Lopez Mexican Restaurant
| Address: | 11606 Wilcrest Dr, Houston, TX 77099, USA |
| Phone: | +1 281-495-2436 |
| Site: | vivalopez.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 11AM–9:45PM 11AM–9:45PM 11AM–9:45PM 11AM–9:45PM 11AM–9:45PM 11AM–9:45PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
JA
Jay Francis
What is Tex-Mex? What is authentic Tex-Mex? What is authentic Tex-Mex, Houston style? Lopez has been the place that I have taken visiting friends to help them understand those questions. Tex-Mex is a valid and viable sub-genre of Mexican cuisine. Tex-Mex is an acquired taste. Those of us who grow up here in Texas dont give it a second thought. My family went to our local Tex-Mex restaurant on Telephone Road twice a week. But I suspect that if someone from another planet came down here and tried it, they would scratch their head and ask, "What the heck is this starchy, salty, cumin flavored mess?" Lopez is a historically significant representative of the Houston style Tex-Mex and if you are looking for an authentic, Houston style retro-classic combination plate, this is one of the best starting points for you. A festive atmosphere. Lopez is always a fun place to hang out with friends. As shown in these photos my default is the Mina combo plate. There is also a selection of northern Mexico style traditional dishes. On my most recent visit in September of 2015, the guacamole was way too salty for my personal taste. As was the enchilada chili gravy. The tortillas for the enchiladas were still tough; they had not been softened properly in the hot oil. The salsa picante was more Rotel; as I could taste that the tomatoes had come from a can. Still, all was well within the Tex-Mex universe, just not to my personal tastes. And so, it came time to pay. Cashier:"Hi there, was everything alright today?" Me:"Not really. For my personal tastes, the guacamole and chili gravy were way too salty." Cashier: "Salty?" Me; "Yeah." Cashier: "Okay, I will tell a manager."
ST
Stacy Nguy
I came here for the 1st time for my sisters birthday on a Friday night and of course, expected it to be full. They gave me a wait time of 30-40 minutes, but there was an open bar and you were allowed to bring your drinks outside as you waited. The setting and ambiance of the place was also very nice, and gave my family plenty of chances to take countless photos. The wait time ended up to be about 25 minutes, so I was extremely happy about that. The restaurant inside is bustling, loud, and full of good energy. We were seated and immediately, our chips and salsa were served. We didnt order any appetizers and just started ordering for 7 people. I ordered the fajitas for 2, three enchiladas, the lopez special, and a delicious chicken dish. 5 orders for 7 people and it was more than enough! We even had to pack some home. Everything was very tasty: from the salsa to the fajitas. I would definitely come again to try out the other dishes. Additionally, a handful of staff stopped what they were doing and sung a fun version of the Happy Birthday song for my sister with a massive sombrero on her head; customers also joined in the fun. Short and sweet: Pricing is extremely reasonable, ambiance is lovely, staff was courteous and fun, and wait time was not a problem.
KK
kk auntkk
Lopez is the best Tex-Mexican restaurant in town. I have eaten there for about 20 years. Initially, it was in a much smaller space and the wait time could be an hour or more. Their newer location - just across from the strip center they were in - is beautiful and much larger. There is rarely a long wait time. The food is consistent and delicious. I love their refried beans, queso and hot sauce. The prices are very reasonable and havent changed much even when they built the new restaurant. We live about 20 miles from them but are always happy to drive this far because the food is so good. I love the family story and its wonderful to see the family working hard along side their staff. Our bill is usually around $22.00 for an app, meal and tea. Very reasonable prices for excellent food.
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Natasha Chung
Service is number one for this family run business. The food is absolutely delicious and it is such a classy atmosphere it is surprizing that it is completely affordable. The drinks are so good here. Even the virgin daiquiri sold me when I was pregnant. I have been here with coworkers for lunch and it was great, I have been here with friends just for crash dining and it was great, I have been here for my birthday dinner and it was great, I have been here with my kids and it was great. I have not ever experienced a bad day at Lopez at all and the food has never disappointed me not once. If you go to Lopez be ready to tip well because you are going to want to give your server your best. And have your camera ready because they have so many picture ready spots for selfies and group pix.
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A Private User
I have been going to Lopez for a very long time, food was cheap and service was fast. Maybe not the best food in town but for the price I could stand it. However lately the service sucks my 5 year old pays more attention to my glass running low than they do. No matter what the time of day service sucks. I have bought this to there attention several times but I go unheard. My husband and I usually go twice a week but noticed that if your not Gringo or Hispanic they could care less about how they service you! Dont support this type of foolishness. Im done giving them my business. Id rather cook at home or give my money to the homeless.
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A Private User
This restaurant was the very first restaurant that I ate at when I was just a baby. I am now 28 and I actually took my 4 yr old daughter there when she was just a baby (her first restaurant had to be the BEST). We used to live in the area and go there all the time, but we moved about an hour away. Now we make special trips to Houston JUST to come eat at Lopez! The food is mouth watering!! The service is outstanding and has been ever since I can remember. Words cannot describe this place...Everything I mean EVERYTHING on the menu is OUTSTANDING! Love it!! Oh how I wish there was one closer to me!!
MR
Mr. P.
Just had lunch here for the first time. Very friendly and attentive greeting from the moment I walked in. Was busy lunch hour and my server, Esteban and busser, Carlos were very attentive, efficient and professional. I was very pleased with my experience and would rate this overall, much better than your other well known establishments, (Pappasitos, Gringos etc.). Food was ok. I ordered the combo plate consisting of 3 cheese enchiladas, chile relleno and a few other items. Tasted standard, but will try something different next time to be fair.
KE
Kelly Johnson
The service was crazy good. Replacing our chips, salsa, and water before the vessels were emptied. Very attentive. Really great service. It is hard to better the service is so great. Lopez was there giving out high fives and chatting is up which was fun. The food was just alright. Tex Mex that was not very impressive and closer to bland than I had hoped. I imagine it is difficult to cook for the masses as they do every day. The place was packed and that building can hold a lot of people.
BR
Brian Goad
A good Mexican restaurant, great service and good fajitas. However my comment is over the queso. We ordered the queso and it tasted like Valletta and it looked like they just pulled it from the microwave. The queso had no flavor and was just some sort of cheese. Plus we ordered fajitas and they charged for the cheese and sour cream which usually comes included. Just the small touches are why I rounded down this restaurants. Good food, but they nickel and dime you.
