The Top 5 Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston
Our Criteria:
1. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
Menu: Small Guacamole, Chile Con Queso, Queso Asado, Mushroom Quesadillas, Chicken Fajitas, Antiguas Enchiladas, Al Pastor Tacos, Tejas Combo, and Sopapillas Jamaica
Website: https://ninfas.com
Address: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003, United States
Contact Details: (713) 228-1175
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Google Review | 4/5 |
OpenTable Rating | 5/5 |
Kayak Rating | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Flavor | 5/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Service | 4/5 |
Pros
- Covered outdoor seating
- Vegan options
- Kid’s menu
- Delivery
Cons
- Doesn’t accept Android Pay
- Not pet-friendly
- No Wi-Fi
If you’re looking for a spot to satisfy your craving for mouth-watering, lip-smacking, and finger-licking Tex-Mex cuisine, then The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is the place to be.
As we strolled into the restaurant, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy, from the lively music to the vibrant decor, we couldn’t help but feel the lively spirit of this place.
We loved their menu because it was a treasure trove of Tex-Mex goodies. From sizzling fajitas to succulent tacos, everything looked delicious.
We started our journey with the quintessential Tex-Mex appetizer, guacamole, and chips. The chips were warm and crunchy, and the guacamole had just the right amount of spice to it.
Next up were the fajitas, and boy, were they a sight to behold. The smell of sizzling onions and peppers wafting from the skillet made our stomachs growl with anticipation.
The meat was cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, and it was accompanied by all the traditional fixings. We wrapped up the meat and toppings in a warm tortilla and enjoyed every bite.
However, if you’re planning on dining here, bring your wallet because they don’t accept Android Pay.
And listen up, fellow pet owners, leave your furry friends at home because this joint isn’t pet-friendly.
Overall, the cost at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation was reasonable for the quality of food we received, and we left feeling satisfied. As they say in the movies, “Come for the food, stay for the experience!”
2. El Tiempo Cantina
Menu: Strawberry Frozen Margarita, Guacamole, Frajita Enchilada, Chicken Flautas, Fried Ice Cream. Charro Beans, Tres Leches Cake, Michelada, and Ceviche
Website: https://www.eltiempocantina.com
Address: 2814 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003, United States
Contact Details: (713) 222-6800
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Staurday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Google Review | 4/5 |
TripAdvisor Rating | 5/5 |
Yelp Rating | 4/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Menu | 4/5 |
Flavor | 4/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Service | 4/5 |
Pros
- Curbside pickup
- Offers catering
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor seating
Cons
- Doesn’t accept Apple Pay
- No drive-thru
- Not pet-friendly
Oh boy, did we stumble upon a hidden gem. El Tiempo Cantina is a must-visit for all you foodies out there.
From fajitas to enchiladas to tacos, El Tiempo has got it all.
We decided to go with the classic fajitas because we wanted to test the restaurant’s chops with the basics. And boy, were we impressed.
The meat was perfectly cooked, and the spices were on point. And let’s not forget about the queso dip. It was so good, we could have just drunk it straight from the bowl.
El Tiempo knocks it out of the park in the taste department. The food was bursting with flavor and had just the right amount of spice.
We were sweating and chugging water, but we couldn’t stop eating. It was like a party in our mouths, and everyone was invited.
The ambiance was also top-notch. The restaurant had a great vibe with a mix of modern and traditional decor.
It felt like we were in a trendy Mexican cantina straight out of a Quentin Tarantino film. The music was lively and had us tapping our feet throughout the meal.
But if you’re craving for a cheap meal, this isn’t your spot. The place is a bit on the pricey side, so prepare to fork over some cash.
Moreover, if you’re looking for a quick Tex-Mex fix, El Tiempo ain’t it. No drive-thru, no fast lane, just good old fashioned sit-down dining.
Despite these hiccups, we loved El Tiempo Cantina because the menu is extensive, the flavor is explosive, and the ambiance is lively. It’s like a little slice of Tex-Mex heaven right in the heart of Houston.
3. Teotihuacan
Menu: Chips and Salsa, Mango Margarita and Watermelon, Menudo, Corn Tortillas, Taco de Chapulines, El Pastor, Queso Flameado, Snapper Al Cilantro, and Michelada
Website: https://teomexicancafe.com
Address: 1511 Airline Dr, Houston, Texas 77009, United States
Contact Details: (713) 426-4420
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Google Review | 4/5 |
Yelp Rating | 4/5 |
TripAdvisor Rating | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Menu | 4/5 |
Flavor | 5/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- Curbside pickup
- Full Bar
- Kid-friendly
Cons
- No reservations
- No outdoor seating
- No Wi-Fi
Hey there amigos, we just stumbled upon Teotihuacan, and we’re already in love with this flavor-packed establishment.
The menu is like a greatest hits album of Tex-Mex cuisine — they’ve got everything from sizzling fajitas to crispy tacos to cheesy enchiladas. And don’t even get us started on the queso — it’s practically a religious experience.
The real star of the show is the flavor. We were even tempted to ask for a straw so we could drink up every last drop of the salsa.
And let’s not forget about the ambiance — this joint has got some serious personality. From the colorful decor to the lively music, it feels like a fiesta is happening every night, and we don’t want it to end!
Unfortunately, Teotihuacan doesn’t take reservations. That’s right folks, if you want a table at this flavor-packed fiesta, you better be ready to show up early and wait your turn.
And sorry, sun worshippers — Teotihuacan is strictly an indoor affair. That means no patio, no al fresco dining, and no chance of catching a tan while you chow down on some tasty Tex-Mex.
In summary, if you’re looking for a joint that’s packed with flavor, personality, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg, Teotihuacan is the place for you. We give it an enthusiastic thumbs up.
4. Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage
Menu: Brisket Enchiladas, Mimosa, Breakfast Quesadillas, Tortilla Soup, Seafood Ceviche, Chicken Enchiladas, Shrimp Tacos, Pozole, Chipotle Deviled Eggs, and Beef Fajitas
Website: https://texmexgarage.com
Address: 2009 W 34th St Suite A, Houston, Texas 77018, United States
Contact Details: (281) 251-8489
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Facebook Rating | 5/5 |
OpenTable Rating | 5/5 |
Grubhub Rating | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 5/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Flavor | 4/5 |
Ambiance | 4/5 |
Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- Takes reservations
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts Apple Pay
- Covered outdoor seating
Cons
- Doesn’t accept Android Pay
- No bike parking
- No drive-thru
We recently paid a visit to Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage, and we left feeling like we’d been on a wild ride through the Lone Star State.
The menu is a chock-full of classic Tex-Mex dishes like fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas, but with a twist that sets it apart from your average taqueria.
For instance, the “Garage Queso” — a molten, melty blend of cheese, chorizo, and roasted poblano peppers — had us reaching for the nearest tortilla chip with reckless abandon.
But it’s not just the food that makes Valencia’s Tex-Mex so special. The ambiance is pure, unadulterated fun.
And the music — oh, the music. We heard everything from classic country to modern-day hits, and it all had us tapping our toes and nodding our heads.
Valencia’s Tex-Mex won’t break the bank — in fact, we were pleasantly surprised by how affordable the prices were. For the quality of food and the overall experience, we felt like we got a steal.
However, it looks like Valencia’s Tex-Mex forgot to invite our bikes to the party. We searched high and low for a spot to park our trusty two-wheelers, but alas, nada.
Android Pay users are also out of luck here. Our trusty payment method was met with a big old “no gracias” at the register.
Overall, if you’re looking for a Tex-Mex joint that’s a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, a little bit country, and a whole lot of delicious, look no further than Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage. We guarantee you won’t regret it.
5. Cyclone Anaya’s
Menu: Avion Strawberry Margarita, Crab Nachos, Fish Tacos, Complimentary Chips and Salsa, Enchilada Plate, Crispy Shrimp Tacos, Watermelon Margarita, and Veggie Fajitas
Website: https://www.cycloneanaya.com
Address: 5214 Morningside Dr, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
Contact Details: (713) 523-3600
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Google Review | 4/5 |
Yelp Rating | 4/5 |
TripAdvisor Rating | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Menu | 4/5 |
Flavor | 4/5 |
Ambiance | 4/5 |
Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- Takes reservations
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
Cons
- Doesn’t accept Apple Pay
- Not pet-friendly
- Not kid-friendly
We just rode our horses to Cyclone Anaya’s and let’s tell you, it was a real hootenanny.
The menu will make your taste buds do the two-step. We recommend starting with the guacamole, which is so fresh and flavorful it’ll make you want to bust a move.
If you’re feeling daring, go for the fajitas — they’re sizzling and smoking hot, just like a cowboy in a western movie.
Speaking of movies, the ambiance at Cyclone Anaya’s is like something straight out of a John Wayne film. With its rustic decor, dim lighting, and lively chatter, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a saloon in the Wild West.
We know dining out can get pricey, but at Cyclone Anaya’s, you won’t break the bank. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, especially given the high quality of the food and service.
Despite the bright colors and cute characters, this joint isn’t for the little ones.
And attention to all tech-savvy diners: leave your apples at home because this place won’t take a bite. That’s right, this establishment doesn’t accept Apple Pay as a payment method.
Nevertheless, we can’t recommend Cyclone Anaya’s enough. It’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a date with your significant other — so grab your boots and head on over there.