Chuy’s Menu With Prices USA 2026
Chuy’s runs from about $0.99 for small add-ons up to $14.99 for the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo, with appetizers $6-$12 and entrées mostly $10-$20. Below is the full menu across every category, why the free Fully-Loaded Nacho Car served out of the trunk of an actual classic car is the single best reason to time your visit for happy hour, and what changed — and didn’t — after Darden bought the chain for $605 million.
How we built this page: prices below are estimated national averages compiled by cross-checking multiple public menu-price trackers as of August 2026, not a single unverified source. Chuy’s operates 100+ locations across the US, and pricing varies by store and region. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Signature Dishes | The Free Nacho Car | Family Kits | Allergens | FAQ
About Chuy’s
Chuy’s opened in 1982 on Barton Springs Road in Austin, Texas, founded by Mike Young and John Zapp with a simple idea: made-from-scratch Tex-Mex served in a room that doesn’t take itself seriously. The décor is genuinely part of the brand — vintage memorabilia, hand-carved wooden fish hanging from the ceilings, and Elvis Presley themes throughout.
They really are into Elvis, to the point that the flagship combo plate is named after him. The kitchen leans on fresh ingredients, handmade tortillas, fresh lime juice, New Mexican green chiles, and the signature Creamy Jalapeño dip. Darden Restaurants — the parent company of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse — completed its acquisition of Chuy’s Holdings in October 2024 for roughly $605 million, though the Austin roots and quirky identity have stayed intact.
See Also: Chuck E. Cheese Menu
Signature Dishes & House Specialties
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elvis Presley Memorial Combo | $14.99 | Beef burrito, chicken enchilada, tostada, rice, and beans on one platter — the chain’s flagship plate |
| Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas | $13.99 | Grilled chicken enchiladas smothered in Hatch green chile sauce, topped with tomatillo salsa |
| Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken | $14.99-$16.99 | A Chuy’s original: chicken breast breaded with Lay’s potato chips, deep fried, smothered in green chile sauce and cheddar |
| Stuffed Sopapillas | $12.99 | Crispy sopapillas stuffed with chicken or beef and cheese, topped with queso |
| Chile Relleno | $13.99-$15.99 | Fire-roasted Anaheim pepper, battered and fried, drizzled with sour cream |
Famous “Big As Yo’ Face” Burritos
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big As Yo’ Face Burrito | $13.99-$16.99 | The name is the portion warning |
Enchiladas
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enchiladas (cheese, chicken, beef, or veggie) | From $11.99 | Choice of tomatillo, ranchero, or signature Hatch Green Chile sauce |
Tacos & Fajitas
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Soft or Crispy Tacos | $11.99-$14.99 |
| Baja Shrimp Tacos | $14.99-$16.99 |
| Fajitas (chicken, beef, or combo) | $17.99-$22.99 |
Appetizers
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Queso | $7.99-$9.99 | Best table starter if you’re sharing |
| Chuy Gooey (layered dip) | $9.99-$11.99 | The signature layered dip regulars specifically rave about |
| Nachos / Panchos | $9.99-$12.99 | |
| Quesadillas | $9.99-$12.99 | Works better as a small meal for one than as a shared starter |
| Guacamole | $7.99-$9.99 | |
| Chips, Salsa & Creamy Jalapeño | Free | Complimentary at the table — the Creamy Jalapeño is the item people drive across town for |
Soups & Salads
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Tortilla Soup | $6.99-$8.99 |
| Taco Salad | $11.99-$13.99 |
Combination Plates & Sides
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Combination Plate | $12.99-$16.99 |
| Green Chile Rice | $3.49-$4.49 |
| Charro Beans | $3.49-$4.49 |
Desserts
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Tres Leches Cake | $7.99-$9.99 |
| Sopapillas (dessert) | $6.99-$8.99 |
Happy Hour & the Free Fully-Loaded Nacho Car
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fully-Loaded Nacho Car | Free | Served from the trunk of an actual classic car: chips, salsa, queso, ground sirloin, pico de gallo, jalapeños and more — build your own nachos, no purchase of food required beyond a drink |
| House Margarita | $4.50-$5.50 | Order the Grande House Margarita instead of the regular for meaningfully better value per dollar |
| Domestic Beers | $3.00-$3.75 | |
| House Texas Martini | ~$8.25 |
Happy hour typically runs 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It does not run Saturday or Sunday, though daily food specials continue through the weekend. Very few happy hours give away free food at all, which is why the Nacho Car alone justifies timing a visit around it.
Family Kits & Catering
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taco Kit (6) | $29.00 | Shells or tortillas, ground beef or guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, rice, beans, chips, queso, salsa fresca, creamy jalapeño |
| Taco Kit (12) | $58.00 | |
| Nacho Kit | $45.00 | Chips, queso, ground beef, refried beans, salsa fresca, creamy jalapeño — enough for 4-6 people |
| Enchiladas Kit (8) | $63.00 | Cheese, roasted chicken, or ground beef with choice of sauce, plus rice, beans, and dips |
| Fajita Kit (serves 4) | $60.00-$70.00 | Chicken, beef, or combo with a dozen tortillas and full fixings |
Chuy’s Specialty & Services
Chuy’s specialty is genuinely made-from-scratch Tex-Mex with New Mexican Hatch green chiles and handmade tortillas — and, distinctively, giving food away during happy hour when almost no competitor does. Beyond the standard menu:
- The Fully-Loaded Nacho Car: a real classic car with its trunk converted into a free build-your-own nacho bar, running 4-7 PM weekdays. It’s a genuine giveaway, not a discounted appetizer, and it’s the single most-cited reason regulars pick Chuy’s over other Tex-Mex chains
- Free Creamy Jalapeño at every table: the complimentary chips come with both salsa and the signature Creamy Jalapeño dip — a house-made item people specifically seek out
- Visible tortilla-making: at many locations you can watch tortillas being pressed and cooked while you eat, which is a real differentiator from chains using pre-made product
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handmade Flour Tortillas | Yes | No | Wheat-based, pressed in-house |
| Corn Tortillas / Enchiladas | No | Varies | Naturally gluten-free base; cheese and sauces add dairy |
| Creamy Jalapeño Dip | Possible | Yes | Cream-based house recipe |
| Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken | Yes | Yes | Breaded with potato chips, smothered in cheddar |
This is a general reference only — Chuy’s official allergen guide should be checked directly, and staff notified of any severe allergy before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elvis Presley Memorial Combo | ~1,180 kcal | 48g | 112g | 58g |
| Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas | ~880 kcal | 44g | 62g | 48g |
| Chicken Fajitas (no tortillas) | ~620 kcal | 52g | 28g | 34g |
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Elvis Presley Memorial Combo | $14.99 |
| Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas | $13.99 |
| Stuffed Sopapillas | $12.99 |
| Chuy Gooey | $9.99-$11.99 |
Chuy’s vs. Other Tex-Mex Casual Dining Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chuy’s | Combo Plate | $14.99 |
| Uncle Julio’s | Beef Fajitas | $18.99-$22.99 |
| On The Border | Sizzling Fajitas | $17.99-$21.99 |
| Chili’s | Fajitas | $16.99-$19.99 |
Chuy’s undercuts Uncle Julio’s and On The Border on comparable plates while offering something none of them do — free food during happy hour. Factor the Nacho Car in and the effective value gap widens further.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: small add-ons — from $0.99
- Free items: chips, salsa, and Creamy Jalapeño at the table; the entire Nacho Car during happy hour
- Most expensive standard item: fajitas — up to about $22.99
- Best value play: arrive 4-7 PM on a weekday, order a Grande House Margarita, and eat from the Nacho Car
Deals & Ordering Hacks
- Order the Grande House Margarita over the regular — regulars consistently report meaningfully better value per dollar on the larger pour
- Order tacos à la carte if you don’t want rice and beans; it trims the bill without changing the food you actually wanted
- Daily food specials run Monday through Sunday, usually one or two per day, often discounting popular menu items — ask which day carries which special
- Signing up for the Chuy’s email program surfaces exclusive specials not posted in-store
- Weekly specials rotate — the stuffed avocado is a recurring favorite worth asking about
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, takeout, delivery via third-party platforms, family kits and catering
- Popular for: happy hour, family Tex-Mex dinners, large groups
- Amenities: full bar, quirky Elvis-themed décor, patio seating at many locations, kid-friendly (children can watch tortillas being made)
Chuy’s Hours
Most Chuy’s locations are open daily from approximately 11:00 AM to 10:00-11:00 PM, with happy hour running 4-7 PM Monday through Friday. Check the app or your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Vegetarian options include Veggie Enchiladas and Southwestern Vegetarian Tacos
- Vegan options aren’t explicitly highlighted, though many dishes can be modified — ask your server
- Fajitas ordered without tortillas are among the leaner full entrées on the menu
- Chuy’s official nutrition information covers every enchilada, combo, and sauce combination
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chuy’s still have the free nacho bar?
Yes — the Fully-Loaded Nacho Car runs 4-7 PM Monday through Friday at participating locations, served free from the trunk of a classic car.
What time is happy hour at Chuy’s?
Typically 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It doesn’t run on weekends, though daily food specials continue.
What is the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo?
Chuy’s flagship platter at $14.99 — a beef burrito, chicken enchilada, tostada, rice, and beans, named for the chain’s genuine Elvis obsession.
Who owns Chuy’s now?
Darden Restaurants, which completed its ~$605 million acquisition of Chuy’s Holdings in October 2024. Darden also owns Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Where was Chuy’s founded?
Barton Springs Road in Austin, Texas, in 1982, by Mike Young and John Zapp.
What is Creamy Jalapeño at Chuy’s?
The house-made dip served free alongside chips and salsa at every table — one of the most-cited reasons people return.
Does Chuy’s have vegetarian options?
Yes — Veggie Enchiladas and Southwestern Vegetarian Tacos are on the standard menu.
How much are Chuy’s family kits?
A 6-taco kit runs $29, a 12-taco kit $58, the Nacho Kit $45, and the 8-enchilada kit $63.
Is Chuy’s cheaper than Uncle Julio’s?
Generally yes on comparable plates, and the free happy hour Nacho Car widens the practical gap further.
What is Chuy Gooey?
Chuy’s signature layered dip appetizer — a frequently raved-about starter distinct from the standard queso.
What Makes Chuy’s Different
Chuy’s built its identity on doing Tex-Mex without the polish — hand-carved wooden fish, wall-to-wall Elvis memorabilia, handmade tortillas you can watch being pressed, and a free nacho bar served out of the trunk of a classic car. That last detail is the genuine outlier: very few happy hours anywhere give food away outright, and it’s the reason regulars organize their week around a 4-7 PM weekday window. Nearly two years after Darden’s $605 million acquisition, the Austin-born quirk that started on Barton Springs Road in 1982 has stayed firmly in place.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Chuy’s Holdings or Darden Restaurants. All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: August 2026.
