You to Order!
Green Chile Queso$8.00
Green Chile meets Queso Blanco & All its Melty Goodness

On the Side

Borracho Beans$3.00
Refried Black Beans$3.00
Refried Beans with Chorizo & Pico$4.00
Mexican Rice$3.00
Blistered Jalapenos$3.00
Sour Cream$1.50
Fresh Tortillas (3)$2.00
Guac$3.50
Pico de Gallo$1.50

Taco Packs

Make ordering simple with our Taco Packs! All packs come with a selection of Carne Asada, Carne Guisada, Butternut Squash and Duck Confit Carnitas Tacos

"Spark" The Party
12 Tacos, Guacamole, Green Chile Queso, Elotes, Beans & Mexican Rice
- Feeds 6+$75.00
Lettuce Taco 'Bout It
20 Tacos, Guacamole, Green Chile Queso, Elotes, 2 Beans & 2 Mexican Rice. Plus Grande Nachos Supreme
- Feeds 10+$130.00
4th Street Fiesta
30 Tacos, 2 Guacamole, 2 Green Chile Queso, 2 Elotes, 3 Beans & 3 Mexican Rice. Plus Grande Nachos Supreme
- Feeds 15+$210.00

Vino y Mas

Bubbles

Mumm, Rosè
- Gl$10.00
- Bottle$40.00
Marques de Caceres, Cava
- Gl$6.00
- Bottle$24.00
Perrier-Jouët, Champagne
- Bottle$60.00
Poema, Cava Rosè
- Bottle$30.00

White

Torres, Albariño
- Gl$11.00
- Bottle$44.00
Galerie Equitem, Sauv Blanc
- Bottle$55.00
Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio
- Bottle$45.00
Emmolo, Sauv Blanc
- Bottle$35.00
Schloss Vollrads, Dry Riesling
- Bottle$30.00
A to Z, Pinot Gris
- Bottle$30.00
Viña Esmeralda, Gewürztraminer
- Bottle$29.00
Tiefenbrunner, Pinot Grigio
- Bottle$28.00
Laurenz, Grüner Veltliner
- Bottle$26.00

Chardonnay

Hartford Court
- Gl$15.00
- Bottle$60.00
Sea Sun
- Gl$10.00
- Bottle$40.00
Charles Smith "Sixto"
- Bottle$65.00
Sonoma Cutrer
- Bottle$40.00
Rodney Strong
- Bottle$28.00

Wines on Tap

Nobilo, Sauv Blanc
- Gl$10.00
Meiomi, Rosè
- Gl$11.00
Diseno, Malbec
- Gl$12.00
Simi, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Gl$14.00

Rosè

Band of Roses
- Gl$7.00
- Bottle$28.00
Miraval
- Bottle$50.00
Vanderpump
- Bottle$40.00
Halter Ranch
- Bottle$38.00
Bieler de Pere et Fils
- Bottle$36.00

Red

La Crema, Pinot Noir
- Gl$12.00
- Bottle$48.00
Boom Boom, Syrah
- Gl$11.00
- Bottle$38.00
Wines of Substance, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Gl$10.00
- Bottle$40.00
Joel Gott 815, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Gl$13.00
- Bottle$52.00
Clos Pegase, Merlot
- Bottle$42.00
Smoked Doña Paula, Red Blend
- Bottle$30.00
The Prisoner
- Bottle$75.00

House Sangria

House Sangria
Made with Torres Brandy & Your Choice of Red, White or Rosé
- Pitcher$32.00

Margs

When Life Gives You Limes, Make Margaritas. Make It a Pitcher! Frozen Paloma, Frozen Marg & House Chispa $50

House Chispa$10.00
Our House Marg, with a Little "Spark." Jose Cuervo White, Diesel 190 Proof, Lime
Chispa Prima$12.00
Oh so Fancy. Straight Agave Tequila, Lime, Sugar. Herradura Silver, Avión Silver, Tres Agaves, Partida, Milagro Silver, Casa Noble, Casamigos, Patrón
Hand-Shaken Marg$11.00
Can't Go Wrong with a Classic. Corralejo Tequila, Orange Juice, Cointreau Noir
Frozen Marg$10.00
The Only Question: Lime or Prickly Pear? Bribon Tequila Silver
Frozen Paloma$10.00
Like a Real Paloma, just Colder. El Jimador Tequila Silver

Crafted Cocktails

Deep Eddy Limonada con Paleta$11.00
Hendrick's Citrus-Infused G&T$11.00
Casa Noble Ranch Water$10.00
Bacardi Daiquiri$10.00
Herradura Mexican Martini$11.00
Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned$12.00
Chispari Spritz$10.00
Xicaru Mezcal Negroni$12.00
Don Julio 1942 Old Fashioned$24.00
Svedka Sparky$8.00
Svedka Vodka, Ginger Beer, Fresh Lime b

Cerveza

Make It a Michelada. Choose Any Beer +$3

Drafts

Pacifico
- Gl$5.00
- Pitcher$18.00
Modelo
- Gl$5.00
- Pitcher$18.00
Negra Modelo
- Gl$5.00
- Pitcher$18.00
Dos XX Special Lager
- Gl$5.00
- Pitcher$18.00
Live Oak Hefeweizen
- Gl$6.00
- Pitcher$22.00
Austin Beerworks Flavor Country
- Gl$5.50
- Pitcher$20.00
Real Ale Hans Pils
- Gl$5.50
- Pitcher$20.00
4th Tap Vitality Blonde
- Gl$5.50
- Pitcher$20.00
Hops & Grain Zoe Lager
- Gl$6.00
- Pitcher$22.00
Zilker Brewery P&R Pale Ale
- Gl$6.00
- Pitcher$22.00
Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin
- Gl$8.00
- Pitcher$32.00
Family Business Cosmic Cowboy IPA
- Gl$5.50
- Pitcher$20.00
Brazos Valley IPA
- Gl$6.00
- Pitcher$22.00
Friends & Allies Noisy Cricket Session IPA
- Gl$6.00
- Pitcher$22.00

Cans

Lone Star$4.00
Modelo$4.00
Austin Eastciders Brut$6.00
Tecate Light$4.00
Miller Lite$4.50

Bottles

Bud Light$4.50
Shiner Bock$4.50
Tecate$4.00
Coronita$2.00
Bohemia$6.00
Carta Blanca$4.50
Sol$5.50
Victoria$5.50
Dos XX Amber$6.00

What 23 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.7

3.7 based on all time ratings

3.7Food
3.8Service
3.9Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2019
overall1food1service1ambience1
The food was mediocre! Service was bad, slow and establishment could use some updating. Lots of other choice for Mexican food. Find another place to eat.
h
heatherb
Austin
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience2
Great guacamole and pretty good tacos. We enjoyed the butternut squash and carne guisada tacos. I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here but would pop in for lunch if I was close by.
M
Meredith
Austin
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic! We enjoyed every single thing that we ordered. The cocktails were good too, and we appreciated their wine list. A lot of Tex Mex or casual restaurants tend to fail in the wine department.
KA
KaceyA
Austin
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall2food4service1ambience4
Our experience was less than satisfactory. Though we had a large party, the waiter continually had to be asked to take orders, remember drinks, etc. When we would remind him of forgotten drink, he would say “well someone else must’ve drank it,” and not bring another? At the end, we were still being spoken down to, and after we finally received checks, their house margarita was charged $2 more per receipt, and did not match menu pricing. When we pointed this out, he snarkily said “well you are lucky I didn’t auto add gratuity like I could have.” ???? We left 20% anyway, and did not appreciate the continued attitude for no reason.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
We all really enjoyed the tacos! From the duck, sweet potato and brisket, they were all unique and amazing. The prickly pear margarita were excellent!!
GW
GWillis
West Palm Beach
34 reviews
vip
3.0
34 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
The tacos were good but wish we had more of a Mexican variety. Server was nice. Decor was cute. I am guessing they get more of a bar crowd.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2019
overall2food2service1ambience4
Appetizers were great, but downhill from there. Waited a very long time for our food, poor overall service. They did comp some of our food because the wait was so long, but by the time we got the food it was luke warm, the beef was very dry, and average at best.
S
Shana2cool
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Fun vibe! Appreciated the food and the simplicity of the experience, while feeling like we could enjoy our night out!
MR
MsRhodes
Dallas
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2019
overall3food3service1ambience3
Our server was unattentive and forgetful. We never received water refills, and he was very slow. When we looked around to see where he was, he was at the bar chatting with another employee on 3 separate occasions. The food was good except for the guacamole and tortilla soup. The guacamole was brown, as if it were made with old avocados or had been made much earlier in the day. I guess they are unaware of the trick of leaving the pit in the prepared guac to keep it from turning brown. The tortilla soup was lacking overall. It was watery and overly spiced. But the spice wasn't flavorful, it was just peppery with no depth. The tacos, queso, elotes, and margaritas were pretty good, and the saving grace for this review.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was super nice and attentive and tbe food was great! Great prices too!
M
Markg
Austin
9 reviews
vip
1.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2019
overall1food1service3ambience3
We went for restaurant week. We felt the menu was very overpriced. The fish tacos were good but the mushroom tacos seemed very greasy and the butternut squash tacos were overly salty and burnt.
DM
DanielM
Austin
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
Birthday dinner was great. Nice staff.
t
texasgal
Austin
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Had a quick bite here. The food was very tasty and the service was great. My paloma was just so so though. It just didn't taste quite right. It was pretty lively for being early on a Saturday night, so if super loud restaurants are not your thing, you may want to sit outside or avoid visiting during busy times.
JS
JennyS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a big group out on the patio for dinner and the setting was great! Our server was extremely accommodating and friendly. We will certainly be back, everything was awesome!
TS
TamiS
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious. Waiter was friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend this place!
MM
MaggieM
Chicago
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2019
overall2food1service1ambience2
I don’t normally have bad experiences at restaurants but I won’t be back to Chispas and don’t think it’s a place that is worth spending money at amongst the restaurants in Austin. Worst tacos I’ve ever had here. They brought the wrong ones at first, then the correct ones were small in portion and meat was way over cooked. Like I actually noticed how hard they were to chew. There are MUCH better places to get tacos, chips/dip and frozen palomas.
AT
ATXadrienne
Austin
7 reviews
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2019
overall1food1service1ambience1
If you crave a fast-food experience at 4X the price, this place hits the spot! The margaritas tasted so cheap, I couldn't finish mine (this is a first for me). I ordered the Burraco, which is a burrito stuffed with a "Deluxe Crispy Taco." But the DCT is not even on the menu, so that weird. FYI: The meat in the DCT is steak, but could actually be beef jerky it was so tough and dry. Our waiter, Truett, rushed us right through the whole dining experience. We sat down at 6:30 and were done by 7. He was so anxious to get us out of there, he asked my husband if he was ready for the bill as a forkfull of food was en route to his mouth! If you do, try this place - stick to the green chili queso, the store-bought chips, and cerveza.
K
Karla
Austin
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
Hand made corn tortillas make all the difference!!! Really enjoyed ir
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly an amazing place and amazing drinks thanks for everything and great staff.
BE
BethE
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
The tacos were amazing! I had duck confit, yum. Also ordered quac which was the best I have had at restaurant. Service was impeccable. Will definitely be going back.
CS
ChrisS
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The corn tortillas were amazing. The frozen palomas are a must try. Our server, Juan was the best! I highly recommend this restaurant. I am not a fan of beans, but the borracho beans are fantastic.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2019
overall2food1service4ambience1
The men’s and women’s restrooms were disgusting. They looked as if they had not been cleaned in a month. Some of the food was good. The egg on my husband’s taco was undercooked even for ‘over-easy’. Our waiter was the best part of our experience. He was a great waiter.
l
larissaleighh
Austin
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2019
overall3food1service3ambience2
There are amazing tacos in Austin but they definitely aren't here!

FAQs

Chispas does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates. Chispas also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (512) 551-2554.

Chispas is rated 3.7 stars by 23 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(512) 551-2554

Other options

Additional information

Cross street
4th & Lavaca
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Tex-Mex
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Jason Dady
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://chispasaustin.com/
Phone number
(512) 551-2554
Catering
Let Chispas spark the party with every catering and private dining event! We offer customer pick-up, party package delivery and full-service experiences for any occasion. Our professional wait and bar staff will make this your most memorable event yet. Choose from customer pick-up, downtown Austin delivery, or full service experience and live everyday like it's Taco Tuesday.

Chispas

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Bites

Elotes$6.00

Dressed Chicharrones$5.00

Huevos Rancheros Deviled Eggs (6)$7.00

Avocado Tostadas (3)$10.00

Grande Nachos Supreme$30.00

Soup & Ensalada

Ancho Chile Tortilla Soup$7.00

Mixed Green Salad$8.00

Tacos

Tacos Chispas$10.00

Carne Asada$3.75

Duck Confit Carnitas$4.00

Smoked Brisket$3.50

Butternut Squash$3.50

Tongue 'n' Cheek$4.00

Tofu al Pastor$3.50

Satx$4.50

Black Bean & Jack Cheese$3.00

Pork Belly Adobado$3.75

Carne Guisada$3.50

Chicken Mole$3.50

The Boss$4.50

Baja Pescado$4.00

Wild Mushroom$3.25

The Burraco$6.50

The Essentials

Made-To-Order Guac$10.00

Green Chile Queso$8.00

On the Side

Borracho Beans$3.00

Refried Black Beans$3.00

Refried Beans with Chorizo & Pico$4.00

Mexican Rice$3.00

Blistered Jalapenos$3.00

Sour Cream$1.50

Fresh Tortillas (3)$2.00

Guac$3.50

Pico de Gallo$1.50

Taco Packs

"Spark" The Party

Lettuce Taco 'Bout It

4th Street Fiesta

Vino y Mas

Bubbles

Mumm, Rosè

Marques de Caceres, Cava

Perrier-Jouët, Champagne

Poema, Cava Rosè

White

Torres, Albariño

Galerie Equitem, Sauv Blanc

Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio

Emmolo, Sauv Blanc

Schloss Vollrads, Dry Riesling

A to Z, Pinot Gris

Viña Esmeralda, Gewürztraminer

Tiefenbrunner, Pinot Grigio

Laurenz, Grüner Veltliner

Chardonnay

Hartford Court

Sea Sun

Charles Smith "Sixto"

Sonoma Cutrer

Rodney Strong

Wines on Tap

Nobilo, Sauv Blanc

Meiomi, Rosè

Diseno, Malbec

Simi, Cabernet Sauvignon

Rosè

Band of Roses

Miraval

Vanderpump