Ninfa's

Tex-Mex restaurant · Meadowbrook

Ninfa's

Tex-Mex restaurant · Meadowbrook

1

8553 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77017

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Highlights

Family eatery with fajitas, margaritas, and pickled carrots  

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8553 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77017 Get directions

ninfas.com

$10–20 · Menu

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8553 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77017 Get directions

+1 713 943 3183
ninfas.com

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 30, 2025

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How Mama Ninfa Brought Fajitas to Houston — And the World | Eater Houston

"Founded in 1973 when the family converted part of their tortilla and pizza factory into a 10-table eatery, this restaurant popularized sizzling fajitas in Houston and beyond. Its skirt-steak fajitas are grilled over wood-fired coals to develop a distinctive char and smoky aroma, and are traditionally served on homemade tortillas with rice, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole; a signature green salsa made from tomatillo and avocado is a hallmark of the menu. The founder, Maria Rodriguez Laurenzo, combined fierce business drive with warm, maternal hospitality—inviting the neighborhood in and insisting on high standards—which helped turn early lines into lasting community loyalty. The simple, nostalgic cooking method, hands-on way of eating, and the restaurant’s mentorship of employees and other restaurateurs helped cement fajitas and the green salsa as Tex‑Mex staples, even after the original location was sold following the brand’s financial troubles." - Brittany Britto Garley

https://houston.eater.com/24271046/fajitas-history-tex-mex-houston-restaurant-maria-mama-ninfa-rodriguez-laurenzo
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M M

Google
I usually go to the ninfas on navigation, Houston TX.But today the family and I came to this location for early Father's Day luncheon for the very first time.Our waitress,Diane was awesome and helped us on anything we needed.A big thank you to Diane and the rest of staff.I ordered the plate, La India which is my overall favorite.We loved all the food and we recommend it.

Geovanny Marin

Google
Never thought I'd say this about a Mexican restaurant but these were some of the best RIBS I've ever had. Can't go wrong with anything on this plate. The food was amazing, vibe of the restaurant was great, staff was very nice and smiling, I'll be back forsure.

Alexandria Martinez

Google
This location far exceeded my expectations!! Our server was incredibly hospitable (Jose) as was the rest of the staff throughout our experience. Plenty of parking, indoor & outdoor seating available, & a wide range of menu options. Food was delicious and tasted fresh. Would def return & recommend to a friend!

Ray Bauer

Google
We ate dinner at Ninfas by the Hobby airport while staying at a nearby hotel before an early morning flight. The restaurant is very close to the airport and Marriott hotel making it a convenient choice. It has been many years since we’ve eaten at a Ninfas and it used to be a favorite Mexican restaurant chain for us when in Houston. We enjoyed the exemplary service from Amely F. She promptly greeted us with a pleasant smile and helpful suggestions. The menu provided ample choices of traditional Tex Mex and grilled favorites. We shared our two dinner orders and enjoyed the tamale, enchilada, and grilled beef, and sausage along with charro beans. The chicken was a bit dry, and the heated tortilla was a bit chewy. La Perfecta margarita was excellent. While the restaurant itself was fine, it was a bit dated and the atmosphere could use a refresh. Overall we were pleased with the dinner experience highlighted by Amely’s friendly, professional, and attentive service. If you are in the Hobby airport area it is a solid choice.

Mona DeLeon

Google
The food was yummy 😋! I went and picked up a to go order and drove all the way from Spring mainly for the pickled carrots. We also got fajitas for 4 and had lots of leftovers!

Alyssa Weathersbee

Google
If I could give more stars, I would. The food was impeccable. The seasoning was perfect and the salsas were delicious. The staff is all very kind and attentive. The quality is high but the prices aren't. My whole family loved it.

LM-USMC

Google
Absolutely enjoyed our visit. The food was great. The atmosphere was authentic. The waitresses were awesome. I ordered the Diablo tacos. Everything tasted fresh. Beware, the borracho had a little heat to them, but I'm a spice wimp. Great flavor, though. If you get a chance, try it out. If I had one negative, it would be the sewer smell in the bathrooms. But, if you want authentic, this goes with it.

Michael Conley

Google
Food is great, no AMAZING!! The fountain in the dining room is a nice touch. When you come in ask for Alessandro as a waiter!!! Super friendly, knows the menu and offers recommendations when you ask. Can't ask for a better server!!
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Hannah L.

Yelp
On your way to the airport? Need a bite before your flight? This is my go to stop before flying out of Hobby. It's not near my house, but it's damn sure good enough to stop at any time I'm in the area (which happens to only be when I'm about to fly out of hobby). Place is huge, and depending when you go it may not be very packed. But the service is good and the waiters are nice and timely. It's styled like most other Mexican restaurants- the wooden tables and big booths with Mexican hats and flags throughout. The fajitas are always my go to, but their enchiladas are good as well.
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Leo P.

Yelp
Great Customer Service and Food Good ambiance Always fresh food and good times here

Todd D.

Yelp
Great Hapoy Hour margaritas the food is always good and fresh and service is up to par. A great go to place plenty of parking and large roomy restaurant
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John B.

Yelp
This is my favorite Ninfa's location. I think the food is 100% better than the original location. Also, like the others, they do make fresh homemade tortillas. Some of my favorites include: Fajitas Carnitas Tacos Musicos Caldo Xochitl Always great service. Very friendly and very fast! Great stop for lunch/dinner if you just flew into Hobby. The decor inside gives you that Mexican restaurant vibe. Warm feeling. Feels like the real deal!
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Alexandria M.

Yelp
This location far exceeded my expectations!! Our server was incredibly hospitable (Jose) as was the rest of the staff throughout our experience. Plenty of parking, indoor & outdoor seating available, & a wide range of menu options. Food was delicious and tasted fresh. Would def return & recommend to a friend!
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Anna L.

Yelp
I must say that the fajita meet is like fall off the rib brisket.. it's indescribable as u can see by my description!! drinks were average and service was 2 of 5 stars .. sat at the bar .. wanted a piece of tres leches but she never came back .. anyway .. i would come back for the meat .. which is rare for me

Angela F.

Yelp
First let me say that Mercedes my server was Amazing. She anticipated my needs. Did the right amount of upselling without pressuring me. And made me feel like I was a personal guest of hers. I had the strawberry margarita and enchiladas del mar. How have I slept on Ninfa's for this long. Food was Delicious!!! Portion generous. The grilled veggies were seasoned by the gods themselves. I will definitely come back here again. And, you should too!
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Harvey G.

Yelp
Arrived around 7pm. Seated in a booth right away. Felt something splashing my arm, and realized it was the air conditioning vent dripping onto the table. Asked to be moved, waitress apologized and said she had forgotten about that issue. She brought out chips and salsa and I ordered a beer and beef fajitas with charro beans. Food was decent. Steak was tender and cooked well. The rice was bland. Steak was sitting on a bed of onions, no peppers. Charro beans were good. Overall average experience.
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Jennifer H.

Yelp
My bf and I got the Nuevo Leon for 2 ($51.95). This included baby back ribs, beef and chicken fajita, and jalapeño sausage that are served with tortillas, rice, beans, guac, sour cream, pico de gallo, and cheese. The baby back ribs had some very tender pieces, but some not so tender pieces. There was lots of meat on the ribs. The chicken was quite dry. The beef was overall pretty tender. The sausage was tasty, but super greasy. The corn tortillas were delicious and fresh and definitely tasted homemade. The meal was overall enjoyable and very filling. Service was great as they checked in like 3 times on us.
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Kacey G.

Yelp
Delicious fajitas and margaritas! The charro beans were my favorite thing. We were in a large group for work and the service was quick and great as well.
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Patty Y.

Yelp
I ordered the soft tacos. One with chicken was really good. The shredded and fajita beef isn't flavored or seasoned. Other than that the pieces are good and the service is too.

Ansel L.

Yelp
I went to Ninfa's on a Saturday night and ordered various items such as the guacamole, a mixed style perilla, and the tortilla soup. There was notably exceptional and attentive service here, and great value! It's a very traditional scenery and experience, all of which I was quite satisfied with. The verdict? Amazing and great value!

Evan C.

Yelp
The best steak fajitas! If you are in Houston you do not want to miss eating here. This is the best steak fajitas I have ever eaten. The large will feed two adults.
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Heather C.

Yelp
100 year old pecan trees shade this Hoiston treasure. The family pride is key for food prep and service. Ninfa's has that market cornered the market on all flavors. We come to Houston every year for the international quilt festival but we have never stayed on this side of town before. It is really taking off with a ton of construction and a good area to eat and live. I had the quests, guacamole and tortillas dipped in la mantequillahhhhh. I do love my butter! The pork and plantains were saucy and the tamale was moist, swimming in a river of mole. Get me a stretcher! Imma need a tow truck to get home.....aye aye aye
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Scott M.

Yelp
Lived in Houston most of my life and then moved away having never eaten at Ninfa's. Took a vacation with one intent and it was to eat at the home of the Fajitas. It did not disappoint. Very tasty and fresh, the meal was a treat. Not the best I have ever had but 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Colette M.

Yelp
The food ok, nothing to write home about. Drinks, ok. Ambiance was your basic Mexican restaurant style. Great service though!

Spring Fresh E.

Yelp
Good food! Good service! Nice atmosphere! Great staff!! Moderately priced! I love the fajitas!
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Crystal C.

Yelp
I just like to say I have only been to a ninja's restaurant in Houston four or five times in the last 5 years and this location was by far the best!! Our server Paul was absolutely magnificent. He never left us guessing or lacking anything at the table. He answered all of our questions about the menu with perfection. Once we finally came to a decision as to what we wanted to eat, Paul brought everything out and explained to us what each dish was with a smile on his face. The other servers helped by bringing extra trips and salsa to our table. " Is this the awesome service you get when you get to Texas?" my out of town family member said....oh yes! We got fajitas, chips and salsa, combination quesadillas, bacon-wrapped shrimp, one margarita and a lemonade... ALL DELICIOUS & FRESH HOBBY AIRPORT IS VERY CLOSE BY... IF YOU NEED TO KILL TIME TO BE TRAFFIC OR CATCH A FLIGHT SWING ON BY THIS LOCATION YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED
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Aaron J.

Yelp
Due to being unable to rent a car large enough for all our luggage and the family we were forced to stay in Houston for the day. This little place cam highly recommended by our hotel, so we thought we would give it a shot. It has been around for 50 years, Staff was very friendly, this was my second trip to Texas and much like the last one I was disappointed in the food. It's not that it was bad it's just Tex-Amex and I prefer authentic Mexican food. The Guacamole was really the only thing I enjoyed unfortunately.
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Mary D.

Yelp
Went in for dinner today. Had the beef fajitas with rice and beans onions flour tortillas. OMG amazingly great. I also had the queso w chorizo flamado oh so delicious with pico de gallo tortillas, I also had fresh chili cheese with butter before my meal. The service was great. The manager even bought us off. I hate this very friendly and I'll wait. It was Michael. Excellent I would highly ask for Michael next time. He's a wonderful, waiter very attentive thank you. Will be back soon.
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Heber P.

Yelp
This place was close to the airport so we stopped by here. They started us off with chips and guacamole sauce and Spicy salsa. The sample platter has Chile relleno jalapeño poppers, chicken potatoes skins (huge) chicken and ground beef taquitos, and delicious bbq ribs that fall off the bone.
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Glenn M.

Yelp
It has been over 40 years since I have eaten at a Ninfa's. My memories were correct. A great Mexican restaurant. Only complaint is tiny chip bowls that had to be frequently refilled. Staff very friendly and attentive all our food was perfect.

Julia R.

Yelp
I ate here for the first time today and had a great experience! The salsa was very good. I got the spinach and mushroom's enchiladas and my friend got the spicy chicken mole enchiladas-- both were fantastic. Everything was very well seasoned. I had a delicious reasonably priced margarita as well. My server was attentive and nice. The restaurant has good vibes overall. Would definitely recommend!
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Jean K.

Yelp
Started off with the margarita flight (mango, strawberry basil, and another flavor that I can't remember - all great flavors and STRONG). Steak Fajita salad and ceviche were excellent. Not a fan of the queso or the chips that came with them, but the two complementary salsas with house tortilla chips were great. From the outside, I couldn't believe how large the restaurant was (same as the restrooms). I'd like to try more of the dishes, their menu is huge. Seems like a great place for family gatherings. The service is amazing and the food arrived so fast (surprisingly fast, like once the waiter placed the order into the iPad, the food came out).
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Ra'Jon H.

Yelp
The food was basic/average, the drink wasn't great and small for the price, the service was good and the place is typical look with sports on which is cool.
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Pamela F.

Yelp
Checked out Ninfa's for a late lunch with a friend who happened to be driving through town right after we landed at Houston Hobby. Talk about timing! Both the hubby and I agree on a solid 3.5 stars, but I'll round up for friendly, unrushed service, really generous portions and tasty chips and salsa. I enjoyed my enchiladas de mole and refried beans, but the chicken inside the enchiladas and the rice lacked seasoning. I ended up putting some of the red salsa on the chicken and that helped. Could have used more mole sauce with the enchiladas. The Mister agreed that the chicken in his chile rellenos didn't have much of any flavor. Nearly five hours later and after a brisk 1.5 mile walk back to our hotel and we're STILL STUFFED! Definitely a good place to go if you're hungry.
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Tracey W.

Yelp
Amazing! Look forward to the food when in Houston. This location is impeccable. Clean, cheerful with great service and amazing food.
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June W.

Yelp
Had a late lunch here today. What a cool looking place, great decor (love the tiled bathrooms too!). Nice "courtyard" with a fountain, in the dining area. Server was nice, and efficient. Got the free chips and salsa - chips were nice and warm. We had: 1. Soup and Salad Combo - with Caldo Xochitl soup and the green salad. Salad was good, but the soup!! I expected just a cup or bowl of soup, but this was the soup, and sides of rice, salsa, cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado to add to your soup yourself. Nice touch, so tortilla strips won't be soggy when you add them, etc. There was a big piece of chicken in the soup, so that was nice. 2. Tacos al Carbon a la Ninfa - great beans (had a nice taste, not the usual beans), the tortilla (made here) was soft and fresh. Queso was good too. 3. India Salad - good portion, good tortilla 4. Granjas Enchilada. Great beans, and good enchiladas as well.
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Natasha P.

Yelp
As a New Yorker this was the best homemade corn tortillas I've ever had!! I absolutely despise the smell of flour tortillas and the "grittiness of corn tortillas". The friendly server advised me to order the corn tortillas along with his favorite beans. I can't remember the name but I'm soooo glad I listened. These tortillas were made with love by a person who takes pride in what they do and you could taste the love with every bite! That grittiness I despise was not present to my pleasant surprise and the food was filled with flavor and love! As a foodie I believe you can taste when someone doesn't take pride in what they serve you and boy this place loves what they do! Atmosphere was cute service was quick, fresh and pleasant! Definitely worth going to! Next time I'm in Houston I'll ensure I stop by again!
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Tony P.

Yelp
Upon arrival from DAL, we went to eat here with family. I ordered their combo beef taco and Wifey ordered combo chicken taco. The rice is so good and the sliced beef was marinated well, soft and juicy, taste great. Crunchy taco was seasoned well. Great Tex Mex food and the service was extra-ordinary. Wish you could come and try their entrees.
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Rosemary S.

Yelp
My husband I were running errands and decided to stop at Ninfa's for lunch, we walked in, and we were sat quickly. No smile, no eye contact. She put us at a booth with a wet table, our waiter came, and we told him about the table he said the a/c vent above the table is leaking. I ask him, why then she sat us there? His answer was "she probably didn't know" I feel like everyone needs to be on the same page. My husband ordered the shredded chicken enchiladas, and I had the ground beef enchiladas. Our waiter was okay, kinda slow. Our meal was good/okay, but my beans were cold. It wasn't the best, but it satisfied us.
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Paul H.

Yelp
Hate to leave a bad review but this location gave us a horrible experience. We ordered $70 worth of food through Uber Eats. $4 for the tiny side of guacamole you see there. $3 for that tiny side of rice. They forgot to include the double refried beans I ordered and my fiancees quesadilla had multiple BONES in it... like what?! Sharp bones. Placed next to a penny for size reference. We stopped eating it and threw it away. Really horrible experience & sucks because we were trying to celebrate.
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Boyd B.

Yelp
Wow!!!! The first stop everyone should make after arriving in Houston. Ninfa's is where it is at when it comes to fajitas! Extremely clean and authentic Tex-Mex restaurant near Houston-Hobby airport. The exceptional experience begins with a very kind and polite hostess. She introduced me to my server, Juliana as she walked me to the table. Juliana was very receptive, very pleasant, and knew the menu. She assured me I would not be disappointed with the food (see last review on fajitas in DC). The service at this restaurant is phenomenal, a great experience begins with the people at Ninfa's. All of the food on the menu looks great, but I am here to discover the real meaning of the fajitas. Of course it was happy hour, so I had to get a margarita! $3.50 what a deal. I might be moving to Texas just for the delicious drink they serve at Ninfa's. OMG! The delivery of the food was fast and looks amazing. They make all the tortillas in-house. The beef is tender and melts in your mouth like silk dancing on your tongue. The char on the steak is perfect. The combination of onions, guacamole, and red salsa combines to elevate the seasoning of the beef. I tried flour and corn shells. Both were exceptional. I did notice that there were few peppers in the veggie mix. The chicken glistened with moisture as it melts into your mouth like butter on hot bread. Combined with the green salsa, guacamole, and the flour tortillas ever bite is a medley of flavor. The chicken was moist with memorable seasoning. Both the beef and chicken were elegantly matched. Each bite like tasting clouds moving through the heavens. The beans are seasoned with a hint of salt. I bit to much for my taste, but still worth trying. The rice hit the skillet right on time giving it a nice crispy char. The seasoning is subtle. The combination of all the flavors and seasoning forge a perfect union. I am not sure what I would change. Of course you can never leave a delicious meal without dessert. My choice was the decedent piña colada. Only $5 it was a great finish. Well blended flavors of pineapple and coconut complete an amazing experience. Exceptional service, atmosphere, food, and drinks. Look no further for wonderful Tex-Mex.
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Dolly O.

Yelp
Chill neighborhood Mexican restaurant. You come here for the food not the "aesthetics". I love the salmon tacos! Great chips and salsa of course. Staff are very friendly.
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Cindy G.

Yelp
We were looking for a Yummy Dinner and Drinks in Houston. Hubby Asked the gal at our Hotel Ck In desk about good restaurants in the area. Ninfa's was on the list . AMAZING Fresh Tortillas ! I had Carnitas ! Traditional chunky solid Classic Rice and Good refried Beans ... Hubby had a wonderful Chili Rellenos stuffed with Chicken in Rancheros Sauce . Fantastic. So, if you are staying around The Hobby Airport or live in the area ... this is a Must for you to stop and enjoy a meal here :)
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Adam H.

Yelp
I know. I know. This review will make me unpopular, but it should also boost my integrity ratings. This Ninfa's is better than the original location on Navigation. There, I said it. We've stopped here a couple of times because it was convenient. On our first visit, I thought it might be just a fluke that the service and food was better than the mother ship. Then we came again -- months later, different time of day and different day of the week. And it happened again. Here's more honesty: Ninfa's might have invented fajitas, but they taste the same as most other places. (Sorry. Not sorry.) This location is really no different than the original in that they are good, but not lights out 'slap your pappy' wonderful. And that's fine, because they are served hot and fresh. The other Tex-Mex here -- rice, beans and enchiladas -- can pretty much compete with any joint south of the Red River. Much of it is very reminiscent of the Sunday dinner Tex-Mex I ate in the 1970s, long before Tex-Mex chains (other than El Felix and El Chico) became a thing. The red salsa here is spot on with the perfect balance of tomato, onion, cilantro and heat. And it's served cold, as salsa should be. The chips here are also old school ... hot, thin and crispy. Ultimately though, the service here is what puts it over the top. I have no doubt that the recipes and product sourcing is the same at all Ninfa's locations, but the people doing the cooking and serving are not. The folks who draw their checks from this location most definitely earn every penny. Hate me. That's fine. But I'm a fan of this place.
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K M.

Yelp
Service was great but the food was below average. Sorry guys. Great place to watch a game!
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Amanda H.

Yelp
Food is excellent! There wasn't a wait and we were able to get right in. Had to ask for chips and salsa, so I thought that was odd for a Mexican restaurant, but everything was tasty.

Big E.

Yelp
Horrible. The owners of ninfas wild be highly upset with this facility. This place is the total opposite of the one on navigation. I ordered the fajita burger and got a flat ground beef patty. The original ninfas dosent put bacon on it either. It was far from the fajita burger at the original one. The nachos were piss poor and the margarita was horrible. I recommend you go to the original one and stay away from this one
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Gloria L.

Yelp
Food was horrible. No flavor. Meat was dry. Rice was hard. No thanks. Not going back.
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B B.

Yelp
Good food. Good prices. Excellent salsa. Service was ok. Not very friendly waitstaff.
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Jeffndonna M.

Yelp
Love the food, atmosphere, and drinks! Highly recommend . Took the family here on a Saturday and have not visited a Ninfas since first colony location shit down

Wendy T.

Yelp
Food is super delicious Service is good Margaritas are a must have !! Bean and cheese burrito

Holly J.

Yelp
Yummy food and our waitress, Dayanara was fantastic! Best service we've had in a long time!

Simone C.

Yelp
Food is good, but the place is too packed(Navigation location). That is the only reason I would not recommend that location.
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PJ C.

Yelp
After finally making it to our hotel through the horrendous Houston traffic we then needed to venture out for some food close enough that we did not require getting back into traffic. Fortunately this place was relatively close by. The server was super friendly. I started with a very tasty Coco Loco. I then ordered the Diablo tacos the contained bacon wrapped shrimp balls - it was a huge serving. Lots of shrimp balls and very good but almost too filling. The cheese enchiladas were also good. The only thing disturbing about the experience were all of the warnings about car break-ins - I guess this isn't the best neighborhood.
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Rachel D.

Yelp
Ninfa's was GREAT! Absolutely enjoyed it! Food was good! Their drinks were strong! Will definitely be coming back!
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Todd V.

Yelp
We were in Houston for an overnight layover and was looking for a good margarita. We came across this place and gave it a shot. We ordered the house margarita and it was just Ok. They had a lot to choose from so we probably could have done better. The food, however, was a different story. We each got a combo plate and it was excellent. We wished we hadn't eaten so many chips and salsa prior. Portions were large. Our service was excellent as well. Arturo was our waiter. He was wonderful. Ask to be seated in his section if he is working.
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Heather M.

Yelp
The standout thing I loved most was how incredibly perfect all the meat was cooked. I had the pork, and also sampled the steak, and both were flawless. SO damn tasty. Some of the best rice I've had in the area too! Margs and guac were delicious, waiter was great, atmosphere was your typical cozy Mexican restaurant.