12 Texas Mexican Spots That Will Totally Rock Your Taste Buds

Texas and Mexican cuisine have created a mouthwatering love child that locals can’t get enough of. From hole-in-the-wall family spots to upscale dining experiences, the Lone Star State offers some seriously amazing Tex-Mex flavors. Ready to discover where the locals go when they’re craving authentic Mexican dishes with that special Texas twist?

1. Veracruz All Natural (Austin)

Sisters from Veracruz, Mexico created this Austin gem known for their legendary migas tacos. Fresh handmade tortillas cradle perfectly scrambled eggs, avocado, and pico de gallo. The salsa alone has fans driving across town at ridiculous hours just for breakfast.

2. El Tiempo Cantina (Houston)

Founded by Mama Ninfa’s son, this Houston institution carries on her fajita legacy. Sizzling platters of marinated beef and chicken arrive tableside, sending aromatic steam throughout the dining room. Their house-made flour tortillas, thick and slightly chewy, might be the best thing you’ll ever wrap around grilled meat.

3. Revolver Taco Lounge (Dallas)

Chef Regino Rojas brings Michoacán flavors to Dallas with an innovative twist. The pulpo (octopus) taco—tender octopus glazed with Mexican-spiced butter on a house-made tortilla will convert even seafood skeptics. Their back room tasting menu experience, Purepécha, showcases Mexican cuisine as fine art.

4. Matt’s El Rancho (Austin)

A political powerhouse since 1952 where LBJ and other Texas legends dined. Their famous Bob Armstrong Dip, queso hiding layers of guacamole and seasoned beef was created for a Texas land commissioner who wanted something special. Enormous enchilada plates and potent margaritas keep locals coming back generation after generation.

5. Carnitas Lonja (San Antonio)

James Beard-nominated chef Alex Paredes focuses on one thing: perfect carnitas. Slow-cooked pork, crispy outside and meltingly tender inside, served simply with cilantro, onion and handmade tortillas. No frills, no distractions, just a small counter-service spot with outdoor picnic tables where meat is the undisputed star.

6. Enchiladas Ole (Fort Worth)

Mary Patino started selling her homemade enchilada sauce at farmers markets before opening this Fort Worth treasure. Her mole enchiladas feature a complex sauce with over 30 ingredients, including chocolate and chilies. The restaurant’s modest strip mall location belies the extraordinary care put into every plate.

7. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ (Austin)

The magical marriage of Mexican cuisine and Texas barbecue happens at this South Austin trailer. Their Real Deal Holyfield breakfast taco packs eggs, potatoes, refried beans, bacon and hand-sliced brisket into a fresh flour tortilla. Arrive early as their mesquite-smoked meats regularly sell out before closing time.

8. Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen (Houston)

Sylvia Casares, the “Enchilada Queen,” celebrates border cuisine from both sides of the Rio Grande. Her North of the Border menu features Texas-style enchiladas while South offerings showcase authentic Mexican regional styles. The mesquite-grilled fajitas and hand-rolled tortillas demonstrate why Houstonians have crowned her culinary royalty.

9. Cuantos Tacos (Austin)

This unassuming food truck specializes in Mexico City-style street tacos on mini corn tortillas. The suadero (brisket) and cachete (beef cheek) tacos showcase chef Luis Robledo’s dedication to authentic preparation methods. Each taco comes simply dressed with onion, cilantro and lime, letting the expertly prepared meats shine.

10. Jalisco Norte (Dallas)

Chef José Meza brings upscale Jalisco regional cuisine to Dallas’ chic dining scene. Their tableside-prepared guacamole incorporates unexpected ingredients like pomegranate seeds and chapulines (grasshoppers). The carne en su jugo, beef cooked in its own juices with bacon, beans and tomatillo offers a taste of Guadalajara rarely found in Texas.

11. Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que (Brownsville)

The last remaining barbacoa pit in Texas, Vera’s slow-cooks whole cow heads underground the traditional way. This James Beard America’s Classic winner opens only on weekends, serving barbacoa by the pound with fresh corn tortillas. Adventurous eaters seek out the cachete (cheek meat), lengua (tongue) and ojos (eyes).

12. Tia Dora’s Bakery (San Antonio)

Three generations of women create authentic Mexican pan dulce in this West Side institution. Their signature empanadas, filled with pumpkin, pineapple or cajeta (caramelized goat’s milk) sell out daily. The conchas (shell-shaped sweet bread) feature a perfect balance of light bread and sweet topping that pairs perfectly with Mexican hot chocolate.