Our top Houston Mexican restaurants

(11/03/07 - original abc13.com report) (KTRK) -- What is the Houston area without great Tex-Mex restaurants? There are so many to choose from that we figured we would take a crack at finding the best.

We're not professional food critics, just two guys who have taken it upon ourselves to seek out the top Mexican food restaurants in Houston. Sounds easy right? Ha. I'm sure you have your favorite so we can't wait to hear from you about all of the places we missed! (Make sure to leave your reviews and vote for your favorite)

Cyclone Anaya's Mexican Kitchen
309 Gray St
713-520-6969
My wife and I have come to love this Midtown hot spot (there are other locations too). The only problem is that the longer we go there, the more crowded it becomes and the longer you have to wait at peak times. Guess the word is out. This place is going to be a little more expensive but the food and drinks more than make up for that. My favorite is the carne asada. Delicious. This location has a patio but beware of the folks on the street that might approach you while you dine. (Mike's pick)

El Imperial Mexican Restaurant
818 Federal Rd
713-451-1220
This place should be called an east Houston institution by now. It's a family owned restaurant, with other locations around town, but this is the original. You can't go wrong with the enchilada al carbon plate. The queso is good too. Joel, the owner, is known to even wait on you personally. Now that is service. (Mike's pick)

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant
100 N Braeswood Blvd
713-283-1388
If you are looking for good and fairly inexpensive Mexican meals in the southwest part of town, this could be your place (other locations around town too). It seems to me that I used to go to the same building as a child when this place was a Champs, but that doesn't really matter to you. You should care about the laid back atmosphere and really friendly service. My favorite is the Summer Special, but I am not sure what happens to that plate during the winter? Winter Special doesn't have the same ring. (Mike's pick)

Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex
590 Meyerland Plaza
713-663-7080
Escalante's has always had that kind of upscale vibe to me. Makes sense that the word fine is in the name then. You might laugh, but I really love the rack of tacos. It's a simple taco with meat and a hard shell, but it's not too greasy and they mix the right amount of ingredients in. Here's a tip, sit in the bar area to avoid the crowd. (Mike's pick)

Guadalajara Mexican Grill
2925 Southwest Freeway
713-942-0772
The more I eat here, the more I like it. I must say their Enchiladas Guadalajara is one of my favorite dishes in town. It's a chicken enchilada dish in a green sauce. It is spectacular. I also like their rice which is unique. Excellent fajitas and one of the best salsas in town. You can't go wrong with this place. My first choice when I think of Mexican food. (Joe's pick)

Lupe Tortilla's
2414 Southwest Freeway (and several other locations in suburban communities in the area)
713-522-4420
This place is always packed. I love their spicy red chicken enchiladas. They're on par with Guadalajara's house special version. Good fajitas, but I really miss the dish they once made called, "New Mexico Enchiladas", which were constructed like lasagna, but instead of pasta, tortillas were used instead. Their chunky salsa is good, but not one of my favorites. (Joe's pick)

Ninfa's on Navigation
2704 Navigation Blvd
713-228-1175
How could I ever call myself a Native Houstonian without eating here? I only ate at the original location a few years ago and am glad I did, but upset I didn't get there sooner. East of downtown you will find the gem of Mexican restaurants with a very family oriented atmosphere. One time I blogged how the restaurant names the meals after waiters. Our server was Jose Cruz (not the famous Astro) and I was able to order his meal directly from the man himself. Also, you can't go wrong with the hand rolled tortillas made at the restaurant. Try the grilled quail, margaritas and queso. (Mike's pick)

Pico's Mex-Mex Restaurant
5941 Bellaire
713-662-8383
This restaurant is a hidden treasure in Houston. I am amazed each visit how good the food is. It leans a little heavy on the seafood-side of Mexican food, but it is very well executed and one of the places I recommend to folks looking for a new place to have dinner. And if you are looking for traditional Tex-Mex, it also does that about as well as anyone in town. Try this place when you're looking for a different twist on Mexican food in Houston. (Joe's pick)

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen
12637 Westheimer
281-679-8300
When I found out there was a restaurant in town that was brave enough to call itself an enchilada kitchen, I had to check it out. And although it's kind of out in the hinterlands of far West Houston, it's worth the drive to try one of Sylvia's 18 different varieties of excellent enchiladas. They're so good, I haven't tried anything else on the menu. And that's saying something. If enchiladas are your thing, this is your place. (Joe's pick).

Spanish Village
4720 Almeda
713-523-2861
If there was a Mexican version of Soul Food, this would be the place to find it. This funky, little joint has been at the same location for over 50 years. It is one of the best places in town for traditional Tex-Mex cuisine. Really good tamales. Great cheese enchiladas topped with onions. I am a big fan of their chicken enchiladas with creole sauce. I told you it had a little soul! A nice warm and spicy salsa. Many of its customers have been coming here for years. Unique decor inside and lots of photos of happy customers from over the years. (Joe's pick)

Honorable mention:

Irma's Restaurant
22 N Chenevert St
713- 222-0767
My wife said I had to include Irma's Restaurant. The only problem is that I have never eaten there. As a downtowner, she wanted to make sure you know about the good tamales and pink lemonade. She adds don't be surprised when there are no menus. The waiter comes to your table and tells you what the place is serving that day. Make sure to ask the price of your meal too if you are economic minded. (Mike's wife's pick)

By the way, no one from abc13 receives money, advertisement or free meals when picking out these favorite restaurants.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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