If you go to this restaurant, try the "Original Jose's Dip," a cheese dip that fills a serving bowl that is topped with spicy taco meat. This is a favorite place of the locals. Diners like the family feel and the waiters who seem to anticipate your wishes. If you want "real Mexican," try the Mexico City Dinner with a chicken taco, a chicken enchilada, a chicken tostada, a tamale with chili, guacamole, chili con queso, rice and beans. You also can try a Deluxe Dinner with a beef taco, a cheese enchilada, a bean tostada, a tamale with chili, chili con queso, rice and beans. In 2009, the most expensive item on the menu was less than $15.
Molina's Cantina
4720 Washington Ave.
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-0013
molinasrestaurants.com/
This restaurant is located in a historic building and it is a far cry from the typical Mexican restaurant that serves the ubiquitous chips and salsa. It serves authentic Mexican food that may surprise you. For example, order roasted goat, meat from a slow-roasted pig, or gorditas that are stuffed not only with chicken or pork but also rabbit. For the less venturesome, try the grilled beef tenderloin or the shrimp wrapped in bacon. Come to brunch on Sundays and live Mexican music will be playing as you dive into the buffet.
Hugo's
1600 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-7744
hugosrestaurant.net/
Come to this Houston institution, and you're likely eating at the birthplace of the fajita, which is Ninfa's most popular item. Ninfa's also has its own secret recipe for margaritas, called the ninfarita, which are served by the glass or the pitcher. The menu at Ninfa's seems to run on forever. Particular favorites are the full rack of slow-roasted ribs served with onions and potatoes, or the barbecued Texas quail that's stuffed with potatoes and cheese and then wrapped in bacon.
Ninfa's
2704 Navigation Blvd.
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 228-1175
mamaninfas.com
