7 of the best Mexican restaurants in Texas

What’s as popular in Texas as pickup trucks and football? Mexican food! It’s everywhere, with half the convenience stores from Dalhart to Harlingen seemingly boasting in-house taquerias these days. But with so many choices, how to find the best spots? Ask gastronomy experts, of course.

These 6 top chefs and 1 culinary director in the state’s largest cities shared where they go for the tastiest Mexican food in their towns. You can be sure their faves—from tiny dives to nicer digs—are worth the trip, no matter where you live.

The vibe
Brightly painted walls hung with charming Mexican folk art make this pick just beyond Southtown a great place to share deeply comforting food cooked by a family with generations of experience. In mild weather, the shaded patio offers breezy seating.

What makes it so good
Johnson’s diet follows a plant-forward practice dependent on the freshest food, so she appreciates Lala’s scratch preparations. She points to family rituals employed by chef-owner Steven Pizzini, a grandson of the family that founded another of her local favorites, Teka Molina.

“He also makes his own masa, nixtamalizing and grinding his own corn,” she says. Handcrafted masa significantly elevates the gordita and its close cousin, the sope.

Best dishes
Johnson likes the green chicken enchiladas (which she orders without sour cream), the bean and guacamole cups, and the gordita, which she customizes for her food preferences.

Best dishes
Horiuchi is a big fan of the birria tacos dipped in a delicious consommé, but says to also check out the birria quesadillas, the papa birria (birria with mashed potato and sour cream), and the ramen, all served with cilantro, lime, and onion.

The vibe
This gathering spot and watering hole hosts everything from Little League wins and birthdays to Taco Tuesday and Sunday brunch.

What makes it so good
“It’s a traditional, large Tex-Mex place,” says Walter, a recent James Beard Award semifinalist whose cooking career has taken him to Paris, Napa Valley, and Santa Fe. “We really enjoy sitting in the casual, bustling bar area.”

Best dishes
Walter leans hard into the skillet enchiladas, which are hand-rolled and stuffed with cheese and then covered with grilled onions and a choice of sauces that include spicy tomatillo, jalapeño cream, and the traditional red or green chile. The crowning touches: beef fajita meat atop the enchiladas and guacamole on the side.

Best dishes
The fish and shrimp tacos are the stars, but Castillo also loves the ceviche tostada and the shrimp cocktail weekend special.

Best dishes
Crowe-Seher likes the Tino’s Special Margarita and the small enchilada dinner, which is made by special order for anyone who requests it. “Sometimes I ask for the off-menu fajita nachos,” she says. “The chips are piled high with lots of cheese and all the toppings, with fresh sour cream and a healthy side of guacamole.”

Best dishes
Diaz favors the crispy corn gorditas stuffed with beans, lettuce, tomato, and grated cheese. Guacamole, beef fajita meat, and barbacoa are good add-ons, too. (Vegetarians can opt for grilled poblano, tomato, zucchini, mushroom, and onion gorditas.)

Best dishes
Perini recommends the fried oyster po’boy taco, the carne asada taco with a grilled shishito pepper, and the caramelized cauliflower taco, which she says makes her love vegetables.

Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.

Sixth-generation Texan June Naylor is a writer who lives within walking distance of her favorite Fort Worth taco shop, Taco Heads.