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Home of the restaurant credited with introducing the country to fajitas — the original Ninfa’s, for those who have been living under a rock — it's no surprise that Houston is known to serve up some of the best Tex-Mex food in the world.

Cuisine that showcases the various regions of Mexico can be found all over the city, including the grilled meats of Chihuahua, the complex moles of Puebla, and the fish stews of Veracruz. From lively destination restaurants like Armandos to the many taco trucks and cafes that dot the city, Houston captures the magic of Tex-Mex with a breadth that’s hard to beat.

It’s not only the various cuisines that can leave a person at a standstill when deciding on where to dine; it's also the wide variety of flavors. Somewhere between the crossroads of Texan, Mexican, and Cajun flavors lies the magic of what makes Houston’s Tex-Mex scene so unique.

Whether you're new to the Houston dining scene or simply stuck in an unimaginative Tex-Mex rut and looking for somewhere new, use this map as a guide for exploring the city.

Is your favorite Tex-Mex spot missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

The little brother of Houston’s Armandos, Mandito’s brings comforting Tex-Mex to Bellaire with fajitas, enchiladas, chile con queso, and twice-refried beans, as well as its “world famous” burrito bowl. The experience wouldn’t be complete without a drink, so be sure to delve into a margarita, served frozen or on the rocks. If you’re particular, the Make it a Margarita option allows diners to customize their beverages with any agave spirit or sotol on the menu, plus one of five special salts to line the rim.

This time-honored restaurant, which dates back to the early 1940s, continues to be one of the best bets for Tex-Mex in Houston. The menu is vast, and the prices are hard to beat. Start off with a bowl of chicken tortilla soup or a platter of taquitos — both under $10 — and then finish strong with one of the Tex-Mex platters. A staple menu item since the restaurant’s very beginning, the Mexico City dinner is a filling platter featuring a beef taco, a cheese enchilada, a bean tostada, and a tamale, served with guacamole, chili con queso, rice and beans.

A part of the Pappas franchise, Pappasito’s Cantina has been serving up Tex-Mex fare since the 1970s, and it’s fair to say they know what Houstonians like. Homemade tortilla chips with warm red salsa are hard to resist, but appetizers like chicharrones con queso and the sweet and spicy ribs are worthy starters. Tacos and enchiladas are fool-proof options, but here, the fajitas are the star of the show. Choose between steak, typically cooked medium, well-seasoned chicken, grilled quail, or shrimp. Can’t decide? Get a platter with a sampling of each, and round out your meal with a tres leches.

The little brother of Houston’s Armandos, Mandito’s brings comforting Tex-Mex to Bellaire with fajitas, enchiladas, chile con queso, and twice-refried beans, as well as its “world famous” burrito bowl. The experience wouldn’t be complete without a drink, so be sure to delve into a margarita, served frozen or on the rocks. If you’re particular, the Make it a Margarita option allows diners to customize their beverages with any agave spirit or sotol on the menu, plus one of five special salts to line the rim.

A beer garden and Tex-Mex restaurant in one, this new Montrose hangout guarantees a good time. Order some scallop ceviche and chips, guac, and salsa, while you ponder the drink menu, which sports at least a dozen frozen margaritas, all of which are made to order. The beer offerings span the likes of punchy sours, dark and malty sips, ciders, and IPAs, and the wine list is just as diverse. Then, dive into staples like tacos, tortas, and enchiladas.