Rick Lopez

Rick Lopez is the executive chef at Austin’s long-standing La Condesa, where he blends his Texan roots and Mexican heritage into modern interior-Mexican cuisine. A native Texan, he cut his teeth in New York at acclaimed kitchens like Café Boulud, Picholine, and 81 before returning to Austin. Joining La Condesa as sous chef, he rose to executive chef in 2013, helping the restaurant earn multiple James Beard semifinalist nods.

Rick is known for sourcing local ingredients, bringing masa-making in-house, and keeping the menu fresh while honoring tradition. Guided by the belief that humility and helping others open more doors than talent alone, his personal mantras are “Assume everyone is your friend” and “Creating your own luck starts with your intentions.” Beyond the kitchen, Rick has a knack for curating playlists—and has been known to guest DJ on KUTx 98.9 FM.