Houston is the birthplace of the fajita as we know it. The city's Tex-Mex scene combines Mexican traditions with Texas beef culture, creating dishes like sizzling fajitas, queso, and cheese enchiladas that define the genre. This is where Tex-Mex was perfected.
Tex-Mex Essentials
Fajitas
Sizzling skirt steak, peppers, onions
Queso
Creamy cheese dip with chili
Cheese Enchiladas
Smothered in chili gravy
Breakfast Tacos
Eggs, bacon, potato, salsa
Crispy Tacos
Ground beef, lettuce, cheese
Chile con Carne
The original Texas chili
Houston Tex-Mex Legends
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
East End • Birthplace of Fajitas
Mama Ninfa invented the fajita taco here in 1973. The original location is a pilgrimage site for Tex-Mex lovers.
El Tiempo Cantina
Multiple Locations • Premium Tex-Mex
Founded by Mama Ninfa's son. Upscale fajitas, strong margaritas, and legendary queso. The gold standard.
Pappasito's Cantina
Multiple Locations • Fajita Empire
Massive portions, sizzling fajitas, and killer margaritas. Not subtle, but consistently great Tex-Mex.
Molina's Cantina
Since 1941 • Old School
Houston's oldest Mexican restaurant. The chili con carne and cheese enchiladas are time capsules of classic Tex-Mex.
Spanish Flower
Heights • 24 Hours
Open 24/7, perfect for late-night Tex-Mex cravings. Breakfast tacos at 3am? Yes please.
Goode Co. Taqueria
Multiple Locations • Mesquite-Grilled
Mesquite-grilled meats and Tex-Mex in a Texas roadhouse setting. The duck enchiladas are unique.
Breakfast Taco Spots
Laredo Taqueria
Multiple Locations • Flour Tortillas
Massive breakfast tacos on fresh flour tortillas. The carne guisada is legendary.
Villa Arcos
East End • Old School
Cash-only taqueria with some of the best breakfast tacos in the city. Go early.
🏆 Our Picks
Best Fajitas: The Original Ninfa's - Where it all began
Best Queso: El Tiempo Cantina - Creamy, chile-spiked perfection
Best Historic: Molina's - 80+ years of Tex-Mex
Best Breakfast Tacos: Laredo Taqueria - Those flour tortillas
Find Your Tex-Mex Spot
Let us pick a Tex-Mex restaurant for you in Houston!
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