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 really like the Original Ninfas... but Sylvia's I want to try.

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!

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.

You left out 2 of the best in Houston. El Patio and Los Cucos. Both locations on Westheimer near Fountain View.

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 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!

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?

SPANISH FLOWERS?

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.

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 ??

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!

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

t

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.

what about TIA MARIA'S on dacoma!!! great margaritas and the food it goog too!!!

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!

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???

BUMP for Lopez. (and there's a great BBQ joint in the strip center across the street...)

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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.

Escalantes and Cyclone Anayas are my two favorite in Houston for upscale fajitas and neither made the list..

Tacos A Go-Go! Are you serious? The staff is great, dig the atmosphere, but no way it gets on the list of places you have to try, bland breakfast tacos, lame queso and the worst flour tortillas I ever had. Staff way cool and friendly. I miss La Jaliscience.........come back......PLEASE

Has anyone tried Balderas Tamale Factory off Grant Rd? Now Thats true Tex- Mex. I think San Antonio style.

el jardin on harrisburg. c'mon people, this is the best!

Been in the Houston area for 8 years. Mama Juanitas is the best so far (Woodlands). Haven't tried Lopez yet.

Taqueria Arandas... Really? Whoever suggested this is obviously a sucker for advertisng and has not eaten there.

la fiesta in memorial for the best cheese enchiladas. (with 0nions of course)

Lopez has the best mexican food.

My favorite Tex-Mex is Don Jose's at Antoine and Pinemont. Carlos and his staff are great. The food is great and the prices are fair too. Best Spinach Enchaladas ever and Iced Tea better than grandma's.

Don't even bother with Tony's on Ella. It is about the same as Casa Ole.

Hands Down Lopez is the best in the Houston area!

Thank God so few have discovered Guadalupe's on N. Eldridge at Spring-Cypress. More for me! It's only a matter of time before Guadalupe's is discovered, sad to say.

The enchiladas de espinaca are to die for--and I don't even usually like them. Easily enough for two at $8.99.

Besides this restaurant, Guadalupe has one in Mexico City. That's it. And a brand-new neon sign outside. Good thing, because the place is tucked in the corner.

Lopez is the best. Have moved to the NW side of Houston. It is almost a day trip to get there, but worth it.

Taqueria Del Sol on Broadway. Best Salsa and awesome burrito

We love Santa Fe Flats. The food is good, the micheladas are great, but the atmosphere is excellent.

There is a sandbox for the kids that they love and they have a guy who sings on the patio, old Jacko Pierce and Vertical Horizon songs. My husband and I almost get weepy reliving our UT/A&M days.

And I am not ashamed to say I HATE Lupe Tortillas. Have never gotten such consistently bad service of any restaurant any where. Last time, we just finally left. Will never ever go back.

YAY soo happy Teotihuacan made the list. If you haven't gone there yet, check out the web site for the menu, specials, and locations! It's really more authentic Mexican than Tex-Mex: http://teotihuacanmexicancafe.com/site/

All those places are terrible...........you got ruchis on there LOL and Chuys

Try

Don Carlos on 75th or 59S

El Jardin on Harrisburg

El Alacran taco stand on Canal

Taco stand outside Frontera Bar on Fuqua@45S

If you aint Mexican please dont ill advise people

All those places are terrible...........you got ruchis on there LOL and Chuys

Cadillac bar are you freaking serious you guys just made a comment that they are not know for food but for drinks HAHAAHAHAHa

Try

Don Carlos on 75th or 59S

El Jardin on Harrisburg

El Alacran taco stand on Canal

Taco stand outside Frontera Bar on Fuqua@45S

its a funny list. a lot of the places cited are total crap. leave to the chronicle to discover the bad mexican food.

taqueria arandas???? thats hilarious. its some of the worst food you could ever be served. and they are happy to have illegal wets serve it to you. this article has no credibility.

Lopez is my definite fave!!

Why did I read this article? I was hellbent on exercising and a healthy meal for dinner. Still gonna exercise, but am definitely getting mexican food and margaritas tonight. I love this city!

I miss Jaliscience on Montrose...

I won't mention the mexican food place we love , it already crowded enough , but I will say its in Katy . =) I like the guy would said Los Tios , lol really ?

A few of these places have what I would consider to be the WORST Mexican food I've ever had! Heck Taco Bell is better than a couple of these spots! Don't get me wrong, you have a few real gems on the list, but not many.

Interesting list. Much, if not most is good. Where, though, is Andy's in the Heights? I love, love, love Andy's. Been going there since college at the UH. Open 24 hours a day. Wonderfully kooky decor. Cheap. Wonderful waitresses. Family-owned. And a statue of JP II behind the register to boot. Big plus: they serve an excellent cooked, warmed hot sauce along with a cold green sauce. Hard to find Tejano-style cooked hot sauces at most Houston Mexican restaurants. Houson does have a great variety of Latino restaurants. Andy's is one of the few, though, that cooks in the Tejano style I got at home. (Killer menudo.)

My cardinal rule for any Tex-Mex establishment is this: I refuse to eat at any restaurant that has a food in the name (i.e. "Lupe Tortillas", "Johhny Tamale", "Taco Bell", etc.) I've found that the best places are either named after the owners or named after the Mexican state from which they hail.

Gringos, Hugo's, Pappasitos, Armandos, Chuys, and even El-Toro - are some the best place to eat Mexican food in Houston.

Even though it has just recently opened, El Real deserves a place on this list - their guacamole, CCQ and cheese enchiladas really hit the spot.

MAN - what about La Hacienda on Memorial. Best Tex-Mex in W Hou. Used to go there during finals in hi-skool and drink margaritas. Sure, Marvin closed 'em down a few times in the late 70's but D A N G the Tacos al Carbon are the best. Great hot sauce, great Rira's, great queso with just the right texture. And great prices,too!

Good tacos at Arandas and Ruchis B U T the queso is like runny yellow water. NOT GOOD!

cadillac bar but not papasitos. c'mon. must be something personal there.

For a hole in the wall...with great cheese enchiladas try Mi Sombrero. It is on 34th at Sheperd. Check your english at the door, point if you have to and enjoy!There are so many fantastic tex mex places in Houston, it is better to name what particular dish each one is great at!

Escalante's (in Meyerland) is my favorite Mexican restaurant.

Cafe Adobe? Seriously? Their chips and salsa are terrible. The salsa was hot, and tasted like spaghetti sauce. One of the worse salsas I've ever had. Went there once. Will never go back. All I've ever read on Yelp is that their margaritas are great. That's hardly a rave about their food.

The list is not a list until you have MAMACITA's in Pasadena Tx on it. Please people eat at MAMACITA's. TTG

The list is not a list until you have MAMACITA's in Pasadena Tx on it. Please people eat at MAMACITA's. TTG

One place I urge people to try is the restaurant next to the La Mexicana Fruit Market on Bellaire Blvd. I thought that was the name of the restaurant but I tried to look it up and it doesnt show. It serves a good combination of Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican cuisine. The enchiladas al carbon are awesome.
I SURE MISS LEO'S ON SHEPHERD!
and Mamacitas? C'mon, man! I ate there twice. Once I got bones in my chicken chimichanga and the next time my enchiladas were room temp! You are better off eating at a taco truck!
and I agree with Jimmy. Don Jose's on Antoine is great!

What about Ninfas on memorial best tex-mex in town try their fajitas they are so yummy and their texas down home margarita the best I've had!!

La Plaza at Bingle and Long Point is great. They have the best Salsa and chips. Their con queso, served free at lunch, is amazing, and their guacamole is pretty good, but sometimes bland. They are a cash-only business, which can be inconvenient for some.

Don Jose on Antone@Pinemont. Been there for years.

Cadillac Bar? seriously?

Tia Marias on Dacoma and HWY 290 is absolutly the best Mexican food in town. Margaritas are to die for.

Tex-Mex food = pile of dog-puke on a plate. Enjoy.....

Tia Marias is the best in Houston! Its affordable, delicious and the staff is excellent!

Cafe Adobe? Overrated and overpriced!!!
I miss La Jaliscience!!

why the hell is goode & company on here? it taste like some kind of just add water recipe and served colder than room temperature. the kickbacks they give the reviewers to stay on the list is recouped by the extra $2-3 they charge for every dish. this is the worst goode and co restaurant for the money consistently.

My favorite Tex-Mex is at Dona Maria's on Navigation. They are only open for breakfast and lunch. My husband loves their menudo and he is very picky about it. I love their homemade flour and corn tortillas. It's just a hole in the wall, but those ladies can cook and the place is clean, clean, clean!! You can't beat their prices either.

Arandas?!?!?!? Since they made the list I think Taco Cabana should be included in this line up... they are better than Arandas. FYI Arandas family, your lack of quality products in lieu of a drug running front leads to shitty food. Just saying

Try El Jarrito (www.eljarrito.com) and then feel yourself in Mexico.

What about Los Tios? I have been going there for at least 20 years, and it has been fantastic!

I have been happy with the food, and service. If you have any heart, or sense, at least try that once. I think you'll agree!

It's all subjective, which place has the best in Houston. Everyone's tastes are different or have different ideas about what Mex cuisine is really all about.

My wife and her sisters who are Hispanic love Gringo's and Ninfa's. Since Mama Ninfa Laurenzo went to the great kitchen in the sky some of the locations' quality had suffered but Ninfa's at its worst beats any Mex place in Corpus Christi at their best. A lot of you really DON'T know horrible...

I also miss Jalisciense on Montrose as well, never had a bad meal there and price was right. Never had a bad meal at any Taqueria Arandas location, I used to go there just for the tres leches.

I'm glad Jimmy Changas was not listed. They are so packed every night of the week, that the last thing I want to do is wait longer because the word it out on how great their Tex Mex is!!

We all have our favorites, so be nice.:) Have you tried the permanent taco trailer called Taconazo on Fulton near the park? They only cook beef fajitas, quesadillas and frijoles a la charra. Love, love them!

TAco buenos on north main....aweesome