From traditional Oaxacan feasts to funky, new-age taco creations, the Bayou City knows how to make every Tuesday feel like a celebration. Grab your appetite and your friends here are five taco spots in Houston that deserve a place on your must-try list.
1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
Step into the culinary magic of Oaxaca right in the heart of Houston. Xochi (pronounced so-chee), inspired by Xochitl, the Goddess of Flowers, celebrates the art, soul, and fire of indigenous Mexican cuisine. The award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega and the H Town Restaurant Group team have crafted an unrivaled menu filled with Oaxacan tradition and innovation.
Taco + Tequila Tip: Try the Pluma a cocktail masterpiece with Herradura Tequila, pineapple, habanero syrup, lime, and hibiscus margarita foam. It’s basically a vacation in a glass.
2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
This is where Tex-Mex history began! When Mama Ninfa Laurenzo first grilled her beef and wrapped it in handmade tortillas, she created the iconic tacos al carbon a.k.a. fajitas, a Texas legend. Today, Sous Chef Adan Vasquez and the Ninfa’s team keep her fiery spirit alive with a menu full of beloved classics and new favorites.
Don’t miss the Guava Paloma, crafted with Herradura Blanco, guava purée, fresh lime, and Jarritos grapefruit. Pair it with the famous Taco al Carbon or Shrimp Diablo, and you’ll understand why Ninfa’s is a James Beard Award semifinalist.
It’s fun, it’s historic, and it’s pure Houston flavor.
1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Another Hugo Ortega masterpiece, Hugo’s is a love letter to authentic Mexican cooking. Set inside a restored 1925 Joseph Finger building in Montrose, this restaurant blends elegance and soul with every handmade tortilla and rich mole.
Chef Ortega’s philosophy? Real Mexican cuisine is an art form untouched by time. Expect deep, layered flavors the kind that transport you straight to Mexico with every bite.
Order a margarita from their award-winning tequila list and raise a glass to tradition done right.
1419 Nasa Parkway, Houston, TX
Chef Trinidad “Machete” Gonzalez brings wild creativity to the table at Gordo Niños, a self-taught culinary powerhouse serving what he calls Hou-Tex style Houston meets Texas with a twist. Known for his signature Lean Sauce®️ and bold, from-scratch recipes, Gonzalez delivers flavors that hit fast, hard, and unforgettable.
Fun fact: Chef Machete was crowned Crowd Houston’s Top Chef 2021, and every bite here shows exactly why.
2626 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027
If tacos had a rebellious rock star cousin, it would be Velvet Taco. This “temple to the liberated taco” breaks all the rules with playful creations like the Chicken & Waffle Taco crispy tenders, peppered bacon, gravy, apple slaw, maple syrup, and red chile aioli… all wrapped in a waffle tortilla.
Taco Tuesday Tip: Ask about their WTF (Weekly Taco Feature) for a surprise taco that changes every week. Because honestly, life’s too short for boring tacos.
Whether you’re in the mood for a refined Oaxacan tasting, a Tex-Mex classic, or a wild, rule-breaking creation, Houston’s taco scene is on fire.
