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Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Houston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated 28 January 2020

Houston has a bold Texas spirit, famous for its world-class arts scene, booming businesses and professional sports. In recent years, Houston has experienced a renaissance of Mexican cuisine. The flavors of Texas barbecue and local seafood mix add a spin twist to traditional enchiladas, tamales and, of course, tacos. From Tex-Mex classics to traditional Mexican treasures, we've got the low-down on all the best tacos in town. But where can Tex-Mex fanatics find the best tacos in Houston? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Our team of expert diners has tried every soft tortilla or crispy shell across town to create this unique list of top offerings. Book tonight for the best tacos in Houston.

La Lucha
4.8 (1435)
$30 and under
Seafood
Heights / Washington
There’s a certain buzz around this popular Houston Heights restaurant. Black leather, wood, and greenery lend an old school feel, and the menu is also full of classics, yet the overall effect is fresh and modern. A select wine list, Southern favorites, plus some of the best tacos in Houston make La Lucha a neighborhood mainstay. Crispy shrimp tacos are the dish to order, also known as the La Lucha Late Night Treat. The combo of shrimp, spicy chile and American cheese is quite something.
Top review
Michael
Dined 3 days ago
Chris was a great waiter! Food wonderful- oysters, the collar fish and fried chicken!
There’s a certain buzz around this popular Houston Heights restaurant. Black leather, wood, and greenery lend an old school feel, and the menu is also full of classics, yet the overall effect is fresh and modern. A select wine list, Southern favorites, plus some of the best tacos in Houston make La Lucha a neighborhood mainstay. Crispy shrimp tacos are the dish to order, also known as the La Lucha Late Night Treat. The combo of shrimp, spicy chile and American cheese is quite something.
Top review
Michael
Dined 3 days ago
Chris was a great waiter! Food wonderful- oysters, the collar fish and fried chicken!
State of Grace
4.6 (3446)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Southern
River Oaks
State of Grace manages to combine nostalgia and the modern in equal measure. Polished and upmarket inside, it still has a certain retro air to it, like a really cool museum. The menu takes influences from all over the world, with dishes ranging from chicken and sausage gumbo to gnocchi with lamb ragu. The taco? Ask for the Duck Carnitas. This is a sharing plate of tortillas, meat which just falls apart, and Mexican mole. Take a friend- there’s too much for just one person!
Top review
JulianVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Whenever I’m in Houston I eat here. Always great.
State of Grace manages to combine nostalgia and the modern in equal measure. Polished and upmarket inside, it still has a certain retro air to it, like a really cool museum. The menu takes influences from all over the world, with dishes ranging from chicken and sausage gumbo to gnocchi with lamb ragu. The taco? Ask for the Duck Carnitas. This is a sharing plate of tortillas, meat which just falls apart, and Mexican mole. Take a friend- there’s too much for just one person!
Top review
JulianVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Whenever I’m in Houston I eat here. Always great.
Nobu Houston
4.5 (1645)
$50 and over
Cocktail Bar
Galleria / Uptown
Uptown’s Nobu is a Japanese restaurant filled with traditional flavor in a sparkling contemporary space. The Nobu brand is famous worldwide, and Houston’s venue doesn’t let fans of the Matsuhisa empire down. The “Nobu Style” sashimi tacos are availble on most Nobu menus- for a very good reason. These seafood spectaculars are a massive hit. Tuna, battered white fish, and lobster all get the Nobu treatment, in tiny but tantalizing taco shells with big flavors.
Top review
John
Dined on 25 Feb 2025
Overall, it was a wonderful experience. Everything on the menu was excellent. You cannot go wrong with this choice.
Uptown’s Nobu is a Japanese restaurant filled with traditional flavor in a sparkling contemporary space. The Nobu brand is famous worldwide, and Houston’s venue doesn’t let fans of the Matsuhisa empire down. The “Nobu Style” sashimi tacos are availble on most Nobu menus- for a very good reason. These seafood spectaculars are a massive hit. Tuna, battered white fish, and lobster all get the Nobu treatment, in tiny but tantalizing taco shells with big flavors.
Top review
John
Dined on 25 Feb 2025
Overall, it was a wonderful experience. Everything on the menu was excellent. You cannot go wrong with this choice.
ARMANDOS
4.7 (1092)
$31 to $50
Mexican
River Oaks
Westheimer Road is full of top eateries, yet some continue to stand out from the rest, year after year. Armandos has been a Houston favorite since 1978, and has the feel and flavor of old-school Mexico City. There’s a range of tacos on the menu, from tacos al carbon to crispy ground beef. For something truly different, order the tuna tartare tacos on the appetizer menu. Delicate, raw tuna with creamy avocado and a hit of sriracha- not the average taco.
Top review
MarthaVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Armando is our amazing date go to! Need the best mole sauce in Houston and Armando has that perfect mole❤️ not to mention service, and the margarita. It is our neighborhood go to spot!!!
Westheimer Road is full of top eateries, yet some continue to stand out from the rest, year after year. Armandos has been a Houston favorite since 1978, and has the feel and flavor of old-school Mexico City. There’s a range of tacos on the menu, from tacos al carbon to crispy ground beef. For something truly different, order the tuna tartare tacos on the appetizer menu. Delicate, raw tuna with creamy avocado and a hit of sriracha- not the average taco.
Top review
MarthaVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Armando is our amazing date go to! Need the best mole sauce in Houston and Armando has that perfect mole❤️ not to mention service, and the margarita. It is our neighborhood go to spot!!!
Eloise Nichols Grill + Liquors
4.4 (1135)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
Head Uptown and just a little north of the main stretch of Westheimer and discover the vintage-styled delights of Eloise Nichols. Family run, the name is for their grandmother- allegedly a “no-nonsense” woman. That’s the ethos of the menu here: thoughtful, simple and flavorful, with no pretentions. Grilled fish tacos are one offering, made with whatever the catch of the day is. Plus, early risers can choose from not one but two types of breakfast taco- chorizo, or onions and red bell peppers. Always full of flavor.
Top review
GillianVIP
Dined on 1 Mar 2025
As always brunch was wonderful! Avocado toast with eggs and the wakey wakey scrambled with crispy bacon, hash and sour dough! Oh and don’t forget the warm muffins to start!! Delish!
Head Uptown and just a little north of the main stretch of Westheimer and discover the vintage-styled delights of Eloise Nichols. Family run, the name is for their grandmother- allegedly a “no-nonsense” woman. That’s the ethos of the menu here: thoughtful, simple and flavorful, with no pretentions. Grilled fish tacos are one offering, made with whatever the catch of the day is. Plus, early risers can choose from not one but two types of breakfast taco- chorizo, or onions and red bell peppers. Always full of flavor.
Top review
GillianVIP
Dined on 1 Mar 2025
As always brunch was wonderful! Avocado toast with eggs and the wakey wakey scrambled with crispy bacon, hash and sour dough! Oh and don’t forget the warm muffins to start!! Delish!
True Food Kitchen - Houston
4.6 (1449)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
Eco-chic is definitely becoming cool. Seasonal eating, sustainable eating; these aren’t just buzzwords anymore and True Food Kitchen has taken that to heart. Their menu is all about food positivity, supporting local producers and healthy living. This includes tacos made from grass-fed steak, with corn and coconut, or their grilled fish tacos with a creamy yet sharp avocado tomatillo salsa. Good food with a clear conscience.
Top review
MariaVIP
Dined on 23 Feb 2025
Our server Riley was amazing. Very kind and accommodating. Made great recommendations and overall we had a wonderful brunch with our kids.
Eco-chic is definitely becoming cool. Seasonal eating, sustainable eating; these aren’t just buzzwords anymore and True Food Kitchen has taken that to heart. Their menu is all about food positivity, supporting local producers and healthy living. This includes tacos made from grass-fed steak, with corn and coconut, or their grilled fish tacos with a creamy yet sharp avocado tomatillo salsa. Good food with a clear conscience.
Top review
MariaVIP
Dined on 23 Feb 2025
Our server Riley was amazing. Very kind and accommodating. Made great recommendations and overall we had a wonderful brunch with our kids.
Arnaldo Richards' Picos
4.8 (1305)
$31 to $50
Regional Mexican
Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
Tex-Mex is great, but when the soul calls for some real authentic Mexican food, that’s when it’s time to head to Arnaldo Richards’ Picos. A third-generation restaurateur, Richards was learning his grandmother’s Mexican recipes by the tender age of 14. At this Southwest Houston restaurant, he aims to teach Texans all about real Mexican food, including some of the best tacos in town. Ask for the famous Chilorios: slow roasted pulled pork, avocado and pico de gallo. Don’t leave without trying a house margarita.
Top review
AdamVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The perfect margarita is truly perfect! The food is excellent too.
Tex-Mex is great, but when the soul calls for some real authentic Mexican food, that’s when it’s time to head to Arnaldo Richards’ Picos. A third-generation restaurateur, Richards was learning his grandmother’s Mexican recipes by the tender age of 14. At this Southwest Houston restaurant, he aims to teach Texans all about real Mexican food, including some of the best tacos in town. Ask for the famous Chilorios: slow roasted pulled pork, avocado and pico de gallo. Don’t leave without trying a house margarita.
Top review
AdamVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The perfect margarita is truly perfect! The food is excellent too.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston
4.4 (519)
$30 and under
Mexican
Galleria / Uptown
It’s all in the name: This is where to come for the finest tequila and best tacos in Houston. Guests can indulge in flights of tequila to taste them all, plus a menu of food that blends the best of Mexican and Texan influences. The taco menu is out of this world: grilled fish or shrimp, pork or carne asada, plus grilled avocado with a fresh and spicy yogurt drizzle. There truly is something for everyone here.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 1 Mar 2025
The service was great. The food was delicious. Great atmosphere.
It’s all in the name: This is where to come for the finest tequila and best tacos in Houston. Guests can indulge in flights of tequila to taste them all, plus a menu of food that blends the best of Mexican and Texan influences. The taco menu is out of this world: grilled fish or shrimp, pork or carne asada, plus grilled avocado with a fresh and spicy yogurt drizzle. There truly is something for everyone here.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 1 Mar 2025
The service was great. The food was delicious. Great atmosphere.
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - Memorial
4.8 (1335)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
West Side
Goode Company has a few restaurants across the region, but this Kitchen and Cantina close to memorial is all about the blend of influences the family has come across over the years. There are dishes that speak of traditional taquerias, Tex-Mex classics, plus a range of Texan seafood. Tuck into some of the best tacos in Houston, including marinated redfish, carbon beef, and crispy beef, all served with a range of other Mexican favorites.
Top review
AllenVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Business lunch and had excellent service and delicious meal
Goode Company has a few restaurants across the region, but this Kitchen and Cantina close to memorial is all about the blend of influences the family has come across over the years. There are dishes that speak of traditional taquerias, Tex-Mex classics, plus a range of Texan seafood. Tuck into some of the best tacos in Houston, including marinated redfish, carbon beef, and crispy beef, all served with a range of other Mexican favorites.
Top review
AllenVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Business lunch and had excellent service and delicious meal
Ouisie's Table
4.8 (4826)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
River Oaks locals know that Ousie’s is the place to go for traditional Southern food. Since 1973 the restaurant has been serving up shrimp and grits and fried chicken made with passion and style. Today, the only thing that’s changed is that Ousie’s is even more popular, with offerings to suit everyone. This includes a diverse breakfast menu with some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston. The blend of soft eggs, caramelized onion and melting cheese is the perfect way to start any day.
Top review
AnneVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The fig salad was delicious. The chicken parmeson was so-so. Our waiter was delightful! Love Ouisie’s and having been going for years. Always a great lunch spot with friends.
River Oaks locals know that Ousie’s is the place to go for traditional Southern food. Since 1973 the restaurant has been serving up shrimp and grits and fried chicken made with passion and style. Today, the only thing that’s changed is that Ousie’s is even more popular, with offerings to suit everyone. This includes a diverse breakfast menu with some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston. The blend of soft eggs, caramelized onion and melting cheese is the perfect way to start any day.
Top review
AnneVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The fig salad was delicious. The chicken parmeson was so-so. Our waiter was delightful! Love Ouisie’s and having been going for years. Always a great lunch spot with friends.
Willie G's
4.6 (3859)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Galleria / Uptown
Willie G’s is West Loop South premier seafood destination. For nearly four decades, they’ve been the place to go for fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, plus a range of fresh fish broiled, roasted and seared. Willie G’s is always worth a visit but it makes it onto our list thanks to the supreme blackened fish tacos. Guests just can’t get enough of the combo of fish, crisp radish and creamy aioli. Sublime.
Top review
Gary
Dined 3 days ago
Beautiful. Evening . Service was impeccable food was delicious.
Willie G’s is West Loop South premier seafood destination. For nearly four decades, they’ve been the place to go for fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, plus a range of fresh fish broiled, roasted and seared. Willie G’s is always worth a visit but it makes it onto our list thanks to the supreme blackened fish tacos. Guests just can’t get enough of the combo of fish, crisp radish and creamy aioli. Sublime.
Top review
Gary
Dined 3 days ago
Beautiful. Evening . Service was impeccable food was delicious.
Irma's Southwest
4.8 (709)
$31 to $50
Mexican / Southwestern
Downtown
Irma’s promises Texas cuisine with Mexican Spirit, the ethos of original Irma’s founder Irma Galvan. This combined with stellar service, a neighborly feel, and a comfortable and casual dining area make Irma’s Southwest a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for the barbocoa style tacos with their soft meat, plus the shrimp tacos are always a big hit too.
Top review
Mattpatt
Dined on 5 Mar 2025
Menu offers many unique options. Guacamole and Salsa was great to start and the Poblano Mole Chicken was terrific.
Irma’s promises Texas cuisine with Mexican Spirit, the ethos of original Irma’s founder Irma Galvan. This combined with stellar service, a neighborly feel, and a comfortable and casual dining area make Irma’s Southwest a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for the barbocoa style tacos with their soft meat, plus the shrimp tacos are always a big hit too.
Top review
Mattpatt
Dined on 5 Mar 2025
Menu offers many unique options. Guacamole and Salsa was great to start and the Poblano Mole Chicken was terrific.
Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village
4.2 (358)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Rice Village
Started by a former famous professional Mexican wrestler, Cyclone Anaya’s is definitely a heavyweight when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine. Lobster enchiladas with chardonnay cream sauce, peppers stuffed with chicken and Mexican cheese, and house tamales are just some of the favorites on this exciting menu. Tacos include the ever-popular Tacos al Carbon with charcoal cooked meat, and the crispy beef- a hit with taco fans of all ages.
Top review
Tracy
Dined on 22 Feb 2025
Was seated promptly. Fajitas were excellent the other means were just so so Had forgot one of our sides but quickly got it for us.
Started by a former famous professional Mexican wrestler, Cyclone Anaya’s is definitely a heavyweight when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine. Lobster enchiladas with chardonnay cream sauce, peppers stuffed with chicken and Mexican cheese, and house tamales are just some of the favorites on this exciting menu. Tacos include the ever-popular Tacos al Carbon with charcoal cooked meat, and the crispy beef- a hit with taco fans of all ages.
Top review
Tracy
Dined on 22 Feb 2025
Was seated promptly. Fajitas were excellent the other means were just so so Had forgot one of our sides but quickly got it for us.

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