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    El Refu

    3.3 (164 reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Tex-Mex, Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 11:30 pm

    Order El Refu Takeout or Delivery

    El Refu Photos

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    EL REFU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Refu

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    Ceviche tostada was on point!
    Sue Z.

    Great service amazing food! We came on a Saturday afternoon. Place was pretty empty, it's was a great afternoon spend having lunch with the fam!

    ...and she ate it all!  Beef and chicken Chimichanga Lunch
    Nikiba J.

    Sheeee's baaaack, here today! Babaaaa, here I am back for my 2025 Yelp reviews. Starting my calories off at El Refu's for lunch, now I went the entire last year dieting because summers are so exciting for me and the passengers I transport. As the food fatty connoisseur I am, El Refu's is the first restaurant I'm reviewing. I luvd the vibe, I could picture me and some friends watching Clarissa Shields next fight while eating fajitas and sipping on margaritas...they nailed the concept. I ordered the chimichanga mixed with beef and chicken because I couldn't decide on either or; it's a food fatty thing. The moist and tender meats was seasoned to peeerfection, I truly didn't mean to eat the entire NOT lunch portion so keep your eyes on your own plate:) I ordered an Arnold Palmer and could tell the tea was freshly made, service was great. My co worker ordered the #17 off the lunch menu, he stated he wanted to eat light. 5 star review! Here today. There tomorrow!

    Verde Chicken Enchiladas
    Aurelia A.

    Another highly recommended place from coworkers..Upon arrival we realized parking lot is small and is shared by several other businesses. We entered the establishment and was seated promptly. Was immediately brought chips and salsa and they took our drink order. We decided on the chimiicuanga rice/neans and the chicken enchiladas they came out fairly quickly mine was good however the Mr had some spots within his chimichanga that was lukewarm..I feel like after our meal was brought the customer service went downhill (place wasn't really busy at the time however as we were finishing up the crowd started) no check back, no drink refill, we were sitting next to ladies who was upset that they automatically added gratuity (table of 2) yes the manager took it off but I would make sure to check ticket theres alot of added $$ to simple things like leaving your tab open while at the bar area..Overall this place seems like a cool vibe to come and watch the game have a few drinks and chill.

    StanleyRay C.

    Our first time checking this place out. It was recommended by a couple of coworkers so we decided to give it a try. Nice little spot. Ambience is nice, we didnt order drinks but they have some good looking drinks. We were seated promptly and our waters followed soon after. Their green salsa is amazing. Once we ordered, I had the chimichonga and my wife the enchiladas Verde. Our food came quick. My wife loved hers. Mine on the other hand ‍ if you're a chimichonga lover dont order it. They normally come with rice and beans and cheese inside. This one only had the meet. So when I cut into it there's othing to hold the meet together. Chicken just fell out with every cut. So I had to mix it with my beans and rice and eat it like a salad. Had I known I would have eaten it like a burrito. It all tasted good and is the reason we would return but I won't order the chimi. Also watch your receipt. Couple of ladies next to us had an issue with them adding a 15% gratuity to their ticket for only 2 people. If you open a tab at the bar a 15% gratuity will be added also which is a little weird to me. So you have to pay for each drink as you go which causes more work for the bar tenders. Go figure.

    Amber V.

    wish we could rate drinks and food however we were turned away before we could. we live in the neighborhood and tried to go here an HOUR before they closed at 10:20 as you can see in my screenshots and the hostess told us they were closed and turned us away. this is the second time that we've been rushed out. the first time we were there they had security come up to inform us that they "were closed" and needed to leave AN HOUR BEFORE CLOSING TIME again. in my pictures from today you can see that they advertise being closed at 1130 and i took the screenshots at 1018 today THURSDAY 06/19/25. i work in the hospitality industry so im all about an early close, but turning ppl away an hour early is a big NO. EVEN AS I TYPE THIS REVIEW INTO YELP IN MY SCREENSHOT IT SAYS CLOSES IN 40 MINUTES.

    Frankie H.

    If you ho here be ready to party. We had a great time here. Dj played music, some of the waitress were dancing as they moved around, the bar was full of people. The food was good and the drinks are real drinks. We missed the happy hour, so we plan to go again for happy hour.

    a bowl of guacamole and tortillas
    Tania M.

    I had the greatest most unexpected time here, and I can't wait to go back. The food is so good and the drinks... well, pardon my French will fu$@ ypu up outta no where!! I I loved loved loved the chunky guacamole, and their shrimp a la plancha was soo Good I ordered extra!!! The place is such a neat spot decorated like you're walking into an old Mexican town fair. The servers are great and very attentive. I love that I ordered and was shocked when everything came out at once!!! I am definitely planning on becoming a frequent flyer here!!

    Tramon A.

    Visiting Houston for the weekend and needless to say this restaurant was recommended and didn't fail. This was true authentic Mexican food in which tickled my tastebuds. The service was amazing and I received my food very fast and it was amazing!! The ambiance was great with a dj that came in and the preseason football game and Olympics was on the televisions. I will DEFINITELY come back when I come back to Houston. I highly recommend this place!

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    3 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Is better restaurants out there, plus they never answer the phones. Food is kinda ok but no good

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

    Food was great, good margaritas and wonderful service. My husband had the shrimp and enchiladas, I had the 3 street tacos.

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    2 years ago

    Hair in my food in my rice. The waiter asked did I want more rice. NO! At this point I will stay at home and cook

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Too loud. Fun for a club but not for dinner. The waitress couldn't hear our order it was so loud.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food was trash, by far one of the worst restaurants ive ate at. The beat thing we had was French fries for my kids. Drinks were ok

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    1886 Humble Backyard

    1886 Humble Backyard

    3.5
    (107 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $

    Met someone here for a first date. Such chill vibes. Kinda tucked away, which I really like. They…read morehad a live band that day. The servers were friendly and attentive. Sat upstairs initially to hear my date over the band and moved downstairs eventually. Overall good time. Had beers and some fries. Would stop by again because it's so close to my home.

    I'm back my Yelpers. Good to be back. OMG. This place was told to me by one person and another…read moreperson thereafter and had me SOLD. Steak night advertisement is why I came on a Wednesday from it's Instagram page. From the entrance there's nothing like this place. Outside inside, wood built bar, 2 stories, gravel rocks parking and grass entrance. Has the feel of a local crawfish spot but good hole in the wall joint, with good food good prices drinks and vibes. Everyone here either greeted with a smile or greeted with a hi. That's right, leave your worries home, and any bitterness you have on your chest, cause this isn't the place for it. No kiddos here or young folks either. Closes 2am every night. Seems like a more club on the weekend, I can only imagine with alot of open flooring space and a DJ nightly. Grown Grown here. This place... I should of been coming a long time ago. This place is Underrated. Forget your chain bars these days, this is where it's at. Bathrooms, and tables and service everywhere. Behind a Shipley's donut along side the feeder road. You'll miss this place if you blink. Sat up top for the views, FIRST TIME. Fans are near seating so you're not hot. Food is ordered downstairs but they bring it to you wherever. But drinks can be ordered any area in here. MULTIPLE BARS INSIDE A BAR. Steak was tender. But wanted Medium well, it was more like Medium, but turned out better than I normally thought. Seasoned, butter and savory hands down, and potatoes was well done, and fully loaded. Drinks were stiff here as well. I can only imagine a Fri-Sun night... more crowded, probably standing at times for a seat. Parking lot is first come first serve, very limited. And of course parking near Shipley Donuts when they're closed, in case full, just another secondary. I would really recommend this place if you like enjoying outdoor eating and music with a crowd. This is a real bar, no questions. Must try on your bucket list.

    Photos
    Jenga tower
    Jenga tower
    Great spot to watch sports.
    Great spot to watch sports.
    Ultimate Bloody Mary

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    Ultimate Bloody Mary
    Royalty Bar & Lounge

    Royalty Bar & Lounge

    2.9
    (22 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    I gave this place a three because it was packed from wall to wall when I went in at around 10 on a…read moreFriday night and there were no seats and the bartenders took a long time to take our drink order. I'm sorry I really wouldn't recommend this place. Unless you don't mind standing all night and listening to live music and then when the singer gets a break, the DJ plays his music. I'm more into the DJ playing his music because he was playing some hits. I ordered a blue daiquiri with a shot of vodka and the daiquiri was super strong and I wasn't expecting that but that's a good thing I suppose so you'll get your moneys worth when it comes to the drinks . They do serve food, which I wasn't able to order this time. The crowd is mixed. You have the bougies and the ghettos. The ghettos that dance and hold your chair smh, I had to move my chair and the girl came and leaned on my chair again. I really wasn't feeling the crowd to be honest.

    Second time coming since maybe 3 years ago. If you just want something around the corner, with…read morelocals, this is the spot. Dimmed lights, not a big spot, but feels more as the night goes, crowd comes in more after 12-midnight, which closing is at 2am. Only dislike is security that works the door here is very selective. Pat down on men, and only checking purses on women. (I THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE BOTH MEN AND FEMALE SECURITY, FOR SAFTEY REASONS). I sat at a table, and seen some people walking in didn't get searched. So that means You Selective. My life is important too. Don't let the women show off when coming in and Grind on you at the front door, and give them a Pass. Do your job. People life is in your hands. Vibes, okay here. Drinks are sold with a 3% gratuity added F.Y.I., but hats of the the waitresses and bar folks, they always gonna ask if you need anything, ALL NIGHT. This place reminds me of a place called The Corner on the adjacent side of the freeway on John Ralston years ago, if it still name that, just by the SET UP. No dress code required here either, and crowd seems maybe late 20's and up to 50 something. MIXED with a lil' young and old rachetness, but on some Grown stuff though.

    Photos
    Royalty Bar & Lounge
    Inside
    Inside
    Royalty Bar & Lounge

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    3D’s Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge

    3D’s Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge

    3.2
    (74 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    I'll start by saying I did not try the food but heard it's good. We came here after a bad…read moreexperience at another local lounge. The door man was a little confusing at first about having identification. Not sure what that was about. There was a group of 30 of us so maybe he was overwhelmed by the crowd of people walking up. He ran in to get a manager to which she came out and all was well. Upon entering of courser the lights were dimmed. This place was loud and hard to have a conversation but I guess you're there to dance. It turns into a lounge after a certain of day. They played some good jams. It could use some deep cleaning or could have just been the time we got there. The place was packed and live. Check them out if you like to party.

    I'd been hearing about 3D's Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge and since I'm already planning to go in…read moreNovember for a ladies' brunch, I decided to check it out early--especially since it's only 10 minutes from church! I went with my sister and two girlfriends. Now let's talk food! My fish was fried hard just the way I like it and seasoned perfectly. The okra? SO good--crispy, fresh, and full of flavor. I didn't touch the roll though; it was fried and a little too greasy for me. From the moment we walked in, I could tell the owner has to be from Louisiana because it was full-on New Orleans Saints energy. They were hosting a game day watch party with a DJ, MC, and the game on multiple big screens. If you're looking for quiet, this is not the spot--but if you love a lively sports vibe like I do, you'll enjoy it. Our food came out pretty fast, except for one friend's order--they ran out of fried ribs but didn't tell her until after a long wait. A little communication would've gone a long way there. Would I go back? Absolutely! Just be prepared for the noise, bring your appetite, and come ready to vibe.

    Photos
    3D’s Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge
    3D’s Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge
    3D’s Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge

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    Los Cucos Mexican Cafe - Fall Creek

    Los Cucos Mexican Cafe - Fall Creek

    3.3
    (322 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We never have to worry about any food choice here. Everything is so darn good. The service is…read moreamazing and the restaurant has a wonderful feel. We especially love when they have love bands or a DJ.

    Cane here because I was craving Mexican cuisine and have been here once so I visited their Google…read morepage and saw some videos of their Caldo de Res. I got the Caldo de Res because, i wasn't only craving it but from my POV/perspective it seemed like the most nutritious and economical option on their menu. I sat at the bar and Erick, the bartender was smooth as silk, he speaks English and Spanish fluently and gave me recommendations on the drink I ordered. Thank you Erick. The restaurant has an open floor supporting pillars, and boiths strewn about. There is also a open viewing area where tortillas are freshly made by hand. The food came out promptly, I mean of course right, awesome, and it was hot, presented well, and the flavor matched that of a median palate, they added accompaniments on the side of course for you to flavor it more, great. I added all the accompaniments and we were off, not the rice though, I ate that as I went . The rich beef flavor was prominent, and it was filled with vegetables including zucchini, potatoes and carrots to name a few. Overall this was a hearty, nutritious and filling meal, I graciously enjoyed every bite.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Mexican Bowl
    Mexican Bowl
    Green chicken enchiladas with avocado

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    Green chicken enchiladas with avocado

    El Refu - mexican - Updated June 2026

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