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    Dona Chela

    4.0 (51 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Dona Chela Photos

    Business Info

    DONA CHELA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Dona Chela

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    a table and chairs in a restaurant
    Mike M.

    I had dinner a couple of weeks ago on a weeknight for the first time while in the general area. It's located in a run down strip center (with parking in front) and close to the Gulf freeway. The interior is well lit and clean and is a table service restaurant. I ordered chicken fajitas with homemade corn tortillas and charro beans for $12.49. Yes, that price is correct! First to arrive were the complimentary chips and red salsa. The chips were of the firmer kind and the salsa was warm, salty and tasty. The entree arrived about 10 minutes later and consisted of a sizzling platter that had a decent amount of chicken along with onions, bell peppers and a tomato slice and lime too. I started with the charro beans. They had a good amount of content that included onions and peppers along with the beans and I enjoyed them. The fajitas with the homemade corn torts was also good tasting and while my table service was slow that night I enjoyed this meal giving it a 3.5. I round it up to a 4 due to its price. A real value. Nothing fancy here but Dona Chela is a value oriented Tex Mex restaurant if you are in the area.

    Menudo
    Eddie C.

    The authentic Mexican food was great, and the customer service was friendly and attentive. Cecil, our waitress, was excellent--always checking on us and making sure we had everything we needed.

    Refreshing topochico and small Chile con queso
    Kim K.

    This place is a hidden gem! Found this place with a coworker and decided to have lunch here. I ordered a la carte taco and a quesadilla. The tortillas are fresh and the fajita is well seasoned. My coworker ordered the burrito and it was the size of Texas! The burrito was filled with your choice of meat, he chose the chicken fajita, beans, rice, lettuce, and topped with Chile con queso. Sour cream optional. Food is delicious and definitely a bang for your buck.

    Migas plate
    Amanda C.

    This place is one of my husband's favorites. They recently made updates to their tables, chairs and menus, and it looks good. Their food is authentic and they have a variety of dishes to choose from. I believe they order their tortillas. They're not the best but they're close to being handmade. Their salsas are also pretty good. The green one is spicy when it's not diluted and the red one tastes better when served warm.

    Machacado was incredible
    John S.

    Pulled up on a Sunday mourning and the parking lot was nearly full , every waitress was going at full speed with huge bows of menudo going to almost every table. I read thew many yelp reviews of breakfast in the area but choose Dona chela because the pictures of the potato's looked interesting. Those thick sliced potatoes are delicious the perfect companion to the muchacado. Tortillas were screaming hot right of the griddle . Such a reasonably priced meal , portions are huge! After that breakfast I wasn't hungry for ten hours!

    Mexicana Style Eggs w/jalapeno and onions.
    Angelo C.

    Dona Chelas is a hidden gem Mexican restaurant. It has great Mexican food with hand made tortillas. The tortillas are fresh and perfect for any delicious dish. The salsa (green and red) have just the right spice. Great breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    Fideo small
    Desiree B.

    What would I do without this amazing hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. The service is always amazing but then again we have been going to this place for years. I have gotten multiple items for their menu and have never been disappointed. My grandmother and I probably go once or twice a week and of course I've introduced plenty of friends and family members to this place. And they also have one of the best micheladas in my opinion. The place looks a little fishy from outside and the inside may not be up to your standards, but when you come from the hood, it's all about the food. I'm actually going here today for lunch :)

    Horchata
    Aron G.

    First time here and it was great. Pick this place from others reviews. Staff is friendly and great service. The food portion are big and at a good price. Everything we ordered was home made. The only I didn't like was the horchata. It was not home made. Overall I would definitely recommend this place. Safe Travels. Prost

    Fajita burrito, yummy!
    Sylvia R.

    My husband and I decided to try Dona Chela restaurant for the first time after reading the positive reviews. And we are so glad we did. My husband had the Super Burrito Juarez w/fajita and he loved them! He is very hard to please when it comes to food... So for him to love this burrito you know it gots to be good! I tried the Enchiladas Suizas (chicken enchiladas w/green sauce). They were so good! This is definitely our new spot. The food was very good and very authentic. I posted pics of the burrito and enchiladas, check them out!

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    13 years ago

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    8 years ago

    This is my to go restaurant when I don't wanna cook lol plus it's really really close to my house haha

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

    I had the Caldo de pollo! Very good great taste and lots is vegetables! Husband had mole and it was very Good also! We will be back

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    The Original Ninfa's on Navigation - Steak

    The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

    3.9(2.3k reviews)
    6.1 miWarehouse District, Second Ward
    $$
    Private events
    Catering service

    Happy Cinco De Mayo! Met the ladies here to celebrate, & break bread…read more Thank you Jamila for selecting this original location of the Original Ninfas, to host, (our last supper, before your relocation from Houston to Florida.). A place I grew up in as a little girl in Beaumont but never have I've visit this "original" location. Stepping in to this spot felt like a restaurant in the country of Mexico. I ordered the El Henry. I absolutely loved my dish, only thing I would've chance was the cheese enchilada definitely would've swap for a chicken or beef one, or maybe even a flaunta. I really like the Mexican rice, it had little potatoes and carrots in it. Some of the best Mexican yellow rice I've had. They offer a cinco de mayo drink special. The only thing that seem to make it special was the drinks apparently were limited edition menu items. Nothing was special about the prices. The regular menu drinks were a dollar(s) less. The margarita I ordered first was peach coconut. I didn't taste the coconut at all. I swap for the peach strawberry ($14 or 15) which was great, sweet& strong. One did me just right. You get to select up to two flavors for additional $2 (for both verse each, that's a plus. Not worded on menu). If you select a third flavor an additional $2 would be added ($4 in total) I appreciate separate tickets provided after confirmation and no additional gratuity automatically added, which he got tip equally the same or more. When asked about the "empty" patio that was available, he informed us that the entire deck was reserved. Upon departing I noticed from the parking lot individual tables, of separate parties were occupying only 3 tables. It was 8 of us sitting at 2 tables. Which the table was pushed up against the wall, and one side was inaccessible, which took away spacing. Service was lovely space was really tight. Good thing some of the ladies didn't order full meals. Definitely wouldn't have been able to fit every plate.

    Very Overwhelming! Parking: They have a lot, but on a Friday…read moreI had to park on the street and walk a ways. I would not go again on a Friday. They do have valet, but it's paid. Ambiance: upon walking in, it was chaos and sooooo many people standing up and sitting down. Walking around with drinks. I felt like I was in a club. A server made her way to me to take my Togo order. While waiting, I grabbed a drink at the bar and just made the happy hour cut off. Service was great as I was able to get my order and it was a large order. Everything was correct. The house margarita was ok, I wish I had gotten the hibiscus flavor. Order; Crab Tostadas Mixed Fajitas Snapper Mole Enchilada Ninfa 2 Tacos Margarita Mix The only thing I would order again is the crab tostadas and the beef fajitas. The chicken had no flavor at all. The charros beans and rice were not anything special. I was not a fan of either. Overall, we are not planning to order from here again. It just wasn't what Mark Weins made it seem like on his review. Also, whoever the driver was practically could not wait for me to turn around. Sorry, I had to take a pic. Very rude.

    Photos
    The Original Ninfa's on Navigation - Inside

    Inside

    The Original Ninfa's on Navigation - Cochinita Pibil

    Cochinita Pibil

    The Original Ninfa's on Navigation - Margarita

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    Margarita

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Barbacoa and Carnita Taco

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina

    4.2(288 reviews)
    7.4 miMidtown, Fourth Ward, Montrose
    $$

    We visited Madera's for the first time recently and overall had a great first impression. The…read moreserver was attentive when needed but didn't hover or rush us. For drinks, my husband and our friends tried some of the margaritas from their large and unique margaritas menu, as well as their hibiscus agua fresca. All of the drinks were very pretty and it seemed like everyone enjoyed them, too! We started with their chips and salsa trio, which we all really liked. The chips were on the thicker side, but were crispy and not stale or chewy at all. Each of the salsas were quite different, and two were served warm, which we really liked! For the price, I'd consider getting the chips and salsa as a non-negotiable, honestly. For entrees, we tried the enchilada rojas, chilaquiles verde w/ chicken and beef, birria barbacoa ramen, and huaraches. My husband felt like his ramen could have included more meat, but aside from that everyone really enjoyed what they ordered. The highlight was probably the desserts, though! We got a quatro leches and two ordered of their giant and amazing churros. Both were incredibly tasty and reason enough to return for another visit in the future!

    This place was AWESOME!! I was in Houston visiting...and just found this place on Yelp…read more The service was great, the place beautiful, the flautas great, rice and beans were on point. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the place.

    Photos
    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Right side entry

    Right side entry

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Rice & Beans

    Rice & Beans

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina - Chicken Enchiladas

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    Chicken Enchiladas

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Queso + Beef

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

    3.9(886 reviews)
    9.9 miThe Heights
    $$

    Guys, you know I dont post a review unless a dish is a straight 10/10…read more The breakfast I just had warrants a 10/10 review at the Airline blvd location. I just had the Machacado con Huevo breakfast dish here and it was so incredibly good-So good! it was one of the best breakfasts Ive ever had. seriously.I will definitely be back for this breakfast. I recommend getting it with red and green sauce on the side and a side of tortillas ro make your own tacos with the eggs, salsa and refried beans. just wow! And that tamale needs its own menu. That tamale was amazing. I would get several orders of that soft white tamale by itself to go. And the service was a 10/10. They kept refilling my red and green sauce and kept checking up on me throughout. Ambience was great as always. Its a life changing dish. Thanks Teotihuacan for the great breakfast and great service! Yall deserve a well-earned review!

    I used to eat here 3X a week. Tonight reminded me why I no longer do.I was with a new friend ,so I…read moreonly took 1 photo. The "queso" w/carne seemed to be out of a can-it was orange & didn't have the consistency of real cheese- wasn't really cheese & was disgusting. It was $9.99. I am including a photo of the overcooked beef fajita. A senior citizen can get the all beef lunch fajita special for virtually the same price as the fajita combo here ALL DAY at Pappasitos. It definitely is enough for 2. The meat melts in your mouth. EVERYTHING is better quality than here. Teo charged $1.50 for perhaps 4 or 5 slices of lime to make the happy hour margaritas made with a gross mix drinkable. That's outrageous. It reminds me that I had stopped going long ago when they charged extra for onions on enchiladas. Come on. You don't charge extra for chopped onions! I have never been to another restaurant that does so. Some even provide carmelized grilled onions gratis. I'm convinced that a $15. YUMMY mango margarita at Pappasitos would have given us the same buzz & tasted better than 8 happy hour margaritas here. I used to love the in house made flour tortillas at Teo. Tonight they were tough & uneventful. We arrived on a week night when they were not busy. Neither of the salsas were as good as they used to be.The water pitcher didn't even have ice when they refilled the water. I have absolutely no desire to return. Why would I?

    Photos
    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe
    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Queso + Beef

    Queso + Beef

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Fajita Salad

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    Fajita Salad

    Maximo - Tostada

    Maximo

    4.6(154 reviews)
    9.5 miWest University
    $$$

    Came to Maximo on a weekday around 5:30 and it was pretty quiet at first, but by the time we…read morefinished dinner the place had filled up a lot. It's definitely a smaller, cute neighborhood spot with a really fun vibe. The service was good. Our server was funny, attentive, and made the experience fun. We started with the "corn ribs" appetizer and WOW. Probably one of my favorite corn dishes I've had in a long time. So flavorful and addictive. We also got the "Tiradito de Hamachi" crudo, which was fresh and delicious! For the entree, my friend and I shared the tacos (which comes with your choice of 3). We added an extra taco to make it 4. I was genuinely shocked that the mushroom taco ended up being my favorite because I almost always prefer meat, but it was THAT good. The fried shrimp taco was also amazing. For dessert, we got the tres leches cake. I'm usually not a huge fan of strawberry or fruit toppings on desserts, but the cake itself was really, really good. I ended up just removing the strawberries and eating the cake, which was moist and flavorful. The only downside for me was the drinks. They looked larger than they actually were because of the glassware, and they tasted a little watered down. I had two, and they just weren't very strong or super flavorful. Other than that though, the food and service absolutely made up for it. Definitely a spot I'd come back to!

    Definitely worth a visit. The branzino and hamachi crudo were my favorites, but we loved every dish…read moreand drink we ordered. The tres leches was also a great treat and not too sweet. I would also recommend the lump crab dish, guacamole, and shrimp appetizer A really cool concept and service was great. All staff were really friendly and made sure our experience was great. Our server paced out our courses really well and made sure we always had clean plates and silverware. Would definitely come back and try more of the menu There's a small parking lot and also lots of free street parking. The restaurant itself is cute and relatively small

    Photos
    Maximo
    Maximo - Fish taco

    Fish taco

    Maximo - Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.

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    Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.

    Ambriza - Street corn.

    Ambriza

    4.5(1.7k reviews)
    27.4 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Veteran-owned & operated

    Get the pork belly bites and their cocktails are delicious…read more If you're here on a Sunday for brunch and have a sweet tooth the French toast is unforgettable. No other French toast will come close. Their homemade sauces make more tantalizing. If you like salty spicy, get the jojo sauce. I don't think it's on the menu And to finish, personally I like cocktails but their fresh filled churros are super fun. And can't beat the fresh factor! Brandon is an excellent attentive server. He knows the menu in and out. He'll steer you right. It's a neighborhood gem

    We had a 70th & 60th birthday celebration at Ambriza's Vintage, and we were very impressed and…read moresatisfied with how beautiful and perfect everything turned out. Rodrigo & Araceli were amazing, ensuring everything was going smoothly and according to plan. Our servers Augusto and Christian, were very attentive, kind, and on point with our food and drinks. Food was exquisite and portions were generous, cooked to perfection. The churros with chocolate and the complimentary photos for the birthday girls was the cherry on top. Ambriza's management & staff truly know how to make their guests feel special. They went above and beyond, exceeding all of our expectations. Definitely having more celebrations here in the future! On behalf of me & my family, THANK YOU again for the excellent service and making this a memorable night!! Barbie Artiga

    Photos
    Ambriza
    Ambriza - TEQUILA Wall

    TEQUILA Wall

    Ambriza - Bar area

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    Bar area

    Candente - Museum District - Beans and rice

    Candente - Museum District

    4.1(623 reviews)
    7.6 miMuseum District, Montrose
    $$

    A Cali girl-lala enjoying some Tex Mex…read more While in HTX I was able to meet up with a friend from college. He mentioned margaritas (not pictured) and food! So we met at Candente. Upon walking in the restaurant was clean it was pretty packed for a Wednesday night but the aroma of the food! OMG! Our server was really nice and patient because my friend and I talked for about 30 minutes before we finally ordered our food. He has the beef enchiladas with rice and black beans. He cleaned his plate...literally not a grain of rice in sight! I had the smoked chicken verde enchiladas and WOW! What an amazing dish. I consider myself a Mexican food connoisseur especially being from California. I have always said Tex Mex?.....eeeeyuck! But Candente has changed my tune! I will definitely be back to visit when I return!

    Glowing red. Burning. Candente…read more Let me start by saying that I'm not into Mexican food unless it's an auntie or grandma making it at their house. I prefer traditional homemade Mexican food but here we are. (Oh I googled and suggested this place lol) Went in for a team lunch on a Friday. Coworker's birthday lunch and she wanted Mexican. Party of 9 and we were seated promptly. They have a lunch menu and a happy hour as well as a full menu and full bar. The interior was nicely decorated. And open. There is bar seating and patio seating as well. Our waitress was Aisha and she was amazing. Friendly, helpful and patient. And able handle our large group and a few more tables with a smile. There were a variety of options. Salads, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, etc. Also complimentary chips and salsa. My Order: chicken tortilla soup, lunch fajitas combo - chicken and beef. Chicken tortilla soup (3.5/5) - it was a bit salty for me but I am not a salt person so most things are salty to me; everyone else said it was tasty, there were tons of shredded chicken, avocado pieces, tortilla strips Fajitas - combo (4/5) - chicken was seasoned well and the beef (medium rare) was perfection and so tender and juicy, mexican rice was fluffy, and normally I would pass on the beans and get extra rice but my coworker suggested the charro beans and wow, that was a win - the seasoning was great, there were chunks of meat and the texture was nice, the only thing that could have been done better is the flour tortillas - they over-charred them making them too crispy and left them with a burnt taste. A couple of people got the elote salad and raved about it. So that will be a next time try. Def will be back. Everyone enjoyed their meals and some even ordered food to go. Would recommend.

    Photos
    Candente - Museum District - Open Kitchen cooking on wood.

    Open Kitchen cooking on wood.

    Candente - Museum District - When in Rome

    When in Rome

    Candente - Museum District - Skinny margarita (large)

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    Skinny margarita (large)

    Dona Chela - mexican - Updated May 2026

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