**Short answer Mexican restaurants Houston Texas:**
Houston boasts some of the best Mexican cuisine in America, with a wide array of choices from traditional to fusion. Some top picks include Hugo’s, El Tiempo Cantina, Ninfa’s on Navigation and Lupe Tortilla.
How to Dine at Mexican Restaurants in Houston, Texas Like a Local
There’s no doubt that Houston, Texas is a hot spot for mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. From the sizzling fajitas to the cheesy enchiladas and zesty guacamole, there are endless options to satisfy your taste buds. But if you want to truly experience dining at a Mexican restaurant like a local in Houston, here are some tips to keep in mind.
First of all, don’t be afraid to explore different neighborhoods with vibrant Hispanic communities such as East End, Second Ward and Montrose – where authentic mom-and-pop restaurants thrive alongside upscale eateries. These areas offer an array of dishes from traditional Tex-Mex fare (a fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisines) to regional specialties like Yucatan-style cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork wrapped in banana leaves).
Next step is ordering a margarita! While many tourists opt for frozen or flavored margaritas (which can be delicious), locals often go for classic versions – made with fresh lime juice, tequila and triple sec – served on the rocks or straight up. Also try out michelada’s which combines beer with lime juice, salt and spices like Tajin.
When it comes to food choices at Mexican restaurants in Houston – sharing plates family style makes sense so people can have variety of tastes or trying different things without overdoing any one dish A couple popular shared plates include nachos con carne y queso (tortilla chips topped with beef chilli and cheese), tableside-prepared guacamole scooped into bowls queued by servers walking around the restaurant carrying mortar shell-like dishes , crispy tacos filled with shredded chicken/steak/carnitas/fish/birria à la plancha…etc!
However main course does not disappoint either; Fajita platters still remain wildly popular especially when they come riddled atop sizzling cast iron skillets…, while others opt for more adventurous picks like ceviche (a seafood dish marinated in lime juice), tamales (steamed corn dough filled with various ingredients wrapped in a corn husk), mole stews, chile rellenos with oozy queso fresco, or pozole soup spiked with chunks of tender pork.
Lastly – dessert! Don’t leave without trying the tres leches cake – an addictive concoction of sponge cake drenched in evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream; also there’s always flan or some establishments make churros right on premises __crispy fried sticks of dough sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar and served hot alongside velvety chocolate sauce!
Overall dining at Mexican restaurants in Houston is not just about indulging your palate but involves immersing yourself into vibrant Hispanic culture. So be open to experimenting with new flavors, embracing lively atmosphere complete perhaps mariachi music coupled scents wafting from kitchen…and who knows? You might even pick up new Spanish phrases along the way too!”
Step-by-Step: Navigating the Menu at Mexican Restaurants in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas is well-known for its delicious and authentic Mexican food. From street tacos to sizzling fajitas, there are a plethora of mouthwatering dishes that will leave you craving more.
One of the most intimidating things about visiting a new Mexican restaurant is navigating the menu. With descriptions in Spanish and unfamiliar ingredients, it can be overwhelming for those not familiar with traditional Mexican cuisine. But fear not, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the menu at Mexican restaurants in Houston!
Step 1: Appetizers
Start off your meal right by selecting an appetizer or two to share with friends and family. A popular choice is guacamole – fresh avocado mashed together with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and salt served with tortilla chips. Other favorites include queso fundido (melted cheese with chorizo), nachos topped with beans and melted cheese or ceviche made from fish cured in lemon or lime juices.
Step 2: Tacos
When it comes to tacos at a Mexican restaurant in Houston – you’re going to need some help! Tacos come in all shapes and sizes ranging from small street-style corn tortillas filled simply stuffed with meat filling such as carne asada (grilled steak) , pollo (chicken) al pastor (marinated pork slow-cooked on a spit) or grilled veggies-all the way up to big soft flour tortillas packed full of tasty toppings like guacamole salsa verde- before exploring other mains items make sure you try various kinds of tacos available at any Tex Mex joint.
Step 3: Mains
After devouring our taco selection we move onto mains where options abound based on types cuts of beefs known as Arrachera-Parrilladas which could rest somewhere between medium-rare flank steaks smothered beneath poblano sauce,fajita platters(usually chicken usually pre-marinated in lime, garlic and chili) accompanied with side of guacamole or beans to enchiladas filled with shredded chicken coated in green sauce. It’s a spectrum that surely pleases everyone!
Step 4: Side Dishes
A variety of side dishes complement Mexican cuisine wonderfully like creamy refried beans made from slow-cooked pinto beans mashed until smooth topped off with panela cheese, cilantro,and onion.Play it safe by biting into soft flour tortillas or get adventurous by ordering grilled cactus leaves known as ‘nopales’. Make sure you also indulge in elote which are grilled corn served on the cob covered entirely in salted butter ,mayonnaise,lime juice, queso fresco(better know these toppings prior before placing order)
Step 5: Drinks
To complete your meal nothing beats authentic chilled beverages such as margaritas blended together using tequila,lime,sugar syrup among other different varieties like Palomas (tequila dash mixed with grapefruit soda), Michelada-like Bloody Mary but infused with beer – A true adventure for taste
Mexican Restaurants in Houston, Texas FAQ: Answers to Your Burning Questions
Are you a foodie looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Houston, Texas? Well, look no further! With its proximity to Mexico and large Latino population, Houston boasts some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine in the country. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming deciding where to dine.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mexican restaurants in Houston answered:
1) What type of Mexican cuisine can I expect?
Houston’s diverse culinary scene offers a range of traditional and modern takes on authentic Mexican dishes. From street tacos to mole sauces to fresh seafood ceviche, there’s something for every palate.
2) Are Tex-Mex restaurants considered “Mexican” too?
Yes! While technically not pure Mexican cuisine, Tex-Mex is popular throughout Texas and typically features spicy chili con carne (chili with meat), cheesy enchiladas topped with chili sauce, crispy chimichangas (deep-fried burritos), fajitas sizzling on hot plates accompanied by rice and beans.
3) Where should I go for affordable but tasty tacos?
For an inexpensive yet delectable meal try Tacos Tierra Caliente with multiple locations across downtown areas plus Montrose district.Have your choice between corn or flour tortillas lined up together cooked-to-order al grilled meats like carnitas(roast pork), chorizo(spicy sausage), barbacoa(shredded beef cheek)or tenga(a specialty beef stew). Don’t forget to top off your taco other fresh toppings as cilantro,hunks onions,limes,salsas or guacamole.Cheap eats that surely hits hard over hunger pangs!
4) What if I am vegan/vegetarian – any recommendations?
Vegan or vegetarian food lovers would appreciate Austin-based Green Seed Vegan located at Heights area known from their organic juice bars serving energizing smoothies,bowls salads alongside nachos,fajita burgers taco-bombs with vegan protein options like soy,tempeh or spinach.Combining the southwestern ingredients with fresh organic produce and specialty blend of spices resulted a meat-free wonders!
5)Is it necessary to make reservations beforehand?
It depends on the restaurant. Though Tex-Mex establishments cannot typically accommodate advanced table bookings as food is usually ordered at counters than tables seated but traditional Mexican restaurants often take even large groups without reservation.Unless you’re denting your pockets for high-end services which requires caller ID for making arrangements.
Houston’s Mexican food scene offers something for everyone – from simple street carts to upscale dining experiences.Whether you want spicy salsas,chips and dips, classic margaritas or global wines accompanying enchiladas-simply put,it neverdisappointsnor becomes monotonous!
