Top Mexican Restaurants in Houston, Texas

If you're looking for quality Mexican food in Houston, Texas, you have a wide selection. It seems that there are three such establishments on every block---sometimes more---and they all have different selections and different tastes, depending on individual chefs. Some Mexican restaurants in Houston are perfect for the spice lover, while others have great kids' menus and peaceful atmospheres.

Top Mexican Restaurants in Houston: Casa Ole
Highway 6 at West Little York

I've been a long-time fan of Casa Ole because, while the food tastes great, the prices haven't changed much in the last ten or fifteen years. They have the best bean and cheese nachos I've ever had and their chile con queso is magnificent. If you go on a Tuesday or Thursday you can enjoy half-off Margaritas and their one-person fajitas are often on sale for $7.99. Even better, they have their own separate smoking section with its own ventilation.

Top Mexican Restaurants in Houston: Los Cucos
Highway 90 at Ave. B & Katy Mills Mall

My children love Los Cucos because they offer coloring books for children while they wait and an extensive kids' menu selection that includes tacos, enchiladas, chalupas and even chicken fingers. The new Los Cucos restaurant at Katy Mills Mall is larger than the one on 90, but for some reason the food doesn't taste the same. I prefer the original restaurant, especially since the waiters know me by name. Their enchiladas aren't the best, but they have excellent fajitas and their burritos come with the best gravy I've ever tasted.

Top Mexican Restaurants in Houston: Pappasitos
I-45 at Rankin

Heading up to the north sector of town, Pappasitos is a little bit more upscale than the previously mentioned restaurants. It's also a bit more pricey---particularly for drinks---but their food is well worth the money. They have excellent chile con queso with beef and I've always been partial to their spinach quesadillas. My wife gets their taco salad---she says that the shell is the best part---and my kids enjoy their tacos and burritos.

Top Mexican Restaurants in Houston: Las Rosas
Mason Rd. at Kingsland

This is more of a bistro than a restaurant, and it's best to visit for lunch than for dinner. Your bill will be at least $10 cheaper and you won't have to deal with the dinner crowds. Las Rosas is famous for their corn chips, which have very little grease and go wonderfully with their queso recipe. They also have excellent margaritas that come in a large, bowl-shaped glass, and they serve every Mexican beer imaginable. The best part about Las Rosas, however, is the atmosphere. Bold, colorful walls are adorned with hand-painted murals of Mexican villages and there is always live music in the evenings.