Mexican in Houston

12637 Westheimer Rd. Memorial

281-679-8300

Mexican, Restaurants, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Menu, Slideshow

Owner Sylvia Casares started building her reputation as Houston’s Enchilada Queen at a tiny strip center off of Westheimer. Later, the shop moved to its current, nicer location. The enchiladas, of course, are the star of the show, especially the cheese-filled ones. The homemade tortillas, rolled and filled with a blend of cheddar cheeses and topped with Sylvia's signature enchilada chili, are smooth and lack the seemingly requisite pools of grease. Meat enchiladas, too, are a win. They're packed with fresh, well-seasoned meat, and kicked up a notch by the thin, homemade sauce. Another plus is that portions are reasonable—especially for Tex-Mex/Mexican fare—and not slathered with superfluous amounts of cheese.

10 articles

Taqueria El Sabor De Jalisco

5514 S. Willow Dr. Outer Loop - SW

Mexican

Añejo

11801 Uptown Park Blvd. Greenway Plaza

713--963--9032

Mexican

Unfortunately, Añejo’s most remarkable characteristic is how pricey it is. Expensive doesn’t always mean better, so pass by the exorbitant, $49.50apound fajitas. They fall far short of those served at Houston’s more casual Tex-Mex establishments. Añejo even manages to screw up dishes when it’s hard to do so, serving basic items like cheese enchiladas so lukewarm that the cheese inside isn’t even melted. There are a few hits here, like the spicy aioli and cheese coated and the tacos. There’s an apt wine list as well, as might be expected from a Lasco Enterprises business. (Lasco also owns The Tasting Room and Max’s Wine Dive.) Those minor hits don’t really make up for the major disappointments. It’s hard to recommend Añejo as more than a place to take advantage of halfprice happy hour wines and small plates. There are just too many better and cheaper options for elegant Mexican and hearty TexMex. Price range: $$$ - $$$$ Parking: Lot Attire: Business Casual or Dressy Alcohol: Full Bar Outdoor seating: Yes Reservations: Yes

5 articles

Al's Quick Stop

2002 Waugh Dr. Montrose

713-522-5170

Mexican, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This Montrose convenience store on Waugh next to Rudyard's Pub serves an odd combination of Middle Eastern and Mexican foods. The falafel sandwich at Al's Quick Stop is outstanding, as are the greaseless french fries. This may be the only place you'll ever see Mexican tacos al pastor and Middle Eastern gyros spinning on vertical roasters side by side.

3 articles

Alamo Tamale & Taco

2310 Navigation East End

713-223-1446

Mexican, Restaurants, Recommended, Best Of

A Houston institution since 1960, Alamo Tamale has not just branched out into several different locations around the city, but can be had from anywhere in the country. Yep, you can order their tamales online and they'll second-day-air them to you anywhere in the continental United States. The tamales are still made according to old family recipes, and hand-wrapped before shipping. The Tamale Factories themselves offer only take-out and delivery.

1 article

Alamo Tamale & Taco

809 Berry Rd. Outer Loop - NW

713-692-6363

Dessert, Mexican, Recommended, Best Of

A Houston institution since 1960, Alamo Tamale has not just branched out into several different locations around the city, but can be had from anywhere in the country. Yep, you can order their tamales online and they'll second-day-air them to you anywhere in the continental United States. The tamales are still made according to old family recipes, and hand-wrapped before shipping. The Tamale Factories themselves offer only take-out and delivery.

1 article

Alicia's Mexican Grille - Houston

12002 Richmond Ave. North-Northwest

713-575-2550

Mexican

Join us for our quarterly tequila and wine dinner including live music at Alicia’s Mexican Grille in Houston on August 25! WELCOME DRINK: Passion Fruit Margarita FIRST COURSE: Torta De Cangrejo Costero jumbo lump crab meat cake mixed with bread crumbs, mexican herbs, and mixed bell peppers topped with roasted corn relish in a chile cascabel cream sauce garnished with crispy potatoes —paired with a cucumber and pineapple margarita SECOND COURSE: Filet and Enchilada 6oz filet topped with pepper cognac sauce and paired with our delicious mushroom and spinach enchilada served with zucchini white rice and fresh pico de gallo --Paired with 2014 Route Stock Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley THIRD COURSE: Tarta de Bayas mixed berries tart —Paired with a shot of 1800 Milenio

Alicia's Mexican Grille

12002 Richmond Ave Ste 100 Outer Loop - SW

713-575-2550

Mexican

Family-owned and operated, Alicia’s Mexican Grille serves a delicious, authentic Tex-Mex menu made with only the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Since 2006, the family has offered upscale options including favorites like the famous Fajitas Alicia, Enchiladas Suizas, and the standout Alicia’s Molcajete. The restaurants have a full service bar that includes amazing, handmade margaritas, specialty cocktails, wine, and a wide array of imported and domestic beers on tap. Alicia’s, named after owner David Herrera’s wife, takes pride in delivering an amazing experience for all guests with their warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, even offering complimentary ice cream on the way out at Cypress, Spring and Katy. Happy hour specials are Monday through Friday, 11am to 7pm. Alicia’s hosts quarterly tequila dinners at all locations features a welcome drink, tequila flight, and 3-course meal pairings ranging per person from $49 to $65 for a premium dinner. The tequila dinner schedule can be found by visiting each location’s event section of their Facebook page. Full service catering is offered as well and coordination for private events at Cypress, Spring, and Katy locations where venue spaces are offered. Takeout and delivery options are available. For lunch and dinner menus, catering and private event requests, FiveStars reward information, and varying hours at each location, visit ?www.aliciasmexicangrille.com/contact/?.

Alma Latina Taqueria

902 Telephone Rd. East End

713-926-7609

Mexican, Restaurants, Recommended

Beware: Not all Alma Latina restaurants are created equal. But if you make it to the correct one - the location on Telephone Road in the Second Ward - your journey will be richly rewarded. Stay away from the breakfast tacos and instead focus on dishes like the hot, vividly flavored menudo or the hearty huevos rancheros. Both will either fuel you for a long day ahead or take the edge off that raging hangover and allow you to salvage what's left of your day, even if you didn't get up until noon. That's right: Alma Latina serves breakfast all day, although they charge a little extra after 10:30 a.m.

1 article

Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen

10115 Louetta, Suite 400 Outside Houston

281-205-1240

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Readers' Choice

4 articles

Americas Restaurant

1800 Post Oak Blvd. Galleria

713-521-2920

Mexican, South American, Critics' Pick, Menu

Grumps carp that the Cordúa brothers' extraterrestrial rain-forest fantasia is overrated, but it's hard to argue against Chicago wonderboy Jordan Mozer's cutting-edge decor, or -- when the largely reliable kitchen is on -- the creative Pan-American menu. Captivating quail taquitos, potato-crusted squid, shrimp over corn fettuccine and voluptuous coconut ice cream show Américas at its finest, which is very fine indeed.

1 article

Andy's Home Cafe

1115 E. 11th St. Heights

713-861-9423

Tex-Mex, Mexican, Recommended, Menu

Not being updated since it first opened in 1977, the drab decor can now be described as having "character." This BYOB restaurant serves up simple, fast and cheap Tex-Mex-American diner fare to Heights locals. The food is hot and fresh, the service is fast and friendly, and they're open 24 hours.

1 article

Aqui

520 Westheimer Rd Downtown/ Midtown

713-360-7834

Mexican, Slideshow

Arnaldo Richards' Picos

3601 Kirby Dr. Lower Shepherd-Kirby

713-662-8383

Mexican, Best Of, Menu

Located in the heart of Upper Kirby at the corner of Kirby and Richmond, Arnaldo Richard's Picos (formerly known as Pico's Mex-Mex) by chef Arnaldo Richards is a Houston destination for traditional regional Mexican cuisine. The attractively appointed, newly constructed space, replaced the restaurant's former location in Bellaire, which was open since 1984. Pico's is a popular place that doesn't take reservations. Expect waits of 30 minutes or more at peak times, so order one of their famous margaritas at the bar. Standout dishes on the large menu include the chiles en nogada, the conchinita pibil, and the Chamorro de Puerco con Verdolagas (pork shank in green sauce with vegetables). A live harpist and/or guitarist plays traditional Mexican music daily during dinner service.

34 articles

Azteca's Margarita Bar and Grill

2207 Richmond Lower Shepherd-Kirby

713-526-1702

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Menu

Azteca's, on Richmond near Montrose, is an interesting blend of cantina and sports bar, with TVs competing with loud music and shouting people. The place specializes in drinks - happy hour is a big deal here - but it also has a large and varied menu. Its chunky, oniony salsa and flour tortillas are noteworthy. You will find not only the standard Tex-Mex offerings here but also legendary fish tacos, an excellent pork tenderloin stuffed with olives, jalapeños and cheese, and a delicious grilled red snapper served in a garlic white-wine sauce. There's also a good selection of vegetarian dishes.

2 articles

Benny's Mexican Cafe & Bar

13320 Westheimer Memorial

281-870-1107

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Menu

This is a very large restaurant that serves all the traditional Tex-Mex favorites and then some. Outstanding dishes include ceviche, a veggie tortilla, a terrific tropical salad with shrimp and pineapple, enchiladas tomatillo, baby back ribs and a grilled tilapia. They also serve a great breakfast. The monster super mixta platter is a combination of almost everything they serve.

Berryhill Baja Grill

2639 Revere Lower Shepherd-Kirby

713-526-8080

Mexican, Recommended, Best Of

Before the franchises, there was this original, tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. Before that, there was a simple cart, which can still be seen at this location. While chicken, beef, spinach and corn tamales can still be found here, Berryhill is now famous for its fish tacos, made with either shrimp or catfish. They are the originals and still the best. On the menu at the walk-up counter, you will also find enchiladas, tacos and other Mexican fare, but the fish tacos are what most people order.

16 articles

Berryhill Baja Grill

3407 Montrose Blvd. Montrose

713-523-8226

Mexican, Restaurants, Best Of, Menu

Before the franchises, there was this original, tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. Before that, there was a simple cart, which can still be seen at this location. While chicken, beef, spinach and corn tamales can still be found here, Berryhill is now famous for its fish tacos, made with either shrimp or catfish. They are the originals and still the best. On the menu at the walk-up counter, you will also find enchiladas, tacos and other Mexican fare, but the fish tacos are what most people order.

8 articles

Bocados

1312 W. Alabama Montrose

713-523-5230

Mexican, Restaurants, Recommended, Menu, Slideshow

Not your typical Tex-Mex, this cozy, warm and friendly place just off Montrose serves some of the most creative Mexican food in town. Since Bocados is located in an old house, there are lots of little, intimate rooms. Owners Terry Flores and Lily Hernandez were friends in college before opening this place in 1997. Girls' Night Out is held the second Wednesday of each month and can get rowdy. The tacos al carbon are some of the best anywhere, as are their red snapper tacos. Ceviche and empanadas also make for great apps. The almond-crusted shrimp and tortilla soup are not to be missed.

4 articles

Bodegas Taco Shop

1200 Binz Ave. Third Ward

713-528-6102

Mexican, Best Of, Menu

Bodegas is a bit like Mexican chain burrito place Chipotle, with one important difference - liquor. Museum District diners line up at the cafeteria-style counter to create custom burritos and tacos; drinkers hang out at the bar sipping margaritas. Bodegas features a variety of unusual margarita flavors, including offerings like hibiscus and guava, and also features a few beers on tap. The environment feels more like a casual restaurant, unless you stake out a seat at the bar.

2 articles

Cabo, The Original Mix-Mex Grill

419 Travis St. Downtown/ Midtown

713-225-2060

Mexican, South American, Recommended, Menu

The downtown location tends to be jam-packed, full of people bent on loudly enjoying themselves and the potent margaritas. But given that Cabo is as much a scene as a restaurant, the food is surprisingly good: bright, brisk tortilla soup, a vigorous ceviche and chicken enchiladas topped with gooey, creamy cheese.

Cafe Adobe

7620 Katy Freeway Outer Loop - NW

713-688-1700

Mexican, Restaurants, Best Of, Menu

The Southwestern egg rolls at Adobe are delicious -- black beans and corn woo each other on a dance floor of cheese and fried tortilla before being dunked into a bath of creamy cilantro dressing. Other menu items are at the very least passable (enchilada plate), and at the very most great (sizzling fajitas), depending on the number of astoundingly strong margaritas you consume. Of course, Adobe's ritas are the reason the joint is consistently crowded in the first place. A few of them could turn a Stop-N-Go burrito into haute cuisine.

1 article

Cafe Adobe

2329 S. Highway 6, Sugar Land Outside Houston

281-277-1700

Mexican, Restaurants, Best Of, Menu

The Southwestern egg rolls at Adobe are delicious -- black beans and corn woo each other on a dance floor of cheese and fried tortilla before being dunked into a bath of creamy cilantro dressing. Other menu items are at the very least passable (enchilada plate), and at the very most great (sizzling fajitas), depending on the number of astoundingly strong margaritas you consume. Of course, Adobe's ritas are the reason the joint is consistently crowded in the first place. A few of them could turn a Stop-N-Go burrito into haute cuisine.

1 article

Cantina Laredo

11129 Westheimer Memorial

713-952-3287

Mexican, Restaurants, Menu

Canyon Cafe - CLOSED

5000 Westheimer Galleria

713-629-5565

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended

The Southwest grill wood and stone décor gives this place a rustic, lodge-like feel, while the bar with TVs constantly blaring makes it feel like a sports bar. The second-floor location, especially the outdoor seating area, features a great view of the Galleria area, perfect for enjoying the cafe's famous margaritas. On the menu: innovative Mexican, Native American and Tex-Mex food, including spinach and portabella quesadilla and banana burrito. They also serve poblano chicken chowder soup, burgers, sandwiches, blackened chicken and avocado salad and pasta.

1 article

Caracol

2200 Post Oak Blvd. Galleria

713-622-9996

Mexican, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Caracol is the latest restaurant from duo Tracy Vaught and Hugo Ortega, who also own and operate Backstreet Cafe and Hugo's. Caracol is a nod to Ortega's Mexican roots and his love of the seemingly endless Mexican coastline, particularly around the Yucatan Peninsula. The lengthy menu of this Galleria-area restaurant is largely seafood, but Ortega does include some Hugo's standbys, like his signature mole and more traditional central Mexican cuisine. It's the seafood that really shines, though — particularly the roasted oysters, octopus salad and whole-roasted fish, all of which are treated with the respect the top-quality ingredients deserve. Sean Beck heads the beverage development, and Ortega's brother, Reuben, makes the desserts, which are unique and wonderful with a glass of carefully curated bubbly or one of Beck's exotic mezcal cocktails. In the evening, the bar becomes a place to see and be seen, but the restaurant half of the space remains a good spot for a lively family meal.

70 articles

Casa De Leon

9217 Long Point Outer Loop - NW

713-461-1955

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Menu

This is a great place for a late, late-night Mexican feast. Located in a run-down strip center on the west side of town, Casa De Leon doesn't have much atmosphere but makes up for it with the food. The three salsas served with chips are incendiary, even for Houston tastes. Breakfast includes great chilaquiles (scrambled eggs with tortilla strips), machacado (scrambled eggs with dried beef) and a hangover-curing menudo. The grilled whole perch is superb, as are the carne guisada and the alambres (kebabs) with beef, shrimp and bacon. Among the best deals are the meats to go, such as barbacoa or cabrito, which can be purchased by the pound.

Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant - CLOSED

3401 N. Main St. Heights

713-227-8801

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Music Venues, Recommended, Menu

Located in the north Heights, Casa Grande's very popular nightclub is open on weekend evenings. There's also free live music in the bar on Thursdays. The thing to order is nachos supreme, an enormous pile of chips covered with beans, fajita meat and melted cheese, garnished with guacamole, pickled jalapeño slices, lettuce, tomato and sour cream. It's not an appetizer, it's a meal.

Casa Nueva Mexican Restaurant

2209 Cypress Creek Parkway North-Northwest

713-781-7376

Mexican

Casa Nueva Mexican Restaurant, established in April of 2010, is a family owned and operated Mexican food restaurant. The restaurant has a separate cantina and large room that are available for private parties and other events.

Chili's

1110 Lake Woodlands Dr., Spring Outside Houston

281-362-9191

American, Barbecue, Mexican, New American, Southwestern, Tex-Mex, Traditional, Best Of, Menu

Originating in Dallas in 1975 as a casual sit-down restaurant stuffed to the brim with Southwestern tchotchkes, Chili's has since grown into a behemoth chain owned by culinary conglomerate Brinker, with more than 1,400 locations in more than thirty countries. Sadly, the Awesome Blossom is no more, but menu staples like Chicken Crispers, Southwestern Egg Rolls and those infamous baby back ribs — which may or may not cause you to spontaneously burst into song — are still going strong. Every location including Houston features a fully stocked bar, and, as would seem fitting for a Southwestern-themed chain, Chili's specializes in margaritas, from top-shelf to sparkly fruit-flavored incarnations. In recent years the chain has continued its worldwide domination with more minimalist, modern decor and promos like the "$20 Dinner for Two." Voice Places is the place to find a Chili's near you.

1 article

Chilosos Taco House

701 E. 20th St. Heights

713-868-2273

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Menu

This is a steam-table joint that fills up with yuppies eating eggs and drinking joe around noon. Metal trays are full of all kinds of breakfast taco options, made with thick, homemade tortillas and fluffy eggs.

1 article

Chuy's

9350 Westheimer Rd. Outer Loop - SW

713-278-2489

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Best Of, Menu

3 articles

Chuy's

2706 Westheimer River Oaks

713-524-1700

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Best Of, Menu

Founded in Austin, this is a favorite hangout of young Anglos who like to drink. You can almost always expect a long wait at this noisy, crowded spot, which has colorful decor and a large outdoor patio. The strong suit at Chuy's is the sauces and the ultra-thin, crispy tortilla chips. The creamy jalapeño and Hatch green chile sauce will not be found elsewhere. If you're into "Big As Yo' Face" burritos and combination plates, you'll be at home here.

3 articles

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Mexican in Houston