Guest Post by Thomas:
Yeah yeah, we all like the beef fajitas at Pappasito’s and who doesn’t ask for a straw when the waitress at Chuy’s brings you a bowl of Jalapeno Ranch? Chain Tex-Mex joints are top-notch, consistent, and appeal to the widest demo they can, so it’s no wonder there’s a Torchy’s trending in every neighborhood. What about the real Tex-Mex spots? The strip malls, the cushy overstuffed vinyl booths, the blindingly bright orange floors, the still kinda wet tabletops, and let’s not forget the grimy matador murals. These spots are rough gems serving straight up Tex-Mex with little to no time for presentation.
Maria’s Tacos N’ More – 5127 Ella Blvd. – 713-682-3214
Maria’s 
breakfast taquitos are everything you could hope for wrapped up in hot foil. Soak up the poorly lit atmosphere while you’re there, but if you live in Garden Oaks take it “para llevar*”. Maybe it’s the heat radiating inside or just the anticipation on the short drive home, but something magical happens in that grease kissed paper bag that makes the to-go experience even better than dining in.
El Tapatio – 4550 N Shepherd Dr. – 713-695-9423
A lot of Mexican places in Houston slap a shrimp cocktail on the menu and call it a day on seafood, but when you’ve got a hot date with a pretty pescetarian flight attendant, that just isn’t going to cut it. El Tapatio does not shy away from fish or shrimp, offering surf that’s just as good as its turf. This is one of the only spots you can order cheap fajitas that sizzle with the best and a crispy fried Tilapia that will stare daggers at you while you pick it clean.
Here it is doing just that:
Teotihuacan – 1511 Airline Dr. – 713-426-4420
Don’t worry if you have no clue how to say the name, I’d spell it phonetically for you but arguing about how to pronounce Teotihuacan is part of its charm. My friends and family only know it as “the pink restaurant with the food.” Do us all a favor and get the quail, it’s flat, it’s weird, and it’s chargrilled. Not to mention, if you’re into huge murals of ancient Aztec cities, this place has the only one in town (that I know of). What’s not to love?
Laredo Taqueria – 113 Cavalcade St. – 713-695-0506
Some people swear by the breakfast tacos from Laredo on Washington Ave. and I’ll admit that yes Washington is good, but Laredo on Cavalcade can do you one better. Not only is the barbacoa just as tender and the green salsa just as incendiary, but Laredo on Cavalcade shares a strip center with a washateria. Who cares, right? Well, I do. When I unwrap the foil from Laredo’s classic chorizo, egg, and cheese taquito I revert to a primal instinct in which I stuff my face so fast that, without even knowing it, my shirt has now become my napkin. I know some of you are shouting solutions like, “Bring two shirts.” or “Real napkins are free, just use one.” but I like my way better.
Calm before the storm….
…of taco-queuing Houstonians at the Washington Ave. location. One more reason to go north.
Mi Sombrero – 3401 N Shepherd Dr. – 713-862-7244
This one is so good, it hurts a little bit every time I recommend it. Tons of people know about it, especially on Sundays, but I still feel like it’s my spot. Why am I so into this place? Let’s start from the ground up. The recently repaved parking lot is a joy to drive on, but my heart longs for the one with potholes that seemed to hit sea level and speed bumps to make you think someone snuck hydraulics into your 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. The windows are decorated with brightly colored Mexican blankets and hand painted lettering that distract from the black metal bars. The waitresses are friendly and kind enough to tolerate me as I insist on ordering my food in broken Spanish every time I come in. You could get a bottled Mexican Coke, but the cups at Mi Sombrero are so big, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to Valero. Their sodas are strong and will make a grown man hiccup like a four year old boy.
I’ve been eating there for over 15 years and have only ordered 2 things: The Tommy’s Tacos with steak fajitas, onions, jalapenos, and queso wrapped up in 3 fresh flour tortillas OR if you really want to ruin your diet, go for the Mexican Dinner #1 with a crispy taco, queso tostada, guacamole salad, enchiladas, rice and beans. After that, you’re going to be too full to get up and pay at the register. That’s exactly why they started offering FREE soft serve ice cream at the counter, and it’s amazing. Not just normal vanilla either, it’s spiced and sweet and all you could ever want.
Thomas is a graphic designer on Boulevard Realty’s marketing team, a full-service marketing department available to Boulevard agents and their clients. He is a native Houstonian, advertising major at UH, and is often spotted wearing the latest in wood-framed eyewear and ties with a sensible print.
This entry was posted in Rediscover, Revisit
