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Johnny Hanson
Irma Galvan's legendary downtown lunch spot is known for her comforting Mexican sauces and stews, her gracious hospitality and her homemade lemonade. Sit down in the tiny dining room and you're likely to bump elbows with judges, city council members and other movers-and-shakers.
But pay attention to your server. Irma has never handed out menus. Never will. And, if you're on a budget, ask the price before you order. Irma's serves high quality fare and the prices reflect that. You've been warned.
Alison Cook says: An extraordinary room - a piece of folk art, really - run by an extraordinary woman, Irma Galvan. The verbal menu offers a revolving slate of homey Mexican pot-food at its most soulful and satisfying, from soups to charro beans to pork ribs in tomatillo sauce. Enchiladas in chile sauces made from scratch, pristine guacamole and fabled lemonade all contribute to the Irma's experience.
Has a Happy Hour
It's not worth it to me. Average food is expensive. Lemonade is expensive. I long for Bertha's downtown.
I grew up eating yeollw split pea soup. Being born first-generation American to French-Canadian import parents had a lot to do with this. I think they busted our pea soup straight from the old can during harder times. I believe the brand is Habitant. I love it. I've tried to duplicate the smokey flavor and hearty texture to no avail. Sometimes the canned version of pea soup is superior to mine, which is derived from my grandmother's French Canadian recipe. She's rolling in her crypt right now. I'd love to see your pea soup recipe along my quest for the perfect soup de petit pois verts (ou jaunes?).
WTF are you talking about???????
LOL, she/he lost me too!!!!
Its a bit pricier than most TexMex reastaurants but I think worth the money as the food is always good and made from scratch, the lemonade is delicious, the service is good and Irma always remembers me when I come in even though it might have been months since my last visit. One of my favorite lunch places.
The food is good, not "AMAZING" and the prices are too high. But if you want the chance to run into the politicos, then it may be worth it to you.
You've nailed. Very high prices for averge TexMex.
Food is ok and she does have some authentic items but the prices are way too much. Picadillo shouldn't be over $10. Hamburger meat and potatoes goes a long way. Last time I went, service was horrible which is why I have not retured.
Irma's does tend to be a little pricier than you would expect but the food is AMAZING. The service is great and everyone is so appreciative of their guests, from the moment you walk in the door til you walk right back out. I have made Irma's a regular spot and I will continue to visit!
I have known Irma since she opened that restaurant and her food has always been the best around, bar none. If you want a cheaper price I suggest you take with Taco Bell's or Pancho. Irma will not low her kitchen and cooking for just a few people.
Good Food, High Prices, Friendly Service, Poor Parking.
The average price per person should be changed to $20-30 without alcohol. The "verbal" menu doesn't offer prices unless you specifically ask; which you need to do otherwise you'll be shocked when you get the bill. $14.00 for an enchilada dinner the quality you get elsewhere for under ten bucks. My only complaint about Irma's is the prices, they are about 20% higher than they should be relative to comparable food in other "higher end" Mexican Restaurants in Houston.
Total agreement!!!1
Agree. Irma's is way overpriced for what you get.