Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Houston

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.

The OpenTable Team

14 Restaurants

Updated January 28, 2020

Restaurants:	La Lucha, State of Grace, Killen's STQ…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Seafood, Contemporary Southern, American…
Neighborhoods:	Heights / Washington, River Oaks, Westside…

La Lucha

$$$$

Seafood

Heights / Washington

4.8

1017 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

State of Grace

$$$$

Contemporary Southern

River Oaks

4.8

2846 reviews

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!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Killen's STQ

$$$$

American

Westside

4.9

1415 reviews

Ronnie Killen is a Texan chef with a range of restaurants, including this unique Westside concept: the combo of the steakhouse and the barbecue joint. Big flavors inspired by New Orleans, Mexico, and of course, traditional Texan barbecue run right through the menu. Wood fired steaks are a big draw, but so is the roasted butternut squash. Taco fans go for the Ahi tuna tacos, tortillas with the freshest fish, avocado, the tang of pickled cabbage and cheese. Booking recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nobu Houston

$$$$

Cocktail Bar

Galleria / Uptown

4.5

1328 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cultivated F+B – The Lancaster Hotel

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.7

1445 reviews

Anyone heading to the Theater District needs to find dinner as well as a show. Cultivated F+B in the Lancaster Hotel is a luxurious choice, full of contemporary art and effortless elegance. The menu starts at breakfast and runs through lunch and dinner, combining Texan flair with New American cuisine. A pre-theater dinner can include their braised short rib taco, often a featured dish. The beef comes with avocado, cheese, radish, and a sweet yet tangy mango slaw, plus authentic corn tortillas. Some of the best tacos in Houston in the classiest surroundings.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Eloise Nichols Grill + Liquors

$$$$

Contemporary American

Galleria / Uptown

4.7

979 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

True Food Kitchen - Houston

$$$$

American

Galleria / Uptown

4.5

1302 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston

$$$$

Mexican

Galleria / Uptown

4.4

449 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina - Memorial

$$$$

Tex-Mex

Westside

4.7

1083 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ouisie's Table

$$$$

American

Galleria / Uptown

4.6

4217 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Willie G's

$$$$

Seafood

Galleria / Uptown

4.6

3319 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Irma's Southwest

$$$$

Mexican / Southwestern

Downtown

4.5

623 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cyclone Anaya's - Rice Village

$$$$

Tex-Mex

Rice Village

4.1

301 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Killen's TMX

$$$$

Mexican

Clear Lake / Webster / Bay Area

4.3

799 reviews

Another successful restaurant from celebrated chef Ronnie Killen, TMX explores Tex-Mex via the roots of traditional Mexican food. Guests can expect dishes ranging from queso fundido to house nachos with beef or chicken plus guac, sour cream and pickled jalapeno. All the tacos come with rice and beans for a traditional touch. Fillings include barbecue pork belly with pickled red onion, or the fierce and fiery shrimp tacos al infierno.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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