Best Mexican Restaurant

[77017]

What do yall think is the best mexican restaurant in the houston metro? To me ninfas wins in the rice, refried beans, fajitas, and tortillas category, but best overall I feel is Teotihuacan on irvington and cavalcade.

[WestGrayGuy]

I think Hugo's has won the award from the Houston Press. I like El Tiempo Cantina.

[Heights2Bastrop]

I have never found better fajitas than at Pappasito's. They are somewhat overpriced, but you really can't beat their quality.

[musicman]

What do yall think is the best mexican restaurant in the houston metro?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is one of those topics that noone will agree on. Border mexican and central mexican are two completely different types for different tastes. I go to certain mexican restaurants for certain items.

The grilled items at the orignal Ninfa's are good. however most other stuff is horrible.

Pappasito's...I would not wait in a line here cause the quality or taste of the food is not that good.

For cheese enchiladas try Spanish Village on Almeda. Yes it's a dump, but the enchiladas are the best.

For chicken mole enchiladas try, Maria Selma on Richmond. Their frozen margaritas (top shelf) with orange juice are great.

For good tex-mex, try El Jardin on Harrisburg. Good generic mexican for reasonable prices.

Hugo's is fairly good, however the prices seem unwarranted for some of the dishes they serve. $42 for an appetizer is ridiculous.

I don't get the appeal of Doneraki's. Last time i went i was disappointed.

Another good generic restaurant is Bravo's on Fuqua. The tortillas are homemade including their corn ones. and the are not greasy like Ninfa's. Prices are ridiculously cheap.

I used to like Spanish Flower but since the expansion service went down to me.

I just realized i eat out too much.

[MidtownCoog]

Original Ninfas

Pico's on Bellaire

Manuels in Summerwood

[Heights2Bastrop]

I used to like Spanish Flower but since the expansion service went down to me.

Musicman, we used to go to Spanish Flowers, but now we go to

[Trophy Property]

*Tex-Mex does not equal Mexican...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I really like Papasito's fajitas (but I agree with above post about being too pricey). I also really like Lupe Tortilla for Fajitas. Their marinade it very limey and awesome.

My favorite Cheese enchiladas has to be Los Tios on Westhiemer and Tanglewilde. I grew up on those things and they have a special place in my pallet. My people I have taken to Tios have been less than impressed. I guess it is just me.

The place I go the most for taco's and tortas is 100% Taquito. That place rules. I could eat there daily.

[musicman]

The place I go the most for taco's and tortas is 100% Taquito.    That place rules.  I could eat there daily.

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A good friend of mine recommended that to me as well. I thought it was very much like food found in Puebla, Mexico. GOOD....but not the standard fair that most Houstonians flock to.

[Trophy Property]

A good friend of mine recommended that to me as well.  I thought it was very much like food found in Puebla, Mexico.  GOOD....but not the standard fair that most Houstonians flock to.

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You are correct. 100% Taquito is not Tex Mex. They do not have orange melted cheese for your dipping pleasure. The tacos are very plain and there in lies the yumminess of the place.

Since reading this thread I have made plans to hit Los Tios tonight for some greasy Enchaladas. FIRED UP !!!

[Guest danax]

I don't want to found like some food snob but I have yet to find the Mexican restaurant that I am looking for. Maybe it's Cal-Mex or Organi-Mex but I like brown rice and sauteed veggies instead the usual. Los Ang. used to have lots of places like that.. any ideas?

I've done Chipotle and Mission burritos and they are just so-so.

[musicman]

I don't want to found like some food snob but I have yet to find the Mexican restaurant that I am looking for. Maybe it's Cal-Mex or Organi-Mex but I like brown rice and sauteed veggies instead the usual. Los Ang. used to have lots of places like that.. any ideas?

I've done Chipotle and Mission burritos and they are just so-so.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

my mom's house.

danax you should give the 100% taquito a try. it's on the southside of 59south inside the loop. i don't remember if they had a veggie variation, maybe something with avocados. maybe trophy property knows since he goes there????

is a burrito mexican? I thought that was an american invention.

[Lowbrow]

I fall into the "I once loved the Flower but now I like Teotihuac

[musicman]

Also.. I've found that when it comes to taco trucks & stands, the less English they speak, the better the food tastes!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just be careful. there was one a few weeks ago where the propane bottles exploded and destroyed the stand.

[Heights2Bastrop]

Some of my favorite Mexican food places are the ones that search you at the door for weapons, and if they don

[Parrothead]

To me, the best fajitas are from Ninfa's (original or Mama Ninfa's). They are about the only place I can get fresh corn tortillas. Most every other restaurant are pre-made, pre-packaged.

But as far as overall quality for Tex-Mex, I absolutely LOVE La Mexicana on Fairview and Montrose. I've been eating their Chicken Taco de Fajitas for years. It's like comfort food to me now.

On the cheap, I love Los Tios, the one on Kirkwood and Memorial. The crispy beef tacos are really awesome. When I was three, I lost my pet pillbug Freddie there. I never did get over that. My mother never did either. Always wondering why in the he*l I brought a bug with me to a restaurant.

I also really love Escalante's and Guadalajara. They both have delicious queso, and sometimes that's all I really want, just chips and queso and a big fat margarita.

I know I am leaving a restaurant out....durn it all.......well, I'll think of it later I am sure!!

[Trophy Property]

On the cheap, I love Los Tios, the one on Kirkwood and Memorial.  The crispy beef tacos are really awesome. When I was three, I lost my pet pillbug Freddie there.  I never did get over that.    My mother never did either.      Always wondering why in the he*l I brought a bug with me to a restaurant. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just got home from Los Tios. I sure do love those Cheese Enchilladas. We hit hte one in Meyerland. Not as good as the originals on Westheimer or the one of Memorial. But still darn tasty.

[rps324]

What do yall think is the best mexican restaurant in the houston metro? To me ninfas wins in the rice, refried beans, fajitas, and tortillas category, but best overall I feel is Teotihuacan on irvington and cavalcade.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OMG! It's all about the El Juan plate! With the exception of the flautas, most of the chicken dishes seem to pale to their beef fajita creations.

[Lowbrow]

I don't think Ninfa's serves flan anymore... and that is just a crime.

[pineda]

Chili's for casual dining Tex-Mex

Tin Star for fast casual Tex-Mex

Mi Luna for casual dining fusion Spanish

Doneraki's on Fulton for authentic Mexican

Los Tios for nostalgia factor Mexican

For fast food Mexican? nothing special comes to mind...

[77017]

U know, we as houstonians can be really arrogant if we want. I mean honestly, outside of maybe L.A., we have really got to be the most knowledgeable, on point connosieurs of mexican food in the country. Think about it. The selection of restaurants, the different styles, the sheer mass of restaurants, the highly evolved critique. Right or wrong? I've always felt kinda proud of this. Were the s**t.

[Lowbrow]

A funny aside. I was a teenager visiting my brother in LA and we went to a nice mexican restaurant. I ordered Chili Con Queso and they brought me a bowl with some Jalapenos and half a block of cheddar.

[jm1fd]

My faves are La Tapatia, Otilia's, Felix, and El Rey.

[Trophy Property]

U know, we as houstonians can be really arrogant if we want. I mean honestly, outside of maybe L.A., we have really got to be the most knowledgeable, on point connosieurs of mexican food in the country. Think about it. The selection of restaurants, the different styles, the sheer mass of restaurants, the highly evolved critique. Right or wrong? I've always felt kinda proud of this. Were the s**t.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree. I went to unergrad in Colorado. The Mexican food was horrible. People used to rave about a few resturaunts. They had no idea what was good or bad. They really had no idea what they were missing. I guess if you do not know any better !!

[Guest danax]

my mom's house.

is a burrito mexican?

[Parrothead]

You can't find a chimichanga in Houston? I see them everywhere. I love 'em but they are soooo bad for ya. But then...what isn't?

Just do a google search for "Chimichanga Houston" and you'll see tons of stuff. Even Berryhill, which I forgot to add to my original list for best tamales anywhere, serves them. YUM!!

[Guest danax]

You can't find a chimichanga in Houston?  I see them everywhere.    I love 'em but they are soooo bad for ya.  But then...what isn't? 

Just do a google search for "Chimichanga Houston" and you'll see tons of stuff.  Even Berryhill, which I forgot to add to my original list for best tamales anywhere, serves them.  YUM!!

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I just haven't run into one but have never actually done any searching. Berryhill is one place I've actually never been to and have been meaning to check out.

[skwatra]

I agree.  I went to unergrad in Colorado.  The Mexican food was horrible.  People used to rave about a few resturaunts.  They had no idea what was good or bad.  They really had no idea what they were missing.  I guess if you do not know any better !!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i was just in denver for work. they wanted to take me out to a mexican restaurant and ended up taking me to chipotle!

chuy's is my favorite down here (that creamy jalapeno is unbeatable), and freebirds for the fast burrito. though neither of those are technically mexican, i prefer tex-mex.

[Lowbrow]

mmm oh yeah Chuy's... I like the (non-mexican) Elvis Fried Chicken. What can beat a chicken breast battered in crushed lays potato chips, fried, and smothered in queso.

We always called it the "Defib Special".

[Trophy Property]

mmm oh yeah Chuy's... I like the (non-mexican) Elvis Fried Chicken. What can beat a chicken breast battered in crushed lays potato chips, fried, and smothered in queso.

We always called it the "Defib Special".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Chuy's seems to be a real fan favorite. I have never undertood why. I admit to loving the Creamy Jalepeno sauce, but I have never been wowed by anything else on the menu. With that said I lived with 2 dudes I went to college with a few years back. Both were from Colorado and both thought Chuy's was the greatest resturant in Houston (Mexican or otherwise). I just do not get it.

[Lowbrow]

Chuy's seems to be a real fan favorite.  I have never undertood why.  I admit to loving the Creamy Jalepeno sauce, but I have never been wowed by anything else on the menu.  With that said I lived with 2 dudes I went to college with a few years back.  Both were from Colorado and both thought Chuy's was the greatest resturant in Houston (Mexican or otherwise).    I just do not get it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In college most of my friends were vegetarians and they all loved the place. Maybe they dont use lard in there beans? I don't know, other than that elvis chicken thing nothing really rocked my world... I do remember what they all ordered... The Chuy's Veggy Special with Deluxe Verde Sauce.

[MidtownCoog]

Try their "Special Nachos".

Each made on half a taco. Yummy!

[musicman]

chuy's is my favorite down here (that creamy jalapeno is unbeatable), and freebirds for the fast burrito. though neither of those are technically mexican, i prefer tex-mex.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i put both of these on my must avoid list. To wait in line at chuy's and then sit down and have mediocre food is not worth it. Freebirds too. A friend of mine said it was the best....so i tried it. What turned me off was the consistency of the tortilla. A tortilla should not be rubbery nor should it be put in the microwave! it needs to be browned to take out the rubbery consistency either directly over a fire or on a comal (griddle). I told several friends this and they have ALL converted.

[musicman]

I just haven't run into one but have never actually done any searching. Berryhill is one place I've actually never been to and have been meaning to check out.

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I don't get the appeal of Berryhill either. like i say...if there's not a mexican eating there, then most likely it's not good mexican.

[Trophy Property]

I don't get the appeal of Berryhill either.  like i say...if there's not a mexican eating there, then most likely it's not good mexican.

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Well of course this is a very subjective topic. I for one think the Spinach and Corn Tamales at Berryhill are some of the best tamales I have ever eaten. I can not vouch for the rest of the menu as I have not tried anything else.

If you are talking tamales I would love to hear about a place that has better tamales than Berryhill.

[new major on the block]

I have been to a lot of mexican food restaurants around Houston, San Antonio, and around Texas for that matter. But to me the best mexican food in the houston metro area is ,hands down, Eva's Mexican Food Restaurant. Excellent food at good prices. Best tasting salsa in town. It is located off of Kuykendahl, about a 1/4 mile north of 1960. If you are ever in the area stop by it, you won't regret it

[pineda]

I have been to Eva's and thought it was good. Last weekend, I tried a new restaurant recently opened in the woodlands area called Tin Star, and I really think their green and red sauces are some of the best I've ever tasted anywhere in the Greater Houston area, and I love Mexican food! Here's their menu:

Tin Star menu

[debmartin]

we get take-out from doneraki from time to time. the carnivores i feed seem to really like the fajitas and the veg items are allright.

deb martin

[musicman]

If you are talking tamales I would love to hear about a place that has better tamales than Berryhill.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To be honest, ordering a tamal is something i usually don't do at restaurants because they always add chili on top of it. There's usually too much masa and not enough filling. I usually get them from this lady i know when she decides to make them.

The ones that are found here are border tamales with the darker masa. Go to Mexico City or Puebla and they make them with white masa. Your mouth will water when you taste them.

[Parrothead]

All I can tell you guys is Berryhill's pork tamales are the best I have ever had. I have never had sauce put on them, but I think they give it to you on the side. Lord, I never had anything quite that tasty and savory. Very addictive.

Just because there are no Mexicans eating there doesn't mean much. The history of Berryhill will be enough to tell you the recipes are authentic. A lot of their food (like the baja fish tacos, omg! so good) is not Tex-Mex but more Cal-Mex/Pacifica kind of stuff.

It's darned good, and I highly recommend it. I believe their tamales have been rated the best in Houston at one time or another by the Press. Their fish tacos were rated "The Best EVER" by Zagat, so I guess they can't be too bad...

A brief history:

Since 1928, Walter Berryhill made and sold tamales from a recipe he borrowed from a neighbor. For 40 years he sold them on his bicycle right here in Houston. He retired in 1960. In 1993 a friend bought the recipe, cart, and press, and opened the original taqueria on Revere Street in Walter's honor.

[ssullivan]

To be honest, ordering a tamal is something i usually don't do at restaurants because they always add chili on top of it.  There's usually too much masa and not enough filling.  I usually get them from this lady i know when she decides to make them.

The ones that are found here are border tamales with the darker masa.  Go to Mexico City or Puebla and they make them with white masa.  Your mouth will water when you taste them.

As Parrothead said, the tamales at Berryhill don't come smothered in chili. They do have a sauce that is served on the side, but it complements the flavor of the tamale rather well, instead of overpowering it. Also, they are one of the few restaurants I've ever eaten in where tamales are served in the corn husks.

As for the masa versus filling ratio, I've seen this a lot at other restaurants. However Berryhill's tamales are usually stuffed with filling and are very close to the ones I've eaten that were made by Mexican immigrants at home for their own consumption. I've not tried their tacos or much else on the menu, but the tamales are outstanding and by far the best I've ever had in a restaurant.

[Trophy Property]

As for the masa versus filling ratio, I've seen this a lot at other restaurants. However Berryhill's tamales are usually stuffed with filling and are very close to the ones I've eaten that were made by Mexican immigrants at home for their own consumption. I've not tried their tacos or much else on the menu, but the tamales are outstanding and by far the best I've ever had in a restaurant.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Berryhill's should definetely be tried. They are not very expensive and with all the new locations should be rather easy to find. I have bought tamales from street vendors and poor mexican families (usually they walk around to all the midtown ice houses and bars). The vendor tamles are good, but they do not hold a candle to the tamales at Berryhills. Seriously, they are that good at Berryhill's.

[MidtownCoog]

Fish tacos and queso are all you need at Berryhill.

[Lowbrow]

ok ok ... you guys forced me and I went to Berryhills and had the tamales for lunch. I agree they were very good. About on par with the fresh homemade one's one of my coworkers used to make around christmas time.

The sauce that came with them was delish.

[ssullivan]

ok ok ... you guys forced me and I went to Berryhills and had the tamales for lunch. I agree they were very good. About on par with the fresh homemade one's one of my coworkers used to make around christmas time.

The sauce that came with them was delish.

Haha see we told you!

Now I'm hungry, haven't had lunch yet, and all this talk about Berryhill Tamales is making me want some. I think I'm going to head over there for some right now.

[Trophy Property]

Allright Lowbrow !!!!

I almost headed there for lunch but I chose Cliffs. I am telling you what, those burgers are very very good. The fries rock too. But that is another post !!

[banking214]

I'm more Tex-Mex than Mexican type of guy. With that said:

Pappasito's - Fajitas & Quesadillas

Any straight up "Mexi-CAN" Taco Truck/Stand - Tortas & Tacos

Chili's - Chili Con Queso

So I don't know all the cool "underground places & joints" like you guys know. I still enjoy what these places have to offer. Oh, and I'm not really a fan of beans either.

Also.. I've found that when it comes to taco trucks & stands, the less English they speak, the better the food tastes!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

LOL. You are right on.

[Gary]

Simply said, "all Mexican food rules"!

[liammclaren]

The greatest chimichanga there is exists at Chapultapec, a little dive on Richmond near 59. I've been there probably 50 times and have never even ordered anything else. The chips and salsa aren't that great, though.

[jmancuso]

andy's on 11th st. (near studewood) in the heights is pretty damn good.

[musicman]

The greatest chimichanga there is exists at Chapultapec, a little dive on Richmond near 59. I've been there probably 50 times and have never even ordered anything else. The chips and salsa aren't that great, though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

we used to only go their if we had been drinking heavily so i guess food quality wasn't a factor.