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Restaurant list

Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Houston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated January 28, 2020

Houston has a bold Texas spirit, famous for its world-class arts scene, booming businesses and professional sports. In recent years, Houston has experienced a renaissance of Mexican cuisine. The flavors of Texas barbecue and local seafood mix add a spin twist to traditional enchiladas, tamales and, of course, tacos. From Tex-Mex classics to traditional Mexican treasures, we've got the low-down on all the best tacos in town. But where can Tex-Mex fanatics find the best tacos in Houston? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. Our team of expert diners has tried every soft tortilla or crispy shell across town to create this unique list of top offerings. Book tonight for the best tacos in Houston.

La Lucha
4.7 (1484)
$30 and under
Seafood
Heights / Washington
There’s a certain buzz around this popular Houston Heights restaurant. Black leather, wood, and greenery lend an old school feel, and the menu is also full of classics, yet the overall effect is fresh and modern. A select wine list, Southern favorites, plus some of the best tacos in Houston make La Lucha a neighborhood mainstay. Crispy shrimp tacos are the dish to order, also known as the La Lucha Late Night Treat. The combo of shrimp, spicy chile and American cheese is quite something.
Top review
Manuel
Dined 1 day ago
Service and food was great, I will definitely show up with a bigger appetite next time
There’s a certain buzz around this popular Houston Heights restaurant. Black leather, wood, and greenery lend an old school feel, and the menu is also full of classics, yet the overall effect is fresh and modern. A select wine list, Southern favorites, plus some of the best tacos in Houston make La Lucha a neighborhood mainstay. Crispy shrimp tacos are the dish to order, also known as the La Lucha Late Night Treat. The combo of shrimp, spicy chile and American cheese is quite something.
Top review
Manuel
Dined 1 day ago
Service and food was great, I will definitely show up with a bigger appetite next time
State of Grace
4.6 (3484)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Southern
River Oaks
State of Grace manages to combine nostalgia and the modern in equal measure. Polished and upmarket inside, it still has a certain retro air to it, like a really cool museum. The menu takes influences from all over the world, with dishes ranging from chicken and sausage gumbo to gnocchi with lamb ragu. The taco? Ask for the Duck Carnitas. This is a sharing plate of tortillas, meat which just falls apart, and Mexican mole. Take a friend- there’s too much for just one person!
Top review
elizabeth
Dined 4 days ago
The service was fantastic, our server was very attentive and very knowledgeable re the menu items. We loved our dinner, NY strip was cooked perfectly and the cacio Pepe side was amazing! Our cocktails were perfect!
State of Grace manages to combine nostalgia and the modern in equal measure. Polished and upmarket inside, it still has a certain retro air to it, like a really cool museum. The menu takes influences from all over the world, with dishes ranging from chicken and sausage gumbo to gnocchi with lamb ragu. The taco? Ask for the Duck Carnitas. This is a sharing plate of tortillas, meat which just falls apart, and Mexican mole. Take a friend- there’s too much for just one person!
Top review
elizabeth
Dined 4 days ago
The service was fantastic, our server was very attentive and very knowledgeable re the menu items. We loved our dinner, NY strip was cooked perfectly and the cacio Pepe side was amazing! Our cocktails were perfect!
Nobu Houston
4.5 (1663)
$50 and over
Cocktail Bar
Galleria / Uptown
Uptown’s Nobu is a Japanese restaurant filled with traditional flavor in a sparkling contemporary space. The Nobu brand is famous worldwide, and Houston’s venue doesn’t let fans of the Matsuhisa empire down. The “Nobu Style” sashimi tacos are availble on most Nobu menus- for a very good reason. These seafood spectaculars are a massive hit. Tuna, battered white fish, and lobster all get the Nobu treatment, in tiny but tantalizing taco shells with big flavors.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 12, 2025
Well, worth it and very professional staff was very helpful and also very friendly
Uptown’s Nobu is a Japanese restaurant filled with traditional flavor in a sparkling contemporary space. The Nobu brand is famous worldwide, and Houston’s venue doesn’t let fans of the Matsuhisa empire down. The “Nobu Style” sashimi tacos are availble on most Nobu menus- for a very good reason. These seafood spectaculars are a massive hit. Tuna, battered white fish, and lobster all get the Nobu treatment, in tiny but tantalizing taco shells with big flavors.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 12, 2025
Well, worth it and very professional staff was very helpful and also very friendly
ARMANDOS
4.7 (1113)
$31 to $50
Mexican
River Oaks
Westheimer Road is full of top eateries, yet some continue to stand out from the rest, year after year. Armandos has been a Houston favorite since 1978, and has the feel and flavor of old-school Mexico City. There’s a range of tacos on the menu, from tacos al carbon to crispy ground beef. For something truly different, order the tuna tartare tacos on the appetizer menu. Delicate, raw tuna with creamy avocado and a hit of sriracha- not the average taco.
Top review
Chris
Dined on May 11, 2025
Our food, drinks and service were all perfect as always!
Westheimer Road is full of top eateries, yet some continue to stand out from the rest, year after year. Armandos has been a Houston favorite since 1978, and has the feel and flavor of old-school Mexico City. There’s a range of tacos on the menu, from tacos al carbon to crispy ground beef. For something truly different, order the tuna tartare tacos on the appetizer menu. Delicate, raw tuna with creamy avocado and a hit of sriracha- not the average taco.
Top review
Chris
Dined on May 11, 2025
Our food, drinks and service were all perfect as always!
Eloise Nichols Grill + Liquors
4.4 (1139)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
Head Uptown and just a little north of the main stretch of Westheimer and discover the vintage-styled delights of Eloise Nichols. Family run, the name is for their grandmother- allegedly a “no-nonsense” woman. That’s the ethos of the menu here: thoughtful, simple and flavorful, with no pretentions. Grilled fish tacos are one offering, made with whatever the catch of the day is. Plus, early risers can choose from not one but two types of breakfast taco- chorizo, or onions and red bell peppers. Always full of flavor.
Top review
StephenVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Good food, and quiet enough to have great conversations.
Head Uptown and just a little north of the main stretch of Westheimer and discover the vintage-styled delights of Eloise Nichols. Family run, the name is for their grandmother- allegedly a “no-nonsense” woman. That’s the ethos of the menu here: thoughtful, simple and flavorful, with no pretentions. Grilled fish tacos are one offering, made with whatever the catch of the day is. Plus, early risers can choose from not one but two types of breakfast taco- chorizo, or onions and red bell peppers. Always full of flavor.
Top review
StephenVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Good food, and quiet enough to have great conversations.
True Food Kitchen - Houston
4.7 (1453)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
Eco-chic is definitely becoming cool. Seasonal eating, sustainable eating; these aren’t just buzzwords anymore and True Food Kitchen has taken that to heart. Their menu is all about food positivity, supporting local producers and healthy living. This includes tacos made from grass-fed steak, with corn and coconut, or their grilled fish tacos with a creamy yet sharp avocado tomatillo salsa. Good food with a clear conscience.
Top review
LeeVIP
Dined on May 15, 2025
A few of us met for dinner from all over Houston - we ordered the Hummus and it was so good we ordered a second! Everyone's dinner was delicious from the Salmon bowl to the burgers, chicken tenders and meatloaf - it was all great. Our server was attentive and did a great job. A wonderful evening.
Eco-chic is definitely becoming cool. Seasonal eating, sustainable eating; these aren’t just buzzwords anymore and True Food Kitchen has taken that to heart. Their menu is all about food positivity, supporting local producers and healthy living. This includes tacos made from grass-fed steak, with corn and coconut, or their grilled fish tacos with a creamy yet sharp avocado tomatillo salsa. Good food with a clear conscience.
Top review
LeeVIP
Dined on May 15, 2025
A few of us met for dinner from all over Houston - we ordered the Hummus and it was so good we ordered a second! Everyone's dinner was delicious from the Salmon bowl to the burgers, chicken tenders and meatloaf - it was all great. Our server was attentive and did a great job. A wonderful evening.
Arnaldo Richards' Picos
4.6 (1319)
$31 to $50
Regional Mexican
Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
Tex-Mex is great, but when the soul calls for some real authentic Mexican food, that’s when it’s time to head to Arnaldo Richards’ Picos. A third-generation restaurateur, Richards was learning his grandmother’s Mexican recipes by the tender age of 14. At this Southwest Houston restaurant, he aims to teach Texans all about real Mexican food, including some of the best tacos in town. Ask for the famous Chilorios: slow roasted pulled pork, avocado and pico de gallo. Don’t leave without trying a house margarita.
Top review
RobertVIP
Dined on May 13, 2025
Picos is consistently excellent, but it's even better when they have soft shell crabs available. They are the best in town!
Tex-Mex is great, but when the soul calls for some real authentic Mexican food, that’s when it’s time to head to Arnaldo Richards’ Picos. A third-generation restaurateur, Richards was learning his grandmother’s Mexican recipes by the tender age of 14. At this Southwest Houston restaurant, he aims to teach Texans all about real Mexican food, including some of the best tacos in town. Ask for the famous Chilorios: slow roasted pulled pork, avocado and pico de gallo. Don’t leave without trying a house margarita.
Top review
RobertVIP
Dined on May 13, 2025
Picos is consistently excellent, but it's even better when they have soft shell crabs available. They are the best in town!
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston
4.4 (526)
$30 and under
Mexican
Galleria / Uptown
It’s all in the name: This is where to come for the finest tequila and best tacos in Houston. Guests can indulge in flights of tequila to taste them all, plus a menu of food that blends the best of Mexican and Texan influences. The taco menu is out of this world: grilled fish or shrimp, pork or carne asada, plus grilled avocado with a fresh and spicy yogurt drizzle. There truly is something for everyone here.
Top review
Dr. DemiVIP
Dined on Apr 29, 2025
As always the food was great and the server was amazing. The host was so kind and the place was clean.
It’s all in the name: This is where to come for the finest tequila and best tacos in Houston. Guests can indulge in flights of tequila to taste them all, plus a menu of food that blends the best of Mexican and Texan influences. The taco menu is out of this world: grilled fish or shrimp, pork or carne asada, plus grilled avocado with a fresh and spicy yogurt drizzle. There truly is something for everyone here.
Top review
Dr. DemiVIP
Dined on Apr 29, 2025
As always the food was great and the server was amazing. The host was so kind and the place was clean.
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - Memorial
4.8 (1349)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Westside
Goode Company has a few restaurants across the region, but this Kitchen and Cantina close to memorial is all about the blend of influences the family has come across over the years. There are dishes that speak of traditional taquerias, Tex-Mex classics, plus a range of Texan seafood. Tuck into some of the best tacos in Houston, including marinated redfish, carbon beef, and crispy beef, all served with a range of other Mexican favorites.
Top review
Mario
Dined today
Great service and great food!! Great place for celebrations!!
Goode Company has a few restaurants across the region, but this Kitchen and Cantina close to memorial is all about the blend of influences the family has come across over the years. There are dishes that speak of traditional taquerias, Tex-Mex classics, plus a range of Texan seafood. Tuck into some of the best tacos in Houston, including marinated redfish, carbon beef, and crispy beef, all served with a range of other Mexican favorites.
Top review
Mario
Dined today
Great service and great food!! Great place for celebrations!!
Ouisie's Table
4.8 (4854)
$30 and under
American
Galleria / Uptown
River Oaks locals know that Ousie’s is the place to go for traditional Southern food. Since 1973 the restaurant has been serving up shrimp and grits and fried chicken made with passion and style. Today, the only thing that’s changed is that Ousie’s is even more popular, with offerings to suit everyone. This includes a diverse breakfast menu with some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston. The blend of soft eggs, caramelized onion and melting cheese is the perfect way to start any day.
Top review
Gena
Dined 2 days ago
From the moment you walked through the door, everything was beautiful. The staff was friendly and attentive . The food was spectacular. The only issue i had was that the carrott cake was very dry. It didn't take it like it was made that day.
River Oaks locals know that Ousie’s is the place to go for traditional Southern food. Since 1973 the restaurant has been serving up shrimp and grits and fried chicken made with passion and style. Today, the only thing that’s changed is that Ousie’s is even more popular, with offerings to suit everyone. This includes a diverse breakfast menu with some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston. The blend of soft eggs, caramelized onion and melting cheese is the perfect way to start any day.
Top review
Gena
Dined 2 days ago
From the moment you walked through the door, everything was beautiful. The staff was friendly and attentive . The food was spectacular. The only issue i had was that the carrott cake was very dry. It didn't take it like it was made that day.
Willie G's
4.6 (3895)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Galleria / Uptown
Willie G’s is West Loop South premier seafood destination. For nearly four decades, they’ve been the place to go for fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, plus a range of fresh fish broiled, roasted and seared. Willie G’s is always worth a visit but it makes it onto our list thanks to the supreme blackened fish tacos. Guests just can’t get enough of the combo of fish, crisp radish and creamy aioli. Sublime.
Top review
saniya
Dined 7 days ago
Amazing service, and great food. Will definitely be returning
Willie G’s is West Loop South premier seafood destination. For nearly four decades, they’ve been the place to go for fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, plus a range of fresh fish broiled, roasted and seared. Willie G’s is always worth a visit but it makes it onto our list thanks to the supreme blackened fish tacos. Guests just can’t get enough of the combo of fish, crisp radish and creamy aioli. Sublime.
Top review
saniya
Dined 7 days ago
Amazing service, and great food. Will definitely be returning
Irma's Southwest
4.9 (711)
$31 to $50
Mexican / Southwestern
Downtown
Irma’s promises Texas cuisine with Mexican Spirit, the ethos of original Irma’s founder Irma Galvan. This combined with stellar service, a neighborly feel, and a comfortable and casual dining area make Irma’s Southwest a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for the barbocoa style tacos with their soft meat, plus the shrimp tacos are always a big hit too.
Top review
JoyVIP
Dined on May 7, 2025
Food was amazing and we were seated at a round table, my fave! The staff was also very nice and amazing, however, they sat a large group right next to us. I could barely hear my family talking with the big group next to us. It wasn’t their fault but I would have appreciated the big group to be sat somewhere else in the dining room where there was plenty of opened tables.
Irma’s promises Texas cuisine with Mexican Spirit, the ethos of original Irma’s founder Irma Galvan. This combined with stellar service, a neighborly feel, and a comfortable and casual dining area make Irma’s Southwest a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for the barbocoa style tacos with their soft meat, plus the shrimp tacos are always a big hit too.
Top review
JoyVIP
Dined on May 7, 2025
Food was amazing and we were seated at a round table, my fave! The staff was also very nice and amazing, however, they sat a large group right next to us. I could barely hear my family talking with the big group next to us. It wasn’t their fault but I would have appreciated the big group to be sat somewhere else in the dining room where there was plenty of opened tables.
Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village
4.4 (365)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Rice Village
Started by a former famous professional Mexican wrestler, Cyclone Anaya’s is definitely a heavyweight when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine. Lobster enchiladas with chardonnay cream sauce, peppers stuffed with chicken and Mexican cheese, and house tamales are just some of the favorites on this exciting menu. Tacos include the ever-popular Tacos al Carbon with charcoal cooked meat, and the crispy beef- a hit with taco fans of all ages.
Top review
Demeatra
Dined 6 days ago
The head server was amazing and give excellent brunch recommendations.
Started by a former famous professional Mexican wrestler, Cyclone Anaya’s is definitely a heavyweight when it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine. Lobster enchiladas with chardonnay cream sauce, peppers stuffed with chicken and Mexican cheese, and house tamales are just some of the favorites on this exciting menu. Tacos include the ever-popular Tacos al Carbon with charcoal cooked meat, and the crispy beef- a hit with taco fans of all ages.
Top review
Demeatra
Dined 6 days ago
The head server was amazing and give excellent brunch recommendations.

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