Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Tio Trompo

    4.6 (226 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Tio Trompo Takeout or Delivery

    Tio Trompo Photos

    Business Info

    TIO TROMPO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Tio Trompo

    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

    Sandra K.

    This reminds me of fresh street tacos in Mexico City. Came here for breakfast and came back for dinner it was so good. The meat was all perfectly cooked and we had all of them, pastor, carne asada, chicken, and barbacoa. Tortillas are obviously homemade and all the salsas are homemade and spicy and flavorful. Don't be deterred that it's next to a smoke shop. Parking lot is a medium for the location but there is super walkable street parking in the neighborhood.

    Barbacoa Taco Pastor Taco
    Abel Ivan F.

    Really great tacos! There's not many places around Houston I feel serve high quality tacos, especially giving more of a Mexican taco instead of a Texan style taco. This place feels authentic from the food to the salsas to the decorations. The tacos are well served where I think even three tacos would leave me full instead of a usual four tiny tacos at other places. I'd come back for sure and can vouch for this place!

    Pastor, Gringa, and Fajita tacos
    Jenny S.

    Came in for lunch on Saturday and both the parking lot and dining area was popping. Luckily someone was pulling out as we pulled in. As soon as I stepped out of the car we got a sweet whif of the grilled charred meats and I knew it was going to be a good lunch. The service is good you order at the counter and give your name. There weren't numbers the food runner would call out your name when order was ready and bring it to your table. The ambiance is casual and cosy and it felt nice seeing a full lively dining space. I got the Pastor, Fajita, and Gringa taco this time around. Their tacos plates are a good deal vs ordering tacos a la carte. We waited a bit for our food as they were made to order and several people ahead of us. Totally worth the wait the tacos are really big and you get plenty of protein. I feel their prices are fair and justified. I will be back to try their breakfast tacos and the oriental.

    Dining room and kitchen
    J S.

    This is the real deal Mexican street taco - pull a drape across the window and you'd think you were getting tacos at 5 am after a big night! Tacos Al pastor are on point and Taco Arabe is no joke. Pure indulgence Will come back over and over. WARNING: if you are the fussy type, dieting, or vegan - don't stop.

    So many bay leaves left in the Barbacoa
    Vivian N.

    40 minute wait for 6 tacos. The bag was so greasy it leaked through the foil, bag and onto my car. Had so many bay leaves in the Barbacoa taco. Not the greatest salsa I've had. 2 stars for the bay leaves and high price.

    Ericka S.

    Tio Trompo has been on my ever changing list of restaurants to try for quite some time, so it was great to try a taco plate from this business recently. A major aspect of the appeal is the Trompo itself, which has its roots in the migration of Lebanese immigrants to Mexico--with Tacos Árabes being an example of the cultural fusion. For my plate of three tacos with rice and beans, I chose Pastor, Oriental and a Beef Fajita taco. I thought the rice and beans were kind of bland and, frankly, there wasn't enough served with the dish. But the tacos, in my opinion, were all great. I'd say my favorite was actually the Oriental and my second favorite was the Pastor. Loved the salsa verde and the orange-reddish salsa roja, which is more spicy and tastes great. The Horchata Latte was delicious and a nice surprise. Service was really good. I look forward to returning and trying other items on the menu.

    Rex C.

    The owner Paola Martinez is absolutely delight! She is so nice and they are serving authentic amazing tacos! Food: the breakfast tacos are amazing! The fajita is good too. The special taco here is the orientale! Top notch. We will be back asap. All the tacos were amazing! Very fresh and made to order. I forgot to add the red sauce is one of my favorites. Reminds me of this spot I used to go to in NS called La frontera from like 20 years ago. The red and green sauces are top notch. I've had tacos all over Texas, the USA and Mexico and I must say these are some of the best I've ever had. A definite must try! The people that own the place are very nice people. I look forward to coming back asap! This is a must try. I will keep coming back weekly. Hidden gem

    Tio Trompo (inside)
    Justin A.

    I went to Tio Trompo in Houston after specifically looking for a spot that serves trompo tacos, which are cooked on a vertical rotating spit. According to their website, trompo tacos trace their roots back to Middle Eastern immigrants who settled in Puebla, Mexico after World War I, blending shawarma-style marinated pork with Mexican tortillas and salsas to create what many consider one of the most iconic Mexican dishes today. Tio Trompo has both indoor seating and an outdoor patio. I ordered takeout and brought the tacos home. [TACOS] +Taco Al Pastor (Red Pork Trompo Meat) for $4.00 - I ordered three tacos, all on corn tortillas, each served with two tortillas to prevent ripping. They come topped with onions and cilantro, along with lime and two salsas on the side. The meat was already cut from the trompo when ordered, not freshly cut straight into the tortillas. Each taco was individually wrapped in aluminum foil, which kept them warm, but it made them extremely oily and messy. These tacos are good, but I wish the salsa was spicier. I also wished they served pineapple on the side or on the trompo itself. Still, solid al pastor tacos overall. - 4/5 Overall, Tio Trompo delivers a good version of al pastor tacos and clearly understands the trompo tradition, even if it's not the pineapple-topped version I was hoping for. I'd come back, but with the hope of bolder salsa and a cleaner execution next time.

    Super Family Taco Kit - CHICKEN- (1LB)

    Food is good. But for the portion size and the money I think we should have got bigger potion of the sides. They all came in tiny containers and only 10 tortillas.

    Fajita Taco Pastor Taco
    Michelle T.

    Definitely up there for sit down taco places - super clean and nice. I'm usually a pastor girl but the fajita here is much better.

    Taco platter: Trompo and breakfast taco (egg potato and chorizo)
    Matthew T.

    Pretty good tacos for to fill up after a Saturday morning run. Nicely sized with great corn tortillas and complimentary sauces to get the day started! Service is quick and hospitable.

    Jason Z.

    Located inside the loop, Tio Trompo offers some solid Mexican street food. Parking is available in front , spaces are limited in a busy area. Service is minimal but good, thank you Mr. Elkins. Got some pastor and barbacoa tacos in corn tortillas; solid taste and portions, with the barbacoa meat being my pick out of the two. We also ordered queso and guac with chips; honestly this was the weakest portion of our meal and was below par. Stick with their tacos, they're solid for the area!

    Nhi T.

    I went on a Saturday afternoon and LOVED it. I got the 3 taco plate that comes with beans and rice. I opted for the pastor taco, the Samuel taco (fajita meat with grilled onions and jalapenos), and the mixeado (mix of both their trompo meats) taco. The pastor taco was tasty and the pork was tender. (6.5/10) The Samuel was definitely my favorite because of the charred flavor on the fajita meat and the onions/jalapenos. (7.5/10) The mixeado was also delicious and I really enjoyed the mix of meats. Both were super juicy. (7/10) They had red and green salsas and pickled onions on the side for toppings which were perfect to cut through the fattiness of the meat. The food came out quick and hot, and all the tacos were stuffed with meat. The service was also spectacular as they constantly checked on us and were quick to clean plates or ask us for water refills. The parking lot is quite small so I would recommend for smaller parties. Will definitely be back for the delicious food!

    Tacos

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1
    Photo of J S.
    2
    178
    113

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vivian N.
    73
    114
    37

    2 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

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    20 days ago

    Yummy! Large portions. A little wait time for to go orders but totally worth it. Support small business!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    I tried the burrito and a trompo taco, and both were absolutely delicious--packed with flavor and perfectly seasoned.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 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

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike W.
    8
    347
    7

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz E.
    0
    61
    14

    3 months ago

    Very delicious authentic Mexican foods my Torta was amazing and crunchy. Do recommend this place if you are Houston TX

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joon J.
    418
    133
    56

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Ricardo S.

    Ricardo S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Tio Trompo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tio Trompo

    You might also consider

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Barbacoa and Carnita Taco

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina

    4.2(289 reviews)
    2.2 miMidtown, Fourth Ward, Montrose
    $$

    This place was AWESOME!! I was in Houston visiting...and just found this place on Yelp…read more The service was great, the place beautiful, the flautas great, rice and beans were on point. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the place.

    We visited Madera's for the first time recently and overall had a great first impression. The…read moreserver was attentive when needed but didn't hover or rush us. For drinks, my husband and our friends tried some of the margaritas from their large and unique margaritas menu, as well as their hibiscus agua fresca. All of the drinks were very pretty and it seemed like everyone enjoyed them, too! We started with their chips and salsa trio, which we all really liked. The chips were on the thicker side, but were crispy and not stale or chewy at all. Each of the salsas were quite different, and two were served warm, which we really liked! For the price, I'd consider getting the chips and salsa as a non-negotiable, honestly. For entrees, we tried the enchilada rojas, chilaquiles verde w/ chicken and beef, birria barbacoa ramen, and huaraches. My husband felt like his ramen could have included more meat, but aside from that everyone really enjoyed what they ordered. The highlight was probably the desserts, though! We got a quatro leches and two ordered of their giant and amazing churros. Both were incredibly tasty and reason enough to return for another visit in the future!

    Photos
    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Right side entry

    Right side entry

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Rice & Beans

    Rice & Beans

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Chicken Enchiladas

    See all

    Chicken Enchiladas

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Queso + Beef

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

    3.9(887 reviews)
    2.8 miThe Heights
    $$

    Guys, you know I dont post a review unless a dish is a straight 10/10…read more The breakfast I just had warrants a 10/10 review at the Airline blvd location. I just had the Machacado con Huevo breakfast dish here and it was so incredibly good-So good! it was one of the best breakfasts Ive ever had. seriously.I will definitely be back for this breakfast. I recommend getting it with red and green sauce on the side and a side of tortillas ro make your own tacos with the eggs, salsa and refried beans. just wow! And that tamale needs its own menu. That tamale was amazing. I would get several orders of that soft white tamale by itself to go. And the service was a 10/10. They kept refilling my red and green sauce and kept checking up on me throughout. Ambience was great as always. Its a life changing dish. Thanks Teotihuacan for the great breakfast and great service! Yall deserve a well-earned review!

    I used to eat here 3X a week. Tonight reminded me why I no longer do.I was with a new friend ,so I…read moreonly took 1 photo. The "queso" w/carne seemed to be out of a can-it was orange & didn't have the consistency of real cheese- wasn't really cheese & was disgusting. It was $9.99. I am including a photo of the overcooked beef fajita. A senior citizen can get the all beef lunch fajita special for virtually the same price as the fajita combo here ALL DAY at Pappasitos. It definitely is enough for 2. The meat melts in your mouth. EVERYTHING is better quality than here. Teo charged $1.50 for perhaps 4 or 5 slices of lime to make the happy hour margaritas made with a gross mix drinkable. That's outrageous. It reminds me that I had stopped going long ago when they charged extra for onions on enchiladas. Come on. You don't charge extra for chopped onions! I have never been to another restaurant that does so. Some even provide carmelized grilled onions gratis. I'm convinced that a $15. YUMMY mango margarita at Pappasitos would have given us the same buzz & tasted better than 8 happy hour margaritas here. I used to love the in house made flour tortillas at Teo. Tonight they were tough & uneventful. We arrived on a week night when they were not busy. Neither of the salsas were as good as they used to be.The water pitcher didn't even have ice when they refilled the water. I have absolutely no desire to return. Why would I?

    Photos
    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe
    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Queso + Beef

    Queso + Beef

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Fajita Salad

    See all

    Fajita Salad

    Maximo - Tostada

    Maximo

    4.6(156 reviews)
    3.7 miWest University
    $$$

    An excellent dining experience. We had such a lovely dinner at Maximo on a rainy Friday night…read more Despite the weather, parking was easy with a small lot and plenty of street parking. The restaurant has an intimate indoor space and adjacent covered patio. Both were already full when we arrived which created a lively atmosphere. The inside was so tasteful - small but moody and warm! I'd definitely recommend a reservation for the weekends! We started with the aguachile de camaron as a starter and WOW my husband cannot stop talking about this dish. The perfect blend of textures and flavors - this will be a must for us every visit. We have had our eyes on the 5-course Chef Tasting Menu for $49 + the optional beverage pairing for $30. The experience felt more than fair for the price, especially by Houston standards. Each course felt thoughtful and slightly boundary-pushing, yet really approachable. My partner and I have been on a bit of a mole kick recently, so were very excited for the hanger steak with truffle mole. It absolutely delivered and would love to order this again! We were also heavily drawn to the tuna tartare starter, masa cornbread, and tres leches. The wine and drink parings were perfect and not too fruity. The brut rose was a perfect way to start and I always love a mezcal cocktail. I highly recommend anyone visiting to start with this Tasting Menu and leave the stress in the hands of Chef Adrian Torres! We had the pleasure of chatting with him briefly after our meal and were so impressed with his story and clear excitement he brings. The rest of the staff were equally kind and really added to the evening! Side note: We had the pleasure to attend Maximo's Cinco de Mayo block party and were so impressed by the community involvement bringing in local vendors and live music. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this restaurant for future tasting menus and events.

    Came to Maximo on a weekday around 5:30 and it was pretty quiet at first, but by the time we…read morefinished dinner the place had filled up a lot. It's definitely a smaller, cute neighborhood spot with a really fun vibe. The service was good. Our server was funny, attentive, and made the experience fun. We started with the "corn ribs" appetizer and WOW. Probably one of my favorite corn dishes I've had in a long time. So flavorful and addictive. We also got the "Tiradito de Hamachi" crudo, which was fresh and delicious! For the entree, my friend and I shared the tacos (which comes with your choice of 3). We added an extra taco to make it 4. I was genuinely shocked that the mushroom taco ended up being my favorite because I almost always prefer meat, but it was THAT good. The fried shrimp taco was also amazing. For dessert, we got the tres leches cake. I'm usually not a huge fan of strawberry or fruit toppings on desserts, but the cake itself was really, really good. I ended up just removing the strawberries and eating the cake, which was moist and flavorful. The only downside for me was the drinks. They looked larger than they actually were because of the glassware, and they tasted a little watered down. I had two, and they just weren't very strong or super flavorful. Other than that though, the food and service absolutely made up for it. Definitely a spot I'd come back to!

    Photos
    Maximo
    Maximo - Fish taco

    Fish taco

    Maximo - Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.

    See all

    Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.

    Ambriza - Street corn.

    Ambriza

    4.5(1.7k reviews)
    18.6 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Veteran-owned & operated

    Get the pork belly bites and their cocktails are delicious…read more If you're here on a Sunday for brunch and have a sweet tooth the French toast is unforgettable. No other French toast will come close. Their homemade sauces make more tantalizing. If you like salty spicy, get the jojo sauce. I don't think it's on the menu And to finish, personally I like cocktails but their fresh filled churros are super fun. And can't beat the fresh factor! Brandon is an excellent attentive server. He knows the menu in and out. He'll steer you right. It's a neighborhood gem

    We had a 70th & 60th birthday celebration at Ambriza's Vintage, and we were very impressed and…read moresatisfied with how beautiful and perfect everything turned out. Rodrigo & Araceli were amazing, ensuring everything was going smoothly and according to plan. Our servers Augusto and Christian, were very attentive, kind, and on point with our food and drinks. Food was exquisite and portions were generous, cooked to perfection. The churros with chocolate and the complimentary photos for the birthday girls was the cherry on top. Ambriza's management & staff truly know how to make their guests feel special. They went above and beyond, exceeding all of our expectations. Definitely having more celebrations here in the future! On behalf of me & my family, THANK YOU again for the excellent service and making this a memorable night!! Barbie Artiga

    Photos
    Ambriza
    Ambriza - TEQUILA Wall

    TEQUILA Wall

    Ambriza - Bar area

    See all

    Bar area

    Candente - Museum District - Beans and rice

    Candente - Museum District

    4.1(625 reviews)
    2.4 miMuseum District, Montrose
    $$

    A Cali girl-lala enjoying some Tex Mex…read more While in HTX I was able to meet up with a friend from college. He mentioned margaritas (not pictured) and food! So we met at Candente. Upon walking in the restaurant was clean it was pretty packed for a Wednesday night but the aroma of the food! OMG! Our server was really nice and patient because my friend and I talked for about 30 minutes before we finally ordered our food. He has the beef enchiladas with rice and black beans. He cleaned his plate...literally not a grain of rice in sight! I had the smoked chicken verde enchiladas and WOW! What an amazing dish. I consider myself a Mexican food connoisseur especially being from California. I have always said Tex Mex?.....eeeeyuck! But Candente has changed my tune! I will definitely be back to visit when I return!

    Glowing red. Burning. Candente…read more Let me start by saying that I'm not into Mexican food unless it's an auntie or grandma making it at their house. I prefer traditional homemade Mexican food but here we are. (Oh I googled and suggested this place lol) Went in for a team lunch on a Friday. Coworker's birthday lunch and she wanted Mexican. Party of 9 and we were seated promptly. They have a lunch menu and a happy hour as well as a full menu and full bar. The interior was nicely decorated. And open. There is bar seating and patio seating as well. Our waitress was Aisha and she was amazing. Friendly, helpful and patient. And able handle our large group and a few more tables with a smile. There were a variety of options. Salads, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, etc. Also complimentary chips and salsa. My Order: chicken tortilla soup, lunch fajitas combo - chicken and beef. Chicken tortilla soup (3.5/5) - it was a bit salty for me but I am not a salt person so most things are salty to me; everyone else said it was tasty, there were tons of shredded chicken, avocado pieces, tortilla strips Fajitas - combo (4/5) - chicken was seasoned well and the beef (medium rare) was perfection and so tender and juicy, mexican rice was fluffy, and normally I would pass on the beans and get extra rice but my coworker suggested the charro beans and wow, that was a win - the seasoning was great, there were chunks of meat and the texture was nice, the only thing that could have been done better is the flour tortillas - they over-charred them making them too crispy and left them with a burnt taste. A couple of people got the elote salad and raved about it. So that will be a next time try. Def will be back. Everyone enjoyed their meals and some even ordered food to go. Would recommend.

    Photos
    Candente - Museum District - Open Kitchen cooking on wood.

    Open Kitchen cooking on wood.

    Candente - Museum District - When in Rome

    When in Rome

    Candente - Museum District - Skinny margarita (large)

    See all

    Skinny margarita (large)

    Tio Trompo - mexican - Updated June 2026

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