Spanish Village 29-95
Great Tex-Mex isn't for Cinco de Mayo only. Whether it's the food, the ambiance or just the kick-ass staff, these are some place you must try.
1. Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
2. Spanish Village
3. The Original Mexican Cafe
4. Irma’s
5. Teotihuacan
6. Taquerias Arandas
7. Chuy's Comida Deluxe
8. Goode Company Hamburgers & Taqueria
9. Tacos A Go-Go
10. Mom Alone Mexican Grill
11. Don’Key Mexican Food
12. El Tiempo
13. Cafe AdobeSantos: Taste of Mexico Photo by Bruce Bennett
14. Tony’s Mexican Restaurant
15. Veracruz Mexican Restaurant
16. El Pueblito Place
17. Romero’s Las Brazas
18. Cadillac Bar
19. Benny’s Mexican Cafe & Bar
20. Fonda Dona Maria
21. Taqueria Cancun
22. Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
23. Mambo Parilla
24. Santa Fe Flats New Mex Grille
25. Ruchi's
26. Chiloso's Taco House
27. Alicia's Mexican Grille
28. Santos, the Taste of Mexico
29. Don Teo’s
What about Chapultepec? This place is a true hidden gem here in town. With great food, cheap prices and an odd collection of music on the jukebox, this place rocks!
I recently discovered Chapultapec and have to agree that it's one of the greats. They have a margarita list that's longer that many restaurants' wine lists. With Chapultapec, Tapatilan, and Maria Selma, I rarely eat Mexican other than on Richmond in Montrose.
wouldn't Chapultapec be considered more Authentic Mexican than Tex-Mex? But I do enjoy it very much nonetheless! haha
The salsa is foamy & gross. Once on the way to the ladies room I saw chicken thawing on the window sill. Seriously.Never went back even though I lived a block away.
I really like the Original Ninfas... but Sylvia's I want to try.
You won't be disappointed. Sylvia's has fantastic food.
I must be missing something. I thought their enchiladas were not very good and way overpriced.
Original Ninfa's only knows one spice, SALT. Not good at all, have been there several times & everything was awful.
The carne guisada at Sylvia's is the best I ever had!
What about Don Julio's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina? 1804 W FM 646, Dickinson and at 2900 W Nasa Parkway. They are they best in TEX-MEX. New location coming to Cypress and another in Texas City. Don't miss out, great food, great staff.
Try it, you'll be glad you did!
It's not in the Houston list because that's not Houston.
Don'key is in Pasadena.
The Original Cafe is in Galveston - that's more not-in-Houston than a lot of others mentioned here. It is a great place, though.
Don Julio's is the most disgusting restaurant there is. Taco Bell is better.
Amen to that. The food is disgusting. The Upper Deck is ok on Thursday nights for Kareoke.....but the food is terrible. The service in the restaurant and bar is lacking also. Don't expect to get your drink if you are with a group of people unless you order it 3-4 times. Also check your bill if you run a tab. Things mysteriously get added too.
I live overseas in Oman and when I come back to Houston I stop on the way home from the airport and eat Tex-Mex food.The only place I consider worthy is La Maria's Restaurant in the shopping center at the corner of Louetta and Veterans Memorial in NW Houston. Yes, there is some good food out there but nothing compares to La Maria's.
These are all fine and worthy Tex-Mex establishments. But, my how I have missed Felix's on Westheimer. It is just not the same Houston that I, and my parents grew up in. Started eating Felix's frijoles in 1954, when Mom and I moved back to Houston while Dad finished up his stint in the Navy. Muchas gracias Tijerina family for many years of the absolute best cheese enchilada and chilie con queso. Everybody else is vying for second place.
I totally agree with you. Those of us who grew up on Fellix's food really loved it and miss it very much!
You are so right on. We ate there every New Year's eve staring in 1957. It was THE BEST. Nothing compares!
Good News! I just found out that El Patio Mexican Restaurants are now serving some of Felix's items. They serve the queso, cheese enchiladas, and tacos. From what I was told they are looking for suggestions from guests of what other items to add. Felix Tijerina made a deal with the owners of El Patio and they secured a long time cook from Felix's just to make sure the food and recipes were identical. They have two locations. 2416 Brazos and 6444 Westheimer.
Although I no longer LIVE in Houston, having escaped to the beautiful Texas Hill Country, I DO visit once a month. Was SO sorry to see the Felix on Westheimer in total dis-repair. Have MANY, fond menories of the place and it would be GREAT to sit and eat the warm, salsa that they served for years. It has bits of stewed onion and was unlike ANY served at other Houston Mexican restaurants. Next trip to Houston in mid-month, I'll definitely check with El Patio about the posibility of them knowing the recipie for the sauce and whether or not they'll be serving it.
On that subject, does ANYONE remember Valians Pizza? Anybody have ANY idea of their pizza secrets?
You left out 2 of the best in Houston. El Patio and Los Cucos. Both locations on Westheimer near Fountain View.
Los Cucos in Pearland is disgusting. Don't know if it is a part of the same franchise, but Pearland location has really turned me off.
Los Cucos is dog food. Stay away.
Thanks for the list - good start. Question - WHY is Houston Tex Mex Food OVERPRICED??? Compared to other Texas cities it appears Houston pays more for 3 basic ingredients - Corn, Beans and Rice, Rice, Corn and Beans, Beans, Corn and Beans.......
Doneraki's is horrible........
About 3 years ago my sister & I visited the Doneraki's at Gulfgate. A roach crawled out of her salad. Needless to say have never, and will never, go back, even if they gave us free food for life...
Because its better in Houston than in other cities.
Doneraki's should definitely be on here. Lupe Tortilla has the best beef fajitas and tortillas. Tampico Seafood is a good place for seafood with a Mexican twist to it.
Flee from Sylvia's. I've been there three times over the last year. each time was worse than the first. the last time i went i was a guest and didn't have to pay and still didn't want to go.
the most over rated restaurant in houston....go to McDonalds next door!
There is a cemetary across the street
Totally agree with you on Sylvia's. I'd rather have fast food.
Terrible service at Sylvia's. I will not be going back.
I agree 110%
I agree. I am a enchilada lover and Sylvia's was way overpriced and was not good at all. never went again.
p.s. wasn't the friendliest place either :\
Totally agree about Sylvia's. I'm a huge enchilada connoisseur and they were not good at all and way overpriced. Also, the service was bad, the employees looked as if they hated us coming in there.
Los Cucos is good, but Ruby Tequila's is probably my new favorite as far as fajitas go. Certified Black Angus Strip cooked just right.
Lupe Tortillas doesn't have the best fajitas. They use a low quality extremely fatty grade of beef and butter it up really well. Pappasito's still has some of the best fajitas in town and are usually consistent. How did they not make the list?
Pappasitos has really gone downhill, their fajitas were great now not so good and way OVERPRICED!
This is why Pappasitos is packed all the time!
SPANISH FLOWERS?
YES!! Now they have awesome enchiladas. Went with a couple friends, we all were very happy and thought everything was great!
That's a big 10-4 on Lopez. We're regulars there and absolutley love the Enchilads Verdes. Lopez is mainly an enchilada house. Gotta do it!
I have eaten at several of these, including the original Ninfa's, Spanish Village, Ruchi's, Chuy's, and the Teotihuacan on West Bellfort. The original Ninfa's is better than most of the other Ninfa's but still not fantastic in my estimation. Spanish Village is okay but not fantastic either. I have not been to Chuy's in a while, but I remember it being good. Ruchi's, at least the one that used to be at Kirby and Richmond, is poor and does not deserve to be on the list, and I have heard a number of friends voice the same opinion. I haven't tried the one at W. Alabama and Shepherd after my experiences at the other one. I live near the Teotihuacan on W. Bellfort and eat there a lot, and it is the best on this list, by far, in my opinion; their Pollo Poblano is really wonderful.
But the best, in my opinion, is not on this list. That is the Lopez Restaurant, on S. Wilcrest just a block or so north of 59. It has been there since the late 70's and is excellent. I am not so fond of their beef dishes, though I am not that fond of beef in general. But their chicken and pork dishes are great. I love their chicken enchiladas, chicken tacos, supreme nachos, a pork chop dish. Their food has a bit lighter touch than many other Mexican places. And their chips and salsa are among the best. Their salsa is actually hot, hot enough you have to be careful with it, and I eat a lot of very hot food; don't drink any water after having some if you intend to eat more, because the water washes away the protection your mouth built up. I first ate there in 1981 or 1982 and have seen a couple of generations of Lopez working there. I have had friends say it was also their favorite Mexican place.
Another good place not on the list is the La Tapatia Taqueria, particularly the one on Richmond near Woodhead and Dunlavy. Plus it is open late if you are a night owl like me (until 2 or 3 in the morning, depending upon the day) and is a great place to people watch. I have run into a lot of people I know there over the last decade. The service is occasionally spotty but the food is good, at very reasonable prices. They have nightly specials I have been having lately, and they are usually quite good.
Vernon, thanks for the thoughtful review. Some on this list are here as much for their historical significance or even for sentimental reasons. I'm going to take your suggestion and revisit the Lopez Restaurant.
"historical significant or sentimental reasons", hmm these are not reasons I go to a restaurant to try their food. While it may improve the overall experience I would not say that "historical/sentimental" describe reasons I should try one restaurants food over another. This is a list of restaurants one must try, meaning the food is way above average. Otherwise the title should be something like 29 Restaurants you should experience. A much different idea altogether.
I've been going to Taqueria Tapatia since the mid-90s when it was a hole-in-the-wall. The quality has really gone downhill in the last six months. The fajita meat has gotten chewy and fatty, the queso has completely changed and now tastes like it is straight out of a can, the enchiladas have gotten to be just meh. I used to go there regularly, but I've pretty much taken it off my list.
I agree about Lopez - should be on the list. Casa Dominguez on Bissonnet is pretty good too. The biggest oversight is Los Dos Amigos on Washington Ave. I have been eating there for 25 years and they even have the same cook. Best Mexican food in Houston by far.
I quit eating at La Tapatia because of the bad service. Too bad because I live a short walk away.
I totally agree with LOPEZ. I've eaten Tex-Mex all over Houston and other cities and LOPEZ is the BEST!!!!!! At lunch, you had better be there early or you will have a wait!!
OK so I am different but love mex food, besides few that I go to,... which mex restaurant does not have animal fat in their beans.. I am a vegetarian and eat in place where I can get food without meat or animal fat.....any suggestions for new places ??
Taco Milagro at Westheimer and Kirby has wonderful vegetarian charro beans, and lots of other good (and a little different) dishes, as well.
Wow. Lupe Tortilla is easily better than half the places on this list... then again I have the luxury of living near the original at 6 & I-10 and the franchised locations just haven't been as good, but still, no Lupe's??
MAMACITAS in Webster and Pasadena ROCK!
Mamacitas in Pasadena is not very good.
Mom Alone's in Nassau Bay is the best of the best!!!
You folks are quite lucky to have a plethora of TexMex to choose from!! I live in Anchorage, Alaska now, and if you ever come up here, stay away from the Mexican food, It all sucks, and the salsa is definitely Yankeefied. Texas toddlers would spit it out because it is so bland. I too grew up eating at Lopez on Wilcrest, And their enchiladas will rival any TexMex restaurant in the state of Texas, I am not kidding, I am slobbering on my keyboard thinking about their hot salsa and beef enchiladas. But the first place I stop in everytime I land in H-Town is El Tiempo, excellent enchiladas there also. Sorry though, I can't think of any restaurant in Houston that can do fajitas better than going to a Mexican butcher shop and have them butterfly the marinated fajitas and flash cooking them on a very hot grill. All restaurants try to give you too much bell pepper and onions, and their pico de gallo isn't hot enough.
Out................Missing Texas
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Check out Los Ranchitos off Spring Cypress and Keykendalh. Great food, prices and service. Don't forget about Mamacitas. They are very good a little pricer but well worth it. Bevobliss you are right nothing like going to a mexican meat market for marinated fajitas and grill them outside with some charcoal. Or if you really heavy duty griller some mesquite wood.
When you have a place to go, you don't need to have somebody tell you where to go and my wife and I have gone to Casa Ole for about 25 years.
The first time I went, 1980 something, I tasted the very best bean soup that I have ever eaten and its quality has not changed. And in recent years, when seafood became popular, Casa Ole has come out with Pescado (sp? Spanish for fish) Ixtapa -- the most delicious Tex Mex meal I ever ate.
A person does not have to eat the whole menu but, with dishes like that to choose from, you do not have to keep looking.
Try 1308 or el tiempo...if you liked ninfas years ago, you will dig this.
I honestly can't believe that Los Cucos did not make this list. Los Cucos has not been around nearly as long as Ninfa's, but IMHO it is better. I mean, they cut the avocados and make the guacamole right there in front of you...it doesn't get fresher than that! And the Pollo Ixtapa is the absolute best. Another place that I think is right up there with Los Cucos is Donaraki's. The atmosphere at both of those places is awesome.
I am stationed out here in New Mexico, and the Mexican food out here sucks! I am so sick of green chiles in everything...
Los Cucos and Los Tios should both be on the list. I agree on most of the restaurants listed, but Goode company? Come on! They have dcent burgers and all,but this is not a Tex-Mex restaurant. Escalante
is also good, but expensive. Stick with Los Tios and Spanish Village they are Houston traditions.
Los Cucos has gone down hill. We went 3 weeks ago and ordered fajitas for two. Came out with less meat than I have ever seen. We ordered more meat because it wasnt enough (believe me there was 3 strips of chicken and 5 of beef) and ordered beef for one medium size and got twice as much meat than on the one for two. Manager came over and had verylame excuses. The food was very over prices (they went up on prices) A meal for 2 adults and 2 kids with no alcohol was $80.00. I never spend that much. Ridiculous. I won't be going back any time soon if ever!
what about TIA MARIA'S on dacoma!!! great margaritas and the food it goog too!!!
I agree Melissa. I was just there yesterday and the fajitas were wonderful. It is my favorite Mexican Restaurant of all!
We have been enjoying Tia Maria's since it opened about 25 years ago. My daughter literally grew up eating there. We now live in Kingwood and still drive across town (almost a hours drive) for Tia Marias. Pedro and his family have always provided great food at a fair price and the atmosphere is wonderfully Tex-Mex-Tacky. My favorite is their Nachos Compuestas.
Lopez on W. Belfort should be on the list. Casa Dominguez on Bissonnet is pretty good too. The biggest oversight, though, is Los Dos Amigos on Washington Ave. I have been eating there for 25 years and they even have the same cook. Best Mexican food in Houston by far.
The chicken soup at Pico's (Tex-Mex)on Bellaire has medicinal qualities,,it never has failed yet when Ive had the sniffles.Good friendly and professional service .
a few personal notes
- spanish village's enchiladas were pretty over cooked and very chewy last time i ate there, not to mention overpriced.
- Don Carlos locations on 76th and Broadway should be on here for sure!
- ChaCho's should be on here. That place is a gem imo.
CROSS OUT ALL,ONLY TIA MARIA ON DACOMA STANDS ALONE
No Tex-Mex list is complete without the best 1970s style Tex-Mex in town: 'La Hacienda' on Memorial!
Yes, indeed! When I did not see them on the list, I asked "What?". I have been going to La Hacienda for about 30 years and the food has always been the best! The Memorial location is great, as is the Telge location. I have never understood the appeal of Los Cucos for the Tex-Mex crowd? Real, original Tex-Mex....La Hacienda. Lupe's, Los Palmas on 529, pretty good also.
La Hacienda's salsa, similar to El Gallo on North Gessner, is awesome, and should be tried, at any cost or length of distance to travel.
find where berthas family have taken her old receipes
El Tiempo has the best fajita's hands down. Don't forget about Lost Concert Cafe either.
I've never heard of Lopez Family restaurant... it's a must on the list now!
Someone actually suggested Casa Ole on here. That person needs to slap themselves, what is their second choice Panchos???
I second that motion.
Wow, insulting people over something as subjective as taste. I guess if I happen to like the taste of Houston tap water, that makes me a moron because I don't drink water exclusively from a plastic bottle.
BUMP for Lopez. (and there's a great BBQ joint in the strip center across the street...)
No good comment on Lopez, but Hick Barn is super good.
No good comment on Lopez, but Hick Barn is super good.
El Charro in The Woodlands has great fajitas, and the portion sizes always has me asking for a take-out before we start to eat.
The best ones, however, are made in my kitchen with New York Strip steak marinated and grilled.
What a rip-off from the meat industry or whomever started the "let's eat tough, neck meat and call it good" routine. Ridiculous!
Mely's in Pearland and in League City is the bomb. Great food and decent prices. If you are a Frida Kahlo fan, check out the Frida room at teh Pearland location.
I'm a native Houstonian and miss Felix's also. Just north of Tomball on 249 is a place called Taqueria Acapulco, family owned and operated. Everything on the menu is made fresh daily. Their salsa is dynamite and the enchilada verdes great. Another place is on the corner of 1960 and Veterans Memorial, called La Paranda (sp?) Their poblano de crema is wonderful. Thanks to all for suggesting new places I had not heard of. Can't wait to try some of them.
teotihuacan was better several years ago. now that it has been "discovered" the food is not as good nor is the service. this list has problems
Terlingua, glad they were not on the list.
Agreed! Ate there on a whim last night b/c short on time. They were short on service and flavor. Tortillas are stale and microwaved!
Los Amigo's at Burke and Fairmont in Pasadena, Rocks! There Margarita's are awesome, $3 bucks and their food is great!!
This is bullsh*t. Why isn't Pico's on the list? That is the best Mexican restaurant in the city.
For the same reason Hugo's is not on this list. Both of those places specializes in Mexican food, not Tex-Mex.
Wow, no Spanish Flowers or Otilia's. They need to be apart of this list.
I can't believe Lopez Mexican Restaurant at Wilcrest and 59 is not on the list!!! This established restaurant has been in business for 30 years for a reason. Just don't try to get a table at 7-8pm because it is packed!
You also need to go to La Casitas in Friendswood, TX. It is a family owned restaurant. They have the best Tex-Mex food around and reasonable prices. It is located in Friendswood at 18043 County Road 127 just off of FM2351. Take the road to Clover Air field. There is a big yellow sign on FM 2351 at CR 127. Phone: 281-482-2206 (p.s. Tom Hanks ate there when he was in town!)
I like BEVOBLISS no longer live i TX.(now in ID) can tell y'all are blessed because the mexican food here you can sue them for false advertising (mushrooms and olives in a quesadilla)! I lived in Tx. and Houston a long time and know allot of these places. For the money Cancun and Arandas can't be beat, but not to mention the Spanish Flower? SHAME FOR SHAME!!! It has been around a long time and it's enchiladas verdes will be HARD to beat! Especially if it's late at night (open ALL night)!
Wow! Have you seen El-Toro mexican restaurant on westhiemer/Kirkwood its amazing and the deco is sooooo chic. THey have taking Tex-Mex to a whole new level. I was told that thet been in business for over 50 years.
what about Lopez on Wilcrest off 59... how can you have a list that does not include Lopez.
Where is Gringo's? Great food, great atmosphere, Great prices, great margaritas!!! I prefer the Stafford location the best but will also go to the Pearland loacation. I did not like the one on Fuqua near I-45 S.
Is Rio Posada still around? Down on Fulton? That was good stuff.
Good News! I just found out that El Patio Mexican Restaurants are now serving some of Felix's items. They serve the queso, cheese enchiladas, and tacos. From what I was told they are looking for suggestions from guests of what other items to add. Felix Tijerina made a deal with the owners of El Patio and they secured a long time cook from Felix's just to make sure the food and recipes were identical. They have two locations. 2416 Brazos and 6444 Westheimer.
This is my first reply to any blog - ever. Obviously, the vast majority does not know that much about "food". There is only 1 (maybe 2) place(s) in Houston that serves true fajitas, with true fajita meat; they are Ninfa's and El Tiempo. One of the Mama Ninfa sons owns El Tiemp, so this restaurant is a part of the "Ninfa" family. There was a story, maybe in the Houston Press, about fajita meat - it is the most expensive cut of meat that can be purchased in the United States of America - that is because we US citizens can not buy very much of it. I do not know the exact details but the meat is shipped to Japan and it is a type of "tax-free meat for them and if I am not mistaken, it can be resold to the US at a higher price. Because of this, most restaurants do not serve true fajitas any longer. I have eaten at the majority of these restaurants I have to say they all have their "special" dishes. Do note that several of these are NOT in Houston proper and I would never brag about my favorite on a blog because I want to keep if for myself and not have to wait all night for a table at my favorite restaurant.
This is my first reply to any blog - ever. Obviously, the vast majority does not know that much about "food". There is only 1 (maybe 2) place(s) in Houston that serves true fajitas, with true fajita meat; they are Ninfa's and El Tiempo. One of the Mama Ninfa sons owns El Tiemp, so this restaurant is a part of the "Ninfa" family. There was a story, maybe in the Houston Press, about fajita meat - it is the most expensive cut of meat that can be purchased in the United States of America - that is because we US citizens can not buy very much of it. I do not know the exact details but the meat is shipped to Japan and it is a type of "tax-free meat for them and if I am not mistaken, it can be resold to the US at a higher price. Because of this, most restaurants do not serve true fajitas any longer. I have eaten at the majority of these restaurants I have to say they all have their "special" dishes. Do note that several of these are NOT in Houston proper and I would never brag about my favorite on a blog because I want to keep if for myself and not have to wait all night for a table at my favorite restaurant.
You have to be kidding me...I wouldn't give you a plug nickel to eat at all but about 3 of these places. They must have paid you to put them on this list or your easily impressed.
ALMA LATINA ?
Casa Ole is not worthy of appearing here, but Los Tios has been in Houston a long time and still is my favorite,also add Spanish Flowers.I rate any Tex-mex on three things...chips, salsa and the cheese enchiladas.
Lupe Tortilla is fading fast...and avoide Silvia's.
I have been eating at Lopez for 20 years. Family owned and operated. Best queso and hot sauce in town, hands down. They are the real deal. Sloppy and full of flavor. Try the quesadilla's and enchillada's.
Lopez is very good. I don't get to that area much these days. The joint I miss the most is LEO'S on Shepherd. I also miss Felix.
How can you not have Lupe Tortillas when they have the best beef fajitas in town?Hands down.
Nobody beats Pappasitos Cantina, they have the best everything.
All I have to say is.........LOPEZ LOPEZ LOPEZ LOPEZ........BEST IN HOUSTON!!!!
The best of the bunch is Veracruz on Irvington. (Beef Chilli Rellenos & Steak ala Mexaciana) We also love Santa Fe Flats, but it is really not Tex-Mex. The one you missed is Laredo Taqueria on Washington at Snover. But it isn't true Tex-Mex either. The tacos are more true Mexican tacos. Houston's best Tex-Mex crispy tacos are served at Tio Chuco on West Road just north of 290. My wife loves their enchaladas with chilli gravey.
My wife and I have tried 3 different Los Cucos. She & I agree with its being left off the list. Maybe we never ordered the best dish(s). They always seem full. I ordered a mixed grill platter (shrimp, beef & chicken) the last time, it was one of the more expensive offerings. I got a lot of food, but it was mostly grilled onions and bell peppers.
You missed the new Kid in Town!
RUBY TEQUILA'S
Willowbrook and Midtown, great food, all fresh and No microwave cooking here!
Great angus steaks and Chile smashed potatoes...my fave!
Ribs that fall off the bone and shredded beef enchiladas with chili con carne sauce...YUMMO!!!
MUST try THE SIZZLING APPLE PIE
tex-mex apple pie? yeah right. Welcome to Texas, Ma'am!
Centenila in League City at the corner of 518 and Hwy 3 should be on the list.
you need tia maria off 290/the best in the west
In Conroe and also in that town in between Conroe and The Woodlands(don't remember the name, don't blink) ...EL BOSQUE. Excellent every time I go. They have a warm salsa that is really, really good. They also serve a green salsa and that is great also. My husband loves their fajitas- chicken and beef. I like the fact that they serve plates with a variety of items on it so I can get a little of everything I like. The prices are the best I have seen for a place that is so good. We tried a new Mexican restaurant on League Line Rd this past weekend and the prices were very high and the food was not bad but nothing to rave about either. El Bosque I will rave about!
I agree! EL BOSQUE is awesome! Great priceds too...
Don Julio's in cypress has the best fajitas i have ever had. Not sure how they did not make the list. I am shocked that lupe is not top ten. Cafe adobe is nasty way over rated. I think there are a lot more restaurants that should be on this list then what they have!
Been wanting to try el tiempo any suggestions?
The closest mexican food to San Antonio's mex food is Los Perez. The cheese enchiladas are delicious. Very reasonable in price cause I also feel that alot of the Mex. Rest. here in town are way over priced. They are on South Hwy 6 and Bissonnet. Friendly too. You cannot compare taqueria rests to Tex Mex food ever. Their food is more Northern Mex. than Tex Mex. It's all in the taste buds.
If your ever over in Katy "Ruthies" on Grand Pwy (Hwy99) @ Kings land. It's a true Tex-Mex haven. Great food, service, and prices.
"Try it you'll like it"!!!! LOL
You want good TEX-MEX? Well stop going to these tradiotional Mexican resturaunts. YES they will have it, but tradional Mexicans don't think highly of TEX-MEX therefore the preparation quality is noticably lower.
Anything that looks super-flashy (chuys, papasitos, doneraki's etc) is propabaly full of processed crap. You don't want that. TEX-MEX is very simple-SALSA/QUESO/RICE/BEANS/ENTREE what sets it apart from traditional is the amount of starch (which texans LOVE). YES, traditional Mexican is usually not very healthy, however, they use less flour/starches.
For instance, carne asada=beef steak cubes in flour based gravy-TEX-MEX! Traditional mexicans opt for GUISADO, which is a sauce that consists of a variety of dried peppers. You can find chicken or porn in this dish.
ALSO, stop going to Richmond/Westheimer for Tex-Mex. Any REAL Houstonian knows the best food is normally found in the hood. Felix Mexican Rest. was the best hands down. My mother worked there in the 80's and we actually rented a home from Mrs. Felix back then. I would eat chips con queso daily. When I finally had an enchilada plate I was blown away with what they did with my beloved queso. At age 6, I thought I was in heaven.
BOTTOM line, you want good TEX-MEX, go to small places that have established longevity. Places like Andy's Cafe open 24 hours (always a plus) or Ruchi's is actually good however more focused on Traditional ways. You will find good tex-mex there though. If you absolutely have to have a more "up-to-date" atmosphere and want good tex-mex, I'd probably vote Chuy's as #1. Lupe Tortilla is horrible and over priced IMO, way too much lime on the fajitas.
We also have the best breakfast taco places like Laredo Taqueria located on Washington Avenue or Alamo Taco's in Second Ward.
FYI: I work at Pappasitos and there are no processed foods there. EVERYTHING is fresh.
I work at Pappasitos and can tell you that there are no processed foods. Everything is fresh and real!
BTW Caddilac Bar on Shepherd is delicious. Pricey but good. Honestly Spanish Flower on N.Main St.is JUST as good
What about Fiesta Loma Linda Mexican Restaurant on 2111 Telephone Rd?
Where is the best Carne Guisada served?
I have tried many of the restaurants on the list, most are overpriced and not very good. I always think to myself when I am dining at these places "I should have gone to El Gallo." Ninfa's has good salsa, Sylvia's has good queso but for an enchilada restaurant they aren't very good, most of the places you can pick out 1 good thing. My experiences at El Gallo have almost all been good and I've been going there since 1975, at the same location on Gessner & Hammerly in Spring Branch. We took our aunt and uncle from Porter to eat there and they were plotting out would be the best way to get there for them. Great food & great service!
Spanish Flower is the best authentic mexican food in all of houston
Can't believe one of my fav's, Fajita Flats, didn't make the list. This town sure has a wealth of great Tex-Mex joints!
Tony's? Really?
My favorite is El Jardin -- on Harrisburg, near the ship channel. I'm shocked that El Jardin is not on your list. But then, maybe El Jardin isn't considered Tex-Mex, but is instead considered a true blue Mexican Restaurant.
El Paraiso on Fairview. Family owned and operated. A great place for lunch. Face it, Houston is full of good Tex-Mex places.
LOPEZ at Wilcreat & SW Hwy. 59 - The best mexican food by far. No one comes close. The chile rellenos, the enchiladas, the rib meat tacos rancheros, the best salsa & the best service and prices. LOPEZ IS NUMBER ONE!
My vote is for Casa Dominguez. Reasonable prices and freshly prepared.
People keep saying Tia Marias Yuk! last time I ate there there was a big ole roach on our table !! El Tiempo is pricy but good , Its run by the Ninfa sons , knock your sock off margaritas too1
I wonder how much Cafe Adobe paid to be on this list. That is the most tourist driven, good for nothing Tex-Mex food in town. They cater to the taste of a Minnesotian, no flavor, and cheap ingredients. So what- they have adobe walls - give the decorator an award, but still - the food is not worthy of making the list of this magnitude. I wouldn't even put them in the top 25 within 10 miles from Spring! NO WANO, NO WANO!!
Agree.
The tex-mex restaurant my husband and I return to time and again is Los Gallitos on Murphy Rd right off of SW Freeway. The food never disappoints and it's always packed. I can't understand why no one ever comments on it. The service is always great and the wait staff is very friendly, never disappoints.
Agreed. Los Gallitos is top-notch.
Agree. We have the same opinion of Los Gallitos on Hwy 6 in Sugar Land. Good food and good service.
LUPE TORTILLAS!!!!!
can't believe it didn't make this list, WTF!? just goes to show how much the author really knows.
I can't believe the writer who said Houston Tex Mex is expensive. Houston has the best Mexican Food at the best prices of anywhere I've been and that is most of Texas
I think Cyclone Anaya is the best. Get the Spring Special and you won't be disappointed for $12.95.
Los Cuco's is best Value.
El Patio - Bar No Minor- is the most fun and good food. Don't know why the had to add Valet Parking and mess things up.
Sylvia's is the most over-rated
My wife and I enjoyed some memorable meals at the "old" Cyclone Anaya's on Durham. The new one may be a little fancy, but the food is still delicious, and she rates their margaritas as the best in town. As for Casa Ole, which has taken some hits in the comments here, we always found their food fresh and the service prompt and courteous when we ate at the one on 290 near West 34th. Now that we've moved out toward Tomball, our regular Tex-Mex place is El Palenque on 249 at Louetta, with an occasional meal at Gringo's on Cypresswood north of 1960. Los Cucos is OK, but I won't go out of my way to eat there. Ditto Lupe Tortilla. The one place I don't care for at all is Taco Cabana, but maybe that's just me. One note: While not Hispanic, as a native of El Paso who also lived as a child in Del Rio, I'm not some clueless Yankee who doesn't know a fajita from a frijole.
How does Ruchis make this list? God Aweful.
Lopez on Hilcrest should be on here.
Am I the only one that loves Molina's? Westheimer is good, but Buffalo Spdwy location was the best - which has now been replaced by an HEB. One on Washington is good - but not the same. Love, love, love Molina's!
What is Tex-Mex? I enjoyed El Felix in 1969-1972; the chips, salsa, Carne Asada. Now I enjoy pulled pork dishes either Verde or picante with jalapeno/tomato/onion with a flan for finishers. The spouse enjoys mole chicken dishes.
Did enjoy Pappasitos fajitas; real steak not just mystery strips but agree that the service is rotten, as well as the bar smoke. Bill Fleming; thanks for the update.
Have enjoyed Manuel's on 1960 but their fajitas seemed standard. Thanks to all for the suggestions.
Mamacitas Mexican restaurant on I45 north Airtex exit southbound is an excellent restaurant with super food and service. I've never been dissapointed .
Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen is way overrated and overpriced as well. I have never had a good enchilada plate there so after several tries I gave up. Romero's Las Brasas has the best ceviche anywhere but the rest of the entrees leave a lot to be desired. Best cheese enchiladas in town are at Dos Amigos on Washington.
El Gallo in Spring Branch on Gessner has the BEST Fajitas in town... Their enchiladas are fantastic and their stuffed bell pepper is great! I also love their Queso and their crispy not greasy chips are fantastic. You have got to go to El Gallo. Great TexMex Restaurant in Houston...
El Gallo in Spring Branch on Gessner has the BEST Fajitas in town... Their enchiladas are fantastic and their stuffed bell pepper is great! I also love their Queso and their crispy not greasy chips are fantastic. You have got to go to El Gallo. Great TexMex Restaurant in Houston...
My husband and I just tried Bob's Taco Station in Rosenberg. We saw it on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and we had to try it. Food was very authentic and great. Just be prepared to wait. But well worth it.
The Last Concert Cafe is one of the best Tex-Mex places in Houston.
It is the oldest still in the same location, and has live local music most nights.
The menu is delicious and well prepared.
No list of Houston's best is complete without it.
Escalantes in Meyerland Plaza is BY FAR the best Tex-Mex in town!
if the criteria is tex-mex, then most of the establishments mentioned should not be on the list. i have eaten at most of these places, and i can attest that some of these eateries are the worst in houston. what is even funny is that at least one of these restaurants is no longer in business; la fonda dona maria has been closed for some time know. it's an embarassment to even publish this list.
where is papasito's? where is chacho's? i guess when they heard who else would be on your list, they asked to be removed and rightly so. i guess taco cabana and casa ole were on your honorable mentioned list. give me a break.
please do me a favor- eat at some of the places that have been suggested and mentioned. and i guarantee you that your taste buds will thank you for them. also, when you want to mention good food, please don't mention cheap prices.
how about Victors? Best enchaladas in Texas ...
I haven't seen anyone mention Benny's at Westheimer & Eldridge. He has the absolute BEST tex-mex in Houston.
Seriously, what about Molina's...serving Houston since 1941?
Escalante's and Spanish Flower: Bland and way overpriced
Goode Company Hamburgers & Taqueria: West U. Tex-Mex. Need I say more?
REALLY??? FOR GOOD TEX-MEX ENCHILADAS TRY GUADALJARA'S ON IRVINGTON, IF ANYONE REMEMBERS EL CHICO RESTAURANTS, THEY HAD THE BEST ENCHILADAS AND FLAUTAS, THE BEST, NOBODY MAKES THEM THAT WAY ANYMORE. CUCOS USED TO BE A GOOD PLACE TO GET FAJITAS AND RIBEYE STEAKS WITH THEIR FAMOUS CUCOS SAUCE, BUT NOW...THEY'RE MEAT IS HORRIBLE, TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH. MOSTLY ALL MEXICAN RESTAURANTS, THEY'RE FAJITAS ARE JUST HORRIFIC. ESCALANTES AT TOWN AND COUNTRY HAS GOOD ENCHILADAS, NOT THE BEST, BUT GOOD, DON'T GO TO ESCALANTES IN SUGAR LAND, THE FOOD IS TERRIBLE, SERVICE IS BLAH! AND FOOD PRICES ARE OUTRAGEOUS. LA FIESTA AT BLALOCK HAS GOOD ENCHILADAS, DON'T ORDER FAJITAS, THEY ARE TOUGH. FAJITA FLATS ANOTHER GOOD PLACE TO HAVE TEX-MEX, DON'T ORDER FAJITAS, THEIR FLAUTAS ARE GREAT. DONERAKI'S WENT DOWN, THEIR SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. LOS TIOS VERY TEX-MEX, CHALUPAS COMPUESTAS ARE THE BEST THERE. EL ALTENO HAS GREAT CARNE GUIZADA. THEIR'S NOTHING LIKE HOMEMADE ENCHILADAS AT MY HOUSE....SORRY GUYS...ONLY FOR MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
No matter how many Tex-mex places pop-up, they all seem to attract a crowd. Now we know why, you can't get more than 2-3 people to agree on which is best.
I like Cafe Adobes beef fajitas (their service has slipped though, Sugar Land location).
I need to try Lopez's, I have been to Fajita Flats several times over the years and after pulling up a mapquest for Lopez's I see that it's right down the street from there.
Taquieria Del Sol Rules ! ! ! ! !
Taqueria Laredo, by far the best tacos in H town.
Ruby Tequila's in Midtown, no question. The fajitas are amazing. Try the queso inferno, charro beans, tableside guacamole and the best Mexican rice you will ever taste. You will go back again and again. When family and friends visit, they BEG to go there.
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