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Carne Guisada and Chips and Salsa

Carne guisada and chips and salsa are the baseline for a good meal. You shouldn't have to settle for anything less than both.

Based on 813 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Nicha's Comida Mexicana - Southside image 1
Nicha's Comida Mexicana - Southside image 2
Nicha's Comida Mexicana - Southside image 3
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Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a small, cozy space that reflects Mexican culture. Atmosphere is inviting and chill with wonderful music at a comfortable volume. Known for excellent margaritas and authentic dishes like enchiladas and fajitas.

Carne Guisada is tender and well-seasoned with a rich, delicious flavor. It pairs well with tortillas de harina and leaves a lasting impression.

Free chips and salsa arrive before the meal. The salsa is amazing and the chips are great. Food comes with all the trimmings of chips and salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came out fast."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the puffy tacos."

"The Carne Guisada here is tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a reverse happy hour from 9 pm to close.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm on Fridays with discounted appetizers.

3

Parking at Nicha's is limited, especially during peak times.

02
Tia Maria's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a family-run, homey atmosphere and a large dining area and bar creates a spacious, welcoming environment. Live music and karaoke add to the fun, friendly vibe, while a free soft-serve ice cream machine offers a unique treat on the way out.

Very tender and flavorful, the carne guisada stands out as a Tuesday lunch special. It consistently impresses with its rich taste and soft texture.

Freshly made tortilla chips and salsa come free with dine-in orders. Both have a good flavor and plenty are served to enjoy.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent."

"The carne guisada here is so tender and flavorful."

"I thought the chips and salsa were pretty good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to 8 PM.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with a mariachi band on Friday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

03
Don Pedro Mexicano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Huge Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and separate sections for large and small groups creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. High noise levels rise near areas with big parties and game viewing on large TVs. Live mariachi and roaming singers add lively entertainment to the experience.

Tender meat and rich flavor define the Carne Guisada here. It pairs well with white cheese and offers a filling, delicious meal.

Chips come fresh and crispy with a generous serving of salsa that stays well replenished. The flavor balance between the chips and salsa stands out as particularly delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I could make a whole meal out of their chips and salsa."

"I found the carne guisada to be tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm with $5 margaritas.

2

The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on weekends from 8 to 11am.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties due to potential fees.

04
Amaya's Taco Village image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a cool bar area offers a laid back atmosphere that suits intimate to medium groups. Music and crowd noise create a lively, sometimes loud vibe, especially when busy. Outdoor patio provides a casual spot with views of nearby flyovers.

Carne guisada stands out with its rich flavor and consistent quality. Breakfast tacos featuring carne guisada offer a delicious and well-seasoned experience.

Chips come with a perfect spicy flavor that stands out. Salsa pairs well, making the combo consistently great and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I thought the carne guisada here was the best I've ever had."

"The chips and salsa here are amazing and perfectly spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available on weekends with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The full menu is available starting at 8am, perfect for breakfast options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can get crowded during lunch hours.

05
Linda's Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining in a family kitchen. The space has a hole-in-the-wall vibe and serves authentic Mexican food with fresh, homemade tortillas. It attracts those seeking comforting, honest meals in an intimate setting.

Rich, flavorful carne guisada appears in tacos and plates, often paired with cheese. It stands out as a go-to breakfast choice alongside other dishes like beef fajitas and menudo.

Chips and salsa stand out for their exceptional flavor and crispness. They are so good they keep you reaching for more.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and flavorful."

"I thought the chips and salsa were the best I've ever had."

"The carne guisada here is so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

2

The restaurant gets busy, especially on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Payment is accepted via credit card and cash; mobile payments may not be reliable.

06
Panchito's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Down-home diner with clichรฉ Mexican decor and comfortable seating creates a family-oriented atmosphere with Tejano music playing. Staff engage children with balloons and coloring activities, enhancing the welcoming vibe. Strong, fresh margaritas complement the lively, casual setting.

Rich, tender chunks of beef simmer in a savory sauce that stands out for its deep flavor. This carne guisada ranks just behind a grandmother's recipe, showing its authentic taste.

Chips and salsa come only when you ask for them. Servers say there is no charge, but they do not bring them automatically, even with appetizer orders that include queso. The request-only policy is the key detail here.

People are saying

"Our server Cynthia was so friendly and attentive with our food."

"You have to ask for chips and salsa here."

"The carne guisada here is great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

07
Gilberts Mexican Restaurant LLC image 1

Walls covered with Tejano music memorabilia create a nostalgic atmosphere filled with retro-Tejano sounds. The space feels cozy and family-oriented, with a friendly vibe that reflects Latino culture and musical history.

Carne guisada here is tender and often paired with enchiladas or served in a breakfast taco. Plates featuring carne guisada stand out for their rich flavor and satisfying texture.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The carne guisada here is so tender and flavorful."

"The chips and salsa were excellent, light, and crispy."

Good to know

1

Comedy night happens every Friday at 8pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Bumpers Wacky Wednesday features discounted drinks and games starting at 6pm.

3

The restaurant charges a 3.5% fee for credit card payments.

08
Maria Bonita Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful decor creates a lively yet comfortable setting with ample indoor seating and a private party room. Live mariachi music adds authentic Mexican ambiance and energizes the space. The atmosphere balances laid-back vibes with moments of festive energy during performances.

Very tender beef cooks in amazing gravy for the carne guisada. Servings come hefty and satisfy with rich flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tender beef fajitas."

"The Carne Guisada here is delicious with a rich, tasty gravy."

"They brought out tasty chips and salsa right when we sat down."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Fajita Tuesdays offer special pricing on fajitas all day.

3

Mariachis perform on Wednesday and Friday evenings during dinner.

09
Gonzalez Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican-themed space features colorful decor and a year-round Christmas tree decorated for various occasions. Atmosphere blends festive energy with moments of quiet comfort, supported by loud reggaeton music. Large, satisfying flour tortillas stand out as a signature element of the dining experience.

Rich, tender meat stews in a deeply flavorful sauce define the carne guisada here. The dish stands out for its incredible taste and consistent quality.

Servers bring chips and salsa promptly when you arrive at no charge. The chips and salsa taste very good and stand out among the offerings.

People are saying

"I loved the food here; it was always great."

"I thought the flour tortillas were the best I had ever eaten."

"I found the Carne Guisada to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups of five or more due to added gratuity.

2

Expect a wait time between 10:30 and 12:30 on weekends.

3

Parking is often full, so arrive early to secure a spot.

10
Javi's Best Of Tex Mex image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Open space with booths and bar seating creates a neighborhood feel. Atmosphere gets loud during busy hours, making conversation difficult. Frosted mugs and quality margaritas stand out as distinctive features.

Carne guisada comes in classic South Texas style with a salty flavor. Tacos show good taste, but the burrito version lacks flavor and is disappointing.

Chips come thin and crispy with salsa that is flavorful and mildly spicy. Complimentary servings arrive fresh and are regularly refilled to keep them full and tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Tex Mex."

"The chips and salsa were delicious and mildly spicy."

"The carne guisada here is really good and tender."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are reasonably priced, making it a good option for budget-conscious diners.

2

Parking can be challenging during the lunchtime rush, so plan accordingly.

3

The main entry door is not obvious, so look for signage.

11
El Picante Mexican Grill & Seafood image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with clean, quiet atmosphere and a full bar offering karaoke. Menu features extensive, well-executed dishes that avoid greasiness common in similar places. Family-friendly with affordable prices and plenty of parking.

Carne guisada shows up with solid flavor and good texture. Quality varies by cook, sometimes hitting very good and other times just good.

Fresh taste stands out with the chips and salsa. Chips arrive cold, paired with salsa that complements well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes fresh."

"I thought the carne guisada was good."

"I loved the fresh, cold chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

2

Chips and salsa are provided with meals.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible.

12
Henry's Puffy Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with Tex-Mex theme and Tejano music creates a lively, festive atmosphere. Spacious interior features western decor and many TVs showing sports. Energy stays moderate with upbeat music and a welcoming vibe.

Carne guisada comes tender and well seasoned with a rich flavor. Puffy tacos feature light, crispy shells filled with carne guisada or other meats, offering a tasty twist.

Fresh and tasty chips come with a free starter of salsa. The salsa pairs well with the crispy chips, making it a solid choice compared to other spots.

People are saying

"I thought the puffy tacos were the best."

"I found the carne guisada tender and well seasoned."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to find a spot.

13
Ray's Drive Inn image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Vintage drive-in setting offers a rustic, old-school vibe filled with memorabilia and nostalgic decor. The atmosphere feels cozy and family-run, with live oldies music enhancing the experience. Spacious interior accommodates groups comfortably, creating a welcoming environment.

Carne guisada shines in puffy tacos with crispy shells and fully loaded fillings. It also features in a hearty Mexican Plate alongside enchiladas, rice, beans, and tortillas.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive with every meal. The salsa pairs well with the fresh, crispy chips served at the start.

People are saying

"The puffy tacos here are crispy, light, and delicious."

"The Carne Guisada in a puffy taco was so good."

"The complimentary chips and salsa were yummy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find during busy times.

2

They charge extra for cheese on tacos, which costs 50 cents each.

3

Credit card payments incur an extra charge, which is against Texas law.

14
Tia's Taco Hut image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with warm family vibes and friendly atmosphere offers live mariachi music and a clean, spacious interior. The place feels welcoming and relaxed, with affordable pricing and a calm mood. Decorations add a nice touch, enhancing the overall pleasant environment.

Carne Guisada is consistently tender and easy to eat, whether served on tacos, enchiladas, or a separate plate. The tacos are flavorful and often come with cheese, rice, and guacamole on the side.

Chips come with good salsa and pair well with queso and picadillo. Tortillas add a nice touch to the mix.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the soft tacos with chicken and picadillo delicious."

"The Carne Guisada is so tender and easy to eat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm with good deals on drinks.

2

Soft drinks cost $5, and there's a 4% credit card surcharge.

3

Expect a 40-minute wait time for seating during busy hours.

15
Mary Lou's Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican style decor creates an inviting and cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating and a clean, intimate environment. A bar with TV adds casual energy without overwhelming the space. The vibe suits families and casual diners seeking a relaxed, pleasant experience.

Carne guisada comes with heavy seasoning and a brown sauce that makes it stand out. It pairs well with cheese enchiladas and is part of a platter including rice, a chalupa, and a crispy taco.

Fresh tortilla chips come with vibrant salsa that pairs well with drinks. Both chips and salsa taste consistently good and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh and yummy."

"I found the carne guisada to be the best around."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is advertised but may not be honored.

2

Breakfast tacos require seating before noon on Sundays.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on weekends, affecting parking availability.

16
Henry's Puffy Tacos Express image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cafeteria style setup and rustic decor featuring old photos and a blue plate on the wall. Atmosphere feels homey and laid back, with a family vibe and dim lighting. Busy spot known for puffy tacos and a popular salsa bar offering fresh sauces and Pico de Gallo.

Tender and flavorful meat fills the puffy tacos, making the carne guisada stand out. The tacos offer a delicious and satisfying bite with a nice balance of spice.

Complimentary warm chips and salsa come from a self-serve bar near the fountain drinks. Chips and salsa stay fresh and tasty even while waiting for food.

People are saying

"I found the puffy tacos to be delicious and amazing."

"You can help yourself to unlimited chips and salsa from the bar."

"The Carne Guisada puffy tacos were tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

You order at a counter and then find a table; food is called when ready.

2

Expect your order to be ready within 10 to 15 minutes.

3

Prices for tacos are around $5 each, which some may find high.

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