Best Tex Mex Restaurants in University of Houston

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Original Ninfa's on Navigation restaurant

1. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

4.7

Exceptional(3235)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • East Side

Booked 56 times today

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a celebrated jewel in Houston’s culinary scene, famed for its exceptional Tex-Mex cuisine. Nestled in the East Side of Houston, this iconic restaurant was pioneered by Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, who introduced North America to fajitas, crafting a legacy of innovation and quality. Patrons rave about the "best fajitas in Houston" and the "Ninfaritas" which are voted the best margaritas in the area. Utilizing only the freshest ingredients, including Gulf of Mexico seafood, Ninfa's offers an authentic taste of Tex-Mex that continues to draw locals and celebrities alike. Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere or the consistently "delicious food," visitors always leave planning their next visit. An absolute must-try for anyone craving genuine, top-notch Tex-Mex flavors.

A photo of Cyclone Anaya's - Durham restaurant

2. Cyclone Anaya's - Durham

5.0

Exceptional(203)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Heights / Washington

Cyclone Anaya’s in Houston’s Heights / Washington area offers an unforgettable Mexican dining experience that locals have cherished since 1966. Known for its "scratch-made enchiladas and tamales" and "tender and flavorful fajitas," this restaurant has mastered Tex-Mex cuisine to perfection. Customers rave about the "delicious fish tacos" and the "divine Brussel sprouts," highlighting the fresh twist Cyclone Anaya’s brings to traditional dishes. The service is consistently praised, with reviews stating, "The service was great!" and "Our waitress never gave us a chance to ask, exceptional!" Whether you're a Tex-Mex aficionado or a first-timer, Cyclone Anaya's promises a top-notch dining experience with a warm, family-like atmosphere that makes every visitor feel right at home.

A photo of The Original Ninfa's Uptown restaurant

3. The Original Ninfa's Uptown

4.6

Exceptional(749)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 16 times today

At The Original Ninfa's Uptown in Houston's vibrant Galleria/Uptown area, you're in for an authentic Mexican culinary journey that's steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor. Voted for having the "Best Margaritas," this local icon dazzles with its high-quality ingredients and fresh Gulf seafood, making dishes like the beef fajitas and Tacos A La Ninfa celebrated favorites. Patrons rave about the "delicious and beautifully presented" meals, noting the "stellar service" that enhances the dining experience. Whether you're savoring a family dinner or enjoying the lively atmosphere on the spacious patios, Ninfa's delivers an exceptional, authentic Mexican feast that locals and visitors alike adore. Join the countless satisfied diners who assert, "You can't go wrong eating here!" and make your next meal a memorable one at Ninfa's.

A photo of Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village restaurant

4. Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village

4.8

Exceptional(351)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Rice Village

Booked 6 times today

Cyclone Anaya's in Rice Village, Houston, has become a beloved destination for seafood lovers seeking authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Patrons rave about their unique offerings, such as the "crawfish empanadas that are out of this world!" The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients, which shines through in dishes like the grilled salmon with rice and sautéed veggies, described as "perfection." The family-style fajitas are another highlight, with guests noting everything is "unbelievably fresh and yummy." Overall, the combination of exceptional seafood, a warm atmosphere, and consistent praise for both food and service makes Cyclone Anaya’s a top choice for seafood enthusiasts.

5. Irma's Southwest

4.7

Exceptional(703)

Price: Expensive

• Tex mex • Downtown

Irma's Southwest in downtown Houston has established itself as a beacon of Tex-Mex cuisine, delighting diners for over 17 years under the guidance of Louis and Irma Galvan, the latter a 2008 James Beard Award recipient. This restaurant blends traditional Mexican flavors with a Texas twist, offering dishes like Axis Barbacoa and Nilgai Tamales that showcase both authenticity and innovation. Patrons rave about the "out of this world" El Jefe margaritas and consistently "delicious" food, from the carne guisada to the chicken mole enchiladas. It's the perfect spot for a pre-game meal or a hearty dinner, with reviews praising the "spectacular service" and "amazing atmosphere." Whether you're a local or just passing through, Irma's Southwest promises a memorable Tex-Mex experience that's both genuine and exceptional.

A photo of Mi Cocina - River Oaks restaurant

6. Mi Cocina - River Oaks

4.2

Awesome(71)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • River Oaks

Booked 8 times today

Mi Cocina in River Oaks, Houston, is a beacon of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, offering a vibrant mix of traditional flavors and innovative dishes. Celebrated for its "legendary Mambo Taxi margarita," this restaurant has enchanted diners with its "8-hour slow roasted Brisket Tacos" and the richly flavored "Sunset Fajitas." Guests rave about the "ribeye fajitas that are to die for" and the festive atmosphere enhanced by attentive service. A customer highlighted, "The mambo taxi 😍 I’ll definitely be coming back ✨you need to try tacos mi Tierra." From the freshly chopped Rico Salad to the handcrafted cocktails, Mi Cocina promises an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the best Tex-Mex in Houston.

A photo of Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Highland Village restaurant

7. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Highland Village

4.7

Exceptional(6)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • River Oaks

Booked 6 times today

At Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila in River Oaks, Houston, you're guaranteed a top-notch dining experience that highlights the best of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. This beloved establishment has been serving up authentic, mouth-watering dishes since 1993, earning rave reviews for its dedication to quality and flavor. Patrons particularly love the "hand-crafted margaritas" and the "hand-trimmed, marinated center-cut outer-skirt steak" used in their signature beef fajitas. The restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, house-made tortillas and guacamole prepared table-side, ensuring every meal is as fresh as possible. As noted by a satisfied diner, "the queso blanco and freshly made guacamole are must-try appetizers," setting the stage for a memorable meal. Whether you're in for the best Happy Hour or a delightful dinner, Escalante's vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service make it a standout choice for anyone craving genuine Tex-Mex flavors in Houston.

A photo of Cyclone Anaya's - River Oaks restaurant

8. Cyclone Anaya's - River Oaks

4.5

Awesome(24)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • River Oaks

Booked 6 times today

Cyclone Anaya's in River Oaks, Houston, is a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, combining traditional Tex-Mex flavors with a modern twist. Established in 1966, this family-owned gem has been delivering "the best margaritas in town" and a menu boasting scratch-made enchiladas, tender fajitas, and mouth-watering tamales. Patrons consistently rave about the quality of the food and the exceptional service, with remarks like the "brisket tacos so good and the Pollo Jalisco was amazing" and the flautas with mole being "definitely ordering it again." Whether you're a local or visiting, Cyclone Anaya's promises a vibrant dining experience that feels like family, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Mexican flavors in Houston.

A photo of Cyclone Anaya's - Midtown restaurant

9. Cyclone Anaya's - Midtown

4.6

Exceptional(131)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Montrose

Cyclone Anaya's in Montrose, Houston is a treasure trove for seafood lovers, offering a delightful array of Tex-Mex infused seafood dishes that consistently impress. Diners rave about the "delicious" and "well-seasoned" seafood enchiladas and crab nachos, highlighting the authentic flavors and culinary craftsmanship. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with one patron noting the seafood is "tender and flavorful." The lively atmosphere, combined with exceptional service, ensures every meal is memorable. Cyclone Anaya's stands out as a must-visit spot for those craving top-notch seafood in a vibrant setting.

A photo of Cadillac Bar - Houston restaurant

10. Cadillac Bar - Houston

4.7

Exceptional(138)

Price: Moderate

• Tex mex • Heights / Washington

Booked 5 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Heights / Washington area of Houston, Cadillac Bar stands out as a beacon of Mexican culinary excellence. For over 25 years, this local legend has delighted patrons with its authentic Mexican cuisine, earning glowing reviews for dishes like the "best fajitas I've ever had" and "delicious carnitas tacos." Regulars rave about the "street tacos that were just like the ones in Mexico" and commend the perfectly mixed margaritas that are "not too sweet, just right with lime juice and tequila." The atmosphere is always buzzing, described as the perfect spot for a fun, festive dining experience. Whether it's for Margarita Monday, a family dinner, or a special occasion, Cadillac Bar promises a memorable meal with "great food and excellent service," making every visit spectacular.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
David
Nashville •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent as always @ the Original Mama Ninfas on Navigation -Ernesto was our sever fior a party of 10 and he was outstanding-Will be back whenever in Houston -Coach Mac🏈
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The Original Ninfa's on NavigationPrice: Moderate• Mexican• East Side
•
4.7
E
Edwinvip
Houston •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 Nov 2024
Comfortably casual as a Mexican restaurant should be. Food was exceptional - fresh and well prepared with a strong lean into TexMex.
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Mi Cocina - River OaksPrice: Moderate• Mexican• River Oaks
•
4.2
D
Douglasvip
Indiana •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 Nov 2024
Great time with friends and great food. Oscar our server was awesome!!
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Cyclone Anaya's - Rice VillagePrice: Moderate• Tex-Mex• Rice Village
•
4.8
C
Carmenvip
Houston •125 reviews
4.0
Dined on 1 Nov 2024
Cyclone Anaya’s has the best Mexican food in the River Oaks area and great staff. We love going there. They face stiff competition in the neighborhood from Escalante’s, Mi Cocina and others. I think the drinks could be improved. My husband has tried several margaritas from the specialty and has not found one he likes. They are either too sweet or have too much lime juice. I like the skinny but I think it is generally short on tequila. I do not like how they serve the ranch water to be drunk from the Topo Chico bottle. I ordered a Topo Chico and a shot of tequila the other night (to mix acc to my preference). I paid $23 for that privilege : ( $5.50 for the TC and $17 for a shot of Hornitos reposado. I had blackened shrimp tacos for dinner - delicious and <$20, but my meal still came out expensive. Maybe we will just get take-out next time, but then we would miss the lovely staff ….
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Cyclone Anaya's - River OaksPrice: Moderate• Tex-Mex• River Oaks
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 29 Oct 2024
Awesome wait staff they were very professional making us feel like we were at home. Thank you!!!
More info
Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Highland VillagePrice: Moderate• Tex-Mex• River Oaks
•
4.7

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University of Houston

Tex mex

Best Tex Mex Restaurants in University of Houston

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

2. Cyclone Anaya's - Durham

3. The Original Ninfa's Uptown

4. Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village

5. Irma's Southwest

6. Mi Cocina - River Oaks

7. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Highland Village

8. Cyclone Anaya's - River Oaks

9. Cyclone Anaya's - Midtown

10. Cadillac Bar - Houston

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