Even if you’re not attending this year’s Fiesta celebrations in San Antonio, you can still toast to a good time! From frosty marg-slinging bars to awesome Tex-Mex restaurants, we’ve rounded up the best spots to celebrate Fiesta around the state.
Hugo’s
Chef Hugo Ortega credits the earthy flavors of Mexico for the wildly popular and made-from-scratch dishes at his namesake restaurant in Houston’s Montrose area. Entrées like Wild Mushrooms in Mole Poblano Sauce, Plantain Empanadas, Cabrito, and Goat Marinated in Red Salsa are a few reasons Hugo’s has earned a host of awards, including being named one of the best restaurants in the city by Food Network. Save room for dessert, especially the Pastel de Mole—a flavor-rich chocolate cake accented by Mandarin sorbet and candied pumpkin seeds.
Caracol
Chef Hugo’s other showstopping restaurant in Houston takes you on a culinary tour of Mexico’s coastline, with signature dishes made from sustainably sourced seafood, like Adobo-Rubbed Tuna Tacos, Lime-Cured Raw Red Snapper (pictured above), and Ceviche of Raw Conch with pineapple, ginger, and raw papaya. During Fiesta month, don’t miss Caracol’s brunch-time Crawfish Boils served on the patio from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Saturday!
Juanitas Tex-Mex Cantina
For a casual and colorful Fiesta celebration, head to Juanita’s for classic cross-border cuisine. Dig into one of the “posh” tacos like the habanero shrimp variety, share a plate of sizzling fajitas, and sip an icy Margarita of the month. Meet up with your friends for Trivia Night or come for the live music at the seasonal pop-up Biergarten.
Mi Familia at the Rim
The family Cortez is well known for San Antonio’s iconic Mi Tierra Restaurant. Their follow-up restaurant, Mi Familia at the Rim, also keeps festivities going year-round and offers up the Fiesta flavors you’ve been craving, like the Chicharrón de Ribeye. Paired with a world-famous frozen margarita, it’s a party every night!
Ninfa’s
When craving Tex-Mex, there’s nothing like a shareable sizzling plate of fajitas that sounds and smells like a good time! The birthplace of the well-known dish didn’t start in Mexico, but at Houston’s Ninfa’s! This mainstay Tex-Mex dish was thought up by “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo in 1973 when she started making “Tacos al Carbon” from her family’s struggling tortilla factory, which later became known as the famed dish!
Fonda San Miguel
If you’re looking for a fine-dining experience for Fiesta, Fonda San Miguel in Austin is just for you! As one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the country, it was one of the first in the nation to introduce classic regional Mexican cuisine and has perfected it for over 40 years. Don’t miss their Enchiladas Verdes, not to mention one of the best tequila lists in Texas curated by Lucinda Hutson, world expert on tequila and author of Viva Tequila!
Aldaco’s Stone Oak
Make sure to ask for a seat on the patio at Aldaco’s Stone Oak in San Antonio. At one of the highest points in San Antonio, this scenic restaurant offers a sweeping view of the city. Don’t miss one of the award-winning margaritas, and end your meal with a slice of Pastel Tres Leches. Blanca Aldaco, the owner, is credited for bringing this famous dish to the city!
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
Let Sylvia the “Enchilada Queen” give your taste buds the royal treatment at her namesake restaurants in Houston. It’s a true fiesta of flavors here with 19 (!!) different types of enchiladas from both sides of the border! One of the secrets behind her success is making her enchiladas the traditional way by seasoning each and every tortilla by hand. Bonus: We snagged her recipe for Cheese Enchiladas with Chili Gravy!
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