El Tiempo Cantina Houston Menu With Prices
El Tiempo Cantina is a Houston legend. It’s Tex-Mex with a capital T. And the menu? A glorious maze of sizzling platters and frozen margaritas. Prices bounce around depending...
El Tiempo Cantina is a Houston legend. It’s Tex-Mex with a capital T. And the menu? A glorious maze of sizzling platters and frozen margaritas.
Prices bounce around depending on location and time. But here’s a rough map. So you can stroll in with a plan.
Starters: Queso, Nachos, and Other Happy Accidents
You can’t sit down without queso. It’s a rule. El Tiempo’s queso is creamy, spicy, and slightly addictive.
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Expect to pay about $8 to $11 for a bowl. Add ground beef or guacamole? That’ll bump it up a couple bucks.
Nachos are another crowd-pleaser. A big plate runs $12 to $16. Share them. Or don’t. No judgment.
Want something quirky? Try the chile con queso with a scoop of guac. It’s a texture party.
But Wait, There’s More
Queso flameado is a fancy cousin. It arrives on fire. Well, not literally. But it’s melty, meaty, and worth every penny.
Price? Around $12 to $15. It’s a show and a snack.
The chips are bottomless. Or at least they feel that way. Just wave at your server.
Tacos, Enchiladas, and the Tex-Mex Hall of Fame
Tacos come in crispy, soft, or puffy. Puffy tacos are a San Antonio thing. El Tiempo does them proud.
One taco will set you back about $4 to $6. Order three. That’s the sweet spot.
Enchiladas are a whole mood. Cheese, chicken, beef, or spinach. You pick.
A plate of three enchiladas costs roughly $14 to $18. It comes with rice and beans. Always get the beans.
The enchiladas suizas are creamy and tangy. They’re a quiet superstar.
Combination Plates: The Choose-Your-Own-Adventure
Can’t decide? Get a combo. You can mix a taco, an enchilada, and a tamale.
Prices range from $15 to $20. It’s like a tasting menu for people who love cheese.
El Tiempo Cantina, Houston - Menu, Reviews (137), Photos (26
Pro tip: Ask for extra salsa. The green one is sneaky spicy.
Fajitas: The Sizzle That Launched a Thousand Orders
El Tiempo is famous for fajitas. They arrive on a hot skillet. The onions are still popping.
Beef fajitas for one? About $22 to $28. Chicken is a bit cheaper, around $20 to $25.
Want to feed a crowd? The family-style fajita platter can hit $45 to $70. It’s a meat mountain.
Quirky fact: The smell will follow you home. Your car will smell like a fiesta for days.
El Tiempo claims to be the home of the original fajita? Actually, that’s a Houston myth. But they lean into it.
Shrimp, Veggies, and Other Plot Twists
Shrimp fajitas are a thing. They’re garlicky and buttery. Expect $24 to $30.
Veggie fajitas are no sad afterthought. They’re charred, smoky, and $18 to $22.
Add a side of guacamole. It’s $6 to $9. Worth it.
Drinks: Margaritas, Micheladas, and Frozen Fun
You can’t talk El Tiempo without talking margaritas. Frozen, rocks, or top-shelf. They’re strong.
A classic frozen margarita runs $10 to $14. A top-shelf version? $15 to $20.
Micheladas are a beer-lover’s dream. They come with a spicy rim and a kick. About $9 to $12.
Want something silly? The El Tiempo margarita is huge. It’s basically a fishbowl with a straw.
Sodas, Aguas Frescas, and Coffee
Agua fresca changes daily. Watermelon, lime, or hibiscus. Usually $4 to $6.
El Tiempo Cantina, Houston - Menu, Reviews (431), Photos (98
Sodas and iced tea are around $3 to $5. Free refills? Sometimes. Ask nicely.
Mexican coffee is a warm hug. It’s $4 to $6. Cinnamon and sugar for days.
The restaurant is named after the owner’s grandfather? Something like that. It’s a family thing. That makes the salsa taste better.
Desserts: Because You Deserve It
Sopapillas are little fried pillows. They come with honey and cinnamon. $7 to $9.
Flan is smooth and wobbly. In a good way. About $7 to $8.
Churros are crunchy, sugary, and dangerous. You’ll eat three before you blink. $6 to $8.
The Quirky Stuff That Makes El Tiempo Fun
El Tiempo has a secret menu? Not exactly. But regulars know to ask for extra crispy chips.
The salsa is made fresh. Sometimes it’s mild. Sometimes it bites back. It’s a salsa lottery.
Prices vary by location. The Washington Avenue spot might charge a dollar more than the others. That’s Houston for you.
Lunch specials are the cheat code. You can get a full plate for $12 to $16. Go early. Go hungry.
So there you have it. A rough price guide to El Tiempo Cantina. It’s not fancy. It’s just delicious.
Grab a margarita. Order the fajitas. Wear your stretchy pants.
And remember: In Houston, Tex-Mex isn’t a meal. It’s a lifestyle.
Prices are subject to change. Don’t yell at the server. They didn’t set the economy.
