Lupe Tortilla
Houston, TX
Dinner
January 4, 2010
The Set-Up - Our first trip to this Houston-based restaurant chain came in June 2009 at the suggestion of a hotel clerk, who said it was good, reasonable and close by. Our GPS didn't realize there was more than one location (or maybe we didn't) so we drove around awhile before finding the one nearby. Everything else the man told us was right on and we've returned many times to Lupe Tortilla's downtown Houston location.
This visit came at the end of a five-hour drive from Baton Rouge for a medical appointment the next day.
The Meal - A meal at Lupe Tortilla always begins with their fresh chips and salsa. The chips are hot so they must be baked on site and the salsa is chunky and tasty with lots of cilantro. I've gotten stuck on the combination enchilada plate ($10.50) which includes three enchiladas, beans and rice. Not being a bean person, I asked for extra rice and no beans. Even with three enchiladas to consume, I can usually work my way through most of a double helping of rice. They offer four kinds of sauce to go with the enchiladas. My favorite (I think) is the Ancho chili con carne sauce, which is dark, rich and spicy. Kay got the chicken flautas, which she enjoyed. I'd eaten too much other food to offer a reliable opinion.
Drinks - We stuck with non-alcoholic drinks on this visit, but my recollection is that the margaritas are outstanding. I'll update based on a future visit.
Ambience - The rambling wood structure, though no doubt designed by an architect, gives the homey feeling of having been expanded room by room as the business grew. The sombrero hat lampshades are a comical touch.
Service - Diners are well cared for at Lupe Tortilla. In addition to efficient and friendly waiters, a manager tours the dining room on a regular basis to ask if all your needs are being met. On one trip I told him that my only need that was not being met was for a Lupe Tortilla in Baton Rouge. He replied that they're still working on expanding in Texas (San Antonio in particular).
The Check - With no appetizers, margaritas or dessert, the tab for two came to a slim $28.50 including tax and tip.
The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)
Food - five (assuming that everything else is as yummy as the enchiladas)
Drinks - four (could be a five - will have to revisit the margaritas and report back)
Ambience - five (busy, friendly, fun)
Service - five (unobtrusive manager visits are a nice touch)
Price/Value - five (enchiladas are a bargain; other food seems to be priced below Pappasito's, which serves similar food)
Overall Assessment
Special Occasion
Favorite - could be a special occasion place for a large group that likes Tex-Mex food. Not so much for a romantic dinner.
Very Good
Good Enough
If Hungry Enough
Keep Driving and Looking
Other Issues - There are eight Houston-area locations. Make sure your GPS is taking you to the one you want. San Antonio and Austin are in Lupe Tortilla's expansion plans. Maybe Louisiana after that? Or maybe I'll move to Houston.
Hours of Operation
Sunday - Thursday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2414 Southwest Freeway (near Kirby)
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-4420
LupeTortilla.com
To Go Menu
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