Tex-Mex is staple fare in Houston, and the city is loaded with Tex-Mex restaurants. For every lousy taco joint serving sloppy food, an outstanding taco restaurant counters it with lip-smacking tacos crammed with amazing fillings. Here are some of the best tacos to try in Houston.
Eight Row Flint
In Houston Heights, everyone will point you to Eight Row Flint if you’re looking for a great taco. This trendy spot is an icehouse offering whiskey, beer, and cocktails paired with awesome Mexican food served from a backyard food truck. The concept is simple and was an immediate hit with customers. The Brussels sprouts taco is so good that it will win over any sprouts-hater. There’s a happy hour Mondays to Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. when the tacos cost only $3.
Ninfa’s Original on Navigation
Ninfa’s is an institution in Houston. The original owner, Mama Ninfa, is widely credited with introducing fajitas to the world. Ninfa’s looks deceivingly unassuming on the outside. But stop in and sit down to some great food. It goes without saying that you have to try the Tacos Al Carbon, the original dish that secured Mama Ninfa’s spot in Tex-Mex history. The flour tortillas are freshly prepared onsite. Wash it down with one of their frozen margaritas, an excellent thirst quencher in summer.
Fusion Taco
If you’re tired of the usual run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex offerings and your taste buds are seeking something exciting, go to Fusion Taco. They took the brave step to put forward an internationally inspired menu and it works. You’ll find options like chicken fried oysters, falafel on grilled naan, lamb keema with Persian cucumber and tahini, and grilled Thai chicken. A sure winner is the Asian Angus steak taco topped with black beans, grilled onions, ginger chipotle barbecue sauce, and red cabbage slaw.
Tacos-A-Go-Go
If the comical name doesn’t already give it away, then the whimsical decor tells you that this is a place to just hang loose in a fun environment. The street tacos are a must-try. Opt for the puffy tortilla — it costs 25 cents extra but is worth it. The Pollo Guisado, chicken simmered in a garlic, tomato, and Serrano pepper sauce, is listed as one of the best tacos in Texas by Texas Monthly. If you’re looking for a breakfast taco that hits the spot, this is the place. They’ve also received the thumbs up for best breakfast tacos by Houston Press.
Berryhill Baja Grill
Not everyone can knock a fish taco out the park, but Berryhill Baja Grill has a reputation for making the best fish tacos in Houston. They specialize in Baja-style cuisine. Their Original Fish Taco is fresh tempura fried fish topped with red cabbage and cilantro and dressed with their “special sauce.” Then it’s wrapped in not one, but two, corn tortillas. It was voted “best fish taco ever” in Zagat’s National Survey.
Houston is the hands-down winner as the Mexican food capital of the United States. Competition is stiff and Mexican restaurants are constantly upping the game, whether it’s with a creative twist on traditional Tex-Mex or fusion-style variations.
This photo, “Tacos” by The DLC used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “Tacos” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.
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