Best Upscale Tacos in Houston | Top 1 Upscale Spots

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in Houston | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Mornings Kolaches — American · rated 5/5: The scent of freshly baked yeast and rich, gourmet coffee beckons from the doorway of this morning sanctuary, where golden, pillowy dough is transformed into a kaleidoscope of sweet and savory treasures. Guests can savor the comforting warmth of kolaches bursting with savory sausage or vibrant fruit preserves, alongside decadent cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfast tacos that turn the first meal of the day into a soulful celebration. Each bite captures the essence of artisanal baking, offering a soft, buttery embrace that lingers long after the last sip of coffee.
• Ojos Locos Sports Cantina — Mexican · rated 4/5: This high-octane sports cantina pulses with the electric energy of the crowd, offering a vibrant escape where the thrill of the game is matched by the bold, zesty flavors on the plate. Guests gather over overflowing platters of citrus-cured ceviche and spicy green aguachile, balancing the refreshing heat with indulgent chipotle queso and golden-fried jalapeños for a spirited dining experience that celebrates both sport and spice.
• Trash Panda Drinking Club — American · rated 4/5: This high-octane social hub pulses with a rebellious energy, where neon-lit interiors and flowing mimosa carafes set the stage for a bold, flavor-forward brunch party. The kitchen turns out irreverent, Mexican-inspired comfort food like the "Chila-dilla" and masa pancakes, blending playful creativity with a laid-back atmosphere that invites guests to linger over every spicy, savory bite.
• Nobi Public House — Vietnamese · rated 4/5: This lively neighborhood hub blends the communal energy of a classic public house with the vibrant, aromatic soul of Vietnamese-inspired comfort food. Steam rises from fragrant bowls of Sunday pho while the kitchen turns out golden, crispy egg rolls and savory pork-topped fries designed for sharing over cold craft beers. Whether you are tucking into zesty fusion tacos or savoring a tender, seared pork chop, the atmosphere invites you to linger in a space where bold, cross-cultural flavors take center stage.
• Bohemeo's — Mexican · rated 4/5: This eclectic neighborhood gem pulses with a bohemian spirit, offering a sun-drenched escape where vibrant art and the sizzle of the grill create an inviting, laid-back sanctuary. Zesty Baja tacos and golden, cheese-laden quesadillas arrive bursting with coastal flavors, while crisp, nutrient-rich salads and house-made salsas provide a refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent crunch of loaded nachos.
• Juanita's Mexican Restaurant — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air at Juanita’s hums with the irresistible sizzle of seasoned meats and the enticing aroma of roasting peppers, drawing guests into a vibrant space where authentic flavors take center stage. From the bold, spicy kick of fajita-stuffed jalapeños to the velvety comfort of enchiladas smothered in zesty salsa verde, each dish celebrates the rich, soulful traditions of the Mexican kitchen. It is a lively neighborhood retreat where generous platters and golden, melted cheese create a festive atmosphere perfect for lingering over a spirited meal.
• Pappasito's — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant destination hums with energy as the scent of smoky arbol ribs and hand-wrapped pork tamales drifts through a dining room designed for festive gatherings. From the bright, zesty crunch of snapper ceviche to the indulgent pull of bubbling queso fundido, every dish captures a spirited celebration of bold flavors and communal warmth.
• Hee Haw's Tacos and Tequila — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant destination pulses with energy, where the smoky aroma of sizzling fajitas mingles with the bright, citrusy notes of premium tequilas. Guests can dive into tender, slow-simmered birria or fresh redfish and blackened shrimp, while towering plates of nachos offer a crunchy, cheese-laden indulgence perfect for a spirited night out.
• La Sultana Panaderia y Pupuseria — Mexican · rated 3/5: Step into a vibrant, flour-dusted sanctuary where the rhythmic patting of handmade dough and the savory aroma of toasted corn create an atmosphere of pure comfort. Golden, griddle-kissed pupusas arrive steaming to the table, their molten centers bursting with everything from earthy loroco and sharp jalapeño to sweet pumpkin and savory garlic. This bustling panaderia captures the heart of traditional Salvadoran soul food, offering a warm retreat where every bite feels like a home-cooked embrace.
• El Kiche Mexican Grill — Mexican · rated 3/5: El Kiche Mexican Grill invites guests into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling fajitas and bubbling skillets of queso flameado. The table becomes a colorful mosaic of shared plates, from crisp, loaded nachos and creamy hand-mashed guacamole to the bright, citrusy zing of a classic shrimp cocktail. Whether warming up with a soul-soothing bowl of tortilla soup or gathering for a festive feast, every meal feels like a spirited celebration of bold, traditional flavors.
• Iguanas Ranas Cantina — Mexican · rated 3/5: Iguanas Ranas Cantina pulses with a festive, high-energy spirit where the air is thick with the aroma of melted cheese and sizzling spices. Guests gather around overflowing platters of towering nachos and crispy, bacon-wrapped shrimp, diving into a world of bold Tex-Mex flavors and indulgent shared plates. It is a lively social hub where the vibrant atmosphere and zesty, hand-crafted appetizers turn every casual meal into a spirited celebration.
• Dripped Birria — Mexican · rated 3/5: The air at Dripped Birria is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered beef and toasted spices, drawing diners into a space where street-food comfort is elevated to an indulgent art form. Golden, cheese-crusted tortillas are served alongside steaming bowls of mahogany-hued consomé for dipping, while creative fusions like loaded fries and birria ramen provide a bold, modern twist on traditional flavors. It is a vibrant destination where every bite is a messy, soulful celebration of texture and heat, designed for those who crave a deeply satisfying and flavor-drenched experience.
• El Refu Tex - Mex — Mexican · rated 3/5: This lively neighborhood haunt pulses with the festive energy of a true Tex-Mex celebration, where tables are quickly crowded with bubbling bowls of queso flameado and vibrant mounds of fresh guacamole. Guests dive into hearty plates of enchiladas draped in tangy salsa verde or smoky carbon-grilled beef, creating a soulful dining experience that balances bold, zesty heat with the comforting embrace of melted cheese.
• Ruthie's Tex-Mex — Mexican · rated 3/5: Ruthie's Tex-Mex pulses with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood fiesta, where the air is thick with the savory scent of charred meats and warm, hand-pressed tortillas. Guests gather over sizzling platters of beef fajita street tacos and smoky tacos al carbon, each bite a celebration of bold spices and tender, flame-kissed proteins. From the crisp, layered textures of the Chalupa Ana to the bright, coastal zest of fresh fish tacos, the kitchen delivers a soulful journey through the heart of Texas-Mexican tradition.
• The Taco Stand — Mexican · rated 3/5: The morning air at this bustling neighborhood haunt is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling chorizo and crisping bacon, drawing in early risers with the promise of a hearty, hand-held feast. Inside, fluffy scrambled eggs and golden potatoes are tucked into warm, pillowy tortillas, creating a comforting symphony of flavors that turns a simple breakfast into a soul-warming daily ritual.
• La Calle Tacos — Mexican: La Calle Tacos captures the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican thoroughfare, where the air is thick with the savory steam of slow-simmered birria and the zesty aroma of signature salsas. Guests can dive into crunchy chilaquiles drenched in rich sauces or savor hearty, overstuffed tortas that celebrate the soulful, sun-drenched flavors of authentic street-side comfort.
• Tacodeli — Mexican: This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with morning energy, drawing guests in with the savory aroma of sizzling sirloin and spiced chorizo hitting the grill. Hand-pressed tortillas serve as the canvas for chef-driven creations, from the creamy, bean-and-bacon-rich Otto to the golden, egg-filled Jess Special and the melty Frontera Fundido. It is a sun-drenched space where the simple breakfast taco is elevated into a gourmet experience, blending fresh ingredients and bold textures for a perfect start to the day.
• Casa Dominguez — Mexican: Casa Dominguez is a vibrant haven where the sizzle of cast-iron skillets and the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese create an atmosphere of festive warmth. The kitchen transforms simple ingredients into decadent, shareable feasts, from golden mounds of nachos piled high with savory meats and cool guacamole to molten bowls of queso flameado that stretch with every bite. It is a place where every meal feels like a celebration, inviting guests to linger over plates of crispy quesadillas in a space that feels like a welcoming home away from home.
• La Mexicana — Mexican: La Mexicana hums with the vibrant energy of a traditional kitchen, where the comforting aroma of toasted corn and simmering tomatillos invites guests to linger over authentic, soul-warming fare. Golden chilaquiles verdes and tender chicken bathed in velvety poblano cream take center stage, elevated by the pillowy softness of flour tortillas pressed by hand and served steaming hot. Whether starting the day with spice-kissed breakfast tacos or settling in for a savory feast, every bite celebrates the rich, sun-drenched flavors of a true Mexican home.
• Irma's Southwest Grill — Mexican: Irma's Southwest Grill captures the spirited essence of the frontier, where the sizzle of wild game and the vibrant colors of hand-mashed guacamole create a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen turns out adventurous plates like smoky bacon-wrapped diablo shrimp and savory wild boar sausage, balanced by the comforting, earthy warmth of Yoli’s signature lentil soup. This soulful destination blends bold, rustic flavors with refined culinary artistry, offering a dining experience that celebrates the rich, sun-drenched heritage of the Southwest.
• Velvet Taco — Mexican: This high-energy eatery reimagines the taco as a canvas for global exploration, where an urban pulse and vibrant atmosphere set the stage for bold, boundary-pushing flavors. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle an eclectic array of adventurous fillings, from the aromatic heat of spicy tikka chicken and crispy chicken-and-waffles to the rich, savory depth of slow-roasted Angus brisket. Every visit feels like a culinary world tour, blending unexpected ingredients like Korean fried rice and zesty chimichurri steak into a spirited dining experience that celebrates the art of the unconventional.
• Luchi & Joeys - Underground Downtown — Mexican: This subterranean gem transforms the morning commute into a sensory journey, where the air is thick with the savory scent of spiced machaca and golden, griddled potatoes. Guests find a cozy refuge in the heart of the city, savoring hand-crafted breakfast staples like tender nopalitos and zesty chorizo that bring a touch of home-cooked warmth to the urban underground.
• Verde Garden — Mexican: Verde Garden unfolds as a lush, sun-drenched oasis where the vibrant spirit of Mexico is captured in every citrus-bright ceviche and hand-pressed taco. The space hums with the rhythmic shake of artisanal cocktails and the frosty allure of signature frozen margaritas, creating a lively backdrop for sharing bowls of velvety queso and toasted tortas. It is a spirited retreat that invites guests to lose themselves in a verdant atmosphere where bold flavors and festive energy seamlessly intertwine.
• Vibrant - Health Foods — American: Sunlight floods this bright, airy sanctuary where the vibrant colors of seasonal produce take center stage on every artfully composed plate. The kitchen elevates wholesome staples into soulful culinary experiences, from golden masa pancakes and zesty red snapper tacos to bowls of pillowy sweet potato gnocchi tossed in fragrant pesto. It is a refreshing destination where clean, nourishing flavors meet creative flair, leaving guests feeling both deeply satisfied and revitalized.
• Ninfa's on Navigation — Mexican: Steeped in culinary history, this legendary Houston landmark hums with a vibrant energy where the aroma of handmade tortillas and sizzling iron skillets fills the air. Diners gather around tables laden with bowls of creamy guacamole and bubbling pots of queso flameado, while coastal-inspired crab tostadas and savory mushroom quesadillas offer a fresh, elevated take on traditional comforts. Whether sipping a bright cocktail on the patio or tucking into a steaming bowl of Aztec soup in the bustling dining room, every visit feels like a soulful celebration of time-honored flavors.
• Lupe Tortilla — Mexican: The air hums with the festive energy of a Texas original, where the intoxicating aroma of lime-marinated beef searing on a hot grill draws guests into a vibrant, sun-drenched space. Diners indulge in the theatrical ritual of tableside guacamole and rich, melted queso before diving into legendary, sizzling fajitas and decadent crab-stuffed avocados. Each plate arrives as a celebration of bold, smoky flavors and generous hospitality, creating a spirited atmosphere where every meal feels like a grand, festive occasion.
• Luchi & Joey's — Mexican: This vibrant morning destination hums with the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle as the intoxicating aroma of spicy chorizo and warm, toasted tortillas fills the sun-drenched space. Diners find comfort in hand-held treasures brimming with savory machaca, tender nopalitos, and velvety beans, each bite capturing the soulful, rustic essence of a traditional Mexican breakfast.
• La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina — Mexican: La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling fajitas and the inviting glow of molten, bubbling quesos flameados. Guests gather around overflowing platters of crisp, loaded nachos and golden-fried chile rellenos, sharing bowls of vibrant guacamole and fiery diablo shrimp in a lively space that feels like a perpetual celebration of bold, festive flavors.
• Los Tios — Mexican: Los Tios invites diners into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the rhythmic crunch of warm tortilla chips and the creamy allure of fresh guacamole set the stage for a festive communal gathering. The air carries the savory aroma of golden taquitos and bubbling chile con queso, while an array of legendary nachos—piled high with melted cheese and bold toppings—celebrates the rich, comforting traditions of classic Tex-Mex. From the bright, citrusy notes of chilled ceviche to the hearty satisfaction of a crisp taco salad, every plate captures a sense of local history and shared joy.
• Mi Cocina — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the bright, citrusy notes of fresh Texas redfish ceviche set the stage for a spirited dining experience where modern Mexican soul meets upscale comfort. Guests gather around tables laden with bubbling queso fundido and smoky brisket tacos, savoring a menu that balances the zesty crunch of hand-mashed guacamole with the comforting, aromatic warmth of savory chicken tortilla soup.