Decent Tex-Mex (Houston, Bandera: restaurants, vs., food)

[PhillipJost]

Hi, I'm new to these forums but have been a loyal local for about 3 years. My question is about some decent "Tex-Mex" food. I am originally from Houston and what I grew up on is the hole in the wall family owned Tex-Mex restaurants that seem to be a staple food group for all economic classes from that area. I can't seem to find any place to fall in love with on the Northwest side of town! Every place I go is either too commercialized (i.e. Papacitos) or too authentic Mex and not enough Tex. Is anyone familiar with my problem? And if so can you give me any recommendations that aren't on the South side?

[Turtle_Mom]

Well I think your problem is that you are comparing it to food from Houston, and their type of Tex-Mex might be very different. I don't know if we can help you as each person's tastes are different! We may not know what "too Mex" or "too Tex" is to you. Try these threads:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-a...ican-food.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-a...n-antonio.html

[Eleanor Rigby]

Maybe you're looking in the wrong part of town. I've found that when the area gets too nice, the sort of hole-in-the-wall places you're looking for don't happen, because rents are too high.

My new favorite tex-mex place is Antojitos on Culebra between Memorial and 36th. It looks like a shack, only takes cash, has maybe six tables, and is incredibly good. It might be worth a drive down there for you. You can even combine it with a trip to Delicious Tamales further down the road.

[Primo]

Good tex mex that doesn't require you to wear a bullet proof vest....I would say Panchitos(several locations around town) and Los Barrios. You can take your chances at little dives.

The litmus test for true tex-mex. Everyone is drinking a big red, they serve caldo with a big hunk of corn in it, and they serve puffy tacos(these take a little bit of masa, and a lot of love and lard to make). Yes I said Lard...they still make it.

[jules07]

PhillipJost ~ I personally would LOVE for you to share what places you're finding that are "too authentic Mex and not enough Tex"!!!!! Please? (And honestly, I guess that would help us with recommendations ~ since it sure seems that everyone has a different definition of "TexMex" vs. "Authentic".)

[Chaka]

I can only think of one place that would qualify as 'authentic Mex', though there may be more. Usually the problem is the opposite for me - too much Tex and not enough Mex.

For Tex-Mex, my favourite is Taco Haven, particularly their tacos. I've been to many places on the south/west side that are acceptable though.

[Snowglobe]

I recommend Henry's Puffy Tacos. They started as a hole-in-the-wall with about 6 tables about 30 years ago. They have moved up to bigger locations and are now in their fourth location on Bandera, just outside Loop 410. They are still family-owned and run.

[perticusrex]

Originally Posted by Snowglobe

I recommend Henry's Puffy Tacos. They started as a hole-in-the-wall with about 6 tables about 30 years ago. They have moved up to bigger locations and are now in their fourth location on Bandera, just outside Loop 410. They are still family-owned and run.

I second the Henrys recommendation. And it keeps you away from the dreaded southside....

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by perticusrex

I second the Henrys recommendation. And it keeps you away from the dreaded southside....

I don't mean to start a "southside vs. northside" argument but, what's wrong with the southside? You will find some of the BEST 'hole in the wall' places on the southside.


Good Tex-Mex on the NW side is Aguas Caliente (sp?) at Babcock and 1604.

[perticusrex]

Originally Posted by TXtrkgrl

I don't mean to start a "southside vs. northside" argument but, what's wrong with the southside? You will find some of the BEST 'hole in the wall' places on the southside.

Notice the "eye rolling" ...