Ask any Houstonian what kind of food they run to when they’re back from vacation, and chances are they’ll say Tex-Mex. Queso, fajitas and enchiladas are basically food groups in themselves for those of us who call H-Town home, so if you’re visiting, these are some must-stops to get a true taste of Houston.
1. Irma's Original
2. Candente
3. Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
4. Armandos
5. El Tiempo Cantina
6. Molina’s Cantina
7. Ninfa's on Navigation
Irma's Original
Irma's Original serves up award-winning Tex-Mex and Mexican specialties in Downtown Houston. The authentic home-cooked meals offered at Irma's include a variety of enchiladas as well as tacos and quesadillas. The walls at Irma's tell a story as well, so check out all the picture frames — you'll feel right at home in this cozy atmosphere. Chef Irma Galvan can be spotted on the 2022 season of Top Chef filmed in Houston—one of many accolades received over the years!
Candente
Tex-Mex with a little extra flair and fanciness abounds at Candente in the Houston Heights. Candente takes Tex-Mex and makes a little more upscale while keeping the atmosphere chill and vibey. Fajitas can be made with prime Niman Ranch steak, the Tacos Birria De Res are whipped up with smoked and braised beef short ribs, and they even make brisket enchiladas. Drinks include an array of margaritas, naturally, but also sangria, tequila flights and ranch water. Cheers!
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
Good Co. Kitchen & Cantina is comfort Tex-Mex at its finest. The perfect spot to go for a casual but oh so good night out, this hot spot never misses. Chefs brings together the rich flavors and traditions from both sides of the border, inspired by long days on the Gulf Coast, late nights on the ranch, and the vibrant culinary creations from the owners’ history. The restaurant captures the essence of family, history, and heritage in every dish.
Nothing beats the smoky, irresistible flavor of food grilled over mesquite. Guests can savor wood-fired Texas quail wrapped in warm, homemade tortillas, jalapeño rellenos stuffed with house-made chorizo, and sizzling, family-style parrilladas—a grand spread of wild game, fresh vegetables, topped with pico de gallo and queso fresco. A fan favorite is the guacamole with your choice of mix-ins. The team grinds their own sausage, trims each cut of meat by hand, and seasons everything with marinades perfected over generations.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience rooted in tradition, Good Co. Kitchen & Cantina invites you to taste the love and craftsmanship that goes into every bite.
Armandos
Armandos Upper Kirby namesake is as famous for its upscale Mexican fare as it is for its see-and-be-seen clientele. The iconic restaurant has been a style staple among well-heeled Houstonians and celebrities for decades. White linen-topped tables set the stage for Armandos’ famously-potent margaritas, verde-sauce-topped enchiladas and the eatery’s signature appetizer—chorizo queso flameado paired with piping-hot tortillas. Regulars often flock to Armandos for the late night dance party from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
El Tiempo Cantina
El Tiempo Cantina’s dusky lighting, chummy servers and enjoyable salsa tunes make patrons feel like they just landed in a classy, crowded border-town cantina. It’s a fan favorite for its casual, upbeat atmosphere and butter-drizzled fjaitas. El Tiempo attracts a brisk, discriminating happy-hour crowd for good reason: Stout, limey margaritas paired with chips and the legendary tomatillo sauce inherited from Mama Ninfa. If you can’t make dinner, stop in for weekend breakfasts, because Tex-Mex is good at all hours of the day.
Molina’s Cantina
Molina’s Cantina, which is thought to be the oldest continually operating Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston, has tempted fans with their tacos al carbon since 1941. For a little variety, go for the Mexico City Dinner, which includes a beef taco, cheese enchilada, tostada, tamale and rice and beans. It’s been a staple on the menu since the restaurant opened. Of course there are burritos, enchiladas and carnitas, but the baja fish tacos are also a huge hit. All can be paired easily with Molina’s Famous Margarita.
Ninfa's on Navigation
The Tex-Mex taqueria that launched the local chain still manages to look authentic. Ask anyone who's ever been to this original Ninfa's on Navigation if it's better than the franchises around the city and you'll get a resounding "yes." The atmosphere and building itself just have a little extra charm on Navigation. Want fajitas? Come to the birthplace of them. Mama Ninfa is credited with inventing the beef and flour tortilla combo and fans can’t get enough.
Recipe Alert! If you're not in the mood to go out for dinner, we've got you covered. Check out Sylvia Casares' recipes straight from Syliva’s Enchiladas Kitchen.
