Patrick Oconnell
Houston is a Tex-Mex mecca, so it's no surprise that the city has a plethora of restaurants serving up queso, a Tex-Mex delicacy. Queso is typically made with processed cheese and a can of tomato-laced chilies, but the final product is often much more than the sum of its parts. In Houston, you'll find many different varieties of queso, from the classic chile con queso to the indulgent queso flameado, and even some unique twists on the traditional recipe. So, who has the best queso cheese in Houston? Well, that's a matter of opinion, but here are some of the top contenders according to various sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best overall queso | El Tiempo Cantina |
| Best classic queso | El Tiempo Cantina, Original Ninfa's, River Oaks Tex-Mex, Club No Minors, Felix Mexican Restaurant (El Patio owns the recipe), Superica, Picos, Pappasito's |
| Best modern twists on queso | La Grange, Candente's, Fusion Taco, Chuy's, Washington, EaDo barbecue joint, Midtown bar, Galleria |
| Best chips | Molina's Cantina |
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$3.48
What You'll Learn
El Tiempo Cantina's simple yet spicy queso
At first glance, El Tiempo's queso may seem uncomplicated, but don't be fooled. It has just the right amount of spice and a plump texture that coats a tortilla chip with ease. The cheese is hot, creamy, and perfectly spiced, making it a true delight for anyone looking for a classic queso experience.
While some restaurants experiment with different types of cheese or add-ins, El Tiempo keeps it traditional, focusing on nailing the fundamentals. Their queso is a testament to the fact that you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated recipes to create something exceptional. It's all about balancing the spice, texture, and flavour to achieve that signature Tex-Mex experience.
El Tiempo's queso is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a straightforward, no-frills queso that delivers on taste and quality. It's a comforting and indulgent option for cheese enthusiasts, and its simplicity makes it a versatile choice for dipping or topping your favourite Mexican dishes.
So, if you're looking for a queso that's simple yet satisfying, El Tiempo Cantina should be at the top of your list. Their spicy queso is a Houston favourite and a true testament to the magic that happens when you let classic ingredients shine.
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La Grange's white queso with green chiles
La Grange, a Montrose bar, serves one of the best bowls of white queso with green chiles in Houston. The queso is accented with pico, and you can add spicy shrimp, chorizo, or smoked brisket for a heartier meal. La Grange has perfected its queso over decades in business, and it is a stalwart Houston Tex-Mex spot. During Happy Hour, which runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, diners can enjoy free queso and chips alongside budget-friendly drink specials.
The texture of the queso is smooth and creamy, ideal for dipping. The green chiles add a nice spice level, and the overall flavour is well-balanced. The queso is served in a generous portion, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. The Happy Hour deal is a great opportunity to sample the queso, and the drink specials make it a budget-friendly option.
Whether you're a queso connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, La Grange's white queso with green chiles is a must-try when in Houston. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy chiles, and tangy pico creates a delicious and addictive flavour profile. The bar's longstanding reputation for excellent queso and its generous Happy Hour deals make it a top destination for queso lovers in the city.
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Superica's customisable queso
Houston is a Tex-Mex mecca, so it's no surprise that the city has a plethora of restaurants serving up delicious queso. One standout spot for customisable queso is Superica, a Heights restaurant from Houston native Ford Fry.
Superica's queso is perfect for those who like to tailor their cheese experience. You can keep it classic with just the queso, or you can add proteins like chicken and chorizo to amp up the flavour and heartiness. For an even more indulgent option, go for the "compuesto", which includes picadillo beef, guacamole, and sour cream in addition to the cheese. If you're a fan of warm tortillas, you'll want to order the customisable queso fundidos, which come with a side of freshly made tortillas for dipping.
Superica's queso is ideal for those who want a traditional Tex-Mex experience with a twist. You can make it as simple or as loaded as you like, ensuring that your queso cravings are satisfied. The ability to customise also means it's a great option for groups, as everyone can find their favourite combination.
In addition to the customisable options, Superica also offers a classic neon-orange queso with seasoned ground beef or fajita meat. For those who want a slightly different base, the Monterey Jack-based queso fundido is a tasty alternative. Superica's queso options truly have something for everyone, whether you're a purist or an adventurer when it comes to your cheese dip.
So, if you're looking for customisable queso in Houston, Superica is the place to be. With a variety of options and add-ons, you can create your perfect cheese dish, whether you're craving something simple, spicy, or meaty. So go ahead and indulge your queso fantasies at Superica—your taste buds will thank you!
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Chuy's Happy Hour free queso
Chuy's is a Tex-Mex restaurant that originated in Austin, Texas, in 1982. They offer happy hour specials, including $5 appetizers and drink deals, from 4 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Friday. While the deals may vary by location, Chuy's typically offers a variety of dishes that include queso, such as the Lil' Chuy Gooey, which is a dish layered with refried beans, queso, lettuce, pico, ground beef, and topped with sour cream, guacamole, and jalapenos. They also offer a vegetarian version called the Boom-Boom-Pow!, which includes a spicy blend of roasted New Mexican green chiles, tomatillos, green onions, cilantro, and melted cheese.
In addition to their happy hour specials, Chuy's offers daily deals on drinks and queso. Their Chile Con Queso is a popular choice, consisting of a homemade blend of melted cheese, green chile, and ranchero sauce, which can be enhanced with their Spicy Jalapeno ranch dressing. Chuy's also offers a variety of kits, such as the Taco Kit and the Fajita Kit, which serve larger groups and include sides of chips, queso, salsa fresca, and creamy jalapeno.
While Chuy's provides a range of queso options, there are also several other restaurants in Houston that are renowned for their queso. These include El Tiempo Cantina, known for its classic Tex-Mex queso with the right amount of spice and plump texture; Candente, which offers a thick and velvety queso blanco; and Original Ninfa's, a Houston classic with a Velveeta-based queso that includes additional cheeses for extra flavour.
Montrose Bar La Grange is another popular spot for queso enthusiasts, serving a white queso accented with green chiles and pico, with the option to add spicy shrimp, chorizo, or smoked brisket. For those who enjoy customising their queso, Superica is a great choice, allowing patrons to add proteins like chicken and chorizo or choose the "compuesto" option with picadillo beef, guacamole, and sour cream.
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Ninfa's Velveeta-based queso
Ninfas Velveeta-based queso is a Houston classic. While it has all the melt factor of a typical Velveeta-based queso, Ninfa's version stands out by mixing in other cheeses to add more flavour. This queso needs frequent stirring to keep it smooth and dippable, which is a small price to pay for its fresh ingredients.
While Ninfa's queso is a classic, it's not the only noteworthy queso in Houston. Montrose bar La Grange is a favourite among fans of white queso, with its cheesy dip accented with green chiles and pico. Candente's queso blanco, crowned with fresh pico and queso fresco crumble, is another top contender, with a thick-yet-velvety texture and just enough heat from the fresh salsa.
For those who like customizability, Ford Fry's Heights restaurant Superica is a great option. You can keep it classic or add proteins like chicken and chorizo to your queso. There's also the "compuesto" option, which adds picadillo beef, guacamole, and sour cream to the mix.
Of course, if you have a favourite queso spot, don't let anyone stop you from enjoying some gooey goodness! The queso at El Tiempo Cantina, for example, proves that you don't need to add anything fancy to a hot bowl of cheese. With the right amount of spice and a plump texture, it coats a tortilla chip with ease.
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Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of some of the best places for queso cheese in Houston:
- El Tiempo Cantina
- Original Ninfa's
- River Oaks Tex-Mex
- Picos
- Club No Minors
- Felix Mexican Restaurant
- El Rey
- Candente's
- Superica
Chuy’s happy hour serves free queso cheese with salsa and chips.
Montrose bar La Grange serves the best white queso cheese.
The Original Ninfa's serves the best classic queso cheese.
The best queso cheese with chorizo can be found at Picos and Club No Minors.
