Unearth The Voyage
Texas and Mexican food go together like tortillas and salsa – it’s a match made in culinary heaven! From family recipes passed down through generations to innovative chefs putting fresh spins on traditional dishes, the Lone Star State boasts some of the finest Mexican cuisine in the country. Whether you’re craving authentic interior Mexican flavors or classic Tex-Mex comfort food, these 15 standout restaurants represent the very best that Texas has to offer.
Fonda San Miguel: Austin’s Artistic Haven
Since 1975, this Austin institution has transported diners to Mexico through its stunning colonial architecture and museum-quality art collection. The handmade tortillas alone are worth the visit – each one perfectly soft and warm.
Chef Miguel Ravago’s mole poblano remains legendary, with its complex blend of chilies, chocolate, and spices coating tender chicken. The cochinita pibil, slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, practically melts in your mouth.
Sunday brunch here has become an Austin tradition, featuring an impressive buffet of interior Mexican specialties rarely found elsewhere in Texas.
Hugo’s: Houston’s Culinary Masterpiece
James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega creates magic in this converted 1920s building in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. His journey from dishwasher to acclaimed chef embodies the American dream, and his food celebrates his Mexican heritage with every plate.
The seafood dishes shine particularly bright – try the pulpo al carbon (grilled octopus) or the ceviche with its perfect balance of citrus and spice. Multiple varieties of house-made mole showcase the kitchen’s dedication to authentic techniques.
The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere makes it ideal for special occasions, while the Sunday brunch buffet offers a more casual way to sample Chef Ortega’s creations.
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation: Fajita Birthplace
“Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo changed Texan dining forever when she began grilling skirt steak and serving it with handmade tortillas in 1973. What started as a small taco stand has grown into a Houston institution while maintaining its commitment to quality.
The fajitas remain the star – sizzling platters of perfectly seasoned beef, chicken, or shrimp served with all the fixings. Their green sauce, a creamy, spicy concoction, has inspired countless imitations across the state.
Despite its popularity with tourists, locals still pack the original Navigation Boulevard location for its consistently excellent food and lively atmosphere that feels authentically Houston.
Joe T. Garcia’s: Fort Worth’s Mexican Paradise
Walking into Joe T’s sprawling garden patio feels like stepping into another world. Since 1935, this Fort Worth landmark has served straightforward Tex-Mex in a setting that’s impossible not to love – especially on warm evenings when the fountains bubble and string lights twinkle overhead.
The menu is famously limited – essentially a choice between cheese enchiladas or sizzling fajitas, both served with all the traditional sides. Their potent margaritas come in pitchers perfect for sharing with friends.
Cash-only and often packed with long waits, Joe T’s nonetheless remains a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience classic Texas hospitality with a Mexican flavor.
L&J Cafe: El Paso’s Border Town Treasure
Locals affectionately call it “the old place by the cemetery” due to its location next to Concordia Cemetery, but L&J Cafe has been serving some of El Paso’s best Mexican food since 1927. The unassuming green building holds culinary treasures that reflect the unique border cuisine of this region.
Their green chile enchiladas capture the distinctive flavors of the area – not quite Tex-Mex, not quite interior Mexican, but something wonderfully unique to this border region. The chile rellenos arrive perfectly crisp outside and molten inside.
Family-owned for generations, L&J maintains an authentic neighborhood feel despite its national recognition. The walls covered in historic photos tell the story of both the restaurant and El Paso itself.
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia: San Antonio’s 24-Hour Fiesta
The party never stops at this Market Square landmark where Christmas lights twinkle year-round and mariachi bands serenade diners at all hours. Since 1941, Mi Tierra has been feeding San Antonio residents and visitors alike with classic Tex-Mex dishes served in a festive atmosphere.
The restaurant’s famous mural, “The American Dream,” depicts notable Latino figures and tells the story of the founding family. Don’t leave without visiting the bakery case filled with colorful pan dulce, empanadas, and their signature pink cake.
Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast tacos at dawn, enchiladas at midnight, or sweet bread anytime in between, Mi Tierra captures the spirit of San Antonio’s vibrant Mexican heritage.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ: Austin’s Smoky Fusion
Who says you have to choose between great barbecue and great Mexican food? At Valentina’s, pitmaster Miguel Vidal proves these two Texas traditions belong together. Operating from a food truck in south Austin, Vidal has created a unique culinary hybrid that draws long lines of devoted fans.
The Real Deal Holyfield breakfast taco – filled with egg, beans, potato, bacon and brisket – might be the perfect Texas breakfast. For lunch or dinner, the smoked carnitas and brisket tacos showcase the beautiful marriage of Mexican flavors and Texas smoking techniques.
Everything here feels handmade with care, from the mesquite-smoked meats to the flour tortillas pressed fresh throughout the day.
Belly of the Beast: Spring’s Hidden Gem
This suburban Houston surprise earned a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recognition for good reason. Tucked into an unassuming strip mall in Spring, Belly of the Beast delivers creative, chef-driven Mexican cuisine that rivals anything found in Texas’ major cities.
Chef Thomas Bille draws inspiration from his Mexican heritage while incorporating local Texas ingredients. The bone marrow tacos exemplify his approach – traditional Mexican flavors elevated through technique and presentation. Their house-made tortillas, pressed from corn ground daily, provide the perfect foundation for every dish.
The restaurant’s intimate setting, with just a handful of tables, creates an experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming. Reservations are highly recommended.
Mixtli: San Antonio’s Culinary Time Machine
Dining at Mixtli isn’t just a meal – it’s a journey through Mexico’s diverse regions and rich history. Chefs Diego Galicia and Rico Torres create ever-changing tasting menus that explore different Mexican states, pre-Hispanic techniques, and colonial influences.
The restaurant’s name means “cloud” in Nahuatl, reflecting how the menu floats between different times and places. Each multi-course experience comes with detailed explanations about the cultural significance of each dish, making it educational as well as delicious.
With just 12 seats available per seating, the intimate atmosphere allows diners to watch the chefs prepare each course with precision and passion. For serious food lovers, this is Mexican cuisine at its most artistic.
El Fenix: Dallas’ Century-Old Institution
When Miguel Martinez opened El Fenix in 1918, he couldn’t have imagined his small cafe would grow into a Dallas institution spanning over a century. Now with multiple locations throughout the metroplex, the original downtown restaurant remains a touchstone for traditional Tex-Mex comfort food.
Their Wednesday Enchilada Special has achieved legendary status – cheese enchiladas with chili con carne for a price that seems frozen in time. The martinez rice, named for the founding family, comes studded with peas, carrots, and tomatoes in a signature preparation.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks to its consistency and the deep connection many Dallas families feel to its familiar flavors across generations.
Veracruz Cafe: Dallas’ Coastal Inspiration
While many Texas Mexican restaurants focus on border cuisine or interior specialties, Veracruz Cafe brings the distinctive flavors of Mexico’s Gulf Coast to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The bright, airy space in Oak Cliff sets the perfect stage for seafood-forward dishes rarely found elsewhere in the region.
Signature dishes include huachinango a la veracruzana (red snapper in a tomato-olive sauce) and camarones al mojo de ajo (garlic shrimp). Their chile rellenos, stuffed with seafood and topped with a light tomato sauce, offer a coastal twist on a Mexican classic.
Blue corn tortillas and house-made salsas showcase the kitchen’s commitment to authentic ingredients and traditional preparations.
Avila’s Mexican Restaurant: Dallas’ Family Legacy
For over 35 years, the Avila family has been serving some of Dallas’ most beloved Mexican food from their charming converted house on Maple Avenue. The cozy, homey atmosphere perfectly matches the comfort food coming from the kitchen.
Their brisket tacos – tender, slow-cooked meat tucked into soft corn tortillas – developed a cult following long before brisket tacos became trendy across Texas. The chile relleno arrives with a perfectly light, fluffy egg coating rather than the heavier batter found elsewhere.
Mama Avila still oversees the kitchen, ensuring family recipes are followed precisely. Her presence explains why so many regulars describe eating here as being welcomed into someone’s home rather than just dining at a restaurant.
Mia’s Tex Mex Restaurant: Dallas’ Comfort Food Champion
Sometimes you just need a plate of no-frills, delicious Tex-Mex, and that’s exactly what Mia’s has been delivering since 1981. This family-owned spot on Lemmon Avenue has maintained its unpretentious charm even as Dallas’ dining scene has grown increasingly trendy.
The brisket tacos here are legendary – tender meat slow-simmered with tomatoes and spices, then tucked into soft flour tortillas with melted cheese. Their enchiladas come smothered in rich chili con carne or tangy green sauce, exactly as Tex-Mex tradition demands.
Photos of Dallas cowboys players line the walls, highlighting the restaurant’s status as a local institution where you might spot everyone from business executives to sports celebrities enjoying the same beloved comfort food.
Tacos Garcia: Amarillo’s Panhandle Pride
Far from the big-city Mexican food scenes, Tacos Garcia has been quietly serving some of the Panhandle’s best Mexican food since 1957. This family-owned Amarillo institution might not have the national recognition of some Texas Mexican restaurants, but locals know it’s the real deal.
Their massive, stuffed-to-the-brim burritos have sustained generations of Amarillo residents. The chile rellenos achieve that perfect balance of spicy, cheesy and savory. House-made flour tortillas, pillowy and slightly chewy, arrive steaming to the table.
The no-frills dining room, with its straightforward decor and friendly service, embodies the unpretentious spirit of Panhandle dining where value and flavor matter more than trendiness.
Chico’s Tacos: El Paso’s Quirky Classic
Only in El Paso could a restaurant famous for serving rolled tacos floating in a thin tomato soup-like sauce become an iconic institution. Since 1953, Chico’s Tacos has been delighting locals and confusing visitors with its signature dish that defies traditional taco classifications.
The concept is simple yet unique – corn tortillas rolled around ground beef, deep-fried, then doused in a thin tomato sauce and topped with a snowfall of finely shredded cheese. The result gets eaten with a spoon as much as fingers, creating a messy, delicious experience unlike any other taco in Texas.
With multiple locations around El Paso, Chico’s remains a mandatory stop for former residents returning home and curious food tourists alike.
