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Best of Central Northwest, Houston

Mexican food spots

Authentic Mexican food that respects the tradition of the dish instead of catering to the lowest common denominator.

Based on 850 Opinions
+847
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Updated May 2026
01
The Tamale Joint image 1
The Tamale Joint image 2
The Tamale Joint image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tamales and tasty breakfast tacos in a warm space with classical decoration. Spanish music and multiple TVs create a lively atmosphere perfect for casual dining or sports fans. Friendly vibe makes it inviting for all.

Tamales stand out as the main attraction, with a reputation for being authentic and highly praised. The menu also features breakfast tacos and a tamale plate, all noted for their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"These tamales are fresh and delicious."

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

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tamales, to be fresh and delicious."

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.

02
La Viva image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Spacious Tex-Mex spot boasts flavorful margaritas and authentic queso that pairs well with fajitas. Pink walls and an outdoor patio with turf and play equipment create a lively vibe. Live mariachi music adds lively atmosphere for families and food lovers alike.

Queso stands out with its rich flavor, paired well with shrimp, chicken, and beef fajitas that taste fresh and satisfying. Unique dishes like Texas chile enchiladas and seafood enchiladas add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The seafood enchiladas here are really good."

"The white queso here is excellent and delicious."

"I found the Mexican Food, especially the fajitas, to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm with drink and queso deals.

2

Karaoke happens on Thursdays from 5 to 9 pm.

3

Trivia night is free during happy hour on Mondays.

03
Nana's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy spot shines with handmade tortillas and a homey atmosphere. Breakfast tacos with unique fillings and spicy chilaquiles offer bold Mexican flavors. Counter service and a drive-thru option make it easy for families and casual diners.

Breakfast tacos stand out with homemade flour tortillas and unique fillings like chicarrón egg and bean. Chilaquiles and Pozole also draw attention for their spicy, flavorful salsas and rich taste.

People are saying

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

"The homemade flour tortillas here are incredibly fresh and excellent."

"I'd come back for these breakfast tacos; they're the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Nana's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2

Parking is limited, and customers often wait for a spot.

3

It's best to order to-go or use the drive-thru.

04
Local Table image 1
New American restaurant

Industrial chic design and a sunny patio create a welcoming vibe. Enjoy spicy shrimp tacos and jackfruit tacos with bold flavors. The bar offers well-crafted cocktails and champagne, perfect for celebrations.

Huevos rancheros come with warm tortillas and layered flavors. Spicy shrimp tacos and jackfruit tacos stand out for freshness and bold taste.

People are saying

"I loved the flavors in my Huevos Rancheros during brunch."

"I'll be thinking about this amazing bread pudding."

"The Mexican food here is served by the kindest, most attentive staff."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure space availability.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with limited menu options.

3

Kids eat free on Mondays with the purchase of an adult meal.

05
Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Large, brightly decorated space buzzes with live magic and lively noise. Enjoy mezcal margaritas and Oaxacan enchiladas that capture authentic Mexican flavors. Dog-friendly heated patio and a lawn make it great for families and pets.

Mezcal margaritas and ceviche stand out with excellent quality. The fajita nachos and red salsa are top-notch, alongside legit Oaxacan enchiladas and flavorful sopa de tortilla.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and flavorful."

"The happy hour service is fast and friendly."

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekends with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu includes excellent options for food and drinks.

3

Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

06
Mi Sombrero Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy spot with handmade tortillas and a generational family vibe. Authentic Mexican dishes like menudo and carne quisada tacos shine in a quiet, low-key setting. Feels like eating in someone's kitchen with great salsa adding warmth.

Handmade tortillas come fresh to order, paired with authentic Mexican dishes like menudo and enchiladas. Tacos feature carne quisada with grilled onions and jalapeños, and the menudo arrives hot and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is fantastic, especially the salsa and queso."

"The food here is totally authentic and homemade."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, making it easy for diners to access the location.

2

The restaurant is accessible for physically challenged diners.

3

The tacos come in orders of two.

07
El Taco Nato (Food Truck) image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck buzzes with amazing energy and serves street tacos with firm tortillas and fresh green sauce. Quesadillas and elote shine alongside attentive service. Lively vibe draws fans of authentic Mexican flavors.

Street tacos stand out with firm tortillas that don't fall apart and pair well with green sauce. Quesadillas and elote also feature prominently, with attentive service adding to the experience.

People are saying

"I loved the street tacos and elote here."

"The street tacos here are amazing and don't fall apart."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

Good to know

1

The taco truck operates from 11am to 8pm daily.

2

Expect a line during lunch hours, especially on weekdays.

3

Cash and mobile payments are accepted; no credit cards.

08
La Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with handmade tortillas serves spicy, cheesy Mexican dishes like beef fajita quesadillas and street tacos. Enjoy laid-back vibes with live bands and old-style Mexican music. Charming patio overlooks a courtyard where kids play, perfect for casual dining and great margaritas.

Handmade flour tortillas accompany dishes like beef fajita quesadillas and street tacos that are well-seasoned and cheesy. The queso with picadillo offers a spicy, cheesy flavor, and breakfast tacos also stand out.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is perfect for family time while kids play."

"These breakfast tacos are hot, full, and delicious."

"The street tacos here are really tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 PM to 6 PM with food and drink specials starting at $5.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant does not accept cash; only card and mobile payments are allowed.

09
Don José image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining offers a family-friendly atmosphere with an old-time feel. Mexican dishes shine with perfectly cooked fajitas and great cheese enchiladas. A quiet bar provides a secluded spot to watch sports, plus a party room for small events.

Fajitas come seasoned just right and cooked perfectly, often paired with fantastic margaritas on the rocks. Cheese enchiladas stand out as simple and great, with queso and chips served promptly.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has great, friendly service."

"This lunch spot has friendly staff and great service."

"I found the enchiladas here to be very yummy."

Good to know

1

They play the Astros ball games at Don José.

2

Parking at Don José is easy to find.

3

The restaurant offers a kid's menu.

10
Tacos A Go Go Oak Forest image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Lively Tex-Mex spot shines with lamb barbacoa tacos and a dog-friendly patio. Margaritas steal the show with bold flavor. Casual, clean space blends Texas and California vibes, perfect for enjoying salsa verde with quesadillas or breakfast tacos.

Tacos stand out with lamb barbacoa, brisket, and Pollo tinga options. The salsa verde complements dishes like mushroom and cheese quesadillas and breakfast tacos well.

People are saying

"I found the tacos to be good and generous."

"The Mexican food here, especially the shrimp quesadilla, is fresh and cheesy."

"The patio is a nice outdoor space, and it's pet friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink specials.

2

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a nice spot for pet owners.

3

Takeout orders are punctual and convenient for quick meals.

11
Fajita Pete's - Garden Oaks image 1

Enjoy juicy fajitas with fresh-made tortillas and salsa that packs a kick. The place offers generous portions in a quiet, casual setting with straightforward ordering and clean surroundings. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid spot for Mexican food lovers.

Fajitas stand out with premium meat that stays juicy and tender. Fresh-made tortillas and salsa with a nice kick complement dishes like shrimp fajita plates and enchiladas well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be consistently great."

"The fajitas here are so flavorful and satisfying."

"The Mexican food, especially the fajitas, is flavorful and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other local Mexican restaurants.

3

The portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

12
Los Nopalitos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot plays Spanish-only music and shows, creating a quiet vibe. Dishes shine with fresh tortillas and rich menudo, offering authentic Mexican flavors. Prices stay reasonable with generous portions, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Mexican dishes here feature freshly made tortillas and well-seasoned flavors. The menudo stands out as rich and authentic, while the chorizo con huevo and carne asada come highly praised.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were really good."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really delicious."

Good to know

1

The portions are generous for the reasonable prices.

2

The cuisine is authentic and reflects traditional flavors.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere, suitable for solo diners.

13
Pericos Mexican Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rustic space offers a cozy vibe with real Mexican music and fun decor. Tacos al pastor and cabrito tacos deliver bold flavors while good margaritas keep energy relaxed. Occasional karaoke adds lively fun to this genuine Mexican spot.

Tacos al pastor and cabrito tacos stand out with strong flavors. The green salsa and creamy green chicken enchiladas add a fresh, rich touch. Menudo and chipotle enchiladas also deliver bold, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious."

"This Mexican food is like homemade menudo."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic, especially the salsa verde."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Parking is available outside the restaurant, but the lot is small.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but check for any additional fees.

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Central Northwest, Houston

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