Here's our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Houston.
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What does Candente mean? Burning, a ‘hot topic’, or incandescent? At this restaurant, it means Tex-Mex done right with a personal and smoky twist! Located off Montrose in the Museum District, this eatery’s menu and ambiance is full of life. Enjoy their iconic Jalisco brisket nachos, birria, smoked redfish, or more traditional Tex-Mex style cheesy enchiladas and tacos. Candente digs into rich Houston taste centered around the custom-built wood burning grill, bursting with flavors of wood and smoke. Warning: once you spot the enticingly visible smoker, you won’t be able to resist this decadent barbecue experience! 4306 Yoakum Blvd., candentehtx.com
If you’re on the hunt for the best margarita in Houston, look no further than El Tiempo! With multiple locations in the Houston area, this restaurant prides itself on the impeccable customer service instilled by founder Mama Ninfa. Each delicacy is made from scratch using generations-old family recipes. This restaurant offers variations on fajitas and combo plates, but their standout sides like smoky charro beans and faux paella set them apart from other Mexican fare. Some favorites by the pound include carnitas, barbacoa, and chicharrones. This is one of the best carnicerias for your meat-loving taste buds. 5526 Washington Ave., eltiempocantina.com
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Flora, opened on March 1, is evidence that new is always better. Overlooking Buffalo Bayou Park, the breathtaking park views complete this luxurious glass treehouse dining experience. A contemporary approach to Mexican flavor with a Texan touch, restaurateur Grant Cooper’s vision for this hot new eatery highlights barbacoa de Borrego, street tacos al pastor, and an exotic seafood tostada created with octopus and shrimp. If you’re looking to sip on a refreshing cocktail, we recommend the ginger mezcalita made with poblano chili liqueur, lime, ginger syrup, and pineapple juice. The clean, organic food is only made more beautiful through Flora’s lively social scene complete with a brass and marble bar and an unparalleled outdoor terrace. Captivate your palate and stay for the good times with friends for brunch, lunch, or dinner! 3422 Allen Pkwy, florahouston.com
Where personal touch makes the difference, this vibrant and upscale Houston dining experience is a Mexican staple. Flavor is close to Escalantes’ heart, so much that the guacamole is made on the spot to capture every added spice! This local phenomenon has two locations in the Houston area and is a staple for large parties. Enjoy some sopes or rosemary-scented roast chicken around the table with friends or grab a round of refreshing margaritas, rumored to be one of the best in Houston! 4053 Westheimer Rd., escalantes.net
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Make no mistake: this is the original Ninfa’s where the tradition of “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo’s “Tacos Al Carbon”, now known as “Fajitas”, became a Tex-Mex staple. In the history of Tex-Mex cuisine, Mama Ninfa is a legend, and this restaurant is serving what is said to be “the best mexican food in Texas since Texas was in Mexico”! The luxury of taking a bite of southern comfort food like tamales and guacamole has diners reminiscing about their childhood in the Lone Star State. For a more elevated platter, choose some fresh wood oven roasted Texas redfish or Ninfa’s famous shrimp diablo filled with jack cheese and jalapeno for a kick. 2704 Navigation Blvd., ninfas.co
Photography by: Ella Olsson / Pexels