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Houston's best

Salsa and Empanadas

Made for those who want their empanadas served with a side of salsa that actually packs a punch.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated April 2026
01
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Mexican restaurant

Small, intimate Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and Mexican music creating a comfortable vibe. The space features tasteful decor and beautiful dishware, seating about 30 people. It offers authentic flavors with a focus on fresh margaritas and highly praised tacos.

Salsa here stands out for its layered flavors and is served warm. It pairs well with dishes like chicken quesadilla and is fresh enough to enjoy by the gallon.

Delicious empanadas serve as a great appetizer here. They come with high quality fillings and pair well with tacos like beef street and nopal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the tacos and tortas."

"The salsa here has exceptional flavor and a delicious tingle."

"The empanadas here are delicious and a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Tuesdays with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant has been open for only four months.

3

Expect small portion sizes relative to the prices.

02
Pasteko USA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open kitchen and a large side window lets diners watch fresh empanadas being made. The atmosphere is friendly and the space is clean and simply decorated with limited seating. Empanadas come in various flavorful options, offering authentic tastes that stand out in the area.

Homemade pepper salsa stands out with its bold flavor. It pairs well with savory pastekos and sausage, enhancing the classic taste.

Empanadas come in various flavors including poblano with mushrooms and cheese, guava, and bean. They taste homemade and flavorful, with options for breakfast and savory tastes.

People are saying

"The homemade Mexican food here, especially the moles and empanadas, is delicious."

"These empanadas are delicious and homemade."

"Their salsa is out of this world, truly awesome."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 5 PM daily.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

3

Catering services are available for businesses.

03
The Empanada Company image 1

Bakery offers wide variety of empanada flavors with bold, spicy Mexican taste and generous fillings. Atmosphere feels lovely and welcoming, with reasonable prices and ample parking. Some menu items run out by afternoon, and sauces come in small portions with extra charges.

Salsas come in red and green varieties that pair well with empanadas. The ghost chilli pepper salsa offers a spicy kick, while the chipotle salsa stands out for its rich flavor.

Empanadas come in a wide variety with options like spicy pork, chorizo, brisket, and vegetarian. The dough is fabulous, and all empanadas are fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly.

People are saying

"These empanadas are amazing, stuffed generously and full of bold flavor."

"The chicken pastry's dough is so flaky and delicious."

"The empanadas here are amazing, especially with the salsa."

Good to know

1

Some flavors run out by the afternoon, so arrive early for the best selection.

2

They charge for additional sauces, which cost 25 or 50 cents each.

3

The empanadas range in price from $3 to $4, making them affordable.

04
Emma's Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wall murals and oil paintings in a Latin style create a richly decorated and homey vibe in a cozy space. The atmosphere stays chill with genuine people and great energy. Breakfast tacos and homemade tortillas stand out as authentic and flavorful offerings.

Salsas come freshly made in house with fresh ingredients and a clear focus on craft. The habanero salsa stands out as hot but balanced, enhancing tacos without overpowering them.

Empanadas come out hot and fresh with a very flavorful taste. The chorizo empanadas stand out as especially good.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast tacos to be the best I've ever tasted."

"The tacos were delicious with freshly made salsas."

"I thought the breakfast tacos were probably the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Emma's Kitchen is open 6 days a week, including Labor Day.

2

Parking is plentiful and well lit near the restaurant.

3

Emma's Kitchen offers vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

05
Taco Fuego image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers best birria tacos with a lively, chill vibe and fun music. Space feels clean and beautiful, resembling a well-kept 1988 mall food court. Atmosphere is welcoming but can be loud, making it hard to hear service at times.

Creamy green salsa stands out with its spicy but not hot flavor. It pairs well with tacos and often gets more praise than the tacos themselves.

Chicken empanadas stand out with a fresh, crispy texture straight from the grease. They offer a real Mexican flavor and pair well with other dishes like birria ramen or pupusas.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, seasoned perfectly with great flavor."

"I found the birria tacos here to be extremely flavorful."

"The empanadas here are really good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Taco Fuego is located within The Post off Franklin Street.

2

All menu items are Halal, which is a plus for many diners.

3

The food prices are cheaper at the food truck location.

06
The Empanada Co. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers baked empanadas with varied fillings, including savory and sweet options. Seating is cozy but small, and music plays at a loud volume. A drive-thru provides convenient service without leaving the car.

Salsas come in very small portions, often less than 1 ounce, with extra salsa costing $0.40 each. The ghost pepper salsa stands out for its kick, and adding salsa verde improves drier dishes like chorizo and papa.

Handmade empanadas feature thick dough and flavorful fillings that stand out. Options include baked varieties for a healthier choice, with sweet ones like arroz con leche and cajeta alongside savory egg and cheese.

People are saying

"These empanadas have thick dough and flavorful fillings."

"The Mexican food, especially the empanadas, is fantastic and filling."

"I wish they gave more salsa; it's barely an ounce."

Good to know

1

Everything is freshly made in-house, including the juice.

2

The empanadas are baked, not deep fried.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of empanadas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

07
The Tamale Joint image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with classical decoration and a beautiful mural creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Spanish music and multiple TVs add lively energy, making it a good spot for casual dining or watching sports. The space feels authentic and inviting, with a friendly vibe throughout.

Green salsa stands out with its perfect balance and mild heat, avoiding the usual over-the-top spice. Tamales come with flavorful salsas that complement dishes like eggs and beans well.

Empanadas come fresh and tender, especially the chicken tinga variety. Every bite offers fantastic flavor and a deliciously cooked texture.

People are saying

"These tamales are fresh and delicious."

"The salsa here is impeccable and complements the tamales perfectly."

"I found the empanadas to be amazing and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers breakfast all day from 7 AM to 7 PM.

2

The price is $7.99 for 6 tamales, which is a filling lunch.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

08
La Cruderia image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a modern twist on traditional decor and a lively outdoor patio featuring fans and pet-friendly seating. Upbeat Latin rock music plays without overwhelming conversation, creating a friendly and energetic vibe. The bar serves top-tier cocktails alongside delicious seafood and Mexican dishes.

Salsas come in several varieties, each with distinct flavors that complement the tacos well. The cochinita tacos pair especially well with the salsa, which is flavorful and fresh.

Crispy turnovers filled with succulent shrimp, cheese, and jalapeรฑo stand out here. They come with pico de gallo and mayo-chipotle for dipping, making the shrimp empanadas a must-have item.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and wonderful."

"You have to try the shrimp empanadas; they're fantastic."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh and perfectly crisp."

Good to know

1

La Cruderia will start offering brunch on weekends beginning March 1st.

2

The happy hour at La Cruderia offers $5 margaritas from 3 pm to 6 pm.

3

Guests celebrating birthdays receive special attention from staff.

09
Tequila 45 mexican restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with chic Day of the Dead decor and lively colors creates an upscale, bright atmosphere. Live Mariachi music and a full-service bar energize the space, encouraging dancing and socializing. Specialty margaritas and a well-curated drink menu complement the vibrant setting.

Chips come with creamy verde salsa that has a spicy finish and a red salsa known for its rich flavor. Both are consistently praised and pair well with the crunchy chips.

Seafood empanadas stand out with bursting flavor and perfect cooking. The Tulum Empanadas and Fajita dinner also offer a delicious variety worth trying.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and outstanding."

"The salsa here is amazing, with a perfect blend of spice."

"The seafood empanadas here are perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with special menu items.

2

Live music performances occur on Fridays featuring local bands.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

10
Norms Cakes & Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck setup with folding chairs and a small sitting area creates a casual, outdoor vibe. Atmosphere feels electric and lively, drawing people who appreciate authentic Mexican cuisine. Affordable prices and family-owned operation add to its approachable, local charm.

Both green and red salsa come packed and have a flavor that builds slowly without being too spicy. The salsa Verde pairs well with dishes like empanadas de chicharron and is flavorful but not overwhelming.

Empanadas feature a hearty chicharron filling paired with salsa verde and deliver an impressive cheese pull that stands out.

People are saying

"This breakfast burrito was thoughtfully prepared and gourmet."

"The Salsa Verde here is delicious and hearty."

"I thought the empanadas here were outstanding and authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens early, which is convenient for early birds.

2

Prices are great for authentic Mexican food.

3

They offer refreshing cucumber water as a complimentary drink.

11
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with loud music and quirky Mexican-themed decor including wooden plates, long horns, and cowboy hats. The space feels packed and intimate, with tables close together and a busy bar area. Outdoor seating provides a breezy, vibrant patio experience.

Fresh chips come with incredible salsa that stands out for being flavorful without too much heat. The salsa ranks among the best locally and suits those who prefer milder spice.

Golden pockets filled with robust pork stew stand out. The empanadas pair well with Mexican corn and make a solid side dish choice.

People are saying

"I loved the chicken enchiladas verdes; they were amazing."

"The salsa here is fresh and one of the best we've had locally."

"These empanadas were a must-try highlight."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be tricky; expect limited spots during busy hours.

3

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

12
La chingada Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy design with soft lighting and full-color decoration creates a welcoming atmosphere. Music varies by genre and includes a live DJ on Fridays, though it can be loud during weekdays. The bar offers top-notch margaritas that complement the flavorful Mexican dishes served on metal plates.

Salsa comes with free nachos and fresh salsa verde alongside black beans. The salsa is notably spicy, even hotter than some other places, and the molcajete arrives sizzling with meats, cheese, and salsa.

Chicken and chicharron empanadas stand out with unique flavor and top-notch quality. Options include Chile relleno and beef varieties, all paired well with real fruit agua frescas.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions."

"I found the salsa here to be truly authentic Mexican."

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

Good to know

1

Thursdays feature unlimited pozole, making it a great night to visit.

2

Friday nights have a DJ, adding a lively atmosphere to the dining experience.

3

The restaurant serves generous portions, so come with a big appetite.

13
Mexcal Cantina Pacifico image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with loud live music and a colorful, lively decor creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor patio features colorful umbrellas ideal for gatherings. The energy peaks with a large band and DJ, making conversation challenging but enhancing the festive vibe.

Chips come with fresh, flavorful salsa that avoids the watered-down taste common elsewhere. The salsa matches homemade quality and is served instantly with the chips.

Chicken empanadas come with queso flameado con chorizo, adding rich flavor. They taste very good and are popular enough to order for takeout.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is flavorful and on point."

"I ordered the empanadas and found them to be very tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day from Monday to Wednesday with $6 margaritas.

2

Thursday happy hour ends at 5pm.

3

Parking costs $25 in cash; cards are not accepted.

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