Ask any Houstonian what sort of meals they run to after they’re again from trip, and chances are high they’ll say Tex-Mex. Queso, fajitas and enchiladas are principally meals teams in themselves for these of us who name H-City residence, so should you’re visiting, these are some must-stops to get a real style of Houston.
1. Irma’s Unique
2. Candente
3. Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
4. Armandos
5. El Tiempo Cantina
6. Molina’s Cantina
7. Ninfa’s on Navigation
Irma’s Unique
Irma’s Unique serves up award-winning Tex-Mex and Mexican specialties in Downtown Houston. The genuine home-cooked meals provided at Irma’s embrace a wide range of enchiladas in addition to tacos and quesadillas. The partitions at Irma’s inform a narrative as effectively, so take a look at all the image frames — you will really feel proper at residence on this cozy ambiance. Chef Irma Galvan might be noticed on the 2022 season of High Chef filmed in Houston—considered one of many accolades acquired over time!
Candente
Tex-Mex with somewhat additional aptitude and fanciness abounds at Candente within the Houston Heights. Candente takes Tex-Mex and makes somewhat extra upscale whereas protecting the ambiance chill and vibey. Fajitas might be made with prime Niman Ranch steak, the Tacos Birria De Res are whipped up with smoked and braised beef brief ribs, and so they even make brisket enchiladas. Drinks embrace an array of margaritas, naturally, but additionally sangria, tequila flights and ranch water. Cheers!
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
Good Co. Kitchen & Cantina is consolation Tex-Mex at its most interesting. The proper spot to go for an informal however oh so good evening out, this scorching spot by no means misses. Cooks brings collectively the wealthy flavors and traditions from each side of the border, impressed by lengthy days on the Gulf Coast, late nights on the ranch, and the colourful culinary creations from the homeowners’ historical past. The restaurant captures the essence of household, historical past, and heritage in each dish.
Nothing beats the smoky, irresistible taste of meals grilled over mesquite. Company can savor wood-fired Texas quail wrapped in heat, do-it-yourself tortillas, jalapeño rellenos filled with house-made chorizo, and scorching, family-style parrilladas—a grand unfold of untamed recreation, recent greens, topped with pico de gallo and queso fresco. A fan favourite is the guacamole along with your alternative of mix-ins. The group grinds their very own sausage, trims every reduce of meat by hand, and seasons every thing with marinades perfected over generations.
When you’re in search of an unforgettable eating expertise rooted in custom, Good Co. Kitchen & Cantina invitations you to style the love and craftsmanship that goes into each chew.
Armandos
Armandos Higher Kirby namesake is as well-known for its upscale Mexican fare as it’s for its see-and-be-seen clientele. The long-lasting restaurant has been a method staple amongst well-heeled Houstonians and celebrities for many years. 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 typically flock to Armandos for the late evening dance occasion from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
El Tiempo Cantina
El Tiempo Cantina’s dusky lighting, chummy servers and pleasing salsa tunes make patrons really feel like they only landed in a cultured, crowded border-town cantina. It’s a fan favourite for its informal, upbeat ambiance and butter-drizzled fjaitas. El Tiempo attracts a brisk, discriminating happy-hour crowd for good purpose: Stout, limey margaritas paired with chips and the legendary tomatillo sauce inherited from Mama Ninfa. When you can’t make dinner, cease in for weekend breakfasts, as a result of Tex-Mex is nice in any respect hours of the day.
Molina’s Cantina
Molina’s Cantina, which is regarded as the oldest frequently working Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston, has tempted followers with their tacos al carbon since 1941. For somewhat selection, go for the Mexico Metropolis Dinner, which features a beef taco, cheese enchilada, tostada, tamale and rice and beans. It’s been a staple on the menu for the reason that restaurant opened. After all there are burritos, enchiladas and carnitas, however the baja fish tacos are additionally an enormous hit. All might be paired simply with Molina’s Well-known Margarita.
Ninfa’s on Navigation
The Tex-Mex taqueria that launched the native chain nonetheless manages to look genuine. Ask anybody who’s ever been to this authentic Ninfa’s on Navigation if it is higher than the franchises across the metropolis and you will get a powerful “sure.” The ambiance and constructing itself simply have somewhat additional allure on Navigation. Need fajitas? Come to the birthplace of them. Mama Ninfa is credited with inventing the meat and flour tortilla combo and followers can’t get sufficient.
Recipe Alert! When you’re not within the temper to exit for dinner, we have you coated. Try Sylvia Casares’ recipes straight from Syliva’s Enchiladas Kitchen.
