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BEST RATED HOUSTON, TX MEXICAN RESTAURANTS

3 Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston, TX

Expert-recommended Top 3 Mexican Restaurants in Houston, Texas. All of our mexican restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

The Original Ninfas on Navigation - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
The Original Ninfas on Navigation - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
The Original Ninfas on Navigation - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston TX - The Original Ninfas on Navigation video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE ORIGINAL NINFAS ON NAVIGATION

(4.9 Score)
2704 Navigation Boulevard,
Houston, TX 77003 Directions

Since 1973

Specialty:

✓ El Eddie ✓ Musicos ✓ Mariscos ✓ Fajita Plates ✓ Grilled Veggie fajitas ✓ Famous “off the Menu” Toppings ✓ Berry ✓ Chihuahua ✓ Redfish Zarandeado ✓ Snapper Veracruzano ✓ Shrimp A La Playa ✓ Plato Costeño ✓ Tejas Combo ✓ El Henry ✓ Flautas ✓ Delicioso ✓ Two Tacos A La Ninfa ✓ Fajita Plates ✓ Costillas De Res

"The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a casual Mexican spot serving fajitas, margaritas, and other Mexican meals in covered outdoor seating. The restaurant is led by Mama Ninfa Laurenzo. She created tacos al carbon, which the whole world would eventually come to know as fajitas, the bedrock of Tex-Mex cuisine. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation offers a wide selection of menu items, including tacos, fajitas, Ninfa’s mixtas, appetizers, and salads. The restaurant provides a seated dining area for 60 members, a buffet-style event for 50 members, and a standing cocktail-style reception for 60 members. The restaurant is also serving in Uptown Houston.

2026 Update: The Original Ninfa’s, a 2019 James Beard Award semifinalist, blends traditional flavors with innovative culinary techniques. The restaurant provides reservations, catering, and private dining facilities for its customers. They also offer rewards and gift card options that can be gifted to anyone."

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James Beard Award Semifinalist (2019) Outstanding Restaurant

Price:

Appetizers
Chile Con Queso $13
Queso Asado $14
Queso Flameado $15
Crab Tostadas $22
Mushroom Quesadillas $13
Nachos $14
Enchiladas
Antiguas $17
Tejanas $24
Suizas $19
Del Mar $25
Carnitas $20
Mole $20
Tacos
El Eddie $19
MúSicos $22
Mariscos $22
Platos Del Mar
Redfish Zarandeado $30
Snapper Veracruzano $32
Shrimp A La Playa $30
Plato CosteñO $30
Platos Tejanos
Tejas Combo $24
El Henry $19
Flautas $21
Delicioso $22
Platos Fuertes
Costillas De Res $24
Pollo Asado Estilo Nl $19
Grilled Quail $19
Carnitas $24
El Nopalito $75
Parrilla Mixta 95
Beverages:
Aguas Frescas $5
Mexican Coca Cola $5
Topo Chico $5
Soft Drinks $4
Iced Tea $4
Coffee Iced Coffee $4
Espresso Cappuccino $6

Discount:

Get a $5 Off on every 50 points you earn

Contact:

(713) 228-1175

Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm|Brunch 10am-2pm
Sun: 10am - 10pm|Brunch 10am-2pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Pappasito's Cantina - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
Pappasito's Cantina - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
Pappasito's Cantina - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston TX - Pappasito's Cantina video
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PAPPASITO'S CANTINA

(4.8 Score)
10409 Interstate 10 Frontage Road,
Houston, TX 77024 Directions

Since 1897

Specialty:

✓ Cheese Enchiladas ✓ Chicken Tinga Enchiladas ✓ Chicken Suizas Enchiladas ✓ Enchiladas De Res ✓ Combination Enchiladas ✓ Seafood Enchiladas ✓ American Red Snapper Tacos ✓ Birria De Res ✓ Taco Dinner ✓ Chipotle Chicken Fajita Tacos ✓ Baja Shrimp Tacos ✓ Chicken Fajita Flautas ✓ Tacos Al Carbon ✓ Coronado ✓ El Sombrero ✓ Plato Mariachi ✓ Reynosa ✓ Monterrey ✓ Tulum ✓ Braised Beef Enchiladas ✓ Shrimp Tacos ✓ Carne Asada Enchiladas

"Pappasito's Cantina is a family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant that offers Tex-Mex dishes, and margaritas are the stars of this chain, which has a festive look. The business has been in operation continuously for more than three decades. The restaurant is led by the Pappas brothers, who opened their first restaurant in 1976. Pappasito's Cantina is known for its authentic flavor, freshness, and quality of food and drinks. Savor the Pappasito’s Grill, which is a skewer of mesquite-grilled beef and chicken fajitas, bacon-wrapped shrimp, vegetables, and pineapple pico de gallo. Pappasito's Cantina provides party rooms for both large and small gatherings. The restaurant offers outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi.

2026 Update: The restaurant is currently run by the fourth generation of the Pappas family. Harris and Chris lead the Pappas restaurant group, overseeing more than 80 locations in Texas as well as in Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Customers can make reservations through their website as well as they also provide catering and take online orders and deliveries."

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Price:

Appetizers:
Guacamole Fresco $13.95
Potato Taquitos $11.95
Queso Fundido $11.95
Handmade Pork Tamales $7.95
Pappasito’S Snapper Ceviche $15.95
Sweet & Spicy Ribs $19.95
Ncchos & Quesadillas:
Beef Fajita Nachos $20.95
Chicken Fajita Nachos $17.95
Beef Fajita Quesadillas $25.95
Chicken Fajita Quesadillas $21.95
Shrimp Quesadillas $24.95
Soup & Salads:
Ensalada De Casa $6.95
Grilled Salmon Salad $26.95
Enchiladas:
Chicken Suizas Enchiladas $18.95
Pork & Green Chile Enchiladas $19.95
Seafood Enchiladas $29.95
Carne Asada Enchiladas $29.95
Sizzling Fajitas:
Chicken Fajitas (Medium) $21.95
Beef Fajitas (Medium) $29.95
Beef & Chicken Fajitas (Medium) $28.95
Shrimp Fajitas (Medium) $24.95
Chicken Fajitas (Large) $35.95
Beef Fajitas (Large) $49.95
JalapeñO Cheese Sausage $4.95

Discount:

Get a 50% Off fajitas Weekly

Contact:

(713) 468-1913 (713) 869-0151

Sun-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Hugo's - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
Hugo's - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
Hugo's - Houston, TX Mexican Restaurants
Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston TX - Hugo's video
12+ YEARS IN TBR
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HUGO'S

(4.8 Score)
1600 Westheimer,
Houston, TX 77006 Directions

Since 2002

Specialty:

✓ Aguachile De Palmito ✓ Ceviche De Atún ✓ Tiradito De Medregal ✓ Ceviche Verde ✓ Bistec Oaxaqueño ✓ Chamorro De Puerco ✓ Pato En Mole Poblano ✓ Carnitas ✓ Barbacoa ✓ Carne Brava ✓ Cabrito ✓ Carne Asada A La Tampiqueña ✓ Enchiladas Del Día ✓ Coliflor ✓ Repollitos ✓ Papas Gratinadas ✓ Hongos En Mole ✓ Guacamole Salsa Y Totopos ✓ Pescado En Mole Amarillo ✓ Mariscos Al Ajillo ✓ Callo De Hacha ✓ Pollo Asado ✓ Pescado Encamisado ✓ Lechón

"Hugo’s offers a modern Mexican dining experience in Montrose, with tableside preparation of traditional dishes from across Mexico, crafted from scratch following authentic methods, including cheeses, moles, tortillas, and chocolate. The restaurant features an acclaimed wine selection, cocktail offerings, and a curated tequila menu. The restaurant offers private dining for special occasions, with a banquet coordinator available to manage details including floral arrangements, decorations, linens, live entertainment, and event signage. Hugo’s also provides catering, private dining, and Happy Hour options.

2026 Update: Hugo’s is located in a 1925 building by Houston architect Joseph Finger, restored to highlight its original features with interiors blending modern design and traditional Mexican elements. Reservations options was also available in the restaurant."

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Southwest at James Beard Foundation Awards 2012-2017
The Best Restaurants in Houston by Food Network
Houston Press Best of Houston in 2020
Chef Hugo Ortega Received Craig Claiborne Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017
Ranked #2 in Top 100 Restaurants in Houston by Alison Cook by Houston Chronicle in 2015

Price:

Entremeses
Empanadas De Colita De Res $17
LechóN $19
Pulpo Al CarbóN $22
Chapulines $19
Taquito De Langosta $21
Empanadas De PláTano $16
Taquitos De Pollo $16
Tacos Dorados De Papa $16
Sopas Y Ensaladas
Ensalada De SandíA $15
Hugo’S Ensalada De Caesar $15
Sopa Azteca $15
Al Lado
Coliflor $9
Repollitos $9
Papas Gratinadas $9
Hongos En Mole $9
Guacamole, Salsa Y Totopos $12
Mariscos Y Pescados
Pescado En Mole Amarillo $37
Mariscos Al Ajillo $44
Callo De Hacha $36
Arroz A La Tumbada $35
Platos Fuertes:
Carne Asada $52
Costilla De Res $39
Pato $35
Costillas De Borrego $45
Carnitas $24
Carne Brava $35
Barbacoa $35
Cabrito $35
Mole De Olla $28
Enchiladas Del DíA $24
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo $34

Discount:

Get a 20% Off On Small Plates During Happy Hour

Contact:

(713) 524-7744

Tue & Wed: 3pm - 9pm
Thu: 11:30am - 9pm
Fri: 11:30am - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 10am - 9pm
Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

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THE ORIGINAL NINFAS ON NAVIGATION REVIEWS

Our visit to Ninfa’s on Navigation in Houston was fantastic! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed, and the atmosphere was vibrant and inviting. Lissett, our server, made our experience even better, she was extremely welcoming, professional, and offered excellent recommendations that did not disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious, full of authentic flavors and beautifully prepared. Every dish we tried was fresh and satisfying. Great service combined with great food made for a truly memorable meal. We’ll definitely be back.

This was a great restaurant! Definitely better than the other Ninfa's locations. We ordered the musicas tacos, chicken enchiladas, and another taco dish. The food was served very promptly; I'd say within 15 minutes of placing the order. Our waiter also filled up or drinks as soon as they got halfway empty. Definitely would return soon; this is a very good Tex-mex restaurant!.

We came for a friends birthday. The food was wonderful we got the mixed fajitas and they were so good. The beef was a perfectly medium rare. I got the Tres Leches for dessert which was delicious. Our server was Ruben E. He was so kind and attentive. Definitely will be coming back!.

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PAPPASITO'S CANTINA REVIEWS

I had an outstanding dining experience at Pappasito’s Tex-Mex! From start to finish, everything was exceptional. I ordered the fajitas, and they were absolutely delicious—perfectly seasoned, tender, and full of flavor. The lamb chops were cooked to perfection, and the crab meat-stuffed jumbo shrimp was a true highlight, packed with fresh, savory goodness. The chicken flautas, served with rice and refried beans, rounded out the meal beautifully. Every bite was a delight! The service was warm and attentive, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. I’m already looking forward to my next visit! If you're a fan of bold flavors and quality Tex-Mex, this place is a must-try.

The management team was very sympathetic to my dietary restrictions. And helped me out tremendously. Thank you. I went back to this location and the manager was fantastic again. She is the best! Thanks for making our celebration of my daughter's birthday special!.

The most delicious fajitas in town, in my opinion. Sizzling fajitas made to order! My favorite. The atmosphere is perfect for family, dates, or a friendly dinner meet up. The waitstaff are friendly and very attentive. There is always a wait, so it’s best to reserve a table. The bar drinks are spot on! The best in town!.

HUGO'S REVIEWS

I like so many things about this place, but the main thing is they take chances and add some interesting specials every day. Love anything seafood, tried the fish, so flavorful, and the guacamole was really good. Salsa was okay, chips were a little thick for my liking, ceviche was good. Fish tacos my friend ordered were inhaled. All and all a nice restaurant at any time of day. Would love to hit the happy hour.

An amazing meal and an amazing experience. Party of 3 for the brunch buffet. Servers kept our beverages refreshed. Huge variety of delicious options on the buffet. I didn't even have room to try everything that I wanted. Live music was a nice addition.

Everything was excellent. Friendly staff, great food (pork was another level), quesadillas were very good and also the totopos with guacamole. Tamarindo drink was worth tasting.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE ORIGINAL NINFAS ON NAVIGATION Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

PAPPASITO'S CANTINA Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Complete Info: 9
Contact Info: 9
Experience: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 11.9K: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

HUGO'S Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Current Evaluation: 8
Legitimate Ratings: 8
Reviews Study: 8
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10
Table Reservation: 10