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Food and tortillas in South Central Houston

You know a meal is only as good as the tortilla holding it together.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Por Mis Cazuelas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels like eating in a relative's kitchen. The space is quaint and unpretentious, with a warm, welcoming vibe. Known for homemade tortillas and a mix of traditional dishes alongside scratch-made pizzas, it serves fresh, comforting food with reasonable prices.

Food blends Mexican-Italian flavors with homemade, scratch cooking. Dishes offer affordable quality and traditional tastes.

Soft, fresh, and homemade tortillas come standard here. The flour tortillas stand out as particularly delicious.

People are saying

"You have to try the barbacoa tacos; they're delicious."

"The food here is great and the owners are super friendly."

"The tortillas here are homemade."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of foods, including pastas, tacos, and pizza.

2

You might get lucky and find menudo and barbacoa on a weekday.

3

If youโ€™re up early, this is a great spot for breakfast.

02
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.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with handmade flour and corn tortillas made fresh to order. Portions are filling and reasonably priced, offering a taste that recalls home cooking.

Fresh homemade tortillas come made to order, both flour and corn, soft and fluffy. They pair well with dishes like birria and tacos, adding a rich, authentic touch.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and made with love."

"The homemade tortillas here are amazing and freshly made."

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.

03
Taqueria Chabelita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with only a few tables creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Kitchen proximity adds warmth and a personal touch. Fresh handmade flour tortillas stand out, especially in breakfast tacos, offering a simple menu with affordable prices.

Food here feels like home-cooked meals with a focus on tacos. Dishes come out in about 8 minutes, served in a warm dining area close to the kitchen.

Fresh handmade flour tortillas stand out here, made on-site and far from the usual store-bought kind. They come in large sizes perfect for breakfast tacos and cost under $3, offering great value and quality.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos here are huge and have fresh homemade tortillas."

"The handmade flour tortillas here are superb."

"The food here is really good, especially the tacos."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for about four cars.

2

The restaurant uses real flour tortillas, setting it apart from others.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

04
Monchy's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a divey atmosphere and an amazing mural on the wall. The space feels warm indoors and often extremely busy, attracting local city workers and early risers for breakfast. It offers authentic homemade tacos with fresh tortillas at very affordable prices.

Food here tastes like authentic Mexican home cooking with fresh, clean flavors. Meals remind of traditional dishes from San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

Freshly made flour and corn tortillas come out hot throughout the day. Thick, on-site preparation gives them a homemade taste that stands out.

People are saying

"The breakfast tacos here are really good and affordable."

"The food here is delicious and tasted like Mom's cooking."

"The handmade tortillas here are thick and taste great."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday runs from 11 AM to 2 PM with tacos priced at $1.50 each.

2

Parking can be scarce, so arrive early to find a spot.

3

No restrooms are available, so plan accordingly before your visit.

05
Late August image 1
New American restaurant

Space combines elegant decor with cozy, intimate atmosphere featuring deep teal and gold accents and Afro-Latin art. Guests enjoy a thoughtful, fine dining vibe with lively yet comfortable noise levels. The venue in a reimagined retro building offers a welcoming setting suited for intimate dates and gatherings.

Food here is consistently delicious and offers a five-star cuisine feel without the hassle of busy areas. The dining experience combines great ambiance with attentive service.

Corn tortillas bring an authentic Mexican feel with exceptional rice and beans. They pair well with dishes like Achiote baby back ribs and BBQ ribs, enhancing the overall meal.

People are saying

"The dinner here is full of flavor and amazing."

"The food here is full of flavor and truly delicious."

"These corn tortillas make you feel like you're in Mexico."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The tasting menu costs $95 for nine courses, offering good value for the experience.

06
Merida image 1
Mexican restaurant

Building shows original 1972 condition with a beautiful mural featuring hidden religious imagery. Atmosphere shifts from relaxing weekdays to livelier weekends, accompanied by excellent Mexican music. Spacious interior offers a cozy, authentic vibe distinct from Americanized Tex-Mex spots.

Food here has an authentic Mexican taste and comes in a simple setting. Dishes are consistently delicious and excellent.

Large portions come with homemade tortillas that are hand-made and not from a mix. The flour tortillas stand out, resembling Arab bread or pizzas, and offer a truly original taste.

People are saying

"I loved the homemade flour tortillas; they were huge!"

"You have to try the jumbo breakfast taco; it can feed two people."

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

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-15 minute wait for a table after 11:30am.

2

Tacos are priced at $9 each, which may be considered high.

3

Parking is available, but the lot has many potholes.

07
Doรฑa Maria Mexican Cafe image 1

Cozy Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and family-oriented atmosphere filled with quirky signs and memorabilia. Conversations between staff and customers create a welcoming, old-school vibe reminiscent of home. Music adds to the relaxed and charming environment.

Food features authentic Mexican dishes like Huevos Rancheros and migas with chorizo. Eggs come cooked just right, beans taste great, and the overall quality stays consistent.

Handmade tortillas stand out here, crafted from scratch for dishes like chilequiles and tacos. Plates often come with two tortillas, though three would suit some meals better.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be delicious and very good."

"The tortillas here are handmade and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arriving early is advisable to secure a table.

2

Expect to share tables during busy hours, as seating is limited.

3

Prices are higher than average for a small Mexican restaurant.

08
Villa Arcos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with bright red walls and simple wooden tables offers a quiet, homey vibe and a family atmosphere. Outdoor seating overlooks Navigation Street, providing a relaxed spot for breakfast tacos. The place fills up quickly due to limited indoor space and local popularity.

Food features great variety and consistent quality with tasty, well-prepared dishes. Options suit both takeout and dine-in at low prices.

Freshly made tortillas stand out with a fluffy texture and buttery flavor. House-made chorizo pairs well with the authentic flour tortillas in tacos.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the carne guisada."

"I thought the breakfast tacos here were great."

"The tortillas here are fresh and perfectly made."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a private lot, making it convenient for visitors.

2

Expect a wait time of 15-20 minutes if ordering drinks upon arrival.

3

The menu may be limited during certain hours due to operational constraints.

09
El Charro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with high ceilings creates a loud, lively atmosphere that shifts between family-friendly and energetic. Interior feels large and roomy but the setup can be awkward. Known for affordable prices and strong margaritas, it offers a casual dining experience with a drive-thru option.

Food stays consistently hot and fresh with a focus on authentic handmade Mexican dishes. Portions offer great value and service remains quick even on busy nights.

Flour tortillas come homemade with lard and have an amazing texture. Corn tortillas match the taste and feel of traditional homemade ones, showing great texture and color.

People are saying

"The fajitas here are tender and seasoned well."

"The food here is delicious and authentic Mexican."

"The homemade flour tortillas were amazing, just like mom's."

Good to know

1

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

2

Parking spots around the restaurant are small and cramped.

3

A 3% charge applies for credit card payments.

10
El Tiempo Cantina image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Spacious Tex-Mex restaurant with beautiful Mexican decor featuring family photos, stained glass, wood, and brick. Atmosphere is lively and inviting, with outdoor patio seating offering shade and views. Known for excellent margaritas and standout dishes like filet mignon fajitas and unique green rice.

Mexican cuisine stands out with delicious flavors and filling portions. Service matches the food quality, creating an overall excellent dining experience.

Handmade tortillas stand out with in-house preparation and delicious flavor. Both corn and flour options complement dishes like carnitas and steak fajitas well.

People are saying

"The fajitas here are so tender and flavorful."

"The food here is so flavorful, especially the fajitas."

"The homemade tortillas here are delicious and worth the trip."

Good to know

1

Fajita specials are available on Wednesdays.

2

Monday is margarita night with special pricing.

3

The brunch menu is only available on weekends.

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South Central Houston, Houston

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