Tecate

I really didn't like this place. Great portion sizes of food but to me the food had a refrigerated taste and the beans tasted sour. Another thing I didn't like was that the tortillas are not homemade. The tortillas are store bought and then microwaved when brought out to you in a coffee mug plate like you guys can't afford tortilla baskets...smh!!! I personally wouldn't recommend this place and I won't return.

It’s a good place that has okay flavored Mexican food. Prices are above descent. I personally wouldn’t go back though. I asked the waitress with bleach blonde hair that kept staring at us all night for a bag to put my to go food in and she responded back very mean for me to “wait”. I don’t understand why she was so rude so I’ll be taking my money else where. Other than that it was an alright spot. Pity. I easily spent money there the handful of times I went but not anymore. Plenty places around the area so no loss. Customer service is KEY. Advice to that lady ….Patience. You lost a customer whom would have came back repeatedly if it wasn’t for the unpleasant moment.

I will start by saying that the food isn't great here, a lot of the things they serve aren't made at the restaurant like the tortillas & salsa they are store bought so not really authentic Mexican. I ordered the huevos rancheros and for $6.99 you get 2 eggs & refried beans, that is it for the price, the bacon was $4.50 extra. The eggs were not cooked over medium they overcooked the yolk it wasn't runny, the salsa for the eggs wasn't really good it had a strange artificial flavors to it, the refried beans were okay, the chopped bacon tasted okay but u have a feeling it was like a store bought chopped cooked bacon, they couldn't cook bacon strips when I asked. Overall I don't see my self returning or recommending this place, for the price range of the breakfast the huevos rancheros should at least have potatoes and a fried tortilla under the eggs, both options would be inexpensive for the restaurant and give it a better presentation.

I've been eating at Tecates since they opened and have never had a bad meal or experience. The wait staff is great! The food is always authentic and delicious!

Driving by for ages . I decided on Mexican Independence Day, so a taqueria was in order. The food is bland the Margarita was good. The service excellent. This your parents TX-MEX

Tough to say who has the best Mexican food in the city. I’m just here to let you know that Tecate is better than the other Mexican food restaurant on the street. I’ve had both. I walked an extra half mile to Tecate from my mechanic around the corner, because it’s that much better.

First I want to thank the owner for letting rent out the restaurant for my son Bautism and birthday party. It was awesome. 🤗 My guess were happy and satisfied with the waitresses. The waitresses were awesome and specially the cookers because everybody loved the flavor of the green enchiladas. I had a magician to do a show for the birthday boy and the guess. It was a surprise for my guess ( the kids). The kid's loved the show. They sure did 😂. Everything went smooth. You choose what food you want to serve to your guess. The place is great for small events. I really, really recommend this restaurant. I will post some pictures soon. Once again, thank you so much. Another customer happy.

I was really looking forward to eating my migas—lightly toasted tortillas with eggs and other traditional Mexican ingredients. But unfortunately, once I got to work and opened the container, I realized the tortillas were still raw. I understand that migas can be soft, but these weren’t just soft—they were undercooked. It was super disappointing. I took a couple of bites and had to throw the whole plate away, which felt like a total waste of money. I also noticed the chef wasn’t familiar with authentic preparation. Maybe consider having someone with a true understanding of Mexican flavors and techniques handle dishes like this—it really makes a difference.

Tecate is Awesome Best Food and Customer Service. Always a Smile and they remember what we drink and eat! Really good Margaritas! Botano Special has Beef Nachos, Queso Flamedo Mushroom or Chorizo & the most too die for Shrimp Veracruz! More than enough for 2-3 people and still have to take some home . Yummo

Ibsearcjedbfor menudo and foind this place. Unfortunately they dont have it on their menu. This place was clean and staff was friendly pricing seemed about average and the food came out super quick. but i think it could've been a better experience overall. They give free chips and I saw them taking multiple rounds to one table. I ultimately had to specifically ask for chips and then got just a few, it could be in a small oversight and mean nothing not sure. The tacos was loaded with lots of meat which is a plus but I was surprised that they had not used the white cheese. They also had little options for salsa which to me makes the chips and the taco. In the picture the canister to the left had a valentino salsa similar to a hot sauce which is a hot sauce similar to tobacco. He wasnt really fitting for the meal in my opinion. I didn't ask for any other sauces.They have for the chips and taco the red salsa you see pictured was unlike any that I have ever tasted.It hit a very bitter Britney salsa flavor. Wasn't enjoyable for either. Lastly , asked if they had any other sauces or a Verde salsa for breakfast tacos. They said they do offer one , but it was not ready yet it would be available later in the day.

Food was expired not good at all the meat was pink under cooked the waiter was horrible she was practically throwing the plate and drinks at me when I went in person she was looking at me up and down looked at my truck honestly never going back horrible place and service the only good thing was that I got a refund

Driving by for ages . I decided on Mexican Independence Day, so a taqueria was in order. The food is bland the Margarita was good. The service excellent. This your parents TX-MEX

Very bland for me even when loading up the hot sauce. Good service and good prices but the food is underwhelming. I'm sorry but I'm not going back with so many other options close by. The frozen margaritas were good!

Okay I was going to treat myself to Mexican Food. I'm diabetic so that is a big deal. I usually go to LaHacienda on 26th. Driving by it occurred to me to stop because it is important to support small business. I went in and order fajitas for 1, no potato's and refried beans not charro beans, just double refried beans and Tea. The food comes just as the menu stated so my special requests were ignored. Trying not to be difficultI said I was suppose to get refried beans. She comes back with a tiny bowl of refried Beans and the 3 tortillas were so tiny I almost looked around for the camera set up to see my shock. I will say the meat was good. So I ate the meal that basically wasn't what I ordered. The bill came it was over $24. Then tip for a meal that really wasn't what I ordered. So very disappointed. Won't be going back.

A weird location in that it is physically next to Memorial Hermann in such a way that you guess that it predated the hospital as the hospital developed/enveloped behind its physical property. It's a decent mom&pop tex-mex option for those coming from the hospital. I went on a Thursday night at 9 where I was the only customer. I hope they get a decent lunch rush. Their chile relleno was good but it seemed like they used monterrey jack rather than queso fresco so the dish was one runny mess when you cut open the pepper. The refried beans were unfortunately made with bacon grease, and I'm not sure if there was an alternative. The salsa that came with the chips was warm and delicious.

My husband had ribeyes here over 20 years ago. So he tried it again and said it stood the test of time. I had the Seafood soup, delicious, my daughter had Enchiladas Verdes,said they were delicious. We really enjoyed it. Server was very nice.

OMG. Still sick after eating here. I had a banana for lunch and then went here for lunch and then went home. And have been on the toilet since then. It couldn't have been the banana. The enchiladas were definitely off.....they smelled funny. Fortunately I didn't eat much of them. I asked the waiter if he smelled what I smelled and he looked at me, and then shook his head and walked off. Didn't see him again. And the beans and rice? Bland Bland bland. not sure how this place is still in business

On the recommendation of a local business man I know I asked for something light on an early Saturday afternoon. This was just the spot. We didn't have a bunch but it was delicious. The queso and quesadilla we shared hit the spot. When I'm in this area I'll be sure to thank them for the recommendation and I'll be back to try something different.

This place is really underrated...possible including by me so consider my four stars too few. (I don't easily give out five stars.) I've eaten here numerous times and always find the staff to be nice and good to be really good and a good value. Yesterday I had a combo platter that included a tostada, crunchy taco, and tamale. Tostadas are usually a big nothing but this one is good. It's thick with refried beans. The ground beef in the taco was so good, I could eat a bowl of that. I'm now eating the leftover tamale, beans, and rice, and they're all good. I mean, leftover rice is usually a big zero but here it's good. The tamale sauce is so rich and flavorful that I wish I had some tortillas for dipping.

We eat here most weeks. Many of the same people there. The food is better than the cost. Dont look for "elevated" dishes. Good food at a good price.

Carne guisada is the best! Very authentic cooking here.. chips are great and service is all spot on. Worth a visitor sure!

The food here was just ok, I had the combo dinner #4, which was a lot of food, but on the negative side, the taco meat had a really peculiar and bad smell, I took one bite and left it, there was plenty else to eat. The #4 comes with four items, plus rice and beans: - beef enchilada, - taco, - tamale, and - a tostada). The waitress allowed me to swap out the beef enchilada for a cheese one. The hot sauce was tasty, and the chips warm, but nothing special. I have to note that the waitstaff were really friendly.

My mother was an RN at the hospital and spent 30 years telling me how awful this place was and how the nurses hated their food. We tried it when I was a kid and because I don't like authentic Mexican food I also didn't like it. Well today I got a Togo order and wow was it good. I highly recommend their bean and cheese taco. It was perfect ! I also got the chicken soup. I don't like a lot of meat in my soup and there were chicken legs and other whole pieces inside, I just threw those out. But the broth was excellent and the veggies were perfectly cooked. The prices were also cheaper than nearby restaurants.

Very nice restaurant! The food is good, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is very calm. They have AUTHENTIC Mexican food. Come here for a good lunch or dinner.

I've given this place like 5 tries and every time, I got diarrhea. Even took my parents the last time and they had to stop every so often on their way back home. The hospital ppl warned me but I did not listened. Never again.

Definitely don't come for breakfast. Not worth it at all. It was all bland. Eggs... How do you mess up eggs. Also the waitress seemed bothered I was even there.

Table split on rating!!! Half thought ok!!! Other thoughts were; not even authentic Tex mex!! Meatless options were served with beans mixed with meat(with pork) Why?!?[meatless]?!? But anyways; to end on a good note friendly staff/ ok service!!?!! ;)

Basic Tex-Mex experience. My husband had a HUGE burrito. He was full the rest of the day after lunch. I had a cheese enchilada but the sauce did have beef in its FYI I scraped sauce off and at some rice and beans. Beans have great flavor. Chips, salsa, queso good. Devoured completely of course :) Affordable Mexican food Close to Oak Forest Chill, quiet inside A great place to have a lunch meeting for sure!

Breakfast amazing! Lunch is amazing work next door at the hospital and this is definitely convenient. Staff is always friendly and attentive. Great prices as well.

I am in Houston for a few days, so my dad brought me to Tecate which is a place that he has been visiting for more than 20 years. The food is cheap compared to the portions, and it was all delicious. The enchiladas were especially tasty. 3 waitresses who were working in there worked when my dad first started visiting. They asked about our family and how we were doing. To have staff retention for 20+ years is amazing and the owners are definitely doing something right.

I was in the neighborhood and wanted took stop in for breakfast. Very friendly staff. The tortilla chips were stale but there were a few fresh ones mixed in. The salsa was actually quite good but after sitting for a bit I can see the water seperating from the rest of the sauce. I had the huevos Tejanos and it was very good, actually. Not spicy but did have a good flavor. The refried beans were very good and had some whole pintos in it... tasted fresh. The tortillas were tiny but good. They bring you three of them. The plates and silverware were cheap. I don't know why these restaurants choose cheap silverware when for a little bit more money you have something that feels good in the hands. Restaurants don't realize how cheap they appear when they do that. I bet you go into the owners or staffs home and they have much better silverware.

that burrito just made me 10 lbs Fatter ! . I ate half and felt Like Ron Burgandy in Anchor Man Its so Filling ! If you dont add jalapenos are you really living life ??? . They have a full menu and will come back to order the Same thing Cook did a Bang Up Job Yes

Cheap, dive Mexican place. It is was it is. Petty decent food, beer and varied selection of margaritas.

Excellent breakfast food, coffee was perfect. Service is wonderful and fast! Highly recommended for authentic Tex-mex.

Stopped by for breakfast on a Saturday morning with a friend and was very underwhelmed. We ordered the Huevos Rancheros and Mexicanos ($5-$7). Food came out reasonably quickly and the quantity was good for the price. Taste was bland though and very lacking compared to other Tex-Mex options in Houston. No complaints about hygiene but the decor was very dated. Service was prompt but seemed uninterested in us. Not rude but definitely not cheerful or engaging. I thought the music was a bit loud but whatever. Overall sub-par food and atmosphere. I didn't personally experience any problems with servers applying extra gratuity to our bill or theft in the parking lot but the fact that other Yelpers have had problems with those things is reason enough for me not to come back. There are so many better places to eat, especially in Houston.

We stopped in for a pick-up order while in the area and really craving some Mexican food. We were across the street and called in our order, and within about 10 minutes it was ready before we arrived. The employees were very friendly, the restaurant clean, and still has covid-19 precautions in place (blocked tables, designated entrance/exit, etc.) To our delight the food was delicious! We got tacos al carbon and cheese enchiladas, with of course, chips and queso.

This place was indeed "A-OK." We needed a place for lunch near our next appointment, and this was our best option. It is insanely affordable compared to any other Mexican joint inside ITL (inside the loop). We had their Tuesday Special: 2 Chicken Tostadas with beans and rice. It was all so tasty, and it really hit the spot! The service was prompt and satisfactory! It may not be a place to which we return since we don't really live in the area. The decor is very overindulgent 90s and reminds of places I often patronized while living in West Texas. A great hole in the wall, except it's next to 610 and a Memorial Hermann. If you're in the area, this may be your best option. :)

The food wasn't all that great got the enchiladas, Rojas. Wasn't the red sauce they gave me the Brown mole sauce? I had to eat the fajita meat only. That wasn't all that great. I wouldn't eat the enchiladas.

Hidden in Heights is small adequate Mexican restaurant where you can find a lunch deal for under $10, heck under $8 if you Play your cards right. I totally botched on taking a picture but the enchilada I had was good and tasted fresh. I also had a chicken quesadilla which was on par with other restaurants of higher ratings. Definitely com back to this place for decent lunch for decent price. Oh and did I mention the chips and salsa are delicious, for true!

This a second update to my earlier reviews to add some more pics. Also, chips are no longer stale here. I am constantly amazed at how many people are at another mexican place right down the street where it is dirty and the food is really crappy, imo. Tecate is rarely crowded and should be packed. Go figure. I am a lifelong Texan and know my way around mexican food and I don't claim this to be authentic mexican but TexMex and some of the finest around. The enchiladas Mexico are more authentic and my husband usually gets those but wd have never been disappointed with anything. This place needs more support from the neighborbood. Not a hip trendy place. Just DELICIOUS.

I was a little underwhelmed by this place. Number one hang over Sunday I need a diet coke, not pepsi and one refill. The cost to the restaurant is about 9-12 cents per drinks. The chips and salsa were fine. Queso was very generic. The fajitas were not so great. All of the other food in the place looked good and maybe we should have taken the hint that we were more or less the only ones with fajitas. May go back, but will get something else.

I recall coming here and enjoying the food, but after my most recent experience, I've reconsidered. My friend was wanting "green sauce" made from like avocados and ranch or something to that nature, but the green sauce we received was more like the sauce they put on the enchiladas to make them spicy, because that's all it was: spicy. We even called ahead before coming to see if they had it. The chips tasted stale. The salsa was watery. Moving on to the menu, I noticed that no where could you get a combination enchiladas plate. You HAD to get three of the same, whether it was three chicken, three cheese, three beef, etc. I got chicken con queso enchiladas and the chicken was...well...it seemed like it was canned chicken. The cheese was like cheap Velveeta only runnier. Service was good. My drink stayed full, though definitely full of ice. Next time (if there is a next time...) I'll have to mention minimal ice. Pricing was actually a bit much for what they had. My bill came out to be $12 and honestly, I probably would have considered it to be worth half that. And as a side note about the decor, why does a Mexican restaurant have vinyl picnic table coverings? You know, the annoying checkered red and white pattern? Also, we were dining with flies. I was swatting at at least two the entire time. Gross. To end my experience, I accidentally left my purse at the table, but the gentleman was nice enough to chase me out to my car. Thank you! No Mexican restaurant has yet been able to capture my taste buds though as much as Tia Maria's off Dacoma. Cheaper, better food, bigger portions, and better atmosphere.

Definitely more tex-mex than Mexican. The salsa is tomato strong; the chilaquiles are tomato and green pepper strong ...which is outrageous! We have been on the hunt for great MEXICAN food here in Houston but still have not found the place. Any suggestions are welcomed. Most likely wont come here again.

Not exactly what I was expecting... Came here for lunch on a Friday and ordered a chicken fajita quesadilla which came out with rice and beans and half of a quesadilla. I posted a photo so you can see what it looks like. The plate lacked color and flavor was pretty bland. The salsa was cold and the tea was on the weak side. I probably won't be back except maybe to try breakfast.

Everything tex mex should be, cheap, easy and delicious. We go here for breakfast frequently the staff are always friendly and fast. I haven't been here for dinner but the pork chop chefs breakfast is really good. Fyi....The pork chop is a thin cut. The home made salsa is my favorite in town.

Dull , expensive and bad taste . Went there Friday . Once walking inside . It smelled like public toilet . Ordered two simple fajita tacos , which had no taste what so ever . They were bland and boring . And to top it all off , it's pretty expensive . They charge like it was a high end restaurant lol

I had the Chuleton Tecate, the restaurant's pork chop with onions, pico, lime, and other fixings. Not bad at all. The charro beans were tasty! With a cold Dos Equis Ambar, it was a great meal to wind down after a long day. My service was decidedly impatient and that almost knocked it down to three stars, but other tables seemed to have better waitstaff, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Something intriguing: There are two TV's near the front of the place. One played a telenovela, and the other had a CCTV image of the parking area.

They have the best megas I've ever had. Served all day. Ask for the spicy green sauce to go on top. Also great frijoles. Enchiladas Ricas is also very good. Really good nachos. We've been going here for years. Remember, the megas are the gold standard.

This place has all the hallmarks of a place that could be a real find: unassuming location next to Lowe's just off the north loop, good prices, nice and clean inside, friendly attentive staff--if only the kitchen held up its end of the bargain. Watery queso from a can, over-processed, under-spiced homemade salsa, chips (I won't call them tostadas) that seem to be taken from a bag and served cold...not an auspicious start. The meat gravy that goes over the enchiladas is good, and the enchiladas themselves were adequate if not great, but the tamales were bland and uninspired. There's a nice taste of real pork fat in the refritos but the rice it's paired with is flavorless, plain, utterly unremarkable. This is clearly a neighborhood restaurant, and I can see why at least the Pan blanco contingent of the nearby Heights residents might like this place--it has charm and is clean and very Gringo-nonthreatening--but I'd be surprised if many of the older, pre-gentrification Heights residents frequent this place, except maybe to have a Michilada and a quick throw-down meal when they want something besides a fast food drive through. There are MANY much better Mexican food restaurants in the near vicinity. My recommendation: try one of those instead. El Rauncho Grande

I love this place. The service is great and their margaritas taste fresh and have plenty of kick! Food wise, it's good, traditional tex-mex. We usually come for dinner but if you have the chance, check them out for breakfast...you will thank me for the suggestion!

I ordered the chicken fajitas with corn tortillas. The chips and salsa came out and I noticed and tasted that the salsa was more like a hot sauce that wasn't very hot. It was very thin and not my favorite. Not terrible just not my favorite. The fajitas came out with half of the platter loaded with grilled potatoes which was a first for me. They were ok however I don't order fajitas to eat potatoes. The chicken with onions and bell peppers were ok. I would eat here again only if I was driving right by and hungry for mexican. There are too many other options for this kind of food in Houston. My service was very good.

There's not much to say about this place. I've been here a couple of times now, because it's close to my house. Everything's just OK. Chips & salsa, enchiladas, the tacos...I've never had anything that was bad, but none of it was great, either. Perfectly middle of the road. The service was pretty good, though. My water stayed full, and my beer was cold.

At first it looked kind of run down but after walking into it i had a great feeling about. As soon as i sat down i was greeted with a Dr. Pepper, chips and salsa and a smile. I ordered my food and literally 3 minutes later i had my food. Now you are probably wondering maybe its pre made but no the cooks in the back work well together its just that fast. Food is excellent and service even better. I will definitely be back here.

For years, I've passed by Tecate while on my way to Tony's or Cavatore, when working in the area. I would always ask myself, "When are you gonna try THIS place." I finally did today and have no regrets...no regrets for the many times I've passed it. Refried beans tasted like they were cooked in a dirty skillet. Rice smelled a little like moth balls. Probably the worst taco I've ever eaten, even after they brought me cheese. The tamale, beef enchilada, chips and salsa were unremarkable. Quite honestly, this was the worst Mexican food I've eaten in a couple of years. I eat a lot of Mexican food.

I am glad I wasn't invested in a meal. Tecate did not pass the chips and salsa test. In fact they don't have salsa, it's just hot sauce, that's not that hot. The margarita was tasty, but at $5.00 kind of pricey for the serving. There was nothing on the menu to woo me.

Family run restaurant that is kept a secret by the locals. Almost every time I go in here, I run into someone I know. It is a very casual restaurant where you walk in and seat yourself. The frozen margaritas are tasty, but drink a bit as soon as you get it or it will overflow the cup. Try the flautas... yumm. Also, this is a great place for take out!

OK, so I'm a pan blanco guy from the neighborhood and after spending a lot of time in high end Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants lately, I was in the mood for some low budget full of cheese Mexican and I was hoping Tecate would fill the bill. They have a fairly extensive menu including quite a few enchilada plates: spinach, seafood, fajita, cheese, mole, and beef. There are also speciality dishes on the menu such as flautas, chile rellenos, tostadas, and a few chicken and pork dishes. Most entrees were less than $10. I opted for the fajita tacos with the Tecate sauce (which is the same as the ranchero sauce). The beef fajita meat was flavorful, the chicken, not so much. Same goes for the rice, not a lot of flavor. The chips tasted like they came from a bag and the salsa was hot without being flavorful. Bottle beer is served with frosty mugs. Awesome. I didn't get out as cheap as I thought I was going to though. The dinner, plus two beers (Dos Equis Amber at $3.75), set me back $20. It looked like primarily a neighborhood crowd; in fact, I saw my neighbors there. Surprising, because there are better places around. Tip: Tecate has coupons in the neighborhood weekly newspaper, The Northwest Leader, that's delivered either Tuesday or Wednesday. And it's easier to park in the large lot on the side of the restaurant so you don't have to worry about traffic on Ella. Take the door on the side of the building so you don't have to walk around to the front of the building.