Houston, Texas, is a city that knows how to blend flavours and cultures, and when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine, it’s no exception. Whether you’re someone who absolutely loves Tex-Mex food or you’re trying it for the first time, visiting Houston in October 2023 promises to be a delightful experience filled with tasty and spicy dishes.
Things to do in Houston boasts some of the world’s most sizzling Tex-Mex restaurants, each with its own unique twist on this beloved fusion of Mexican and Texan flavours.
Join us as we take you on a culinary adventure through the 15 hottest Tex-Mex spots in the heart of Houston, where every dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and, above all, flavour.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston
Tex-Mex cuisine is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Texan flavours, and Houston is one of the best places in the world to find it. With a diverse population and a long history of Tex-Mex culture, Houston offers a wide variety of Tex-Mex restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual to upscale.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Tex-Mex experience, be sure to try one of Houston’s many family-owned restaurants. These restaurants have been serving up delicious Tex-Mex dishes for generations, and they know what they’re doing.
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
If you’re on a quest for the best enchiladas in town, Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen is the place to be. With over 15 different types of enchiladas, including classics and creative twists, Sylvia Casares, the enchilada queen, ensures you’ll have a memorable Tex-Mex experience.
Don’t miss out on their sopa de fideo and Mexican-style Caesar salad. It’s a Tex-Mex tour you won’t want to miss.
El Patio
El Patio has a loyal following for its signature blue margaritas, delectable tacos al pastor, and irresistible Felix queso. Whether you want to savour cheesy enchiladas or indulge in crispy tacos, this local Tex-Mex gem has you covered. The vibrant atmosphere and mouth watering dishes make it a must-visit.
Mandito’s Tex-Mex
Mandito’s Tex-Mex, the little brother of Houston’s Armandos, brings comforting Tex-Mex to Bellaire. From fajitas to enchiladas, chile con queso to their “world famous” burrito bowl, this restaurant offers a delightful Tex-Mex experience.
Cheesy Nuggets! Don’t forget to customise your margarita and explore their unique salt options.
Molina’s Cantina
With a history dating back to the early 1940s, Molina’s Cantina is a Tex-Mex institution in Houston. Their extensive menu boasts Tex-Mex platters at unbeatable prices.
Be sure to try the Mexico City dinner, featuring a beef taco, cheese enchilada, bean tostada, and tamale. The iconic dish that put them on the map? Fajitas, of course!
Los Tios
A family-owned Tex-Mex treasure with over 50 years in Houston, Los Tios offers the city’s first frozen margarita.
Their menu is a Tex-Mex lover’s dream, featuring favourites like chile con queso, nachos, fajitas, and their famous puffy taco smothered in queso. It’s a longtime Houston staple you won’t want to miss.
Little Pappasito’s Cantina
As part of the Pappas franchise, Little Pappasito’s Cantina has been dishing out Tex-Mex fare since the 1970s. Homemade tortilla chips with warm red salsa are irresistible, but their star attraction is the sizzling fajitas. Don’t miss out on their flavorful tacos, enchiladas, and the indulgent tres leches dessert.
Flora
For a Tex-Mex experience in a stunning glass treehouse setting, Flora is your destination. Their margaritas made with fresh juice, al pastor tacos, ceviche, fajitas, and mole enchiladas are just the beginning. Indulge in their mouthwatering flan for a sweet ending to your Tex-Mex journey.
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
Known for their mesquite-grilled meats and seafood, Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina offers a Tex-Mex twist in the Heights. From braised and crisped pork carnitas to chicken flautas and epic feasts like the parrillada familiar, there’s a Tex-Mex delight for every appetite.
Verde Garden
Verde Garden is the ultimate combination of a beer garden and Tex-Mex restaurant. With an array of frozen margaritas and a diverse beer and wine selection, it’s a perfect place to unwind.
Dive into Tex-Mex staples like tacos, tortas, and enchiladas while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Candente
Candente brings a unique twist to Tex-Mex with smoked and grilled proteins from its sister restaurant, the Pit Room. From brisket enchiladas to brisket nachos and ceviche, their menu offers a Tex-Mex experience with a Texas barbecue flair.
Be sure to pair your meal with one of their delectable margaritas in flavours like blood orange and mango.
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
A discussion about Tex-Mex is incomplete without mentioning The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Credited with introducing fajitas to the country, this iconic spot is a must-visit. Try their legendary fajitas or savour their mouthwatering enchiladas. And don’t forget to enjoy a Ninfarita, their signature margarita.
El Tiempo Cantin
Launched by the same family behind The Original Ninfa’s, El Tiempo Cantina offers potent margaritas and sizzling fajita platters.
Whether you prefer classic beef and chicken fajitas or exotic options like fillet mignon and salmon fajitas, El Tiempo Cantina has something for everyone. Don’t miss their unique fajita add-ons, like “la tana.”
Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen
Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, with its Old West meets Mexican art and antiques decor, delivers Tex-Mex favourites like taquitos, grilled seafood, and some of Houston’s best fajitas and margaritas.
Try their star-spangled banner margarita for a festive twist and finish your meal with complimentary soft-serve ice cream.
Lupe Tortilla
Lupe Tortilla is a Tex-Mex gem known for its sizzling fajitas, mouthwatering enchiladas, and flavorful margaritas. With a commitment to using the finest ingredients and preparing dishes with care, this restaurant offers a delightful Tex-Mex experience.
Lupe Tortilla’s warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with its delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination for Tex-Mex enthusiasts in Houston. Whether you’re dining with family or friends, Lupe Tortilla promises a memorable Tex-Mex feast that will leave you craving for more.
Mi Rancho is a Tex-Mex haven in Humble, Shenandoah, and Spring. Their menu boasts Tex-Mex staples like queso-topped chimichangas, chile rellenos, tacos, and fajitas. Try their signature El Refu, a platter filled with a cheesy combination of beef, chicken, bacon, shrimp, mushrooms, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Conclusion
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Houston, Tex-Mex isn’t just a cuisine; it’s a way of life. From the legendary classics at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen to the sizzling fajitas at El Tiempo Cantina, every bite in this Tex-Mex journey is a testament to the city’s rich history and diverse culture.
Whether you’re sipping on margaritas in a stunning treehouse setting or indulging in smoked brisket enchiladas, Houston’s Tex-Mex scene has something to tantalise every palate. So, next time you find yourself in this Texan metropolis, remember to embark on a Tex-Mex adventure that’s sure to leave you craving for more. Houston’s sizzle and spice await your discovery!
Must-To-Do: “Is your go-to Tex-Mex gem absent from our list? Let us know in the comments!”
