Houston, Texas is a great place to try Tex-Mex food, because they understand what true Tex-Mex is. Unlike some restaurants (especially when you get away from the border states), Houston restaurants don’t try to pass of Mexican food as Tex-Mex. Houston, Texas restaurants understand the origins of “America’s first original food,” that combination of Mexican peasant food and the early fare of Texas cowboys and ranchers. Dishes such as chili con carne, chili con queso, and fajitas are true Tex-Mex fare, and the following Houston, Texas restaurants do it best.
Original’s Ninfa’s on Navigation. 2704 Navigation Blvd. In addition to Tex-Mex, Original Ninfa’s serves traditional Mexican fare as well, but their fajitas are to die for. Make sure you check out the tacos, too, at this Houston, Texas restaurant. A heavy use of chilis makes this Tex-Mex restaurant really stand out. You can visit their website here.
Chuy’s. 9350 Westheimer. I know this is a chain but for great Tex-Mex food you really can’t beat Chuy’s. Just try their “ponchos” (nachos with fajita chicken or beef) or their Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom and you’ll see what I mean. For more information on this fun Houston, Texas restaurant, click here.
Fonda Dona Maria. 120 Tidwell. This is an authentic Mexican restaurant, but they also have great Tex-Mex. In addition to the excellent enchiladas and fajitas, don’t miss this Houston, Texas restaurant’s guacamole (a weakness for me!) They don’t have a website but you can give them a call if you have questions (713-695-5540).
Cadillac Bar. 1802 Shepherd. At this Houston, Texas restaurant, Chicken Flameado and the Fiesta Platter (hot, hot, hot) are two of my favorites. Don’t let the name put you off – this is one awesome Tex-Mex restaurant. There is lots of traditional Mexican fare here, too, for you purists. To check out their website, go here.
Chiloso’s Taco House. 701 East 20th. Awesome enchiladas and a heavy use of chilis make their Tex-Mex really stand out. Not to repeat myself, but try the fajitas (hey, this is a Tex-Mex review.) They have great pico de gallo, too. This is a lunch-only Houston, Texas restaurant, so stop in earlier rather than later. No website, either, but give a call if you need to at (713-868-2273).
El Tiempo Cantina. Richmond Avenue (they have locations on Washington and Montrose, too, but I have not been there. Yet.) A Tex-Mex restaurant called “El Tiempo” something? Really? Okay, not being funny anymore – this is one of the best. This Houston, Texas restaurant has outstanding chalupas (try the Chalupas Especiales), shrimp enchiladas, and margaritas. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, so if you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, stop in no matter what time of day. You can visit their website here.
Spanish Village Restaurant. 4720 Almeda. Try this Houston, Texas restaurant’s fajita steak, and the J.T. Smith’s Special is a must-try (chili con queso and a beef taco!) Don’t forget to order a margarita! Spanish Village has authentic Mexican food as well. For more information on this Houston landmark click here.
Don Teo’s Mexican Restaurant. 2026 West 35th. Supreme Nachos – that really says it all, doesn’t it? Also try their Tacos el Carbon for a great Tex-Mex experience right here in Houston. Don Teo’s has won all kinds of restaurant awards, too, in case my word isn’t good enough. You can find their website here.
Source List:
Personal experience
http://ninfas.com
http://www.chuys.com/#/houston
http://cadillacbar.com
http://spanishvillagerestaurant.com
http://donteos.com
