Texas has no shortage of traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants, so it's hard to narrow them down into a simple list of the best. From hole-in-the-wall restaurants to the most famous establishments that seat more than 1,000 people, you are sure to find a Mexican joint in the Lone Star State to satisfy your taste buds. However, when it comes to this list, restaurants here have led the way to the top by becoming iconic establishments over time, offering nothing but the best fare or creating new Tex-Mex infusions that Texans can't say no to. Find your next favourite Mexican restaurant from this list of the nine best Mexican restaurants in Texas.
Credit: Fonda San Miguel, dining room in Fonda San Miguel
Fonda San Miguel, Austin (Hotels nearby)
The chef himself has been creating unique Mexican cuisine at Fonda San Miguel in Austin since it opened in 1975. If the food doesn't impress you, the décor will. With a lovely patio and colourful yet tasteful interior, Fonda San Miguel is the perfect place to enjoy tasty Mexican dishes served with handmade flour and corn tortillas. The mole poblano is a crowd pleaser, while the cochinita pibil, once an unheard of dish during the early days of this restaurant, is now a popular menu at Fonda San Miguel.
Credit: Hugo's Tacos at Hugo'sTacos at Hugo's
Hugo's, Houston (Hotels nearby)
Owned by one of Houston's top chefs, Hugo's serves Mexican dishes inspired by chef Hugo Ortega's life in Mexico. With an extensive menu full of unique and innovative dishes, this Mexican restaurant is perfect for the adventurous eater. Although more traditional items are on the menu, and done to perfection, it is the seafood options, such as the fish cocktail or lobster tacos, along with the 10 piers prepared daily that really put Hugo on this list.
Credit: The Original Ninfa's on NavigationTacos at The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, Houston (Hotels nearby)
This Mexican restaurant is a Houston landmark. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is known as the pioneer of fajitas. The unparalleled avocado-tomatillo salsa is unmissable, along with the beefsteak fajitas. Expect fluffy homemade flour tortillas that pair perfectly with the traditional fajitas from Ninfa.
Credit: Enchiladas by Joe T. Garcia at Joe T.'s Enchiladas. Garcia at Joe T. Garcia
Joe T. Garcia's, Fort Worth (Hotels Nearby)
Joe T. Garcia's is a family-owned Tex-Mex joint that's been in business since 1935. Some things haven't changed here, like the classic menu and the "cash only" requirement. However, this Fort Worth Mexican restaurant didn't make it on this list for nothing. The chicken and beef fajitas are mouth watering and best enjoyed on the lush patio of Joe T. Garcia.
Credit: facebook.comMi Tierra Cafe & BakeryMi Tierra Cafe & Bakery
Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery, San Antonio (Nearby hotels)
A visit to Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery is more than just a meal; it's an experience. This San Antonio restaurant serves Tex-Mex food and traditional Mexican dishes 24 hours a day. Grab a margarita, a sweet bread from the dessert case or a bowl of menudo while listening to a mariachi band. Mi Tierra is the perfect place for whenever you're in the mood for Mexican food, no matter the time.
Credit: Tiffany Ritter via Herrera's Cafe Tacos at Herrera's Cafe
Herrera's Cafe, Dallas (Hotels nearby)
Herrera's Cafe is the place to eat Tex-Mex in Dallas. All your favourite Tex-Mex dishes are on the menu here, from enchiladas to chimichangas. However, all guests start with a complimentary cup of beans. Many customers at Herrera's choose the sour cream enchiladas, which are a fan favourite.
Credit: L & J Cafe - Restaurant Tacos at L & J CafeTacos at L & J Cafe
L & J Cafe, El Paso (Hotels nearby)
It's not hard to find great Mexican food in El Paso. However, L & J Cafe has risen above the rest to consistently have tasty dishes. This lunchtime hotspot doesn't have a particular menu or an attractive exterior, but the kitchen is sure to be on time.
Credit: Matt's El Rancho Shrimp dish at Matt's El Rancho Cooking dish at Matt's El Rancho
Matt's El Rancho, Austin (Hotels nearby)
Matt's El Rancho is a famous Mexican restaurant in Austin. Opened by former fighter Matt Martinez in 1952, Matt's El Rancho has grown as one of the best Tex-Mex spots in the city. The sign outside Matt's proclaims that Matt's is the "King of Mexican Food". Matt's menu has everything a Tex-Mex lover could appreciate.
Credit: La Fonda on MainChicken enchiladas with Texas peach chipotle sauce at La Fonda On Main
La Fonda on Main, San Antonio (Nearby hotels)
In San Antonio, La Fonda on Main blends traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex dishes and modern flavours to create a unique menu. A contemporary approach to Mexican food is what brought La Fonda on Main to this list. With dishes like spinach and mushroom enchiladas, sweet potato enchiladas or even gulf shrimp in butter sauce with cactus-infused rice, you're sure to find a new Mexican favourite that you can't find anywhere else.