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El Real Tex-Mex Cafe
(Now Closed)Mexican Restaurant$$$$
Houston
The experts at The Wall Street Journal and Houston Press recommend this place
122 Tips and reviews
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The Wall Street JournalAugust 3, 2014The restaurant serves rib-sticking, chile-inflected grub of the greasy-finger, tingling-lips variety. Be sure to check out the San Antonio-style puffy tacos. Read more
Christy LandesSeptember 18, 2014Nice retro Tex-Mex. I'm a fan of spicier salsa, but other than that the tex-mex standards are outstanding. The fajitas are great, and so are the enchiladas. I like that they have pork as a filling.
Abel SanchezOctober 20, 2013Looks better on TV's Unique Eats - "Chingo Bling" - A smoked chicken stuffed Poblano pepper dish with an enchilada and a tamale. See video here at:
Matthew SchwabenbauerAugust 8, 2014Best tex mex in Houston. Great quesadillas, fajitas, micheladas and margaritas. Half off for Montrose residents on Mondays.
The DaytripperApril 17, 2014And if you want food visit El Real Tex-Mex, where famed food writer Robb Walsh and celebrity chef Brian Caswell have teamed up to bring you the most authentic Tex-Mex experience you can have.
JennJanuary 21, 2012This is true, classic Tex Mex of the highest order. That means you get a lot of mild chili gravy, cheese, and lard. Queso, guacamole, salsa, and good portions. Not a fancy restaurant, but good.
FezSeptember 3, 2014Salsa was fresh and roasted, yet, not enchanting. Service was 110 on point. Maybe over vigilant. Fajitas were tasty and soft. Pico de gallo was my favorite thing here.
CultureMap HoustonFebruary 28, 2012The Tex-Mex here is perfect as a post-midnight meal, and the owners know it — El Real is open to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Houston PressAugust 27, 2013Try the Fajita Taco Salad! El Real gets extra points for using fajita beef and offering fragrant dressings such as jalapeño lime and cilantro ranch.- Houston PressMay 31, 20122011 Best of Houston Winner: Best Tex-Mex Restaurant. Check out more Houston Press Best of Houston Winners here:
Miriam GoldmanMarch 15, 2015We got great service even though we came just before closing and stayed well after. Very grateful for that, and for the excellent frozen margarita!- Houston PressNovember 20, 2014El Real's chunky, beefy chili con carne is pleasantly darker and richer than the kind served at most Tex-Mex haunts.
Vlad DavidiukJune 13, 2016Did not enjoy it. A friend recommended it. Fell short of expectations. Well short.
Allison LeTulleOctober 3, 2013Love!! Food is great. Service is great. Atmosphere is great. Margaritas are great. All that and 1/2 off for Montrosians on Mondays.
Randy ShumateMarch 16, 2013I had the combo plate with a puffy taco...beef enchaladas and a pork tamalie...it was really good stuff...it is a bit pricey for tex mex
Milk Shake “No Minors” combines Brandy & Kahlua with ice cream in the very best way. Do yourself a favor: Skip the margarita and order this shake, for it is grand. Read more
CoreyAugust 7, 2014The best enchiladas in Houston hands down. Great chips and warm salsa. Great margaritas.
Paul L.January 31, 2016The Bacon Enchiladas are the best Enchiladas I have ever had and I have eaten a few enchiladas.
Jere DouglasAugust 22, 2011Food is good, service is great but be prepared for spicy as everything they make is higly spiced. However, if you talk to the chef he can make something special for you.
Joe SotoApril 14, 2013Great place. Try the green chile pozole, micheladas and the no minor milk shake. We are coming back soon
Amanda MorenoMay 15, 2015Montrose Mondays! Half off food on Mondays if you're a Montrose resident (77006 or 77098 license)
Jamie HoangApril 20, 2013Bacon enchiladas with an egg on top for Brunch. Fantastic! Also, $1.50 mimosa brunch special. Win.
Lynn HolderJanuary 13, 2013Leo's Deluxe Dinner is a great combination! Great chips and salsa! Rawhide playing on the giant movie screen.
Mark ChristiansJune 27, 2011Have been here several times and have enjoyed it each time. Unlike some posts, I have the food well flavored and freshly prepared.- Roberto D'AlbaFebruary 18, 2015Good food and friendly staff. I also found some good vegetarian options.
Atlanta Food & Wine FestivalMay 7, 2014Roll up your sleeves and get crackin' with Chef Caswell at Atlanta Food & Wine Festival May 29 - June 1 and learn how to barbecue crab! Read more
The Big Chile (wih chicken) is easily one of the best things o the menu
The salsa is different every time we are here - but great every time!!
Great view of Underbelly and The Hay Merchant from here.
Byron BarclayAugust 12, 2014Montrose Mondays means half-off entrees for Montrose and River Oaks residents.
Try the bacon enchiladas on the brunch menu...dynamite!!
- Collette CulverJanuary 21, 2014This is one of my new favorites! The cheese enchiladas are to die for
Miranda BJuly 21, 2011A pitcher of margaritas will fill about 7-8 glasses so it's a great bargain, but you will get a little sloppy!- Montrose Mondays means all food is half priced if you have a Montrose zip.
Anthony WilliamsAugust 4, 2015better than u would think..., I like them good ass special looking tacos they got...
Harold i KellyAugust 8, 2013Don't come any time after 8. The waiters start to not pay attention because they are focused in doing their side work and not you, the guest. The manager was nice and helpful. But don't come after 8.
Kendall DavisSeptember 5, 2013Peach margaritas were good but they make their enchiladas with flour tortills. BIG no no in my book!
320 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
El Real Tex-Mex is your grandfather’s vintage Tex-Mex with a kick. Always fresh and delicious, come grab a bite at the famous El Real!
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Wed
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Thu
- 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–Midnight
- Sun
- 10:00 AM–10:30 PM
(713) 524-1201
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Full Bar, Cocktails
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- 8.7
"Solid Tex-Mex. Great Pappas quality and service. That said the El Tiempo chain of establishments will always be my Houston Tex-Mex favorites. Papasitos is still a fantastic choice for a Mexican bite."
Adam Renz - 8.8
"Love the fajitas and original salsa"
Michael Chatterton - 8.9
"Oyster tacos are fantastic! Like Berryhill fish tacos but with Liberty Kitchen fried oysters."
Allen Arcade
Places people like to go after El Real Tex-Mex Cafe
- 9.1
"Never a disappointment, great cocktails, the mixologist are personable and give great recommendations. Love this place!"
Ivonne Gonzalez - 6.5
":-) the remodel makes tne store look so much better. the produce department is incredible"
Bill Tarabula - 8.2
"Awesome selection of bourbon!! Great beer on tap, pinball games."
Filipe Bezerra
Appears on 118 lists
Created by The Daytripper
12 items • 31 followers
Best of Houston 2011 - Food & Drink
Created by Laura Chan
84 items • 154 followersHouston Press - 'We Love Food' - 2012
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