Tacos Doña Lena

Doña Lena’s is a hidden gem! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and full of that homemade taste you can only get from recipes made with love. Every dish is seasoned perfectly and served hot, and you can tell they use quality, fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the staff treats you like family from the moment you walk in. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, you always leave satisfied and happy. Definitely one of my favorite spots — highly recommend!

Food is great, and the service as well. No complaints in either department. The servers were very attentive and stopped by regularly. The only complaint is the alcohol price, I paid $11 for a pre made margarita, this is the large sizzle which is pretty much the same as the “small” which they both are small. Overall the food is good and service is good so I do recommend the place a ones, not drink though.

This was my second visit to the restaurant. During my first visit, I tried the enchiladas rojas, which were good, but not unique—similar dishes can be found at other restaurants. On my second visit, I came with my wife and daughters. One of my daughters ordered the enchiladas, but they were flavorless this time, and we paid extra for chicken, which was disappointing. I ordered the torta, and unfortunately, it was not good either. Additionally, the service was lacking.

Good food and good atmosphere. A little expensive for my taste, though. A little hard to know what you’re getting unless you have had it before. As in, if you haven’t eaten the many items on the menu, it’s not exactly clear what you’ll be getting. So it’s definitely not for beginners.

Food was delicious!! I got the Quesabirria Tacos (comes with 3) and includes the Conzome!! I do wish it it came with slightly more onion/cilantro and more lemon slices! Other than that they were great. For a drink I got Piña Pepino agua fresca and wow it was HEAVENLY!! So so good!! Definitely recommend coming here, amazing service🔥

We had the Birria Platter. It was delicious, but the birria gorditas stole the show, crispy outside, juicy and flavorful inside. The side of rice was nice with a smokey flavor. The horchata was refreshing, and the churros made for a great sweet finish with the chocolate dipping sauce. Solid spot for a satisfying birria fix!

Great food. We normally hit the location in Spring Branch but we were over in the area of the new location so we wanted to try it out. You order your food and then sit down and they bring it to you. Great tacos. The quesabirria is great. Tortas are good. Definitely recommend if you're in the area.

Birria quesadilla was tasty! The consomé broth was very flavorful. Generous with both the cheese and meat in each taco, perfectly crisp. I also got a side of rice, but to be bluntly honest, it was bad. The garlic flavor in it was overpowering the true flavors of the rice. Definitely had potential but I’m not too big on hella garlicky stuff, it also had an odd after taste. I also ordered their mango margarita, it was delicious! Although the large size seemed to be the small, it was still fine. I ordered a chanclaso to go & that was very delicious as well. The salsa verde that they added on the side was the perfect addition to that dish. We also ordered their guacamole and chips, it was plain but satisfying. I tried their spiciest salsa which was el mocoso I believe, and it sure was! It was quite entertaining how many salsa options they offer.

Authentic tacos and other Mexican street foods are just as delicious here as the original location at Spring Branch! Service is just as friendly too, and the location benefits from a larger space and more updated interior with greater seating. The parking lot is also pretty big. For these reasons, we prefer this location for bigger groups. Our favorites are the barbacoa, carne asada, tripa, lengua, and birria tacos but don't sleep on the sopes, tostadas, and tortas.

Met some friends up for lunch... very disappointed with management. Ownership needs to re-train management figures and assess damage control protocol. Timeline of events: - arrived to the restaurant and waited in line for a few minutes... we were next in line to order when the cashier announced that all food orders would take a minimum of 40 minutes. - we decided the 40 minutes were worth it so we asked the cashier what he recommended as appetizers while we waited.. he suggested chips & queso (ordered), elote (we ordered 2), margaritas (we ordered 3). - we have a seat and 5 minutes later, chips and queso are dropped off. - an additional 10 minutes go by.... our entrees were delivered..... what happened to 40 minutes? - 10 minutes later... still no margaritas after reminding waitress twice.. - 5 minutes later... elote gets delivered... we're already done with our entrees, never got the margaritas, don't want the corn anymore.. - I ask for a manager... she comes 10 minutes later.. I explain I'd like a refund for the margaritas and elotes... - she offers a dessert.. I decline.. she leaves - 5 minutes later she comes with a dessert and just walks away and never comes back - after 10 minutes of just sitting there.. we take the margaritas, the corn, and the dessert to the bar and kindly thank them for the gesture but I'd rather have the refund. - manager has us wait 20 minutes for her.. she said she couldn't give us a refund... I had to PULL TEETH to get her to refund me at least the margaritas. Overall.. the 2 stars are for management.. food is always 10/10. Management is lost and confused; maybe this is a lack of leadership and presence from owners?

Margaritas here are strong. Food was ok. The birria ramen was just alright. There was shredded beef but the broth was lacking flavor. The quesabirria tacos tasted ok, consommé was a bit lack luster compared to other places I have had. I liked the decor, there's good amount of parking and the service was good, there's also a patio outside. I like how they have lots of salsas to accompany your meal. I don't know if I would return but it is nice to have a birria taco place nearby.

I love the decor and vibe of this place. Everyone is friendly and the food is very authentic. This restaurant started as a way to bring a bit of Mexico back to Houston and it very much feels like that. Definitely coming back! Chips & Queso: 8/10 The chips were really good and not too salty and not too plain. The queso was pretty good although I wished it was a bit less thick and perhaps with some chorizo it would have been really good. Still solid though. El Taquero: 10/10 I loved loved this dish. It was delicious and such a good sized portion. The tortillas were fresh and the flavors of the dish were smoky and well seasoned. Quesabirria: 7/10 These were pretty good. I liked that the meat was tender and the tortilla wasn't oily. The only thing is that the cheese wasn't as soft as I would have liked and the consume sauce didn't have much spice in it. Still pretty yummy though. Parking: decent amount of spots!

Tacos Dona Lena had been on my list for quite some time. And for good reason. The taco joint has gotten hype not only locally, but also nationally. I tried to stop by their original location once on a weekday afternoon and there were cars outside of the door waiting to get in. You could tell that there was a long wait so I kept it moving. So I was excited to hear that they were opening up a second location. After getting a haircut, I made my way on a weekday afternoon for lunch (parking was easy in their complimentary lot). Eager to finally cross them off my list. Service (4/5): You place your order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. The staff was friendly but service isn't a big part of the experience. Ambiance (4.5/5): Tacos Dona Lena is a good-looking restaurant. Bright with plenty of Mexican decor. And family pictures adorning the walls. You definitely feel like you're getting a taste of Mexican culture when you spend time at this restaurant. Drinks (4.5/5): They have a bar but I was here for lunch so I went with an agua fresca. They have three flavors. I went with the cucumber pineapple. There's one size and it's a large one. The agua fresca was delicious, one of the best I've ever had. Not only was it flavorful but there are bits of cucumber and pineapple in it that makes this a next level beverage. Food (4/5): Did the food live up to the hype? Tacos Dona Lena is known for its birria tacos. I absolutely love birria tacos. So I went with the quesabirria that comes with your typical birria meat, cheese, consome, onions, and cilantro with a twist. There's also chorizo! I've never seen this before but I'm not complaining. While the dish doesn't come with a side, you get three large tacos so it makes for a filling meal. The cheese oozes out of the taco. It's super greasy. Everything you want in a solid birria taco. But is it legendary? I'd say it's the second best birria taco I've had in my life. Very, very good. If you're looking for some excellent tacos in a location with great ambiance, and you want to avoid their busier original location, their second location in The Heights is your cheat code. Every Houstonian should give it a try.

First things first, I'm late to the Dona Lena's party! I went to another Dona restaurant hoping for the same experience, but it didn't compare! While I've still yet to visit the original location, this one is solid! I'm glad we arrived early because while we were enjoying our feast the line piled up! We ordered a handful of items to share between three people + I treated myself to a salsa flight with their 6? salsa options! I cannot visit any location without order my the queso, and I'm very happy I continued that tradition here. Silky smooth, this stuff is addictive. It impressed me almost as much as the birria! That being said, if you choose one item at this spot, choose the birria!

Not surprised they have opened a second location. I'm just glad it's on 18th street more close to me! If you're a taco lover like I am, you're aware of their success with their original Hammerly location which has been mentioned numerous times on local publicists' 'best of' lists in regards to tacos/mexican cuisine. With success leads to expansion as they have added a second location on W 18th Street in the Lazybrook/Timbergrove area. This location has a larger dining area with more seating including a bar area, stretched high-top seating, and numerous tables and booths. Much larger than their Hammerly location in terms of capacity with more parking. Food is always delivered timely and piping hot. As for their food, it's still amazing and always hits the sweet taco spot. Can't go wrong with any of their proteins (lengua, tripa, spicy de puerco, and chile con negro carne are my favorites) either in taco, gordita, quesadilla, sope, torta, or burrito form. And they also have Birria which they do quite well. First time I came here, their eats still had the same dynamite flavors/tastes as their original location and it's remained consistent every time I come here for dine-in or take-out. Maybe a third location down the road? With how Dona Lena performs, don't be surprised!

I went two days in a row for lunch. The first time, I had a soyrizo taco. It's well seasoned and tasty. My Dad didn't like his chicken taco so much. Sauces are placed on your table in order of spiciness. You order at the counter, given a number, and food is brought to your table. The place is colorful and fun. The music when one goes to the bathroom is too loud. Today, I returned. My soyrizo torta was too salty. I had the pineapple cucumber agua fresca. While I find it too sweet, it's delicious. I'm glad Doña Lena also caters to vegetarians. The place had a lot of diners both days.

It was OK but I won't be back Very nice service and the vibe is inviting. However for a city full tacos these did not standout. We had the carne ranchera, pastor and barbaqoa tacos as well as refried beans.

These tacos are DELICIOUS. Doña Lena makes filling meals at reasonable prices. I would recommend skipping the horchata since it was overly sweet and I had to throw it out.

Delicious street and birria tacos. Expansive menu with a variety of protein options. You order at the counter as you walk in and then they give you a number to put on your table. The tacos were legit and flavorful. They have menudo on the weekends. The interior is colorful, festive and vibrant. There's plenty of seating. Large parking lot.

My favorite taco spot in town opened a second location closer to me in town! Located in Lazybrook/Heights area, taking over the old Dak&Bop location, there are plenty of parking in their private lot. The Exteriors and interiors followed the vibe of the original location, lively, colorful and full of Hispanic elements. The menu is pretty much the same as the original location, and the verities of salsa are still good as ever. We went a little crazy with all the different tacos, chilaquiles, and fajita plate. The chilaquiles was a great discovery as we haven't ordered it before. While the tacos are great, for reasons I can't explain, personally, the original location tastes better. While I would definitely recommend this taco joint to anyone living in the Heights or nearby areas, I will probably still go back to the original location when craving some tacos.

We were soooo excited to try out the new location. We had always said how it would be so great if you were able to get a margarita to go with our Birria and BAM.... YES! So the new place is pretty big. You still order from the counter when you walk in and then go have a seat. We got the large frozen margarita with a tajin rim. It was very good. We were a little disappointed that they were not bigger... but hey we will take it! We ordered the birria platter and got 2 birria tacos, 2 queso Birria tacos and 2 Birria gorditas. Very very delish as always. The consommé was so good you wanted to drink it from the bowl! Service was great as usual. Definitely will be back!

Had been waiting to make a return visit and so glad they've opened up this closer location in the heights! Just as festive as the original location, and just as tasty! After much contemplation I split a Birria platter with a friend plus an extra pastor taco (coz I can't not get one) and chose the Horchata to wash it all down with. the Birria platter is a lot- but it does also come with their delicious rice! the tacos are great. the quesabirria was provably my least favourite, probably because it was cold by the time i got to it and its just crunchier. the torta was well-filled. love the selection of sauces- but honestly they could also go a touch spicier on the 2 that are supposed to be spiciest. the consome was drinkable and also had lovely tender chunks of meat in it. great place with ample parking and definitely fills up for sunday lunch!

Friend recommended this place and I'm so glad he did! Came on a weekday and was surprised that the parking lot was bigger than expected and by how busy it was (almost all the tables were taken up but I didn't see anyone waiting for a long time to get a seat). You order at the counter, they give you a number, find a seat, and then the food runner brings the food to you. Food came out quickly despite how busy it was. The pork-based tacos tasted more dry than the beef but it was still really good. Some plates come with rice and beans (which I recommend getting). Portions good for the price you pay. Tortas are HUGE but just FYI: the bread to food ratio is like 75:25. Very carb-heavy. Gotta end with saying to try their homemade salsas: so many different kinds and wish I could have taken the bottles home. Added a kick to the food. Great service, vibes and restaurant all around!

Out-of-town guests brought them the same great food and welcoming, prompt service that I had come to expect since they opened this location. I was pleased to find that the rice and beans are vegan. The ambiance is conducive to conversation, both indoors and on the ample patio seating. Parking is also available. This is a top choice in an area filled with excellent options. Simply put, it's a taqueria done right.

LOVE that there's a closer location to me now! Came here on a Thursday night and it was PACKED thirty mins before closing. Food was a thirty minute wait, but fortunately, I wasn't hangry so I was able to wait. I had three tacos, but one of my tacos was overly salted it was inedible. I hate wasting food but there was no saving that. Looks like they also serve margaritas here, but haven't tried them yet. Maybe one day!

This place is really really good! I'm always looking for a taco spot so when my friend suggested we check it out for taco Tuesday I was down. The tacos were so damn good. I wanted more. We got a variety including some birria tacos. I also got some enchiladas and a tostada to go. I personally prefer the tacos to anything else but that is just me. The food is good no matter what. The service was good. Exactly what I expected from a restaurant. Nothing more. Nothing less. The vibe is good. Comfy and inviting. Clean restaurant and bathroom. This will absolutely be in my rotation when I am craving tacos.

We love the Spring Branch location and this one is nearly as good! We came a few weeks after opening - and the space is much larger and more inviting than the spring branch location, and it also has a great patio and allow dogs. We got a few tacos - pastor, barbacoa, nopalitos. And the chilaquiles- with soy pastor and 2 eggs. They initially said they couldn't make the chilaquiles with soy pastor, but I've gotten it like that at the other location, so they were able to make it happen! It was as delicious! It was my first time having the nopalitos taco - it tastes as it looks, it was good for what it was, but not something I'd get again. The star of the show is the salsas - they're all fantastic and have a kick! We'll definitely be back!

Came for lunch on a Friday around noon; it was busy but we were able to get a table inside (they do have a nice patio, just not for July in Houston). You order at the counter and then they will bring you your order. Staff is all super friendly and helpful. They have a beautiful interior; so brightly decorated that you can't help but smile. For my first visit, it seemed appropriate to get their specialty, the Quesabirria. It was a delicious mess in the best way - the tacos were a bit drippy/greasy, but that comes with the territory for this meal. The beef consome dip was flavorful and then balancing it with fresh onion and cilantro was perfect. Would order again, but would also bring a bib! Parking: private lot

Located in Timbergrove/Lazybrook, this is the second restaurant with the first in the northern Spring Branch area. We like to go to their other location once in a while as a go to taco spot but this will save the commute time by a good amount being so close to home. For sure a welcome addition to this part of the Heights, which just has Huggies and Rainbow Lodge amongst a couple other decent food options among other more meh spots. This location has a decent sized parking lot, which is great for the area. The interior is very new and tries to echo the similar Mexican heritage as their original restaurant. There's plenty of table and high top seating as well. In terms of service, you seat yourself, order up front, and staff will bring you your food and that's pretty much it. I like the minimal service as it makes it about the food and also lets them staff with less people. We came here on a weekend with the parents and ordered what I liked off of their menu. We got beef fajita tacos, chicharron tacos, beef tongue/lengua tacos, barbacoa tacos, Al pastor tacos, chilaquiles, and a beef fajita plate as well as a horchata. Their sauce selection offered is the exact same as their original restaurant and the menu seems the same or almost identical in terms of offering and prices. We enjoyed their tacos, with the favorites being the chicharron and beef fajita. The chilaquiles were a sleeper hit and everything was generally tasty. I did find for some reason that their food from the original restaurant tasted better in terms of the meats/seasoning; maybe it's their decades old grill or a more seasoned chef; not quite sure but the food we had were good but not as good as we remembered from our last visit to their Hammerly location. It's my first time trying their horchata ($4). It was a bit too sweet and slightly watered down for me so I'll probably skip it and try something else next time. Their chilaquiles were the hit of our table and definitely a good discovery. All in all, this'll be a great spot for this area and a very short drive compared to their original location for those in the Heights.

This is a great addition to the border Spring Branch/Heights area. It used to be a Dak and Bop and is right across from Hughies. I've been here three times now since it's less than 10 minutes from the North Post Oak area near my office. It's a great place to grab a work lunch. Some lunch times/days are more busy than others, but there's usually some spots left for parking in the private lot. Some people dine in, and others take it to-go. I will say that sometimes you have to wait for someone to take your order before sitting down. There's usually someone manning the takeout register but not the restaurant one. It's also right where you enter/exit which can get crowded. There's tall and short tables and booth seating available inside. After ordering at the register, you can pick any seat. It gets a little chilly inside, so bring a light sweater if you tend to get cold like me. I like their quesabirria, birria street tacos and enchiladas rojas. The potatoes can be a hit or miss of being cooked or undercooked. The quesabirria is served as 3 long/large corn tortillas with the birria and melted cheese. The street tacos are smaller but come doubled with corn tortillas and topped with onions and cilantro. It's still filling. I think I prefer the street tacos, but if they could top it with cheese, that would be even better. It can be a little greasy, so if you're health conscious, this is not the place for you. Lol. The 6 hot sauces are made in house. I love how they love it up from mild to hot; however, even the mildest one can be spicy, and I love spicy. Sometimes I'll use the 5th spiciest salsa. The Mexican rice is flavorful and fluffy, and the refried beans are seasoned well. I'm definitely coming back for more birria tacos. I also want to try their elote. My favorite drink to order here is the pineapple cucumber mint agua fresca. It's a little on the sweeter side, but adding a little more water makes it perfect.

Delicious food at a reasonable price. I sat outdoors under the covered patio. My waitress came out to make sure I had everything I needed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Came here the other night and I was impressed! The indoors is absolutely beautiful and so vibrant. The restaurant was also very clean and as soon as people left their tables, someone cleaned them immediately. The staff members were extremely friendly and greeted us when we came in and left. I got the beef fajita tacos and rice and they were delicious!! When your food comes, you get a bucket of sauces to choose from from mild to extreme spice levels. I highly recommend coming here if you're in the area.

I have had the original location bookmarked for years! During a recent visit to Houston I finally had a chance to enjoy their newest location with a few coworkers. Both exterior and interior of this eatery whose charm with bright colors, neon signs, flag banners, overhead and festive decor. The menu is quite expansive, so it took us a minute to process all of the options while trying to order at the counter . I probably should have spent a little more time reviewing the menu before I got there :-) We ended up ordering chips with queso, Birria tacos, chicken chilaquiles, refried beans, rice and Agua Frescas (mango and pineapple). The quesabirria tacos may stop your blood from flowing from all of the saturated fat... but they're quite delicious. It's also what they're known for. Aka, don't leave without ordering one (you can order them in singles- which I appreciated as someone who likes to order a little this and that).

Our favorite place to go! The food is always 10/10. We LOVE it! Great service as well.

Excuse me this is the best taco place in town. I got the torta and tostada with tequila spiked Aqua Fresca (pineapple and cucumber)- they are all soo yummy and I wish I could drink more of that yummy drink, but it's dangerous

Ordered over 120 tacos from here for my daughters birthday and they were all fantastic. I've been to many first birthdays and usually there is a ton of food left over but I had like 4 tacos left. They met and exceeded my expectations and wish I had Dona Lena cater my wedding lol.

Stopped by this location recently. I am so happy it is close to me now! Super cute taco shop located in the Lazygrove area. There is plenty of Mexican food around but this place definitely sticks out by their super cute and lively interior and their great customer service. I came here on a Friday during lunch time and there was a nice crowd inside and a line forming behind us as we ordered. You order at the counter and they bring it to your table. I ordered a chicken torta and an order of churros (1 churro per order). I have to say I did not love my torta...I felt like the chicken was really chewy and lacked flavor. I was disappointed but also beating myself up for ordering something so basic....LOL. My friend ordered the birria torta and I got to taste it and it was delicious. So much flavor in the meat the broth. I will definitely get that next! Before the food comes out, they have some sauces dropped off at the table (6 or 7???) that they place on the table in order from least spicy to most spicy. This was my favorite part of the dining experience! I tried every single one and you really cannot go wrong no matter which sauce you choose to accompany your meal. The churros were nice and crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside so they were PERFECT! Although I didn't love my meal I still really enjoyed my dining experience here and will definitely be back to try more of their food items!

I still need to put in my review of the original Tacos Dona Lena - so forgive me for my tardiness, but my most recent visit to this location prompted me to write a review. We brought my partner's sister with a plan to ensure she ate great food while she was in Houston and showcase Houston's strengths. This location is incredibly festive, and colorful with decor, making for a wonderful and appropriately joyful vibe. Tacos Dona Lena's strength is its food. And oh my goodness. The food is AMAZING. Pro-tip for the brunch lovers: get the chilaquiles and add eggs sunny side up. So. Damn. Good. The sauces are also EVERYTHING. They are so unique, each one with a unique flavor profile and level of spice. Our friends met us here and it was really easy to just jump tables given the casual seating style and have us all seated in one area. Unfortunately, the service was the one deficit at this location. With three of us ordering, we placed a fairly large order. Unfortunately, the cashier made a mistake, and our order was taken incorrectly. Upon realizing this, we notified our server. Instead of rectifying the mistake, we received the erroneous item, and were given a copy of our receipt as evidence this was the item we ordered (even though we informed them this was a mistake from the cashier). This was really disappointing, as we were then kept from trying a new item, and then were instead given an extra item we did not want. We would have preferred for the restaurant to acknowledge the small mistake (especially given the large order) instead of pointing out the "evidence" in the receipt. This did slightly mar our experience, and we look forward and hope for better customer service next time!

Went to their old location and found that they were closed due to power outage.. quickly remembered that they just opened this new location and got our Dona Lena craving fixed. Their new location is so well decorated- so many cute LED light decors and the walls tells their origin story. The new location also had an updated menu and bar! Although we didn't try the drinks, the queso and elote from the updated menu were great appetizers. The tacos (and salsas!) are just as good as their original location- the tripa and Barbacoa never disappoints! Ventured and tried the spicy asada de puerco but it was just a bit salty for me. Overall really loved the decor of the updated restaurant and impressed that they kept the same great flavor with the expansion!

The Quesabirria! As a taco enthusiast, I find myself returning time and again to this gem for their standout dish: the Quesabirria. These crispy tacos, packed with tender, flavorful meat, are elevated by the accompanying consommé--a rich, savory broth perfect for dipping. It's a dish that balances texture and flavor with every bite, and it's easily one of the best renditions in town. One of the unique highlights of this spot is the impressive set of six sauces they bring to your table, each offering a different level of spice and flavor profile. I often combine two sauces for a custom kick and then dip the taco into the hot consommé. The result? A mouthwatering fusion of heat, spice, and depth that keeps me coming back. For taco enthusiasts, this spot is a must-visit.

The food is great and the smells coming from the kitchen are always mouth watering, best to sit inside, the outside can be rather stuffy and is a little too close to the dumpster for my liking. Theres also usually bikers and joggers passing by who may have a tiny bit of body odor and may be playing loud music through backpack speakers. I love the Quesadillas and Machetes. The prices are extremely good too for what they serve you. They're almost always busy too.

Stopped by for dinner with a group of friends and had a great time! Good food, atmosphere is lively, and the service is friendly. My friend and I split the birria platter, which gave us the chance to try three different birria items each: the quesabirria, birria street tacos, and birria gordita (you have the choice of picking between a gordita or a torta for the last option). I'm glad they had this because I was torn between a couple of options, so it was nice not having to choose. The food verged on the edge of too rich for me, but I expect that with birria. The quesabirria was my favorite of the birrias, but it was the Mexican rice that really stood out- it was a little bit dry but still so well seasoned and garlicky. But the best thing I got to try all night was the mango aguafresca! I hesitated to try it for fear of ending up with something that tasted artificial, but this was so fresh and tasted like true ripe mango. I can see myself coming back just for this. It can be hard to get a table if you come with a big group since you seat yourself after ordering, but it can be done. Parking is also tight in their assigned parking lot. But the decor is so cute; I enjoyed seeing all the pinatas and wall decorations, and my friends and I got a big laugh out of the "no hay dieta, ch*ngate otro taco" sign. Looking forward to my next visit! - Ambiance: 5/5 - Food: 4/5 - Service: 4/5

Long time customer of the original Spring Branch location. The new location on west 18th is closer to home. A lot more room inside this restaurant. The service is usually subpar but was decent tonight. Ordered Las Tres Chismosas. The chicken in one of the tacos was cold but the tortillas were hot. Told the employee and they couldn't have cared less. One of the beef fajita tacos had a small shard of bone that I almost swallowed. Again they really didn't care. Spoke with the supposed manager (Gabby), who really didn't care and wasn't worried. Will definitely think twice about returning to this location. The pineapple cucumber drink was the highlight of my night. The customer service is so different when the owners aren't on the premises. Called the location to verify the manager's name and they wanted to know why I needed their name.

The second location is 5 minutes from me and I couldn't be more excited! We've been going to the OG location since they opened during Covid. This location isn't serving breakfast yet, but they're serving a wider lunch menu. Some additional options include the gringo taco, queso, elote, and churros. Service is great per usual. This restaurant is bigger than their original location. Welcome to the neighborhood!!

Just like the location off Hammerly this one doesn't disappoint. Not sure what's better - the service or the food but let's begin. Arrived and placed our order, the gentleman that took it had lots of great suggestions. Ended up getting a lengua torta, queso, quesadilla, and some tacos for all of us to share. As usual I also grabbed a cold one, in this case a Corona. Food was awesome, everything I got was definitely worth getting again. Will be back soon, I'm sure I'll be a regular here.

Had been waiting for this place to open up as I am a huge lover of all things birria. Right when you walk in you are greeted by friendly staff and beautiful colorful decor throughout the inside. The setup is an order at the front type. I was very excited to try the birria gorditas and a small margarita. The flavor in the gordita was already delicious, with the birria meat, the cheese and beans all complimenting each other very well with the crunch of the exterior shell, but then there were also the array of salsas brought to the table to level it up. I almost ordered even more just so I could try them all out. This will be a new place in my rotation of the week for sure.

Omg the tripa is so so good! Doradita and crunchy perfection. So flavorful! Service was so nice as well and the place is cute and colorful. The lengua was also very good. Can't wait to eat here again.

Tacos Doña Lena is for real some of the best birria I've ever had. After a failed attempt to dine at another similarly named establishment in the area and ran off with an 1.5hr wait, we found Doña Lena and I am soooo glad. The decor/ambiance is lovely. From the beautifully displayed potted plants as you enter to the family photographs throughout the inside, you feel welcome but also like you're going to have a good time while you visit. The staff was super kind and helpful, you walk in and wait in a little line to place your order at the register. Then you find a seat/table and wait 5-10min for your fresh and DELICIOUS food to come out to you. They have a small bar to whip up some delicious margaritas or serve you an ice-cold Mexican beer of your choice (ummm Modelo Negra AND Pacifico to choose from?!?!?! I'm sold just based on that!!) The food was incredible! Flavors galore and just well cooked period. They provide you a spread of 5 house made salsas with your order and ALL of them were amazing. I would take a bite with one salsa and then pick a new salsa for the next bite it was that good! Between the kids' birria quesadillas, my birria gorditas or my husband's giant torta with all the meats we left completely stuffed and throughly pleased with everything. Will definitely visit again and again and likely again after that!!

Wow! Talk about good Mexican food arriving in the heights!!!!! Honestly an amazing array of food choices! Even nopalitos for my vegan friends!!!! Apologies, but the huarache and tacos were so good that we had to take a bite before even taking pictures! The masa is perfection the flavors are amazing! Over all the service is great! Lots of people arriving, you walk in and order. But all the food and people were being served immediately! The owner of the restaurant was working and greeting clients, amazing that he is teaching and supporting his restaurant while building on that clientele! Ambiance is really cool! It feels like you stepped into a little fondita in Mexico! Congratulations on your new location! I can't wait to eat here again! Oh and the margaritas are a must have!

Amazing tacos, amazing salsa selection, and the service was great as well. This location has more food selections and a full bar compared to the OG location on Hammerly

Dear Tacos Dona Lena Team, I want to start by saying how much I enjoyed the food during my recent visit. It was absolutely delicious! However, I felt compelled to share my experience regarding the customer service I received from the bartender. Unfortunately, she seemed uninterested in assisting customers. She didn't provide any explanations about the menu or the drink options and simply told me to read them myself. I noticed that other patrons at the bar also appeared dissatisfied with her service. I believe that with a more knowledgeable and personable staff member, the overall experience would be greatly improved and match the quality of your fantastic food. Thank you for considering my feedback. I look forward to visiting again! Best,

Tacos Doña Lena is hands down my favorite spot in Houston to get authentic, casual Mexican food and I was THRILLED when they opened a Heights location. The menu is the same menu I know and love from the original location plus a few new additions like margaritas and beer. I always get the chilaquiles with red sauce and this meal ALWAYS hits. They added a few new tortas to the menu and that husband devoured. The sauces are still the main event. When you take a seat, someone comes to your table and lines up six sauces, mild to spicy. The sauce is part of the magic that makes Tacos Doña Lena so great. So happy to have them in the neighborhood!

Best taco spot around imo. Space decorated nicely. Loved the presentation of the salsa and heat levels. The torta was awesome, quesabirria bomb as to be expected. The consume is super flavorful. The tostada and regular tacos great as well. I'm not sure there's anything bad here really. Will become a staple for me when I want tacos. Small complaint the water needs ice

The food was very, very, good. Knowledge of the food by the employees was exceptional. Would recommend.

Looove the colors. Love the service. And mostly love the salsa! Been telling all my friends about it.

AMAZING! My only complaint there was an extremely rude and impatient busboy who kept circling our table almost like rushing us to take the trash. It didn't make any sense because clearing the trash wouldn't make us leave our table any faster. It was unpleasant. Other than that everyone else was FABULOUS! From checking on us, offering to grab us things we forgot and making sure we enjoyed our stay. This place gets BUSY! They have an open lot but I could imagine parking could be challenging during busy hours. Not sure how expansive the parking lot is in the back as I parked right up front. Go with your order in mind. When I arrived there was no line (a little after 6pm on a Friday night) but because I was waiting for my friend I decided to snag a table and peruse the menu. By the time her Uber dropped her off and she had time to look at the menu like 20 minutes later, the line was out the door. So definitely have your order in mind so you can place it once you arrive or to go is another option then you won't have to wait. I ordered the quesabirria (three huge tacos, well seasoned, I didn't even need the consomé). I LOVED the green sauce. I think it's like the third spiciest. I actually used that with my quesabirria to dip instead of the consomé. I also ordered three $2.75 corn tortilla tacos. I ordered chorizo, spicy asado de puerco and tripa. Let me preface this by saying, I got hooked to tripa tacos from a food truck I randomly found after moving to Houston but this one was not good. The tripa was fried (think like an exoskeleton of an insect crunch). It was very odd texture and I didn't like the taste. Took one bite and never touched it again. Chorizo was the best of the three that I ordered but it was on the dry side. The spicy asado de puerco wasn't bad but borderline salty. I ordered the Mexican rice which was OK on its own a bit bland. But when I added that spicy green sauce I ate it right up. Would I order the Mexican rice again, no. I also ordered the mango margarita. That thing is STRONG! But good. Just be prepared because I felt it after drinking 25%. Then I had to pace myself and slowly sip the remainder of the drink to get my $14 worth. My friend ordered the elote in a cup which was really good. My preference is an elote on the cob but I would order that for myself next time.

Food is unbelievably delicious. Like last meal, desert island, before I go on a no-carb diet type of delicious. But wait as if there could be more --- there is more ! The new local has quality margaritas. Mmmmhh. Ok. And the service is so friendly and prompt. .... Before u know it I will have to be reviewing for the 3rd location. Go .... Run ... hike .... Drive or bike and enjoy.