Tila's Mexican Restaurante & Bar
1111 S Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77019
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Business Detail
| Message From Tila's Mexican Restaurante & Bar |
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- Authentic Mexican Cuisine
- Breakfast Sat-Sun 11 am - 3 pm
- Over 60 Premium Tequilas
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| Since the mid 80s, Tila's has challenged the boundaries of traditional Mexican cuisine with inspired, age-old family recipes. From brie cheese and pear quesadillas to tequila-marinated salmon with kiwi and mango slices, the cuisine is anything but predictable. Only the vivid imagination and tequila-inspired tastes of Tila's could conjure up such extraordinary fare. Favorites include Salmon Borracho, Filet Mignon, Chiles en Nogada, and our signature marinated Chilean Sea Bass. The patio is a perfect retreat for the neighborhood crowd to unwind after a long, weekend shopping or as a precursor to the night ahead. With homemade, all natural margaritas and a selection of over 60 premium tequilas, patrons will be inspired to do absolutely nothing at all. Tila's is warm, friendly and comfortable without any pretensions. From our family to yours come and enjoy! |
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Editorial Review for Tila's Mexican Restaurante & Bar |
| Revisit Tila Hidalgo Leach's oldie-but-goodie for authentic Mexican specialties in artsy surroundings.
The Scene
Take it to Tila's tiny terra-cotta adobe for smooth margaritas and earthy, Santa Fe-style ambience. Expect a well-heeled clientele who are comfortable forking over extra pesos to hang in their element and nosh on designer Mexican food.
The Food
Sophisticated eating starts with rosy, tequila-marinated smoked salmon or rich nutmeg-laced corn and carrot bisque. Don't let the poorly dressed ensalada No. 1 derail you. Keep it complex with engaging (albeit uneven) mains: stuffed chicken endive or spicy pork tenderloin medallions with basil-mint pesto. Or go traditional with tangy, chili-sauced spinach enchiladas and smoky black beans, deftly prepared chili rellenos, or generous tortas stuffed with roasted carnitas and the works. Finish with the dubious sounding but decadent ancho fudge pie or cinnamon-kissed Mexican hot cocoa--both wickedly warming. |
Insider Tips |
What to Drink
'Ritas are smashing--rocks or martini-style. Also, count on affordable wines by the glass.
Know Before You Go
It's easy to miss this hidden turn on the Shepherd curve (across from Backstreet Cafe). Look for the giant dragonfly on the building. Parking is tight; use valet.
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| Ratings & Reviews of Tila's Mexican Restaurante & Bar |
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Amazing Dining Experience - Food & Service FABULOUS!!
My mom and I went to Tilas and had an amazing experience!! We brought the dog so we had to sit outside... Tilas brough me a blanket and a personal heater to keep warm...then brough doggy treats and water for the dog. And then recommended the BEST margaritas we have ever had! Delicious. My mom had the cheese souffle (yummy) and I had a Carne Asada which were both definite "do overs!" overall an exceptional dining experience!! Definitely a place you should try in Houston!
(Victoria Schlesinger, 11/01/2009)
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Great Food and Wine
95% of Mexican Restaurants in Houston are Tex-Mex. This one is real authentic Mexican food and it is delicious. It is a great place to take a date. It has good atmosphere, and the service is outstanding. I had the rotiserre half chicken and I had to take some of it home because I got full. It is also reasonablly priced so you can be cheap without appearing to be cheap. I highly reccommed this restaurant.
(springsteenfan2009, 04/06/2009)
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bad reviews disappearing
I find it interesting that the bad reviews I have seen on here have disappeared. Guess what DON'T GO HERE! The other reviews are FAKES! The service is usually very good, the food is really good. BUT THE INTRUSIVE OWNER IS RIDICULOUS! I read one review on here about a month ago that stated she kept jarring on person's chair and yelled at them to move their table over because she felt the other table was more "VIP" than theirs. The review a friend of mine wrote about our event there basically said this: She overcharged us, she didn't follow the contract we had with her and argued with me despite being presented with the contract we both signed, and was just rude. She yelled at her servers in front of us!!! DONT GO HERE. plus the parking is terrible too! The food may be good, but the atmosphere does not make up for it. It might as well be one of those Richard's Last Resort restaurants. (it is actually the other name for someone named richard but the website wouldn't let me post it)
(noname2003, 04/02/2009)
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Perfect for brunch on a nice day
We sat outside on the patio for brunch, and it was a very nice atmosphere. I had chilequiles with scrambled egg which was delicious! My bf had the juevos rancheros and he was equally impressed. The margaritas were good as well. Bloody mary is too spicy though.
(vanillabean18, 03/25/2009)
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Very boring cuisine
Chips and salsa very stale and bland. No spice. El Tiempo is a much better value. Service can be erratic.
(Anon8, 02/27/2009)
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best waiter in a mexican restaurant
i just recently went to a great mexican restaurant on the curve of south shepherd in the river oaks this weekend. my husband and our freinds were so impressed by the food and most important the waiter we had. His name was Frank and he remembered all of our names at the table. We ordered one of all the specials he mentioned to us. His tequila knowledge blew us away not being latino, we were wowed especially by his little jokes. Tila sure can cook! This food is no TexMex. If you want a real mole sauce, Tila has got it! Ask for Frank if you want to be treated like royalty! Dont forget the plates are hot, like Frank said to my wife, This plate is muy calliente, just like you! I can only say ask for Frank, eat here, and be ready to have good food great service and a good time.....
(dollyhouston, 09/07/2008)
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Great Food, Service and Tequila!
My husband and I were looking for a new place to meet some friends for dinner and tequila tasting when we found Tila's. We had the best time sampling tequilas and eating some great mexican food! We ordered several appetizers, carne asada and chicken enchilades, all of which were incredible. Then was the true test of a mexican restaurant......the margarita. Most places use sweet & sour and call it a "margarita". I was thrilled when I found out that Tila makes REAL margaritas, no sweet & sour to be found! If you're looking for great food, service and tequila then Tila's is for you! Frank took care of us all night and before we knew it, we had been there for almost 4 wonderful hours. I can't wait to go back for more! Thanks Tila's!!
(Tgiampaolo, 08/06/2008)
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Wonderful!
Tilas is wonderful! In our experience, the service is outstanding. It is best to go later in the night if it is on a weekend or on a weekday when things are less hectic. My boyfriend and I eat there frequently and we have never had a bad dish. The grilled chicken is the best I have ever had, the gazpacho is filling and delicious, and the ensalada one is a dream. Definitely eat here! It is romantic and trendy all at once.
(medina86, 06/06/2008)
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Great food and atmosphere!
We traveled over 50 miles for dinner and a show in Houston a couple of weeks ago, and we decided on Tila's simply from reading restaurant reviews online. That can sometimes be a risk, but the reviews were top notch, so we gave it a try. We could not have been more satisfied with our entire experience. The food was perfection, the margaritas were great, the atmosphere was relaxing and fun, and the staff was supreme. Our waiter was quite friendly but not overbearing, and he even sent a staff member over who had been to the nearby comedy club we were going to give us directions and make sure we took the best route. We were treated like royalty and have returned home to tell all our friends, family and coworkers about Tila's. We were given a menu upon leaving and we've shared it with many who are very anxious to go try it out. This restaurant is highly recommended and we plan to return this coming weekend!
(lvcooper, 04/01/2008)
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Great food and friendly owner
My girlfriend and I came in from Chicago to visit a friend and we went to dinner at Tila's last night. The host was very friendly and helpful in getting us seats at the bar for the few minutes we had to wait for a table. We found the staff to be very friendly and concerned with making sure we enjoyed our dinner. The owner came out personally to clarify how our friend wanted her margarita, and she was very hands on throughout the entire evening, giving us supplemental information about the specials and stopping by to check on us. The food was excellent - unique dishes (particularly the specials), the right amount of spice and pretty healthy (at least on a relative basis). The prices were also very reasonable.
Overall, we had an excellent experience at TIla's and we would highly recommend it.
(zeppelinfan, 01/19/2008)
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Great food and great sevice
The stuffed avacado is outstanding! The owner was vey helpful with the choice of tequila and food. I love the chips and the warm salsa is the best I have had in public. I stop in evey chance I have!
(ekwilks, 06/27/2007)
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Good place to try
My girlfriend and I usually try to find new places to eat. We tried this restaurant recently and were not that impressed. The atmosphere is nice but the food is just average. Our waiter wasn?t very attentive and there were 2 tables next to us that both had mistakes with their dishes. The margarita was average also. Overall, this restaurant is a nice place to check out but don?t go expecting too much.
(huyhong, 03/21/2007)
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Fun place for different food
I am a huge Tex-Mex fan and this is what I was expecting here, but I was pleasantly surprised by the food, which was still Mexican but definitely of a different flavor. The authentic quesadillas were amazing, as were the chilequiles with green sauce. The appetizer taquitos, however, were the highlight of my meal. The outdoor patio is fun to sit on, and the interior of the restaurant is decorated in a very fun way as well. I can't wait to go back.
(tx07, 11/07/2006)
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Good times here.
I have dined here several times over the years. I have had the funnest times on the patio in the fall when they turn on the outdoor heaters - great for dates. The food is always fresh and not loaded down with cheesy oil (like other mexican food). Salsas are good too and go well with the banana chips. Ritas could be a bit stiffer though :)
(Silly_Mongoose, 10/07/2006)
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great atmosphere and great margaritas
Tila's has a very warm, inviting atmosphere. It's a great place to go with a few friends.
I love their homemade margaritas they're so much better than the frozen ones you'll find at other mexican restaurants. They have an incredible variety of tequila too - just ask for their tequila list and you'll see for yourself.
(spiffy44, 09/14/2006)
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Yummy-oso!
This is what it says on the menu and it is TRUE. You have to try the agua de orchata with the fudge ancho pie. A combination you cannot miss!!! Or the Ceviche!! Yummmm!!! Or the enchiladas the mole!!! Or if you are a healthy one, try the chicken caesar salad, it is like no other!!! I have been at TILA'S many times and I have never been disappointed. Try it and if you are worried about parking...you shouldn't be. Their valet service is wonderful and FREE. What else can you ask for.
(azchiquita, 09/14/2006)
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It's ALL right here!
my wife and i were given some gift cards and we couldn't get there fast enough. the decor was really exciting and lively. my wife, who is hispanic, loved the Chiles Rellenos. she even remarked how they reminded her of her abuela's. i had the Carne Asada and it was awesome. i've told all my friends abou it. via con dios.
(hotfries21, 09/14/2006)
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Great Sunday afternoon hangout on the patio!
I read below about the slow service and I wanted to comment on that. The food is well worth the wait. I'm happy that they take the time to prepare the food perfectly. Yes, that's right, perfectly. The food tastes as great as it looks. Very nice presentation. The menu is quite extensive for how small of a place it is. I love the grilled scallions and roasted ear of corn appetizers. Not a big margarita fan but I like Tila's. Great tequila list! Last weekend I brought my dog. Tila brought "Stanley" a bowl of water which I VERY much appreciated. My daughter just adores Tila. Tila gives her the star treatment! Tila's is a warm, wonderful place!
(adgiant, 08/29/2006)
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Best Food in Town - and you'll want to hire their decorator!
While their mexican food may not be 'authentico' it is muy excellente! They will make it as spicy as you like [and for a gal from San Antone, that's pretty darn spicy!] and will not forget to check on your table. I took my friend from California here and he had never had such good 'ritas. Their margaritas, compared to most of those I've tried my year and a half of living in Houston, actually are pretty darn good :) Their salsa is decent, nothing amazing, but pleasant - and their fun mixture of chips and fried plantains are enjoyable I have to admit, though, I am taken by their endive-stuff chicken - it's amazing. And I mean that - A-MA-ZING! If you haven't been to Tila's (like I hadn't before a few months ago) what are you waiting for?
If you think it looks adorable located on the curve on Kirby, just wait till you park and go on inside! I NEED to know who decorated that place because it is so gorgeous, magical, and cute - I would love my house to have that feel.
A feast for the tummy and the eyes :)
(kawaiicat7, 08/12/2006)
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Great First Impression!
My 1st time experience was great for service, food, staff attention. Whoever said the salsa was too hot needs to go back north. I'm Texas born and it was not hot. Both the green and red salsas were just right. The salmon marinated in tequila and the trio of enchiladas was great! I'll definitely go back. The margarita I had straight up was great also.
(miss_mona, 10/11/2005)
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User review by jpclarkmba
Going to the bar? Ask for Alex. Alex is one of the best bartenders in town, and with an awesome sense of humor, he can make anyone's bad day turn good. Looking to dine? Ask for Manuel, you'll never go wrong. Like Alex, he's been there for years, and he's the best!
The best items are: 1) Chilean Sea Bass (an off-the-menu item) 2) Stuffed Filet Mignon, and 3) Pork Tenderloin Medallions. As for desserts - diabetics need not try the Ancho Fudge pie. The word "decadence" does not begin to describe this fantastic desert.
Margaritas are served on-the-rocks or straight-up (choose the later - you'll get more!) and Tilas stocks what is perhaps the largest selection of tequila in Houston. In the mood for something different? Ask for the raspberry margarita its made with freshly pureed raspberries. For the tequila connoisseur - ask to see their tequila list!
(jpclarkmba, 07/18/2005)
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Unique, Spicy, Relaxed... Tasty!!
Tilas is a wonderfully decorated, well-situated mexican restaurant just north of the confluence of West Grey and Shepard. It's packed with all sorts of interesting Mexican art, but is still full of room to relax and enjoy the excellent food. The atmosphere is softenend by the warm colors, and the outdoor deck, with its overhanging plants, offers a sense of intimacy while still being outdoors. Their margaritas are excellent, and their triple chocolate cake is, well... to die for!
Mexican standards are well-prepared, and for the vegitarians, Tilas offers a bevvy of tasty meal options.
Highly recommended.
(magnolia_hotel_houston, 06/04/2005)
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Fun, different Mexican experience
If you're looking for a fun, casual atmosphere for Mexican, choose Tila's! It has fabulous outdoor dining, and the chicken endive is to die for. Great margaritas, too!
(marymoll, 05/26/2005)
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Poor Service & Selection
My wife & I had heard good things about this place; however, our experience didn't live up to its reputation nor our expectation. We had a long wait, and there was only 2 of us. It took 10 minutes to get a drink at the bar while waiting. The mexican food slections were miniscule along with the portions. Nothing special about the fajitas nor the shrimp tacos. Good thing the chips were good, else I would have starved. Service was terrible: took forever before we saw our waiter, he told us our plates came with items that they did not come with, came to refill our waters that he never brought us, and he charged us the worng amount. We will never go back.
(sra_123, 01/27/2005)
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Great little place
While I would agree that Tila's is not the most authentic Mexican food in Houston, it is, however, extremely tasty fare. Difficult to characterize with a single ethnicity, especially with dishes such as the pear and brie quesadilla (which is wonderful, by the by), it does seem to have a new southwestern/mexican edge. Only big drawback is the abyssmal parking situation, on par with it's tasty neighbor Backstreet Cafe. Both places would highly benefit from a better parking situation.
(ahmashar, 09/29/2003)
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Authentic
Best mexican restaurant.
Fresh ingredient, Value for your money.
No frozen, prepared food
Best salsa in town
(mmagdy, 07/27/2002)
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