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Mexican food and steak in South Central Houston

Made for those who demand both a hearty steak and the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in one sitting.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Moon Tower Inn image 1
Moon Tower Inn image 2
Moon Tower Inn image 3
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Bar & grill

Outdoor seating with a spacious patio and beer garden creates an open-air atmosphere with ambient lighting and live music. The vibe stays chill and lively, attracting those who enjoy relaxed nights with good beer and unique sandwiches. Occasional games and movie showings add to the casual, welcoming energy.

Tacos here come with unique green sauce and include standout options like the Nirvana vegetarian tacos. The beef and chicken tacos are consistently delicious and flavorful.

Thursdays feature a steak night with thick ribeye slices served in a sandwich and steak with baked potato options. The steak is flavorful but can be difficult to eat due to large pieces and limited cutting accommodations, and wait times can exceed an hour.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the gourmet hot dogs, is amazing."

"The tacos here are unique and delicious."

"You have to try the steak night on Thursdays; it never disappoints."

Good to know

1

Mug Monday offers $5 fills for those who bring their Moon Tower mug.

2

Wednesdays feature a buy-one-get-one-free burger deal.

3

Steak Night can have long wait times, so plan accordingly.

02
Eight Row Flint image 1

Rooftop patio offers a downtown skyline view with a covered open-air area. Atmosphere stays laid back and cozy with live DJ music and games like ring toss and pool. Crowd enjoys a mix of bar vibes and restaurant-quality food in a friendly, chill setting.

Tacos stand out with options like fried octopus, brussel sprouts, and pork belly. Drinks include a seven dollar margarita on the rocks and frozen machines for margaritas, gin and tonic, and painkilla. The chip and queso and elote ribs also get attention for flavor.

Thursday offers a steak night special with NY strip and Elote salad for $20. The steak is mostly perfect, though sometimes a bit underwhelming.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"Their margaritas are perfect and a great deal during happy hour."

"You have to try the Thursday steak night; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough; consider arriving early or using street parking.

2

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 pm with discounted wings and drinks.

3

Thursday steak night features NY strip and Elote salad for $20.

03
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.

Corn tortillas taste authentic and transport you to Mexico. Dishes like refried black eyed peas sope and deconstructed tamale offer unique twists on traditional Mexican flavors.

Steak comes tender enough to cut with a butter knife and is seasoned to perfection without needing extra salt or pepper. A sommelier suggests great wine pairings to complement the flavors.

People are saying

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

"You've got to try their unique twists on Mexican food, like the field pea hummus."

"I could cut the steak with a butter knife; it was so tender."

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.

04
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.

Fajitas stand out with juicy filet and carnitas options, served sizzling with peppers and onions. Warm red salsa offers a mild heat, while creamy green salsa adds rich flavor. The menu includes chicken tacos, enchiladas, and a variety of dishes like shrimp and salmon, all prepared with authentic Mexican flavors.

Steak fajitas come with homemade flour tortillas and are seasoned and cooked perfectly. Filet mignon bursts with flavor and stands out over chicken options.

People are saying

"The fajitas here are so tender and flavorful."

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

"I'd eat just the steak; it's seasoned and cooked perfectly."

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.

05
Pour Behavior image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill combines nightclub energy with sports bar amenities in a spacious, stylish venue featuring a large dance floor and multiple seating areas. Atmosphere shifts from lively with a live DJ playing global open-format music to quieter moments, with a speakeasy and private rental spaces adding variety. Crowd varies, with events drawing packed rooms and other times feeling empty.

Chips and queso stand out as a highlight, known for their rich flavor. Fish tacos come well seasoned and mildly spicy. The menu includes steak, tacos, and avocado toast among other items.

Wednesdays feature a steak and lobster special for $30 with incredible sides and wine deals. The steak is generally top tier prepared, though the filet mignon can be slightly overcooked but still tasty.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great."

"The Wednesday steak and lobster special is a delicious value."

"I thought their Mexican food, the chips and queso, was the best in Houston."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking costs $20, and it's the only parking option available.

3

Happy hour appetizers require a minimum of four people to order.

06
Axelrad Beer Garden image 1

Outdoor garden space features hammock swings and live music, creating a laid-back atmosphere with cozy heaters and picnic tables. The vibe stays chill and welcoming, attracting people who enjoy relaxed socializing and quality drinks. Events and rotating beer selections add variety to the experience.

Tacos stand out with options from a taco truck and a spot known for breakfast tacos with vinegar-based coleslaw. Tamales and quesadillas appear regularly and taste consistently good.

Steak night features excellent food paired with jazz music on Wednesdays. The event focuses on serving quality steak in a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the beer garden with live music and hammocks."

"I loved the delicious tacos and tamales here."

"I enjoyed steak night; the food was excellent."

Good to know

1

Comedy shows happen every Sunday and Monday night upstairs.

2

Jazz nights are on Wednesdays, featuring local musicians.

3

The outdoor bar does not accept cash; credit cards only.

07
The Lymbar image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant with quirky, colorful decor and a tree centerpiece creates an elegant, cozy atmosphere. Live piano and saxophone music adds energy but can be loud, especially near the bar area. Seating is close-packed and intimate, suitable for celebrations but less so for quiet dinners.

Tacos stand out with Beef Tenderloin Tacos Arabes and a mix of beef and chicken shawarma. The wild mushroom quesadilla and appetizers like Tostada de Pulpo and Achiote shrimp gumbo add variety.

Steak here melts in your mouth with a sauce that complements it well. The steak frites pairs nicely with sides like broccolini and stands out alongside dishes like the rose paella.

People are saying

"The food here is exciting, flavorful, and unique."

"The tacos arabes here are absolutely incredible."

"The steak frites was cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are recommended for busy times to ensure seating.

3

Parking is free for the first three hours at a nearby lot.

08
Weights + Measures image 1
New American restaurant

Open kitchen and spaced tables create a warm atmosphere with charming decor and welcoming staff. Music sets a perfect vibe that suits quiet brunches or relaxed gatherings. Outdoor seating and private rooms add flexible options for different occasions.

Crunchy tostadas come with braised short rib, beans, fried egg, and queso, paired with avocado. The menu features Green Chicken Pozole, Birria Pizza with mozzarella and consomme, large breakfast tacos, and exceptional chilaquiles.

Grilled New York steak comes out perfectly medium rare and cooked to order. Steak and eggs arrive cooked exactly as requested, though food can take over an hour to be served.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and thoughtfully prepared."

"The French toast with chicken was great."

"The grilled New York steak was cooked perfectly to my preference."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

Parking can be challenging during lunch rush hours; arrive early.

3

The private room accommodates up to 30 guests for special occasions.

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South Central Houston, Houston

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