Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Refu

    3.3 (164 reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Tex-Mex, Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 10:30 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order El Refu Takeout or Delivery

    El Refu Photos

    Business Info

    EL REFU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Refu

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos - El Refu

    Ceviche tostada was on point!
    Sue Z.

    Great service amazing food! We came on a Saturday afternoon. Place was pretty empty, it's was a great afternoon spend having lunch with the fam!

    ...and she ate it all!  Beef and chicken Chimichanga Lunch
    Nikiba J.

    Sheeee's baaaack, here today! Babaaaa, here I am back for my 2025 Yelp reviews. Starting my calories off at El Refu's for lunch, now I went the entire last year dieting because summers are so exciting for me and the passengers I transport. As the food fatty connoisseur I am, El Refu's is the first restaurant I'm reviewing. I luvd the vibe, I could picture me and some friends watching Clarissa Shields next fight while eating fajitas and sipping on margaritas...they nailed the concept. I ordered the chimichanga mixed with beef and chicken because I couldn't decide on either or; it's a food fatty thing. The moist and tender meats was seasoned to peeerfection, I truly didn't mean to eat the entire NOT lunch portion so keep your eyes on your own plate:) I ordered an Arnold Palmer and could tell the tea was freshly made, service was great. My co worker ordered the #17 off the lunch menu, he stated he wanted to eat light. 5 star review! Here today. There tomorrow!

    Verde Chicken Enchiladas
    Aurelia A.

    Another highly recommended place from coworkers..Upon arrival we realized parking lot is small and is shared by several other businesses. We entered the establishment and was seated promptly. Was immediately brought chips and salsa and they took our drink order. We decided on the chimiicuanga rice/neans and the chicken enchiladas they came out fairly quickly mine was good however the Mr had some spots within his chimichanga that was lukewarm..I feel like after our meal was brought the customer service went downhill (place wasn't really busy at the time however as we were finishing up the crowd started) no check back, no drink refill, we were sitting next to ladies who was upset that they automatically added gratuity (table of 2) yes the manager took it off but I would make sure to check ticket theres alot of added $$ to simple things like leaving your tab open while at the bar area..Overall this place seems like a cool vibe to come and watch the game have a few drinks and chill.

    StanleyRay C.

    Our first time checking this place out. It was recommended by a couple of coworkers so we decided to give it a try. Nice little spot. Ambience is nice, we didnt order drinks but they have some good looking drinks. We were seated promptly and our waters followed soon after. Their green salsa is amazing. Once we ordered, I had the chimichonga and my wife the enchiladas Verde. Our food came quick. My wife loved hers. Mine on the other hand ‍ if you're a chimichonga lover dont order it. They normally come with rice and beans and cheese inside. This one only had the meet. So when I cut into it there's othing to hold the meet together. Chicken just fell out with every cut. So I had to mix it with my beans and rice and eat it like a salad. Had I known I would have eaten it like a burrito. It all tasted good and is the reason we would return but I won't order the chimi. Also watch your receipt. Couple of ladies next to us had an issue with them adding a 15% gratuity to their ticket for only 2 people. If you open a tab at the bar a 15% gratuity will be added also which is a little weird to me. So you have to pay for each drink as you go which causes more work for the bar tenders. Go figure.

    Frankie H.

    If you ho here be ready to party. We had a great time here. Dj played music, some of the waitress were dancing as they moved around, the bar was full of people. The food was good and the drinks are real drinks. We missed the happy hour, so we plan to go again for happy hour.

    a bowl of guacamole and tortillas
    Tania M.

    I had the greatest most unexpected time here, and I can't wait to go back. The food is so good and the drinks... well, pardon my French will fu$@ ypu up outta no where!! I I loved loved loved the chunky guacamole, and their shrimp a la plancha was soo Good I ordered extra!!! The place is such a neat spot decorated like you're walking into an old Mexican town fair. The servers are great and very attentive. I love that I ordered and was shocked when everything came out at once!!! I am definitely planning on becoming a frequent flyer here!!

    wish we could rate drinks and food however we were turned away before we could. we live in the neighborhood and tried to go here an HOUR before they closed at 10:20 as you can see in my screenshots and the hostess told us they were closed and turned us away. this is the second time that we've been rushed out. the first time we were there they had security come up to inform us that they "were closed" and needed to leave AN HOUR BEFORE CLOSING TIME again. in my pictures from today you can see that they advertise being closed at 1130 and i took the screenshots at 1018 today THURSDAY 06/19/25. i work in the hospitality industry so im all about an early close, but turning ppl away an hour early is a big NO. EVEN AS I TYPE THIS REVIEW INTO YELP IN MY SCREENSHOT IT SAYS CLOSES IN 40 MINUTES.

    Tramon A.

    Visiting Houston for the weekend and needless to say this restaurant was recommended and didn't fail. This was true authentic Mexican food in which tickled my tastebuds. The service was amazing and I received my food very fast and it was amazing!! The ambiance was great with a dj that came in and the preseason football game and Olympics was on the televisions. I will DEFINITELY come back when I come back to Houston. I highly recommend this place!

    Front menu

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yandia J.
    47
    277
    787

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sue Z.
    4
    111
    66

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Is better restaurants out there, plus they never answer the phones. Food is kinda ok but no good

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Lisa R.
    0
    35
    46

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Food was great, good margaritas and wonderful service. My husband had the shrimp and enchiladas, I had the 3 street tacos.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann K.
    1
    119
    143

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amber V.
    178
    6
    10

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John G.
    23
    73
    106

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Hair in my food in my rice. The waiter asked did I want more rice. NO! At this point I will stay at home and cook

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Too loud. Fun for a club but not for dinner. The waitress couldn't hear our order it was so loud.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kellie P.
    211
    28
    5

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    El Refu Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Refu

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 42,687 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Noyola's Mexican Restaurant

    Noyola's Mexican Restaurant

    4.2
    (166 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $

    My husband and I love to support the local restaurant family businesses. I want to say that this…read morerestaurant probably has three generations operating it. We love their menudo on the weekends. It's got the perfect aromatics and not greasy. Im a big fan of chicharron and lengua tacos. Noyola's is the only place in Humble that serves lengua tacos and the best so far! I wasn't a big fan of their chicharron tacos so I won't be ordering that again. Give this local family restaurant a try!

    Come on now!!!!! Visiting from Phoenix and our dear friends who live down the street from Noyolas…read moresuggested we try! The Friendliness as soon as we walked in was overwhelming on this Monday afternoon around 4pm. Felt like home The food was made with love and cuisine knowledge! Very smart and delicious! The margaritas were off the chain yummy! They were so accommodating I had the chicken mole and my friend wanted pork mole (not on menu). No problem they said... and they delivered! Other friend had cheese Chile relleno... she loved it. Hubby had taco, cheese enchilada, and tamale that were the best. The sauces, the queso and homemade chips were warm and oh so good. Homemade corn tortillas and flour tortillas will make us fly back from Phoenix to indulge in often! Thank you so much for making this experience the best of our trip... my goodness Thank you! Much gratitude

    Photos
    Salsa de molcajete and flautas and pozole and asada de puerco
    Salsa de molcajete and flautas and pozole and asada de puerco
    Large Menudo, and Huevos Rancheros
    Large Menudo, and Huevos Rancheros
    Chicken mole made the right way!  Chicken should always be on the bone... so tender and sauce amazing

    See all

    Chicken mole made the right way! Chicken should always be on the bone... so tender and sauce amazing
    El Tunco Pupuseria

    El Tunco Pupuseria

    4.4
    (7 reviews)
    4.3 mi

    Stopped here in the middle of a track meet and honestly, it was such a great choice. The menu has…read moretons of options--pretty much something for everyone. We ordered pupusas, barbacoa, and a burrito. The pupusas were AMAZING (we got the kids' one), and they came with rice and beans that were also really good. The barbacoa came with two tortillas and was flavorful without being overly sweet, which I really appreciated since I'm not a fan of sweet barbacoa. My mom had the burrito and felt it could've had more flavor, but overall the food was still solid. The staff was super friendly, the bathrooms were clean and nice, and it was a comfortable spot to grab lunch. Definitely a great place to stop if you're hungry and want a satisfying, casual meal. Would come back again!

    Walked into a spacious ,clean ,and comfortable restaurant ,and was immediately welcomed by young…read moreman who took my order to go. Waited about 15 minutes for Freshly made pupusas that come with tasty curtido and salsa, included. ( bean and cheese), and an order of platanos fritos that came with black beans and crema; portions large enough to share. The pupusa is one of the largest I have gotten, and the consistency and flavor were exactly the way I remember them from my time in El Salvador; authentic and delicious. Cost was $20 total, but would easily have fed two, and I have enough leftover for lunch, tomorrow, so a good value, for good food! Don't miss this spot; they have juices, and bottled and canned drinks, too. Will surely be back to enjoy more good food from their menu!

    Photos
    Drinks
    Drinks
    Caldo de res
    Caldo de res
    Ensalada de fruta

    See all

    Ensalada de fruta

    El Refu - mexican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...