Generations of Mexican-American flavor in Houston

Houston’s food scene is nothing without the people behind it — the families, the stories, the recipes passed down from generation to generation. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd takes a tour of some of the city’s long-standing, family-run Mexican-American restaurants. From classic tacos to homemade paletas and new school concha breakfast sandwiches, these are the spots that have been turning out consistently great dishes for decades.

Taqueria del Sol | 8114 Park Place Blvd., Houston

Despite being a 40-year-old taqueria, the first thing that hits you when you walk into Taqueria Del Sol is the smell of the in-house bakery. It’s hard to walk by the fresh baked breads, conchas and marranito cookies. As Chris proves – you shouldn’t.

After snagging a warm queso and jalapeno kolache, Chris makes his way into the bustling dining room to meet with the head of the family – and the restaurant – owner Samuel Reyes.

Samuel started Taqueria del Sol with his father and today runs it with all four of his sons. They still sell the tortas and gorditas that got the business started – and they’re some of the best in Houston – but they are not stuck in the past.

Samuel’s son Daniel runs a secret menu with new twists on old classics – including a must-try concha breakfast sandwich.

This concha breakfast sandwich is not on the menu at Taqueria Del Sol, but diners can order it for a unique and tasty meal to start their day. (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)Chris Shepherd shares what to order at Taqueria del Sol. (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)La Brisa | 7842 Canal St., Houston

If you grew up in Houston, chances are La Brisa has been part of your summer memories. Since 1982, this family-run paletería has been churning out natural-style Mexican paletas.

Everything is still made from real ingredients – whole fruit, creamy coconut, roasted pecans. There are no shortcuts here. After trying more than a dozen flavors, Chris approves them all, but recommends starting with the watermelon (hand pressed, it even has the seeds), the coconut (with flakes of coconut), and the pecan (rich, nutty, and the perfect Texas summer treat).

Laredo Taqueria | 915 Snover St., Houston

Having run his own restaurant just down the street, Laredo Taqueria has a special place in Chris’ heart. The hot line turns out tacos, tostadas and plates at record speed to a line that often wraps around the building.

There’s good reason. They’re doing the classics right – carne asada, asado de puerco, fideo; honestly, whatever catches your eye behind the counter is going to be great. Chris’ pro tip: Try the tostada — crispy, fresh, and piled high with your choice of protein.

“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.

Season 3 of “Eat Like a Local”

Generations of Mexican-American flavor in Houston

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