When it comes to Tex-Mex in Austin, sometimes we might branch out to try the latest taco hot spot, but typically we stick with what we know and love for delicious comfort food we can count on. One of our favorite restaurants for Mexican-inspired dishes is Zocalo Cafe.

This cute locally-owned cafe tucked into the quiet Clarksville neighborhood has been serving up healthy tacos, salads, and homemade specials for 10 years. The food is terrific, but there’s also so much charm in their bright open dining room and pretty outdoor patio. Of course, we’re also very thankful that Zocalo is so family-friendly and rooted in the Austin community. The word “zocalo” literally means “town square” or “meeting place”, and it feels like the ideal spot to meet family and friends to share a big meal and some margaritas on the patio.

The menu at Zocalo Cafe includes plenty of your Tex-Mex staples such as burritos, tacos, empanadas, chilaquiles, flautas and nachos. But they also specialize in lighter fare and more unique dishes, too, such as a variety of salads, stacked enchiladas, a vegetarian calabacitas stew and a grilled veggie torta. Of course you can count on a kids menu for smaller plates for the kiddos.

Zocalo Cafe also made our list of 15 Family Friendly Happy Hours because they offer specials every day of the week from 3-6 p.m. as well as all day on Wednesdays. We happen to be big fans of the frozen drinks including Zocaritas, Sangria and Horchata Coladas. Meet your friends, enjoy free, easy parking and let the kids sip a fresh (nonalcoholic) aqua fresca and snack on some queso and chips while you catch up with pals on the patio. You can click here for the happy hour menu.

If brunch is what you’re after, you can also count on Zocalo for big, satisfying dishes such as huevos rancheros, eggs benedict and kid favorites such as pancakes, churros, and apple cinnamon empanadas. Weekend brunch is served from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

You’ll want to mark your calendars in advance for Zocalo Cafe’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration that includes plenty of fun for kids, pinatas, mariachi music and exciting festivities. To keep up with other events and specials, be sure to the visit Zocalo Cafe website and check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

Zocalo Cafe is located at 1110 West Lynn Street and open Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

–> Giveaway: We’d love to send a reader to enjoy a meal with the family at Zocalo Cafe! Enter below for a $25 gift card. Entering the giveaway will add you to the Do512 Family email list, where we let you know about the best family events in Austin each week.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered.