Attention Austinites! La Popular, an acclaimed Mexico City dining destination, just opened at Lantana Place shopping center, and it’s the perfect place to get your fix for authentic Mexican cuisine. Aside from the exceptional ingredients and flavors, the innovative preparation and presentations make this upscale restaurant stand out from other Mexican restaurants. 

La Popular made its debut in the United States from one of the top, gastronomic epicenters of the world, Mexico City. And now, they’re bringing all the rich culture and traditions to the ATX!

This is your place for authentic Mexican cuisine that proudly represents the genuine culture, traditions, and history of Mexico.

Everything from the bar to the kitchen is completely made fresh. From the house made tortillas and chips to the Molé and desserts. The master behind this Mexican cuisine Mexico City native Chef César de la Parra Coghlan, who presents an elevated take on straightforward dishes. 

Authentically Appetizing 

You’ll immediately be brought chips and three types of salsa, ranging from hottest to mild. The green salsa is the more mild and tastes similar to guacamole, while the middle red one has a sweet taste, and the brown one packs a punch with spiciness. We recommend starting with the fresh, Guacamole and amazing, homemade crunchy chips. (Warning: these chips are super addicting!) I couldn’t get enough of the Queso Fundido Con Chorizo – the manchego cheesy party you want and look for! This is the perfect shareable option for the table. Make sure to eat it quickly before the cheese starts sticking to the pan (although that won’t be hard!)

The couple next to us said they couldn’t get enough of the Ahi Tuna Tostadas.

As for the main dishes, the Al Pastor tacos are considered to be one of the more popular items on the menu, and I can understand why. I mean just thinking about it right now makes my mouth water! This is one of those dishes that forces you to come back just so you can relive the deliciousness all over again. Here’s a tip, add cheese! It’s even more heavenly when you add green sauce.

The Campechano tacos were another tasty favorite – creamy yet crunchy. You get a lot of the chorizo flavor and a little of the ribeye, which are equally tasty. Chicharrón’s can sometimes be soft, but these are super crunchy.

For all the vegan and vegetarians out there, you need to try the Veggie tacos that contain sautéed mushrooms, rajas poblanas, grilled zucchini and squash on a housemaid corn tortilla. (You can really taste their unique flavor!)

If you want to mix-and-match tacos, be sure to come in during their special taco hour available Monday through Friday from 11 to 3 p.m. You get a choice of two tasty tacos from their menu plus Mexican rice and refried beans. 

You can also get plates like the Ribeye Fajitas and Enchiladas Blancas with your choice of Al Pastor or pulled chicken. Not feeling the taco vibe? Try the Habanero BBQ Ribs slow roasted in housemade habanero chipotle BBQ sauce. 

For dessert, we highly recommend the crunchy Churros. I’m always looking for the best tasting churros in Austin and these are it. You can dip them with chocolate and caramel sauce, or the ice cream surprise in the middle. The Tres Leches cake had a different spin on it, but it surely curved my craving for super-creamy cake. 

Decorative Drinks

The stars of the show are their beautifully-presented unique experiential craft cocktails. Each eye-catching cocktail is designed to be fun, inventive and highly visual.

The Oaxacan Jellyfish is sweet like a piña colada, and comes out in a decorative jellyfish glass with a cool-looking lemongrass smoke bubble on top. Allow the bubble to rest atop for a minute while you take in its glory and some sweet photos. Then pop! The smoke makes it look even cooler. This drink is super strong but sweet enough to where you can’t taste the alcohol (which I love). You’ll get buzzed by this little guy pretty quickly. To up the ante, try the Yucatán Toucan that packs a Mezcal punch; the drink is lit on fire for that “oh wow” moment. (Yup, you heard that right). The Desert Rose comes out in a cute cactus glass while the Tomayo comes in an owl. The Tomayo is the only drink from Mexico City they allow them to have. This is a drink you won’t be able to try anywhere else, so take advantage. 

The bar highlights an impressive selection of agave spirits encompassing more than 80 labels of tequila and Mezcal. The library features rare Mexican spirits sourced from a variety of small batch distilleries in Oaxaca, Jalisco, and Guadalajara.

Surrounding Space

The upscale restaurant has very modernized decor, such as backlit smoky mirrors, wood paneling, and a blue neon sign that says “se sabe.” The plants fill the space with greenery, transporting guests to Mexico’s lush, tropical surroundings. 

At the center of the space is a 22-seat bar suspending six large screen TVs, perfect for catching the game. Hang out and catch up with friends in the lounge seating area, or in the outdoor expansive 38-seat patio.

There’s even a live fire kitchen where you can watch your food being chopped up through the window. There’s high top seating at the kitchen, allowing guests a front row seat to all the action. 

La Popular is perfect for special occasions – like anniversaries or birthdays, a girls night out, or even just a casual day to treat yourself to some authentic Mexican cuisine. The modernized decor, distinctive dishes, uniquely-inventive cocktails, and warm hospitality will have Austinites and out-of-towners coming back for more. 

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Cover Photo courtesy La Popular

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.