Texas is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, with queso holding a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This gooey, savory cheese dip has become an iconic dish that many consider a must-try when exploring the Lone Star State’s food offerings.
From bustling cities to small towns, Texas boasts numerous establishments serving up delectable queso variations. These 10 locations across the state offer some of the best queso experiences, showcasing the diverse flavors and styles that have made this dish a beloved Texan staple. Each spot brings its own unique twist to the classic recipe, ensuring that queso enthusiasts can embark on a flavorful journey through Texas.
1) Torchy’s Tacos – Austin
Torchy’s Tacos has become an Austin institution for queso lovers. Their green chili queso stands out as a must-try dish, featuring a blend of melted cheeses with a kick of spice.
The queso is topped with fresh guacamole, queso fresco, cilantro, and diablo hot sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s served with crispy, house-made tortilla chips that provide the ideal vessel for scooping up every last bit.
Torchy’s began as a food truck in 2006 and has since expanded to multiple locations across Texas and beyond. Despite its growth, the restaurant maintains its commitment to quality ingredients and bold flavors.
While the queso is a star attraction, Torchy’s also offers a variety of creative tacos that shouldn’t be overlooked. The combination of their famous queso and unique taco offerings has solidified Torchy’s place as a top destination for Tex-Mex enthusiasts in Austin.
Torchy’s Tacos – Austin
Address: Multiple locations in Austin
Website: torchystacos.com
2) El Alma – Austin
El Alma stands out as a top queso destination in Austin, offering a modern take on Mexican cuisine. Their queso fundido is a crowd-pleaser, served piping hot with warm tortillas.
The restaurant’s unique twist on traditional queso incorporates green chile sauce and ranchero sauce, creating a flavorful blend that keeps patrons coming back. El Alma’s queso is best enjoyed on their rooftop patio, providing a scenic backdrop to the dining experience.
Visitors praise the quality of both the queso and the accompanying chips, which are served fresh and crispy. The combination of well-executed queso and a vibrant atmosphere makes El Alma a must-visit for cheese lovers in Austin.
El Alma, 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 609-8923
Website: www.elalmacafe.com
3) The Esquire Tavern – San Antonio
The Esquire Tavern stands out as a unique destination for queso lovers in San Antonio. This historic establishment opened its doors in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition.
While primarily known for its impressive 100-foot-long wooden bar top, The Esquire Tavern also serves up delectable Tex-Mex fare, including a noteworthy queso dish.
The tavern’s atmosphere adds to the queso-eating experience, with its vintage decor and lively River Walk ambiance. Patrons can enjoy their cheesy dip while soaking in the rich history of this San Antonio institution.
The Esquire Tavern has garnered recognition beyond its queso, earning a James Beard nomination for its outstanding bar program. This accolade speaks to the quality of both food and drink offerings.
Located on the San Antonio River Walk, The Esquire Tavern offers a perfect blend of history, ambiance, and tasty Tex-Mex cuisine.
Contact: 210-222-2521
Address: 155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Website: www.esquiretavern-sa.com
4) Mi Dia From Scratch – Grapevine
Mi Dia From Scratch in Grapevine offers a unique queso experience that blends traditional Mexican flavors with modern Tex-Mex influences. Their Queso Fundido, priced at $15, is a standout menu item that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to authentic ingredients and skillful preparation.
The restaurant’s atmosphere invites diners to escape their daily routine and immerse themselves in the vibrant flavors of Mexico. Chef Gabriel DeLeon has crafted a menu that seamlessly integrates Mexico City recipes with Santa Fe and Tex-Mex cuisines.
Mi Dia From Scratch has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to Tex-Mex cuisine, earning a spot in USA Today’s Top 10 Tex-Mex restaurants in the United States. The restaurant’s fusion of past and present culinary traditions sets it apart from typical Tex-Mex establishments.
Visitors can enjoy Mi Dia From Scratch’s queso and other specialties seven days a week. The restaurant operates from 11am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and extends its hours to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mi Dia From Scratch – Grapevine
Address: 1295 S Main Street, Grapevine, TX
Phone: 817.421.4747
Website: midiafromscratch.com
5) Curra’s Grill – Austin
Curra’s Grill stands out as a cherished destination for queso enthusiasts in Austin. This Travis Heights Mexican restaurant has earned a reputation for its flavorful cheese dips.
The establishment’s Kelly’s queso is particularly noteworthy. It features Land O’Lakes extra-melt American cheese, creating a smooth and creamy texture that patrons adore.
Curra’s Grill offers more than just queso. Their menu includes a variety of Mexican dishes, from queso flameado to shrimp with chile pasilla. The restaurant’s atmosphere is welcoming, with multiple dining areas and a spacious patio.
Since 1994, Curra’s has been serving south Austin with its delectable offerings. The restaurant has received accolades from Texas Monthly and the Austin-American Statesman for its culinary prowess.
Address: 614 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 444-0012
Website: Curras Grill
6) Matt’s Rancho Martinez – Dallas
Matt’s Rancho Martinez is a beloved Tex-Mex institution in Dallas, known for its exceptional queso. The restaurant’s roots trace back to 1985, with the original concept born from its sister establishment in Austin.
Matt’s queso stands out for its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors. The restaurant offers a variety of queso options, including the famous Bob Armstrong dip. This crowd-pleaser combines traditional queso with guacamole, spiced ground beef, and sour cream.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality has earned it recognition beyond its queso. In 2019, Matt’s Rancho Martinez was inducted into the Texas Restaurant Hall of Fame, cementing its status as a Tex-Mex landmark.
Visitors can enjoy Matt’s renowned queso at three locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Each offers a full menu of Tex-Mex favorites, from enchiladas and tacos to fajitas and flautas.
Matt’s Rancho Martinez – Lakewood
6332 La Vista Dr, Dallas, TX 75214
(214) 823-5517
www.mattsranchomartinez.com
7) El Real Tex-Mex Cafe – Houston
El Real Tex-Mex Cafe is a vibrant restaurant in Houston known for its authentic and American-inspired Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Located in the Downtown Tunnel system, it offers a convenient spot for locals and visitors to enjoy flavorful dishes.
The restaurant prides itself on using ingredients sourced from various regions of the continent, ensuring a diverse and tasty menu. Their queso is a popular choice among patrons, embodying the rich and creamy textures typical of Tex-Mex cuisine.
El Real’s lively atmosphere and central location make it a go-to destination for those craving quality Tex-Mex fare in the heart of Houston. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, El Real Tex-Mex Cafe delivers on flavor and authenticity.
Address: 1100 Louisiana Street, Ste. T80, Houston, Texas 77002
8) Eldorado Cafe – Austin
Eldorado Cafe stands out as a top destination for queso lovers in Austin. This family-run eatery in the Allandale neighborhood serves up delicious Tex-Mex cuisine with a focus on homemade salsas and signature dishes.
Their queso offerings are particularly noteworthy. The classic Eldorado queso can be enjoyed plain or with the addition of beef picadillo for extra flavor.
For those seeking an elevated queso experience, the supa queso is a must-try. This unique creation is enhanced with black beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
Eldorado Cafe’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere complements its tasty fare. The restaurant serves all three meals daily, making it a convenient spot for queso cravings any time of day.
Visitors can pair their queso with one of Eldorado’s agua fresca cocktails for a refreshing complement to the rich, cheesy dip.
Address: 3300 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757
Website: www.eldoradocafe.com
9) Ninfa’s on Navigation – Houston
Ninfa’s on Navigation stands as a legendary institution in Houston’s Tex-Mex scene. Founded by “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo in 1973, this restaurant has become an iconic destination for locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant’s claim to fame is its grilled skirt steak, popularized by Mama Ninfa herself. This dish remains a staple on their menu and helped launch the national fajita craze.
Ninfa’s queso is a standout among Houston’s offerings. Their creamy, melty cheese dip pairs perfectly with their house-made tortilla chips, creating an irresistible combination.
Executive Chef Alex Padilla continues Mama Ninfa’s legacy, maintaining high standards and serving signature favorites like the Famous Taco al Carbon alongside the renowned fajitas.
Ninfa’s on Navigation: 2704 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003
Website: ninfas.com
10) Fonda San Miguel – Austin
Fonda San Miguel stands as an Austin institution for authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s queso offerings shine among its menu highlights, delighting patrons with rich, flavorful renditions of this Texan favorite.
Their classic queso features high-quality melted cheeses blended with traditional spices. The smooth, creamy texture and balanced flavors have earned Fonda San Miguel a devoted following among queso enthusiasts.
For those seeking variety, the restaurant offers queso fundido variations. These incorporate delicious additions like chorizo or roasted poblano peppers, elevating the queso experience.
Fonda San Miguel’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional Mexican cooking techniques ensures each queso dish delivers authentic flavors. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and attentive service complement the exceptional food.
Fonda San Miguel: 2330 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Phone: (512) 459-4121
Website: www.fondasanmiguel.com
History of Queso in Texas
Queso’s journey to becoming a beloved Texan staple spans centuries, blending Mexican culinary traditions with Texan ingenuity. This iconic cheese dip has deep roots in the state’s cultural fabric and dining scene.
Origins and Evolution
Queso’s origins trace back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where cheese was not traditionally part of the cuisine. The introduction of dairy by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century laid the foundation for queso’s development. As Mexican and Texan cultures intermingled along the border, cheese dips began to emerge.
The modern iteration of queso gained popularity in the mid-20th century. San Antonio’s Otis Farnsworth is credited with creating a version using processed cheese in the 1900s. This innovation made queso more accessible and shelf-stable.
Texas chain restaurants further popularized queso in the 1950s and 60s. They adapted traditional recipes to suit American tastes, often using Velveeta cheese for a smooth texture.
Cultural Significance
Queso has become deeply ingrained in Texan identity and social gatherings. It’s a staple at parties, sporting events, and restaurants across the state. The dish symbolizes the fusion of Texan and Mexican cultures.
Texans take pride in their queso, with fierce debates over the best recipes and ingredients. Many families have their own secret queso formulas passed down through generations.
The popularity of queso has spread beyond Texas borders, but it remains a quintessential Texan food. It represents the state’s culinary creativity and cultural diversity.
Queso festivals and competitions celebrate this cheesy dip, further cementing its place in Texan food culture. The dish continues to evolve, with chefs experimenting with artisanal cheeses and unique flavor combinations.
Varieties of Queso
Queso in Texas comes in diverse styles, each with its own unique flavors and textures. The two main categories are traditional Tex-Mex queso and regional variations found across the state.
Traditional Tex-Mex Queso
Traditional Tex-Mex queso typically features a blend of melted cheeses, often including American and cheddar. Chefs melt these cheeses with milk or cream to create a smooth, dippable consistency. Many recipes incorporate diced tomatoes, green chiles, and jalapeños for added flavor and spice.
Some popular additions include ground beef, chorizo, or black beans. Restaurants may serve this classic queso with tortilla chips, soft tortillas, or vegetables for dipping. The texture ranges from thick and creamy to slightly thinner and more pourable.
Regional Variations
Across Texas, different regions put their own spin on queso. In Austin, some eateries offer “queso blanco” made with white cheeses like Monterey Jack or queso fresco. This version often has a milder flavor and smoother texture.
San Antonio-style queso sometimes includes cumin and other Tex-Mex spices for a bolder taste. Houston’s diverse food scene has inspired fusion quesos, blending Mexican cheeses with unexpected ingredients like crawfish or brisket.
Some West Texas establishments serve a chunkier queso with larger pieces of vegetables or meat mixed in. In the Rio Grande Valley, queso often features local chiles and cheeses for a distinct regional flavor.
Pairing Queso with Local Cuisine
Queso’s versatility shines when paired with other Texan favorites. The creamy cheese dip complements a variety of local dishes and beverages, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Recommended Pairings
Queso pairs excellently with classic Tex-Mex staples. Crispy tortilla chips are the traditional accompaniment, but grilled meats also make fantastic partners. Fajitas, with their sizzling beef or chicken, become even more irresistible when dipped in warm queso.
Smoked brisket, a Texas barbecue icon, takes on new life when topped with a drizzle of queso. The smoky, savory meat contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
For a lighter option, grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini offer a fresh crunch that balances the rich queso. Jalapeno poppers stuffed with queso create a spicy, cheesy bite that’s hard to resist.
Popular Beverages to Enjoy with Queso
Texas-brewed beers are ideal companions for queso. Light lagers cut through the richness, while hoppy IPAs provide a refreshing contrast. Shiner Bock, a Texas favorite, offers a smooth maltiness that complements the cheese’s flavors.
For non-alcoholic options, Mexican Coca-Cola’s cane sugar sweetness pairs well with spicy queso varieties. Horchata, a creamy rice drink, cools the palate between bites of cheesy goodness.
Margaritas, especially those made with Texas-produced tequilas, are a classic choice. The citrusy tartness balances the queso’s richness. For wine lovers, a crisp Texas Viognier or a bold Tempranillo can enhance the queso experience.