ATX Cocina
ATX Cocina has the best spicy margarita and guacamole in town. The atmosphere feels strangely intimate for the high ceilings, and the team (besides the hostesses) make downtown living feel a bit warmer. You definitely need to dress up to respect the experience. That said, it feels refreshingly casual for somewhere with that expectation.
For flexibility with seating options, I prefer going with smaller parties (groups of three to four). However, going with a bigger group enables you to try more, and I recommend making the most of your time there. Assuming the bar seating opens back up post-COVID, my favorite spot is the back bar for a late night spicy ATX.
Hamachi - one of the best ceviches I’ve ever had
Menu Picks
I have quite a few recommendations here. I’ve put plates in the order you should order them, so skip a few along the way if you’re with a small group. The menu changes often, so these options are likely to change in the next few weeks.
SOPES | cochinita pibil, frijoles, xni-pec salsa, verde asada
With a big group? Start here. They’re a meatless option that’s a crowd pleaser.
COCINA GUACAMOLE | serrano, onion, herbs, olive oil, lime
Don’t skip on it, despite how appetizing the rest of the menu appears. It’s a must.
MIXED LETTUCE “CAESAR” | arbol – anchovy vinaigrette, radish, chicharron de queso, lemon
Just enough lemon to make it feel like you ate something healthful. It’s heavy on the dressing, and it’s huge. Order it as a shared plate to lighten up the meal.
ROASTED MUSHROOM QUESADILLA | porcini mushrooms, serrano, onion, avocado, epazote, salsa ranchero
One of their best vegetarian options, and it’s lighter than you’d expect based on their average dish size.
CAMPECHANA | shrimp, octopus, avocado, charred corn, cucumber, serrano, salsa roja asada
If you want something light, go for it. It’s a cool (temp) dish, so it’s great for afternoon and/or pescatarians.
TACO AL PASTOR | chile marinated pork, charred pickled pineapple salsa
Grab them if you’re there for a happy hour, but skip them if you’re with a group that’s interested in the bigger meat plates. I think it’s one of the best menu options.
BARBACOA BEEF SHORT-RIB | mole coloradito glazed beef, seared corn polenta
Just big enough to split for a group. This dish will fill you up, and they’d be horrified to hear this, but if Rudy’s went gourmet with their basics, this would be the dish.
TEXAS WAGYU BAVETTE “CARNE ASADA” | corn fritas, pasilla aioli, roasted tomato, avocado, grilled onions
In my opinion, the dish should be larger for the price ($48), but it’s a solid interruption from the heavier meat dishes.
BAJA FISH TACOS
My favorite entree. Don’t expect to always find it on the menu.
CARNE FRITA
Frankly, I don’t remember this dish, but I review each dish (on my phone) when I first try it, and all I wrote were exclamation points.
