Mama Rosa's Pupuseria

Salvadoran restaurant · Briar Meadow

Mama Rosa's Pupuseria

Salvadoran restaurant · Briar Meadow

1

3631 Hillcroft Ave, Houston, TX 77057

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Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null
Mama Rosa's Pupuseria by null

Highlights

A cozy mom-and-pop spot serving irresistible El Salvadoran comfort food, including mouthwatering pupusas and hearty breakfast options, perfect for any meal.  

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3631 Hillcroft Ave, Houston, TX 77057 Get directions

$10–20 · Menu

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3631 Hillcroft Ave, Houston, TX 77057 Get directions

+1 832 426 4322
mamarosaspupuseria

$10–20 · Menu

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Mar 6, 2025

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"The most Northern stop on this crawl, this no-frills mom-and-pop restaurant is a solid place to begin your pupusa journey. The restaurant serves reliably steamy pupusas made-to-order with stretchy cheese and traditional ingredients like pork and beans, plus traditional Salvadoran breakfast plates, and soups that will make you feel like you took a trip back to El Salvador." - Brittany Britto Garley

A Pupusa Food Crawl Through Houston’s Hillcroft Avenue - Eater Houston
View Postcard for Mama Rosa's Pupuseria

Elizabeth C

Google
Great food! Fast service. We must of came right after the lunch rush because multiple tables needed to be bussed. You know it’s good if nearly all the tables are occupied. Chicharrones were a little over cooked but still delicious. My favorite was the plátanos, beans and crema. Great first experience!

Manuel Rivas

Google
Food taste right not totally disappointed just my complain is that I asked for salpicón dish. Flavor was good is just that it looked more like a Mexican style I have it the same dish in Mexican restaurant and at some of my friends houses too and that’s how they do the meat kind of small squares not like Salvadoreños very chopped meat. First picture is what I got here second picture is how I remember is done in El Salvador ( Take a closer look at how the meat is been chop ). And please do something about the service some of your ladies are kind of rude to people.

Julio Ovalle

Google
Not the fastest service but the food is great. A good 15-20 min wait for your food but it’s worth it, especially for the pupusas.

Emily Liu

Google
Great food, solid portions. I really enjoyed the tortillas, which are very fluffy and thick. The rice is lightly salty and the curtido is actually more refreshing than funky. Got a huge chunk of beef shank in my soup! Floating marrow galore

Rhina Flores

Google
Delicious food, great customer service. The food does take a while to come out but it’s worth it.

Pedro Pacheco

Google
I would definitely be back to this restaurant, it was the first time trying authentic food from el Salvador and it was delicious, the pupusas were amazing, full of flavor. The service was great. Strongly recommend to ask for the pan con gallina.

Marlene Martinez

Google
Good it was really delicious but if you take your leftover they charge you for the cup and plate to go … besides that it’s really good food

Caroline Ryan

Google
Everything we had was delicious! My boyfriend and I ordered 4 pupusas revueltos (mixed: beans, cheese, and chicharron), a tamale de elote con crema (you can get it regular or fried, we got regular), and an empanada de platano con leche. The pupusas were super filling, I was honestly full with just one but it was too good so I ate the second one! The tamale was also really good, it has a slightly sweet taste but it's balanced with the cream. The empanada was really sweet; I recommend sharing it with someone (unless you have a sweet tooth!) All of this food was only $11 or $12 (not including tip), which is amazing! I plan to come back whenever I am in the area. The only thing with this restaurant is that the parking is a little weird, but it's manageable. Also, I wish there was an option to order fried yuca by itself, and not with meat; however, I didn't ask, but next time I will because I love fried yuca. I definitely recommend this place to everyone!!

Kennedy W.

Yelp
I've never had a pupusa before so I was excited to try it. I was also craving plantains and horchata so I got that as well. The serving size was generous and I really enjoyed the beans. The horchata tasted differently than I've ever had before. There was a peanut taste. It wasn't bad, just different. I believe I got cheese and bean, cheese and pork, and cheese and loroco pupusas. I was pretty stuffed by the time I got around to the pupusas and took them to go. I preferred the pork and cheese and would get it again. Not too sold on the other two. The parking lot is small so be mindful of that if dining in.

Lacey D.

Yelp
We didn't have much from here, just two Pupusas. But they were delicious! I would happily comeback and try more items.

Heysi A.

Yelp
The place is small yet cozy. They have Spanish Christian music and no it's not boring but has a great beat to sway to. I tried the pupusas and they were delicious! Their ensalada drink is my fav! The waitresses were nice and sweet. Def recommend if you are in the area and craving pupusas!

Ciara D.

Yelp
Omg I just found this hidden gem. Delicious is an understatement. I had the platanos y frijoles and tamale de pollo. The tamale was to die for. It was a huge tamale too not one of the skimpy ones. The plantanos were ripe and sweet and fried to perfection. I will definitely be going back to this location. Only minor con is the parking lot, depending on the time you go it's jammed packed.

Sarah W.

Yelp
I've been craving pupusas for a while and these hit the spot! So tasty! Staff was friendly, and the food came out quickly

Viviana E.

Yelp
first time trying this restaurant, i called ahead to place an order to go which were 8 pupusas revueltas & an order of plátanos that came with crema & beans for a total of $31. it took about 15 minutes to be ready, the inside has a homey feel to it & all the ladies were sweet. the pupusas were SO good, not greasy at all. it came with tomato sauces & curtido. the curtido (pickled cabbage) had a good spicy kick to it which i enjoyed. the plantains were delicious, wether you eat it with the crema or not it's sweet & savory. the refried beans were tasty as well just an overall great meal. can't wait to come back for something new.

Bridget C.

Yelp
Food was flavorful and the workers were very polite. Would definitely come back very authentic Salvadorian food !

Luz L.

Yelp
La comida es súper autentica y deliciosa!!!! Se los recomiendo a todos. Las pupusas son deliciosas y de buen tamaño! The food is delicious and super authentic!!!! I recommend everyone go. The pupusas are delicious and a good size!

Jonathan M.

Yelp
Good popusas. Good location. Good price. Recommend Came here after being recommended by central American friends.

Chasitey U.

Yelp
Super tasty, food came fast, and the price is pretty average. Food was made fresh and was sooo good, place was very clean. They also offer to go orders but they do take about 15-20 to have the order ready because again they are made fresh!

Quinn K.

Yelp
Honestly the best pupusas I've had in my life. The cheese is so melty and yummy and they're so big and just mmmm. I was driving down the road and something told me to stop by this place and I'm glad I did. SUPER lowkey inside, and a long wait (like 20+ min) for my 6 cheese pupusas but they were so worth it and cheap too. The employees were also really nice.

Victoria V.

Yelp
The staff was very kind and attentive of our children. Food was great! Everyone basically licked their plates clean.

Timmy L.

Yelp
This was my first time here and it did not disappoint. I ordered 2 pupusas Togo for a quick snack and got the mixed one to try. It was made fresh and came out really hot. I thought the flavor and taste was pretty good. The only negative was the wait. I had to wait about 30 mins before I got my order and it was not that busy at the time. I do not know any Spanish so I was a little hesitant but the workers their do speak a little English so it wasn't a problem. Overall I wouLd definitely go back to try other items on their menu!!

Andrea S.

Yelp
Food was fantastic but service is slow and wait staff does not understand or speak English at all. Plantanos were PERFECT and served with yummy crema!!!

Sonia N.

Yelp
Self seated restaurant. Took about 5 minutes for a waitress to come take our order. Ordered a few papusas and a chicken tamale. Papusas were little on the dryer side here. The chicken was a good sharing size. But the outside was warm and moist the chicken inside was dry and cold. I came here because of the high stars and reviews. I was a little disappointed with my experience.

D G.

Yelp
I can't say enough about this place, I ate til I was sick the yuca was good, I didn't even know I liked it, their beans and rice was the best, I love that they use jasmine rice and the carne asada was so tender and flavorful, I can't wait for another cheat day because this is where I'm coming

Melissa H.

Yelp
Vivo a una hora de Houston y cuando vengo me gusta buscar comida deliciosa. Muy ricas las pupusas!!! Auténticas se las recomiendo!

Nisha N.

Yelp
Super vegetarian friendly place with plenty of options! I'd never heard of Loroco before and the Loroco/Cheese Papusas were amazing. Topped with a slaw and hot sauce, it was warm and definitely fresh. I put that crema on everything, it was really good. The plaintain plate was enough to share with a few people and are a must have. I've never heard of friend tamales , so got that to try and it didn't disappoint. Great job being save during Covid with social distancing and servers all being very sanitary.

Elena V.

Yelp
Found this place on Yelp. It's in a shady area but I stopped in because I was already in the area. I called in my order. The lady put me on quick hold but was very patient with me while I placed my order. She answered all of my questions and told me the total before we hung up. 15 minutes later I pulled up. Parking was easy and loved that there wasn't a line. I paid, checked my order and left. The waitress was nice and helpful. Got home and discovered that everything was still hot and fresh. Everything I ordered was in the bag along with napkins. Bugs me to no end when they don't include napkins. The food was amazing. It needed some salt but overall everything was perfect. I'd definitely recommend them and I'll definitely be returning.

Jade P.

Yelp
I don't have any photos and that says something. The food here is great! I recommend their pupusas, horchata, y el cocktail de fruta. I never have photos of the food here because as soon as it's brought out I scarf it down in a matter of seconds. I am salavadorian so you know I hold my pupusas to a high standard. Make sure you get some yucca con chicharon (the plate) as an appetizer. Just split it with people so you don't feel guilty about eating 2 entrees lol . The area is kind of sketchy but it's worth it. Only con is that they have a small a*s parking lot.

Elizabeth G.

Yelp
This place has the best pupusas! Definitely must try, it was clean and food came out quick. They have all COVID standards

sonal m.

Yelp
I love this place! We've been a few times and I've always come home feeling satisfied. Everything is freshly made and so flavorful. You can smell the freshness in the corn flour they use to make the papusas and tamales. I don't go anywhere else!

Joana J.

Yelp
I've been here twice. Was not greeted either time. Both times it took a while before the waitress even came to take our order. The service is very slow. It took 20 minutes for our food to come out both times. The first time I was understanding because they had a full restaurant, today they did not. Tofus service was exceptionally bad. Our waitress took our order and never came back. A different waitress dropped the food off and when I asked for a salt shaker she never brought it. I had to go up to the counter to pay my tab because our waitress never came back to check on us. When I paid my tab I also ordered 2 chicken tamales which I was told would be brought over to my table, they were not brought over. After waiting for 15 minutes the same waitress who I paid my tab with gave me the box which had been sitting there already. So despite no other customer being at the register she just never brought them to me or called out to let me know they were ready. I will never come back here. The food is ok but not worth the bad service.

Rigoberto V.

Yelp
Feels like home. foods great and fulfilling. The waitresses were quick friendly and attentive. Would come again

David N.

Yelp
I came here for the purpose of eating pupusas and they did not disappoint. Each pupusa is $1.75-1.99 and they are larger than I'm normally used to. That was a pleasant surprise. The curtido or cabbage slaw was good but a little under on the vinegar side. I still enjoyed it and added to my pupusas; it's not a big deal. I also got the plantains with crema and beans so pretty authentic. I was a fan of beans and plantains The menu is in Spanish but not too difficult to navigate. Also does not taste the same after putting in fridge and microwaving so just finish it all Coming back to get my pupusa fixings for sure

Rachel B.

Yelp
The chicken tamales are so flavorful. I will definitely be back. The pupusas are also good, but the chicken tamales really won me over. I have to try the fried corn tamale next. Give them a try!

Mary B.

Yelp
This place was so delicious! For pupusas this is the joint! They were amazing , there was a lunch crowd but who can blame them . The service was great and food came out at a decent time. It's a Salvadoran Restaurant and they had a variety of deliciousness on their menu. But I only tried the pupusas revueltas and they were amazing ! And only $1.99 also tried the plantains and they were perfect! It's family friendly, they have cute little decorations. And they are very friendly.

Mayra F.

Yelp
Esa comida está fea y sale cruda ayer mi esposo me compró un pollo a la plancha y me salió así y crudo aprenda a cocinar para tener restaurante

Theresa V.

Yelp
Omg y'all. Never have I had so much good food for little money. Word of caution: the menu is pretty much in Spanish but my limited knowledge of Spanish was good enough. Ordered pupusas and an order of plantains. The plantains came the correct way per my Mexican friend with beans and crema. They were so good and approx $6. Each pupusa was $1.25ish and I got the pork and cheese. They were bigger than any pupusa I've ever had and were served with slaw and salsa. Totally would come again and try other stuff.

Daisy J.

Yelp
The cashiers were friendly and nice. The food was good and well served for what you pay!

Mayra Z.

Yelp
This place is delicious! We were going to "la pupusa rica" but it was closed thankfully it was because I got to discover this place! Everything was on point. Just that it was a bit warm/hot inside. Since the door was open. Other than that the food was great.

Josh M.

Yelp
To Go Order: This place is awesome, very busy and has great food. I went on a weekend one day for lunch and have heard only great things about this Pupusa spot which is very hard to come by, especially working all the in Montrose. Unfortunately I do not speak Spanish, but that was not an issue, while I was ordering. I ordered 10 pupusa's and they are made to order, unfortunately my lunch was spent standing in the waiting area until my food was ready. I tried calling to place an order, but it seemed like their phone was busy and went to voicemail. After waiting 20 minutes, my food was hot and was given my quesadilla that was ordered. When It came to eating, this place is sick! Not in a bad way, I thoroughly enjoyed every bite and their Curtido is on point not just a vinegar cole slaw. I will definitely come back and if this placed was supported with a delivery app, I would be eating here more often! Strong 7 to a light 8

Ileana M.

Yelp
I LOVE MAMA ROSA'S AND I CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK Empanada de platano con leche (plantain dessert filled with milk custard and topped with sugar): Pros: Fantastic filling Cons: TBH my mom makes 'em better (lol) but they were still delicious. I think they'd taste better if the platano were cooked for less time before being turned into masa because it was too soft. Pupusa revuelta: Pros: 1. If you go to a Salv restaurant and don't order pupusas you're doing it all wrong to begin with. 2. Delicious delicious delicious. I can't wait to come back and try the other varieties. 3. Affordable; for $1.75 you get a pupusa that'll get you more than halfway to a full stomach 4. GET THAT CURTIDO Cons: none Caldo de res (beef soup with veggies): Pros: 1. Great value. For $9 you get a bowl the size of your head (literally) filled with delicious beef broth and vegetables like yuca, carrots, and güisquil (squash) as well as 2 massive pieces of beef. It also comes with a side of tortillas and rice. 2. Amazing beef broth. You can taste how much love went into it. And the veggies absorb the broth taste so that's great too 3. Ridiculously good rice. Don't underestimate the rice lol. And while you're at it, pour some broth over that rice Cons: The beef was just a little tough tbh so I'd like to come back and try the gallina (chicken) soup Fresco de ensalada (fruit salad drink): I ordered two larges and that's all I have to say about that Very clean, well-kept restaurant. This is my new go-to for Salvadoran food.

Jose M.

Yelp
Muy buena atención pero en especial la Sopa de Gallina. Se las recomiendo Las pupusas estan especiales. Un aplauso para la cocinera El lugar es comodo y familiar.

Brian A.

Yelp
Decided to come to this place for Valentines Day and wow was that a great idea!! My girlfriend is part Salvadorian and she wanted me to try pupusas for the first time sense I never had them. Sense we first walked in everyone greeted us and made us feel welcome. My girlfriend ordered for me for 2 reasons: Because she wanted me to try something new so I good give my taste buds something it has never had and two because she speaks the language lol The waitress was great and took our order with an iPad which is very impressive in terms of technology implementation to a small homie restaurant. The music is amazing too!! I couldn't stop moving my hips and eating all the foods!! I was starving and the food didn't take long at all. I definitely want to come and possibly even order to go for sure!! Completely mind blown about the service, food, hospitality, music and culture. Will becoming back for sure!!

Rajata K.

Yelp
Have you ever had that extraordinary moment from your significant other where they pick something so random that the place is perfect A.F?? Today, that was bae. My boyfriend, Gage, was driving me home from work today and I meow'd at him to let him know I'm hungry. (Inside joke y'all.) He looks at me at a stoplight and then drove by this place that'd we have been meaning to check out in forever. It looks real sketch but this place is awesome. My lovers of food... this place is delicious. I got a tamale, a mixed plate, and gage got some papusa's because you can't not have a papusa at a papusa place. Double negative, get over yourself you blimey English majors. My tamale was a tad soggy and fell apart as soon as I unwrapped it BUT HOLY SMOKES. THE MASA IS SUPER GREAT. ahem; sorry for the yelling. I just get excited over food. Anyone else? No? Just me? Okay, whatever guys. -insert eyeroll emoji right c'here.- the papusa were crisp on the outside as they should be and filled with all the fillings that was possible. He got pork and cheese with beans and cheese papusa's and they were great. My favorite though was the 12.99 mixed plate with chicken breast, sausage slices, some roasted veggies, and a thin ribeye with sides of beans and rice. So the one thing about this place that makes it great is that no one speaks English. My broken kitchen Spanglish got us what we wanted and dude it's money well worth spent. I definitely recommend it especially if you can find a friend in houston that speaks Spanish, which shouldn't be too hard to do.

Eliza F.

Yelp
I drove here to place my order as the phone never gets answered but the pupusas and side of beans was worth the drive. Staff are very friendly and the wait was only 20 minutes.

Lawrence V.

Yelp
This place so far is the cleanest pupuseria that I have been to in the houston area at least. The staff were polite, not as conversational when I asked questions as it was my first time there but polite and I'll take that. The food was good, I had pupusas, but I seen many eating soup there, so I have to try that next time

Daphne K.

Yelp
I remember my first time I've been to this place. It's about 3 years ago and I was still pretty new to Houston. I wanted to have lunch after a stressful morning having job interviews and driving through the city. I never had Pupusas or Salvadorian food before. I was curios and based on the good reviews on yelp I gave it a try. Well, I'm glad I did. It was packed when I was there and I remember there was exactly one server who could speak a tiny little bit English. I was feeling like this must be authentic then. I had Pupusas and flautas that first time and it was waaaay too much food for me. All the other times I only ordered Pupusas and tried their seafood soup once. That was delicious! The service always is great. Everybody is super friendly and glad to give recommendations. I've been to other Pupusa places in town but these are by far the best I've tried. Also their fresco de ensalada is so good!

Anjely H.

Yelp
I have called several times on different days and they dont answer the phone, and no space for messages. I will have to find another place. This one was one of my favorites, but not sure what is going on with them.

Stephanie N.

Yelp
$2 for one pupusa? Yes! normally, I get homemade pupusas from my Salvadorian best friend's mom. Unfortunately, I can't always get that whenever I crave it. When I first arrived we had to seat ourselves. Immediately someone brought over the menu. I got two mixed pupusas and one with pork and cheese. They are made to order so they are hot and fresh once they arrive. I liked it! Kind of big compared to what the lady told us so two is definitely enough. The slaw that comes with it was delicious. Nicely pickled and still crunchy and complimented the pupusas very well. Although this is a small Salvadorian Restaurant, I am curious to try other things on their menu. Definitely a place to try if you are craving pupusas!

Danielle O.

Yelp
Some things on the menu are good. God forbid you mispronounce one thing and they correct you. Girl it's the same thing. The seafood soup was good. Customer service SUCKS! They all are unhappy and it's just a ugly vibes. Papusas suck lol they are missing something and so does the coleslaw and the Chile I'll only come back for the seafood soup and TOGO!

Dilcia M.

Yelp
Pupusas were amazing. Very fresh, cheese melts I. Your mouth. Restaurant was very clean.

Bzmom K.

Yelp
Great food! Gone twice and bath times it has been great food. Re I wasn't sure but once I had the food I was content.

Edwin A.

Yelp
Ehh it's not bad.. my fiancé and I ordered the chicharrones with yuca . I was pretty disappointed on the size of the serving. We only got like 5 small chicharrón and a bunch of yuca. The yuca wasn't bad a little bland could've been better. My fiancé ended up getting an orchata for a drink and was extremely disappointed. She literally left the whole thing :(. She had the mixed popusas and wasn't really pleased with them. She told me there not bad but has tasted better. I had the steak with white rice. I somewhat enjoyed this platter the steak was really good but for the rest ehhh.. give it a 2 ‍

Victoria M.

Yelp
Walked in to order, but try calling ahead to avoid a long wait. Overall, satisfying. The dough was a little tough and the salsa could be way spicier, but that's just Tex-Mex for you. Decent.

Angela P.

Yelp
Small hole in the wall but great pupusas! I ordered the mixed (pork, beans and cheese) and a side of plantains and cream. The plantains were sooo good!!! The only complaint I have is that we only have an hour lunch so we had to change our order to go because we only had 15 min to get back to work and our food hasn't come out yet. If you're in a rush, I'd call in the order ahead which is what I'll do next time!

Angelina S.

Yelp
The size of the pupusas are great however the flavor was so close but just missing something. I orders been and cheese and revueltas ( pork and cheese) I will say their customer service and curbside delivery were fast and efficient.

Claire L.

Yelp
This place is amazing! It's a hole in the wall restaurant that's easy to spot on Hilcroft. It took 4 of their attendants to take my order in English for my first time to go order but they were very sweet and patient. I ordered the Loroco, chees & meat, cheese&beans pupusas, and the steak dish. Pupusas were steaming hot and very flavorful. The steak I ordered was surprisingly tasty and their side rice was top notch. I liked this place so much that I recommend a group for another try. All my friends love their orders and thought they are authentic. I ordered the bean only pupusa and the sopa de gallina(chicken noodle soup). The chicken soup came with a large piece of grill chicken, rice and thick tortilla, the soup reminded me my grandma's recipe. I took my leftovers for lunch next day and they were still very good. This place close very early every day at 8 pm. I saw they have a great selection for breakfast and I will definitely come back for Salvadorian brunch experience.