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Top picks in Houston

Mexican food calamari

You want your Mexican meal to start with crispy calamari, and you refuse to settle for a place that canโ€™t do both well.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Laurenzo's Prime Rib image 1
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Rustic interior with sports memorabilia and an old New York vibe creates a nostalgic, cozy yet lively atmosphere. The dining room fills with energy, often loud, and features live Barbershop Quartet performances. Strong, well-crafted margaritas complement the classic steakhouse experience.

Light, crisp, and perfectly seasoned, the Calamari Fritti stands out as a great appetizer choice. It consistently arrives well-prepared and on point alongside other starters.

Chicken quesadilla stands out as a main dish. Large, very good guacamole serves well as an appetizer. Margaritas come perfectly balanced and very good.

People are saying

"The prime rib here is succulent and seasoned to perfection."

"I found the prime rib here to be succulent and so good."

"The calamari here is light, crisp, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Thursdays feature a special steak night with unique offerings.

3

The restaurant accommodates dietary requests for various needs.

02
Ostioneria El Roli's image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with colorful Mexican seaside decor and a fish tank greeting creates a vibrant, immersive atmosphere. Good music and a live dance floor add lively energy to the space. The interior feels spacious and comfortable despite a busy, heavily themed design.

Tender calamari comes with a light crispy coating and two dipping sauces. Portions are large and the flavor stands out as shockingly delicious.

Salsa verde stands out with its fresh, vibrant flavor. The torta offers a hearty, satisfying bite. Drinks include a Guava Margarita and Piรฑa Colada, both well-crafted and popular during weekday happy hour.

People are saying

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the flavorful seafood and beef molcajete."

"The calamari here is crispy, tender, and super delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on weekdays is until 7 pm for $3.99 margaritas and pina coladas.

2

The menu lists ceviche tostadas at $12.99 for three.

3

They charge an 18% gratuity and an additional 3% fee for card payments.

03
El Muelle image 1
Restaurant

Large, clean space with multiple screens and an outdoor area creates a lively setting. Atmosphere blends family-friendly vibes with live mariachi music and a relaxed sound level. Bar area offers skilled bartenders crafting well-made drinks, making it a solid spot for watching games.

Fried calamari appears as a frequent seafood option alongside dishes like ceviche and shrimp tacos. It also features in mixed seafood plates with fish fillet, shrimp, and octopus.

Fish empanadas, chicken fajita, shrimp parillada, and mojarra tilapia stand out as solid Mexican dishes. The menu also features shrimp tacos and ceviche, paired well with creamy white salsa and fresh tortillas.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and tastefully prepared."

"The shrimp dishes here are amazing, stuffed with melty cheese and jalapeรฑos."

"The calamari here is stuffed with melty cheese and jalapeรฑos."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted at this restaurant.

2

Expect to wait a little before being seated during peak hours.

3

Menu prices at the restaurant may differ significantly from those listed online.

04
Taste Kitchen + Bar image 1
Brunch restaurant

Brunch restaurant offers an upscale setting with live jazz and R&B music that energizes the space. Seating includes a patio deck and upstairs views of the city, creating a lively yet mature atmosphere. The bar features inviting chairs and expertly crafted cocktails, enhancing the overall experience.

Crunchy texture and tasteful seasoning define the calamari appetizer. Some find it tough, but many enjoy its crispiness and flavor.

Tacos come in unique flavors like lobster, jerk lamb, and smash burger. Taco Tuesday features specials with tacos and a top-shelf margarita. The Oxtail Taco stands out as a flavorful option.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The Mexican food here is great, especially the oxtails!"

"The calamari here is so crunchy and tasteful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 7 pm, featuring lamb chops and drink specials.

2

A $50 per person deposit is required for reservations.

3

The restaurant has no dedicated parking lot available.

05
Hearsay Market Square image 1
American restaurant

Historic building with high ceilings and greenery on walls creates a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting. Comfortable seating supports relaxed dining and socializing. Private upstairs lounge offers an elegant space for events and group gatherings.

Kung Pao Calamari stands out with bold, spicy flavors. It arrives hot and flavorful, but needs to be eaten quickly to avoid sogginess in the sauce.

Red fish tacos stand out as a delicious and affordable option. The green salsa and avocado-cucumber salad complement the tacos well, adding fresh flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the crab crusted redfish."

"The red fish tacos here are phenomenal and a great value."

"I found the calamari to be really good and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

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

2

Steak night on Thursdays offers great value for meat lovers.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy nights like steak night.

06
Juliet image 1
Steak house

Upscale steak house with a theater vibe and live saxophone music on Thursdays creates a relaxing atmosphere. Small, beautifully designed space includes a photo booth area separate from dining. Guests enjoy specialty cocktails and expertly cooked dishes like lamb chops and Korean short rib tacos.

Crispy outside and tender inside, the calamari stays moist and never chewy. It comes with a well-battered coating and a perfectly paired sauce that adds flavor.

Korean short rib tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Other notable dishes include pork belly tacos, shrimp appetizers, and short rib tacos served in threes.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The calamari here is amazing and perfectly paired with sauce."

"The Korean short rib tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is mandatory and costs $20.

2

Expect to pay around $800 for two people, including drinks.

3

Happy hour runs from 5:30 to 7 pm during the week.

07
Tom's Watch Bar image 1
Sports bar

Expansive space filled with giant TVs offers top viewing quality for NFL games and other sports. Energy shifts between loud DJ music during commercials and game sound, creating a rowdy atmosphere. Large patio area connects to the open concept bar, enhancing the social vibe.

Calamari gets mixed reviews here, with some finding it outstanding and others calling it chewy. It often comes recommended alongside wings and garlic fries.

Birria Tacos stand out with their extreme flavor and spice, paired with cheese and chips. Chips and queso come with the meal, and the queso is very good.

People are saying

"I thought the food was great."

"The Mexican food here is great, and the service is phenomenal."

"Anya recommended the calamari and it was great."

Good to know

1

They offer a free shuttle to and from Minute Maid Park.

2

Parking is not free and validation is not provided.

3

They charge a 4% 'Just Because We Can' fee on everything ordered.

08
Hearsay Levy Park image 1

Gorgeously spaced restaurant with high ceilings, large windows, and patio seating overlooking a park creates an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere. The vibe suits sports watching, casual dinners, and happy hours with attentive service and lively energy. Features include a full bar, games for kids, and support for live music, making it family-friendly and vibrant.

Kung Pao calamari stands out with its bold flavor and pairs well with shrimp. The calamari and shrimp appetizer offers a good taste despite having just one shrimp.

Brisket and fish tacos stand out with amazing flavors. Ahi Tuna tacos come in a hard shell but can be messy. Chilaquiles offer a solid choice to try.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are amazing."

"The Kung Pao calamari was perfect."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with special pricing on drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially on weekends; arrive early.

3

Hearsay Levy Park hosts private parties with a minimum spend of $3000.

09
King Ranch Texas Kitchen image 1

Steak house with cowboy-themed decor and quaint western appeal offers a lively atmosphere marked by loud noise levels that challenge conversation. Features include private event rooms, a bar with multiple TVs, and a dog-friendly patio. The environment suits social gatherings more than quiet meals.

Calamari comes out crispy and well plated. It serves as a strong appetizer alongside other starters like brisket queso and quail.

King Ranch Chicken Enchilada Casserole comes in a small black iron skillet, rich and flavorful. Guacamole stands out as best in the city, and the bread basket features a pretzel with queso that pairs well with the brisket queso.

People are saying

"You've gotta try the steaks; they were delicious."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the chicken enchilada casserole."

"The calamari here is amazing and perfectly prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during holidays to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour prices are only available in designated areas, not at tables.

3

The restaurant offers a Christmas Day buffet with a variety of options.

10
Toca Madera Houston image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with intimate dim lighting and thoughtful design creates a romantic, upscale vibe. Live DJ and fire dancers add dynamic energy alongside flaming cocktails and desserts. The crowd dresses up, enjoying a high-end experience with exceptional food and drinks.

People are saying

"The food and atmosphere for dinner spots here are amazing."

"The Mexican food here has amazing atmosphere and phenomenal vibes."

"The calamari and shishito peppers were excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for special occasions like birthdays.

2

Happy hour is available on Tuesdays with discounted drinks.

3

Fire performers entertain guests on select Friday and Saturday nights.

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