The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Though Ninfa’s made a name for itself with its classic Tex-Mex fajitas, locals make a beeline for its roster of decidedly more traditional Mexican fare. “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo got things started when she saved her family’s struggling tortilla factory from demise in 1973, and chef Alex Padilla has done an incredible job of steering the reins since then. Head to either location for oh-so tender Cochinita Pibil, Chile Relleno stuffed with cheese and brisket picadillo, and allllllllll the Enchiladas.

Mexicans are the city’s largest immigrant population, so it felt only right to kick things off at Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, the restaurant that put Tex-Mex cuisine on the Houston map. The fajitas that Mama Ninfa Laurenzo first made in her family’s tortilla factory in 1973 are still the mainstays of the menu. Since her passing, the restaurant has continued to serve its sizzling strips of beef, cheesy enchiladas, and plenty of salt-rimmed margaritas.

Many people head to Ninfa’s for the fajitas, which made their entry to the US right here; however, others visit Ninfa’s for one of their fresh-squeezed margaritas. They have everything from a traditional margarita to one with a hint of cilantro for a more culinary experience. While the Ninfarita is recommended (the tried-and-true recipe has been around for 30 years) they also offer a margarita made with coffee and another with honey and cotton candy!

Somehow people forget that Tex-Mex powerhouse The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation serves brunch. While the East End spot stays for dinner, Saturday and Sunday brunch feels relatively quiet. Maybe everyone nearby is just hungover from a couple of pitchers of Ninfaritas from the night before, or maybe they don’t know Ninfa’s brunch menu has seared skirt steak with eggs, red posole, or savory blue corn waffles with tart jamaica syrup.

One of the most storied Tex-Mex restaurants in all of Houston also features an enclosed patio where you can enjoy the hot spot’s delicious fajitas, tacos and enchiladas while sipping on the classic Ninfarita and margs with other flavorful twists. Time your visit right and you can keep the outdoor fun going with farmers markets that take place on the East End Esplanade across the street. You can also find the same food and drinks, on two warm, welcoming, and fully-covered patios at Original Ninfa’s in Uptown—complete with a larger-than-life mural by Donkeeboy and Donkeemom that unites Mama Ninfa with notable Houstonians past and present, including Beyoncé, J.J. Watt, Simone Biles, Bun B, and Mattress Mack.

Think of the India at The Original Ninfa's as a taco salad: a crispy tostada base piled with refried beans, romaine, pico, cheese, and a choice of grilled chicken or beef fajitas. While the menu’s Fajita Salad may be the closest thing to a taco salad, we prefer the signature India, a large, crisped flour tortilla tostada (think of it as a flat version of the fried tortilla salad “bowl”) piled with romaine, refried beans, pico, cheese and a choice of grilled chicken or beef fajitas. Ladle on the good house salsas, scatter some pickled jalapeños and dig in to this enormous plate of crunchy goodness.

As we said before, Mama Ninfa is the person to thank for tacos al carbon being as popular as they are today, so it’s only right that you order the two tacos a La Ninfa plate when visiting. This dish serves fajitas in a flour tortilla, with pico de gallo, guacamole, and chile con queso—complimentary rice and beans are also available, just be sure to ask your server. And don’t forget to try some of the chef specials crafted by the Uptown location’s executive chef Patricia Delgado, such as the costillas de res, a dish of crosscut flanken ribs with ensalada nopales, salsa molcajete, and tortillas.

Continue your taco crawl by heading just across the street to The Original Ninfa’s, where a large mounted portrait of Mama Ninfa bestows blessings on all who enter to binge on one of her many signature dishes. The tacos al carbon includes your choice of marinated strips of fajita chicken or beef, pico de gallo, and chili con queso—all ensconced in oversized thick white flour tortillas that are hand-rolled in front of you as you wait for your table. Head chef Alex Padilla can execute not only the crowd-pleasers, but also less mainstream regional Mexican foodstuffs.

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM and includes drink specials like $7 Ninfaritas (frozen or on the rocks), $8 Tex-Mex cocktails such as ranch water and spicy spritzes, $5 sangria, and $4 draft beers. The $8 Tex-Mex combo pairs any Texas draft beer with a shot of blanco tequila. The Uptown location also offers a full happy hour bites menu featuring $5 nachos, chicken tinga taquitos, and empanadas, plus standout items like chicken wings al pastor and jalapeño rellenitos.

The iconic Tex-Mex restaurant is digging deep into the Cinco de Mayo scene with DJ Felipe Galvan playing curbside on Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm at the Ninfa’s Uptown location. That locale and the original on Navigation are offering the traditional Ninfarita by the glass for $9, half a gallon for $50 and for a full gallon $95. Both Ninfa’s introduced on Friday four specialty margaritas which will remain on the menus throughout the coronavirus pandemic restriction period.

The Original Ninfa’s On Navigation, 2704 Navigation: In Houston’s acclaimed East End Mexican kitchen, chef Alex Padilla calls this classic cheese dip “Liquid Gold” because it’s earned a fiercely loyal fanbase. To make it, Padilla heats milk and cheese in water and, once the cheese is fully melted, adds chopped onions, tomatoes, green bell peppers, cilantro and celery to the pot. He allows the dish to cook for 10 minutes then serves with warm tortilla chips.

A true Houston institution, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation offers more than just great Mexican food; it offers a slice of Houston’s culinary history. While not a "theme" restaurant in the traditional sense, its rich heritage and the story of Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, who started the restaurant in 1973, give it a unique and authentic charm. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, perfect for enjoying Tex-Mex classics in a setting that feels like home.

Overview: This iconic restaurant is where the famous fajita was born. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation has a storied history and remains a landmark for Tex-Mex cuisine.Specialties: Apart from their legendary fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos al carbon are highly recommended. Their margaritas, particularly the Ninfarita, are a perfect accompaniment.Ambiance: The restaurant has a rustic charm, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Begin your weekend in Houston around 5 PM with an early dinner at a Tex Mex joint – El Tiempo, El Real, and the Original Ninfa’s are some of my personal favorites. Try some sizzling fajitas with a house margarita on the side. Then, head to Wild West (6101 Richmond Ave) to get a taste for a serious Texas two-step club. If you don’t know what two-stepping is, it’s Texas’ traditional dance, typically alongside country music.

Some Houstonians debate whether Ninfa’s or El Tiempo serves the city’s best Tex-Mex. But an undebatable piece of local history will always stand: “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo’s tacos al carbon is one reason the original Navigation location is a classic. The dish is a perennial favorite: tender strips of grilled skirt steak come with warm flour tortillas that can be garnished with pico de gallo, guacamole and chile con queso.

This longtime East End staple serves its own version of the popular dish known as Chilaquiles Verdes. Chilaquiles Verdes at The Original Ninfa's on Navigation. "It’s a very popular dish with fried eggs topped with avocado, tomatillo salsa, sour cream, cotija cheese, onions and cilantro for $11. It’s one of Chef Alex Padilla’s favorite brunch dishes as well," a representative for the restaurant told Chron.

Take a look at the chef’s special menu and you will find an oyster preparation that Mama Ninfa would have been proud of: Gulf oysters with spicy blue crabs, Mexican chorizo, mezcal crema and sourdough breadcrumbs roasted in the wood-fired oven. 2704 Navigation, 713-228-1175; ninfas.com. Grilled oysters at Margaux’s Oyster Bar are served with either New Orleans spices or toasted garlic and fennel.

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation: If you’ve lived in Houston for a while, you’re familiar with The Original Ninfa’s. An icon to this city, Ninfa’s boasts Houston’s most famous Margarita on their menu {The Ninfarita} which can be ordered in a glass or a whole pitcher. The Ninfarita is a proprietary recipe that is only listed on their menu as made with 100% Agave Silver Tequila.

The Original Ninfa’s is located on Navigation Boulevard, was initially created by “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo way back in 1973. It all began with her grilling skirt steak and serving it in tortillas out of the family’s struggling tortilla factory. Mama Ninfa’s Legacy still lives on even to this day, and it is now one of Houston’s most popular eating and drinking destinations.

The culinary world is filled with legendary eateries, but few are as iconic as The Original Ninfa’s in Houston. This Mexican restaurant has been serving incredible food to Houstonians for over 40 years, and it has become a staple in the local community. From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the history and tradition that has made Ninfa’s so beloved.

One of my favorite salad spots in Houston is The Original Ninfa’s , where I get my best fix with a side of healthy ingredients. You can never go wrong with a salad or bowl from this restaurant that was originally started by Ninfa Laurenzo in 1973. Today, people are more conscious than ever about their health and what they put into their bodies.

While primarily a Tex-Mex restaurant, Ninfa's offers a unique waffle experience with their unique waffle dishes. The inclusion of traditional Tex-Mex flavors makes their waffles a unique and memorable experience. What sets them apart: Unique Tex-Mex inspired waffle dishes, iconic Houston restaurant, fantastic overall dining experience.

The chips are freshly made and the cheese is gooey and delicious with a flavor that can't be beaten. The nachos come in an array of flavors from the traditional to more creative takes like chili con carne, onions and jalapenos. On top of incredible nachos, the salsa bar is must-visit spot for anyone looking for a flavorful experience.

After nearly fifty years, the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation continues to serve stellar tacos al carbon, long stacks of sliced smoky, charred beef fajitas tucked into sturdy but pliable flour tortillas. Give the rotating taco specials a try. It’s the part of the menu where executive chef Alex Padilla channels his creativity.

One of the elder statesmen of Houston’s Tex-Mex scene, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation has a selection of Margaritas with hibiscus, tamarind, spicy mango, and more. Still, it’s hard to deny the frothy, frosty appeal of its traditional frozen Margarita, made with fresh lime juice and available by the glass or pitcher.

Next, head to The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation Boulevard in Houston’s East End, known for great Tex-Mex cuisine. It is where “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo first created the ‘fajitas’ in 1973!. Be sure to try their wide selection of fajitas, queso, margaritas and homemade tortillas (they have an Uptown location, too!).

Marinated And Grilled Beef Skirt Steak Fajitas, Al Carbon Enchilada, Tres Leches, Lobster Enchiladas. If you are seeking authentic, delicious Mexican brunch, Houston will not leave you disappointed. Situated in the heart of downtown Houston, The Original Ninfa’s On Navigation takes you on a trip back in time.

Why we Love it: Longtime casual spot with covered outdoor seating serving fajitas, margaritas and other Mexican fares. Image by Manuela Arias Corrales from Pixabay. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is located on Navigation Boulevard and a stone’s throw from the heart of downtown Houston.

This longtime Tex-Mex favorite is a great spot for a casual margarita and fajita fix. Their margaritas are no-frills but always satisfying, perfect for soaking up the festive atmosphere. Monday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday 11 am – 11 pm | Saturday 10 am – 11 pm | Sunday 10 am – 10 pm

The tacos al carbon (later called fajitas) were such a hit, that Mama Ninfa was able to open up her very own restaurant, the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. She passed away in 2001, but her restaurant is still the best place to get Tex-Mex in Houston, especially tacos al carbon.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (795 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003-1517- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Lowest-paying jobs in Houston

A staple in Houston, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation has been around since 1973. A plethora of margaritas and tequila to choose from, you might have a hard time picking one!. But the good news is – you can’t go wrong with anything you order here.

A half century after “Mama” Ninfa created the iconic restaurant the name has become synonymous with Mexican food in Texas. Today it continues to turn out the gold standard of fajitas, Mama Ninfa’s Original Tacos Al Carbon, and top-notch Tex Mex.

The Original Ninfa's tacos al carbon also earned a spot in the top 40. The award specifically goes to the Ninfa's located at 2704 Navigation Blvd near Magnolia. The tacos al carbon consists of smoked beef strips rolled in a flour tortilla.

2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003Phone: 713-228-1175 Visit Website. A post shared by The Original Ninfa’s (@ninfasoriginal). Ninfa’s is a lively, casual spot that has been offering up delicious Mexican cuisine since 1973.

2704 Navigation BlvdHouston, TX 77003(713) 228-1175 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Ninfa’s has been bringing hungry Houstonians killer Tex-Mex since 1973 (it boasts two kitchens and two dining rooms).

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (795 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003-1517– Read more on Tripadvisor

Location: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003, United States. Our favorite dish: Oaxacan-style Braised Pork Handmade Tamales. Give them a call: +1 713-228-1175

There are a number of direct flights to Houston, TX from the UK, including Singapore Airlines from Manchester, and British Airways and United from London Heathrow.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. If you build it, we will come!. Add our catering to any event to make it special.

Support local and go to The Originals Ninfa’s on Navigation to have some good Mexican food that will keep you coming back for more!