Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant has been serving food inspired by the entire region of Mexico, from Chihuahua to Mexico City to Yucatan, for nearly two decades in the Lake Travis community.

Along with its brick-and-mortar location, the restaurant offers catering services for quinceaneras, weddings and more.

Meet the chef

Owner and chef Margarito Maldonado worked in various kitchens around Austin for about 30 years before opening Los Pinos in 2005 with wife Maria. The couple also owned a second location on Bee Caves Road for around five years before eventually selling to another family.

Maldonado was inspired to name his restaurant after the pine trees found in his hometown, which is about three hours south of Mexico City. "Los Pinos" is also known for being the name of the President of Mexico’s house.


As the restaurant approaches its 20th year in business, the Maldonado’s have faced their fair share of challenges. While they’ve been able to remain successful in a post-COVID-19 economy, the building suffered severe damage from two separate fire outbreaks in 2011 and 2022.

Maldonado said they chose to stay and rebuild both times because of the community.

“I like this area. Everybody’s happy; they like me, I like the neighborhood,” Maldonado said. “Everybody enjoys my food.”

What they offer


Los Pinos’ extensive menu features dishes inspired by multiple regions of Mexico including Chihuahua, Guerrero, Mexico City, Michoacana, Oaxaca, Puebla and Yucatan.

The menu is full of Mexican classics such as street tacos, fajitas, flautas, quesadillas, chalupas, enchiladas, rellenos, menudo, pozole and a variety of seafood dishes, plus breakfast plates and tacos. For dessert, there’s classics like sopapilla and flan, plus creme brulee and fried ice cream.

Los Pinos is also known for serving homemade tortillas, tamales and mole from Maldonado’s family recipe. Additionally, the restaurant often offers a variety of daily specials that span different cuisines, such as Thai grilled salmon, seafood linguine, filet mignon or even chicken fried steak.

“We make everything here,” Maldonado said. “The people know it’s a little different [from] all the Mexican restaurants. Some Mexican restaurants have a simple [or] the same menu. ... I have a little bit of everything.”


It’s 5 o’clock somewhere

Los Pinos’s drink menu includes flavored frozen or on-the-rocks margaritas, a variety of tequila shots, mixed drinks such as pina coladas and daiquiris and Mexican and domestic beer, plus a weekly happy hour. Non-alcoholic options include a variety of agua frescas and Mexican Coke.