Z'Tejas - Austin 6 STREET

Way back in time, when the pony express had just been supplanted by the telegraph, when people used to hand-draw their presentations on transparencies and call them slides (PowerPoint was yet to be invented) we joined the technology boom in a sleepy little town called Austin.

There were two kinds of restaurants prevalent in those days: TexMex and Barbecue. A handful of people were trying something new in the culinary scene in Austin, among them Jack Allan Gilmore. He was the head chef, and the restaurant was Z Tejas.

Instead of the usual enchiladas smothered in cheese, Z was trying to innovate. We loved their spin on Mexican food, it was a gateway drug to discovering the culinary variety of Mexico. Z was a regular fixture for me - the Arboretum location for business lunches, and either location for weekends. Then they opened Brio Vista next door in the Arboretum, which became another fine choice.

Time moved on, and Z gently resisted change. Jack Allan left and opened a restaurant with his own name, more locations followed. Jack's son Bryce opened Barley Swine, arguably one of the finest restaurants in Austin. Our work lunches and casual weekend meals moved to Jack Allan's Kitchen, the milestone dinners to Barley Swine and the plethora of fancy restaurants that mushroomed. Z reduced to the 6th street location, where we would go once in a while for weekend brunch. Even that stopped a few years ago.

Suddenly I heard that Z's 6th Street location was going to close. The Arboretum spot had closed years ago, and Brio even earlier. We had to go and pay our respects. We stopped by today for lunch and ordered our favorites- Navajo Taco, Chicken Tinga Rellenos, the Ancho Chile Chocolate Pie. Service was slow but the food was just like what I remembered.

We watched a noisy building construction across as we ate - probably condos. After all, this is a prized location. Long chat with our waiter and we found that Z still has branches in Avery Ranch and Kyle - and will reopen in Central Austin when they find a new spot. All is well.

I first came alone here 7 years ago when i first moved to Austin. I remember their corn bread. I came back a few days ago when i heard that they were closing and relocating south of Austin. The corn bread was delicious still. The tacos were yummy. It was also St. Patrick's day so they had green drinks. We ate outside and enjoyed the sun on their patio. The server was nice and also attentive. It wasn't too crowded on a Friday around 6 and it was even during SXSW. I think it'll be busier closer to closing. Have your last meal here and still visit them at their north location and their new location.

My friend and I came here for happy hour and really enjoyed the restaurant! It's very causal inside and there is a lot of seating. I ordered the happy hour nachos and she ordered the sliders. Both of our dishes were delicious and the service was great too.

The cornbread was complimentary with our meal, but I personally did not enjoy it. The cornbread came with three pieces and weirdly enough, one piece was sweet and the other two were spicy... not what a were expecting (but they were free, so no loss there haha)

Stopped here for a quick mimosa and snack before a heftier lunch. Service was extremely friendly and quick. The mimosas were yummy and surprisingly got you pretty buzzed. The queso had a dash of chipotle and was on the thicker side but overall yummy! The only qualm I had was that the entire space smelled faintly of a bathroom.

Hard pass for me. Z'Tejas seems to pass itself off as a higher end Tex-Mex restaurant, but this is where I draw the line. First, don't expect complimentary chips and salsa and second, don't expect refried beans!

I ordered the Shrimp Enchiladas, which comes with cilantro-lime rice and {not refried} beans on the side. I truly believe all sides served should compliment your main course. I will give credit where it's due (The Shrimp Enchiladas), but as for the rice and beans, bland. The Shrimp Enchiladas were tasty, tender, and savory!

Visited Z'Tejas while in town for a conference and had a pretty good time! The strawberry margaritas are superior to the regular, the queso was very appetizing (and that's saying something because I'm a guac guy), the cornbread was a lot better than expected, and it was an all around good experience! The one exception is that the Diablo pasta could've used more flavor (what type, not sure--maybe even salt would have done the trick), but my friend loved hers so that certainly shouldn't be a dealbreaker. Would recommend!

Sad to see this place go! Great food and drinks. Awesome staff and management. They are moving to Kyle so only 20 min away.

Z'Tejas has been an all time favorite for many years! I rarely find myself in that area (West of Lamar on 6th), nevertheless when I happen to be stomping around that neighborhood I make a stop. They have one of the most delicious frozen Marg recipe! I'm an unofficial local expert in the frozen beverage department! Enjoy drink & food, vibe, decor, layout (multiple level seating, finally cheerful staff!

Location is primo. Service is primo. Food and drink and mediocre at best. Understand that yesterday was the his location's last night open but food was underwhelming. Didn't remember to take pictures because I didn't eat the food. Willing to try another location.

This was a pretty decent place for lunch!

My friends and I ordered the Nacho Z's, Yuca Fries, and Shrimp Tostada Bites to share. All of the appetizers were really great and I especially liked the nachos!

I ordered the Baja Spinach and Mushroom Tacos for my entrée, but I was unfortunately disappointed by these. The tacos were soggy and falling apart. They tasted okay, but I was definitely underwhelmed after how great the appetizers were. I would've given this place 5 stars if I didn't get the tacos, so I'd definitely come back again but would order something else.