One of the important life lessons I have learned in relocating multiple times is to really embrace the new area that we call home. It is easier to do when there are things around that get you excited. For me, moving to Texas meant that I was going to get to eat good Mexican food whenever I wanted. I love Mexican food and anytime the area has fresh-made tortillas in the grocery store, you know there are going to be some winners! I have taken it as a personal challenge to try as much of the local fare as I can stand. Most of the restaurants have an option for outdoor seating, which is lovely this time of year. Below are some of my favorites, as well as few new restaurants to open:
Chuy’s
They may have the best chips and salsa around. Their chips are super thin, very salty and their creamy jalapeno sauce will have you coming back for more. They have a fun & eclectic atmosphere. My kids love that they can watch as the tortillas are made by hand. They feature Mexican cuisine done slightly different than normal, but it is really delicious.
www.chuys.com
Lupe Tortilla
I am a big fan of their fajitas and the taco salad. I have lots of friends that swear by their menu. This place is a favorite for lunch or while running errands on the weekend. They feature seasonal margaritas that you can’t get anywhere else, like the Blood Orange Margarita. This has quickly risen to the top of our family’s list of staple restaurants to enjoy.
Rico’s Mexican Grill
There are multiple locations in the area. I have been to the one in Alden Bridge Village Center and they serve a wonderful margaritas. On Fridays, the Alden Bridge restaurant has live music. The last artist we saw did covers of Elton John, Billy Joel and the like. I have also been when they have Mariachi/Tejano music, too. Some visits have been great, others less than fantastic.
El Chaparro Mexican Bar & Grill
Located in Magnolia, I think it is one of the best kept secrets around. Except on Friday nights! The place is packed. Kids eat free on Sunday too. I order the enchiladas every time I am there, with charro beans. We have always had fantastic service, no matter how large our party.
Caffe de Fiore
The Mexican restaurant with the Italian name. The owner shared their story the last time we were there. They took over the space from an Italian restaurant, but before they could change the name, they had already had 2 newspaper write-ups and a spot on the local news. So the name stuck, as well as a few of the items from the original restaurant, such as pizza and gelato! Their mole sauce is fabulous and you must save room for the
Tres Leches Cake.
Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen
This restaurant recently opened on the Waterway where La Lupita Mexican Cuisine & Bar was previously. This is a great restaurant for date night or weekend people watching. They have a very nice patio that hugs the open concert space at the Waterway. The chain was recently awarded OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award for 2015 and they even serve brunch!
Hello Taco
This family owned & operated business opened in March 2014 and has taken off with The Woodlands crowd. Recently, there was a feature article in The Woodlands Community Impact Newspaper highlighting the owners’ journey from Southern California to Texas. They feature handmade tortillas and homemade sauces. This is on my short-list in the near future!
Escalante’s
This restaurant is a Houston-based chain that features fine Tex-Mex and tequila. They feature family recipes that are made fresh daily, which includes desserts. Additionally, they serve Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm. The Woodlands local branch of this Houston favorite has recently opened
in Hughes Landing.
www.escalantes.net
Torchy Tacos
And coming soon, the Austin based chain, Torchy Tacos, will be opening a restaurant in The Woodlands in the Cochran Crossing Shopping Center.
torchystacos.com

Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor