Phoenix

Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's guide to everything you can do this weekend and this month—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend and This Month

Courtesy of Phoestivus

Events

Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside.

Hit a Holiday Craft Market and Stop By an Olive Oil Fest in Phoenix This December

Chicago

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with These Weekend Events in Chicago

Nation

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Moment/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

Between Rome, Florence, and Venice, Italian cities are beloved by tourists.

Italy’s Most Stylish City Is a Paradise for Art Lovers and Shoppers

Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Santa doesn’t always travel by sleigh—sometimes he travels by boat.

The Best and Brightest Holiday Boat Parades Around the World

New York

Photo by Chris Coe

Lifestyle

In case you somehow missed it, we have life-changing news for you: New Yorkers can now light up legally.

Your Guide to Every Weed Dispensary in NYC

Nashville

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Your Guide to a Totally Festive and Super Fun December in Nashville

SusanWoodImages/E+/Getty Images

These Breathtakingly Beautiful Small Towns Will Make You Want to Go Off the Beaten Path

Weed

Everything You Need to Know About Legal Weed, Smoking, Edibles, CBD and More

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP/Getty Images

It’s hard to imagine now, but legal cannabis only became a thing in the US in 2012, when Colorado blazed the trail to more enlightened legislation.

The Best Cities in America for Next-Level Cannabis Experiences

Christopher M. Taylor/Moment Open/Getty Images

Maybe you happen to live in some fairytale ski town where your winters are a perpetual state of après-ski.

Every State, Ranked by How Miserable Its Winters Are

Houston

Courtesy of Houston First Corporation

Blessed with the best of both worlds—a big, urban concrete jungle and an abundance of natural landscapes—Houston bursts with exciting things to do and thrilling places to explore.

Spend Your Weekends Go-Karting and Speakeasy Hunting in Houston This December

Dallas

Courtesy of Wild Turkey

There’s always something going down in the Big D. A look at the city’s offerings might leave you dizzy: record shops, vintage shops, museums, bar arcades, nerdy bookstores, restaurants, bars, brunches, sports aplenty, and a thriving music and arts scene.

This Weekend in Dallas: Shakey Graves, Ugly Sweaters, and New Brunches

Philadelphia

Photo credit: Gab Bonghi, photo courtesy of 48 Record Bar

December is your last chance to fulfill all those New Year’s Resolutions that went, well, unresolved.

December Weekends in Philly Are All About New Bars, Sports, and the Holiday Paranormal

United States

Chivos

Tex-Mex aside, Houston has a slew of traditional Mexican restaurants that definitely shouldn't be overlooked.

Flora Kitchen Houston


Houston’s love for <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/houston-s-best-tex-mex-restaurants-lupita-s-ninfa-s-on-navigation-molina-s-cantina" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tex-Mex cuisine</a> is quite evident—any <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-happy-hours-in-houston-by-neighborhood" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">good happy hour</a> isn’t complete without chips and Margs, and it’s acceptable to slather pretty much anything in queso at this point—but to fully understand <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-restaurants-houston" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">this food-obsessed city</a>, you really need to experience its more traditional Mexican offerings, too. You haven’t lived until you’ve loaded up on real-deal <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-types-of-tacos-explained" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tacos al Pastor</a>, sucked down more Lechon than the button on your jeans allows, or recovered from <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-bars-in-houston" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">a night out</a> with a bowl of rejuvenating, red chile-heavy Posole. In other words, put these fine Mexican restaurants on your <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/houston-restaurant-bucket-list" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">H-Town bucket list</a>, stat.

Houston’s love for <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/houston-s-best-tex-mex-restaurants-lupita-s-ninfa-s-on-navigation-molina-s-cantina" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tex-Mex cuisine</a> is quite evident—any <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-happy-hours-in-houston-by-neighborhood" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">good happy hour</a> isn’t complete without chips and Margs, and it’s acceptable to slather pretty much anything in queso at this point—but to fully understand <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-restaurants-houston" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">this food-obsessed city</a>, you really need to experience its more traditional Mexican offerings, too. You haven’t lived until you’ve loaded up on real-deal <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-types-of-tacos-explained" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tacos al Pastor</a>, sucked down more Lechon than the button on your jeans allows, or recovered from <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-bars-in-houston" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">a night out</a> with a bowl of rejuvenating, red chile-heavy Posole. In other words, put these fine Mexican restaurants on your <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/houston-restaurant-bucket-list" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">H-Town bucket list</a>, stat.

This popular Mexican food truck is now a vendor inside <a href="https://www.undergroundhall.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Underground Hall</a>, slinging Tijuana-style tacos, tortas, and quesadillas you’re going to want in your mouth right now. It’s family-owned and -operated, and boasts some of the most authentically tasty birria in town. Get dippin’ with classic Birria Tacos, double stacked Birria Mulitas, and even Birria Ramen, to remind you that you really are in Houston. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating or order takeout <a href="https://birria-los-primos-underground.square.site/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.

Birria Los Primos


Birrio Los Primas

Over in the former Calle Onze space on 11th, chef Thomas Bille (Belly of the Beast) takes on Mexican-American cuisine in a way that fits right in with Houston’s Mutt City moniker. Expect: handmade flour tortillas all fat and ready to drench in truffle butter and salmon roe; equally clever and tasty Pozole Dumplings finished with pork broth with almond salsa macha; soy-glazed and wood-fired Pollo a la Leña; and a stunning Duck Breast ladled with fig mole. There are beautiful cocktails to match—think Oaxacan Old Fashioneds and a West Tejas cocktail made with corn-infused tequila—plus a cajeta- and marshmallow-spiked Xocolatl Tamal you’ll definitely need for dessert.&nbsp;

Dylan McEwan | Chivos


The Big Vibe Group (Coppa Osteria, Gratify Neighborhood Bistro) have transformed the former Dunlavy space into a contemporary Mexican kitchen that’s big on both flavor and ambiance. The gorgeous, chandelier-lit glass treehouse overlooking the bayou remains, but you’ll now find table service, a marble-top bar rife with tequila and mezcal, and a killer masa program to complement a showstopping menu exploring the small towns of Mexico. The Barbacoa de Borrego (braised and spiced lamb) is ridiculous, the Pulpo Tostada is a stunner, and you can get Parrilladas sporting the chef’s pick of seafood and meats alongside all the appropriate fixin’s.&nbsp;

Flora Mexican Kitchen

This ode to maize doesn’t mess around when it comes to its corn. Nixtamalized masa is ground on site to make Mexico native and former Xochi executive chef Fabian Saldana’s sublime fare shine. Barbacoa de Res is slow-cooked in agave leaves before falling apart at the touch beside fresh corn tortillas, the pan-seared Pescado arrives swimming in a bright segueza corn sauce, and the Corn Esquites are addicting as ever, as is the Corn Tres Leches.

Cred: Becca Wright | Maize

Maize

Chef Emmanuel Chavez is on a mission to restore the cultural value of maíz, and we’d say he’s succeeding. Utilizing the ancient nixtamalization technique to process heirloom corn into masa for off-the-charts tortillas, Chavez turned his modern tortilleria pop-up experience into a full blown brick-and-mortar, offering 13-seat tasting menus by reservation plus walk-in service for Sunday brunch. Things to look forward to include Tlacoyos, Sopes, Quesadillas, and Masa Pancakes, plus Pozole, Carne Asada, and so much more. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/tatemo" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tock</a>.


tatemo_htx

Tatemó

The complex flavors of Oaxaca are on full display at this hotel hotspot from chef Huge Ortega and restaurateur Tracy Vaught. Set in Downtown’s gorgeous Marriott Marquis (yes, the one with the Texas-shaped lazy river), you don’t have to book a room to experience Ortega’s sensational landscape of moles—Tamal de Pollo con Mole Negro (chicken tamales in an earthy black elixir), Camarones en Mole Verde (a zippy green number engulfing head-on shrimp), and Costillas De Puerco en Mole Chicatana (pork ribs with ant mole), plus traditional dishes from Tlayudas (Oaxacan-style pizza) to Moletes (a kind of open-faced sandwich). How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/xochi?venues=backstreetcafe,caracol,hugos,xochi" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">SevenRooms</a>.

Xochi

Tucked away in a strip mall out on Long Point, this family-owned hole-in-the-wall is a veritable local institution. That’s thanks to a righteous roster of eats straight out of the central Mexican state of Hidalgo, including two must-try house specialties: spit-roasted Cabrito Asado (al pastor-style goat) and Barbacoa de Borrego (lamb cooked in penca leaves and served with consomme). You want both. Trust. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

El Hidalguense

All three of Chef Hugo Ortega’s restaurants deserve a spot on this list—which is exactly why all three are making an appearance. A sibling to Hugo’s and Xochi, Caracol explores the cuisine of coastal Mexico, with a custom wood-burning oven as the star of the show. Don’t miss the ostiones asados, wood-roasted Gulf oysters dripping in chipotle butter and topped with melted cheese and toasted breadcrumbs, then work your way down the shoreline by way of ceviches, crudos, smoked octopus, calamari, and wood-grilled butterflied fish. How to reserve/order: Make a dine-in <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/caracol?venues=backstreetcafe,caracol,hugos,xochi" target="_blank">reservation</a>.

Caracol

Brimming with clams, mussels, mahi, and shrimp, the Vuelve a la Vida soup at this essential seafood emporium will legitimately bring you back to life. As will expertly balanced dishes like Acapulco-style Seafood Cocteles, citrus-kissed and butter-roasted Pompano al Limon, and Mojarra Fritta, a whole damn tilapia fried to a beautiful crisp. Finish with classic desserts like almondy Pastel de Tres Leches and Mexican-style Flan de la Casa. How to book: Order takeout via <a href="https://direct.chownow.com/order/23684/locations/34722" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">ChowNow</a>.

La Fisheria - Houston

La Fisheria

The bold, zesty flavors of Mexico City steal the show at this artsy Neartown bistro, where you’ll want to treat yourself to cervezas, Margaritas, and other tasty libations to pair alongside gorgeous dishes like Ceviche del Día, pork belly-stuffed Gorditas de Chicharrón Prensado, Red Snapper Veracruzana, and a 34-ingredient Mole Negro. On weekends, brunch favorites include Hidalgo-style Lamb Barbacoa, spicy Pozole Rojo, and satisfyingly good Chilaquiles. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating or order takeout via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/cuchara-restaurant/v3#!/order" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Cuchara Restaurant

Cuchara

dishwasher to James Beard Award-winner (not to mention co-owner of other Mexican game-changers <a href="http://www.caracol.net/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Caracol</a>, <a href="https://www.xochihouston.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Xochi</a>, and the newer, casual <a href="https://www.urbehouston.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">URBE</a>). His roots were planted in Mexico City, and his passion continues to impress with dishes like crispy-skinned, achiote-rubbed Lechon and Braised Duck with mole poblano. A true family affair, Hugo’s epic desserts are the brainchild of Ortega’s brother, the talented pastry chef Ruben Ortega. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/hugos?venues=backstreetcafe,caracol,hugos,xochi" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">SevenRooms</a>&nbsp;or get delivery via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ubereats.com/store/hugos/iCOMyrhHQL-8sXUA1FzNnQ" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Uber Eats</a>.

Hugo's

Aged in both American and French oak barrels and finished in port wine casks, <a href="https://drizly.com/liquor/tequila/anejo-tequila/1800-cristalino-anejo/p101821" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer sponsored">1800 Cristalino Tequila</a> is an ultra-premium, crystal-clear añejo meant to celebrate life’s special moments with taste. So, this Cinco de Mayo, elevate your experience and raise a glass with 1800 Cristalino instead—your taste buds will thank you.

Photo courtesy of 1800 Tequila 

Blind Barber

Raised in Monterrey, chef Arnaldo Richards has perfected his grandmother’s homestyle recipes—and then some. His namesake eatery explores seven regional cuisines, from the Spanish-influenced Gulf to the achiote-kissed South. Order Margaritas made with the restaurant’s exclusive barrel-aged tequilas to chase your Enchiladas de Mariscos, chile de arbol-spiced Veal Shank Osso Bucco, and Chiles en Nogada (poblanos stuffed with pulled pork and topped with a walnut-based cream sauce). How to order: Order takeout and delivery via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/arnaldo-richards-picos-restaurant-3601-kirby-dr/v3" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Picos Restaurant

Arnaldo Richards’ Picos Restaurant

With three locations, wallet-friendly prices, and more-than-generous portions, Teotihuacan—or “Teo,” as it’s affectionately called—counts devotees from all over the city. Each outpost is open for dine-in service in addition to takeout perks like to-go Margs and family-style party packs for those who prefer to feast at home. Hit it up for Veracruz-style Fish, tomatillo-smothered Enchiladas, colossal Chiles Rellenos, and Parrilladas overflowing with grilled short ribs, quail, jumbo shrimp, beef, and chicken. Tack on Tres Leches or fried Sopapillas dusted with cinnamon and sugar for dessert because, hey, you deserve it. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

Expect a menu that switches things up based on seasonality and ingredient availability—and, most importantly, James Beard Award-winning chef-owner Irma Galvan’s culinary intuition. If you can get it, the Handmade Pork Roast Tamale shines with its seamless meat-to-masa ratio, though you can almost always fill up on fresh Spinach Enchiladas, Picadillo Chiles Relleno, Fish Tacos, and Irma’s Homemade Flan. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

Irma's Original

Irma's

Fact: Stuffing your face with this truck’s righteous tacos whilst sipping a cold one at the neighboring West Alabama Ice House is a Houston rite of passage. You’ll need at least three of the palm-sized gems to even begin to satisfy that hunger pang, but at around $2 a pop, that’s extremely doable. Choose flour or corn, top with barbacoa, pastor, or lengua, say “yes” to chopped onion and cilantro, and pile on the tremendous red and green salsas. How to order: Stop by for counter service or order delivery via <a href="https://www.favordelivery.com/order-delivery/tacos-tierra-caliente-647/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Favor</a>.

Photo by Brooke Viggiano for Thrillist

Tacos Tierra Caliente

This friendly neighborhood cafe is a fan favorite, where the breakfast is as cheap as it is delicious and, come to think of it, so is lunch. Go for Huevos con Machado, a mess of farm-fresh scrambled eggs peppered with Mexican-style dry beef and served with refried beans, spicy salsa, and tortillas; traditional Chilaquiles, a “breakfast nacho” situation loaded with your choice of tomatillo, guajillo, or ranchero sauce, all made in-house with plenty of soul; or a damn good Chile Relleno stuffed with your choice of picadillo, chicken, or fajita beef. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating or order takeout via <a href="https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/pueblas-mexican-kitchen-northside" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Clover</a>.

Puebla's Mexican Kitchen

Puebla's Mexican Kitchen & Bakery

Laredo’s notorious line out the door looks a little different these days, but the dreamy fat-laden tortillas look and taste exactly the same. Stop in for legendary tacos loaded with spicy potatoes, nopales, perfectly blended chorizo and eggs, crispy chicharrones, refried beans, and salsas. If you’re extra hungry, toss in unbeatable Tamales, Enchiladas, and the weekend-only, hangover-anhilliating Menudo. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

Flickr/T.Tseng

Laredo Taqueria

Though Ninfa’s made a name for itself with its classic Tex-Mex fajitas, locals make a beeline for its roster of decidedly more traditional Mexican fare. “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo got things started when she saved her family’s struggling tortilla factory from demise in 1973, and chef Alex Padilla has done an incredible job of steering the reins since then. Head to either location for oh-so tender Cochinita Pibil, Chile Relleno stuffed with cheese and brisket picadillo, and allllllllll the Enchiladas. Wash it all down with boozy Margaritas to keep the fiesta going. How to order: Order takeout and delivery via <a href="https://ninfas.alohaorderonline.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Aloha</a>.

The Original Ninfa's

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

We Houstonians are all about that tamale life. Sit at any bar long enough, and you’ll likely hear that beautiful “tamale, tamale” siren song, prompting you to fish out a few precious dollars in exchange for a foil-wrapped pack of the good stuff. And while your local dive’s tamale guy may tote the best in town, the second best are undoubtedly found here at Alamo. The Northside spot dishes out steamy hand-rolled beauts loaded with jalapeño and cheese, sweet corn, or shredded pork alongside addictive red and green salsas. Eat. Rinse. Repeat. How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

The Original Alamo Tamales

Alamo Tamale & Taco

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/brooke-viggiano" target="_blank">Brooke Viggiano</a> is a Houston-based <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/brooke-viggiano" target="_blank">writer</a> who suddenly has a ton of weekend plans. Follow her journeys on IG <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookiefafa/" target="_blank">@brookiefafa</a> or on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/brookeviggiano" target="_blank">@brookeviggiano</a>.

Essential Mexican Restaurants

This Cinco de Mayo, Thrillist and 1800 Tequila are partnering to guide you to the best Mexican restaurants in your city so you can dig in on delicious nachos paired with a fresh margarita.

Essential Mexican Restaurants: Best Mexican Spots in the US

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Mexican Food

Houston’s Best Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo and Beyond

Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston: Good Mexican Food to Order Now

From cheffy coastal fare to margarita-fueled cantinas, top taco trucks, and the best birria in town. 


1800_Tequila_892904_Apr22

Houston’s love for Tex-Mex cuisine is quite evident—any good happy hour isn’t complete without chips and Margs, and it’s acceptable to slather pretty much anything in queso at this point—but to fully understand this food-obsessed city, you really need to experience its more traditional Mexican offerings, too.

Chivos

Featured In

Houston’s Best Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo and Beyond

More From Thrillist

Hit a Holiday Craft Market and Stop By an Olive Oil Fest in Phoenix This December

Here’s your weekend guide to fun things to do in Phoenix this month.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with These Weekend Events in Chicago

These are the must-hit festivals, openings, concerts, events, and general happenings to check out in Chicago.

Italy’s Most Stylish City Is a Paradise for Art Lovers and Shoppers

Milan is so much more than fashion week.

The Best and Brightest Holiday Boat Parades Around the World

Santa doesn’t always travel by sleigh.

Your Guide to Every Weed Dispensary in NYC

Check out our city’s crew of hyper-aesthetic cannabis dispensaries.

Your Guide to a Totally Festive and Super Fun December in Nashville

These are the must-hit festivals, openings, concerts, events, and general happenings to check out in Nashville.

These Breathtakingly Beautiful Small Towns Will Make You Want to Go Off the Beaten Path

Go ahead and get lost.

The Best Cities in America for Next-Level Cannabis Experiences

Because there's no better travel companion than Mary Jane.

Every State, Ranked by How Miserable Its Winters Are

Chicago's just the tip of the iceberg (literally).

Spend Your Weekends Go-Karting and Speakeasy Hunting in Houston This December

Your guide to weekend events in Houston this month.

This Weekend in Dallas: Shakey Graves, Ugly Sweaters, and New Brunches

Here are the fun things to do in Dallas this weekend.

December Weekends in Philly Are All About New Bars, Sports, and the Holiday Paranormal

Fun things to do in Philadelphia this weekend (and every weekend throughout the month).