Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Houston

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

4.8

4.8 (1390)

$30 and under

Seafood

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

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

Chelsea

Dined today

Went with another couple on a cold rainy weeknight. Due to the weather the restaurant was only half full. The free valet was a very nice convenience, too. Everything we ordered, all family style and shared (5 kinds of oysters, fried chicken, gumbo, tuna torta, and shrimp dumplings) was outstanding. Our drinks (an old fashioned and a passionfruit gin cocktail) were delicious. Dessert was a nice treat, a giant “order how you want it with as many toppings as you want” sundae that three of us chose to order, each made our own way. All in all, it was a great evening with great food and great friends.

State of Grace

4.6

4.6 (3387)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Southern

River Oaks

About the restaurant

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

Amy

Dined 3 days ago

We love State of Grace! We have celebrated our anniversary at State of Grace for the last 7 years, and they NEVER disappoint in making sure we have a special and unique experience! The service is phenomenal and the food is great. Don’t hesitate to tell them if you’re having a celebration when you book…they’ll make sure you celebrate right!!

Discover more

New York Strip Bone-in 18 oz

Nobu Houston

4.7

4.7 (1617)

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

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

KristenVIP

Dined 6 days ago

We love this place and come on most date nights. Fresh food!

Discover more

Nobu at the Sushi Bar

Eloise Nichols Grill + Liquors

4.5

4.5 (1130)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

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

TomVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic breakfast. We all ordered different things and each was prepared perfectly. Loved the avocado toast. Plenty of hot coffee too.

True Food Kitchen - Houston

4.5

4.5 (1440)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

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

Andi

Dined 1 day ago

One of my favorite places! I'd eat here everyday if given the choice. To my gluten allergy and Celiac friends, they've got you covered.

Arnaldo Richards' Picos

4.8

4.8 (1290)

$31 to $50

Regional Mexican

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

About the restaurant

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

Alan

Dined 2 days ago

Return trip to share Picos with my wife. We shared a pork shank that was fabulous and finished with churros served warm with dipping sauces. What a great evening.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston

4.5

4.5 (515)

$30 and under

Mexican

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

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

Jordai

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

Great food and great service, drinks were good as well.

Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - Memorial

4.8

4.8 (1306)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Westside

About the restaurant

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

Michele R

Dined 5 days ago

Food was great & Kayla J was outstanding… Will ask for her whenever we go there!!

Discover more

4.8

4.8 (4783)

$30 and under

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

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

David

Dined 1 day ago

Really cool restaurant. Has real character not typically found in Houston. Food was inventive and delicious. Great service. I'll be back.

Discover more

4.5

4.5 (3818)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

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

Candace

Dined today

This was our first time at Willie G’s and the service was amazing! Once we walked in, we received a warm welcome from the manager, and then once we sat down; our server Mario made sure we had a great experience. He was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave great suggestions. We’ll definitely be back!

Saltillo Mexican Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (474)

$50 and over

Traditional Mexican

Bellaire

About the restaurant

A regular sight on lists of top Houston restaurants, Saltillo might be a tiny space but it's full of massive flavors. Cozy and welcoming, Saltillo is as filling for the soul as it is for the stomach. The menu is full of authentic Mexican flair, from pollo con chilaquiles to enchiladas verdes with the house green sauce. Start with the trio of tacos, a symphony of prime sirloin, pork in that same green sauce, and rich smoked brisket. A great way to try a range of flavors.

Top review

John

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

When you want to splurge with friends or family, order the tapa de Loma for the finest cut of beef. As good as anywhere in Houston and outside of Saltillo Mexico. Other cuts are also good. Love to get the enchiladas for lunch. Ask about the wine selections. Good values from Mexico. Truly a neighborhood gem.

Irma's Southwest

4.8

4.8 (707)

$31 to $50

Mexican / Southwestern

Downtown

About the restaurant

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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Irma’s is a great downtown restaurant. We ate there before a Rockets game as it is easily walkable to Toyota Center or Minute Maid Park for that matter. The service was stellar, the food delicious and the atmosphere inviting. Will definitely go back when our activities take us downtown.

Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village

4.6

4.6 (353)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Rice Village

About the restaurant

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

ErikVIP

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

It’s always great to be here. The service was good and the ambiance is great!!

More lists for you

Explore other cities and regions

Kowloon

New Territories

Hong Kong

Other ways to experience the world through dining

Must Try Korean Dishes The Greats Explore Asian-Owned and -Operated Restaurants Explore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTable TKTK The Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTable The Best Brunch Restaurants The Best Burgers best cafe in town

Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Houston

More lists for you

Houston’s 7 Hottest Must-Book Restaurants for Fall

11 Houston restaurants perfect for special occasions

Houston’s 7 most exciting restaurant debuts of 2023

12 gorgeous Houston restaurants that will blow you away

Discover Trending Restaurants in Houston

12 top restaurants for every kind of date in Houston

13 restaurants that define Houston

Chris Shepherd's Houston Favorites!

100 Houston Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

These 11 Houston restaurants crush the outdoor dining game

Editor’s choice: 12 go-to Houston restaurants from our local expert

50 Houston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day