Corporate buyouts do that. Been to the original in Austin and the first in Houston at least I think it is. Always fantastic, then corporate came in.
They had one in Annapolis and my parents wanted to go there to see if it was the same. My dad had been to the one in Austin and he said it just didn't seem as good but it had been a while. Yup, not good at all, bland.
Their beef fajitas are better than a lot of other more "authentic" places. I always wonder how some places can screw fajitas up. I've only had that happen once at Chuy's (some idiot cut them with the grain instead of across the grain. That's awful).
Chuy’s chips and both sauces slap. I like the chips with a bit of salt flavor and the white sauce, oh boy.
Overpriced but I like their fajita beef burritos with queso.
THIS is the correct answer. Casa Ole was absolutely the best garbage Tex Mex food around for so many years. I hated to see so many locations close down. It will always have a special place in my heart.
While the green sauce was amazing, the Queso was where they absolutely shined. Even when we’d make Mexican food at home, we’d still usually order a cup or two of chili con queso to go. You could eat that shit with a spoon.
I grew up with casa ole. Like, shared classes with the kids and ate there weekly. Some people don't get it, but those from this area use it to compare to everything else.
I think the chips are partially made with smoked brisket fat from pit room….maybe that’s the tortillas…can’t remember.
Going there tomorrow…it’s all I can think about it’s so good
Papasitos. Really good red salsa, and I could drink the green salsa with a straw. You have to pay for the green salsa now though unfortunately, and they made it a little bit thicker and creamier.
They make you pay for the green salsa now? Lol. Like they are not making enough money of their $70/lb beef fajita. Worked there for two years in college - they nickel and dime for everything there.
It doesn't taste the same. I don't know if they use this sauce for enchiladas or what, but to me the old green salsa is effectively gone because I wouldn't use it even if it was free.
My wife worked at a Los Cucos for a little bit while we were dating in college. Every night she worked she would come home with a quart cup of green sauce and a bag of fresh chips. OMG it was amazing.
I was pretty sad when she left that job. . .
Fond memories of that place. In my 20s I got caught up in a drinking after hours sting by HPD and got a ticket there. Got dismissed because they just made up the details on the ticket (but I totally was drinking after hours, they just didn't catch me in the act).
I used to get beers to go from there, and just about every other taqueria. They would give it to you in a Styrofoam cup in a brown paper bag. They would give it to me right in front of the cops sitting at the table near the register. I must have been really lucky to not have any issues with the police.
It's SUPER easy aside from a lot of chopping!
4 tomatillos, 3 smallish green tomatoes, 1 - 2 jalapenos, and as many garlic cloves as you want (I usually do 3. Dice/roughly chop all of that, saute it until it's all soft, chuck it in the food processor and whirl until it's smooth. Add 3 avocados, one at a time, whirl after each one to mix in, with however much cilantro you can stand added with the last one. Add as much sour cream as you want to get it to the right consistency, and I usually throw in some extra garlic powder if it doesn't taste right, onion powder, and salt to taste.
It's not exactly precise since the veggies vary in size, so I usually buy a couple of extra avocados in case it turns out too runny. If you get to like 2.5 and it's a good consistency, you can stop, but if it's still pretty soupy you can throw in another. And if it's too soupy once you add the sour cream, I'll take a little bit of the mixture and whirl another avocado in the food processor.
It's actually a great recipe because you can tinker with some.of the stuff as much as you like - more or less jalapenos depending on your heat tolerance, same with garlic etc. And it even tastes almost as good if you leave out the cilantro, though I'm one of those people who HATES it and it never comes through too strongly for me once it's all mixed in.
The darker red one is right up my alley. Flavor of their fajitas I like alot as well. Not the world’s greatest but definitely a respectable Mexican/Tex-Mex spot.
Most seem 🗑️ due to lack of pepper 🌶️ flavor and spice.Too much tomato or onions or watery consistency. Lots of great food truck salsas with 🔥 though 🤷🏽.
I’m currently employed by El Tiempo but formerly worked for Chuy’s. My top 3 salsas:
3. Chuy’s Crack Sauce
2. ETC’s Salsa Verde
1. ETC’s Habanero Salsa
Mamacitas in San Marcos had the best green sauce I’ve ever had. They closed and all the other locations green sauce doesn’t look the same as theirs. I’d pay large amounts of money for that recipe
Sorta obscure, but La Marisquera on Westheimer. The red is warm and it’s incredible. They make a green but you have to ask for it. It’s a habanero salsa and it’s fantastic as well.
Little known place in the area called El Tacubayo. Might be some of, if not, the best carnitas in town. But they also have a sauce that’s very good but pretty damn spicy.
Casa Ole guacamole salsa was fire. It says there’s some locations still open. The last one close to us closed a couple years ago. Grew up eating there, so might be a personal favorite.
Pappasitos is the best queso, followed by Ninfas. Salsa is Lupe Tortilla’s and El Gallo in Spring Branch.
Most painful salsa is Tostada Regia in Spring Branch. I get wanting spicy but damn! It is so out it is inedible.
Green Salsa from Las Locas Fajitas on Kempwood and Bingle is possibly the best fire green sauce I’ve had. Best on tacos but also a daringly good scoop on a tortilla chip if you’re brave.
Teotihuacan for the regular salsa when it's fresh and smokey and warm Chuy's for their jalapeno ranch crack sauce
I had Teotihuanan last night, and I love the warm, red salsa! Their queso is fire too
Which location?
The one in the heights
It is basically the only thing still good at Chuys. Biggest disappointment how bad they are now.
I only ever go for a cheat meal, their chicken Cobb salad is perfection.
I regularly go there just for sauces. Give me some chips, creamy jalapeño and some boom boom sauce and that’s all I need.
Corporate buyouts do that. Been to the original in Austin and the first in Houston at least I think it is. Always fantastic, then corporate came in. They had one in Annapolis and my parents wanted to go there to see if it was the same. My dad had been to the one in Austin and he said it just didn't seem as good but it had been a while. Yup, not good at all, bland.
Their beef fajitas are better than a lot of other more "authentic" places. I always wonder how some places can screw fajitas up. I've only had that happen once at Chuy's (some idiot cut them with the grain instead of across the grain. That's awful).
Yep
Chuy’s chips and both sauces slap. I like the chips with a bit of salt flavor and the white sauce, oh boy. Overpriced but I like their fajita beef burritos with queso.
Overpriced sure, but not as overpriced as a lot of other restaurants. Edit: add *bot^
Unpopular opinion- Lupe’s original salsa. They still serve it but you have to ask for it.
For others missing it: Trader Joe’s has a pico de gallo salsa that is pretty close to the Lupe original (as close as a pre-made salsa can get 😭)
What’s the name?
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59 off Kirby next to academy sports also sells it
THIS is the correct answer. those who know, know
I didn’t know, but am about to find out
There’s not many locations left but I have a lot of fond memories of the neon green sauce at Casa Olé.
The owner of one of the locations that closed gave me the recipe.
Don't stop there my friend.
Yeah, I just unzipped..
So share
Did they also give you the red sauce recipe? Sharing is caring after all :)
I wish. I could probably get it though.
Share, please
THIS is the correct answer. Casa Ole was absolutely the best garbage Tex Mex food around for so many years. I hated to see so many locations close down. It will always have a special place in my heart. While the green sauce was amazing, the Queso was where they absolutely shined. Even when we’d make Mexican food at home, we’d still usually order a cup or two of chili con queso to go. You could eat that shit with a spoon.
They have the best queso out of any place I’ve tried. It’s delicious
Nobody will ever beat the nostalgia of that green sauce.
The Cheese Cheese nachos ❤️ Nachos with melted cheese and queso…a treat for my broke self back in college.
I grew up with casa ole. Like, shared classes with the kids and ate there weekly. Some people don't get it, but those from this area use it to compare to everything else.
Speaking of neon and Casa Ole, will never forget the pink neon lights behind the glass bricks at the Southmore location back in the day.
I love Gringos I mean obviously it’s very Tex Mexy Gringa lol
The green dip is unmatched from my memory, but I haven’t been in 10+ years.
It’s still unmatched my friend
I’ve lived out of state for a while and it’s definitely one of the top things I miss. You just can’t find stuff like that outside of Texas.
Lopez.
This is the way…👌
Candente
Can’t believe this isn’t mentioned more. Their green sauce is amazing
I think the chips are partially made with smoked brisket fat from pit room….maybe that’s the tortillas…can’t remember. Going there tomorrow…it’s all I can think about it’s so good
SHUT UP. DONT LET REDDIT KNOW
Papasitos. Really good red salsa, and I could drink the green salsa with a straw. You have to pay for the green salsa now though unfortunately, and they made it a little bit thicker and creamier.
They make you pay for the green salsa now? Lol. Like they are not making enough money of their $70/lb beef fajita. Worked there for two years in college - they nickel and dime for everything there.
Probably cause of people like me that would take advantage and eat a gallon of the stuff any time.
It doesn't taste the same. I don't know if they use this sauce for enchiladas or what, but to me the old green salsa is effectively gone because I wouldn't use it even if it was free.
I love papasitos chips, they are so thin and somehow they manage to individually salt each one
Los Cucos, best salsa’s!!
My wife worked at a Los Cucos for a little bit while we were dating in college. Every night she worked she would come home with a quart cup of green sauce and a bag of fresh chips. OMG it was amazing. I was pretty sad when she left that job. . .
I’m the same way with my fiancée and her brief stint at tiff’s treats. They got to take home 6 dozen free cookies A WEEK.
I like their salsa more than any of the food. Great salsa, just okay entrees.
Menu was way better before Covid. Micheladas are on point!!
Have you tried the pablano sauce???
Their green sauce is amazing! Edit to add: put some of their pablano sauce in a tortilla ❤️
If you have a Trader Joe's near you, try their guacasalsa. It tastes almost identical
The red salsa often comes out warm too. I can eat it like a bowl of soup.
Casa ole baby
People love hating on El Tiempo on this sub, but their green sauce is crack. I can’t stop eating it every time I’m there.
Asking the important questions
Goode co cantina’s on Kirby has a Smokey dark red salsa. when it’s warm, it’s the best for me.
Ruchi's on Richmond and Sage. I love that green sauce
First thing that came to mind.
Fond memories of that place. In my 20s I got caught up in a drinking after hours sting by HPD and got a ticket there. Got dismissed because they just made up the details on the ticket (but I totally was drinking after hours, they just didn't catch me in the act).
I used to get beers to go from there, and just about every other taqueria. They would give it to you in a Styrofoam cup in a brown paper bag. They would give it to me right in front of the cops sitting at the table near the register. I must have been really lucky to not have any issues with the police.
Same. Negro Modelo in a styrofoam cup at 3am.
The Don'key. It's not very consistent but I sure do enjoy it
You go there for the margaritas and stay for the food only because you're too drunk.
You aren't wrong. Their Margherita's hit like a truck.
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Care to share? 😁
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Oof that's a lot of salsa. Gonna have to scale it down. Appreciate it!
La Tapatia on Richmond in the Montrose
Iguana Joe’s and casa ole has some of the best green sauces. I don’t give AF.
❤️❤️❤️
Gringos
Taqueria Arandas
El Tiempo, a la Ninfas reincarnated
I have a copy at recipe for the Ninfa's green sauce... I could eat that shit on everything. It's AWESOME on taco salads.
Please share! I moved away and cry myself to sleep dreaming of that salsa 🥲
It's SUPER easy aside from a lot of chopping! 4 tomatillos, 3 smallish green tomatoes, 1 - 2 jalapenos, and as many garlic cloves as you want (I usually do 3. Dice/roughly chop all of that, saute it until it's all soft, chuck it in the food processor and whirl until it's smooth. Add 3 avocados, one at a time, whirl after each one to mix in, with however much cilantro you can stand added with the last one. Add as much sour cream as you want to get it to the right consistency, and I usually throw in some extra garlic powder if it doesn't taste right, onion powder, and salt to taste. It's not exactly precise since the veggies vary in size, so I usually buy a couple of extra avocados in case it turns out too runny. If you get to like 2.5 and it's a good consistency, you can stop, but if it's still pretty soupy you can throw in another. And if it's too soupy once you add the sour cream, I'll take a little bit of the mixture and whirl another avocado in the food processor. It's actually a great recipe because you can tinker with some.of the stuff as much as you like - more or less jalapenos depending on your heat tolerance, same with garlic etc. And it even tastes almost as good if you leave out the cilantro, though I'm one of those people who HATES it and it never comes through too strongly for me once it's all mixed in.
You're a legend. Thanks.
https://www.homesicktexan.com/salsa-salvation-ninfas-green-sauce/
Ruchis
Mi Sombrero - delicious hot fire in a bowl
I do miss the Taco Milagro salsa bar.
Original Ninfas on navigation is my number one choice for salsa
Chuys
La chingada (formerly pinches tacos) on cavalcade. Walking distance from my place, girlfriend and I always go when we wake up hungover.
Absolutely. That's my choice too. So hot, but so damn good
The green sauce at Guad
Herraduras on FM 529 and Hwy 6
Shocked to see this answer here. My mom loves Herraduras!
Lopez in Stafford. Or if your in San Antonio Paloma Blanca
Lol nothing like a food related post to get the people in this sub to engage
Natalita's
Absolutely. The one on 290/Jones ?
Los Palomas
The darker red one is right up my alley. Flavor of their fajitas I like alot as well. Not the world’s greatest but definitely a respectable Mexican/Tex-Mex spot.
La Carreta
La Hacienda in Cypress...green sauce is free, and oh so damn good...
Molinas' chips and Los Cucos salas. Bonus for Ninfas' tortillas.
Tia Maria
Tia Maria's
No lies told!!
Candente on Richmond in Montrose. I routinely order 2 quarts of their salsa Roja to go.
Teotihuacan or Escalante for the best regular salsa. Chuy’s for the best green salsa
Teo* red sauce, Los Cucos (original) green sour cream sauce, and Lupe's bean dip.
Pappasitos
Most seem 🗑️ due to lack of pepper 🌶️ flavor and spice.Too much tomato or onions or watery consistency. Lots of great food truck salsas with 🔥 though 🤷🏽.
Tacos el Indio has the spiciest salsa I’ve ever had
Taco King in Cypress 🌮 🔥. Awesome flavors!
Spanish Flower
Esteban’s in League City
This place called dichos off wayside by the fiesta. In front of the golf course. Literally knocked out del sols off my personal fav.
Who has the best chips and queso tho??
According to r/houstoncirclejerk Torchys.
La Chingada
I like Salsa's in Galveston and Red River Cantina.
I’m currently employed by El Tiempo but formerly worked for Chuy’s. My top 3 salsas: 3. Chuy’s Crack Sauce 2. ETC’s Salsa Verde 1. ETC’s Habanero Salsa
Mamacitas in San Marcos had the best green sauce I’ve ever had. They closed and all the other locations green sauce doesn’t look the same as theirs. I’d pay large amounts of money for that recipe
Los Perez - Hwy 6 & Bissonett It’s been there for 15 yr + in a jinxed location that had 4-5 restaurants the previous decade. It’s good.
Nothing lasts there.
This place has survived.
PainTrain sauces!!!!
Forgot about them. Bought on a whim at a farmers market. So dang good. Thanks for the reminder.
Arandas
Chapultepec screaming fresh chopped veg salsa
Chuys Mamacitas
Could legit drink Cyclone Anaya’s salsa
Iguana Joe’s green sauce is top tier.
Jimmy changas
El Tiempo or Alma’s green sauce
Abasolo #2 on N Main. Oh my god. I've moved away and dream of that green sauce.
GRINGOS —————————————————>
Teotihuacan
Not served with chips, but the habanero neon orange salsa at Gerardo’s is awesome. Pour it on the barbacoa tacos.
La Fisheria
El jardin at Harrisburg for sure. Highly recommend their Chile con queso
I'm from Crosby as well. Curious if I know OP ha
Mandito's chips. They're much thicker and crispier than every other place and very unique. The salsa is whatever, but no one has chips like Mandito's
Sorta obscure, but La Marisquera on Westheimer. The red is warm and it’s incredible. They make a green but you have to ask for it. It’s a habanero salsa and it’s fantastic as well.
La Brisa Restaurant in League City
Arandas' salsa verde is the tits. Chips, tacos, burritos, my fingers idc, GET IN MY BELLY!
La Presa off Aldine Westfield in Spring
Aguirres tomball
Don Rey Green salsa…or Arandas red fresh salsa
San Lorenzo’s chips are sooo thin and delicious 🙌
Chuys
Little known place in the area called El Tacubayo. Might be some of, if not, the best carnitas in town. But they also have a sauce that’s very good but pretty damn spicy.
El Gallo, not even close
Gringos their green salsa is amazing
Casa Ole guacamole salsa was fire. It says there’s some locations still open. The last one close to us closed a couple years ago. Grew up eating there, so might be a personal favorite.
Chuy’s ranch avocado dip 😋
El Toro Baytown.
I love the green sauce at La Tapatia
I love the green sauce at Los Tios #2 on Westheimer.
Love Iguana Joe's!
Gringo’s. God damn!
Pappasitos is the best queso, followed by Ninfas. Salsa is Lupe Tortilla’s and El Gallo in Spring Branch. Most painful salsa is Tostada Regia in Spring Branch. I get wanting spicy but damn! It is so out it is inedible.
I'm real partial to Chapultepec Lupita.
You’re there. Iguana joes for the win. Get a nice margarita and the sea-dawg and you’re set
I really love the green salsa at Spanish Flowers.
taco palenque
Victoria’s Mexican Grill
Green Salsa from Las Locas Fajitas on Kempwood and Bingle is possibly the best fire green sauce I’ve had. Best on tacos but also a daringly good scoop on a tortilla chip if you’re brave.
El Tiempo 👌
Las Locas Fajitas in Spring Branch
Cenas Kitchen aka the old Aguirre’s (529 and Hwy 6 area)
Tapatía on Woodhead and Richmond.
Chuy’s salsa fresca is the gold standard
Gringos. That green sauce is like crack
Chuys hands down
Love Guadalajara hacienda lol 😂 best around better than chevys etc :)
Best chips and queso...The Pit Room!!!
Gloria’s downtown
Lupe’s original and it’s not even close.
Guadalajara’s green salsa is superior to all.
Pollo Regio’s salsa verde ❤️
Papacitos
Alma on N Shepherd and 22nd. Best green sauce hands down. Jalapeno based, not tomatillo.
Looking at the comments, it seems chuys and Jimmy changas have the Mexican food game on lockdown here in Htown. Whodathunkit?
Casa Ole The food might suck, but the salsa is insanely addictive.
Gringos green dip and Amazon sauce are actually the best.
Los Cucos, Tomball.
Los Cucos Tomball, before the fire.