Dining Guide
Cy-Fair’s best-kept secrets for spicy
south-of-the-border fare
Story and Photography by Russell van Kraayenburg
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Photo Courtesy of Mario’s Taco and Burger House
The San Antonio taco at Mario’s
Taco and Burger House
C
Cy-Fair has a plethora of delicious Mexican and
Tex-Mex joints, but we set out to find some of the
hole-in-the-wall gems our area has to offer. Hidden in
that shopping center around the corner might be the
best enchiladas you’ve never had! From restaurants in
business for more than 40 years to those serving up
fresh, modern takes on the classics, you’re sure to find a
few favorite hot spots for Tex-Mex this spring.
Maritza Carillo is ready to welcome
guests at Rudy’s Grill and Cantina
Mini pork tacos at
Rudy’s Grill and Cantina
El Palenque’s Parilla Fiesta
combines quail, shrimp, beef,
and chicken fajitas
Anna Gutierrez dishes up the
Parilla Fiesta at El Palenque
To advertise, call 281-579-9831 or email [email protected]
CY-FAIR MAGAZINE • 53
Alicia’s Mexican Grille
Juanita’s
Alicia’s claims to be “not your typical Tex-Mex restaurant,”
and a taste of one of their many delicious meals will tell
you why. Alicia’s serves all the classics, plus a collection of
specialty dishes, including Alambres, Puntas Chimino, and
Carne Tampiqueña. If you’re looking for a sophisticated
twist on Mexican food, this is the place to go.
Tucked away in Lakewood Forest off Louetta, Juanita’s
is a relative newcomer to this list of delicious Mexican
restaurants in Cy-Fair. Known for their delicious house
dinner, Juanita’s special consists of a crispy beef taco,
guacamole, chili con queso, a tamale, and chile relleno. It’s a
great way to try a little bit of everything this new favorite has
to offer.
26326 N.W. Fwy., Cypress • 281-304-1833
El Gallo
12527 Jones Rd., Houston • 281-469-4246
El Gallo is tucked away behind Connie’s Custard on
Jones Rd. and has been serving up great Mexican food
for 40 years. Their menu is small, but El Gallo is known
for focusing on and perfecting their excellent dishes, like
their to-die-for fajitas. Also try the chicken, beef, or cheese
enchiladas.
El Palenque
21161 Tomball Pkwy., Houston • 281-376-6960
With salsa and guacamole made fresh throughout the day,
it will be hard to save room for dinner. Their Pollo Loco, a
half-roasted spicy chicken served with guacamole, borracho
beans, and rice, is good to the last bite. For date night,
we recommend the Parrilla Fiesta with golden quail, gulf
shrimp, and marinated beef and chicken fajitas – perfect for
sharing!
11550 Louetta Rd., Houston • 281-251-0206
La Hacienda
12503 Telge Rd., Cypress • 281-373-0300
Off the beaten path, La Hacienda is a true secret gem when it
comes to Cy-Fair’s Tex-Mex staples. The restaurant offers CyFair residents delicious meals in a comfortable environment.
Go for their fajitas, served with rice and beans, guacamole,
pico de gallo, and onions, but you can’t go wrong with any
choice you make here – there is no end to the deliciousness
on their menu.
La Maria
17445A Spring Cypress Rd., Cypress • 281-373-0559
La Maria has been serving delicious Mexican food since
1986. Dinners like their Camarones a la Plancha and Tostada
Imperial will have you coming back time and time again.
La Maria also has a kids’ menu with enchiladas, tacos, and
54 • CY-FAIR MAGAZINE Visit CyFairMagazine.com for Cy-Fair jobs, events, news and more.
quesadillas. As an added bonus to their great food, La Maria
offers free Wi-Fi for busy Cy-Fair residents on the go.
Los Faroles
18174 River Sage Dr., #108, Cypress • 281-859-7200
Los Faroles offers delicious, authentic Mexican food for
hard-to-beat prices and in a great atmosphere. Hidden away
off of Barker Cypress, they’re a Cy-fair favorite among TexMex connoisseurs. Try one of their delicious enchiladas and
quesadillas, and you won’t be sorry.
Mario’s Taco and Burger House
11049E FM 1960, Houston • 281-970-8811
It might not be conventional, but tacos and burgers are a
quirky match made in heaven. Inspired by the homegrown
flavors and recipes of a small Mexican village, Mario’s
serves up flavorful, fresh meals from the heart. Not only do
they serve delicious dinners, they also offer a scrumptious
breakfast menu. Any one of their meals will have you
coming back for more.
Natalita’s
17470 N.W. Fwy., Jersey Village • 713-937-6559
Natalita’s has been serving Cy-Fair since 1985, dishing up
some of the area’s best Tex-Mex options. Try the melt-inyour-mouth cheese enchiladas, or branch out from the
norm and try the chicken del mar, a chicken breast covered
in mushrooms and onions and served with four grilled
shrimp.
Rudy’s Grill and Cantina
11760 Grant Rd., Houston • 281-370-9766
Seasonal menus and great recipes make Rudy’s Grill and
Cantina unique compared to other Tex-Mex spots. Looking
for lighter fare than your typical quesadillas? Try the taco
salad with a crispy tortilla shell, ground beef, lettuce,
tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream paired with a cup
of black bean soup. Don’t forget to sample Rudy’s famous
margaritas.
Taco De Oro
9740 Barker Cypress, #105, Cypress • 281-345-7632
With a wide selection of scrumptious meals, appetizers, and
cantina drinks, Taco De Oro is known for their enchiladas,
burritos, and chimichangas. It’s also a great spot for a quick,
inexpensive family dinner with several meals under $10.
Stop by on the weekends for their brunch buffet. CFM
RUSSEL VAN KRAAYENBURG grew up in Cypress and
enjoys exploring the area’s numerous eateries.
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3/23/11 2:58 PM• 55
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