BY MIKE PUCKETT

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The Spanish Village Restaurant is located on Almeda Rd, just south of 59 and west of 288. If you are looking for authentic Tex-Mex, from one of the oldest in the country… then you must take a trip to this historic Houston landmark. Spanish Village has been around since 1953 and is the 2^nd oldest Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston. At Spanish Village you are literally eating with history.

When you walk into the restaurant you are immediately taken back to the times when life was bit simpler. You can just feel the vibe and it’s amazing. The walls are filled with pictures of patrons from the past… some are celebrities, and some are just Houstonians who have been enjoying this original Tex-Mex for years.

I grew up in Houston and lived here for over 25 years.  I had always heard about this classic restaurant, but this was my first time to experience it for myself. I have to say it was an experience like no other. I am a true believer in letting the server, chef or owner decide on what you should try when visiting their restaurant. I mean who know best, right? That is exactly what I did.

After speaking with the owner, he let me know the menu I needed to taste.

Of course, we started things off with one of their famous Margarita’s, which by the way is a secret recipe with only three ingredients: triple sec, tequila, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Nothing more, nothing less. This Margarita is something special and shame on you if you don’t order at least one. However, you might only need one. Strong is an understatement. Ha! Seriously.

We ordered the Chile con Queso, Stuffed Jalapenos, Fun Guy Fajitas, Cheese & Onion Enchilada Con Huevo, Molletes or Puffy Tacos, Guacamole and Original Fajitas. I have to say that every menu item we tried was even better than the last, but my two favorites were the Cheese & Onion Enchilada Con Huevo and the Puffy Tacos. If you like cheese… well, you can’t go wrong with either of these entrees.

The Cheese & Onion Enchilada Con Huevo is a house favorite here at Spanish Village and I was soon to find out why. To begin with, Cheese Enchiladas are my favorite menu item at just about any Mexican restaurant I venture out to. The Cheese & Onion Enchilada Con Huevo however, has a nice touch that I had never experienced. These wonderful Cheese Enchiladas are topped with 2 eggs. As you cut into the eggs, the yummy yolk drips down the side of the Enchiladas and with every bite, you receive a flavor that you just can’t get enough of. If you are a fan of Cheese Enchiladas, then you must try this terrific dish.

Next up was cheese, cheese and more cheese! And that is music to my ears. The Puffy Tacos are pretty much perfect. These hand rolled tacos are simply a piece of art. They are carefully fried to perfection, filled with Chicken or Beef fajitas, swamped with their famous queso made daily, and then garnished with a little bit of onion, tomato and cilantro. I must say that this is now my go-to dish, here at Spanish Village. Every bite you take of this cheesy delight makes you wonder if you will ever eat a taco any other way. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

I think Tex-Mex might be my favorite cuisine. Growing up here in the Lone Star State, you are raised on it. While there are many Tex-Mex restaurants that are great here in Houston, Spanish Village stands out for sure. Not only do they have outstanding eats, but the history and ambiance put it over the top. When you visit Spanish Village, make sure to take some time to walk around and take it all in. You will be glad you did, and it will provide you with the full experience. Enjoy!

Good Eats Houston Recommends…

Chile con Queso

Stuffed Jalapenos

Fun Guy Fajitas

Cheese & Onion Enchilada Con Huevo

Molletes or Puffy Taco

Guacamole

Margaritas

Fajitas *if it’s not party time when y’all come to the restaurant*

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT