If you can't take the heat...don't use the green sauce! I get it. I get the hype. Tacos El Gato is one of those spots that consistently slips its way into the late night conversations of both Galleria residents and party-goers alike. Personally, although I previously lived within 10 minutes of the spot, I always seemed to find myself speeding down Westheimer at such a speed that I was never quite able to process this food truck's existence until I was promptly past, stopped at the stop light beyond. However, tonight, perhaps in a nostalgic attempt to savor every aspect of my old neighbor, I drove down Westheimer intentionally seeking that iconic illuminated sign. If it's your first time visiting, I highly suggest keeping the following items in mind. -The truck offers two payment option- cash or Zelle. -You can order in English or Spanish. -Although they are not listed on the menu, they carry Jarritos. -If you want to look like you know what you're doing, wait in your car after receiving your ticket. Receive your food when your number and meal contents are announced over the speaker. As far as the goods, for $2 tacos, these really can't be beat. In addition to the obligatory street taco dressings of raw onions and cilantro, they also provide limes, salsa, and pickled onions with each order. I grabbed two beef fajita, one barbacoa, and two chicken tacos. I requested my tacos to-go and apart from the chicken opted for corn tortillas. The beef fajita and barbacoa tacos were incredibly flavorful! The chicken tacos were good, not great, but that's likely my fault. Although smaller in size, I prefer their corn tortillas over their flour. Now that I know the drill, I'm excited to explore their other options, but be warned. The parking lot fills quickly, and the line swells as the night progresses, so if you're seeking fresh tacos AND a short wait, arrive before 10pm! read more

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Right off of Westheimer, this is one of the better taco trucks in the Houston area. Open until 2AM (sometimes 3AM), they are slinging up typical mexican street eats; mainly the tacos and quesadillas which are commonly ordered here. They've garnished quite the reputation due to being open late, tastiness of their food, and the bright colors of their truck and menu signs. My order is always a mix of tacos (fajita, campechano, barbacoa, pastor, tripa) and a quesadilla or gordita thrown in. Always comes with pickled onions and green salsas while topped heavily with cilantro/onions. I usually would take it home and eat it there but I found eating it immediately gives the best flavors and tastes while it's piping hot. Another item they have that's on my radar is the machete; think of a quesadilla but thinner and longer; I saw it's got a great cheese pull so I'll definitely get that next time. The people serving take your order quick and deliver the eats quicker; I've only had a 4-6 minute wait for my orders (thank god). They do speak english although if you know espanol, obviously order in that format. Someday I'll get that language down pat, someday! Cash or Zelle only. read more

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A late night destination along Westheimer, El Gato has distinguished itself as one of the most memorable taco trucks in the city. There is no shortage of competition in the neighborhood, let alone in practically the same lot (#1) but they've managed to stand out with tasty tacos, a solid meats, a bright marquee sign, and a nice loudspeaker for folks in the lot. As a result, the local fanfare is tremendous and they've been a reliable destination for my taco cravings. Since they primarily open at night, the lot within the strip mall is open parking. On any give night of the week, this lot could be full between 10pm-1am, but it's a constant stream of cars going in and out. Place an order, pay in cash, and wait it out in the car until your ticket number + order contents are announced. Most of the patrons are usually folks from the surrounding neighborhood and as expected, Spanish is primary language. I haven't stuck around long enough to see how they handle orders in English, but I'm certain it won't be a problem. Beware of the snarkiness behind the guys in the truck; I am sure they deal with a lot of personalities all throughout the night. Despite tacos being a part of their name, this truck is best known for their machete, which is basically a large quesadilla which can be anywhere from 18-24 inches typically. I've only seen these in DF (#2) but El Gato has done a good job making this part of their late night menu mantra. The tacos themselves are solid but be forewarned that they're essentially the mini tacos aka taquitos. The meats could be a bit more generous portion wise, as my last barbacoa, fajita, and campechanos were somewhat less generous. I love their chicharon and buches, but it's not a guarantee that it's available. I haven't had their gorditas or gringas yet, but their tortas and quesadillas are definitely worth considering for slightly larger appetites (#3). For years, the prices weren't listed but their most recent truck makeover now includes taco ric mini tacos are now $2 and $2.50 for tripa and campechanos. I believe the machetes are now $10-12 but don't be bashful in asking for extra condiments such as salsa, cilantro, asado onion etc. I think all taco enthusiasts in the city should give El Gato a shot. __________ (#1) Hi Tacos Laguna: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-laguna-3-houston (#2) CDMX (#3) Seriously if the tacos aren't doing it, then rock the quesadillas. read more

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Honestly...my favorite tacos in Houston!! I first discovered this when a friend recommended it and fell in loveeee. I love tripa and they execute it so well - it's so crispy! topped with their salsas, yummm. I've tried their tacos but it doesn't compare to their machetes, which I've never had until I visited this truck. Now, whenever I'm in the area, I *have* to stop by. read more

While eating my taco, there was a sharp small piece of BLADE in my food. Don't think I'll be coming back no matter how cheap the tacos are sadly. I felt something hard/sharp while biting and luckily I did not hurt myself. Very disappointed read more

Tacos El Gato - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food is ALWAYS amazing and makes me what to keep coming back. I've been coming here for 3 years. They could do a little better at getting your order right but it does not happen on a daily. Over great Place and would recommend! read more

Easily the best taco truck in Houston without question . I will keep coming back every week

Delicious tacos!!!! No wonder why they are always full!! They donot disappoint! Ill be coming here more often read more

Tacos El Gato - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

The best tacos in Houston! Their sauces are also so flavourful. Definitely stop by on any evening and bring some cash. Service is quick and you find parking too. Plus the street ambience is perfect to enjoy the tacos right there! read more

Coming out of a show at stereo, we were craving tacos. We saw this truck had a lot of people lined up and decided to try it out. We had their Al pastor and one of other taco that I can't quite remember now but neither of the two left a good impression. The meat was just overcooked and not that well seasoned. I think the salsa helped a little. read more

We've talked about trying for a few years and glad we did. The streets tacos a tiny but packed with goodness. The Barbacoa (beef cheeks) was not greasy full of flavor. The Pastor very traditional taste both served fresh, hot and packed with onions and cilantro. Team on the truck was very nice and pleasant with excellent service. 100% will be back again and again!!! Next up the Machete!!! read more

Tacos El Gato - Pastor and Barbacoa Street Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Get the machete taco. I got the fajita and the pastor. Both are really good. There is a crunch to these. read more

Tacos El Gato - The spot - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Well, my partner happened across this truck Monday- it's now Thursday- and it's our 3rd stop here soooo... She highly recommends the tripa tacos & it's one of the only places to find a machete around here. Be aware cash only! And they say they close at 3am daily read more

Tacos El Gato - a taco truck in a parking lot - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Our recommendation? Everything! Anything! This was a great visit. Food was delicious and fresh. Service was friendly and fast. It's now a frequent stop for us, especially on Taco Tuesday. Can't beat $1 tacos! read more

Tacos El Gato - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

**Warning** THE BEST MEXICAN STREET TACOS in Houston! Do not play yourself with the other taco trucks! This is your spot!! Now unfortunately I dont know their operating hours but I usually go after 7pm. Tonight I went after a Saturday night out with friends. So they were still open at 2:30am. These tacos are the real deal. Reminds me of when I got street tacos in Tijuana. If you're ever in the Galleria area make sure you stop by this truck. It's the green one all by itself, not the ones near the liquor store. The gentleman that takes orders always provides good customer service! Try any of your favorite tacos. But if you love tacos & quesadillas, especially cheese, definitely try their Gringas too! It's like a quesadilla but way better!! I had been looking for those forever. Not every taco truck has them. Please know that's it's CASH ONLY so hit the atm before you go. But most importantly, be ready to be satisfied! read more

Tacos El Gato - I ate half of it before I thought about taking a picture. - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Best machetes in the area! Friendly service. Just order Togo. Had the fajita and tripa. Will be back !

This taco truck has become the only place I come for tacos . Really delicious food , and great service . Today I finally tried their speciality, a machete, omg soooo good. read more

Tacos El Gato - Machete with camechano meat - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

HORRIBLE!!!! Not only did the food not have any flavor. Like other reviews said. My whole machete thing was filled with thick fatty pieces, the nasty kind. Took two bites and literally spit it out... into the taco. I told the "owner" he said he's been here 15yrs and no one has ever complained. As he's staring at the taco with the spit out food in it. Customer service was horrible and honestly he treated all the ppl of color who weren't Hispanic with a nasty attitude. There's much better places to get tacos. These reviews can't be real, there no way!!! Literally a horrible experience, i rather drive to south Houston to Taco Madre any day over going here that 5mins from house. read more

These tacos were so good they had me reminiscing after I was finished I promise you. I made sure I showed them love!! read more

Tacos El Gato - Al pastor and Barbacoa tacos - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The tacos are freakin bomb, ESPECIALLY after a night of drinking. Really nothing else to say but you should go there. They're $2 each and you won't regret stuffing yourself bc I did and it was incredible. Will definitely eat here again a read more

Fajita quesadilla was . I've al so had the chicken tacos and barbacoa tacos from here but fajita is my favorite meat so far. read more

Tacos El Gato - Fajita Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

My favorite taco stand since I moved to Houston in 2016. Their Barbacoa is the best in town. I enjoy the friendly and fast service that they offer but sometimes I can't find them and that makes me sad. read more

I have been curating a list of the best Mexican food since arriving in Houston. Baby, they don't miss it! My order is 2 Corn Pastor Tacos, add cheese, Pastor burrito, add cheese, no lettuce, no tomatoes, green sauce, only chef's kiss! read more

Best tacos I've had since moving to Houston!! I've had their burritos and machetes, as well. Highly recommend it!! read more

Tacos El Gato - Al Pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Tacos are absolutely delicious I have really enjoyed the service as well The salsas are complimentary What else can u ask for grab a glass bottled soda and you are set read more

Good tacos, good meats, good taste. Only thing is that the tacos are small in comparison to most but still great for their price.

First time trying this taco truck and so disappointed, Not good tacos, it had a lot of meat but tasteless.

Food is so good! Machete is good price and taste! It takes around 10-15 mins to get machete in peak hours and weekends they have free bean soup! Some of the workers are a bit rude (being screamed at for not ordering right away while waiting for my party to arrive) read more

10/10 the burrito slapped. got one el pastor and one chicken both amazing. Highly recommend.

Great food, great prices, cash only. Might have trouble parking but it's worth it. Open late as well

My go to authentic taco truck. Cash only. I always order 6 carne Asada tacos. Good price and fresh

Oh my God look at these tacos! Christian and his team have been giving me some of the best food I could ever ask for. I want to thank him and his team for doing such a wonderful job as well as my food always prepared just the way I like it every time I order. Best street tacos in town read more

Tacos El Gato - Barbacoa tacos my favorite! - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We used to enjoy the tacos here pre-Covid. We recently returned and found the meat to be dry and not to the standard it used to be.

$2 for lil ass tacos is crazy ngl. 1 star for the "flavor" I guess and 1 more star for the size of these things. My two year old ate 2 of these things and wasn't even full so imagine an adult. read more

No exaggeration-the best chicken quesadilla I've ever had. Full of flavor, generous portion, and fresh! The only reason for 4 stars is due to the tacos; barbacoa and pastor. A bit dry but the green sauce was fire! read more

I want tacos right meow. Picked up snacks for taco Tuesday night. Kinda disappointed that the truck menu was partially covered up and no menu prices. Weeknight or weekend, everything should be available. I wanted to try a machete, but the menu thing and limited protein options bummed me out, so I settled for a fajitas torta, with a side of chorizo and pollo tacos. $9 for the lot. The sandwich bread was nice, soft, and put together nicely. Mayonnaise threw me off as something I didn't expect, but no big deal. The mini, fun sized, street tacos came dressed with chunky chopped cilantro and white onion, and he did ask if I wanted the tacos with everything. In comparison to visiting a couple of spots in Tijuana, Mexico, el taquero made exceptional street tacos. Tender, flavorful asada or adobada with finely chopped, almost minced, cilantro and white onion, but the important Mexican ingredient was fresh guacamole. Not only for added flavor and texture, but as a binder to keep the other items in place. Without the guac, it's kinda dry, and I prefer a moist taco. I shoulda got more of the green sauce aka salsa verde aka spicy goodness. He only put 2 sauce containers in the to-go bag, which wasn't enough to drown my dry snacks in tasty sauce. There are also squeeze bottle salsas and other condiments if you dine al fresco by the truck. I didn't want to unwrap my bagged up food and there weren't convenient containers on the food truck shelf to pack other salsas or condiments, so I dealt with whatever was served. The food at Tacos El Gato is good and relatively inexpensive compared to nearby spendy options, and a bit quicker than table service restaurants. Based on other posted feedback and my first visit, there are opportunities for improvement, but I would return to try something else. read more

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Best tacos on the WS of Houston and top 4 in the city! Try the machete or tripas (dorado).

Machetes and tacos are veryyyyyy good. One of the best taco trucks you can find! They have really good salsas and food is pretty tasteful. I'm Mexican do this place is a solid find. You won't be dissatisfied. read more

I don't think their food is good. For some reason they are recommended and that's why people go to this taco truck. Salsas are very spicy and tasteless. They lack flavors in their meats. People are nice. I dislike that they don't have salsas or condiments in portion cups, everyone is touching the salsa bottles and the serving utensils. Overall, not a fan of this place. read more

It wasn't too easy finding machete quesadillas near me in Houston, but I'm so glad I went here! They do it amazingly, and I'll definitely be back. Do keep in mind, their machetes are $10 each, and they take cash only. read more