6 Best Regional Mexican Restaurants In Southeast Houston

6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Arnaldo Richards' Picos restaurant

1. Arnaldo Richards' Picos

4.8

Exceptional(1284)

Price: Expensive

• Regional mexican • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 33 times today

Arnaldo Richards' Picos, nestled in the vibrant Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor of Houston, is a gem for those seeking exceptional Regional Mexican cuisine. Since 1984, this family-owned restaurant has been delighting patrons with its authentic flavors and innovative dishes that honor the culinary traditions of Mexico's seven regions. The Executive Chef/Owner Arnaldo Richards combines contemporary culinary practices with age-old Mexican cooking techniques, ensuring each dish is both authentic and creatively unique. Reviewers rave about the diverse menu and the quality of the food, with one noting, "The absolute BEST REAL MEXICAN IN HOUSTON!" and another celebrating the "array of different prehispánica food full of authentic flavors." Whether it's the praised margaritas, the meticulously prepared lamb and octopus, or the vibrant ambiance, Picos promises a memorable dining experience that consistently earns accolades for its dedication to authenticity and excellence in Mexican cuisine.

A photo of Cyclone Anaya's - River Oaks restaurant

2. Cyclone Anaya's - River Oaks

4.7

Exceptional(25)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • River Oaks

Booked 7 times today

Cyclone Anaya's in River Oaks, Houston, is a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, combining traditional Tex-Mex flavors with a modern twist. Established in 1966, this family-owned gem has been delivering "the best margaritas in town" and a menu boasting scratch-made enchiladas, tender fajitas, and mouth-watering tamales. Patrons consistently rave about the quality of the food and the exceptional service, with remarks like the "brisket tacos so good and the Pollo Jalisco was amazing" and the flautas with mole being "definitely ordering it again." Whether you're a local or visiting, Cyclone Anaya's promises a vibrant dining experience that feels like family, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Mexican flavors in Houston.

A photo of Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Highland Village restaurant

3. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Highland Village

4.8

Exceptional(8)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • River Oaks

Booked 13 times today

At Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila in River Oaks, Houston, you're guaranteed a top-notch dining experience that highlights the best of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. This beloved establishment has been serving up authentic, mouth-watering dishes since 1993, earning rave reviews for its dedication to quality and flavor. Patrons particularly love the "hand-crafted margaritas" and the "hand-trimmed, marinated center-cut outer-skirt steak" used in their signature beef fajitas. The restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, house-made tortillas and guacamole prepared table-side, ensuring every meal is as fresh as possible. As noted by a satisfied diner, "the queso blanco and freshly made guacamole are must-try appetizers," setting the stage for a memorable meal. Whether you're in for the best Happy Hour or a delightful dinner, Escalante's vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service make it a standout choice for anyone craving genuine Tex-Mex flavors in Houston.

A photo of Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston restaurant

4. Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston

4.5

Awesome(513)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 6 times today

Blanco Cocina + Cantina in Houston’s bustling Galleria/Uptown area is a haven for lovers of authentic Mexican cuisine. Patrons rave about the "phenomenal food" and highlight dishes like the "chicken tinga" and "best steak fajitas" they’ve ever savored. The vibrant atmosphere is matched by an attentive and passionate staff, with customers often praising the exceptional service. The restaurant ensures a delightful experience with its fresh, flavorful offerings and expertly crafted margaritas, with one guest declaring, "the frozen coconut margarita... was so delicious, I got a second round." Blanco Cocina + Cantina stands out not just for its food but for creating memorable dining experiences, making it a must-visit for anyone in Houston looking for top-tier Mexican fare.

A photo of Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Woodway restaurant

5. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Woodway

4.8

Exceptional(3)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • West Side

Booked 3 times today

At Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila in Westside, Houston, the essence of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine is celebrated with flourish. Since 1993, this esteemed eatery has consistently served up traditional dishes that burst with flavor, earning it a stellar reputation. The secret lies in their meticulous preparation - tortillas are crafted by hand, guacamole is freshly made per order, and the beef for their renowned fajitas is center-cut, hand-trimmed, marinated, and cooked with precision. Patrons rave about the "delicious fajitas" and the "perfect margaritas," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality. A dining experience at Escalante’s is a journey into the heart of Tex-Mex culture, underscored by glowing reviews that commend not only the cuisine but also the exceptional service, particularly noting the "outstanding service by Rodrigo." Whether it's your first visit or you're a longtime fan, Escalante's promises a meal that's both memorable and authentically Tex-Mex.

A photo of Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Meyerland restaurant

6. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Meyerland

4.6

Exceptional(2)

Price: Moderate

• Regional mexican • Bellaire

Booked 5 times today

Since its inception in 1993, Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila in Bellaire, Houston, has set the gold standard for Tex-Mex cuisine. Known for its "traditional, flavorful Tex-Mex food" and "hand-crafted margaritas," this restaurant excels in authenticity and quality. Patrons rave about the "hand-trimmed, marinated, and cooked to order" beef fajitas and the "tortillas made by hand" which showcase the meticulous care put into each dish. The white queso, simmered for hours, is frequently highlighted in glowing reviews. Regulars like Ed and Regina Seale praise the consistent quality and service, noting that it "keeps us coming back again and again." Escalante's commitment to excellence makes it a beacon of Tex-Mex cuisine in Houston.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Best Regional Mexican Restaurants in Southeast Houston

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6 restaurants available nearby

1. Arnaldo Richards' Picos

2. Cyclone Anaya's - River Oaks

3. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Highland Village

4. Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Houston

5. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Woodway

6. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Meyerland

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