The Best Mexican Food in The Woodlands – [current_date format=’F Y’] | TWTX.co | The Woodlands Restaurant Reviews
Are you looking for the best Mexican food or Tex-Mex in the Woodlands? We’ve assembled a guide to the restaurants that serve the best we’ve found in the Woodlands area.
Our criteria is simple: Who makes the most delicious food? Our guide is based around the Woodlands, but we’ll venture outside the immediate area if the food is worth the drive… and we found some that is.
In each section, restaurants are listed in alphabetical order; they are not ranked within the section.
( Updated September 2022. Originally published in 2017.)
The Best
Cali-Mex Cuisine in a festive spot on Waterway Square
Baja Cantina
? — Notable in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
? Recommended Tacos
Baja is the region of Mexico south of California, and Baja Cantina brings California’s spin on Mexican food to the Woodlands. A talented team has come together to bring this lighter take on Mexican cuisine to the business types who congregate at lunch, families at dinner, and the millennial party crowd on weekends. We think all groups will enjoy such specialities as the spectacular tuna soft taco, the huge nacho tower, and the unique pork belly and mint salad. Cocktail program looks promising; their margarita was smooth and flavorful, with unique herbal accents that aren’t usually found ’round these parts. House made aqua frescas will keep the designated driver delighted. Just don’t come looking for Tex-Mex; Baja Cantina is a whole different state of Mexican food.
Baja is the region of Mexico south of California, and Baja Cantina brings California’s spin on Mexican food to the Woodlands. A talented team has come together to bring this lighter take on Mexican cuisine to the business types who congregate at lunch, families at dinner, and the millennial party crowd on weekends. We think all groups will enjoy such specialities as the spectacular tuna soft taco, the huge nacho tower, and the unique pork belly and mint salad. Cocktail program looks promising; their margarita was smooth and flavorful, with unique herbal accents that aren’t usually found ’round these parts. House made aqua frescas will keep the designated driver delighted. Just don’t come looking for Tex-Mex; Baja Cantina is a whole different state of Mexican food.
$$ | Brunch, Mexican, and Tacos
Full Bar, Happy Hour, Outdoor Dining, and Scenic View
24 Waterway Ave Suite 160 | The Woodlands 77380
Waterway Square
832-432-2252 |
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Authentic Mexican and outstanding Tex-Mex in a sleek, sophisticated setting
Baja Sur Fresh Mex
?? — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
Tex-Mex restaurants are in no short supply in the Woodlands, we’re happy to report that Baja Sur brings something different. Chef Coco (who is also the restaurant’s General Manager) reaches beyond typical Tex-Mex, and brings a sophisticated palate and an eye for detail to the kitchen. We were impressed with the results. From the soulfully spicy table salsa (complimentary, of course) to the excellent Aguachile Ceviche to the outstanding Mexican Flag Enchiladas, our expectations were easily exceeded by Chef Coco’s talented kitchen. Both the Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes impressed. Bar service didn’t disappoint; this is a true craft cocktail bar, with plenty of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating in a sleek, sophisticated setting. A very polished concept, locally owned and operated.
Read our full review >
$$ and $$$ | Mexican
Full Bar, Happy Hour, HRW2021, HRW2022, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, and Upscale
26435 Kuykendahl Rd. Suite #900 | Tomball 77375
832-761-5199 |
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Full Info
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Quality Tex-Mex and outstanding margaritas
Casa Medina
? — Notable in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
Solid Tex-Mex entrees and big margaritas are the main attraction at this family-owned Tex-Mex spot. Owner Adan Medina and his family differentiate their place with delicious flavored margaritas; we’re partial to the Avocado Margarita, which is smooth and delicious. Service is prompt and professional in both the big dining room and the cozy bar.
$$ | Mexican
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, and Happy Hour
28777 I-45 | Spring 77381
281-298-9866 |
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Upscale Tex-Mex from the iconic Houston family
Goode Co Kitchen & Cantina
? — Notable in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
Top notch fajitas and seafood, solid margaritas, and cold beer are the draws at this Houston-area transplant. The food is more Tex-Mex than Mexican, but big plates and well executed food rarely disappoint. Beautiful upscale setting, great service, and a professional staff draw the regulars back for more, eye-opening prices can surprise newcomers.
$$$ | Mexican
Happy Hour and Outdoor Dining
8865 Six Pines Dr Ste 150 | Shenandoah 77380
281-826-5150 |
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Creative Mexican food and Tex-Mex favorites
Julio’s Mexican Grill – Magnolia
? — Notable in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
? Best Tacos
The original location of this growing restaurant empire (Julio’s Sawdust, Red Flame) is still packing ’em in. They’re drawn in by the impressive Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, which goes beyond the typical fajitas (although Julio’s are outstanding) to superb creations like the El Sabroso (lightly breaded chicken breast covered in a shrimp/poblano cream sauce). The menu is strong from top to bottom – street tacos are a don’t miss, and their al pastor may be the best on Houston’s north side. Service is friendly and professional.
$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Outdoor Dining
33418 Egypt Ln #2759 | Magnolia 77354
281-259-4522 |
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Creative Mexican food and Tex-Mex favorites
Julio’s Mexican Grill – Sawdust
? — Notable in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
? Best Tacos
The best Mexican restaurant in Magnolia has opened a second location on Sawdust road, and savvy locals are already converging. They’re drawn in by the impressive Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, which goes beyond the typical fajitas (although Julio’s are outstanding) to superb creations like the El Sabroso (lightly breaded chicken breast covered in a shrimp/poblano cream sauce). The menu is strong from top to bottom – street tacos are a don’t miss, and their al pastor may be the best on Houston’s north side. Service is friendly and professional.
$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, Good Desserts, and Happy Hour
544 Sawdust Road | The Woodlands 77380
(by PetCo)
281-419-5441 |
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Superb Tex-Mex in an unassuming strip center
Rita’s Cantina
?? — Among the best restaurants in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
When WAF member Bob Frasier dines at the same restaurant several times a week, it’s worth investigating. And we’re glad we did. Rita’s Cantina, located in a nondescript strip center off Hwy 249, is a restaurant we’d have driven by without noticing. But now we’re in on the secret.
Inside Rita’s is some of the best Mexican food in the Houston area. From beautifully composed combination plates to the sizzling fajitas, Rita’s food is several steps above the typical Mexican restaurant in the area. Both flavors and presentation are superb; chef Javier Gonzalez is one of the most talented in the city. His wife Judy oversees the comfortable dining room, filled with regulars who are in the know.
Read our full review >
$$ | Mexican
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, and Happy Hour
32015 TX-249 | Pinehurst 77362
(About 10 minutes from Woodlands Pkwy and 2978)
346-248-5097 |
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Authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy Alden Bridge corner
Uli’s Kitchen
? — Notable in the Woodlands area.
? Best Mexican
? Recommended Tacos
Uli’s Kitchen brings authentic Mexican cuisine to the residents of Alden Bridge. This cozy neighborhood spot features an interesting menu that offers both upscale versions of Mexican tacos, as well as pricier plated entrees. Menu looks promising, but the tacos we ordered were a mixed bag; Birria Tacos were beautifully presented but flavor was very mild; the signature Uli’s Tacos were bursting with medium rare ribeye, chicharron and veggies. We’ll give ’em another try soon. Friendly service, comfortable neighborhood setting. Full bar.
$$$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business and Full Bar
8021 Research Forest Dr suite a | The Woodlands 77382
281-323-4853 |
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Recommended
Alicia’s Mexican Grille
? Recommended Mexican
Tex-Mex with a strong Texas accent is on the menu at Alicia’s, the Houston-based group’s Mexican concept. Our go-to is the Cowboy Steak; certified angus outside skirt toped with chipotle shrimp and served with two cheese enchiladas. Grilled meats and seafood are a strength, and moderate prices combined with a comfortable environment provide a very good value to hungry families. Happy hour is hopping; the bar turns out memorable margaritas.
Info and Photos >>
$$ | Mexican
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Private Room
20920 Kuykendahl Rd | Spring 77379
281-350-8383 |
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Outstanding tacos from a local truck
Antojitos Junior Taco Truck
? Recommended Mexican
? Recommended Tacos
The Woodlands area has a great taco truck located in the parking lot of the HEB on Sawdust. Antojitos Junior serves a variety of Mexican and Honduran specialties; the family that runs it is Honduran. We sampled several different tacos. Skip the trendy birria and go straight to the classics; we were very impressed by the Tacos de Pastor (seasoned and marinated pork, with onion and cilantro) and the Tacos de Carne de Res (marinated beef with onion and cilantro). It’s a taco truck, so no seating. Cash only.
Info and Photos >>
$ and $$ | Mexican
Family-Run Small Business and Food Trucks
130 Sawdust Road | The Woodlands 77380
(In Sawdust HEB parking lot)
281-203-7787 |
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Consistently well prepared Tex-Mex in a family-friendly environment
Gringo’s Woodlands
? Recommended Mexican
Families flock to Gringo’s to enjoy well prepared, well-priced Tex-Mex cuisine in a comfortable, family-friendly environment. Tex-Mex standards are solid choices; we’re fans of their crispy tacos and their cheese enchiladas. This local restaurant group has grown from a single location to 13 based on a simple formula: Good food, good service, and good value. We think it hits the sweet spot; not as pricey as the high end places (I’m lookin’ at you, Pappasito’s and El Tiempo) while still providing the food and service that makes picky patrons happy.
Info and Photos >>
$$ | Mexican
30420 FM 2978 Rd | The Woodlands 77354
281-789-4543 |
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| Order Online
Great Tacos and Mexican dishes from a hidden gem
La Cocina de Roberto
? — Notable in the Woodlands area.
? Best Tacos
? Recommended Mexican
A hidden gem at the far west end of Sawdust (and now with a second location on I-45 just south of Woodlands Parkway), La Cocina de Roberto began as a cozy little taqueria, serving the Timber Ridge neighborhood. But the savvy owners have added more full-fledged entrees to the menu, making it one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the Woodlands. Tacos are still delicious: Carne asada and camerón are the standouts. Don’t miss the bargain faijta / shrimp combo, or the excellent chicken enchiladas.
Alcohol is BYOB – bring your own liquor, and Roberto will provide setups. You can’t beat a bargain margarita made with premium tequila.
Info and Photos >>
$ and $$ | Mexican and Tacos
Catering and Family-Run Small Business
26817 Interstate 45 N | The Woodlands 77380
832-813-8030 |
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Serious tacos in an unpretentious spot in Conroe
La Palma Taqueria
? Best Tacos
? Recommended Mexican
La Palma has been a hidden destination for Woodlands foodies for years. In this nondescript little building are made some of the best traditional tacos you’ll find around these parts. We are draw to the al pastor, but we’ve not had a bad taco here. Late hours make this the perfect retreat when the chains are all closed; don’t let the slightly sketchy neighborhood scare you off from some amazing tacos. And don’t pass up the grilled onions on the hot plate.
Info and Photos >>
$ | Mexican and Tacos
Family-Run Small Business and Late Night
309 W Avenue G, Conroe | Conroe 77301
936-539-6792 |
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Affordable Tex-Mex from a local chain
Mama Juanita’s
? Recommended Mexican
Mama Juanita’s is a Conroe-based chain of Tex-Mex restaurants that offers some of the best values in town. From the wide variety of enchiladas to the plentiful seafood options to the traditional combo plates, there’s something here to please anyone. Happy hour offers great drink specials; service is friendly. The space is simply decorated and clean, and filled with patrons enjoying the very good food with family and friends.
Info and Photos >>
$ and $$ | Mexican
Happy Hour
8000 Hwy 242 #110 | The Woodlands 77385
(just east of I-45)
936-273-3220 |
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Classic Tex-Mex in a warm, family-friendly setting
Natalita’s #2
? Recommended Mexican
Natalita’s brings traditional Tex Mex to a comfortable strip center on Sawdust road. This family-run spot has solid versions of all of your Tex-Mex favorites, including two tasty table salsas that appear with the complimentary chips. Lunch menu is well priced; lots of good options under $10. In a market full of Mexican restaurants, Natalita’s #2 is a solid choice for families wanting a good meal in a relaxing setting.
Info and Photos >>
$ and $$ | Mexican
Family-Run Small Business, Full Bar, and Happy Hour
387 Sawdust Rd | Spring 77380
In the Woodwinds Center
281-298-8195 |
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| Order Online
Upscale Tex-Mex from the popular Houston chain
Pappasito’s Cantina
? Recommended Mexican
Houstonians love Pappas restaurants, and Pappasitos is perhaps their most popular brand. Huge margaritas, well executed Tex-Mex classics, large portions, and great service are hallmarks of this busy local chain. Prices can be a bit surprising to those who frequent small Tex-Mex joints, but regulars say that the quality, quantity, and experience make it well worth it. Insiders know about half-price fajita Wednesday, a great bargain.
Info and Photos >>
$$$ | Mexican
Full Bar, Happy Hour, and Upscale
18101 I-45 South | Shenandoah 77385
936-271-9777 |
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Website