Austin’s longest-lived Tex-Mex restaurant, Jaime’s Spanish Village has been open since 1931. Entering through their stone gate into the uneven courtyard, you’ll have to duck, and it won’t be the last time, as Jaime’s may have the lowest ceilings in the city. Stone walls and small rooms contribute to the feeling that the restaurant was built inside a cave. It’s a cool feeling, but if you are at all claustrophobic, we strongly suggest that you sit outside on the leafy patio.

The far dining room has small windows lining Red River Street, and sitting at those tables under the encroaching ceiling is reminiscent of riding in a dining car, especially with the red vinyl upholstery on the chairs. Jaime’s décor represents its long tenure in Austin, with some old, bullfight-themed artwork overshadowed by decades of photos. Service can be slow and unenthusiastic, but they are willing to make changes to lunch specials, so it’s not too hard to create your own mix—and, at these prices, it’s a pretty good deal for downtown.

Jaime’s is known for strong margaritas that come in several varieties and by the pitcher at a reasonable price. They also sell jarred versions of their thin, super-spicy salsas (which are full of chile seeds) and their surreally smooth queso at local groceries. Most options on the short menu at Jaime’s, though, are pretty mediocre. Thick chalupas with bland refried beans and ground beef are topped with piles of shredded iceberg lettuce. Guacamole is fresh, with lots of chopped tomato and onion, but it’s also underseasoned, lacking lime. Enchiladas filled with chunks of chicken are tender, but mole tastes of peanut butter and chocolate with a heavy dose of cumin, making up for a lack of complexity with a smothering of cheddar cheese.

There is certainly better Tex-Mex in town, but few other spots have the kind of history Jaime’s does, filled as it is with so many Austinites’ fond memories.