I would like to add half a star to my review if that was possible. Décor of the restaurant was rustic minimalistic and quaint for any type of tex-mex location. Food portions are correct in terms of being a Mexican style cuisine. Food quality was very good and well made. Portions are always subject for debate because as Americans were consider normal American portion. Biggest issue I had was the serving plates!! Metal plates with metal utensils are just a terrible combination. Every scoop of food was like nails on a chalk border. Other than that food was better than average. Service was very good although I went at 3:30 in the afternoon on a Tuesday. Hope you enjoy! read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Houston. The staff is always friendly and accommodating and the food is always delicious! Best chips and salsa in the universe! read more

The most Americanized Tex-Mex in Houston. I definitely would not consider it a Mexican food restaurant. I should have turned around when I noticed that not one patron was Latin. read more

Called ahead to reserve a table because I needed room for a stroller and high chair. Time is of the essence when eating with an infant and toddler. Hostess told me she would set table up before I arrived. Upon my arrival, hostess said there would be a wait. Then, the manager became heated and stated that they don't do call aheads, etc. He then began running in a frenzy all over the restaurant trying to figure out what to do. Additionally, he began yelling at the hostess. Unprofessional and embarrassing to watch. After being seated, we ordered and the food came almost immediately. The enchiladas were average. Price is fair, parking is easy, and service is quick. I would go back again if in the area but would not drive out of my way to get there. read more

My husband and I are frequent customers (literally every Thursday for the last year) of Sylvia's and have generally loved it! $1.99 margaritas on Thursday--I mean who could pass that up! Well today, they apparently marked their happy hour up to $4, which really isn't a big deal, but that's not reflected on their menu and they wouldn't honor it, because they supposedly have been telling people it would change. Well, like I said, we are here every week and no one ever told us, so I'm not sure who they told. Talk about a lack of generosity! Not worth your penny. We are very disappointed in their lack of customer service and will not be returning again. read more

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

I got lunch to-go from here. Ordered at the bar and it came pretty fast definitly within 10 min. I ordered the Cesar salad with fajita beef. I was pretty sceptical of a Cesar salad at a Mexican resturant but my coworker told me it was good and they didn't lie the salad was amazing. Lots of flavor! The issue was the salad was small af. It was delicious but not worth the price since I was still starving when I finished. I asked my coworker and she said she's never seen it that small she always has leftovers but she also always eats at the resturant so maybe you just get gypped on take out orders read more

A bit pricey, but very good. I like the variety of enchiladas and the salsa is addictive. It is pretty pricey though.

The chicken enchiladas verdes could have more sauce in them. The rice and bean portions are tiny. This is an overpriced and overrated place. The tomato sauce needs to be thicker. A plus is that they have baked chips. read more

I love Sylvia's! My favorite thing by far (and I think this is common) is the Mexico City Enchiladas with goat cheese added. Amazzzzing! One of my favorite things to eat in Houston. They also had really good queso, refried beans, and margaritas. And the servers are always very nice. The atmosphere is clean and festive without being so loud that you can't hear your companions talk. I will say one thing though: make sure you go to this location and not the one on Westheimer. I like the Woodway location MUCH better. read more

Went here last night to meet some friends for a birthday dinner. Started out with a Sauza Classic margarita, which was very good. I ordered the South of Border combo plate, which comes with one each of four different (petite) enchiladas, real Mexican! Very, very good. It was my first time trying mole, and it wasn't bad. Very interesting taste...not sure if I would get it again, but I'm glad I tried it. Great presentation, on their fancy silver platters. Also came with a side of refried beans and rice, which were your basic rice and beans. Very filling meal, great service. We had a lot of fun, and I'd like to try Sylvia's again. read more

Pretty good margaritas, and salsa. I had the fajitas and a bite of an enchilada- I liked the fajitas better. However, I live very close to the place and want to try their Cabrito! read more

Our server was very attentive, he was very nice, I ordered the Mexico City enchiladas with the goat cheese and they were to die for!!! Definitely will be back and will keep recommending!! Also the chips and salsa, their salsa is amazing!! The place is very pretty as well! read more

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen - Mexico City enchiladas with goat cheese - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Not a fan. Came for the buffet, it wasn't refilled... Over the course of the whole meal. The place was kind of empty during Sunday brunch which was a sign that I am not the only person with this opinion.. I feel like any other place in Houston would have a wait or be very full. Food was okay. Service was good and mimosas were constantly filled, which is why I gave 2 stars and not one. Probably won't come back given all the other Tex mex options in Houston. read more

We went to Sylvias after my husband went to the food truck festival. He had eaten from the truck and loved it, and since we were in the neighborhood, we thought we'd stop by. Service was ok, which was a little disappointing....our bartender was ok. He definitely filled us up on wine and beer, but was a little slow. You def have to go for the enchiladas. I tried the sampler, which was pricey for enchiladas, but was fun to get to try all the different varieties! Definitely a family/older crowd atmosphere. They need better happy hour specials...we'll go back, but nothing we'd drive across town for. read more

This is more like 3 1/2 stars... PROS: very friendly and attentive waitstaff ample parking lovely neighborhood cute decor (old world, grotto style) delicious margaritas coffee and cocktails were delicious AWESOME patio! CONS: It was hellishly hot in there! I was getting dizzy from all the heat. The salsa was very bland. It did taste homemade, which is nice, but it left something to be desired. The enchiladas were good enough, our party sampled about 6 of them, but I don't understand what the hype was all about? They were like every other enchilada I ever had... I guess I was expecting to be blown away because of all the hype but it never happened. The tres leches was DISGUSTING. It tasted like it was sitting in the refrigerator for a week. All-in-all, glad I tried it but I won't be dying to return until I've exhausted my to-do list on Yelp! ;) read more

I'm a vegetarian so I appreciated that vegetarian dishes were made easy to find on the menu. Service was excellent. I didn't have to wait for a refill or for ordering. Waiters were polite, smiling, and service was fast. Food was good. Dessert was good. I'll go back for sure. read more

Came here for lunch and the server recommended Mexico City. I'm glad he did, the food was absolutely delicious! Took one star off because we found bones in the shredded chicken. Otherwise, the meal was perfect! read more

Great new selection of four enchiladas from her fabulous selection. Choose North or South. You can't go wrong especially with their margaritas! Enjoy. read more

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen - Selection of North enchiladas--fabuloso! Best in America. - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

I am usually not a Tex-Mex liker, but I must say that Sylvia's is very good and I plan on going there again. I went on a special company event where Sylvia was teaching us how to make pork tamales. A two-hour class was very informative and easy to follow, and we got to make the tamales ourselves with a glass of frozen margarita with salt! The margarita was a little strong for me but some people enjoyed that. Afterwards, we were having dinner outside on the patio area, and we were served various dishes. Starting with the chips with Avocado dip (very yummy), Salsa dip and Cheese dip, we were then served pork tamales, rice, beans, and cheese enchiladas (I didn't like the enchiladas..not very good). Pork tamales had so much great flavor! Lastly, I ate the beef fajita, and omg the fajita beef was so savory, love love! Sylvia's has a lot of varieties and good flavors that I definitely recommend! read more

Very impressed! I'm very picky about service, and instantly expect that every restaurant I'll go to will have shitty service as it has been the case every time my husband and I go out to eat, but to my surprise this place had awesome service, very attentive waiters, and nearby should something be needed ! The food was also really good, I ordered the caldo de pollo (chicken soup) and it was delish, small bowl, but at least it came with side of rice and 3 delicious homemade tortillas! Will def return! read more

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Very disappointed tonight. Arrived at 7:30, with a party of 6, told it would be 40 minute wait. Not a problem, after all it is Friday night. After an hour waiting, we checked the list, and they had skipped us! No apologies, said we would be next. Waited another 30 minutes, and finally were seated. Again, no apologies. Drinks came fairly quick, and were good. Waiter disappeared for 20 minutes ( I was timing this after we waited past the initial 40 minutes) Finally took our orders. Food came 27 minutes later. Inexcusable. I ordered a shrimp cocktail @$9.95. I got a half a cup of tough shrimp. I have gotten this here before, larger and better. The rest of the food was good, especially the quail, but not worth the wait. Not sure what the problem was, but very tedious night. read more

It's all in the name. So obviously get the enchiladas. They're real nice. The presentation is unique, enchiladas on a nice segregated mini-platter and the rice and beans on another. The meat is juicy (chicken in my case), but not too juicy. Rice is spot on, not dry, not too greasy. Btw - my wife even tolerated it and she hates Mexican food. Bonus points for me in my effort to redeem tex-mex for my humble family. read more

We love Sylvia's. They have the best fajitas we have been coming once a week for the last two years. Great waiters. However, today Delia served us today and we had to chase her .. She was extremely inattentive on a few points. read more

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen - Best fajitas !! - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great spot. Food is amazing. Great Rita's!

Had the cheese enchilada, very tasty, queso was good but comes in a very small bowl, so order the large if you want to share. The rice was especially good, normally I don't like Mexican rice and prefer cilantro rice, but it was very well done. The presentation for the food was unique as well. For a $12 enchilada I didn't expect a lot but was actually very pleased. Very pleasant server and fast food delivery. Recommended and will be back. read more

Hands down...good enchilada eatin! I've had their chicken mole enchiladas and today I had their spinach enchiladas and once again I was not disappointed. It's always been to-go orders. I'd like to experience some in-house service next time. read more

The quesasilla apertizer is enough up to 4 people! Realy good cevice. Pleasent enviroment. We'll be back for sure! read more

Horrible service. We're not from the area so we looked online and found them on a Saturday. When they brought the menu we noticed there wasn't a lunch option. When we asked about it, the host told us it was only for Mon-Fri when online it clearly states Mon-Sat. When we showed him on our phone he said it must be for a different location. So I asked the waiter and he goes under the podium and pulls out the exact lunch menu that's online for this specific location. I can't believe they blatantly LIED to us. And for what, a few extra dollars? I definitely wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Bland and boring! Don't waste your money or time!!! It was painful eating at a place that prepares unspicy, unflavorful Mexican food! The margarita tasted bad too! Cheap tequila = bad hangover! This is one of those places where once was enough! It gets a 2 barf rating!!! read more

Since moving to Houston in February, Sylvia's has become one of my regular spots. I love both of there enchilada sampler platters, it's great if you are feeling indecisive. I recently went and wasn't in the mood for enchiladas and tried their rancheros tacos, they were so good with perfectly balanced flavors. If you want quality mex/tex-mex this is a wonderful restaurant. The spices in all of the sauces are just really spot on and made very well. The menu is quite big and will have something for everyone. Also, there is a premium margarita I always get and am now totally spacing on the name... It is spot on with just the right (slight) amount of sweetness. I'm going to guess all of them are probably excellent. Do yourself a favor and start of your meal with the Queso Flameado! It's an all around great restaurant. I have never had a long wait for food and my service has always been thoughtful and attentive, which is unfortunately a rarity these days. read more

That while I enjoyed the enchiladas and today at home lunch the leftover rice and beans, the dessert of tres Leche was an EXTREME disappointment. I would never order another dessert here. read more

Bad tasting meat: quail, beef & chicken fajita meat way too strong smoke/charcoal flavor-couldn't eat it....ground beef enchilada and ground beef taco meat tasted like aluminum with no other flavor....Service good,but restaurant was empty during Saturday lunch...now we know why...too bad...I wonder if Sylvia knows the meat flavors are this bad.... read more

Best damn Mexican food I've had in eons. Wow!!!!!!!

We decided to visit this place after receiving an email that it was National Margarita Day and Sylvia's Kitchen would have some wonderful specials such as $4 apps, $4 Margaritas and more. My sister and I had never been but I'd heard about this place via my foodie network. :-) We arrived and the parking lot was full, I thought "WOW" this place must be really good??? We walked in and it was only partially full/busy. They had some type of cooking class going on in the middle of the restaurant (literally), never seen that before? We were greeted by front area staff member and kind of stood there in awkward moment while she thought about where to seat us. We decided it was a nice day outside, maybe we'll sit outside. She took us out the front door around the restaurant even though there were side doors to the restaurant leading outside. But we followed and we're seated in the very back of the patio area. It was slightly chilly out but we were seated completely away from the heating towers they had outside. (makes no sense to me) Not to mention there was a large table outside being over the top LOUD. We decided to move back inside and it took forever to be seated as if the actual restaurant was full????? Besides the class in the middle. We were seated and our drink order taken, and I had to ask about the national margaritas day specials they posted online. Waitress had no idea and had to go ask? Never understood why restaurants do this and don't inform their employees about specials or make it the rule to mention to customers at start of service. Anyway, I was right about the specials so we ordered and the food was pretty amazing. My big complaint is the service by our server and the overall staff. She barely revisited our table to check for beverage refills or anything. I had to wave her down to get service......and let me remind you the restaurant was not full or busy. That alone is a deal breaker........there are far too many restaurants with great food a and service to settle. read more

Came to try restaurant week menu and plan on coming back again. Actual menu has fewer choices then on the HRW website. Tortilla soup was fresh and hot. Not much chicken in the soup but still very good, maybe got a chicken less batch. Tres leches was really good as well - you have a choice of chocolate or vanilla. read more

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen - Chocolate tres leches - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

This is an ok text me restaurant. ... Not mexican by any means... if you want real mexican food try El paraiso. I give them four stars bc for being text me they're one of the better ones. I'd say they're a little overpriced for the quality of food they offer...but so it's Escalates as well. ..anyways their beef Beeville it's probably one of their better dishes. read more

I'm from the greater Houston area, but I live abroad where it's difficult to find good Mexican - and nearly impossible to find Tex-Mex at all. So, on this trip home I decided to take a Mexican food cooking class. After googling, I came across Sylvia's classes (at the Eldridge Parkway location) and signed up for one offered during my stay. Amazingly, if Google is an accurate representation, this is the only Tex-Mex cooking class offered in the home of Tex-Mex cooking a - a city of millions of people. Fortunately, it's quite good. The class is set up with a prep table at the front that has a camera mounted above and a large LCD behind so you can get a bird's eye view of what's going on. About 8 four-top tables are arranged in a classroom setting facing Sylvia's table and each has a a pre-printed set of recipes and some implements to let you participate in some aspect of the cooking. I was only able to make the fajita class due to the schedule, so we got a rolling pin, a cutting board and some latex gloves to roll tortillas. Very friendly and attentive staff serve you complementary (and excellent) chips and salsa throughout the event and your choice of drinks as Sylvia gives the class, which begins with a little backstory on who she is and where she comes from and how she learned to cook and why she opened her restaurants. It's a fairly interesting backstory offering some bona fides and some history of Tex-Mex cooking and she weaves it into the lessons here and there to explain things, which I personally found interesting. It's nice to know why someone prefers one chile over another, for example, or one brand of rice over another, and where that preference comes from. The lesson, at least in our case, begins with prepping the flour tortillas. While the tortilla dough is sitting for about an hour, you move on to prepping the salsa (in our case), the base of which then needs to sit and simmer for about 15 minutes. From there, the fajita prep takes place and we bounce around between salsa, flour tortillas, fajitas, Mexican rice, corn tortillas and a watermelon agua fresca - stepping outside to a mesquite grill for a brief bit of instruction on grilling over wood. Much of the class is instruction-based presumably due to time and space limitations, though you're allowed and encouraged to ask questions or to approach the prep area or grill for a closer look. The flour tortilla making is hands on from the point of rolling the dough on and you're invited to mash a corn tortilla and cook it as well if you like. If would be nice to follow each step on your own along with Sylvia, but I suppose the time, space and equipment limitations (possible liability too?) could make that untenable, so you watch, ask questions, make notes and then try at home on most things. Fortunately, Sylvia's recipes are pretty clear, carefully measured and include plenty of detail. In the few areas where detail is unclear or there's some subjectivity, she tends to go out of her way to offer some thoughts extemporaneously and to answer any questions that are asked. She also makes sure to emphasize which recipes, and recipe elements are areas for experimentation and which really need to be followed to the letter in order to achieve the best end result. Just to give one example, she goes out of her way to discuss which cut of flank steak to use and why, and how to have it cut (or not cut) during the fajita portion of the class. The added tips and tricks like this are essential. As the different recipes are finished, you're served samples to get an idea of the taste. When the fajitas are done, a couple of slices are distributed to each table to taste test. When you've cooked your flour tortilla, you get to try it, the salsa is poured at your table then as well - and so on. Then, at the end of the class, a dish is served with all the ingredients you've cooked along with some of her signature enchilada dishes. Overall I'd rate the experience as quite good, especially given that there's no competition. Sylvia herself is very friendly and quite professional and pauses to answer as many questions as are asked. The instruction is clear and the recipes hold up on reproduction at home, at least so far. The staff are very friendly and attentive and it's quite a happy environment. As a value for money proposition, I definitely feel you get your money's worth. If I were to change anything, I'd add a bit more hands-on aspect. Granted, you can't install a mini-grill and multiple hot plates at every table, heh, and some things like the fajitas need to be prepped hours in advance, but I'd have paid say $50 more to be able to prep smaller portions of the salsa and tortillas at the table and follow along that way. Not a deal-killer, just some food for thought. Let me end on a very positive recommendation for the class and Sylvia's food, though, both of which are excellent. If you're thinking about it, go for it - you won't regret it! read more

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen - Sylvia teaching her fajita cooking class at the Eldridge Parkway location. - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

$40-50 for 2 people to dine here at lunch, let that sink in a second.. Is it upscale, no; is it gourmet, no, does the quality of the food match the price, resounding no? Has success gone to her head, and made her downright arrogant about pricing basically what amounts to taqueria food at prices that would make el mediocre (tiempo) blush, yes.. 5-6 years ago this place was a gem, affordable, and the quality was 10x better than today, even the service is abysmal these days. The food's not anything special anymore, and as previously stated their pricing is well beyond outlandish. Save your money go to a mom and pop place, where they appreciate you enough not to swindle you. Filed under not worth it, get your head out of your posterior Sylvia.. read more

A wide selection of enchiladas to suit all tastes but it doesnt stop there. Tacos and other traditional items are on the menu but who doesnt want to try enchiladas when they are part of the restaurants name?! My coworker and i tried 3 or 4 varieties and enjoyed them all. The salsa was a little bland and nothing special but i am also a bit biased as i do not like hot salsa. Quick friendly service and cozy decor certainly add to the experience although i cannot speak on their margaritas since we visited for a work lunch. Would recommend. read more

Best enchiladas and fajitas I've ever had in my life. And salsa. And margaritas. Get the la kinera and Mexico City enchiladas. Service is always good. read more