Irma's Original

"Eating at Irma’s Original is like having a meal inside of a living room, which is why so many Houstonians make time to visit. At Irma’s Original, the Tex-Mex menu changes daily, and the space is filled with just about any tchotchke imaginable. The daily menu is whatever the chefs feel like making, so you'll probably have to come more than once to experience the best of Irma's: the chicken mole. The mole is bold and sweet, with a subtle heat, and served with rice to ensure you don’t miss any sauce. Plus, multiple trips to Irma's means more chances to shoot the breeze with the staff and take occasional pauses to watch the Astros game." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas, julie takahashi

"Tucked in the Warehouse District, Irma’s is a Downtown institution known for its warm hospitality and authentic Tex-Mex fare. Adorned with quirky memorabilia and autographed celebrity photos, the restaurant radiates charm and history. The menu highlights bold Mexican flavors with dishes like mole-covered enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and sizzling fajitas. Pair any dish with the house-specialty lemonade that’s infused with seasonal fruits for a refreshing twist." - Marcy de Luna

"There are two Irma’s locations, both are downtown and only a few minutes away from each other. But you’ll know you're at Irma’s Original because of the Tex-Mex menu that changes daily and their kitschy decor. The tiny dining room transports you to what looks like the inside of a grandma’s living room. Shelves overflow with dolls, floral dishware sets, framed photos, and just about any other tchotchke. The daily menu is whatever the chefs feel like making, so you should a) come here more than once and b) hope they feel like making chicken mole on the day you dine. The mole is bold and sweet, with a subtle heat, and served with rice to ensure you don’t miss any sauce. photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Richard Casteel Food Rundown photo credit: Liz Silva Irma’s Homemade Lemonade Between the variety of fruits and bright red color, it makes more sense to refer to this slightly tart lemonade as a fruit punch. But we don’t make the rules at Irma’s. Expect to want a second round before your entree comes. photo credit: Gianni Greene Chicken Enchiladas These enchiladas come exactly the way enchiladas should—smothered and covered. The mole on top is the perfect balance of spice and subtle sweetness. We honestly would order just a bowl of the mole. Fajitas The beef fajitas are solid, especially when topped with perfectly caramelized onions. You just can’t be upset when sizzling fajitas are staring you in the face." - Gianni Greene

"Downtown’s Irma’s Original is a Tex-Mex gem that began as a sandwich shop in 1988 before pivoting to Mexican cuisine. Today, this cozy, kitsch-decorated restaurant dishes out mole-topped pork tamales, enchiladas, and fajitas. Don’t miss Irma’s Limonada, a refreshing twist on lemonade with seasonal fruit. It’s a perfect pre-game indulgence as Irma’s extends its hours until 7 p.m. when the Astros are in town." - Marcy de Luna, Brittany Britto Garley

"The Tex-Mex restaurant Irma’s has two locations, and both happen to be downtown, just a few minutes away from each other. But only at the original location on Chenevert Street will you find a small dining room that could be the envy of all of the best thrift stores in town. At Irma’s you get the family treatment, which means that they’ll probably call you “hon” or “sweetie” after every interaction. It also means that they’re only serving whatever they feel like cooking that day, so cross your fingers and hope that the subtly spicy chicken mole makes the menu. Swing by for breakfast, or come for a midday meal to try one of the daily specials like a plate of carne guisada or beef fajita enchiladas." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas