16 Best Mexican Restaurants In Houston

Tortillas? Burritos? Tacos? Have you ever got a chance to try out the Texas-sized plates of these lip-smacking delicacies? If you are in Houston, Mexican food is so prevalent in Texas that there is no way you never had it. 

Traditional Mexican food is heavenly. With every bite you take, you will experience a burst of flavors in your mouth. It’s spicy, tangy, and sweet – all in one go. There is no linear palate for Mexican food, and that’s what’s the best about it. 

If you are in Houston, there is no shortage of Mexican restaurants. You may munch on some crispy nachos if you are in a hurry or stop by a restaurant to have a proper “Comida,” a large meal as the Spanish say, followed by a dessert with perfectly balanced sweetness. You may even have some Margaritas to freshen up your mind. 

Whether you love sweet, savory, spicy veggies, or meat, Mexican cuisine has something for everyone. So if you want to have the best authentic Mexican food in Houston or you are devoted to Mexican fast food, have it at these restaurants to experience the authentic culture of this town. Below are some of the top Mexican restaurants in Houston that you must visit. 

16 Best Mexican Restaurants In Houston

• Xochi 

Address

1777 Walker St Suite A, Houston, TX 77010-5023

Price Range

$$ – $$$

Must try

Memela, Enchiladas, Robalo, Atun 

Xochi is perfect for an elegant family dinner or a date night with your partner. The ambiance is posh, the interiors are classy, and the amiable staff. In addition, the restaurant celebrates the variety and beauty of Oaxaca and Mexico. 

The beverage director Sean has an ultimate menu of drinks for you to try. You can enjoy some fantastic margaritas and a massive variety of mezcal and mezcal-based drinks. You can even try authentic Mexican wine with your large plates of delicious dishes. 

The restaurant is a gift to us from award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega and the culinary staff of the H Town Restaurant Group. So bring your family or your date for a lavish evening dinner or maybe for brunch and take a culinary journey to the streets of Mexico. 

• Hugo’s

Address

1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006-3728

Price range
$$-$$$

Must try

Pulpo Al Carbon, Grilled Octopus, Lobster Tacos

Named after the famous award-winning Chef and native of a Mexican chef, Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Houston, Texas. Hailing from the country gives the Chef an advantage of bringing his homeland’s authentic recipes and flavors to the restaurant near you. The best of what he has discovered and tasted while growing up is on the menu. 

Traditional Mexican delicacies, such as different cheeses, moles, tortillas, and chocolate desserts, are served here with pride. 

The restaurant’s wine, cocktail, and tequila menu have won numerous awards. The best part is that everything is made from scratch in the traditional Mexican style. Even the cheese used in various dishes is made in-house. 

• Caracol 

Address

2200 Post Oak Blvd Suite #160, Houston, TX 77056-4700

Price range 

$$$-$$$$

Must try

Ostiones Asados, Grilled Oysters, Mariscos Al Ajillo, Frog Legs

Sea-food lovers, don’t worry. Caracol has got you covered. Caracol is another beautiful restaurant owned and run by Chef Hugo. If you genuinely appreciate seafood flavors, you must visit Caracol at least once. 

The restaurant is slightly pricey, but the Mexican-style coastal dishes that visit Caracol are worth every penny. Every bite you take will make your tongue tickle and crave for more. 

Talking about the ambiance, it’s warm and inviting, complete with stunning décor and excellent music. The restaurant has gone to great lengths to provide a world-class dining experience. So if you want to dine with your date under the sky, with fresh air and natural light that sets a romantic tone, Caracol has you covered. But, first, you have to reserve a table on their gorgeously designed patio.

• The Original Ninfa’s On Navigation

Address 

El Tiempo Cantina

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Marinated And Grilled Beef Skirt Steak Fajitas, Al Carbon Enchilada, Tres Leches, Lobster Enchiladas

If you are seeking authentic, delicious Mexican brunch, Houston will not leave you disappointed. 

Situated in the heart of downtown Houston, The Original Ninfa’s On Navigation takes you on a trip back in time. The environment of the restaurant is elegant and charming. The atmosphere, the design, and the lighting all have an old vintage vibe to them. Original Ninfa’s is perfect for a dinner or lunch with family or a date. 

The restaurant is famous for its Fajitas. Since the place was launched in 1973, it has driven people crazy with its meaty, flavor-packed Fajitas. But if you are not a meat lover, you can certainly give its vegetarian version a try. 

Today the main Chef at Ninfa’s is Alex Padilla, and he is doing a great job carrying forward the legacy left behind by Ninfa. So come here with your family for outstanding Mexican cuisine, some fantastic desserts, and the Fajitas. 

• El Tiempo Cantina

Address

5602 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007-5135

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Fajita Burrito, Rib Eye Steak Tampiquena, Fried Ice Cream, House Margarita 

El Tiempo Cantina is another restaurant whose origin started with Ninfa’s delicious traditional Mexican food. It is one of the most famous places in Houston for Tex-Mex cuisine, especially Fajitas. The restaurant will transport you to Mexico from a few decades ago. 

The restaurant has undoubtedly maintained the authenticity of Mexican culture and cuisine. You can see (rather taste) it in their food, the way it is served, and even in their ambiance. It is the best place to try some fun and classic Tex-Mex food. Invite your friends and family to try out Houston’s best authentic Mexican food at El Tiempo Cantina. Do not skip their Margaritas! 

• Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

Address

1511 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009-3605

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Taco de Chapulnes, El Pastor, Menudo, Mango & Watermelon Margarita, Teotihuacan Parrillada

If you have ever gone past the Airline Drive, you must have noticed the enormous pink funky board of Teotihuacan Cafe. The restaurant is best to munch on some genuine Tex-Mex cuisine. You can stop by the cafe for a Mexican brunch in Houston or come with your partner for a lavish dinner, and their menu covers it all. 

The cafe’s interior is a little old-fashioned, but as they say, vintage is the new modern. They preserve many old memories and old artifacts on their walls, which is perfect for a stunning Instagram story. 

• Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen

Address

6320 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009

Price

$ 

Must try

Gortidas, Chilaquiles Mexicanos & Avocado, Pork Plate, Chicharrón

Good Mexican food is always accessible in Houston, whether your pocket is flooded with cash. Good Mexican restaurants in Houston don’t have to be expensive. Puebla’s Kitchen is a sweet and vibrant cafe that serves fantastic Mexican food. You will love the coffee here. 

You can have a Breakfast Torta or any other breakfast dish from their vast menu to satisfy your taste buds. The place looks very colorful. It gives off a very secure and happy vibe. Perfect for a date. The staff is also delightful, so you can look forward to a wonderful experience at this café.

• Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant 

Address

318 Stafford St At Hwy 6 Houston, TX 77079

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Beef Fajitas, Steak Lupe, Fish Tacos, Lupes Pina Colada

Lupe Tortilla, a restaurant that appears like a farmhouse (an expensive one!), is the best place to have fun with your family and friends. The restaurant has a cowboy theme decor. There are several artificial horses and other cowboy-related artifacts throughout the eatery. Sitting in the heart of the trees with a patio under the open sky, the restaurant gives you a chance to enjoy a little fresh air outside the restaurant.

The ambiance isn’t the only thing this restaurant has going for it. The food is delicious. Simply mindblowing. Great place to enjoy some fantastic Tex-Mex. You may even discover Mexican food here that you have never heard of. Visit this cowboy farm com restaurant, have fun, and take many pictures with your loved ones. 

• Pappasito’s Cantina

Address

1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010 (multiple locations)

Price

$$-$$$

Must try 

Chicken Fajitas, Hand-Crafted Margaritas, Tamale Enchilada Tacos, Baja Fish Tacos

After a tiresome day, if you come across a Pappasito’s Cantina franchise, get inside and have some of their hand-crafted Margaritas. They have an array of beverages to choose from, but Margaritas are the most popular among the locals here. 

The place is spacious and cozy, complete with an elegant interior design with orange and pink lights adding to the warmth. While there isn’t a lot of variety in vegetarian and vegan options, whatever is available is enough to keep you dreaming about it. For meat-eaters, the restaurant offers some of the best Tex-Mex dishes.

• Guadalajara Del Centro

Address

1201 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Lime Beef Fajitas, Beef Fajita Enchilada

Diversity in Mexican food is just endless. Mexican restaurants in Houston make sure that you taste all the different Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine right here in Houston. Guadalajara Del Centro is another beautiful restaurant located near San Jacinto Street that provides delicious Mexican cuisine and has a welcoming atmosphere. 

The decor, lighting, and colors create a playful and energetic atmosphere. If you are looking for a new place to try some interesting Mexican flavors and various fajitas and tacos, this is the place to go. 

• Churrascos

Address

2055 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098-1598 (multiple locations)

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Alfajores, Tres Leches Cake, Churrascos 8oz Steak, Guacamole 

Churrascos is one of the hottest spots for mouth-watering Tex-Mex food. If you love steak, you have to try the juicy and densely flavored steak at Churrascos. Chef Michael Cordúa, an award-winning chef, has used all his magic tricks to curate the menu at Churrascos. 

You are bound to like anything you order from the menu. They also have a fine collection of wines and other beverages. The ambiance is very cozy and stylish at the same time. The place is perfect for a romantic dinner date or a family dinner. 

• Irma’s Southwest

Address

1475 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Tamales, Herb Seared Chilean Seabass, Carne Guisada, Shrimp Fajitas

Mexican restaurants in Houston, Texas, became everyone’s favorite on the first visit. They have everything- good decor, good food, excellent music, and rich flavors of Mexican food. 

Irma’s Southwest will become your go-to hangout location in no time. It’s suitable for any and every occasion. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a birthday, Sunday brunch, or a date. On the menu, they have some excellent Mexican delicacies, each with authentic flavors of Mexico. 

You can even try their one-of-a-kind combo platters that will leave you full and craving more at the same time. So at any time of the day, if you feel the urge to have some delicious tamales and tacos and tortillas, head to Irma’s Southwest.

• Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen Restaurant

Address

12348 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77034-4587 (multiple locations)

Price

$$- $$$

Must try

Tortilla Soup, Fajita Enchiladas, Skinny Margarita, Pollo Marisco

Gringo’s is a great place to hang with your friends and family. No doubt. But why should you go there? Go there for the vintage aesthetics that will brighten up your social media profile, fantastic Mexican food, and a lot of fun with your loved ones. 

The customer service at Gringo’s is loved by many. You can visit there for brunch, lunch, or dinner; the menu has an array of tasty Tex-Mex food that you can have. In a nutshell, you will have an enjoyable experience at Gringo’s. 

• Lopez Mexican Restaurant

Address

11606 S Wilcrest Dr, Houston, TX 77099-4755

Price

$$-$$$

Must try:

Beef Fajita Chimichanga, Carne Guisada Plate, Quesadillas, Taco Salad

Lopez restaurant has been serving incredible and authentic Mexican food in Houston since 1978. The current establishment is a revamped version of the same. If we talk about the interior, it has a touch of both modern and vintage aesthetics. Well decorated with artifacts and has pleasant lighting. 

If you pass by the Wilcrest Drive, there is no way Lopez will go unnoticed. The establishment is huge and very spacious from the inside. The place is said to be serving the best Margaritas in Texas. It also has a fancy bar counter to enjoy other beverages. The food will take you straight to Mexico. They have managed to replicate the genuine Mexican flavors to give you the taste of traditional Mexican food and Tex-Mex cuisine. 

• Tacos Tierra Caliente

Address

1919 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098-2705

Price

$

Must try

Lengua Tacos, Barbacoa Tacos, Pastor Tacos

If your world revolves around tacos, and tacos are the only thing that comes to mind when you think of wonderful cuisine, this is the spot for you. Although beef tacos are very common, have you ever tried Lengua Tacos (beef tongue) or Pastor Tacos (pork meat)? No? Then what are you waiting for? Head to Tacos Tierra Caliente. The variety here will leave you spoilt for choice.  

You will always have something new to try here every time you visit. This Tacos truck is very famous among the locals and tourists alike. It is a street food restaurant, so there is no accommodation for tables and chairs, but who needs a table and a chair to eat tasty tacos. Simply place your order and start eating amazing tacos right away; there are no formalities, no table etiquette, just pure pleasure.

• Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen

Address

10115 Louetta Rd Suite 400, Houston, TX 77070

Price

$$-$$$

Must try

Pork Belly, Braised Short Ribs, Chicken Empanadas

The best Mexican food in Houston, TX, isn’t hard to find, but places that serve authentic Mexican beverages and classic dishes are. However, it is not just the food that is the USP of this restaurant but also the decore. They have done a fantastic job with their funky decor items on the wall and the minimalistic colors and furniture. 

Talking about the food here, their Margaritas are very popular. You can have a standard margarita or go a little extra at treating your taste buds with some tequila. Other than the fantastic collection of beverages, they serve brilliant traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex food.  

Visit the restaurant with your family or friends, or partner and dive into the deliciousness of true-to-the-roots Mexican food. 

Conclusion 

If you are in Houston, there is no escaping from Mexican food. And once you have some, there is no looking back. Houston is flooded with Mexican restaurants. However, all restaurants won’t be able to match the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. We have compiled the best Mexican places to eat in Houston in this list. You will undoubtedly find a place that is best suited for you. Enjoy your Mexican meal!