La Tapatia — Restaurant in Houston

It is with great disappointment that I write this review, as I have been a customer of this restaurant for many years.

Despite the high regard in which this bartender is held by many, I feel compelled to share my very negative experience. Being beloved does not justify being treated with disrespect.

During my recent visit, I attempted to practice my Spanish and help another customer gain the bartender's attention. Instead of a courteous response, I was met with aggression. The bartender (see picture) hissed and yelled at me, which was not acceptable.

Here is what happened: another patron was trying to get a drink, so I said, "Señor, señor, there is a person attempting to get a drink," as it was busy and he had not acknowledged them. I had my drink and was just trying to help. His reaction was immediate and harsh. He snapped and hissed, "I am busy. Wait your turn…" loudly, and continued with rude comments that I cannot recall because of the shock. which embarrassed not just me but also the patron beside me.

For the rest of the night, he ignored me completely. I had to go to the hostess stand for any additional service, like getting salsa for my food or a fresh drink.

This bartender refused to serve or acknowledge me beyond dropping off a margarita and the check.

His ongoing disrespectful behavior was/is unacceptable. Beware of this man, neighbors!

This is the part that gets me, the manager attempted to justify his behavior by saying he felt disrespected. I explained that I was the one who was disrespected. She tried to convince me that his hissing and lack of service were acceptable, which is absurd. There is no justification to treat customers poorly, especially when they have not treated the service staff poorly. It is important to note that I’ve been both a waitress and bartender so I am sensitive to their job.

My review may not change the behavior of this "beloved" bartender, but be warned.

And yes, I will return to...

After a packed Sunday at the tattoo convention, we were craving something comforting, local, and full of flavor—and that’s exactly what we found at La Tapatia. Tucked away like a gem waiting to be discovered, this spot delivered more than just a meal—it delivered a full-on experience.

From the moment we walked in, the hospitality stood out. The staff greeted us with genuine warmth, and the service remained attentive and friendly throughout the visit. It’s clear this place values their guests and knows how to keep the vibe laid-back and welcoming.

We started with the classic queso and chips, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. Creamy, well-seasoned, and paired with crisp tortilla chips that had just the right amount of salt and crunch. The drinks arrived quickly and stayed flowing, which was much appreciated after a long day.

Now onto the mains—every dish was a hit. The quesadilla plate was generously filled, gooey, and grilled to golden perfection. The fajita enchiladas had a deep, savory flavor that hinted at hours of preparation, and the seasoning on the meat was spot-on. And the star of the table? The jalapeños wrapped in bacon—smoky, spicy, and just indulgent enough to steal the show.

Every bite showed attention to detail and a love for bold, traditional flavors. No corners cut, no shortcuts—just honest, delicious food.

Final verdict: La Tapatia is officially on our return list. Next time we’re in town, we’ll be back for round two. Whether you’re fresh off a convention or just looking for a spot that hits all the right notes—La Tapatia is...

Went here last night for a date night and I have never experienced such poor service from a restaurant, I dreadfully regret giving this place a try the worst experience ever! There was a miss understanding of what I ordered and what I was brought was the wrong food. I politely asked the waiter to take what he brought back and to please provide me with what I ordered. He went on to argue with me saying thats not what I asked for which what I asked for was a simple order of plain fajita quesadillas , how is that difficult? None the less after multiple times of me asking if he can correct it he said no and went a step further bringing me a menu saying he can charge me for another meal and I can take the wrong order to go but will still have to pay for the wrong order. I finally got fed up with the waiter arguing with me and asked for the manager, by the time he brought the manager my significant other politely swapped meals with me since we weren’t getting anywhere with the rude waiter and were really hungry. When the managed came she was willing to correct my order but by this point I was utterly disgusted with the behavior of staff at this establishment and simply said no thank you and was ready to pay our bill and leave! Our waiters name is listed on the receipt , I DO NOT recommend this place! 0 stars...