11 Tex-Mex Restaurants In Houston That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
Houston knows how to bring the heat when it comes to Tex-Mex. Think sizzling fajitas, queso with just the right kick, and margaritas that pack a punch – all reasons locals keep coming back for more.
The city’s kitchens mix Texas heartiness with Mexican soul, often leaning on family recipes that have stood the test of time.
Exactly the following 11 restaurants showcase the very best Tex-Mex flavors the Bayou City proudly calls its own.
1. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
Stepping into this East End institution feels like walking through Houston culinary history. Since 1973, The Original Ninfa’s has been serving up sizzling fajitas al carbón that changed how Houstonians eat Tex-Mex forever.
Their house-made flour tortillas arrive hot and pillowy, perfect for wrapping around tender, mesquite-grilled meat. The legendary green sauce adds a tangy kick that regulars crave constantly.
A visit isn’t complete without experiencing the historic but polished atmosphere that makes this Navigation Boulevard landmark special.
2. El Tiempo Cantina
Family legacy flavors every bite at El Tiempo. The Laurenzo family knows Tex-Mex, crafting mesquite-grilled fajitas that arrive at your table still sizzling and fragrant with smoke.
Their jumbo margaritas pack a punch while remaining perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too tart. The queso here deserves its own fan club, with a smooth, creamy texture that coats every chip perfectly.
With multiple locations throughout Houston, including a newer South Loop site, El Tiempo delivers consistent, big-flavor Tex-Mex that keeps locals coming back.
3. Pappasito’s Cantina
Reliability matters in the Tex-Mex world, and Pappasito’s delivers it in spades. Part of Houston’s beloved Pappas restaurant empire, this cantina serves consistently excellent fajitas that please even the pickiest eaters.
Back in college, my friends and I would pool our limited funds for Pappasito’s queso – it was worth eating ramen the rest of the week! The fresh tortillas arrive in a special warmer, keeping them soft until the last bite.
Spacious patios make this spot perfect for group celebrations, with multiple locations throughout the city.
4. Molina’s Cantina
History flavors every dish at Molina’s, Houston’s oldest continuously operating Tex-Mex restaurant. Their enchiladas swim in chili gravy that follows the same recipe from decades past.
Jose’s Dip – a beloved off-menu queso topped with seasoned ground beef – creates new converts daily. Don’t miss the complimentary escabeche, a tangy pickled vegetable mix that adds brightness to rich dishes.
Families have been celebrating special occasions here for generations, creating a neighborhood institution that bridges Houston’s past and present.
5. Lupe Tortilla
Lime-peppered beef fajitas steal the show at Lupe Tortilla. Their signature marinade creates a citrusy tang that cuts through the richness of perfectly grilled beef, creating a flavor explosion with every bite.
I still remember watching the tortilla maker press fresh dough through a machine, creating impossibly thin, perfectly round tortillas. These fresh-pressed beauties arrive warm, pliable, and ready for filling.
Weekend brunch brings out the breakfast taco enthusiasts, who know Lupe’s morning plates deliver the same quality as their dinner options.
6. Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila
Upscale vibes meet traditional flavors at Escalante’s. Their tableside guacamole preparation adds theatrical flair to your meal, with servers carefully balancing flavors to your preference.
The enchiladas arrive smothered in rich sauces that complement rather than overwhelm the fillings. Fajitas sizzle with the right amount of char, bringing smoky notes to each bite.
Tequila connoisseurs appreciate the extensive selection, with flights available for those who want to explore different expressions of Mexico’s signature spirit.
7. Cyclone Anaya’s Tex-Mex Cantina
Named for a professional wrestler who married a beauty queen, Cyclone Anaya’s story is as colorful as its food. Their jumbo crab nachos have achieved legendary status among Houston foodies – each chip perfectly topped with sweet crabmeat and melted cheese.
Lobster enchiladas offer a luxurious twist on a Tex-Mex standard. The tender lobster meat pairs beautifully with their signature sauces.
The retro Houston brand has evolved with sleek, modern dining rooms that maintain nods to its heritage, especially at their River Oaks District location.
8. Los Tios Mexican Restaurant
Comfort food defines Los Tios, where generations of Houstonians have celebrated life’s milestones. Their puffy queso – a crisp tortilla puffed by frying, then topped with beans and queso – creates a textural masterpiece unlike anything at other Tex-Mex spots.
The combination plates offer perfect portions of various Tex-Mex classics. You’ll never leave hungry after tackling one of these generous platters.
My grandparents took me here for my first Tex-Mex experience, and the family-friendly service remains unchanged decades later, making it a true Houston institution.
9. Candente
Smoke and fire influence everything at Montrose’s Candente. The wood-fired grill imparts complex flavors to their fajitas and carne asada that gas grilling simply cannot match.
The queso arrives bubbling hot, with the perfect consistency for chip dipping. Their margaritas pack a punch while maintaining balance, a hallmark of thoughtful bartending.
A Michelin Guide Texas inclusion validates what locals already knew: this Yoakum Boulevard hotspot delivers serious Tex-Mex with attention to detail that elevates familiar dishes to new heights.
10. Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen
Value meets quality at Gringo’s on the southeast side. Their famous Cadillac margaritas arrive in generously sized glasses, perfectly balancing tequila with fresh lime and a splash of orange liqueur.
The queso features a smooth texture that coats each chip without breaking it – a technical achievement any Tex-Mex fan appreciates. Fajitas sizzle dramatically when they arrive at your table.
The combination plates offer Houston’s best bang-for-your-buck, with portions that guarantee leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. The friendly service makes everyone feel like a regular.
11. Irma’s Original
Irma’s now provides a printed menu with daily offerings, but service still feels like visiting a Mexican grandmother’s kitchen. This creates an authentic, home-style experience that feels like visiting a Mexican grandmother’s kitchen.
The rotating Tex-Mex plates might include cheese-smothered enchiladas one day and tender pork tamales the next. Their house-made aguas frescas offer sweet relief from Houston’s heat.
Baseball fans pack this Chenevert Street gem before Astros games at nearby Minute Maid Park. The restaurant adjusts its hours on game days, staying open until about 7 pm to accommodate hungry fans.