Finding tacos in New York was a major undertaking but finding them here in Texas is a breeze - taco carts are to Texas like bagel carts are to NYC - there’s one on every corner. But finding a “good” one has been a challenge and it wasn’t until I consulted someone who had lived here their entire life was I then introduced to El Ray. El Ray is a Cuban/Mexican Taqueria that’s actually pretty close to our offices here.

Inside El Ray is nothing special - typical counter/diner set up and come lunch time, it’s always packed. The bar seating along the walls allows more people to cram in - but it’s not uncommon to see a line out the door on any given day. Tacos are reasonably priced in the $1.75 to $2.25 range - but you best bet is to ask for a taco plate for $4.75 - it’ll come with 3 tacos and beans & rice.

Anthony came for a visit and we stopped at El Ray for a snack before dinner - I say snack because dinner was about 3 hours away and we were doing a whirlwind tour of Houston. The Cuban tacos are my personal favorite - chicken, black beans & plantains - but those are closely followed by the Ropa Vieja tacos and the Fish Tacos. Try all three if you get the chance - and don’t forget to ask the folks behind the counter for their special hot sauces. They have little dishes of green & red hot sauce that go perfectly with the tacos - not too hot, but they would hurt a beginner. I’ve seen regulars eat entire jars of the red in single sittings - they take this stuff serious here!

I’ve also tried the Torta here but it was just so so - I’ve also had friends try the chicken plate, which is enormus, with good feedback.

El Ray Taqueria
Online Menu
910 Shepherd.@ Washington Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 713 - 802 - 9145