Houston’s vibrant culinary scene is home to many standout eateries, but few capture the essence of authentic Mexican street food quite like Tacos Del Julio. Renowned for its flavorful and customizable tacos, this local gem has become a favorite destination for food lovers seeking a genuine taste of Mexico in the heart of Texas.
Whether you’re craving classic carne asada or adventurous fillings like chorizo and lengua, the menu at Tacos Del Julio offers a diverse selection crafted with fresh ingredients and bold spices.
What sets Tacos Del Julio apart is its dedication to quality and tradition. From the handmade tortillas to the carefully prepared salsas, every element of the menu is designed to provide a satisfying and memorable experience.
The atmosphere is casual yet inviting, making it an ideal spot for everything from quick lunches to relaxed dinners with friends and family.
Exploring the Tacos Del Julio Houston menu unveils much more than just tacos — it’s a celebration of Mexican culinary heritage with creative twists that appeal to all palates. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Mexican cuisine or trying these flavors for the first time, the offerings here promise to delight and inspire your taste buds.
Signature Taco Selection
The heart of the Tacos Del Julio menu is undoubtedly its signature tacos. Each taco is crafted with a choice of premium proteins, fresh toppings, and hand-pressed tortillas that deliver an authentic Mexican street food experience.
The menu balances classic flavors with inventive options to please both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
Some of the standout tacos include the Carne Asada, known for its tender, marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection. The Al Pastor taco features thinly sliced pork, marinated with pineapple and spices, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile.
For those seeking something different, the Lengua (beef tongue) taco is a delicacy that combines rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with vibrant toppings.
- Carne Asada: Grilled skirt steak, diced onions, cilantro, and lime
- Al Pastor: Pineapple-marinated pork, fresh cilantro, onions, and salsa verde
- Chorizo: Spicy Mexican sausage with queso fresco and pickled jalapeños
- Lengua: Slow-cooked beef tongue with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime
Customizing Your Tacos
One of the appealing aspects of Tacos Del Julio is the ability to customize your tacos to suit individual tastes. Customers can select the type of tortilla, ranging from traditional corn to flour or specialty options like blue corn.
Additionally, a variety of salsas and toppings are available, allowing each taco to be tailored with the perfect balance of heat and freshness.
“At Tacos Del Julio, every taco is a canvas — we encourage our guests to build their perfect bite with a range of fresh, vibrant ingredients.”
Whether you prefer a mild salsa or crave an extra kick of heat, the staff is happy to assist in creating a taco that satisfies your cravings perfectly.
Appetizers and Sides
Beyond the taco offerings, Tacos Del Julio’s menu includes a thoughtfully curated selection of appetizers and sides that complement the main dishes beautifully. These items provide a fantastic way to start your meal or to share with friends while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Popular starters include fresh guacamole made tableside with ripe avocados and a hint of lime, as well as crispy quesadillas filled with melted cheese and choice of meat. The menu also features elote, a Mexican street corn dish, rich with butter, cheese, and chili powder — a beloved classic that pairs wonderfully with tacos.
- Guacamole: Freshly made with avocado, lime, cilantro, and diced tomato
- Quesadillas: Flour tortillas filled with cheese and optional meats like chicken or chorizo
- Elote: Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder
- Chips and Salsa: House-made tortilla chips served with an assortment of salsas
Perfect Pairings
These sides are designed to enhance the main course without overpowering it. The guacamole, for example, provides a creamy contrast to the spicy chorizo tacos, while the elote offers a smoky sweetness that balances out the savory meats.
Sharing plates like quesadillas encourage communal dining, making Tacos Del Julio an ideal spot for groups.
“Our appetizers set the tone for the meal — each bite crafted to bring out the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street food.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the diverse dietary preferences of Houston’s food community, Tacos Del Julio offers a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options ensure that everyone can enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine without compromise.
The vegetarian tacos utilize ingredients like grilled nopales (cactus), sautéed mushrooms, and rajas (roasted poblano strips). Vegan guests can enjoy tacos filled with black beans, rice, and fresh vegetable medleys, all topped with house-made salsa and guacamole.
The kitchen takes care to avoid cross-contamination, respecting vegan and vegetarian dietary needs.
- Grilled Nopales Taco: Tender cactus strips with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro
- Rajas Taco: Roasted poblano peppers with onions and creamy vegan sauce
- Black Bean and Rice Taco: Protein-packed beans with seasoned rice and fresh salsa
- Vegan Quesadillas: Made with dairy-free cheese alternatives and sautéed vegetables
Flavors That Satisfy
These plant-based dishes aren’t mere afterthoughts; they showcase the rich versatility of Mexican ingredients. The nopales taco, for instance, offers a slightly tart and earthy flavor that’s balanced by fresh lime juice and cilantro.
Vegan quesadillas feature perfectly melted non-dairy cheese that blends seamlessly with sautéed veggies for a hearty bite.
“Our vegetarian and vegan options are crafted with the same care and passion as our classic tacos — proving that plant-based doesn’t mean flavorless.”
Beverage Selection
Tacos Del Julio’s menu extends beyond food, offering an array of beverages that pair well with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. From traditional aguas frescas to classic Mexican beers, the drink options are designed to refresh and complement your meal.
The aguas frescas, made daily from natural fruits like hibiscus, tamarind, and horchata, provide a sweet and cooling balance to the spicy dishes. For those seeking alcoholic options, the selection includes popular Mexican beers such as Modelo and Corona, as well as a curated list of tequilas and mezcals for sipping or cocktails.
- Aguas Frescas: Hibiscus, tamarind, horchata, and seasonal fruit blends
- Mexican Beers: Modelo Especial, Corona Extra, Pacifico
- Tequila & Mezcal: Varieties served neat or in cocktails like margaritas and palomas
- Soft Drinks: Classic sodas including Jarritos in multiple flavors
Ideal Drink Pairings
The menu suggests pairing spicy tacos such as chorizo or al pastor with a refreshing hibiscus agua fresca or a cold Mexican beer to balance the heat. For a more elevated experience, sipping a quality mezcal can enhance the smoky flavors found in grilled meats.
Taco Type | Recommended Beverage |
Carne Asada | Modelo Especial or Horchata |
Al Pastor | Hibiscus Agua Fresca or Margarita |
Chorizo | Pacifico Beer or Tamarind Agua Fresca |
Vegetarian | Jarritos Lime Soda or Mezcal Neat |
Desserts
Rounding out the meal is a thoughtfully curated dessert menu that captures the sweet side of Mexican cuisine. These treats provide a satisfying finish, offering flavors that are both nostalgic and refreshing.
Traditional options like churros, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate dipping sauce, are crowd favorites. Flan, a creamy caramel custard, offers a smooth and rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the bold flavors of the main dishes.
Seasonal fruit cups with chili powder and lime provide a light, palate-cleansing finale.
- Churros: Fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar with chocolate sauce
- Flan: Silky caramel custard with a delicate vanilla flavor
- Seasonal Fruit Cup: Fresh fruits sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice
A Sweet Tradition
The desserts are crafted to honor Mexican culinary traditions while appealing to a wide range of tastes. Churros, for example, are always freshly fried to maintain their crisp exterior and soft interior.
Flan is made in-house with real eggs and cream, ensuring a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
“Our desserts are a homage to the rich, sweet traditions of Mexico — a perfect way to end any meal.”
Specialty Combos and Family Packs
Tacos Del Julio also offers specialty combo meals and family packs designed to simplify ordering and provide value. These options are ideal for those who want to sample a variety of flavors or feed a group with ease.
Combos typically include a selection of tacos, a side such as elote or chips and salsa, and a beverage. Family packs scale this concept up with larger quantities and customizable assortments, making them perfect for gatherings or celebrations.
- Classic Taco Combo: Three tacos of choice, side of chips and salsa, and a drink
- Family Taco Pack: 12 tacos with mixed fillings, two large sides, and four beverages
- Vegetarian Combo: Three vegetarian tacos, guacamole side, and an agua fresca
- Party Platters: Large assortments of tacos and sides for catering or events
Convenience Meets Flavor
These bundles are thoughtfully priced to encourage sharing and exploration of the menu’s depth. The family pack, for instance, allows diners to experience multiple taco varieties without the hassle of individual orders.
It’s an excellent way to introduce Mexican street food to friends or family.
Combo Type | Included Items | Price Range |
Classic Taco Combo | 3 tacos, chips & salsa, 1 beverage | $12 – $15 |
Vegetarian Combo | 3 vegetarian tacos, guacamole, agua fresca | $13 – $16 |
Family Taco Pack | 12 tacos, 2 large sides, 4 drinks | $45 – $55 |
Ordering and Delivery Options
Tacos Del Julio understands the importance of convenience in today’s fast-paced world and offers a variety of ordering and delivery options to meet customer needs. Whether dining in, picking up, or ordering from home, the process is designed to be seamless.
The restaurant supports online ordering through its website and popular food delivery apps, providing detailed menu descriptions and customizable options. Delivery is available throughout Houston, ensuring that the vibrant flavors of Tacos Del Julio can be enjoyed anywhere.
- Dine-In: Casual seating with quick service and friendly staff
- Takeout: Easy curbside pickup and efficient order processing
- Delivery: Available via multiple food delivery platforms for convenience
- Group Orders: Special accommodations for large orders and catering
Tips for the Best Experience
To ensure your order is exactly as desired, it’s recommended to specify any dietary preferences or spice levels when ordering. For larger groups, placing orders in advance can help avoid wait times.
The staff is always ready to answer questions or make recommendations based on your tastes.
“Our goal is to make enjoying authentic Mexican street food easy and accessible, whether you’re at our restaurant or at home.”
With a comprehensive menu, welcoming atmosphere, and flexible service options, Tacos Del Julio truly stands out as a Houston favorite. From signature tacos to thoughtful sides and drinks, every element is designed to showcase the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Houston, exploring the Tacos Del Julio menu promises a delicious journey into the heart of Mexican street food culture. The dedication to fresh ingredients, authentic preparation, and customer satisfaction makes it a must-visit spot for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors in a casual setting.
Experience the perfect balance of tradition and innovation with every bite, and discover why Tacos Del Julio continues to earn rave reviews and loyal fans across Houston.