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    Dona Maria Mexican Cafe

    4.3 (208 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Order Dona Maria Mexican Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Dona Maria Mexican Cafe Photos

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    DONA MARIA MEXICAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Sausage and Egg breakfast taco
    Michelle B.

    This is my favorite Mexican spot in Houston. I have yet to be disappointed here. I could honestly live off the carne guisdo. Everyone who I let try it has loved it including my Mexican mother in law who ordered a plate to go. The service is fairly quick. The portions perfect along with decent prices. The feel is like a true hole in the wall with so much to take in and notice each time. Great spot to come over and over again.

    Jay F.

    This Houston institution slipped by me. I'd never been. I knew that it was historically significant to the max. On previous attempts, it was always too crowded. "Next time", I would say. But recently, having seen a photo of their puffy taco, I knew that it was a "must". Damn, that puffy taco plate was good. The rice and beans that accompanied it were great. As were the tacos. Crunchy. Not those softer, chewier, thick masa ones that SA is known for. A tad thicker than the ones at the (now closed) beloved Fiesta Loma Linda. And, I saw that caldo de menudo is a daily feature. Not just on weekends. This is a breakfast and lunch place. It closes at 2:00 pm.

    Jason Z.

    Pretty OG and non gentrified spot on the East side of town on Navigation. Parking is available in an adjacent lot or on one of the side streets. The interior is very old school and eclectic; nothing fancy. Service is friendly and very family style. Their menudo was decent, and while the tacos aren't the best ever, everything I got was solid and pretty tasty. Their puffy taco was surprisingly big. Barbacoa and chicharron were good, al pastor, not so much.

    Barbacoa Plate
    Anthony L.

    A must try! This is my favorite small business in the area. It was the first place I visited when moving to the area and I have been hooked ever since! Dona Maria is a breakfast/lunch spot, they close at 2pm each day. I always get the barbacoa plate, everything else is good too but that's my absolute favorite. I've introduced the restaurant to several friend and family members over the last couple of years and they make dedicated trips to the East side of town to eat here. The employees are so nice and the restaurant is family owned and operated, after you visit a few times they remember you and you become part of their extended family. The interior is small but the restaurant cycles tables pretty quickly. On Saturdays there may be a small wait but there is plenty of space to wait outside, and many times there will be a festival or other event taking place on the same street. When you walk in the employees will help you find a table if it is crowded or put you on the wait list. You order at your table but pay for your food at the counter when you are ready to leave. The entire restaurant is decorated with props and posters with messages that range from heartfelt to comedic, my favorite one is the limited edition box of "Dallas Cowboys crying towels". On a street that is filled with options for good eats, Dona Maria is a must visit. Swing by for a puffy taco, barbacoa plate, or whatever you might be in the mood for and thank me later.

    Side of rice
    Briana W.

    Sometimes location is everything for me and the feel of the place and Dona Maria was a great example of that. Front street parking or side parking lot for convenience. They have a sign in system if it's busy on a pad of paper otherwise sit where you like for the most part. I was lucky to try the tortillas, papas, beans, rice and salsa today. The food is a little on the plain side for me needed more spices and salt. However, the salsa was really flavorful and adding onions and cilantro helped major! Happy Yelping!

    Ivan Z.

    Went back and tried the Carne guisada plate. It tasted and felt like i was eating at my tia's house. Everyone is super friendly. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Thanks to everyone here for the hospitality. I love places that treat customers like family/friends. If I'm in the area , this is where I'm coming.

    Butters B.

    Good food, good service. Reason for low rating is owner charged me over $18 for mole enchiladas which were priced at $12.99 on the menu. Guess I got the gringa price.

    Terrible service from Juan the owner.

    If you're looking for a good breakfast...look elsewhere. I have lived in the community for 7 years and supported Juan but he always has been indifferent towards my support of his business. I recently went for breakfast where they were serving a group outside and waiting their table. We had our dogs so we were going to to sit outside as we well, I was told by Juan that I had to order to go to sit outside. I asked the waitress and she said "oh this other group has been coming for years, they're regulars." When I asked Juan about the other group being served he tried to make it about "to-go plates and cups", but that was not the issue, he didn't want to serve me outside. I told him I have had unfriendly service there before and he said "you should have told me about it", I said, "it was you". If you are in town for a visit or looking for some hospitality, try Villa Arcos a bit further east down Navigation, they are very glad to have your business.

    Enchiladas Suizas
    Alan T.

    It's a decent tex-mex spot in Houston's upcoming east downtown area. The service was excellent and prompt we had a great experience in that regard. The food was ok, portions were really good as you can see by the pictures. Its fairly small inside but pretty open area once inside ample seating space tables and booths. Perfect stop if your area for one of the local pop up markets.

    Huevos Rancheros plate with Bacon! Excellent!
    Julio A.

    I love this place! Breakfast is really awesome. Service is great. Tortillas are homemade!

    Sign inside the restaurant
    Jerry G.

    The restaurant is clean. The food is very good and the service was excellent. I will definitely come back to this location. The owners were so nice.

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    2 months ago

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    21 hours ago

    The food and service and ambiance good just don't like the parking and that it closes early

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

    I loved it it was incredible the best breakfast you could ever go to you should try the puffy it was crunchy and delicious

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    2 years ago

    It was a nice family owed restaurant with good food. The server was nice and helpful to what we wanted.

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    1 year ago

    Gas traditional Mexican food place is small so I'd say order takeout but definitely worth it

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    Page 1 of 6

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    Are the tortillas here homemade?

    Yes everyday we made homemade fresh corn tortillas and flour tortillas.

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    The Original Ninfa's on Navigation - Steak

    The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

    3.9(2.3k reviews)
    0.1 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)
    2.5 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)
    3.7 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)
    6.1 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)
    21.2 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)
    3.4 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 Maria Mexican Cafe - mexican - Updated May 2026

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