My wife loves this place. Very fast convenient and close! Only thing missing is champaign for mimosas at brunch.

I had the breakfast platter it was really good and portions are very generous. The staff is kind and the prices are very affordable. I will be back if in the area. read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - Eggs and bacon with potatoes and beans - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

Been coming here since it was a hotel with a restaurant. I never even remember the actual name I just know the spot! I love how cheesy the enchiladas are and they are made with corn NOT flour enchiladas. The right tex mex way. If you get the tripas ask for extra crispy. They have different mexican waters. Limonada, horchata, etc. Even Mexican soda! The best thing here is the chips and salsa. I basically drink the salsa. What I would call a great hole in the wall. read more

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This morning I went to have breakfast at El Emperador. Usually everything is fine, but today I had an unpleasant experience. The waitress, who mentioned she has been working there for 30 years and is from Honduras (I don't remember her name), was very rude and made sarcastic comments. I asked a simple question about how they prepare medium eggs, and she seemed offended. I believe that after so many years, she should remember that customer service is essential in this type of job. The place is old and not very clean, though still acceptable. I hope management reads this review and takes it into consideration. Esta mañana fui a desayunar a El Emperador. Usualmente todo está bien, pero hoy tuve una experiencia desagradable. La mesera, que comentó tener 30 años trabajando allí y que es de Honduras su nombre es Idania , fue muy grosera y respondió con comentarios sarcásticos. Hice una pregunta sencilla sobre cómo preparaban los huevos término medio y pareció ofenderse. Creo que, después de tantos años, debería recordar que el servicio al cliente es fundamental en este tipo de trabajo. El lugar es viejito y no muy limpio, aunque aceptable. Espero que la administración lea esta reseña y lo tome en cuenta. read more

This food is not Tex-Mex it is actual Mexican food. The staff speaks both Spanish and English and has pretty good service. The ambiance is an eclectic mix of items representing Mexico. We ate during the Christmas season so there were also plenty of Christmas decorations in looked like an older building that had been converted into a restaurant. Prices were reasonable and the food portion size was also reasonable. The flavors were very good. The spiciness of the food was a little strong but that's what we like. read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - Chilaciles plate - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

Horrible food and service. Expensive for authentic food. Do not recommend going. The facility is disgusting and the cashiers don't even know how to add your tab properly. Over charging is something you need to watch for here. The food was flavorless aswell. read more

My Son selected "El Emperador Mexican Restaurant" in Tomball as his choice. We all headed there and arrived in a very short time. We all have not been there but my Son has seen it packed on a regular basis. We arrived for our late dinner and there were a few customers inside. We were told to choose a table and we did, there are 7 of us and they do have several large tables. We looked over the drink menu and my Wife and I decided on their Frozen Margaritas. Drinks were ordered and we checked out the menu while enjoying their Chips with Two Sauces and they are both Delicious. There were a couple baskets of these and the Staff kept them filled up. Our drinks arrived and these Margaritas are really Tasty. Now it's time for you to go get that other Beer or Drink you enjoyed while reading this novel. I'll wait ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(commercial break here------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ that should do it --- Welcome Back -- Now to decide what to order. My Wife decided on "Tacos Al Carbon" (2), Two Beef Fajita Tacos with Rice, Beans, Pico de Gallo & Guacamole with Cheese. I am going with one of my favorites anywhere - "Chile Relleno" stuffed with Chicken. Served with Rice, Re-Fried Beans, Avocado & Salad. My Son went with the "Chimichanga" (Burrito Emperador); Stuffed with Fajita Beef, Lettuce, Tomato, Beans & Cheese. Not sure what Chris ordered but the other two Kids, Tyler & Jaiden, ordered what their Mom ordered and I don't know what it's actually called but it is a Large Flat Steak with lots of Goodies on the side. It's been awhile since we have been together and it was good to catch-up on all that we could. Here it seems like the entire Staff takes care of your table and are very friendly, but Sonya (we think) was our Main Server and attended to our every need. The customers are also very friendly. (Hey, Joseph Federico, you have to wake up now and finish reading the story. The Paperback edition isn't due out until March) Our food arrived and every plate was a Beautiful Presentation of Deliciousness. My Wife's 'Tacos Al Carbon' were stuffed full to the top and she loved it all - and didn't leave a crumb on her plate. The Fajita Beef was Perfect and everything in there was Fresh and Tasty. My 'Chile Relleno' was also Very Good and had Delicious Chicken inside. The Pepper itself was thick-n-tasty and the Cheese topping was Very Flavorful. I love Re-Fried Beans and theirs was Very Good and their Rice was Fresh, Light and Flavorful. Lots of Perfectly-Ripe-Fresh-Avocado atop their Salad and I did give my Wife one of the Avocado Slices. The entire Family Loved what they ordered with all of it being Very Tastyliciousness and no one left anything on their plate or took leftovers home - it was All Gone. Now it was time for Dessert and we all all stuffed - but there is always room for Dessert, especially when they have Flan and El Emperador does. Three of us ordered Flan Napolitano and Tyler ordered Strawberry Cheesecake. Soon they all arrived and the Flan is a Nice Size sliced like a Pie. The Strawberry Cheesecake is also Pretty Big slice with lots of Strawberries. The Flan is Delicious and loving that Special Texture that Flan only has. El Emperador has everything you would ever want from a Mexican Restaurant - This Place Is AWESOME. They are also open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Check'em out on Facebook; El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - I am sure you will find lots of Deliciousness in whatever you order. Sonya (hope that's her name) earned the "Dollar-Bow-Tie" Award and Loved it - and also a Very Nice Tip. This place knows how to Serve the Customer and they do it very well. We had a wonderful time at El Emperador and my Son and Family are looking forward to attending here again - and so does my Wife and I. On the way back to the Hotel my Lovely Wife and I enjoyed another Cool Evening in the Tomball/Spring area - and headed to San Angelo the next morning after one more stop - - - read more

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This place STEALS. They write over your amount and will add $10-$15 extra, when you go in, they are rude about the situation. I went in and talked to someone and she was aggressive, I let her know I wasn't there to argue especially with her who had nothing to do with the situation. I see why you guys are always empty and begging for business what a joke of a place. read more

This was my first time here. I recently moved from Katy and really wanted some good menudo. When I got there it was packed! The waitstaff was helpful, but they had just run out of menudo **sad face** so I tried the pozole. I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed. Until I tried the pozole! It was so good and flavorful. It was the comfort food I was looking for and I will definitely be back!! read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - Chips and salsa (the salsa was steaming hot) - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

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What a delightful discovery, great ambiance and beautiful table settings, excellent weight staff and the food was incredible!

This restaurant was packed so my husband and I thought we'd give it a try. Usually when the place isn't fancy they are the best ones. I had an enchilada, taco rice and beans. It was very tasty. My husband had some type of breakfast tacos made out of cheek meat. I can't remember what his meal is called. He really didn't care for it. He was so excited to get some because most places don't sale it. The place has dividers between the booths which I loved. I wish all restaurants would do that. The floor was dirty but they are so busy I'm sure they can't keep up with keeping the chips off the floor. Our waitress was nice but rarely came by our table to check on us. I would go back to here again. I want to try other items on the menu. read more

Ok, I will admit the fact that the restaurant looks like a 1960's motel in what is now Old Town Tomball that has been though a hard life doesn't mean this place does not deserve a chance. After having a much needed night out and craving Micheladas we put on our masks and risked it to get the.....tortilla in this case? First thing I wanted as soon as I walked in was a Dos XX michelada while my partner in crime wanted a Beer Rita. I looked at the menu and they had a wide selection of both seafood, meats, and combination plates but since I ordered the Michelada it only made sense to order some seafood and went with the Camarones al mojo de ajo (Garlic Shrimp) Long story short, as customers walked by and saw my plate they asked what it was since it looked tasty but it was actually delicious. The rice was perfectly made! Just an FYI before I forget, their red salsa is unbelievably good, I am currently trying to recreate it. Not only does El Emperador reigns from its delicious food but the prices make this spot a new favorite along with the great service. I can definitely say El Emperador is my new favorite place to come. read more

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Slamming breakfast. Attentive staff. Everything was just solid and on point. I'll be back for dinner.

Tasty fajitas and great service at an affordable price! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic Mexican food.

My favorite Mexican restaurant in Tomball. The food is amazing and the price is very affordable. I would recommend the chile relleno with beef and the enchiladas al pastor with steak. read more

Flies. So many flies. The service was great but there were just so many flies landing on our drinks and food.

First I want to say the staff were very sweet and all smiles even though they were extremely busy. This was due to the lack of open restaurants after Beryl not because of the quality or taste of the food. We have not had worse food in Tomball since Tad's closed. The menu states the cheese used is American. When I asked about that the waitress said it was the yellow cheese. I asked if it was cheddar and she wasn't sure what that was. She said they also had mozzarella. The queso was watered down canned cheese used in concession stands. It was so watered down that it didn't even begin to set on top as it cooled. The salsa was also watery and flavorless, with no hint of onions, peppers, or cilantro. The refried beans were thin and watery but I was able to eat some. My husband's carne guisada tasted and looked exactly like Dinty Moore beef stew with large chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes. Again, no hint of any Mexican spices, onions, or peppers. Definitely not a place we will be going to again. read more

Excellent authentic Mexican food. Good service. Affordable. What's not to love??

This is an amazing hideaway place in Tomball, TX!!! Incredibly authentic mexican food!!!! read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - Huevos Rancheros & Mexican Omelette - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

I love the food and they have excellent customer service. I've been eating there for 25+ years

Got some food after work with some coworkers. Service is okay. They get the job done. I ordered a TAMARINDO, which I was hoping for some sweet tartness, but it was more sweet than tart. Not bad, but it was nothing amazing. I wanted to order something more authentic, but it was the morning and I was craving for eggs so I got an EGG OMELET. It was just a simple omelet with some beans and hash browns, which both were really good. The hash was perfectly crisp and the beans had a meaty flavor to it. The dish overall was a good way to start or more like end the morning and it was good. The chips and salsa was really good. Thin chips and saucy salsa. The next time I come back, I'll order something more authentic. read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - egg omelet - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

I just moved to Tomball, Texas from Reynoldsburg, Ohio ( suburb of Columbus ) on Monday. This is my 4th day here. I was longing for some authentic Mexican food & I kept seeing this place in the 10 best Mexican restaurants in Tomball on the web so, I decided to give it a try. I'm not disappointed but I'm sure there may be better. The salsa was pretty darn good & was served warm. I got the fried Jalapeño to mix in with my other items as well as a small Chili con queso. I ordered the Tomball Special & a fountain coke which tasted so good with the meal. I'm pleased with everything. read more

I will never eat here again, the food was awful its not a good place to go. The service was not very good either as it took awhile to get waited on. They don't sell real margaritas either it's made with wine, now who heard of that. And what ambiance, seriously. read more

Had to get up and fetch a menu as we were not being served. Food is awful. Horchata was no good. The salsa in the chips and salsa was lukewarm and not good. The rice and beans were bland too. Prison food is better than here. read more

This place has Great food. For a great price. Friendly service. I love their tortilla chips.

I give it a 1 star because the food was good but service was horrible...server never came back to check on us...forgot our water that we asked several times. Never got but checked on the other tables...Never coming back again. Worse service from all of the Mexican restaurants we've been to. read more

Stopped here for dinner this evening. Upon entering, the place had all the markings of a Mexican restaurant that I would enjoy. It's not chain, looks "under-kept," and family run. Unfortunately, the food did not match the ambiance of the restaurant. We ordered fajitas. They were okay, but not great. The tortillas tasted like they came out of a bag instead of being homemade. When I go to a place that has the look - I expect to be wowed. This did not happen. Again, nothing bad -- but nothing awesome. Pricing is a little high for what you get, but that's just my .02. read more

Great little hole in the wall restaurant. Food was very good and reasonably price. Marguerite was strong and well made very frozen.

Me and my Fiancé have come in several times, however the last time we went in they overcharged us. The server charged us double what we were supposed to pay, I went in the next day to fix the issue. The server then lied and says we had 3 people with us. After pointing out everything we ordered on the menu and talking with the manager she finally just hands me cash, which was over charge. It's been a couple of weeks since we had gone back and decided to go Tuesday night, where we have learned that we have been banned from the restaurant because of a mistake THEY had made. read more

I've been in the area for a little over a year and finally had a chance to try this restaurant out for breakfast. The inside is your typical looking Mexican decor, nothing too elaborate. The outside is part of a motel, like the surrounding property. I asked for the huevos rancheros. My first question was if their tortillas are homemade. They're not. Anything I can't stand are what I've coined "stinky tortillas". Most store bought package tortillas have preservatives that let off a smell to them unlike homemade. So I went with the corn tortillas. They were just aa bad. To my surprise, they served warm salsa which was very good with a medium heat. Some may consider it hot. The chips were good and crispy. The service was fair. I had coffee and was never asked for a refill. I noticed that the only other two tables being served were offered. They seemed to be regulars by the way the waitresses spoke to the older gents. The eggs were over easy just the way I like them. The beans had a good flavor to them. Now the potatoes came with sauteed onions, tomatoes, jalapeños and carrots. I would've enjoyed the potatoes if they had been more than three small ones. Usually, not having fresh tortillas will keep me from returning. read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - Entrance area. - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

The food here is great, the portions are large and more than reasonably priced, I've taken friends and family here and all agree that it is a must eat destination. Everyone is friendly and the place is clean. My favorite time to come here is for breakfast as chips & salsa along with a massive breakfast burrito is by far the best way to start your day. If you're in the area and hungry, then stop on it, but be sure to give me a call first so we can enjoy it with good company. read more

First time here this place is a must try. If your into authentic Mexican food this is a place to eat. read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - Chicken n fajita meal With enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

Great service food is always great. Love the green sauce nice and hot. Breakfast is also good and they will cook you regular breakfast not just Mexican plates. Like Saturday morning breakfast good value. read more

Don't judge the book by it's cover! This restaurant is in an old run down motel it looks like. But the food and service is phenomenal! This is our new to go place for mexican food. read more

All the 4 and 5 star reviews are puzzling to me. I found the food to be no more than average at best. Kind of reminded me of the old Monterrey House. There were a few other people here that appeared to be regulars the way the waitresses would go and sit at their tables. The biggest disappointment was the sticker shock when I had to pay the bill. A little over $60! Two kids plates, and two adult plates. Probably will not return. read more

This place is awesome!!! Great prices, friendly fast service and straight up quality Mexican food. You will not be disappointed. A real gem here in Tomball. Easy parking in the back of the restaurant by the hotel. read more

Took the fam-bam here for dinner and it did not disappoint. I got the caldo de res and it was on hit. The wifey got the quesadilla de pollo and had enough left over for me! The food is great and I recommend this joint. read more

El Emperador Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Tomball, Texas

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I come here a lot because it's close to my house and the service is good and the food is decent. I ordered a side of rice to go one day and it was $6.50, another day I placed a regular order to go and asked for chips and salsa and they were going to charge me $4.00 for a brown paper bag (school lunch size) full. I will continue to come here for quick bites because the service is good and it's the closest Mexican food to the house. read more

I am basing this review on just the Pozole that is available on the weekends. It's definitely one of the best ones I have ever had. I can't wait to try some other stuff. I will say their chips and salsa were just sad but don't let that discourage you. read more

Was looking for a local spot for lunch and have heard from several people that this place had some legitimate mexican food. I invited a friend to go and we met at about 11:30. Place was pretty empty but I expected that since I usually go before the lunch rush. Business did pick up closer to noon but never got real busy. I ordered the beef enchiladas from the lunch menu and a side of jalapenos. My friend had the lunch burrito with queso. Salsa & Chips: Chips were fresh and not too thin. Came with a chilled sals and a heated salsa. I like my salsa chilled and theirs was pretty tasty. Could see the cilantro and other ingredients but it was not chunky. The heated salsa actually had a decent flavor as well. Neither were my favorites but I have had much worse. Enchiladas: Had a decent flavored red sauce - not too much like some red sauces can be - more simple with a little flavor. The ground beef had a good flavor but lacked in texture - parts were a little clumpy. Re-fried beans were full of flavor - smoky almost. They were OK - perhaps a little heavy on the smoke. Rice was pretty good - I'm not a rice fan normally but this was actually pretty good rice. My friends comment on his burrito - "It was a burrito." Overall assessment - Food was mediocre but for the price, you probably won't find better. Service was friendly and attentive. It won't be on my list of regular places but I wouldn't turn my nose up at it either. Would have only given 2 stars if the price had not been so reasonable (under $5 for the enchiladas) Buenos Noches read more