Taco Palenque Woodridge Dr — Restaurant in Houston

My favorite restaurant from South Texas is called Taco Palenque. Over a week ago I went to the Houston location on our way back to Tennessee and even though the sign said they were open until 3 AM, I was told at the window they were closing (it was 12:20am) when I pulled up to order. No explanation, just told they close at midnight. When I pointed out the sign said they are open til 3am, he again said “sorry, we’re closed.” I was told later that they had new hours but hadn't updated their sign (or the google link I went off of also).

This exchange with the drive through guy was shocking because every experience I’d ever had at this small, TX owned chain had been amazing! On top of that I had done quite a bit of planning to end up at this particular Taco Palenque at that moment and when I found out I wasn’t getting any food (as he closed the window) I was pretty mad. I called the corporate office that very night and left messages (yes, plural, messages) about what happened. The next day I got a call back after they confirmed and acknowledged that what I complained about actually HAD happened and the higher ups were pretty upset about this incident. Next thing I know they called me back and took my order via the phone (I was now home in TN) and to my surprise a few days later a HUGE cooler full of the very food I was there to order that night arrived at our house from a FedEx truck! They sent TONS of every single thing I told them I liked! What?!! They don’t even want the nice cooler back. You gotta be kidding me!!

So tonight as a family we gather round the table and enjoy our favorite food from Texas. The picture doesn’t do it justice because there’s plenty more that is still in the fridge. Unbelievably awesome service from a fantastic company! We are thrilled and I’m even a bigger fan now! I just got off the phone with Horacio from their corporate office and I thanked him like crazy. He’s the one who followed up multiple times to make sure we got the food. I even told him I wanted to send him a check to pay for all of this food they sent because it’s way more than we would’ve ordered that night. He doesn’t want anything except for us to be happy and enjoy the meal (on them) we didn’t get as a family. Hey Texas friends, support this awesome company if you can! #tacopalenque #awesomeservice #bestmexicanfoodever...

Taco Palenque is a great spot for lunch; ate here for lunch two days in a row. The counter-style service is prompt and the counter staff are very polite and spot on accurate when accomodating to special food requests. Taco Palenque uses a pager style system for ordering. Once summoned that your order is ready, it is waiting to be picked up at the counter in the front, similar to Panera Bread's system.

A fresh topping and condiment bar is available consisting of homemade tortilla chips, vegetables, herbs, and a variety of sauces, dips, and other condiments. The dining room staff are constantly working to replenish and clean around the bar. All drinks are served via a self-service fountain and all Coke products are available in addition to Horchata and Jamaica. Bottled beer is available at the counter when ordering.

The food is served on plastic plates and silverware is available via a self-despensing container at the condiment bar. I ordered the enchilada rojas both times. My entree was served with refried beans and rice and a variety of toppings that can be added at the time food is prepared. If desired, the kitchen staff will be more than happy to leave the condiments on the side or give you extra. My entree was very flavorful and the beans and rice were likewise as well. Portions are just spot-on for me, though it may not be for others who have a larger appetite.

Next time in Houston, Taco Palenque will definitely be my top lunch spot once again. It is possible to get in and out...

I have visited this place 4 times in the past two weeks, and things worked out great on two occasions. The food is great. The other two visits were a waste of time. According to their hours, they close at 10pm. I took my daughter on a Wednesday, and their signs were already turned off at 9:45pm. I visited yesterday at 9:50pm and their sign was on. I figured the issue on Wednesday was an isolated situation. When I arrived, there were two vehicles in front of me. The first one moved forward while the sign was still on (I don't know if they were serviced or not). At 9:54, an employee walks over to the open signs (2) and proceed to turn them off. From their vantage point, they can see the cars in the drive-thru. After 5 minutes of waiting, I drove around the car in front of me and drove up to the window itself. I was informed that they were closed. After gesturing for them to come to the window, I explained the situation, and I was informed that they didn't have any more meat. If that was true, I understand, but the least you could do is get on the intercom and inform the people that were already waiting at the drive-thru. Again, this one-star rating has nothing to do with the food. If their intent was to not prepare any food past 10pm, I suggest changing your hours to 9:45pm to give yourself time to be done cooking by the...