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El Refu

3.3 (163 reviews)
ModerateMexican, Tex-Mex, Bars
Closed 11:00 am - 1:30 AM (Next day)

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EL REFU ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Trendy
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - El Refu

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Reviews With Photos

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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5 months ago

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2 months ago

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21 days ago

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8 months ago

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10 days ago

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

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1 year ago

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9 months ago

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2 years ago

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7 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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1 year ago

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9 months ago

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3 years ago

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4 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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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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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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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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6 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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2 years ago

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2 years ago

The hype in social media does not match the actual establishment. Was not impressed. Drinks were average, food was ok.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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1886 Humble Backyard

1886 Humble Backyard

(102 reviews)

$

IAH Airport Area

We went here during the daytime, late afternoon. The venue is a large space with two bars, indoor…read moreand one outdoor. They feature darts and a pool table on the inside with corn hole on the outside and live music occasionally. The bartender (José) and manager were welcoming and conversational while showing professionalism and genuine care. We played three rounds of pool and three rounds of cornhole. The pool table's felt has very low rolling resistance and is perfectly level, and they have well maintained pool sticks with chalk and powder for those with very moist hands. The whole venue is well built and has a lot of open space, with copious tables and seating. We will be back to Humble Backyard to have fun when it is jamming with people

We went and where should I begin??? I wanted to try this…read moreplace since I heard of it a while back and since its around my old neighborhood I was so excited to finally go. I was definitely disappointed. We got there early and the place wasnt busy not even busy once people started showing up. Don't want to sound like a "Karen" but uff!! It was just bad. It took a while between drinks and don't get me started on the food. I thought service would pick up when we saw 1 or 2 other waitresses show up as time went by but it was the same. They said they had bartenders they had one inside and the 2nd one seemed more of a cook even cus she kept bringing food orders to tables vs wait staff. It was so slow that people were even going inside to get drinks/beer buckets and it seemed "faster" in some way. I was surprised how little the mimosa came with or maybe it was just the big glass. Micheladas weren't that great and idk what they use in it or on the rim but it had a crawfish seasoning taste to them. Same for their bloody Mary.For it to have too much on and in it it was very basic w/out flavor. When I saw how slow food was coming out I just decided to eat the slider that came with the Mary. Which wasn't that great. Only good thing were the onion rings For the price and experience unfortunately it's definitely not worth it.

3D’s Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge

3D’s Krazy Kitchen Bar & Lounge

(73 reviews)

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.

Letty's Authentic Mexican Cocina - Tacolgados al pastor

Letty's Authentic Mexican Cocina

(152 reviews)

$$

Had the BEST time at Letty's Mexican Restaurant…read more First off... this place is GORGEOUS So colorful, full of great vibes, beautiful art pieces, and decor everywhere you look. You walk in and instantly feel the fun energy. Add in tons of drink options and wheeeewwww... let's talk about the FOOD Everything I ordered was AMAZING. That cheese chile relleno?! POWWWWW absolutely delicious. The rice and beans were full of flavor and tasted homemade And those fresh homemade corn tortillas... WOW. You can taste the love in them But honestly, one of the best parts of the night was hanging out with Julio! What a BEAST at customer service He was attentive from the start, made sure we had drinks, water, menus, and everything we needed without ever missing a beat. Plus he took time to share fun stories and made the whole experience feel personal and welcoming , and I LOVE that. Am I coming back? YOU BET I AM and I'm dragging everybody with me! If you want great food, fun vibes, and awesome service, go check them out and say hi to Julio for me

I was meeting a client and stopped briefly. The decor is what drew me back to try Letty's. The…read moredecor is bright colors like in Mexico, but with a feminine touch. It is a small restaurant but the food and customer make up for it. Food - 4 stars The enchiladas were made just like my grandmother use to make them. Delicious. Customer service - 4 stars The staff were superb and friendly. They constantly checked on us. Price - 3-4 dollar signs Cleanliness- 4 stars Restroom - 4 stars

El Refu - mexican - Updated May 2026

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