“Upscale” Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston
Tex-Mex is a Houston staple. There’s your hole in the wall, comfort food choices, but if you want to elevate your date night, upscale Tex-Mex restaurants have increased over time. This list is for when you want Tex-Mex, but fancy. We’re talking sit-down spots with real ambiance, variety of cocktails, and some fusion. A place you could take a date, your boss, or your out-of-town foodie friend if you want to spend more than the usual.
🌮 El Tiempo Cantina
📍 Multiple locations – my go-to: 2814 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
💰 Around $30 per person
If you haven’t had El Tiempo’s fajitas yet, are you even from Houston? This place is a full-on Tex-Mex institution. El Tiempo was my first Tex-Mex, and not only did the flavor surprise me but the serving size is huge. They’re all about flavors, smoky meats, and massive portions, and their frozen margaritas are not messing around. One giant margarita is enough for the night. Fajitas and Pork carnitas quesadillas are my personal faves.
The outside seems so simple and quiet, but once you get inside, the vibe is loud in the best way. Make sure you come in early or call if they take reservations because their bar gets full too.
What to Order:
Filet Mignon Fajitas (tender, smoky, next level)
Jumbo Crab Queso (rich and indulgent)
Queso Flameado with Brisket (melty, meaty, perfection)
Mango-Habanero Margarita (dangerously drinkable)
🖥 Website: www.eltiempocantina.com
📃 Menu: www.eltiempocantina.com/menus/
🕒 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, 3–6:30 PM. Great deals on margs and apps.
🌮 Hugo’s
📍 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
💰 ~$35–$45 per person
Okay, technically Hugo’s isn’t Tex-Mex—it’s regional Mexican. But trust me, it belongs on this list. Chef Hugo Ortega (local legend, James Beard winner, all-around culinary genius) built a menu full of deep, soulful Mexican flavors that put most “upscale” spots to shame. The building’s gorgeous too if you want some Instagram-worthy spots
What to Order:
Duck Carnitas (crispy edges, tender center)
Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted Yucatán pork magic)
Ceviche de Callo (refreshing scallop ceviche)
Hugo Rita (not your average marg)
🖥 Website: www.hugosrestaurant.net
📃 Menu: www.hugosrestaurant.net/menus/
🕒 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM
🌮 The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
📍 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
💰 ~$30–$35 per person
Fajitas for days. Mama Ninfa opened this spot in the ‘70s and changed the Tex-Mex game forever. While the name has spread citywide, the Navigation location is the OG, and it’s still the best one. The place got a glow-up a few years back, so now it’s all string lights and exposed brick—but still has that old-school warmth. Their meats have the perfect char, the tortillas are fresh, and campechana is so underrated but we’re not gate-keeping here!
What to Order:
Mesquite-Grilled Fajitas
Queso Flameado
Lump Crab Campechana (Tex-Mex meets Gulf Coast)
Mezcal Old Fashioned (smoky and smooth)
🖥 Website: www.ninfas.com
📃 Menu: www.ninfas.com/menus/
🕒 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM.
🌮 Picos
📍 3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
💰 ~$40 per person
Picos is kind of the grown-up in the group. It’s got white tablecloths, a tequila list that’ll make you pause, and a menu that covers seven regions of Mexico. You can get duck tamales in mole negro, then chase it with a tamarind margarita and feel very “I have my life together.”
It’s elevated without being pretentious, and still has that bold, comforting Tex-Mex edge. It’s still a little but under the radar but well-loved by locals.
What to Order:
Duck Tamales with Mole
Lobster Enchiladas (a little extra, in the best way)
Tableside Guacamole
Margarita Flight (because why choose?)
🖥 Website: www.picos.net
📃 Menu: www.picos.net/menu/
🕒 Happy Hour: Tues–Fri, 3–6 PM.
🌮 State of Grace
📍 3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
💰 ~$45–$50 per person
If you like elevated takes on tacos, queso, and Gulf seafood, State of Grace needs to be on your radar. It’s fancy, yes… The dining room feels like a luxe lodge with candlelight and leather booths, and the menu blends all flavors of the South, Mexican, and Gulf Coast.
What to Order:
Crispy Shrimp Tacos
Queso with Chicharrones
Roasted Oysters
Whatever margarita is seasonal—they’re always on point
🖥 Website: www.stateofgracetx.com
📃 Menu: www.stateofgracetx.com/menu/
🕒 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, 4–6 PM.
🌮 Candente
📍 4306 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
💰 ~$30–$40 per person
Candente is what happens when a BBQ joint decides to do Tex-Mex—and does it really well. It’s the sister restaurant to The Pit Room, so the smoked meats are the star of the show. Craving for brisket fajitas, queso with picadillo, and cocktails that hit a little harder than you expect? Go here.
What to Order:
Smoked Brisket Fajitas
Queso Blanco with Picadillo
Choriqueso Fundido
Frozen Margarita Flight (why not?)
🖥 Website: www.candentehouston.com
📃 Menu: www.candentehouston.com/menu/
🕒 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri, 3–6 PM.
Other Places to Consider
If you're still hungry (or just love a good deep cut), here are a few other elevated picks worth checking out:
Urbe – Street food vibes in a stylish setting. (www.urbegastrobar.com)
Caracol – Upscale coastal Mexican near the Galleria. (www.caracol.net)
La Fisheria – Seafood-forward, colorful, and fun. (www.lafisheriahouston.com)
Ambriza – Trendy modern Mexican with killer cocktails. (www.ambriza.com)
Final Thoughts
Tex-Mex in Houston isn’t just food. It’s a love language, and always usually the top choice when you run out of dining options around. And when you want to treat yourself, impress someone, or just try something new, these restaurants will save you!
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