50 Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston

“Great Mexican food and marguerites!“

“Best Tex mex I’ve ever had“

“Outstanding food and prices“

“The food is so delicious & so fresh ! My waiter was one of the best , Jose Luis ! He was very attentive & took my order & had ny drink of choice served to me in less than 3 minutes . He made sure my meal was the way I wanted it & thanked me for coming in . Very pleasant“

“Nate was great!! Will be back!!“

“We stumbled into this restaurant on a Saturday looking for breakfast and fell in love. Everything was excellent, atmosphere, food, staff and service. We liked it so much that we went back the next day for lunch. It truly is a gem of a restaurant!“

“My experience at the restaurant was excellent thanks to James and Lisa. They were both friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect throughout the meal. James was professional and helpful with recommendations, while Lisa checked in regularly and made us feel welcome. Their teamwork and great customer service really stood out. Thank you both for making my visit enjoyable—I look forward to coming back!“

“Took my family here this evening and I couldn’t be happier. The food was absolutely wonderful and the service was superb. Our waitress Jazleah was amazing and made some great recommendations on some dishes. She stayed on top of refills and stayed on top of making sure we had everything we needed. She was exceptional. Highly recommend!!“

“Our waiter was very friendly and the food was amazing“

“EVERY-TIME we come to Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, we leave smiling, full and wanting to come back. The food was fresh, delicious and portioned NOT to engorge me! Sometimes, ya even bump into the woman herself!!! Sylvia is absolutely delightful, charming and intelligent. If you’ve not been, definitely start with enchiladas!! I like “The Alice” but it’s not always on the menu….. ask anyway….. nudge nudge!!“

“We are from Miami.

Our Houston family takes us to dinner to this fine Mexican Le Tiempo restaurant every time. Our valet was prompt and our family of 6 adults and 2 little kids were greeted politely and we were seated quickly for dinner.

Our server, it appeared, was not having a good night. Appeared to have an attitude! All of us didn’t quite know what the reason was, certainly not us since we had just been seated.

For a few minutes ALL of us family members thought our get together and dinner celebration might be not that exciting. BUT wait - right away Restaurant Management MAURICIO noticed our disgruntled looks and jumped right in to the rescue! He turned our family dinner to the BEST SERVICE experience we have had at Le Tiempo and for that matter any other restaurant.

Mauricio assured our drinks were perfect, appetizers properly prepared, and dinner entrees chicken & beef fajitas and kids’ meals were served with perfection! He ensured we were being serviced with attention and by himself for the TOP service we were being provided!

Restaurant Management MAURICIO brought in with him his co-management RACHEL, introduced her to our Houston family hosts, and requested that he be contacted for any and all restaurant reservation be made through him for best service and experience.

Finally, icing on the “service cake”, Mauricio treated us all with deserts - on the house! Super touch.
And, yes we will be back. Thanks 🙏 Mauricio.

Bobby Dhir
Miami“

“I keep coming back to Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex for one reason—they get it right every time. The Mercado Taco Salad with salmon is my go-to, and it never disappoints. The salmon is perfectly cooked, fresh, and pairs incredibly well with the crisp ingredients in the salad.

And let me talk about that house creamy cilantro dressing—it’s absolutely next level. Honestly, it’s the kind of flavor that sticks with you and has you thinking about your next visit before you even leave.

Great food, consistent quality, and a spot that knows how to elevate Tex-Mex classics. Highly recommend.“

“I added a Shrimp taco to my order to go with my favorite Brisket Taco...I still love the brisket taco but now the Shrimp taco is equally as good. Shrimp was perfectly cooked with an exceptional flavor. SHRIMP taco is a Must try!!!“

“Best Tex Mex around ! Nice indoor dining or if you prefer, an awesome bar area where you can eat and drink. Originally started in a compact strip-center space, now in their own authentic looking (and large) structure. Best salsa ever !“

“Have had breakfast before and went in today not only was lunch delicious but the service was excellent.“

“We went to the new location for the first time last night. I’m happy to report they have the same delicious food and friendly staff. There were 6 of us at the table. All food came out fairly quickly from ordering time and we were all served at the same time. It is saying a lot because the restaurant was packed at the time on a Sunday evening. The food was served piping hot. My teens are very particular about their tortillas and fajitas …they were very happy with the food quality and taste. The price is fair comparing to today’s food prices. I had the enchiladas en molé, mom had fish tacos, and dad had tortilla soup. So good! We will be back soon!“

“Great food and even better service wish we had one in Kansas City“

“Great atmosphere, friendly people and food is delicious and served with large amounts. Waitress always coming by if we needed anything. Parking can be a problem sometimes but they have valet.“

“The staff at the Westheimer location has great customer service and they have a unified work relationship. I love the way they greet other with hugs and hand shakes. They are also very personable with their customers.“

“CUTEST place with great atmosphere, deeeelicious food AND aaahmazing service! Our entire party enjoyed every thing we ordered - the queso (most important), the pork skins, the chicken & waffles were toooo die for, the bacon wrapped shrimp, rice & beans and the burgers! Thank you so much!!“

“Love our Spring Branch icon !!❤️❤️“

“Mr. Isaias Galvan is our favorite waiter. He is super friendly & is very accommodating with dietary preferences. He always makes us laugh. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is bright & welcoming.“

“I hope this message finds you well. My wife and I visited your Lamar Street location on December 26th, and I wanted to take a moment to share how truly extraordinary our experience was, thanks to your incredible staff. We had arrived at your restaurant after a frustrating experience earlier in the day. We had been scammed out of tickets for the 3:00 showing of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and while my wife was trying to resolve the issue with Ticketmaster, I thought we could at least enjoy a drink and try to make the best of it. My wife had been really excited for the performance, so needless to say, she was disappointed. What followed, however, turned what could have been a discouraging evening into something unforgettable. Our server, Carlos, came over and informed us that his manager had overheard our situation and wanted to offer us a free appetizer. We were so touched by this generous gesture. As the night continued, my wife was still on the phone trying to resolve the issue, and at that point, Kayla, another member of your team, came over and offered us a free dinner. Again, we were so grateful, and the kindness shown by your staff really started to lift our spirits. But the incredible service didn’t stop there. Later on, Kayla asked if we had any plans for the evening, and when we mentioned that we were heading home due to the day’s frustrations, she smiled and said, “Okay, so you have no plans. Good to know.” We had no idea what was coming next. Jon, your General Manager, then came over to our table with some astonishing news. He had purchased two tickets for us to attend the 7:30 showing of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! We were completely taken aback—shocked, in fact. We thought we might be on a hidden camera show. But that’s not all. Jon didn’t stop there. When he learned that the digital tickets hadn’t come through, he walked with us to the Toyota Center Box Office, personally bought us two tickets, and handed them to us with a smile. “Enjoy the show,” he said. We were floored by his generosity and thoughtfulness. This act of kindness truly went above and beyond anything we could have imagined. We’ve been loyal customers of your Lamar Street, NRG, Sugar Land, Little Pappasito’s, and Webster locations for quite some time, and we’ve always considered your restaurants among the best in Houston. But after this experience, we feel even more connected to the Pappasito's family. The care and heart shown by your staff, particularly Carlos, Kayla, and Jon, made all the difference in our night. We can’t thank you enough for turning what had started as a disappointing evening into a truly memorable one. Please pass along our deepest gratitude to everyone involved. Thank you again for your exceptional hospitality and for going above and beyond to make us feel valued. We will continue to be loyal patrons of your restaurants, and we’ll be sure to share this incredible story with friends and family.“

“This restaurant always delivers great service, and the fajitas are incredibly tender and juicy — they practically melt in your mouth. The menu offers a wide variety of options, including enchiladas, seafood platters, and many other delicious choices. It’s a great spot for large parties, but also perfect for a casual getaway with your spouse and children. Highly recommended!“

“The food was very good. We drive about 45 minutes to find here. The shelf margarita was great! I had the shrimp,steak, and chicken fajita with salad- very enjoyable. Since I don't eat pork, I was extremely happy that the waitress was familiar with the menu items and could tell me food products with bacon/lard.“

“Fresh avocado on tacos and perfect maduros.“

“I love this place! The food is incredible and the staff is so attentive and friendly. I always get the fajita combo with chicken and beef. Their salsa + meat are honestly phenomenal. I love that they added the new sautéed spinach as a side- super delish. Matt, the GM, is so kind, attentive, and just has the best customer service! The staff looks like they’re having a great time, which makes the environment a lot more inviting. Definitely recommend!“

“She was such a good server I want her everytime we come here she always come by our table to see if we need anything and she make suggestions we love her“

“My friend had recommended me to go out and try this place for some time . I decided to go out with some friends and the food was amazing here I had the Cabo combo and it was so good. Our waiter was so sweet and she came by often to check on us to see if we needed anything. I highly recommend that you go out and try this place the hostess I had was named jakaylaa very sweet girl.“

“Fajita Flats is a family owned business. A small business like this is TOUGH to run and keep running. No one is perfect, but these guys work hard to make it the best they can. They have a fantastic staff who have been with them for years who all part their heart and souls into keeping that business alive though great food and service. It is truly a place where even a stranger can feel welcome and at home.“

“First went to The Original El Gallo on Jones Rd around 1984. It was a frequent place to get Tex Mex for my good friend Mike Logan & his family. Have loved going there ever since. The best thing is it tastes as good today as it did the first time. Only complaint is we don’t live close enough to go as often.“

“I’ve eaten here multiple times through delivery, but came in person for the first time today. I was quite impressed. The restaurant is very clean and the ambience was very elegant, allowing an environment for intimate dining. The server was nice and attentive, and the food was fresh and delicious. Happy customer here 🤗“

“NAVY FLEET WEEK HOUSTON! My Sailors thank you for the hospitality!!!

If flavor had a chain of command, this place would be running the whole operation.

I went in thinking I’d grab a solid meal… I walked out questioning every other fajita I’ve ever trusted in my life.

Let’s start with the steak & shrimp fajitas—these things didn’t just sizzle, they made an entrance like they had something to prove. The steak was tender enough to make you pause mid-bite and reconsider your life choices, and the shrimp were seasoned like they had been training for this moment their entire career. Every bite hit like a perfectly executed game plan—no weak links, no missed assignments.

Now the chips and salsa? Listen… I don’t know what they’re putting in that salsa, but it’s dangerously addictive. I told myself “just a few chips” and next thing I know I’m emotionally invested in the bottom of the basket. Fresh, bold, just enough kick to keep you honest without sending you into a five-alarm situation.

The atmosphere? Loud in the best way. Energy everywhere. You’re not just eating—you’re part of something. Service was on point too—quick, friendly, and never let the table fall apart. Water refilled before I even realized I needed it. That’s elite-level awareness.

Final verdict:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and then some)

If you’re in Houston and you’re not pulling up to El Tiempo at least once… you’re wrong. Respectfully.

I’ll be back. Probably sooner than my diet would prefer.“

“I’m from south Texas where the food is delicious when it comes to authentic Mexican food.

Tacos shouldn’t be that difficult to make, yet some places… I’m just confused. How do you mess up the flavor in a taco.

This place tastes just like home and I’m so happy I finally found a food truck with that authentic Mexican flavor 😋💯“

“Fantastic food, as always.

Would be a 5 star review but the service level varies by location. At the Washington location the staff boxes leftovers for you but gessner leaves the to go boxes for the customer to box. No big deal but does affect the tip. Excellent nonetheless.“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Tex-Mex Institution You Can’t Copy Molina’s Cantina Westheimer has been serving authentic Tex-Mex for over 80 years, and it’s easy to see why. The house margarita is legendary — truly one of the best in Texas. Many have tried to copy the original salsa and the iconic Jose’s Dip, but nothing comes close. The dedication shows: some staff have been here 40–50+ years! Last night I had the Bubba de Tejas Hambergueso con Queso, and it was absolutely over the top — possibly the best burger I’ve ever had. A true Texas classic.“

“Nice Mexican food. If you are looking for Mexican food, El Tiempo is your top choices. We usually have fajitas on Wednesday. There is plenty of food that we have left over to enjoy the next day. Their freshly made tortillas and salsa is amazing 🤩. We dine in and catered out for our clients.“

“Lino was absolutely excellent! Service was top notch & he was very attentive and kind. Nick the kitchen manager came out and spoke to us asking how our meal was. I haven’t had that happen in a long time and it was refreshing to see. The location is great and food was delicious as always!!“

“Great experience here on a quick trip to Houston: my server Christopher was kind and helpful, giving recommendations that made the meal and taking time to talk about the Texans when I started the conversation. Fajitas were tops, chips and salsa really good too. Zero complaints, will definitely be back.“

“The manager, Mr. Bowman, is a hero! He helped us greatly in dealing with a patient in a nearby Nursing facility like a champ. So grateful for his loving concern and just plain on human kindness which is rare sometimes. We will never forget it. Thank you againg!“

“I have been going here before the fire. I still see the regular customers same as myself still going. Very good food and service!“

“The chicken fajitas dinner for 2 ! Chicken fajitas, spanish rice and charro beans with flour tortillas was seasoned so good. The food was so Great !! we will be definitely be back🫶🏼 #firstvisit #lunchtime #texmexfood #hiddengems“

“This is my favorite restaurant! The food is consistently delicious! The salsa is my favorite, and it's made fresh everyday. The staff is phenomenal! They are friendly and very attentive, making us feel like we are home! I LOVE this place and cannot recommend it enough! 5 stars!“

“I love there green chicken enchiladas always fresh and the margaritas and so good to top a great dinner“

“Great! Just like old times.“

“Me and my husband go here for our anniversary and our birthdays best mexican restaurant and food in spring branch ?“

“pre-birthday celebration I have been coming to Houston Molina's for 25 years. Love it so much! ❤️“

“What a great way to start my day. I was there when they opened today and the food hit the spot. Best tacos in Houston. And the smiles and welcome from the friendly staff only made it better. 5-stars for sure“

“Great staff and the chiles rellenos were so good!!“

“We had a wonderful dinner with friends last night at Good Co. Cantina! Everything from the service (Jose was our waiter), to the cocktails (Mexican mule was delicious), and the Parrillada Familiar was excellent.“