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Top picks in the CBD

Mexican food and taco spots

A taco that tastes like it came from a real kitchen rather than a mass-produced assembly line.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Taco restaurant

Taco truck with gourmet options and vegan choices offers a quiet, covered outdoor seating area under a chic awning. Music plays softly, creating a relaxed vibe while waiting. Tacos feature unique flavor combinations that stand out from typical offerings.

Tacos feature unique flavor combinations like spicy barbacoa with tender beef chuck roast and buffalo ranch with juicy buffalo tender on ginger fried rice. Sauces are made from scratch and pair perfectly with each taco, highlighting fresh ingredients and adventurous recipes.

Tacos feature unique flavor combinations like ginger, sesame, orange zest, and smoky beef. Sauces are made from scratch and pair well with fresh, adventurous fillings such as tender beef chuck roast and juicy buffalo tender on ginger fried rice.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were so delicious."

"I found the food to be flavorful and unique."

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

Good to know

1

The menu features gourmet tacos with vegan and vegetarian options.

2

Prices are slightly on the higher end, with meals averaging around $15.

3

Expect large portion sizes; one taco may be enough for a meal.

02
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Taco restaurant

Underground tunnels beneath a commerce building create a unique cozy setting with a hidden gem vibe. The atmosphere feels a bit chaotic but lively, enhanced by good music and simple decor. The place draws a crowd seeking authentic Mexican breakfast tacos with generous portions and reasonable prices.

Breakfast tacos stand out with homemade tortillas and fillings like pulled pork, grilled shrimp, and classic beef. The 1910 taco offers perfectly balanced flavors and is cooked to perfection.

Breakfast tacos stand out with pulled pork and grilled shrimp options that deliver exceptional quality. The 1910 breakfast taco offers perfectly balanced flavors and is cooked to perfection, while other tacos like classic beef, potato and egg, and fried fish bring authentic Mexican tastes.

People are saying

"The tacos here have an authentic Mexican flavor."

"These breakfast tacos are the best I've ever had."

"I loved the fresh, handmade tortillas here."

Good to know

1

Luchi & Joey's is located in the basement food court of the Commerce Towers.

2

Expect no wait times if visiting towards the end of lunch rush.

3

The chorizo and papa taco costs $2.99.

03
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Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends natural light, neon accents, and cozy seating to create a chill, relaxing vibe. Frequented by people working or chatting, it offers fast wifi, charging ports, and a steady but peaceful flow of visitors. Unique features include visible drip coffee process and dog-friendly amenities outside.

Breakfast tacos stand out here, especially the vegan chorizo and Barbados varieties. The menu also includes kolache, a local Texan twist on Eastern European pastries.

Breakfast tacos come with options like vegan chorizo, potato and egg, and al pastor with spicy salsa. They pair well with coffee and local pastries like kolache and cinnamon rolls.

People are saying

"I believed this coffee was the best in Houston."

"The breakfast tacos and coffee here are amazing."

"The tacos here are always great and the staff is so friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is conveniently available right in front of the shop.

2

They offer a 10% discount for Metro card holders.

3

The shop features unique Barbados breakfast tacos on weekends.

04
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station offers a cozy, clean space with ample seating and beautiful decor. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with friendly staff and televisions showing soccer. Handmade tortillas and large portions add to a genuine dining experience.

Tacos stand out with big portions and flavorful seasoning. Fish and shrimp tacos are especially delicious and fresh. Quesadillas and fajita platters also offer strong, tasty options.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with excellent flavor and generous portions. Steak and carne street tacos offer rich, satisfying taste, while birria tacos recall authentic San Diego style.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the tacos here to be outstanding and very tasty."

"I considered this our downtown stop for breakfast with chorizo and eggs."

Good to know

1

There is parking available at El Taco Rico.

2

The portions are very large for the price.

3

They are open in the morning with chorizo and eggs.

05
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a food court offers handmade tortillas and authentic chicharrรณn tacos with a satisfying crunch. The atmosphere is casual with a good environment and moderate energy. Prices are competitive downtown rates, attracting a mix of taco lovers throughout the day.

Tacos feature handmade nixtamalized corn tortillas that stand out for their fresh, authentic taste. Varieties like chicharron with crispy crunch and pork tacos deliver rich, satisfying flavors with tasty salsas.

Tacos feature chicharron with a satisfying crunch and tortillas made from nixtamalized corn. Varieties include pork belly, brisket, vegan options, and breakfast tacos, all with rich flavor and great texture.

People are saying

"The chicharron tacos have a satisfying crunch."

"The handmade corn tortillas are really something special."

"The chicharron tacos have amazing flavor and a satisfying crunch."

Good to know

1

The carrot taco is only available after 11am, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect to pay an additional $2 for flour tortillas instead of corn.

3

Prices are higher due to the downtown location, so budget accordingly.

06
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Mexican restaurant

Space combines stylish interior with inviting patios and a lively u-shaped bar. Atmosphere blends luxury Baja feel with Boho chic vibes, creating a cool and elegant setting. Crowd includes groups and couples, with amenities like high chairs and private event spaces enhancing accessibility.

Octopus tostada and fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors. Taco de Pato features date mole and duck skin chicharron, blending Chinese influence with Mexican tradition. Bread, tacos, and seafood rice also shine.

Tacos highlight Taco de Pato, a duck taco with date mole and duck skin chicharron showing Chinese influence. Fish tacos and bread tacos also stand out as delicious and well-loved.

People are saying

"The fresh seafood, especially the oysters, was my favorite."

"The Mexican Food here is served by a really friendly and attentive staff."

"The baja fish taco is a standout, so good!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers after work.

2

Valet parking costs $12 and can be paid at your table.

3

Zaranda has two private event spaces available for booking.

07
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Mexican restaurant

Lively mariachi bands fill a spacious, modern dining area with authentic Mexican music and a family-friendly atmosphere. The setting combines open seating with clay pot serving, creating a vibrant yet comfortable environment. Noise levels can be high, adding to the energetic vibe.

Tacos stand out with chicharrรณn en salsa verde and menudo offering rich, authentic flavors. The mole is complex and layered, making it a memorable dish.

Tacos here feature top quality meat and flavorful fillings like birria and chicken tinga. The birria taco melts in your mouth, and vegan options also taste great.

People are saying

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

"The Sunday Mexican Food buffet had a great selection and live mariachi."

"I found the tacos to be very delicious and nicely stuffed."

Good to know

1

The brunch buffet is available on Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially around 11 AM.

3

Mariachi performances occur every Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

08
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Hotel blends old architecture with modern vibes in a comfortable, cozy setting. Outdoor and rooftop pools offer a serene urban escape while the atmosphere stays quiet and safe despite occasional late-night hallway chatter.

Quesadillas and chicken tacos stand out with rich flavors. Brisket queso, shrimp tacos, and guacamole add variety and depth to the Mexican offerings.

Shrimp tacos and buffalo tacos stand out with bold flavors. Beef tacos come with spicy red and green salsas that add a nice kick.

People are saying

"The hotel staff here are the friendliest I've ever encountered."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the spicy margaritas."

"Martha took excellent care of us and was patient."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $40 per day and is not included in the room rate.

2

Late checkout is available until 1 pm for guests.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers at the hotel bar.

09
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Food court

Food court with modern layout and ample seating offers a cool atmosphere filled with natural light. Various games and live music create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Visitors find it a good spot for lunch or hanging out with diverse food options and community feel.

Offers a $1 street taco promo with a limit of five tacos eaten on site. The buffet features tlacoyos, sopes, tinga, and pozole. Crispy potato tacos and various salsas stand out as the tastiest items.

Offers a $1 street taco promo on Tuesdays with a five-taco limit eaten on site. The crispy potato tacos and various salsas stand out as the tastiest options.

People are saying

"It's a great lunch spot with lots of food options."

"I loved the vibe and atmosphere of their Mexican food."

"I heard a mariachi band playing while I ate my taco."

Good to know

1

Understory hosts fun markets regularly, perfect for local shopping.

2

On Tuesdays, one restaurant offers a $1 taco promo, limited to five tacos per person.

3

The food hall features unique movie nights for a fun evening out.

10
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant inside an office building offers communal seating and an efficient, clean environment. Atmosphere stays quiet and serene, catering mainly to office workers. Free ice cream accompanies meals, adding a simple perk to the experience.

Breakfast tacos stand out with a strong reputation, often paired with coffee that many find notable. Tacos have become smaller over time, and the salsa tends to be weak and lacks flavor.

Breakfast tacos stand out with strong flavor and good quality. Coffee pairs well with the tacos, making a solid combo. Taco sizes have shrunk over time but still hold appeal.

People are saying

"I loved the juicy grilled chicken pita with garlic sauce."

"I thought the breakfast tacos were the best Mexican food."

"I thought the breakfast tacos were the best in downtown."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10, which adds to the overall expense of the meal.

2

A chicken pita, fries, and drink combo costs around $16.

3

The restaurant is located inside another office building, which may be hard to find.

11
Paradise HTX image 1

Bar offers energetic DJ music and a lively vibe with beautiful decor that feels inviting and safe. Small lounge space can feel cramped but maintains a clean and spacious atmosphere overall. Drinks and hookahs stand out as notable features.

Taco Tuesday offers a solid lineup of tacos with fire tacos and shrimp quesadillas standing out. Drinks complement the food well, making it a lively spot for Mexican flavors.

Fire tacos stand out here, especially on Taco Tuesday. The tacos come with drinks and hookah that complement the night well.

People are saying

"The food here was great, I'd definitely come back."

"The service for the Mexican food was all the way on point."

"I enjoyed the fire tacos on Taco Tuesday."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night is every Monday, starting at 10pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 5-8pm with $1 shots and $100 bottles.

3

Taco Tuesday features special drink and food deals.

12
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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.

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.

Birria Tacos stand out with their extreme flavor and spice. They come with cheese and flavorful chips on the side, making them a highlight among the taco options.

People are saying

"I thought the food was great."

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

"The birria tacos here are phenomenal and very good."

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.

13
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Steak house

Open-concept dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows offers stunning city views and a classy yet chill vibe. Festive decor and live music create an elegant atmosphere complemented by well-crafted cocktails and a comfortable layout.

Short rib tacos stand out with their rich flavor and a squeeze of lime. Starters include Smoky Guacamole and Sweet Corn Empanadas, alongside duck confit tacos and shrimp aguachile with a unique red sauce.

Short rib tacos stand out with their rich flavor and brightened by lime juice. Bao birria tacos offer a unique fusion twist. Duck confit and blackened tuna tacos add variety with distinctive toppings.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the empanadas and desserts."

"The short rib tacos here are out of this world."

"You have to try the short rib tacos; they're out of this world."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like restaurant week.

2

Valet parking is available but can be expensive; check for validation options.

3

An automatic tip is added to the bill, which may lead to double tipping.

14
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Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant in a busy downtown tunnel offers generous portions and house-made tortillas. Atmosphere is cozy but can be busy during lunch rush. Popular for breakfast tacos and blended ice margaritas.

Breakfast tacos stand out with steak fajita and house-made tortillas. Lunch features chicken enchiladas with salsa and chips, plus burritos smothered in cheese. Blended ice margaritas in strawberry flavor complement the meal.

Steak fajita breakfast tacos stand out with solid flavor. Ground beef tacos sometimes come undercooked and pink, and crispy beef tacos lack sour cream and taste bland.

People are saying

"I thought the food was decent, even delicious."

"I found the steak fajita breakfast tacos to be on point."

"I found the breakfast tacos to be on point."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located in tunnels; use the entrance by 600 Travis.

2

Arrive earlier than rush hour or place your order in advance to avoid busy times.

3

The restaurant is usually busy for lunch from 12 noon till 1:30 pm.

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Central Business District, Houston

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