Brenda's Taqueria — Restaurant in Houston

This past Friday, I visited Brenda’s Taqueria for lunch based on a recommendation from a coworker who loves their tacos. I decided to try the beef and chicken nachos, a dish I hadn’t had in a while. When I placed my order, I made it very clear, three times, that I could not have sour cream due to an allergy.

After waiting 15 to 20 minutes, I received my order only to find a large amount of sour cream on top. I immediately let the server know and emphasized again that I was allergic. She apologized and had the kitchen prepare a new order. This second order came out very quickly, within about 5 minutes, which seemed odd considering the original wait time.

I checked and didn’t see any sour cream on top, so I assumed it was safe. I tipped the waitress and headed back to work. However, once I started eating, I noticed something was off. The consistency of the food didn’t feel right. It was mostly chips, lettuce, guacamole, and the meat, but there was a strange texture, almost like there was still sour cream hidden underneath the layers.

I ate about a quarter before stopping. About 20 minutes later, I began experiencing heart palpitations and elevated blood pressure. I went to the work nurse and soon had to leave early. On the drive home, I started vomiting severely and continued to do so for hours after I got home. It was frightening.

After reflecting, I’ve considered three possible causes:

Sour cream was scraped off and hidden under the lettuce, rather than a fresh dish being made. For someone without allergies, this might be fine. But for me, it’s dangerous.

The guacamole may contain sour cream for texture. (I later called and was told it doesn’t, but it’s worth rechecking.)

Undercooked beef or chicken could have caused food poisoning.

Either way, this was a serious health scare. I’m sharing this review not out of anger, but to bring awareness. When someone says they have a food allergy, please listen. Even a small mistake can have life-threatening consequences. And if the issue was improper food preparation, then please slow down and prioritize safety.

Mistakes happen, I understand that. But this experience could have turned out much worse, and I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone. I hope this review serves as a reminder to restaurant staff and patrons alike: check carefully, take allergies seriously, and don’t rush.

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The 2 older women that worked over night Monday! Feb. 17th onto 18th are very rude to customers who are NOT Hispanic, when I tried to express my concerns she laughed in my face and kept sweeping literally nothing off the floor. I decided to dine in, she didn’t even offer me a glass of water. She lied to me & said there were no Togo containers to take the salsa , & didn’t give me a proper bad for the chips. Idk if she thought I was trying to get over for “free” chips & salsa. Sadly that is NOT the case! A little $5 chips & salsa is no problem to pay for . I offered her to charge me if she liked, & she proceeded to laugh in my face! I come all the time, AND TIP everytime! Even if it’s a Togo order. I also STATED that to her, the one with the pony tail was reasonable, but the older one with the bun in her head was VERY RUDE! I come here all the time after work , might not ever come back now. I watched her greet and smile at every other Hispanic that walked in, sadly that’s not the case for African American paying...

I use to love this place, I came in 12/2/22 and bought two plates To-go. The food was okay but the service was beyond horrible and made me uncomfortable. I am dark skinned , but I am colombian. First they assumed I couldn’t speak Spanish and were yelling at the cashier in Spanish in-front of me to make sure I pay. As if I wanted to steal the food. Then the cashier told me my food total was $30.00 flat. And I bought two plates for $12.99…. And she purposely didn’t give me a recipe so I couldn’t see my order total, which was $28.12. I’m not upset about a dollar, just the principal. I would’ve let her keep it anyway. If she wanted the change, she could’ve asked instead of lying about how the total cost of my order. I wouldn’t recommend this place if your skin is black. I will never go back. Waste of money and the...