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Alebrijes Mexican Grill
Master Critic Review
Alebrijes Mexican Grill
8.3
Alebrijes Mexican Grill is a compact counter-service spot near 7th and Spring turning out homestyle plates, seafood cocktails, and tacos for well under $15 per person. Incorporated in 2019 and still family-run, it draws downtown regulars for shrimp cocktails, soups, and generous taco or quesadilla combos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Cocktail, Alebrijes Special 2 Taco Plate, Carne Asada Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cozy, family-run spot focused on comforting seafood, soups, and tacos at true budget prices.
Who should go: Downtown workers wanting a fast, filling Mexican lunch.
When to visit: Weekday lunchtime; early afternoon for shortest lines.
What to order: Shrimp cocktail, 2-taco plate, and a carne asada quesadilla.
Insider tip: Pair a taco plate with a caldo or soup on cooler days for extra value and warmth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Spring and 7th can open up before 11am and after 2pm, but expect tight availability during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Super casual—work attire, jeans, and gym clothes are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s a compact counter-service space where you can still hold a conversation, but expect the usual lunch-rush chatter.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; the shop is quieter on weekends and evenings.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak noon rush, often no wait before 11:45am or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese burritos, veggie quesadillas, rice & bean plates, and customizable tacos.
Vegan options: Limited—bean tacos or burritos without cheese, plus rice and some salsas; best to confirm ingredients on arrival.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available for tacos and plates, but the kitchen is shared so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates no-frills, budget-friendly comfort food. This is a counter-service spot with tight seating—great for casual hangs, not ideal for romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations and seating is first-come, first-served. During lunch rush, grab a table as soon as one opens; turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; the space is small and doesn’t have high chairs or stroller-friendly aisles, but the menu is approachable and portions are generous.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling seafood cocktails and homestyle plates at true under-$15 prices—great for lunch breaks and dependable comfort food.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, alcoholic drinks, trendy ambiance, or extensive vegan/healthy options.