Top 10 Mexican Food Restaurants in Houston

Tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, oh my! Mexican food is a super popular type of food that is good any time of day, no matter where you are. We know you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, but trying to figure out which one has the best food, or the best margarita specials can be difficult. If you’re in Houston, we have found the top 10 best Mexican restaurants for you to go to because we know that the struggle is real. So sit down, and enjoy your favorite Mexican dish in the wonderful city of Houston with these top 10 restaurants!

Have you ever heard of a GiftYa electronic gift card? Well, today is your lucky day! With purchasing a GiftYa electronic gift card, it can help you get into the best restaurants in Houston, especially if you’re in the mood for Mexican food. With this gift card, you can also check out many other recreational attractions, shops, hotels, pet services, and even more! Purchase a GiftYa electronic gift card today to be able to go to the top 10 Mexican restaurants in Houston today!

1. Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

Come and check out this old school cafe that serves classic Mexican dishes!

1511 Airline Drive | The Heights | Teomexicancafe.com

Want some delicious local Mexican food located in The Heights in Houston, Texas? We recommend this local favorite, Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe! Also known as Teo Mexican Cafe for short, this restaurant is proud to serve their customers with quality food and service and they have been doing so for many years. Teo Mexican Cafe has expanded to three different locations with their popular and authentic Mexican dishes and have been named in The Houston Press and The Houston Chronicle. 

Does Teo Mexican Restaurant sound good to you? Let’s really solidify your decision with some of their top dishes! They are most well known for their enchiladas, burritos, tacos, tostados, and many more that all come in with many different toppings, sauces, salsa, and many more. This is a great way for you to really spice up your Mexican food and have it the way that you want it. Teo Mexican Restaurant has an endless amount of dishes to choose from, along with their signature margaritas, micheladas, cocktails, and even beer. Sounds good right? Stop by Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe today for some tasty and authentic Mexican dishes!

“Very affordable compared to some of the other places out there. The fajitas had great flavor! The chicken quesadilla was large and amazing! The queso was tasty and perfect. Overall, I'll be back! This place is solid.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe.

2. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

Still want to support local restaurants? Come check out this place that serves cool margaritas, and Mexican fare food!

2704 Navigation Boulevard | Ward | Ninfas.com

Want to go to a local favorite for Mexican food in Houston, Texas? Then stop by The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, or Ninfa’s for short. Open every day of the week, Ninfa’s is the perfect spot in Houston to get some cool margaritas and some classic Mexican favorites. Mama Ninfa, the original owner of Ninfa’s, is known for making and selling her very own fajitas, which include handmade flour tortillas with some delicious grilled and sliced beef. 

There are so many delicious goodies here at Ninfa’s, and their fajitas are what people really rave about. If you are interested in some other good Mexican dishes from this local favorite, make sure to try out their fajita burger, carnitas, handmade tamales, and many more! Ninfa’s also has lots of different flavors of margaritas, tequila, and you can’t forget cerveza (or beer in Spanish). Stop by Ninfa’s today for some local favorites since 1973 and hop on the fajita craze today!

“Everything I expected from the original, and more! This is definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in Houston, it deserves the credibility it has!” - Yelp Review

3. Hugo’s

Have you ever had a hand shaken margarita? Try them today along with some tasty Mexican dishes at Hugo’s!

1600 Westheimer Road | Montrose | Hugosrestaurant.net

Located in the Montrose area of Houston, Hugo’s is a Mexican restaurant that serves authentic Mexican food that is from many regions of Mexico. Hugo’s serves food that is all made from scratch and they are most well known with their awards on their cocktail and tequila list. Sounds good right? Why don’t you stop down today?

Hugo’s is not only known for their cocktail and tequila menu, but they are also known for their many famous, authentic Mexican dishes. These dishes include grilled octopus, squash blossoms, queso flameado, and even their very own lobster tacos. Hugo’s also has many signature drinks, like the Hugo Rita, the West Texas Walkabout, and of course, mojitos, and other Mexican beers that you will love. We know that Hugo’s sounds like a hit, so why not come down today for some tasty Mexican food and a cocktail?

“This is my new favorite place in Houston. Awesome atmosphere, and even better food. Every single dish we ate was out-of-this-world good. Highly recommend this place.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Hugo’s. 

4. Lopez Mexican Restaurant

Stop by today for some margaritas and other Mexican favorites at this local, family owned Mexican restaurant!

11606 S Wilcrest Drive | Vivalopez.com

Since 1978, Lopez Mexican Restaurant’s goal has been to provide exceptional hospitality, quality, and amazing customer service. This Tex-Mex restaurant has been popular since it started up with adding two additions to the restaurant since its opening. Customer satisfaction is what is most important to the Lopez Mexican Restaurant, along with their delicious Mexican favorites.

For starters, the Lopez Mexican Restaurant serves delicious appetizers, such as chile con queso and guacamole served with tortilla chips and then they have many main courses to choose from. From carnitas, enchiladas, taco salad, and even fajita tacos, there is so much to choose from and they even have their own tex-mex favorites, like burritos and chalupas. We know that you would love this restaurant, so stop by Lopez Mexican Restaurant today to indulge in some good Mexican food today!

“First time eating here and I was amazed at how fast & polite the service was. The food was good too, I definitely would recommend coming to Lopez!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Lopez Mexican Restaurant. 

5. Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen

A sunny cafe with amazing food? Nothing better than stopping at Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen today for some good Mexican food!

6320 N Main Street | The Heights | Pueblasmexicankitchen.com

Located in The Heights in Houston lives Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen, a restaurant that first opened up as a bakery in 2001 and was originally known as Puebla’s Bakery. Soon after, it turned into a bona fide food joint where it started serving authentic Mexican dishes and then changed its name to Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen. In 2003, the restaurant gained a lot of loyal customers and with its good reputation, it moved to a bigger location and expanded its menu to what we know as Puebla’s Kitchen today!

We know that you’re curious to figure out what kinds of tasty Mexican food that Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen is selling, so here we go! Puebla’s sells all of the classic Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos, gorditas, tostadas, quesadillas, and many other favorites! They also serve foods such as huevos con chorizo, special huevos rancheros, and even beef fajitas! We know that you’ll love Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen, so top by today to try out some family recipes that you will love!

“By far the best Mexican food breakfast I've ever had that wasn't from my grandmother. Everything was fresh and hot in order not to mention their cinnamon coffee which I highly recommend. You can't beat the prices either!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen. 

6. Xochi

Check out this award-winning restaurant known for its Oaxaca-inspired dishes!

1777 Walker St, Suite A | Downtown | xochihouston.com

Experience the creative flavors of Oaxaca at Xochi. Located in Downtown Houston, Xochi is a new Mexican restaurant run by the award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega. All of the dishes and drinks at Xochi honor the rich culinary history of Oaxaca, Mexico. 

Brunch, Happy Hour, and Dinner services are all available at this popular Mexican restaurant. Everything from the Bistec con Huevos to the Barbacoa de res de Zaachila is made from the freshest ingredients. Vegetarian options are also available. Just don’t forget to order a mezcal cocktail or margarita to finish off your meal!

“I met some people for happy hour right when the restaurant opened, and could not have had a better experience. The servers were super attentive, explained the cocktails we were interested in, and were very prompt with everything during our time there.” - Yelp Review

7. El Hidalguense

Craving some savory tacos? Stop by this casual restaurant!

6917 Long Point Rd | Spring Branch 

Who doesn’t love a plate of delicious tacos? You will find some of the most savory and authentic Mexican food in Houston at this popular, laid back restaurant. But tacos aren’t the only items on the menu. Quesadillas, gorditas, tortas, and more are served inside this popular restaurant. Coming with the whole family? El Hidalguense offers a full kids menu for the little ones. 

“This is my first time here and I can't believe I haven't been here sooner! The micheladas & menudo was so delicious! I'm definitely coming back!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for El Hidalguense. 

8. Belly of the Beast

Enjoy savory meals made from fresh, local ingredients!

26510 Border St | Spring | bellyofthebeastfood.com

Located just outside of Houston in Spring, Texas, Belly of the Beast is the ultimate destination for savory and authentic Mexican food. Inside, you’ll find a rustic and cozy atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends or spending time with family members. 

All of the dishes are made from fresh, local ingredients. Speaking of the food, you’ll find delicious entrees like the Camarones al Mojo, Carne Asada, and Pork Ribeye on the restaurant’s extensive menu. If you manage to save enough room for dessert, we recommend splitting the Tres Leches with a friend. You won’t regret it!

“My wife, our service dog Tootsie, and I went to Belly of the Beast on Thursday right when they opened at 4:00 pm. We were blown away! The food was amazing. Thomas the Chef came by our table (with mask on) and talked to us like we were regulars. The Birrara tacos were great.” - Yelp Review

9. Caracol

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at this popular upscale eatery.

2200 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 160 | Galleria/Uptown | caracol.net

Looking for somewhere chic and modern to dine with friends and family? Try Caracol. This upscale Mexican restaurant features dishes from all across the different coasts of Mexico. Everything from the Ensalada de Verano to the Papas Martajadas is made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Inside, you will find a charming and rustic interior that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the luxurious paradise of Mexico itself. While you enjoy the restaurant’s gorgeous decor, you can treat yourself to a refreshing glass of sangria or a margarita. Make sure you save enough room for dessert, as Caracol has a wide selection of sweet treats for you to try!

“Date night for the hubby and I, boy am I so happy he chose this restaurant! All the food we ate here was out of this world!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Caracol.

10. La Fisheria

Stop by this popular Mexican restaurant for fresh seafood and inventive cocktails.

213 Milam St | Downtown | lafisheriadowntown.com

Last, but not least, is La Fisheria. This downtown restaurant features a variety of fresh coastal cuisine. Shrimp, bay scallops, octopus, and more delicious seafood entrees await you at this popular Mexican restaurant. Salads and meat dishes are also available if anyone in your party isn’t in the mood for seafood. Feeling thirsty? Treat yourself to a cup of tea. Or maybe a chocolate martini. La Fisheria offers an extensive drink menu that will quench and satisfy any taste.

“The best tequila and Mezcal cocktails north of the border, the martinis are crafted in such a glorious fashion and the Bar service is second to none.” - Yelp Review

Is there a Mexican restaurant in Houston that you absolutely love that we didn’t mention? If so, let us know in the comments!

11. Ambriza

Authentic Mexican flavors in a vibrant setting.

10115 Louetta Rd Ste 400 | Houston | ambriza.com

Ambriza is where authentic Mexican flavors come together. And it is all made with fresh and locally sourced produce. This restaurant offers a gorgeous environment that’s primed for guests to make great memories in. The food, staff, and environment are all great features that you couldn’t help but to enjoy. Try their tostones, their beef empanadas, or their tuna ceviche. Whichever you choose, you’ll get to experience the authentic flavors of Mexico. 

“I've been LOOKING for an authentic Mexican place and this place did not disappoint!!!! Everything was delicious! We had the Quesabirria & Barbacoa tacos and also got to try the corn. Everything was amazing and tasted just like home! I can't wait to bring more friends here!!! Thanks y'all!”–Yelp Review

Ambriza isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available. 

12. Cuchara

Mexican bistro with a celebratory spirit. 

214 Fairview St Ste A | Houston | cuchararestaurant.com

Cuchara is an authentic Mexican City bistro that came around in 2012. It opened its doors with a Mexican Independence party and remains a stronghold of Mexican culture in the city. It has an open and modern aesthetic with bright rainbow hues throughout. Their menu includes ceviche del dia, mole verde, picaditas, and much more. You won’t regret stopping by!

“Authentic and cute lil spot located in the Montrose artistic area off of Tuan. I loved the flavor of my tortilla soup and the presentation! My friend had the rolled taquitos and we both enjoyed a side of guacamole with authentic chips! Def a must try spot. I'm sure I'll be back soon.”–Yelp Review

Cuchara isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available. 

13. Polanquito

Traditional food served as upscale creations. 

404 Shepherd Dr | Houston | polanquitohtx.com

Polanquito gives its guests a little piece of Mexico when they enter their doors. It's named after a trendy neighborhood in Mexico city that is filled with upscale food. The owner and chef has worked in some of the most luxurious restaurants in Mexico and has brought that expertise over to Huston with Polanquito. Try their tacos de langosta, their enchilada suizas, or their postres. You pretty much can’t go wrong with your choice there!

“I absolutely loved the mole chilaquiles with chicken, which had bold, rich flavors.  The shrimp aguachile was very tart and refreshing.  Churros and ice horchata Latte was a great way to end brunch. Definitely going back to try out the rest of the menu!”–Yelp Review

Polanquito isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available. 

14. Rainbow Lodge

Top notch food with deep and complex flavors. 

2011 Ella Blvd Westheimer Rd | Houston | rainbow-lodge.com

Rainbow Lodge serves wild game and seafood in a log cabin setting. The 100 year old log cabin is a comfortable yet still refined setting. It’s the ideal spot to eat the wild game they serve. There is elk, bison, venison, and quail among other uncommon meat options. They also serve the usual meats like beef, lobster, lamb, and shrimp, and have onsite kitchen gardens they harvest food from. This place will certainly make you happy that you stopped by!

“A beautiful lodge venue. Great friendly staff. Fantastic service, very accommodating. Went for a Sunday brunch and it did not disappoint. Known for their dishes with wild game, they also are flexible and can offer vegetarian options. Overall a very pleasant and delicious experience!”–Yelp Review

Rainbow Lodge isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available. 

15. The Cheesecake Factory

American chain with a cheesecake specialty. 

5015 Westheimer Rd | Houston | thecheesecakefactory.com

If nothing else on the list looks interesting, you can always visit a national favorite. The cheesecake factory is a chain restaurant that is well known for its delicious savory and cheesecake menus. This is a restaurant where you’ll find dessert in abundance. They offer a long list of cheesecakes as well as a few other types of cake. 

Even though the Cheesecake Factory has an extensive menu, they still make everything they offer from scratch. That’s not always the case with large restaurant chains, but it certainly is for this one. They always make sure to start with fresh ingredients and great cooking techniques. The menu includes brunch, pizza, pasta, and even low calorie options. It is really easy to appreciate this restaurant!

“The Cheesecake Factory is a classic good restaurant with many options to choose from. You really can't go wrong with eating here. They have an extensive menu that can cater to any craving. Their food is delicious and the drinks are good too. This is always a go-to place for larger groups or date lunch/brunch.”–Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Cheesecake Factory.

Is there a Mexican restaurant in Houston that you absolutely love that we didn’t mention? If so, let us know in the comments!