Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen — Restaurant in Houston

I stumbled upon Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen, and I am glad I did! What a gem of a restaurant in Houston, Texas! From the moment we walked in, it was evident that we were in for a fantastic dining experience.

First, let me give a heartfelt shout-out to our server, Theresa. Her friendliness and kindness made our visit so special. She went above and beyond to provide us with superb customer service. It was our first time at Sylvia's, and we were visiting from Austin, Texas. We were craving enchiladas, and based on Theresa's recommendations, we hit the jackpot. Every dish she suggested was spot on, and each bite was a burst of flavor. I can't thank her enough for making our dining experience absolutely delightful.

We started our meal with warm salsa and hot savory queso, and we couldn't help but fall in love with the Alice enchiladas, which were a perfect blend of flavors and textures. To top it off, the horseshoe margaritas were a perfect pairing for our meal. And oh, that chocolate tres leche cake was a divine treat for our taste buds!

Not only did the staff impress us, but one of the managers, Juan, also left a lasting impression. He took the time to walk around the restaurant, ensuring that every customer was happy with their meal. His dedication to making sure everything was just right speaks volumes about the commitment to customer satisfaction at Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen.

My experience at Sylvia's was more than just a meal; it was a culinary journey filled with warmth, flavor, and exceptional service. Sylvia's has won a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to return. If you're in Houston or passing through, take advantage of the chance to savor the fantastic food and hospitality that Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen...

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen on Woodway was on our radar for some time having learned about it when looking for cooking courses in the city. We decided to go on Taco Tuesday when there are discounted meals $9 served after 4 pm / 16h until close. We arrived in time for Taco Tuesday and during happy hour, which is Monday thru Friday from 3 pm / 15h to 6 pm / 18h with $6 house margaritas. Only once there did we learn that the Taco Tuesday plates for $9 were smaller than the regular portions and did not include sides (i.e., rice and beans). As our guests were there for the big meal of the day, sides were definitely in order that persuaded them to order from the normal dinner menu. I insisted on trying a Taco Tuesday special and went for Robstown, two chicken tamales. The tamales were served alone on a large plate, making them appear very small. That was unfortunate at they were also very dry without much flavor. For $9, I’d expected even a little better. The beef tacos al carbon were average while the Mexico City plate - chicken enchiladas with a green sauce were the best tasting of all. The meat was seasoned well and the sauce had a slight tang to it. While we rarely order dessert, our group was still hungry after our very late lunch / early dinner and decided to order sopapillas - fried dough that rises and is covered with cinnamon and sugar served with honey to dip in. Amongst the least nutritious of what we ordered though definitely one of the more flavorful items at Sylvia’s that day. There are varying levels of quality Tex-Mex food and Sylvia’s was average. For the price, which is relatively high, I’d expected more. No plans to return any time soon with so many other...

I was born in Houston, but raised in a small town well south of here. If you find yourself in Port Lavaca, ask anyone where to get the best Tex-Mex in Town. Will it compare to Sylvia's? .......Sort of.

My girl and I moved to this neighborhood about eight months ago. And I have smelled them fire the wood grill every morning. So, we finally took the time to sample their wares. Being an accomplished cook, I seldom feel the need to go out to eat. More often than not, my experience is insufferable.

All that being said, let's move on to my experience here: I went straight for the signature dish, enchiladas. A dish defined by two ingredients, the filling, and the sauce. The latter being the most important with authentic enchiladas. A sauce can make or break a dish. This one just carried it. I felt as though it was lacking, though still good enough to carry the chicken enchilada, which I found to taste quite good.

My wife ordered from the Mesquite grill, as I hoped she would. She got Tacos al Carbon. One beef, one chicken. The chicken was cooked to perfection, but I damn near spat out the beef. Bad piece? (EDIT: It was a bad piece)

I can say this: Sylvia's set itself apart from the local popular chain in many ways. The refritos are out of the park. The house margarita is on point. And the service was way better than I would expect anywhere else. But, with a couple of exceptions. I found myself thinking about that little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in south Texas. And I should have made...