Nueva Onda

Another one of my fav taco places, I drop in here on the way home after shift. During the week it’s usually quit and I can get in and out pretty quick. The tacos are superb the service great there’s nothing bad about this place. The green sauce is the best! There is a bookrack in the back if you find something you like to read and want to buy it. Pretty cheap. Enjoy!

Best breakfast tacos in town. Once you have tried Nueva Onda’s breakfast tacos, you’ll be willing to make the drive every time. They’re priced reasonably, too. Everything I’ve had from there has been solid, but really, the five stars you see here are entirely for the
BREAKFAST TACOS.
There. You must try the limeade, that would earn them a 6^th star if it were possible. It’s delicious on a hot day. Or even a cold one.
Sadly, they close at 3pm. Probably the only complaint I have about this place. There’s never been a wait and the service has always been no-​frills, adequate.

Yummy breakfast tacos! They are larger than what I am used to and I was stuffed after eating two of them.
Coffee with horchata instead of creamer: you gotta try it!

Their mexican breakfast plates are orgasmic!
My favorite plate is the huevos motulenos (5.89): 2 eggs over-​easy, on a corn tortilla & black beans, topped with cheese & salsa ranchera. It comes with 2 tortillas and yummy cubed potatoes. The plate’s overflowing with freshly made, spicy ranchera sauce, and they give you a spicy tomatillo sauce on the side that’s awesome too. I recommend adding sliced avocado; it’s well worth the extra couple of bucks. The breakfast tacos are nothing to turn your nose up to either. All the ingredients are super fresh.
The patio’s a perfect spot for a sunny, Austin morning, and the lady who runs it is very friendly. They have a couple of shelves of cheap books for sale (25 cents for paperbacks, $ 1 for hardcovers) which I like to comb through.
It’s a perfect Austin breakfast experience.

We stopped by here with a dear friend from out of town. Actually wanted to grab lunch at New India, which was closed. Good luck or we wouldn’t have tried this place. Very low maintenance. Good lunch plates, value for money. Tacos tasted good (I got the al-​pastor, veggie husbo got the veggie quesadillas.) The sides were yum — a Mexican ratatouille with veggies and smoky refried beans. My friend got fideo (?sp) the Mexican noodles with fajita chicken… very different… more like chicken curry with noodles. Pretty cool.

quite cheap. good food. staff was very friendly & helpful. plenty of outdoors seating.
nueva ondo definitely satisfied my craving for delicious authentic Mexican fare. their green salsa was heavenly! what a kick!
Menudo: wasn’t the best I’ve had, but it was certainly yummy. I look forward to trying their chicken menudo, which isn’t something I’ve seen on any Mexican menus yet.
Barbacoa Taco: barbacoa was very well made. moist & well flavored.
Breakfast Gordita: ORDER THIS! the best thing we had. you’re able to specify what ingredients you want, allowing the bf to order an egg, sausage, spinach & mushroom gordita.
I’ll be back, nueva onda!

This is another cool little enclave in South Austin that feels like home. Can I just kick off my slippers and park here for a while?
We had breakfast tacos and enjoyed them. Unlike Stefanie’s experience, I found the Migas Taco to be very fresh and tasty. It’s not the style of Migas which come smothered in velvety chile con queso. It’s basic egg, pico, chips and shredded cheese. Fresh tasting. The Carne Guisada was pretty typical.
The salsas were very good. The red tasted so fresh that I had visions of the food processor which gave birth to it. It was mild. The green was a tad 1-​dimensional: Muy Picante! It didn’t occur to me to mix them together, until now. Well, there’s ample reason to go back!
Their Horchata was excellent. On one end of the Horchata is «creamy». On the other end is «chalky». This one was definitely on the creamy side and all of the nice flavors shone through.
So you walk in and order your food at the counter and then turn right and into the tiny dining area or further right onto the comfortable covered deck or further right, still, into the full outdoor seating area. The place is adorned with cool stuff, like rusty metallic roosters or cool ceramic artwork from Mexico. What I like most about this place is the location, tucked into the shadow of trees where one may find such a place in Mexico. I can’t say for sure that they had bamboo and palm trees but it sure had that aura.
I’ve read that they do a free Indie movie night. Now that sounds cool. I’d give this place a high 3 stars for their food. 2 stars for the friendliness, but round it up to four for the overall coolness.

So many tacos to choose from!
I had a hard time picking what to eat because I kept wiping the drool away from my mouth while panning through the menu!
I ended up getting the barbacoa, carne asada, and egg/​potato/​onion tacos. All of them were on flour tortillas! The barbacoa was tender and oily as it should be with some onions and cilantro. Carne asada was oh so tender with chunks of potato. The custom breakfast taco was so good that I had wished I had just ordered breakfast tacos. They bring 2 bottles of salsa to the table (red/​green). I only used the red salsa because I love red salsa.
Only thing is I wished this place opened past 3pm!

No thank you! These were the worst migas I’ve ever had. They were wet. I didn’t know migas could be wet. The eggs were not only mushy, but there was actually little puddles of water (water/​bland salsa) in the food and all over the plate. The salsa that came with the food had no flavor.
As others have said. There isn’t much indoor seating and most of the indoor seating is only sort of indoors on a screened porch. In the Texas heat I like to have seating options that include AC.

What can I say, I love Tex-​Mex. But I really love Tex-​Mex made by people who appear to love Tex-​Mex as much as me. I love the taqueria style of this place with the Austin vibe mixed in. Great porch, great staff, great food and great lime-​aid!
I have been going here for lunch for while, and truly enjoy the tostados. So simple yet so delicious. I love how fast and quick they are. It’s a great lunch spot.
The thing that finally won me over was their breakfast tacos! Big pieces of crispy delicious bacon with just cooked right eggs and melted cheese. Top it off with all the wonderful extra toppings (avocados, mushrooms, ect.) and I am smitten.
It’s nothing fancy, just oh so good.
Did I mention how cheap it is?

Breakfast tacos are my favorite weekday breakfast. Lucky for me there is an exhaustive list of options in my hood. I made a beeline for Nueva Onda last week and was pleasantly fulfilled. Their menu consists of the standard Mexican fare that you can find in most taquerias (gorditas, tacos, enchilada plates, etc). I was tempted to indulge in the Eggs La Mexicana, but I tried to keep it simple today. I ordered my standard egg, potato and cheese breakfast taco. The lady at the counter seemed pretty friendly. Within a few minutes, my name was called, the taco was delivered into my pretty little hands, and all was well. As I waited, I scanned their lunch menu, which was posted on the wall. I was happy to see that all their items were under 6 bucks.
I would say that the taco was similar in standards to what you receive at its neighbor, La Mexicana– warm and filled with bites of egg, pan fried potatoes and savory cheese. I wish I requested more than one ramekin of salsa, though– cuz it was the bomb diggity.
I tried to take my better half over for brunch on Saturday and the parking lot was fulllll. I didn’t feel like fighting the crowd, but I’ll definitely make a second trip when they are less busy.

My family (husband and 4 month old girl) tried Nueva Onda about a month ago on Friday Morning when Magnolia was overly crowded. My husband had mentioned he’d only heard and read great things. I remember commenting on how many times I must have driven past it in my life and never even noticed it. It’s fairly tucked back off the road and blends in really nicely into it’s environment. Good vibe. Busy but not packed. Cozy.
It’s a «walk in and order at the counter» kinda place on the inside. Great prices. Lots of options. Accommodating and friendly staff. I had the Migas and was VERY pleased. Tasty and a good portion of food… no left overs. My husband enjoyed his meal very much as well, but I can’t recall what he ordered. We sat outside on the deck during a very muggy early September morning and enjoyed every minute of it. We will definitely be back! Only reason I don’t give 5 stars is because it’s kind of run down. Luckily they are kicking out an excellent product so that will come with time. LOVE it!

How have I never heard of Nueva Onda before today? Unexpectedly the BEST breakfast tacos that I’ve had in Austin.
I must have passed this place many many times without noticing it even though it is only a block from the busy Congress/​Oltorf intersection. It wasn’t until I did a few searches for breakfast tacos in South Austin (so I’m indecisive about where I want to eat?) that I came upon this place.
I walked in and there were so many (good) options for breakfast tacos that it was hard for me to decide what to order. With two ingredient tacos at $ 1.50 and $ 0.40 extra toppings, the prices were very reasonable. I ordered an avocado/​cilantro/​egg & a black bean/​egg/​tomato taco. My friend ordered a migas taco, avocado/​egg/​cheese, and a egg/​potato/​cheese/​spicy onion (onions cooked with jalapeño) taco.
Outdoor seating is automatic bonus points (plus they have an outdoor 2^nd floor deck as well!) The tacos were served with two salsas — one red & one green. The red salsa was refreshing and was pretty mild with just enough zip for a breakfast taco. The tortillas are amazing and freshly made. The tacos had just enough stuff inside of them to be satisfying. My friend was full but was so good that he contemplated getting a fourth taco.
So. Good.

Nueva does NOT get the love it deserves, being one of the best taco places in Austin.
Now that I’ve been back about 3 times I can sincerely and wholeheartedly state that Nueva Onda is my favorite breakfast taco place in Austin.
Their tacos are just «better».
Maybe it’s because they basically only do made-​to-​order tacos (their menu listed selection is pretty small).
Maybe it’s their amazing tortillas that are so good and different everytime (either they hand make them or someone does, they’re sooo good).
Maybe it’s their great salsas that come in squeeze bottles so you can pour it onto each bite (watch out, the salsa verde is actually pretty hot!).
Whatever it is, these are some bomb tacos.
The also have a pretty darn extensive non-​taco menu that I’m sad I haven’t carved more into. I will say their beans are just crazy good and probably the best or 2^nd best refrieds I’ve ever had.
And then there’s the horchata. Oh, how I love thee, you gigantic cup o’ bliss. It’s also great that they never seem crowded — every time I’ve been I just saunter on up to the counter, order some amazingness and then eat my way to heaven. Hopefully my review will get some more of you here (go! now!).

Cheap prices, fast service and authentic, delicious, mouthwatering dishes define this Mexican restaurant. The relaxed environment seeps into you as you sit on the patio, possibly with your dog or group of friends, and you can’t help but relieve stress. They offer daily meal specials, making the price even sweeter on occasional items.
The outdoor tables are mostly shaded, scattered around what feels like a Mexican jardin. It gives off a Hispanic Secret Garden vibe, despite being right at the crossroads of urbane Oltorf and saturated South Congress. Within walking distance of any number of bus stops, not to mention general enjoyments down Congress, this restaurant’s convenience gets top stars right along with its amazing food.
You won’t be disappointed by any dish you choose to order.

Addictions are generally speaking not a good thing. I cannot, however, berate Nueva Onda for getting me hooked on their migas tacos and… the amazing green sauce. The green sauce is homemade and very spicy. Some mornings I simply can’t start my day without it. Michael doesn’t make fun of me for ordering the same damn thing each time either. He appreciates a good «that’s what she said» joke… just sayin’.
Their mole is also probably the best I’ve ever tasted. The gorditas… exceptional. Yeah, I love this little neighborhood joint — can you tell?

Nueva Onda has the best migas in Austin hands down don’t argue with me or it’s gonna lead to fisticuffs. You would do yourself a favor to order the migas with bacon mixed in (order it mixed in or they will put the bacon on the side). Grab a juice drink — large. Enjoy the chips and salsa on the outdoor patio. When the serving staff brings it, sample slowly so as not to blow your mind.
The front of the restaurant is usually manned by either Michael or his mother. Michael is friendly and efficient. By your third visit he will probably remember your order. The wait staff is comprised of people who I presume are Michael’s skate buddies. At first I thought it odd that an entire restaurant was staffed by skaters, but I have never received anything but the most respectful and prompt service. This is in stark contrast to Los Angeles where the alternative wait staff are derisive and mean.
Nueva Onda is a gem.

Nueva Onda hits the nail on South Austin Bohemian Funky AND is one of my very favorite Mexican breakfast joints. The patio is dog friendly and very colorful — add a good cup of coffee and some delicious cheap breakfast tacos and this is my idea of Weekend Morning Mexican Breakfast Heaven.
Their Egg, Potato, Cheese and Avocado is hands down one of the best breakfast tacos I have had in Austin!

Nueva Onda. I forgot about this place until recently, and accidentally stumbled upon it on my way to Arandas.
I’m glad I did.
If you like breakfast tacos, this place is a win. Each is made fresh with a combination of super fresh ingredients. They’re fat. The tortillas are good. And the «special» hot salsa is deeeelish.
Now a word on the service, because that is why I am giving this place 5 stars. I forgot to pay for coffee, and was told «no problem, on the house.» Win.
I also mentioned later that I was searching for good menudo, but wasn’t a big tripe fan. To which I was offered a FREE bowl of «chicken menudo.» Now being from El Paso, the thought kind of set me back. I’ve had it with pork… but chicken? The guy who brought it said, «This is good… you should try it with rice. You want some rice?» and before I could respond, he said, «let me get you some rice.»
This HANDS DOWN was the BEST menudo I’ve had in Austin… and with a good ratio of chicken to hominy, and a side of limes, you bet I’ll be back for more. If you can find better menudo, I wanna hear about it.
Big ups for a very Austin-​like patio with mixmatched chairs and tables that are promptly wiped clean when patrons leave, quick and friendly service, and affordable fresh grub.

After all of the raving reviews for breakfast tacos here, we decided to take a detour from our normal Monday Juan in a Million lunch trip to check this place out.
Firstly, as it’s been voted (and I didn’t notice), you don’t get table service. That kind of stinks if you’re planning for a nice relaxing lunch.
Also, there aren’t many big tables. So, when you come with a group of 6, as we did, indoor seating is limited. Keep this in mind with inclement weather.
With no table service, there is no endless basket of tortilla chips and salsa. If you are ok wit this, then move on.
I ordered 3 items from the breakfast menu — migas, egg/​cheese, and an avocado gordita. The migas were delicious and mouth-​watering. I particularly like the whole-​wheat tortillas. The egg and cheese was a boring subset of the migas (why did I do that to myself?) and the avocado gordita was incredibly boring. Sliced avocado in a gordita shell. Bleh.
My friend said the homemade horchata was delicious.
Overall, considering the lack of table service and no chips/​salsa, I’d say I paid a bit more than I’d have expected to. Next time, I think I could order a bit more intelligently though. I’ll give them another chance when the weather is nice.