12 Mexican Restaurants In Texas That Will Blow Your Mind
Texas and Mexican food go together like tortillas and salsa. It’s a match made in culinary heaven! From family-owned gems to award-winning establishments, the Lone Star State boasts some of the most authentic and innovative Mexican cuisine in the country.
Whether you’re craving traditional street tacos or upscale mole dishes, these 12 mind-blowing Mexican restaurants across Texas will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
1. Tatemó: Houston’s Corn-Obsessed Michelin Bib Gourmand
Corn isn’t just a side dish at Tatemó—it’s the star of the show. This Houston gem earned a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand for its dedication to nixtamalized corn and traditional techniques.
Chef Emmanuel Chavez transforms humble masa into extraordinary dishes like their famous mole negro and pillowy gorditas.
My grandmother would weep with joy if she tasted their handmade tortillas, which remind me of summers in Oaxaca.
2. El Hidalguense: Houston’s Hidden Hidalgo Treasure
Since 1994, El Hidalguense has been Houston’s portal to authentic Hidalgo cuisine, earning recognition from The New York Times for good reason. The intoxicating aroma of slow-roasted barbacoa hits you before you even open the door.
Weekend warriors flock here for the cabrito (roasted goat) and carnitas that practically melt in your mouth. Family recipes passed down through generations create flavors you simply can’t find elsewhere in Texas.
3. Belly of the Beast: Spring’s Tasting Menu Marvel
Tucked away in Spring, Texas, this Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient has revolutionized Mexican dining with its innovative tasting menu. Chef Thomas Bille crafts seasonal dishes that honor Mexican traditions while embracing Texas ingredients.
The restaurant’s intimate setting feels like dining in someone’s home. I once drove two hours just for their duck carnitas, and I’d happily do it again.
Their commitment to local sourcing and handmade tortillas has earned them well-deserved James Beard recognition.
4. Mixtli: San Antonio’s Progressive Mexican Journey
Mixtli isn’t just a meal but a culinary expedition through Mexico’s diverse regions. This James Beard semifinalist serves elegant tasting menus that change regularly, each telling stories of Mexican history and culture through food.
The intimate dining space seats just 12 guests, creating an experience that feels exclusive and personal. Chefs Diego Galicia and Rico Torres transform traditional recipes into modern masterpieces using techniques that honor their heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
5. Santa Catarina: Cedar Park’s Flavor Fiesta
Cedar Park might seem like an unlikely location for Texas’s top Mexican restaurant, but Santa Catarina has earned that reputation through sheer culinary excellence. Their fajitas sizzle with perfection: tender, marinated meat accompanied by handmade tortillas that put chain restaurants to shame.
I still dream about their enchiladas smothered in complex mole sauce. The margaritas deserve their own praise, with fresh-squeezed lime juice and premium tequila creating the perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
6. Cuantos Tacos: Austin’s Street Taco Revolution
From humble food truck to Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Cuantos Tacos brings authentic Mexico City street flavors to Austin. Chef Luis “Beto” Robledo’s menu focuses on perfectly executed simplicity—corn tortillas topped with succulent meats like suadero, tripas, and carnitas.
Each taco comes dressed traditionally with just cilantro, onion, and salsa, letting the expertly prepared proteins shine. The line forms early, but trust me, these Mexico City-style tacos are worth every minute of the wait.
7. Suerte: Austin’s Masa Masterpiece
Suerte means “luck” in Spanish, but there’s nothing lucky about this Austin restaurant’s success—it’s pure skill. Their masa-centric menu celebrates corn in all its glory, from hand-pressed tortillas to creative antojitos that showcase traditional nixtamalization techniques.
The oak-fired grill infuses smoky notes into dishes like their legendary goat barbacoa. Michelin recognition came as no surprise to locals who’ve long treasured Executive Chef Fermín Núñez’s dedication to sourcing heirloom corn varieties and transforming them into edible art.
8. La Condesa: Austin’s Urban Mexican Escape
Downtown Austin’s La Condesa brings the sophisticated flavors of Mexico City to Texas with style and substance. Named after Mexico City’s hip arts district, this restaurant delivers upscale Mexican cuisine that’s both authentic and innovative.
Their guacamole flight lets you sample different regional variations side by side. The interior’s colorful murals and modern design create the perfect backdrop for enjoying their famous carnitas and complex mole dishes.
Their tequila and mezcal selection rivals collections found in Mexico’s finest establishments.
9. Hugo’s: Houston’s Authentic Mexican Institution
Chef Hugo Ortega’s flagship restaurant has defined authentic interior Mexican cuisine in Houston for decades. This James Beard Award winner’s menu explores regional specialties far beyond Tex-Mex favorites, with dishes rarely seen north of the border.
The Sunday brunch buffet has reached legendary status among Houstonians. When my Mexican grandmother visited from Puebla, she gave Hugo’s the ultimate compliment: “This tastes like home.”
Their house-made chocolate and traditional moles showcase the chef’s Oaxacan roots with stunning authenticity.
10. The Original Ninfa’s: Houston’s Tex-Mex Pioneer
Legend has it that fajitas as we know them today were popularized at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation Boulevard. Since 1973, this Houston institution has been serving what many consider the definitive Tex-Mex experience.
Mama Ninfa’s legacy lives on in sizzling platters of perfectly grilled skirt steak and handmade tortillas. The restaurant’s historic charm remains intact despite its popularity.
Their green sauce—a creamy, spicy concoction—is so beloved that locals buy it by the quart.
11. Casa Rio: San Antonio’s Riverside Classic
Established in 1946, Casa Rio holds the distinction of being the first restaurant on San Antonio’s famous River Walk. Their colorful umbrellas have become an iconic part of the city’s landscape, almost as recognizable as the Alamo itself.
While tourists flock here for the atmosphere, locals return for generations-old recipes like their enchiladas and tamales. I proposed to my wife here 15 years ago, and we return every anniversary for their chile rellenos.
The riverside mariachi serenades add the perfect touch to this quintessential San Antonio experience.
12. Los Tios: Houston’s Tex-Mex Time Machine
Since 1970, Los Tios has been serving comfort food that defines Houston’s Tex-Mex scene across its five locations. Their puffy queso chips, a local obsession, arrive piping hot at your table, ready to be dunked in their famous chile con queso.
The combination plates come loaded with all the classics: enchiladas, crispy tacos, and tamales. Their green sauce recipe remains unchanged for over 50 years.
Walking into Los Tios feels like stepping into a delicious time capsule where Tex-Mex traditions are preserved with care.