Seven Pearland Restaurants to Visit for Tex-Mex Platters, Tacos and More

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Just a stone’s-throw away from Houston, Pearland’s dining scene has seen a great rise in fantastic Tex-Mex restaurants where diners can grab sizzling plates of fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, refreshing margaritas and much more. Whether you’re a resident, staycationing, on a food tour or just looking for a fun night out, Pearland’s Tex-Mex scene is  worthy of exploration. Read on to see our must-visit Tex-Mex destinations, and check out the Visit Pearland dining webpage for more recommendations for all types of cuisine. 

Casa Ole, 3100 East Broadway: This colorful, family-friendly hotspot has been serving Tex-Mex cuisine to the Greater Houston community for almost 50 years. The menu reads like a glossary of popular Tex-Mex dishes, and includes fajitas, enchiladas and house specialties such as Chicken Stuffed Poblano Pepper and the Stuffed Avocado plate. The Fajitas Olé in particular really stands out. It’s a hearty sampler of grilled beef, chicken, shrimp and peppers with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream and warm tortillas alongside. Be sure to cap off your meal with the pillowy Rum Caramel Sopapillas.

Emma’s Tex-Mex, 5096 Broadway: Named in honor of the owner’s grandmother, this festive, down-home spot brings fresh Gulf seafood dishes and stiff tequila drinks to Pearland residents. The cucumber margarita is a must, then start your meal with any of the ceviches, such as the Ceviche Gulpo with generous chunks of shrimp and scallop. The Baja and Gulf Coast influences continue with entrées like the Tulum — a red snapper filet topped with lump crab. Among the meatier plates, the Cochinita Pibil is a standout. It’s a traditional dish of pulled pork marinated in citrus, achiote and braised in a banana leaf.

Gringo’s, 2202 Broadway: Going into its 30th year of serving the Greater Houston area, including Pearland, this classic Tex-Mex eatery has become synonymous with top-tier Tex-Mex fare. This cantina and grill is home to a variety of tried-and-true fajita platters with options such as chicken breast, beef skirt steak, sauteed veggies, and grilled shrimp. Other favorites include the Presidente, a platter that hits all of the spicy, Tex-Mex flavors with a two–cheese enchilada, chalupa, queso and beef taco. Salads and soups include selections such as Southwest Shrimp and Avocado Salad and Tortilla Soup. 

Gringo’s is also home to some of the best margaritas in Pearland, and some of the options are the “30-YR Cadillac Margarita” made with Exotico Reposado Tequila and Gran Gala Liqueur, and made-for-two specialties such as the Sparkler, a traditional margarita in either strawberry, lime or mango flavors topped off with sparkling wine. Great drinks and great grub await diners at Gringo’s.

Jimmy Changas, 3515 Business Center: Part of the same group as Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, this restaurant offers a Tex-Mex dining experience tailored to families. Billed as a more- affordable option, but not slacking on flavor and portions, Jimmy Changas’ menu offers fajitas, tacos, tostadas, seafood platters, nachos and more. Order the Plato Soldado, a steak fajita taco al carbon with a cheese enchilada and a pork tamale, and take extra enjoyment from the fact that proceeds from the order go to Camp Hope. For a complete fajita meal, opt for the El Capitan — sizzling fajitas smothered in mariscos (seafood) sauce with diablo shrimp, pico, guacamole and whipped lime butter. Jimmy Changas has a variety of different drink options as well, including cocktails such as their signature margaritas strawberry mojito. Bring the whole family, as the adults can have a drink or two while the kids have a blast at the playground before or after chowing down on some Tex-Mex fare.

Killen’s TMX, 9330 Broadway: Pearland native, pitmaster and chef Ronnie Killen expanded his restaurant empire by introducing his spin on Tex-Mex cuisine. At Killen’s TMX, Expect to see his signature brisket in dishes such as the brisket taquitos and enchilada combo plates like the La Vaca and Tres Amigos.

The queso is arguably one of the best in town, and the house-made guacamole is a practically required appetizer. The crown jewel of the menu are the fajitas, elevated thanks to the use of Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef. The Pork Belly al Pastor is another showcase of the marriage between barbecue and Mexican flavors, with crispy bits of fatty pork belly smoked al-pastor style. Save room for dessert; the Tres Leches Bread Pudding is a crowd-favorite, but the flan, churros and sopapillas are worthy orders as well. As indicated by the restaurant’s slogan, “Mexican inspired, Texas fired,” Killen’s TMX is a one-of-a-kind destination for Tex-Mex flavors coupled with the smokey goodness of Texas barbecue.

Mingo’s, 3320 East Broadway: This former food truck turned brick-and-mortar has quickly become a local favorite for Tex-Mex staples such as chilaquiles, tacos, empanadas, enchiladas and more. The menu even offers brunch dishes, like huevos rancheros served with your choice of either pork belly, brisket, chicken, pulled pork or veggies. Handmade chicken or brisket empanadas round out a proper meal here and are served with Mingo’s signature mango pico de gallo.

Taqueria Arandas, 1837 North Main: For a relaxed and authentic Tex-Mex experience, head to this casual taqueria. The Pearland outpost of Taqueria Arandas is a one-stop dining destination for Mexican fast food such as flautas, taquitos and sizzling comals of fajitas. Venture beyond these staples and order Caldo de Mariscos, a comforting seafood soup with vegetables, rice and tortillas. Taqueria Arandas is also open for breakfast where diners chow down on their Huaraches— a Mexican flatbread with shredded chicken, cheese, onions, salsa verde and cilantro.

Check out the Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau website, or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates. There is even a YouTube channel with videos that showcase the people and places that make Pearland a great food and drink destination!

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