If you want very close to authentic Mexican food, try Molinas. Almost anything in Texas is going to be tex-mex, but Molinas is way closer to Mexican food than, lets say, Chuys, Lupe, etc. If you're in Spring area and like cheese enchilidas, try La Maria. I never get anything else there, best cheese enchilidas ever! http://www.lamaria.net
Haha the OP chose Tex Mex. Anyway if you want to eat authentic Mexican food at a really good price try el rodeo de Jalisco on Houston Rosslyn and 249. Best tasting menudo, pozole, tacos al carbon, breakfast platters.
Loving all the El Tiempo love on here, and have to second it. This place is great, and the meat market next door to the one on Washington is excellent, as well.
I'm pretty passionate about my tex-mex and have been to just about every restaurant mentioned in this thread except for a few of them out in the burbs. I rate my favorites based on food, margaritas, and atmosphere. That said, here are my top 5: 1. El Tiempo - It's expensive, but it's the best combination of quality ingredients, lively atmosphere, and killer house margaritas that you're going to find. If you're going here for the first time, order the Mixed Grill. The smallest size is enough for 3 people to split and will give you a good sampling of what this excellent restaurant has to offer. 2. Border Grill & Cantina - If you live anywhere near the southeast side of town, you must go here at least once. It's in Pasadena but worth the drive. Order the Salsa Pollo and you'll want to rep me every day for turning you on to this gem. 3. Ninfa's on Navigation - It's no longer owned by the Ninfa's family, but it has retained much of the charm and excellence that has made it a Houston landmark. Every Houstonian should go here at least once. It's solid all the way around. 4. Terlingua - Not many people seem to know about this place, even though it's located at Montrose near Allen Parkway. Owned by the Cyclone Anaya's family, I think the food is MUCH better here and way more affordable than Cyclone's. 5. Molina's - This place has been around Houston forever. Not amazing food, but it's solid tex-mex. I'm pretty sure the house margaritas are flammable.
Mesón 1910 in FairField (Mason Road close to 290). Awesome Mexican food. Also, Teotihuacán on Airline @ Patton.
El Tiempo is hands down the big winner. Others we frequent are Tony's on Ella, Teotihuacan on Airline or Tia Maria's near Delmar. Also, La Mexicana on Montrose is good.
Lupe Tortillas...... There is something to be said for being able to fit a lb of beef/chicken into a single tortilla
Merida's off of Navigation. It is close to the original Ninfa's. It is more of a Yucatan influence but no other Mexican food comes close to it.
I haven't been to Lupe Tortilla's in years because last time I went there were kids EVERYWHERE. I felt like I was at a daycare instead of out to dinner.
