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These best Mexican restaurants in Houston, TX, would be more than sufficient to satisfy your cravings for authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.
From trustworthy standbys to upscale establishments, diners can truly immerse in Mexican cuisine, with an array of house-made tacos, salsa, and chilaquiles to something more substantial such as Mexican-inspired seafood feasts.
Honestly, regarding Mexican cuisine, many more deserve to be on this list of the finest restaurants in Houston. Yet, these restaurants can still represent the city’s stellar foundation of Mexican foods.
17 Best Mexican Restaurants Houston, TX, For Terrific Mexican Fares
Houston has an enviably dynamic culinary landscape, where Mexican cuisine plays a quintessential role. Below are the best spots to visit for the true flavors of Mexican foods that are always worthy of attention from all Mexican food lovers.
1. Xochi
Xochi, located in the downtown Marriott Marquis, is one of Houston’s best restaurants, especially when it comes to Oaxacan foods. The upscale establishment is the brainchild of chef Hugo Ortega and the H Town Restaurant Group culinary team.
There are few better places in the city to appreciate the richness and diversity of Oxcacan cuisine than this restaurant. Xochi’s menu emphasizes moles (traditional Mexican sauce and marinade), so you should try some when dining here.
Xochi’s space is casual and laid-back, making diners feel there’s no better time to enjoy some good food and drinks. It’s always buzzing with both locals and expatriates as their regular patrons.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Oaxacan
Location: 1777 Walker Street Suite A, Houston, TX 77010
Website: https://www.xochihouston.com/
Phone: 713-400-3330
Order Online:
Table Reservation: or call 713-400-3330 to book a table
Let’s take a tour in Xochi for an amazing Mexican brunch buffet there!
2. Chivos
It’s no exaggeration to say Chivos is among the must-try Mexican restaurants in the US. Its broad menu showcases modern Mexican-American fares crafted by the acclaimed executive chef Thomas Bille.
Bone marrow tacos and pozole dumplings in pork broth are all the highlights of his imaginative Mexican-American menu. Besides, the simple yet satisfying handmade flour tortillas with truffle butter and trout roe are also worth considering.
There’s also a host of margaritas on the menu, from spicy mango and strawberry to house margaritas (tequila, agave, and broiled lime). Whatever you choose, the drink can perfectly accompany Bille’s fantastic dishes.
The desserts are also a must-try in this restaurant, so save some appetite for them. The chef’s Xocolatl tamal (corn-based dough) with marshmallows and cajeta (Mexican caramel sauce) is a sweet way to end a fine dining meal.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican
Location: 222 West 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
Website: https://www.chivoshou.com
Phone: 832-767-1417
Order Online:
Table Reservation: or contact the restaurant via email: [email protected]
3. Hugo’s
Helmed by the famous chef Hugo Ortega and his wife, Tracy Vaught, Hugo’s offers playful iterations of legendary Mexican foods.
Hugo Ortega is also co-owner of other well-known restaurants, Caracol and Xochi. The former focuses on Mexican coastal foods, and the latter is on Oaxacan dishes. Hugo’s, however, is where diners turn to for classic Mexican dishes.
Ortega excels at employing spice and amplifying meaty flavors to bring out legendary Mexican dishes. Lamb barbacoa (slowly cooked lamb), lechón (roasted suckling pig) with habanero salsa, or cabrito (roasted goat kid) are just a few examples to reflect the chef’s Mexican roots.
Stop by for Saturday brunch and enjoy their stunning chilaquiles (Mexican lightly fried corn tortillas) with juicy chicken and tomatillo salsa. But don’t stop there: You shouldn’t miss out on the eatery’s epic desserts, crafted by talented pastry chef Ruben Ortega.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Food Styles: Mexican, Latin, Contemporary
Location: 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Website: https://www.hugosrestaurant.net/
Phone: 713-524-7744
Order Online: or call 713-524-7744 to order
Table Reservation:
4. Caracol
Right in the heart of the Galleria area, the Caracol Mexican kitchen is a perfect Houston restaurant to enjoy seafood. From mussels, tuna, and shrimp to boneless fish, a visit to Caracol promises to take your taste buds on an exciting ride with Mexico’s coastal flavors.
The highlight of this upscale Mexican restaurant is wood-grilled oysters. The bar laden with Gulf oysters should capture any diner’s attention.
Wood-roasted Gulf oysters, loaded with breadcrumbs and drenched in chipotle butter and cheese, are among the must-try on the menu.
El Coco – the offering skillfully curated by the executive pastry chef Ruben Ortega – is sure to be a fantastic way to end the dinner. This signature dessert is a coconut chocolate shell filled with coconut ganache, butter cream, streusel, and whipped coconut.
To match the menu’s theme, Caracol’s interior also takes inspiration from Mexico’s coastal and aquatic beauty. Traditional and modern elements combine in the dining space, with sand, straw, and blue as the main colors to give a coastal vibe to the space.
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: Seafood, Mexican
Location: 2200 Post Oak Blvd #160, Houston, TX 77056
Website: https://www.caracol.net/
Phone: 713-622-9996
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
5. Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe
Indulge in parrilladas plates (a dish that comprises various grilled or barbecued meats) at any of this Mexican cafe’s four locations in Houston. Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe, shortened as Teo, serves consistent, high-quality Mexican foods, affordable prices, and ample serving portions.
The menu offers diners plenty of choices, from enchiladas (served with rice and beans) and fajitas to carnes asadas (grilled and sliced beef). Whether you opt to dine in or take out, try their signature parrillada Teotihuacan which comes loaded with quail, grilled short ribs, beef, chicken, and jumbo shrimp.
The co-owner, Silvia Galvan, makes their corn tortillas right on the spot. Soft and fresh straight from the griddle, the tortillas can perfectly accompany virtually any dish. They’re best on salsa, grilled short ribs, or chunky guacamole.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Location (Airline): 1511 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Phone (Airline): 713-426-4420
Location (Irvington 1): 4624 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77009
Phone (Irvington 1): 713-695-8757
Location (Irvington 2): 3707 Irvington Blvd. Houston, TX 77009
Phone (Irvington 2): 832-879-2143
Location (Bellfort): 6579 W Bellfort St. Houston, TX 77035
Phone (Bellfort): 713-726-9858
Website: https://teomexicancafe.com/
Order Online:
Table Reservation: (Not available)
6. Guadalajara Del Centro
Guadalajara Del Centro is a relaxing and welcoming space that is a hotspot for families or co-workers to enjoy good foods and have a good time.
The restaurant boasts an assortment of traditional Mexican dishes, including fajitas, ensaladas, and enchilada.
Their best sellers include enchilada marisco (enchilada with lump crab and avocado cream sauce), shrimp avocado Relleno (avocado stuffed with shrimp, cheese, and spinach), and Guadalupe lime beef fajitas (tortillas with lime beef).
Whatever you choose, the portions are always more than generous. The food is incredible, and margarita’s pair perfectly to round out the meal.
The best thing about Guadalajara Del Centro is it also accommodates different dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Seafood
Location (San Jacinto): 1201 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone (San Jacinto): 713-650-0101
Location (Katy Freeway): 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024
Phone (Katy Freeway): 713-461-5300
Location (Southwest Freeway): 2925 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098
Phone (Southwest Freeway): 713-942-0772
Website: https://guad.com/
Phone (Woodlands): 281-362-0774
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
7. The Original Ninfa’s
The Original Ninfa’s On Navigation is also a long-standing dining establishment in Houston’s Uptown and Navigation, where diners can indulge in authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine flavors.
The restaurant’s founder, Ninfa Laurenzo, created her tacos al carbon (chargrilled beef in a soft tortilla), which then became what people know as fajita nowadays.
The menu serves a wide selection of Mexican dishes, from fajitas and enchiladas to al carbon, with freshly made flour tortillas. The incredible foods and the broad menu mean that returning diners don’t have to order the same thing twice for a good meal.
Thanks to decades of honing their skills and a serious dedication to Mexican foods, the restaurant can bring out fajitas and margaritas that are second to none in town.
Also, visit this restaurant for tempting margaritas with 100% agave tequila Blanco. It’s worth noting that beverages might vary by location. The restaurant highly encourages reservations!
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Location (Navigation): 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003 (The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation)
Phone (Navigation): 713-228-1175
Location (Uptown): 1700 Post Oak Blvd #1-190, Houston, TX 77056 (The Original Ninfa’s Uptown)
Phone (Uptown): 346-335-2404
Website: https://ninfas.com/
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
8. La Chingada Tacos & Tequila
La Chingada Tacos & Tequila, previously known as Unos P’nches Tacos, focuses on serving authentic foods from Oaxaca and Mexico. The restaurant is like a hidden gem, as its humble, unassuming storefront hides one of the best Mexican dishes in the city.
There’s a lot on offer, from breakfast tortas to an array of tacos (including birria-style). La Chinagada Tacos & Tequila makes everything in-house using the freshest ingredients possible. Made-to-order recipes are the highlights of this Mexican restaurant.
La Chingada Tacos & Tequila also offer lunch specials, from 11:30 am to 2 pm on weekdays, where just under $10 can score diners on a huge three-taco platter.
Price Range: $
Food Styles: Mexican
Location: 1402 Northwood St, Houston, TX 77009
Website: https://www.lachingadahtx.com/
Phone: 713-505-1218
Order Online:
Table Reservation: (Not available)
9. Irma’s Southwest
The Origina’s Irma and its sibling Irma’s Southwest celebrate authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh seafood and exotic wild game from the state.
Irma’s Southwest sits on the ground level of the luxury apartment building Catalyst, right next to Minute Maid Park. Meanwhile, the Original Irma’s is just a few blocks away.
These restaurants boast a 20-plus-year tradition of serving Tex-Mex foods in the neighborhood. Classics such as enchiladas, chips and queso, and carnitas are all on offer.
As a successor of Irma’s Original, the Southwest station also has some newcomers, such as ceviche, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and tamales made in-house. The addition of the menu is also a new feature, as the Original Irma’s operates without a menu.
At both restaurants, popular drinks are the classic margaritas to pair with Mexican fares, cocktails, and Texas craft beers.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Food Styles: Mexican, Southwestern, Tex-Mex
Location (Original Irma’s): 22 N Chenevert St, Houston, TX 77002
Website (Original Irma’s): https://irmasoriginal.com/
Phone (Original Irma’s): 713-222-0767
Location (Irma’s Southwest): 1475 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Phone (Irma’s Southwest): 713-247-9651
Website (Original Southwest): https://www.irmassouthwest.com/
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
(Original Irma’s): Call the restaurant to book a table or private party.
Here’s why Irma’s Southwest stands out in the Mexican dining scene of Houston.
10. Tacos Dona Lena
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Dona Lena serves the best tacos in town. After decades of making and selling street tacos, Dona Lena finally opened the Mexican restaurant of her dreams in 2020.
This Houston newcomer quickly gains many customers shortly after its opening. Birria street tacos are 100% homemade and authentic. Many patrons are obsessed with these street tacos, which consist of three double corn tortillas and savory Mexican stewed beef.
Or try gorditas (corn dough stuffed with Mexican fillings), which have plenty of refried beans, melty cheese, and your protein of choice. If you’re looking for a quick bite with authentic Mexican flavors, this casual, family-owned restaurant should be your go-to spot.
Price Range: $
Food Styles: Mexican
Location: 8788 Hammerly Blvd G, Houston, TX 77080
Website: https://www.donalenatacos.com/
Phone: 713-993-6486
Order Online:
Table Reservation: (Not available)
11. La Fisheria
La Fisheria is one of the greatest seafood restaurants in Houston of Texas. At this downtown eatery, which carries big vacation resort vibes, there is a hefty focus on coastal Mexican eats.
Vivid ceviche is the meal’s centerpiece. However, tamal de elote con camarones (corn masa dough with bacon, shrimp on cream salsa) also share the spotlight. The best seafood dishes and the restaurant’s top-notch margaritas or tequila cocktails will transport diners to a sunny beach in no time.
Save some room for the almondy pastel de tres leches (sponge cake made with three types of milk) and flan de la casa (creme caramel, caramelized pecans with caramel sauce) at the end of your meal.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Food Styles: Mexican, Latin, Seafood
Location: 213 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
Website: https://lafisheriahtx.com/
Phone: 713-802-1712
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
12. Polanquito
Polanquito is the brainchild of the Mexico-born and raised chef Diego Navarro, with a mission to bring “a little piece of Mexico” to Houstonians and expats. The name takes after Mexico City’s posh neighborhood, Polanco, known for fine dining establishments.
This family-owned eatery serves an assortment of Mexican fares from different regions, such as Yucatan-style confit pork or Sinaloan-inspired fish tacos. If you stop by in the morning, the best way to have breakfast is to order chilaquiles in mole sauce and a cup of cafe de olla (traditional Mexican coffee).
All in all, Polanquito is a new go-to eating place for breakfast in Houston for your list. It’s a heaven for every Mexican food lover, but late risers will love it the most as brunch is available until 4 pm.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican
Location: 404 Shepherd Drive #7336, Houston, TX 77007
Website: https://www.polanquitohtx.com/
Phone: 713-485-4047
Order Online:
Table Reservation: (Not available)
13. Fonda Santa Rosa
Fonda Santa Rosa’s foods reflect the influence of Puebla cuisine and a long culinary family tradition. At this restaurant, chefs devote time and attention to bringing ultra authentic and savory Mexican dishes to the table, everything from moles to salsa.
The authentic mole sauce often gets their guests talking. The restaurant makes the sauce according to family recipes, using more than 20 spices, including cocoa powder.
Cochinita pibil (Yucatan-style barbequed pork) is a not-to-be-miss appetizer in this family-run restaurant. The marinated pork gets its trademark reddish hue from the Achiote – a popular spice in Yucatan, whereas the savory pickled onions give a spicy kick.
There is also a streak of Mexican-inspired drinks, including aguas frescas (Mexican fruit-based cooler), jugos naturales (Mexican juice), and café de olla (Mexican coffee).
The friendly dining space shows its owner’s pride in the long-standing family tradition and the love for rich Mexican cuisine.
Stretched across the ceiling are vibrant paper flags. Many decorative elements are Mexican paintings and ceramics. The owners also proudly add copies of family recipes passed down by generations to the dining space.
Price Range: $
Food Styles: Mexican, Puebla Cuisine
Location: 9908 Beechnut St H, Houston, TX 77036
Website: https://www.fondasantarosa.com/
Phone: 713-777-7474
Order Online:
Table Reservation: (Not available)
14. Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco is one of the dining hotspots for Houstonians in Montrose and other places. The restaurant has been the temple to the liberated taco since 2011.
This favorite dining place on Washington Avenue (Houston) has not only served up top-notch tacos in town but has also taken a different approach to tacos. Come and enjoy premium dishes in a funky fast-casual setting.
The menu spans 20 different taco varieties inspired by both Mexican and international cuisine. Spicy Tikka Chicken and Cuban Pig are among the highlights of the menu, but if you feel adventurous, the one-of-a-kind Chicken & Waffle.
There are also many creative side dishes and desserts to round the dining experience. With a side of Elote and chips, Kick Ass margarita perfectly pairs with the corn tortillas wrapping bold flavors.
Velvet Taco uses only the freshest ingredients and makes everything in-house from scratch. Besides good foods, Weekly Taco Feature, commonly known as the WTF, is also a reason for diners to return.
The restaurant introduces a new taco inspired by global flavors every week (which equates to 52 weeks per year). This offers guests multiple flavors inspired by local comfort food and international cuisines.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Southwesterner, Contemporary
Location (Washington): 4819 Washington Ave. Houston, Texas 77007
Phone (Washington): 832-834-5908
Location (Westheimer): 907 Westheimer Rd Ste A, Houston, TX 77006
Phone (Westheimer): 713-370-8226
Location (Shepherd): 2001 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
Phone (Shepherd): 346-895-8226
Location (Rice Boulevard): 2525 Rice Boulevard Suite A, Houston, TX 77005
Phone (Rice Boulevard): 346-200-8081
Location (Loop South): 2626 W Loop South, Houston, TX 77027
Phone (Loop South): 832-930-3571
Website: https://www.velvettaco.com/
Order Online:
Table Reservation: (Not available)
15. Maize
Right in the heart of West Houston, Maize, a chef-driven restaurant, celebrates Mexican cuisine’s beauty and richness. Chef Fabian Saldana is the man behind the menu that is both adventurous and reminiscent of Mexican flavors and culture.
What defines Maize’s foods are the long-standing cooking methods, precisive use of traditional ingredients, and 100% in-house cooking. The upscale restaurant also has a full bar that showcases Mexican spirits.
To the restaurant’s name, maize or corn is the star ingredient in many dishes. Many patrons often describe corn tres leches or fresh corn esquites (Mexican corn salad) of the restaurant as heaven sent.
Beyond the kernels, barbacoa de res (slow-cooked beef in red chile sauce) and flautas de puerco (pork confit carnitas with salsa verde, queso fresco, and crema) are also 2 of my favorites in this restaurant.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican
Location: 14795 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
Website: https://maizehouston.com/
Phone: 346-409-2733
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
16. Arnaldo Richard’s Picos
While at Arnaldo Richard’s Picos, don’t miss out on their seasonal soft-shell crabs and terrific moles. Arnaldo Richard’s Picos heavily focuses on true Mexican tastes. Yet, there are also typical Tex-Mex offerings, such as enchiladas platter or chile con queso (Tex-Mex dipping sauce) and nachos.
Arnaldo Richards Piscos also stands out with their seafood dishes. Mariscada a la Mexicana, which includes sauteed fresh calamari, Gulf shrimp, red snappers, and mussels, is a flavorful feast served on bolillo bread.
This Mexican restaurant invests in their drinks as much as they do with food. By working with master distillers and blenders of avage spirits, the restaurant managed to add one-of-a-kind drinks to their bars. Their signature shaker margaritas are among the must-try items.
Many folks also love Arnaldo Richard’s Picos for its impressive Sunday brunch buffet. Join the hungry crowd every Sunday, from 10am to 3pm, for a selection of tasty Mexican dishes.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Location: 3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Website: https://www.picos.net/
Phone: 832-831-9940
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
17. Lopez Mexican Restaurant
Lopez Mexican Restaurant boasts exquisite decor and a welcoming, large dining space. Since its inception in 1978, this family-owned restaurant has consistently served supreme Tex-Mex fares and margaritas.
What makes this dining spot a neighborhood staple is the casual dining atmosphere, pocket-friendly prices, and friendly waitstaff. Come for classic Tex-Mex lineups, including fajitas, crispy tacos, chimichanga, quesadillas, and a combo platter.
There are no culinary surprises on offer, but these classic dishes, executed skilfully by experienced chefs, helped this Tex-Mex establishment stand the test of time.
Plus, the restaurant makes its margaritas based on time-honored recipes that have existed for 40 years.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Location: 11606 South Wilcrest Drive, Houston, TX 77099
Website: https://vivalopez.com/
Phone: 281-495-2436
Order Online:
Table Reservation: (Not available)
You’re Bound For A Delicious Adventures With True Mexican Flavors!
Houstonians sometimes find it hard to choose among the abundance of Mexican foods that the Houston neighborhood has to offer. There are great, authentic Mexican restaurants in many corners of the city, from casual to fine dining and everything in between.
The great number of dining spots here contribute to the mosaic of Mexican foods. From seafood and regional Mexican dishes to Tex-Mex and more imaginative creations inspired by Mexican cuisine, diners are bound for a memorable meal here!
Go forth and explore all the dining options offered by the finest restaurants in the neighborhood. As always, I hope to receive feedback if you’ve checked off any spot on this list. Leave a comment and click the share button if this round-up is useful!
