Texans are known to be crazy over Mexican food, specifically Tex-Mex. While I have yet to find a Mexican food place in Texas I haven't liked, there's just something about Houston's Mexican food that does it better than any other city in Texas. There are tons of chains, and well-known places that everyone loves, but what about the smaller restaurants that are even better than some of the chains? Here are the best Mexican restaurants in Houston that you may not have heard of:

Don Teo's Mexican Restaurant

Don Teo's is a family owned business, owned by two of the nicest brothers who absolutely love what they do. Y'all...no words can fully describe how delicious this place is! One word: chicken. Whatever you get, get it with chicken. I have no idea what it is that makes their chicken so good but it is so good. Seriously, after going to this place it seems like no other Mexican restaurant is as good as it used to be!

Tia Maria's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Tia Maria's may get busy, especially during lunch hours, but their service is always speedy. In addition to their fast service, they have the awesome enchiladas and great salsa. Bonus: they have a security guard patrolling the parking lot on a golf cart so you never have to worry about your car being broken into!

Tony's Mexican Restaurant

My favorite thing about Tony's is that they have the scriptures, the Ten Commandments, and the Constitution painted on the wall. While their service is so-so their quality of food is phenomenal. So phenomenal that they opened up another restaurant in Katy, TX! If you visit you must try their guacamole.

Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

If you're looking for a Mexican brunch, go no further! Don Carlos serves breakfast seven days a week for all of you early birds. But if you're not going for breakfast and you're looking for something off their dinner menu, you will never go wrong with their fajitas. They are the best in Houston!

Spanish Flowers

If there is one thing I like more than chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant, it's tortillas and butter. Lucky for me, Spanish Flowers has a lady walk from table to table offering fresh tortillas to everyone. You can only imagine how exciting it is seeing her walk your way. Most of their meals come with a soup appetizer that is basically the best soup in the world. Bonus: they're open 24 hours!

Doneraki

Two words: happy hour. You can't beat theirs! Tuesday's happy hour is all day long and their prices are lowered so much. We're not talking just standard margaritas and beer either, Doneraki has seven different flavors of margaritas and they import some of their beer from Mexico. What more could you possibly want? If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, try their enchiladas and enjoy the live music and DJ that they always have!