El Tiempo Cantina

Tex-Mex restaurant · Second Ward

El Tiempo Cantina

Tex-Mex restaurant · Second Ward

2814 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003

Highlights

Lively branch of a family-run cantina chain known for its margaritas & hearty Tex-Mex dishes.

2814 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003 Get directions

eltiempocantina.com

@eater

"Launched by the same family that brought Houston the Original Ninfa’s, El Tiempo is similarly known for its potent margaritas and sizzling fajita platters. Choose between the standard beef, chicken, spicy shrimp, or veggie fajitas, or amp things up with filet mignon, salmon fajitas with mango chimichurri, or seared spicy ahi tuna topped with mole. Take it to the next level with fajita add-ons, like the “la tana,” a mixture of serrano peppers, garlic, and cheese." - Brittany Britto Garley, Megha McSwain

16 Essential Tex-Mex Restaurants In Houston

View Postcard for El Tiempo Cantina

@eater

"El Tiempo Cantina co-owner Dominic Laurenzo posted a photo with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which led to significant social media backlash. The photo was taken at the restaurant, and Laurenzo expressed being "honored" to serve Sessions. This upset many residents, as Sessions was associated with the Trump administration's family separation policy. In response to the outrage, El Tiempo Cantina issued an apology and deleted its social media accounts. Despite the apology, the backlash continued with negative reviews on Yelp and Twitter. The restaurant declined further comments." - Amy McCarthy

Jeff Sessions’s Selfie With a Houston Restaurant Owner Was Always Going to Cause Backlash - Eater Houston

View Postcard for El Tiempo Cantina

Sasha Swan

Google

This place was surprisingly good. Both the main course and the desert was on point. The server was really helpful and attentive. My only issue is that I did not like the red salsa.

Julius Kabugu

Google

Ordered the Beef and Chicken Fajitas for two. Loved how they served it on a mini hot stove. A unique Fajitas concept. Ambiance and music take you home. Food tasted great and my guests loved their drinks too.

Adolfo Escalante

Google

El Tiempo Cantina is an absolute gem in Houston! From the moment we walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for an outstanding dining experience. The service was impeccable—our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and quick to ensure our every need was met without being overbearing. As for the food, it was phenomenal! The flavors were authentic, and the portions were generous. We tried the fajitas, and they were perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The freshly made tortillas and salsas were the perfect complement, and the margaritas were some of the best I've had. Overall, El Tiempo Cantina exceeded our expectations in both food and service. It’s the perfect spot for a delicious meal with friends or family. Highly recommend!

mike villalobos

Google

El Tiempo Cantina truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment we stepped in, the experience was delightful. We were greeted with complimentary nachos and dip, setting the tone for a memorable meal. The filet mignon was bursting with flavor, and the black bean chalupa was a standout. Although the red fish taco tasted slightly off, the rice, black beans, and guacamole made up for it with their deliciousness. While the first mango margarita was a bit too strong and syrupy for my liking, the attentive service more than made up for it. The servers and other staff members consistently checked in on us, ensuring that our needs were met throughout the meal. Moreover, the restaurant itself was a visual treat. Impeccably clean with beautiful decorations both inside and outside, El Tiempo Cantina provided a pleasant ambiance for dining. Overall, I left El Tiempo Cantina thoroughly impressed and eager to return, especially with my family in tow. It's a gem worth revisiting for its delectable cuisine, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere.

Norma Ponce

Google

Perfect place to eat either date night or a gathering with friends. The fajitas are deliciously tasty and tender.

Reynaldo Cordova

Google

Solid experience at the original location! Fajitas were sooo flavorful and seasoned to perfection. We had on the rocks margs, great choice. Chili con queso is a must have.

wesley peterson

Google

Miranda greeted us almost immediately. She was warm, welcoming and very personable. She made two entree recommendations (pechuga domenico & tacos) which were both an absolute hit. Also, we both loved the charro beans. They were so flavorful! The chips and salsa were so different than most Mexican restaurants. The red salsa was served warm, a first for me - and was surprisingly tasty with a hint of heat. The green salsa was wonderfully creamy and full of flavor. The restaurant is sprawling on the inside and the portions of the food are filling even for a big guy. The entire staff was very attentive and the whole lunch was very quick - I would definitely return even if I was on a lunch break from work.

Kat O

Google

Moldy disgusting vents and ceiling. I used to love this location but I finally looked up. You will see the ceiling is covered in mildew especially around the vents. You can clearly see the black / blue color. This means every employee and customer is breathing this in. This is a major health concern. With so many new locations opening, it's time to take some pride in the flagship location and fix this.

@eater

16 Essential Tex-Mex Restaurants In Houston

View Postcard for El Tiempo Cantina

@eater

Jeff Sessions’s Selfie With a Houston Restaurant Owner Was Always Going to Cause Backlash - Eater Houston

View Postcard for El Tiempo Cantina

Sasha Swan

Google

This place was surprisingly good. Both the main course and the desert was on point. The server was really helpful and attentive. My only issue is that I did not like the red salsa.

Julius Kabugu

Google

Adolfo Escalante

Google

mike villalobos

Google

Norma Ponce

Google

Perfect place to eat either date night or a gathering with friends. The fajitas are deliciously tasty and tender.

Reynaldo Cordova

Google

Solid experience at the original location! Fajitas were sooo flavorful and seasoned to perfection. We had on the rocks margs, great choice. Chili con queso is a must have.

wesley peterson

Google

Kat O

Google

El Tiempo Cantina

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