5 Mexican Restaurants in Texas You Must Try

Nine times out of ten, when you're craving Mexican food, Texas is the first state that comes to mind. Whether it's tacos al pastor topped with pineapple and jicama, guacamole with onion, or salsa made from ghost chili peppers - it's a staple in Texas culture. And yet Texan cuisine is far from monolithic. In fact, there are many excellent Mexican restaurants in the Lone Star State that would make the average foodie's mouth water.

1. Ventura's Tamales

Ventura's Tamales is the top Mexican grill in Victoria, TX. The restaurant is famous for serving homemade Mexican and Tex-Mex classics that your taste buds will love. For lovers of authentic margaritas, Ventura's Tamales is popular for serving margaritas and other specialty drinks at their bar.

Customers are treated like family at Ventura's Tamales, and filling dinner is like medication for the soul. Since 1985,r Ventura's has provided Tex-Mex cuisine in Victoria. Six out of the last seven years, the Victoria Advocate readers chose this restaurant as having the best Mexican food in the region.

2. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation restaurant, is known for its steak tacos and tortillas made from fresh-pressed corn. Publications such as New York Times, Houston Chronicle, Bravo, Houston Press, and many more have featured The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, thanks to its amazing Mexican cuisine. At the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, Mexican food is done correctly with traditional dishes like tamales and fajitas combined with more adventurous fare like the grilled octopus salad.

3. Avila’s, Dallas, TX

Avila's features authentic Mexican specialties in a strip mall on the northeast side of Dallas. The restaurant is known for its carbonara sauce and great steak tacos. It's a family-owned establishment that has been in business for more than 30 years. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with complimentary chips and salsa at the table. The restaurant boosts for being a favorite destination for Guy Fieri, and it has been highlighted in several publications.

4. La Fonda on Main

La Fonda on Main is known for its famous margaritas, signature dishes like Mexican hamburgers, and classic plates like chicken enchiladas. The restaurant's walls are decorated with old photographs of South Texas, an homage to the South Texas ranching lifestyle. The restaurant is located in a historic building formerly used as a livery in El Mercado Plaza, one of San Antonio's oldest neighborhoods. La Fonda serves a wide selection of Mexican favorites, including eight varieties of enchiladas. The restaurant provides banquet facilities for parties and special events.

5. El Tejavan

Like most Tex-Mex restaurants, El Tejavan serves tacos, enchiladas and other traditional items such as fajitas and quesadillas. But it's known for its distinctive recipes and fiery salsa. The restaurant has been featured in publications across Texas. El Tejavan in Amarillo is also known for its amazing taco al pastor.

Al pastor is the name given to tacos stuffed with meat and roasted in the shawarma-style vertical rotisserie.

Conclusion

Mexican food is a great form of food in all its varieties. Mexican food is a way of life, and it goes hand in hand with every form of culture. The significance of Mexican cuisine lies in its broad ethnic diversity and the influence of Mexico's indigenous cultures, which include diverse regional and traditional dishes, such as tamales, mole sauce, moles, or guacamole.

Each of the five restaurants has its unique personality, but they all share a commitment to serving high-quality dishes. Mexican food from these local favorites will satisfy any craving for fajitas or enchiladas. It's comforting to know that some of the best Mexican food in Texas can be found at affordable prices in strip malls, side streets, and historic buildings.