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🌮 East End, Houston
11 restaurants · 2026
🍽️ 11 Restaurants
✨ Tex-Mex, Tacos, Beer
The historic Mexican-American Second Ward east of Downtown. Anchored by the original Ninfa's on Navigation and Saint Arnold Brewery.
Known for: Navigation Boulevard, Saint Arnold Brewery, East End murals
Don't miss: The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, Xin Chao, Saint Arnold Brewing
💡 The Original Ninfa's invented the fajita — order them and ask for the green sauce.
Top 10 in East End
1
Street to Kitchen
Thai · James Beard Winner (Best Chef: Texas 2023), Michelin Bib Gourmand
Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter won Best Chef: Texas at the James Beards -- the first Houston chef to win the category. Bold, authentic Thai flavors in a casual Second Ward setting...
94
2
Ninfa's on Navigation
Tex-Mex
The original Ninfa -- where fajitas were literally invented in 1973. Mama Ninfa started grilling skirt steak and serving it on tortillas, and changed American food forever. The gre...
90
3
Tacos Tierra Caliente
Mexican / Street Tacos
The bright orange taco truck on Navigation Boulevard that has been serving some of Houston best street tacos for years. The al pastor is properly marinated and carved from the trom...
89
4
Cochinita & Co.
Yucatecan Mexican · Texas Monthly favorite
Chef Victoria Elizondo's love letter to her Yucatecan roots in an East End strip mall. Cochinita pibil tacos, masa made in-house, and brunch plates that have made this tiny spot on...
87
5
Moon Tower Inn
Hot Dogs / Beer Garden
East End beer garden with exotic hot dogs (rattlesnake, rabbit, wild boar) and a massive outdoor space under string lights. The craft beer selection is deep, the regular beef dog i...
85
6
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Brewery / Beer Hall · Texas' oldest craft brewery
Texas' oldest craft brewery with a massive beer hall and garden near downtown. Art Car IPA and Fancy Lawnmower are Houston staples sold in every grocery store and bar in the city. ...
85
7
Boo's Burgers
Smash Burgers · Houstonia Top 10 New 2025
Chef Joseph Boudreaux spent years doing popup smash burgers before landing this brick-and-mortar on Navigation. The patties are thin-smashed on a flat top, topped with fresh shredd...
85
8
Villa Arcos
Mexican
A family-owned Houston institution since 1977 on Navigation Boulevard, Villa Arcos specializes in unique homemade flour tortilla tacos. The breakfast tacos with handmade tortillas ...
84
9
Tacos Dona Lena
Mexican Street Food · Infatuation Best Mexican Restaurants Houston
A beloved East End taco spot featured on the Infatuation's best Mexican restaurants list. Handmade tortillas and authentic preparations draw a devoted following. The simple, no-fri...
83
10
Tacos La Sultana
Mexican Street Food
An East End taqueria serving authentic street-style tacos from early morning through late night. The al pastor and suadero tacos on fresh tortillas keep regulars coming back. A Hou...
82
All 11 Restaurants in East End
Local Favorites (11)
Casual (8)
Mexican (7)
Breakfast (4)
Late Night (2)
Brewery (2)
Critics Pick (1)
Awards (1)
Happy Hour (1)
Iconic (1)
Family (1)
Hole in the Wall (1)
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