BY MIKE PUCKETT

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Alicia’s Mexican Grille is located in Northwest Houston just off Hwy 290 and Cypress Rose. This is the location we visited, however you can also find this wonderful Tex-Mex restaurant at three other locations in West Houston, Katy and Spring.

Alicia’s Mexican Grille is a family establishment in every facet. David Herrera and his family have done an amazing job with their restaurants – each one named for a family member. Alicia’s (named after David’s wife) now has 4 locations serving this fine Mexican cuisine to Houstonians all over the city.

David and his family have been providing affordable, quality cuisine and cocktails and have built a loyal local following here in Cypress. And now, the whole city is quickly finding out what the locals have been raving about for years.

The minute you step through the doors, you can’t help but feel the family vibe. The magnificent Mexican décor is extremely well designed and festive, which sets the stage for your dining experience. Alicia’s has a number of different rooms to choose from, depending on the size of your group. I love the bar area, which is perfect for happy hour or a few drinks before dinner. And finally, you must check out the large dining room with its large fireplace and an exquisite painting of Alicia herself. Simply beautiful.

I had been anticipating this visit to Alicia’s for awhile now. I had been spending more and more time in the Cypress area and the locals kept asking me why I hadn’t stopped by this local Mexican restaurant. I had no answer. So, when I showed up on a Friday evening, I was looking forward to the experience. I had my menu printed out and I was ready to order. We brought a group of four so that we could sample a number of menu items.

We started off the evening with a couple of Modelos and nibbled on some chips and salsa while waiting for our friends. This is a warning, you must be very careful not to go overboard on the chips, they are so delicious and both the red and green sauces are pretty amazing.

The Beef Nachos were one of my favorites of the night and had a large piece of fajita meat perfectly placed on a large chip on a bed of refried beans and topped with melted cheese. Check out the photography and let me know what you think. I think I will have to grab a full order of Beef Fajita Nachos on my next visit!

People ask me all the time, “What are the keys to building a great restaurant?” My answer has never changed: fresh, high-quality ingredients. As long as you have that… everything else can be figured out. Well, here at Alicia’s, it seems they figured it out a long time ago. The authentic Mexican food served up at Alicia’s Mexican Grill is unique, fresh and flavorful. Let’s just say I can’t wait for my next Tex-Mex vacation!

Good Eats Houston Recommends…

Appetizers

Nachos

Double Fajita Steak, Queso, Refried Beans, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Fresh Jalapeños

 

Chips & Salsa

Zesty Tomatillo, Raging Habanero, Spicy Avocado, Smoky Chile de Árbol, Serrano Ranch, Tomatillo Tomato, Totally Tomato

 

Specialty Tacos

Diablo Shrimp

Sautéed shrimp, onions, & jalapeños topped with shredded cheese, jicama slaw, & pickled jalapeños drizzled with zesty tomatillo salsa on two corn tortillas

 

Forked Pork

Shredded pork carnitas topped with pico de gallo & shredded cheese drizzled with spicy avocado salsa & sour cream on a flour tortilla

 

Texas Cheesesteak

Fajita steak mixed with a cheesy blend of mushrooms, onions, & jalapeños drizzled with serrano ranch on a flour tortilla

 

Chicken Cheesy

Grilled chicken topped with queso, pico de gallo, diced jalapeños, & green onions, drizzled with smoky chile de árbol salsa on a flour tortilla

 

Burrito

Fajita Steak, Grilled Shrimp, Spanish Rice, Pinto Beans, Fajita Veggies, Shredded Cheese, Lettuce, Jicama Slaw, Chopped Red Onions, Chopped Cilantro, Chipotle Aioli, Pico de Gallo and Totally Tomato Salsa

 

Salad

Grilled Chicken, Shredded Pork Carnitas, Lettuce, Sautéed Mushrooms, Cotija Cheese, Chopped Red Onions, Guacamole, Roasted Corn, Sour Cream

 

Bowl

Shredded Beef, Cilantro-Lime Rice, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Red Onions, Chopped Green Onions, Sliced Avocado, Diced Tomatoes, Sour Cream 

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT