Houston is well known as the home of amazing Tex-Mex restaurants. If you are visiting Houston for the first time, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of Tex-Mex options to dine at. There are so many Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston, Texas. So I thought I’d narrow them down with my must try Tex-Mex restaurants list.
1. Torchy’s Tacos
Now would be a good time to let you know that unlike most Houstonians, it took me quite some time to warm up to Tex-Mex food. However, when I did, it was a life changing experience. Torchy’s was one of the first restaurants I was introduced to, and now I get constant cravings.
I whole-heartedly recommend Torchy’s. The chicken fajitas are my favorite and they are absolutely delicious. The names of the items on their menu are almost as good as the food itself. With options like, “The Democrat”, “The Republican”, “The Monk Special”, and “Baja Shrimp” what could go wrong?
2. Escalante’s
This famous Tex-Mex restaurant chain has locations all over Houston. Escalante’s is definitely my second go to Tex-Mex in Houston. If you are ever in the mood for free chips and salsa as soon as you sit down, then you will also enjoy Escalante’s as much as every Houstonian does.
Escalante’s has beyond delicious chicken quesadillas, which are beyond delicious, if you are not feeling super adventurous and do not want to try something out of the box.
If you are feeling all Tex-Mex-ed out once you get to Escalante’s, they also have other food options such as a greek salad which, being completely honest, I have ordered once or twice and it was surprisingly very good.
3. El Tiempo Cantina
El Tiempo is a more casual, yet traditional Mexican style restaurant. They serve warm tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole as soon as you are seated.
If you are claustrophobic, El Tiempo might not be your best option. When you walk inside, the tables are placed very close together. As if that is not bad enough, the restaurant itself is very small making it seem as though you are sitting at the same table as complete strangers. Although the seating is not my favorite, the food does make up for it. I often get cravings for the thick guacamole.
4. Casa Olé
Although this restaurant is not directly located in Houston, there are many locations, in surrounding areas close enough to drive to. I have never physically been inside a Casa Olé restaurant, but I have had their delicious queso and chips and fajitas at many different events. With that alone, I would highly recommend Casa Olé.
5. Caracol Coastal Mexican
Caracol is more of a fancy Mexican restaurant that serves tons of fresh seafood options such as seared tuna tacos (like the picture above) and a ton of oyster bar options. I highly recommend Caracol if you are in the mood for fresh and perfectly cooked or raw fish.
6. Lupe Tortillas
Lupe is also a good option. They offer a chipotle smoked ribs dish that is to die for as well as other traditional Tex Mex taco options, with more of a flare to them, such as crispy pork tenderloin and slow braised beef.
7. Pappasito’s Cantina
With many different Pappasito’s locations around Houston, it’s super common running into this restaurant without even trying. It has tons of regular Tex-Mex options such as quesadillas and fajitas for those of you that are not super adventurous. One unique item that you will not be able to find at any other Tex Mex restaurant would be the Pappasito’s homemade tres leches.
8. Chuy’s Restaurant
Well-known for their toritillas, Chuy’s is also a very good option to find classic Tex-Mex food. Their baked beans are indescribably flavorful, as well as their homemade flour tortillas stuffed with cheese.
9. Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco offers more of a modern vibe that sets them apart from any other Tex-Mex restaurant. They have indoor and outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy the amazing Houston weather. They serve rotisserie chicken and other options that are not strictly Mexican influenced. Velvet Taco is truly a Tex-Mex staple.
10. Churrascos
Lastly, Churrascos is a South American inspired restaurant that is popular for their seafood and steaks. Also a higher-end Mexican style restaurant that I would suggest dinning in at.