"The Deal: $8 cocktails, $6-9 tacos, discounted appetizers Dinner at Hugo’s, the classic Montrose spot serving traditional Mexican dishes, is usually reserved for a birthday, anniversary, or any occasion that calls for your good suit jacket. But Tuesday through Friday, the happy hour here includes $8 cocktails, $6-9 tacos, and discounted appetizers like the ceviche verde and chicken taquitos. Which means you can go to Hugo’s happy hour just to celebrate having a good day (suit jacket optional)." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s showcases the breadth of Mexican cuisine with dishes like crudo, carnitas, lamb barbacoa, and crispy duck with mole. On Sundays, the restaurant offers one of the best buffet-style brunches in town, where guests can fully experience its many sweet and savory offerings. Enjoy a classic margarita — a perfectly balanced blend of tequila, lime, and salt — or elevate your experience with the Greatest Margarita, crafted with Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila and 25-year-old Grand Marnier." - Brianna Griff
"Hugo’s is a rite of passage—the historic stunner was built in 1925 and has high ceilings and chandeliers that look like they’re on loan from a castle. At this upscale Mexican restaurant in Montrose, the details matter, including margaritas that get shaken tableside, or personal tableside handbag racks. The place operates with the quiet confidence of an institution. Hugo’s knows how good its tender barbacoa wrapped in banana leaf is. Or, the chapulines with spicy salsa and blue corn tortillas that make you forget your manners when there’s only one left. And it’s not just a dinner spot. Celebrate a birthday or fend off the Sunday scaries at the mile-long brunch buffet with a plate of chilaquiles." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"If by Greatest, Hugo’s means “most expensive,” then yes, this is the greatest margarita in Houston. This marg clocks in at $33 and contains french oak-aged añejo tequila, 25-year aged Grand Marnier, tangerine and lime juice, a hint of ginger, and gets served with a sprig of thyme. If you can age it, Hugo’s will margarita it, probably. And while the price tag is worth two and a half Hugo ritas, it does taste like silken liquid gold. It’s also pretty boozy without the sharp taste of alcohol. So, if you want to drink the cocktail version of mythical honey, this drink is for you." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"At this Houston institution, Mexico City-born chef Hugo Ortega’s Hugorita offers one of the city’s best margaritas, thanks to its perfectly balanced blend of tequila, lime, and salt. Looking to elevate the evening? Consider the Greatest Margarita, made with Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila and 25-year-old Grand Marnier, a splurge at $29. Try other margarita renditions at one of Ortega’s other restaurants, including Xochi Downtown and the more casual Urbe in Uptown Park." - Marcy de Luna