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    Tio Trompo

    4.6 (235 reviews)
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    TIO TROMPO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Tio Trompo

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    Vibes
    Christine D.

    Taqueria near Memorial Park. They had regular tacos and breakfast tacos. Tacos were $4-$6 ish and I felt like they were a pretty decent size. Ordered: - Load Nachos (with Barbacoa) - Queso was yummy. Barbacoa meat works very well on the nachos. - Taco Al Pastor - Taco Oriental - Gringa - Favorite taco out of the ones we had. I feel like the cheese and avocado made a difference compared to the regular one. - Taco Samuel (Beef) - Horchata - yummy. Small cup was huge and it was only $3.50. We don't eat tacos a ton in Houston a lot but very satisfied with our meal. Definitely would reorder the nachos, gringa, and horchata again next time we go. I'm also interested in trying their breakfast tacos next time.

    Tacos
    Andrea K.

    Tacos we tried: - Pastor (5/5): amazing flavor and texture, not as greasy as the Barbacoa, would order multiples of this when I come back - Barbacoa taco (4/5): super flavorful and heavy, chunks of fat that can easily be removed if you don't like it. Melts in your mouth texture and overall solid but I probably could only eat 1 taco due to how "heavy" it is. - Fajita (3.5/5): tasted really good, however on the chewier side. *green and red sauces were not spicy so you can easily build up and control how spicy you want your food to be. Staff were friendly and helpful despite the constant line of people coming in, even during the mid-afternoon after peak lunchtime. The vibe is very down-to-earth and seating space is compact. Parking is limited but free right outside. Will be coming back for sure!

    Evelyn L.

    I was craving tacos and I found this place around the corner. I got the taco platter and my boyfriend got the fajita torta. I really enjoyed my plate but my bf thought the torta was kinda plain. The sauces that came with it were really good but spicy. I also ordered a small horchata which I loved! It's not as cheap as my regular taco shop but I think the food here was solid.

    Beef fajitas nachos
    Waverly H.

    I have to force myself not to stop every time I pass this place. It's so good and always worth it. Have the barbacoa tacos and definitely try the beef fajitas nachos (so much flavor). This place never dissapoints.

    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.

    Hands down my new favorite go to for tacos . The steak quesadillas are my favorite but everything is great. The beans are special. Be sure and thank owners who are giving back to Magnolia Grove---they recently donated a tree for our next planting

    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.

    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

    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.

    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.

    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)

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    Food was good for sure. Surprised they did not have ground meat. Service was prompt.

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    4 months ago

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

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    2 months ago

    Some of our favorite tacos. I always get the beef and they're very flavorful. We come here at least twice a month!

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    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Queso + Beef

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

    3.9(895 reviews)
    2.8 miThe Heights
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    When they say "everything is bigger in Texas," they weren't kidding. The size of the margarita was…read morebigger than my hand. If you want leftovers, this is your place to go. It was my first time trying out Tex mex style. It was so busy on a Saturday evening. The chips that were given to each table was incredibly warm and the sauces paired so well. I ordered the el manarco which is this giant piece of steak that was well charred, included this avacado and seafood grit sauce, rice + soup + gauconole/salsa. They gave me 4 giant house made tortillas which was also fresh and warm. This meal can be finished by two people. Definitely come here on an empty stomach and the portions are absolutely massive.

    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!

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    Maximo - Tostada

    Maximo

    4.6(173 reviews)
    3.7 miWest University
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    Maximo looks like someone invited the desert inside and poured it a drink. The room is colorful,…read morewarm, and genuinely inviting--pots of cactus, cowboy paintings, and Mexican art. At brunch, the papas bravas come as small cubes of fried potato with an airy crunch that gives way to a soft, pillowy center - the kind of deeply satisfying bite that makes conversation briefly irrelevant. Crisp prosciutto adds salt, aioli brings richness, and smoky chile sauce keeps it lively. They're served with cactus-handled toothpicks, which are almost offensively adorable. The chilaquiles divorciados are another hit. The chips are dressed with salsa rather than drowned beneath it, so each one arrives ready for the perfect bite. It's a small distinction, but an important one. Then there are the enfrijoladas: rolled quesadillas in fluffy tortillas, covered in creamy black bean sauce and plated with more care than bean and cheese might seem to warrant. The dish is fundamentally simple, but that's the point. Soft tortilla, savory beans, melted cheese, bright salsa. Familiar ingredients transformed into something deeply comforting--the culinary equivalent of curling up beneath a warm blanket on a cold morning, even if Houston rarely provides one. Dinner shifts into another gear. The crudos are sensational, especially the tuna tiradito - a rolling wave of flavor and texture. The tacos are excellent across the board, but the crispy maitake mushrooms are unmatched. The short ribs arrive juicy and tender on a mole negro that doesn't sit politely in the background. It lands dark, complex, and full of flavor. And then there's the masa cornbread, a masterpiece of unapologetic indulgence. Humble cornbread meets savory-sweet mole, smoky, earthy butter, and caviar. It sounds like too much. It isn't. Every element earns its place. The cocktails deserve their own warning. They're the kind that convince you to keep ordering the same drink all night. By the end, you may have forgotten what was in it. What you'll remember is that it was refreshing, perfectly balanced, and exactly what you needed. Maximo makes ambitious food feel generous rather than fussy. Come hungry.

    I came here to celebrate my friend's birthday, and I'm so happy I finally got to try this…read moreestablishment! I would definitely recommend making a reservation, as it can get pretty busy, especially during Saturday lunch. There is also plenty of parking available across the street. The interior of the restaurant was beautiful and felt so authentic to Mexican culture. Our server, Kylah, was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and so kind throughout our entire dining experience. Now onto the food; everything was absolutely delicious. The Avocado Mollete and Chilaquiles Divorciados were both packed with so much flavor. Every bite was amazing. I had heard that the pancakes were the star of the show, and they definitely lived up to the hype. I have never had pancakes this crispy before, and they were so good! Our server also brought out a birthday surprise, the Chocolate Cremoso, and it was delicious! It was such a sweet touch to the celebration. Honestly, everything my party ordered was so flavorful and delicious. We had such a great experience, and I genuinely cannot wait to come back!

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    Dona Leti's - Mini fajita steak street tacos

    Dona Leti's

    4.0(674 reviews)
    1.5 miThe Heights
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    Dona Leti's is truly one of Houston's absolute gems, and it will ALWAYS be my go-to! From the owner…read moreto every single member of the staff, the hospitality is unmatched. You are not simply served here--you are welcomed, appreciated, and treated like family. Three weeks ago, I was actually headed here wanting to celebrate, but life changed in an instant with the passing of my dad. Today, I finally made it back, and what a beautiful full-circle moment it was. One of the greatest gifts was being able to see Julio, the owner, celebrating his own special day. That made the experience even more meaningful. The food is consistently AMAZING, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service goes above and beyond every single time. You can feel the love, pride, and genuine care that has been poured into this establishment. I love EVERYTHING about Dona Leti's--the food, the people, the energy, the hospitality, and the way they make every visit feel special. Five stars simply aren't enough. If you're looking for incredible food and an experience that feels like home, Dona Leti's is the place. Forever a customer and forever recommending this Houston favorite!

    I had an extremely disappointing experience here yesterday--unfortunately, we never even made it to…read moredinner. The experience started poorly with the valet attendants, whom we found to be rude, dismissive, and very unprofessional. It was such an unpleasant first impression that my wife and I mentioned it to the hostess when we went inside. Unfortunately, things did not improve. The hostess seemed completely unconcerned about our experience and simply informed us that the wait for a table was approximately two hours. While deciding whether our party should wait or go elsewhere, I went to the bar to order a drink. After ordering, the bartender told me that if I was only having a drink, I needed to move. Apparently, sitting at the bar required ordering a meal. At that point, we had experienced enough. Between the unpleasant valet experience, the indifferent response at the hostess stand, the two-hour wait, and then being told I couldn't sit at the bar simply to have a drink while we decided what to do, the overall message was clear: we did not feel welcome here. My wife, the rest of our party, and I decided to leave and have dinner elsewhere. A busy restaurant is understandable. A long wait is understandable. What is much harder to understand is making prospective customers feel unwelcome at nearly every point of contact. Needless to say, this was an exceptionally disappointing experience, and we will not be returning.

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    Candente - Museum District - Beans and rice

    Candente - Museum District

    4.1(641 reviews)
    2.4 miMuseum District, Montrose
    $$

    What better way to kick off a Texas trip than getting some highly-regarded tex-mex! Some coworkers…read morerecommended this spot to me so I had to try! It's in the Museum District/Montrose area, so pretty accessible and with plenty of parking. We got seated immediately, and there was a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating, the latter of which was great even on a humid day. The menu was pretty extensive with your Tex-Mex classics like fajitas and enchiladas, with a special for every day of the week. This time was a free upgrade to a large fajita, so I went with the chicken fajitas! It came out after about 20 minutes with all of the fixings and this very yummy buttery sauce. I haven't had too many fajitas, but I'm pretty confident this is a top spot!

    Ambiance: The restaurant is huge and there is tons of seating. The service was also decent. There…read moreis a wide selection of food on the menu as well. Queso: The queso was pretty good! I saw the social media videos of them using real blocked cheese. It was good if you like white cheese queso. There was some tomatoes in there and you can add any meat. The chips were also good they weren't too greasy. Chicken/beef fajitas: This is such a classic dish! The onions on there were really good and had a slight smoky flavor. The beef was good as well and it was cooked to like a medium rare. The chicken was okay it lacked depth.

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