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Licha's Cantina, Austin, TX

Licha's Cantina

4.4
4.4
170 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
BIENVENIDO A LICHA’S…
Located in the heart of East 6th Street, Licha’s has become a niche restaurant for Austinites craving a bite of interior México. The restaurant is named after owner, Daniel Brooks’ mother, Alicia “Licha” Rivera, The atmosphere at Licha’s is casual and familiar. When you are here, you are in our home and we want to cater to you.

Inspired by the Mexican soulfood cooking that we were raised with, our menu is prepared by a team of passionate cooks. All of our masa products are made fresh and daily in-house and our proteins are thoughtfully brined and braised with a medley of herbs and spices.

If you’re interested in distilled agave products, Licha’s offers a large range of tequilas, mescales, bacanoras and sotoles.

Lichas’ friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help should you have any questions about any of our dishes or menu options.


Make a reservation

2 people

9:00 PM


Booked 33 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Mexican

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Sat 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (512) 480-5960

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Daniel Brooks

  • Catering

    Please visit our website to get more detailed information on our private events or by calling the restaurant 512.480.5960 lichascatina.com

  • Private party facilities

    Please visit our website to get more detailed information on our private events or by calling the restaurant 512.480.5960 lichascatina.com

  • Neighborhood

    East Austin

  • Cross street

    Attayac & Navasota

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

What 170 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Austin

    Lively

  • Austin

    Lively

Sort by

  1. ronb

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Went there because we heard the ceviche was very good. We ordered it as an appetizer. Staff brought our main entrees. Completely forgot the ceviche. They "kind of" apologized for forgetting the dish, but then went on as if it was no big deal to them. Too bad.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    We had heard great things about the food, and the menu looked exciting. However food was dry and cold when served, service was hard to track down, and drinks were weak. We had a reservation for 8, so we expected service to understand the needs of a larger party.

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  3. ChrissyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was very unique and delicious. Great staff and service.

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  4. Honest

    Denver

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience3
    Incredible food…so LOUD our table and waiter could not communicate!

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  5. Michmonayy

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My only feedback is the metal chairs outside could use a cushion. Besides that, the food was absolutely delicious. We sat outside and the weather was perfect. They play music in Spanish in the background, not too loud but loud enough to notice a nostalgic or familiar song which was nice. Overall my mother and grandmother had a great time eating there for Mother’s Day and we all enjoyed the evening. Will definitely go back.

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  6. xhed

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    The food was fine, in some cases excellent, though a choice of other tortillas might be nice -- the homemade corn tortillas were way too dry in texture, and overshadowed the food. I actually wound up preferring my shrimp and fish tacos (which were great) without them. The long wait times before our order was taken, and for our drinks to be brought to the table, and to receive our check were extremely irritating, however. Especially the first of those -- I can't think of many restaurants I've been to in my life (I'm 62) where I've had to wait so long just for a waiter to take my order. I assume the place was understaffed; the obvious solution would be to hire more wait staff. It was unacceptable, and for that reason alone, I would not recommend Licha's Cantina to anyone. Sadly, I won't be returning.

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  7. AdamG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall2food5service1ambience5
    When we arrived there was no table available to me until 30 min after I got there. Once 30 min passed I went back up to the hostess stand to find that we were forgotten about and had I not gone back up we were not going to get a table. When we were eventually sat we were not waited on until after other people were waited on that were sat after us.

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  8. JimT

    Dallas

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The vibe is very fun, very real, very East Austin. The menu is unusually authentic Mexico City, and well executed. Service, to be honest, was a little slow, probably due to the normal staffing issues. I would recommend Licha’s to anyone looking for a genuine (non-chain) Austin restaurant experience.

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  9. ElenaN

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    We were seated in the back and the music was way too loud for a normal conversation. I understand that the owners want to create a fun vibe and I think the atmosphere would be perfect if the music was just 1-2 settings quieter. The food was ok - a bit on the bland side, but portions were good. Honestly, I would only come back here for happy hour. I just don't think that the regular menu prices warrant the food you get. At happy hour, this place is a deal. At a full-price menu, the taste is a bit disappointing. Cocktails were great!

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  10. freespirit

    Austin

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food and fun outdoor patio scene. Enjoyed tremendously. Thank you!

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  11. brianb

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you’re in Austin & looking for authentic Mexican food with great drinks and service, there isn’t another spot here. I’ve been 4-5x since 2022 Summer and the experience is great every time.

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  12. JulieM

    Austin

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Way too loud! Service was great and food was okay. Drinks were very good. I probably won’t go back because of parking and noise level. The music was ridiculously loud. We couldn’t even hear each other talk.

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  13. MaeS

    Austin

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Licha’s is always delicious and the service is always wonderful!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    I’d been here a few years ago and loved it. This time was different, though. After getting a drink, I didn’t get visited for 20 minutes even though it wasn’t busy. The staff was talking by the bar and the waiter actively ignored me as he walked past numerous times. My drink tasted solely like ginger beer, whereas my partner’s margarita tasted so strongly of tequila that it wasn’t easily drinkable. Their happy hour menu on their website isn’t accurate, so showing up and seeing numerous items not on there was disappointing. My food was good, but my partner’s was just okay and could’ve used more salt/better flavor.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic. Too bad I live 800 miles away or I would be there weekly. ❤️

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  16. JulieM

    Austin

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything here was truly amazing! The food is so good and the service was excellent. Drinks were delish. The portions were big and I will definitely go back to try more things on the menu. It was a little loud, but part of that was because they were playing live music next door. I had to make reservations just to make sure I got a table but when I got there, there were plenty of tables inside.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Thought food

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  18. brianb

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’ve been here 4x in the past 6 months. The experience, staff, food and drinks are consistently great. A gem here in Austin for AUTHENTIC Mexican food.

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  19. MatthewS

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing amazing service and food. Completely Unique to any other Mexican style restaurant.

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  20. ScottK

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the most authentic Interior Mexican food in Austin. Everything is fresh made in house. Great service, location and atmosphere. You can sit on the deck or host a huge group in back. Try the fresh watermelon and tequila drink.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our top 5 in Austin. Always great - love the happy hour.

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  22. StephS

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just the best. We have been here many many times and they have never disappointed.

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  23. Makay

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The brisket tacos are the bomb! So flavorful! I will have to return

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  24. JasonM

    Austin

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall2food4service3ambience2
    We went on a very cold day. Apparently , they have some door in the back that staff must go in and out of regularly. We were freezing. Everyone ate with their coats on. I’m sure this in unusual. The food was very good. The service was OK. We moved to a different table initially to move away from the speaker because we couldn’t have a real conversation because of the music initially. Little surprised that they don’t have coffee. Again, the food was very good. I think our encounter was not the norm.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went with my parents for Christmas eve lunch and had a good time. Restaurant hadn’t heated up and I was cold, but other than that, everything was great! I recommend the watermelon margarita!

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  26. AbbeyL

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Delicious food, as always! It was a little loud in the back, so it was sometimes difficult to hear one another, but overall, delicious food and ambience.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 5, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was so good. Flavors were something special.

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  28. ChrisR

    Austin

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Food excellent lively atmosphere, music is loud, waiters helpful

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  29. lindsey

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite restaurant in Austin! I have been coming here for the past 5 years - will always be my first stop when I’m in town.

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  30. LarryG

    Austin

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    Food was very impressive; delicious and portions were very ample. And while the margaritas were tasty, $12 for basically an ounce of tequila seems a little steep. Service was a little haphazard as well; waiter seemed to disappear for long stretches of time and had to wait 20 minutes from sitting to ordering a drink. Maybe just an off night as it was a Sunday evening...

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  31. Martin

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic Mexican food served in a cool, funky little space. Great Margaritas, queso app, and tacos. Service was quick and friendly, lively atmosphere even at 5:30pm. Lots of fun and a great meal.

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  32. Reba

    Austin

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience2
    It was more of a Family get together. We had some San Antonio members that have never been there. The inside table was nice but uncomfortably HOT. The Mezcal Martinis we’re very overpriced and Not worth the $$$. The food and service were Great. We will return again but not till the weather is cooler.

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  33. RonaldV

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent traditional food. Outside kitchen and great drinks. The goat tacos and snapper are amazing.

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  34. Falcon

    Houston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Smiling hostess greeted us and seated us immediately. Very good margarita (spicy for Maya) accompanied by very good salsa. Especially the verde. Loved both of our meals - is was difficult to decide and they arrived fast! Highly recommended!

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  35. Jenjen

    New England

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely delicious! All the dishes had wonderful flavors and fresh ingredients. The slow roasted pork was really tender in a nicely seasoned savory sauce. House margarita with spicy salt rim was tasty too. We ate inside which is charming. Nice front patio with fans. Friendly staff.

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  36. Clove

    Austin

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Was a little warm inside but overall a great meal and fabulous drinks

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was absolutely delicious! We got the Ceviche as an appetizer and it was probably the best Ceviche I’ve ever had! Highly recommend the Lupita Margarita ( it had watermelon infused tequila) Our waiter was very kind and attentive helping us with making our food decisions. Our entrees were incredible - Gorditas and the Enchiladas en Mole Verde con carnitas. All in all we loved the vibe and will definitely be returning!

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  38. EsterB

    Austin

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My ex co workers and I love to get together for happy hour twice a month. We tried Lichas’s happy hour for the first time and loved all their options. Everything we ordered was delicious and the portions was a perfect size! Our waitress was so welcoming and recommended most of what we ordered! We give her a 5 star in all her recommendations! This place is going down on our top 5 places for happy hour or just because list!

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  39. Hannah

    Denver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Licha’s is my favorite restaurant, & once again, it did not disappoint. We had wonderful and attentive waitstaff, who filled our water before we asked (crucial for Texas heat) & yet we’re not at all overbearing. The food was divine. The drinks were so yummy. Will definitely be back soon!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Place right off the bat reminded me of being back in old east Austin visiting my grandma. The hostess was very welcoming and all the staff was SO friendly. Had a margarita which was amazingly made. Not too much mix and was just right with the taquilla. Got a great buzz off of one, definitely a plus! Ordered the Al Pastor tacos, which out of all the places I've been too honestly was my favorite because it reminded me of home made food and the fact its served on a skillet, win! Sat outside next to the casa which was an excellent location, great spot to just chill and relax. Watching people come and go and the music... reminded me of being a kid back at grandma's house in old east Austin. I have to go back. Love this place. Thank you all who run that authentic nostalgic charm; Hostess, Waiter, Cook, Bartender, and Busser. Gracias a todos!

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FAQs

Licha's Cantina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (512) 480-5960.

Licha's Cantina is rated 4.4 stars by 170 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:00 PM


Booked 33 times today
Google Map for Licha's Cantina

1306 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702-3302

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Attayac & Navasota

  • Neighborhood

    East Austin

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Sat 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mexican

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Daniel Brooks

  • Additional

    Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

  • Phone number

    (512) 480-5960

  • Catering

    Please visit our website to get more detailed information on our private events or by calling the restaurant 512.480.5960 lichascatina.com

  • Private party facilities

    Please visit our website to get more detailed information on our private events or by calling the restaurant 512.480.5960 lichascatina.com

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