AUSTIN -- Among bats, live music and tacos, one thing Austin is definitely known for is its plethora of Tex-Mex restaurants that sling that melty cheese.
Whether you like it white or yellow, sprinkled with ground beef and chopped peppers -- or even lit on fire -- there are plenty of options here in Austin. We hand picked five of our favorites to give you a savory place to start.
Oh, queso, let's do this!
Casa Chapala
If you're looking for a cheese dip with a fiery flare, no place is better than Casa Chapala in North Austin. Their Queso Flameado is literally served on fire!
It consists of melted Oaxaca cheese topped with chorizo, grilled peppers and onion. Not a fan of chorizo? You can substitute that for mushrooms. It's also served with warm tortillas for a total of $9.99.
Flamed with tequila, your server will light that cheesy goodness on fire right before your very eyes. Once the flames die down -- give it about 30 seconds -- it's time to dive in.
Casa Chapala is located at 9041 Research Blvd. #100.
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Fonda San Miguel
Native Austinites declare, Fonda San Miquel is the place if you want authentic queso fare.
Their Quesos Asados are served with hand-made tortillas. You can order it with rajas (poblano strips) for $14, with chorizo verde (house-made pork chorizo with Swiss chard) for $14.50, or with both for $15.50. Each order serves two or three.
Visit Fonda San Miguel at 2330 W. North Loop.
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Fuego Tortilla Grill
OK, so this one technically isn't in Austin, but it's well worth the drive.
If you ever spend the day floating the river in San Marcos, before you head home you'll want to make a pit stop at Fuego Tortilla Grill for a couple tacos and their Roasted Poblano Queso.
Their queso is made from creamy pepper-jack cheese and roasted poblanos. It'll cost you $4.29 for a half pint and $7.99 for a whole.
Fuego can be found at 913 N. Interstate 35 Frontage Road in San Marcos. They also have locations in College Station and Waco, Texas.
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Kerbey Lane Cafe
Known by many as "Austin's favorite queso," Kerbey Lane Cafe's Kerbey Queso is so popular you can now buy it at Whole Foods.
With various prices ranging from $6.50 to $8.75, you can get it with pico de gallo, guacamole and black beans. There's even a vegan option!
Kerbey Lane has seven locations in the Austin area. Click here to find the one closest to you.
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Torchy's
Spicy tacos, spicy queso. If you like your queso with a bit of a kick, Torchy's Tacos is the restaurant chain for you.
Their Green Chile Queso is topped with their famous sauce, a touch of queso fresco, dolloped with guacamole and garnished with a sprig of cilantro. Ask for the "Hillbilly" version if you want chorizo added.
A full order of their queso costs $5.95, while a half is $3.50. Or, order it Hillbilly for style $6.25.
Pro tip: Want queso added to your taco? Ask your server to make it "Trashy" style.