Tex-Mex is Texas’ comfort food
Whether you are seeking a taco or a mindblowing mole, you will find plenty of places serving authentic Mexican fare and the comfort foods we call Tex-Mex. Here are some recommended restaurants:
Arnaldo Richards’ Picos
Chef-owner Richards’ menu draws from the seven distinct regions of Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss sautéed calamari, cochinita pibil, enchiladas moles and chiles nogada. The margaritas are renowned. 3601 Kirby, 832-831-9940; picos.net.
Cuchara
What’s not to love about this hip Montrose restaurant? There’s the all-female kitchen that cooks with love and authenticity, the colorful murals that decorate the dining room and an adults-only vibe after dark. 214 Fairview, 713-942-0000; cuchararestaurant.com.
El Real
Housed in the restored Tower Theater, this temple of Tex-Mex serves vintage fare, such as puffy tacos and cheese enchiladas topped with chili gravy. 1201 Westheimer, 713-524-1201; elrealtexmex.com.
El Tiempo
The expensive chow at El Tiempo is outstanding — deliciously charred fajitas, pillowy flour tacos, amazing salsa. The margaritas are potent and tasty, which is a rare combination. 5602 Washington, 713-681-3645; 322 Westheimer, 713-807-8101; and six other Houstonarea locations; eltiempocantina.com.
Goode Co. Taqueria
Trendy restaurants come and go, but this Houston icon is still the go-to cafe for comforting Tex-Mex and hefty, mesquite-grilled burgers. 4902 Kirby, 713-520-9153; goodecompany.com.
Irma’s
Irma Galvan’s legendary downtown lunch spot is known for the namesake owner’s comforting Mexican sauces and stews, gracious hospitality and homemade lemonade. Irma’s serves high quality fare and the prices reflect that. 22 N. Chenevert, 713-222-0767; irmasoriginal.com.
Molina’s Cantina
In the vast salsa sea of Tex-Mex joints in Houston, Molina’s gets bonus points for authenticity (don’t miss the chili). Just know you’ll be presented with two red salsas. Insiders know to ask for the green. 4720 Washington, 713-862-0013; 7901 Westheimer, 713-782-0861; 3801 Bellaire, 713-432-1626; molinascantina.com.
Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
As the name implies, this is where it all started. If you believe the legend, Mama Ninfa was (is) the patron saint of Tex-Mex. In her once-tiny kitchen, she cranked out the world’s first fajitas. 2704 Navigation, 713-228-1175; ninfas.com.
Spanish Village
It’s simple Tex-Mex fare served in a colorful and festive setting for more than 50 years. More than a few Houstonians admit their love of Spanish Village is fanned by the house margarita. The slushy margaritas are tart, lively and, yes, intoxicating. 4720 Almeda, 713-523-2861; spanishvillagerestaurant.com.
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
Sylvia Casares’ plates feature fresh ingredients and complex flavors. Among her enchilada offerings: squash and corn, crab and grilled pork with a fiery red sauce. 6401 Woodway, 713-334-7295; 1140 Eldridge, 832-2303842; 12637 Westheimer, 281-679-8300; sylviasenchiladas.com.