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El Real Tex-Mex Cafe

(Now Closed)

Mexican Restaurant$$$$

Houston

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The folks at The Wall Street Journal and Houston Press like this place. Would you agree?

122 Tips and reviews

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The Wall Street JournalAugust 3, 2014
The 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
Abel SanchezOctober 20, 2013
Looks 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: http://www.ulive.com/video/houstons-finest-tex-mex
Christy LandesSeptember 18, 2014
Nice 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.
Matthew SchwabenbauerAugust 8, 2014
Best tex mex in Houston. Great quesadillas, fajitas, micheladas and margaritas. Half off for Montrose residents on Mondays.
CultureMap HoustonFebruary 28, 2012
The 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, 2013
Try the Fajita Taco Salad! El Real gets extra points for using fajita beef and offering fragrant dressings such as jalapeño lime and cilantro ranch.
The DaytripperApril 17, 2014
And 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, 2012
This 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, 2014
Salsa 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.
Miriam GoldmanMarch 15, 2015
We got great service even though we came just before closing and stayed well after. Very grateful for that, and for the excellent frozen margarita!
Allison LeTulleOctober 3, 2013
Love!! Food is great. Service is great. Atmosphere is great. Margaritas are great. All that and 1/2 off for Montrosians on Mondays.
Vlad DavidiukJune 13, 2016
Did not enjoy it. A friend recommended it. Fell short of expectations. Well short.
Randy ShumateMarch 16, 2013
I 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
AlmostVeggies.comOctober 15, 2011
Been here 5+ times
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
Houston PressNovember 20, 2014
El Real's chunky, beefy chili con carne is pleasantly darker and richer than the kind served at most Tex-Mex haunts.
Paul L.January 31, 2016
The Bacon Enchiladas are the best Enchiladas I have ever had and I have eaten a few enchiladas.
Marty MartinFebruary 20, 2019
Been here 10+ times
Great tacos and the chips and salsa are delicious 😋
AskMenMarch 11, 2011
The menu isn't final, nor the room, but if you keep a close eye on the Twitter feed, you'll notice a few hints - such as The Tampiqueña Plate was originally served at the Tampico Club in Mexico City. Read more
Houston PressMay 31, 2012
2011 Best of Houston Winner: Best Tex-Mex Restaurant. Check out more Houston Press Best of Houston Winners here: http://bit.ly/JCaGyR Or go mobile with the free Best Of app.
CoreyAugust 7, 2014
The best enchiladas in Houston hands down. Great chips and warm salsa. Great margaritas.
Joe SotoApril 14, 2013
Great place. Try the green chile pozole, micheladas and the no minor milk shake. We are coming back soon
Jamie HoangApril 20, 2013
Bacon enchiladas with an egg on top for Brunch. Fantastic! Also, $1.50 mimosa brunch special. Win.
Jere DouglasAugust 22, 2011
Food 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.
Laura GraceyJuly 12, 2015
Go here for a gut bomb of legit, heavy Tex-Mex. Always add a fried egg!
Patrick HaleyAugust 6, 2014
Best margaritas and the San Antonio puffy tacos are the best.
Lynn HolderJanuary 13, 2013
Leo's Deluxe Dinner is a great combination! Great chips and salsa! Rawhide playing on the giant movie screen.
Mark ChristiansJune 27, 2011
Have 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, 2015
Good food and friendly staff. I also found some good vegetarian options.
CherylApril 17, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Their marinated pork tacos al carbon WERE hands down the best thing on the menu, yet they don't offer them anymore. Very disappointing.
Randi RichardsonSeptember 2, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Try the bacon enchiladas on the brunch menu...dynamite!!
Marco HernandezJuly 21, 2013
The fajitas are so delicious here, my absolute favorite here!
Alexandra BoudhimAugust 24, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The food is to die for, delicious.
Gregory BistodeauMay 12, 2018
Margaritas, queso, sopapillas. All excellent!
Collette CulverJanuary 21, 2014
This is one of my new favorites! The cheese enchiladas are to die for
Brooke CandelariaJuly 14, 2014
Been here 50+ times
The salsa is different every time we are here - but great every time!!
Miranda BJuly 21, 2011
A pitcher of margaritas will fill about 7-8 glasses so it's a great bargain, but you will get a little sloppy!
Kendall DavisSeptember 5, 2013
Peach margaritas were good but they make their enchiladas with flour tortills. BIG no no in my book!
Brooke CandelariaMarch 19, 2011
Been here 50+ times
The fire-roasted salsa is so simple yet fresh and lovely. Enjoy with a house margarita - rocks n salt!
Harold i KellyAugust 8, 2013
Don'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.
Marc SJune 22, 2012
Beef fajitas made the original way and cheese enchiladas with chili con carne.
Christopher NapoliMarch 26, 2013
Been here 10+ times
Great view of Underbelly and The Hay Merchant from here.
Rebecca SDecember 19, 2015
Been here 50+ times
The Big Chile (wih chicken) is easily one of the best things o the menu
Rebecca SDecember 19, 2015
Been here 50+ times
Montrose Mondays means all food is half priced if you have a Montrose zip.
Megan MaiselMay 25, 2011
They reformulated the margs in question. Love the queso, guacamole and chips. Delish cheese enchiladas.
Houston PressAugust 4, 2014
This is your father's Tex-Mex, in the best possible way. Read more
Cusp25May 24, 2015
El real margaritas and enchiladas #7
Atlanta Food & Wine FestivalMay 7, 2014
Roll 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
Jeremey BarrettAugust 9, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Best house margarita for the money in Houston!
Byron  BarclayAugust 12, 2014
Montrose Mondays means half-off entrees for Montrose and River Oaks residents.
Amanda MorenoMay 15, 2015
Montrose Mondays! Half off food on Mondays if you're a Montrose resident (77006 or 77098 license)

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