Texas is home to some of the most legendary Tex-Mex food in the entire country, and locals know that a great meal always starts with the chips and salsa. Whether you like your salsa smoky, tangy, or fiery hot, the right bowl can make the whole experience unforgettable.
From Austin to San Antonio, these 13 restaurants have earned a serious reputation for keeping the chip basket coming back again and again.
El Patio Restaurant – Austin, Texas
Since 1954, El Patio has been feeding Austinites with the kind of Tex-Mex that feels like a warm hug. The chips here are thin, salty, and perfectly crisp — exactly what you want before a plate of cheese enchiladas arrives.
Locals have been passing this spot down through generations. The salsa is simple but bold, and it pairs perfectly with every chip you grab…