Non-Texans may think of the Lone Star State as a real-life, Wild West film with cowboys, guns, and horses, and that’s only partially true. But lifelong Texans usually think of wide-open spaces, the rodeo, and the cuisine dream that is Tex-Mex.
Alongside BBQ and anything deep fried, Tex-Mex is a staple that has held the hearts of Texans for decades. Although many don’t want to think about it, there was a time when burritos and nachos didn’t exist. It was only when cultures collided during a chaotic time in history – for the region that is now Texas – that these foods were created and are now eaten on Taco Tuesdays and, let’s be honest, every other day of the week.
A Brief History of Tex-Mex
Tex-Mex is a combination of Mexican, South American, and European flavors. For many years, it was not considered a valid food category. Whether it was discrimination or just pure ignorance, many thought of Tex-Mex as “poor people food.” But after years of work by many restaurants and hard-working individuals, the past few decades have been filled with chimichangas, fajitas, and quesadillas that are enjoyed by millions of Texans and beyond.
While Tex-Mex was born in the Rio Grande Valley, a region closest to the Texas/Mexico border, it flourished and became nationally recognized in San Antonio due to some ingenious, Hispanic women known as the “Chili Queens” in the 1870’s. These resourceful women created the original pop-up restaurants and sold bowls of chili con carne for a dime. Workers and tourists alike were soon coming from all over to get a bowl of chili or a new dish called enchiladas. Many will claim credit for growing and spreading these ideas, but it was they who finally caught the nation’s attention and began the work of putting this new food on the map.
From there, the cuisine evolved and spread like wildfire. First, it was the idea of the “Combo Plate” made up of rice and beans that came with the entree. The large portions sizes were new and vastly different from traditional Mexican meals. An Oaxacan immigrant created Fritos in the 1930’s and sold them to what is now known as Frito-Lay. Nachos were supposedly invented by a man named Ignacio, nicknamed “Nacho,” when the cooks were out and all he could throw together was tortillas, cheese, jalapeños. Although this story can never be confirmed, you have to admit that it’s a compelling one.
Comparing and Contrasting Flavors
The line between a traditional Mexican plate and Tex-Mex has been and still can be a bit blurred, but to some the contrast is paramount. While Mexican meals are usually served in smaller portions with corn tortillas, and pinto beans, Tex-Mex plates are as full as you can get, usually served with flour tortillas, rice, and refried or black beans. The cheese is another way to tell the two apart with Mexican using white and Tex-Mex using yellow. Some will chow down on either, but other, more conservative eaters draw the line in the sand at the idea of eating something they view as a knockoff of true Mexican cuisine.
Finally on The Map
It took Diana Kennedy’s cookbook, published in 1972, to finally carve out a place for Tex-Mex. Though she eviscerated the cuisine for not being truly Mexican, she ironically made the distinction between the two, and Tex-Mex only grew in popularity. Modern foodies are thankful for the brave women and men behind the recipes and skeptics of the food as well, because both are responsible for the large plates of food, breakfast tacos, and margs that we now consume at our favorite local hangouts.
In case you’re curious, salivating, or currently booking your flight so as to enjoy this life-changing food, here is a list of a few of the top Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas. Keep in mind that you may need a reservation. Happy eating!
Austin
Enchiladas Y Más
This city may not have been the birthplace of the cuisine, but they do have great Tex-Mex. While you’re visiting this busy restaurant, make sure to grab a plate of its namesake and a margarita or two. Just be sure you have a safe way to get home afterwards!
Habanero Mexican Cafe
This cafe isn’t open all day, so better get it while it’s hot! Breakfast is to die for with their huevos rancheros, but lunch has everything else you are looking for including enchiladas, fajitas, and delicious quesadillas.
Matt’s El Ranchero
Stop in here for an excellent meal no matter what you choose, but the real reason everyone eats here is for the Mexican martinis and infamous dip! While they do keep it weird in Austin, TX, they are sure to keep their food exquisite and enticing.
Houston
Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen
What began as a small bakery grew into the new weekend hangout in 2001. Run by a man who helped his family create their dream, this restaurant has a wide variety for breakfast and lunch on the menu. Grab a tasty taco or plate of Migas, chopped tortillas with scrambled eggs and topped with queso. You can’t go wrong either way.
Candente
Here you can find any Texan’s dream come true: A beautiful combo of BBQ and Tex-Mex. From ceviche to prime rib, if you can dream it, you can eat it. Don’t forget to order some of their frequent customers’ favorites like brisket tacos and their classic margaritas in an array of flavors. If you want a taste of Texas, here is the place to find it.
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
This hotspot has by far some of the greatest history behind it. Opened in 1973 by “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo, this restaurant boasts of being the first to serve what we now call Fajitas. There is a reason that this place has been open for 50 years and that is the food, people, and, of course, their outstanding margaritas.
Dallas
E Bar Tex-Mex
Young and trendy is the tone of this Dallas joint. You will find an assortment of choices from breakfast foods to combo plates and a wide selection of drinks that stay true to Tex-Mex style. They also hold events often and for most holidays including National Margarita Day.
Mia’s Tex-Mex Restaurant
This family restaurant has been feeding happy customers for decades since its opening in 1981. You have to try their specialty Butch’s brisket tacos and enchiladas while you’re here. Stay a while and you may even make some friends over a few plates of nachos or their mouthwatering, homemade rellenos.
Las Palmas Tex-Mex
Located at the heart of Dallas, this staple has everything including fajitas, enchiladas, and true combo plates. With a chimichanga in one hand and a margarita in the other, you can be sure to enjoy happy hour or date night.
Sources
Wei, Clarissa. “An Illustrated History of Tex-Mex.” First We Feast, First We Feast, 20 Oct. 2016, https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2015/04/illustrated-history-of-tex-mex#:~:text=The%20term%20Tex%2DMex%20entered,the%20Mexican%20food%20of%20area.
Pruitt, Sarah. “Tracing the History of Tex-Mex.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 16 June 2015, https://www.history.com/news/tracing-the-history-of-tex-mex.
Amigo Energy. “Know the Difference: Tex-Mex vs. Mexican Food.” Amigo Energy, 20 June 2022, https://amigoenergy.com/blog/tex-mex-vs-mexican-food-difference/#:~:text=Other%20tell%2Dtale%20differences%20between,Mexican%20dishes%20use%20white%20cheese.