Mi Madre’s is a Tex-Mex staple in East Austin that’s been around since 1990. It’s not a fancy spot by any means, as the whole structure feels like it’s being held together by duct tape and string. But there are two air-conditioned dining rooms and a small, comfortable patio populated by some hungry grackles. While Mi Madre’s is open for lunch and dinner, our favorite time to go is during brunch hours for the breakfast plates like huevos rancheros and migas. You’ll most likely find us here double-fisting a couple of their enormous breakfast tacos—while they clock in around $4 or $5 each, two is more than enough. Our favorite is the #9 breakfast taco with homemade machacado and eggs (add cheese). The Bloody Marys here are good, but the drink we’re really into is the frozen mango-chamoy margaritas with a chile rim. Warning: the tortilla chips here are very delicious and you will have to exercise restraint.

photo credit: Raphael Brion