Hugo's
(713) 524-7744
1602 Westheimer Rd
Houston,
TX
77006
29.743
-95.3995
Neighborhoods: Neartown/ Montrose, Central
What People Are Saying About Hugo's
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This trendy hacienda crawls with foodies who are banking on the reputation of Tracy Vaught and Chef Hugo Ortega, owners of the beloved Backstreet Cafe. Hugo's resides in a brilliantly restored space with soaring ceilings, majestic windows and chic Mexican decor. Soft-singing mariachis, a sociable bar and smooth tequilas are the icing on the cake.
The Food
Chef Ortega features refined Mexico City classics with a contemporary twist. First courses sparkle. Rarified squash blossoms star in elegant, mouth-melting quesadillas. Little masa cakes (sopesitos) also thrill, topped with complex sauces like chicken in fiery salsa verde. Moist whole red snapper Veracruzana arrives blanketed in tangy tomatoes, olives and rings of sweet baked onions. Moles can miss and the grilled pork tacos can be parched. However, desserts are masterful, from the buttery almond-coconut tart to the flan de chocolate made with freshly ground cocoa beans.
User Reviews
ktgrrrl
June 26, 2009
Have loved coming here numerous times before for the fantastic flavors and tender meat. Was disappointed this last time, however, due to the obscene noise level. It was so painfully loud, I couldn't wait to leave. It's a shame, because the cocoa is to die for. Also, stick with the margaritas -- the palomas are just too grapefruity (? Needed more lime and tequila) for my taste.
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ajacques1
December 22, 2008
I was so proud of how impressed my attorney was for my choice of a place to meet for lunch. A lover of Mexican food he was speechless almost until the last bite, claiming to never had had such a savory dish. I explained to him that Authentic Mexican cuisine is beyond comparison to the more common assumption of what is taqueria food or 'tex-mex'. (Although, those types can also be very appetizing.) Hugo's offers spectacular entree selections, consider that these are the creme de la creme - delicacies - from Mexico. We had the exquisite crabcakes and the camarones enchipotlados. The sauce accompanying the succulent shrimp is indescribably delicious. Furthermore, at all levels the service is most friendly and accommodating. This place knows what they're doing! A jewel in the community and the entire Houston. I look forward to returning soon as I wish to try every dish on the menu! Caballeros, los felicito de corazon; Hechenle ganas compadres!
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TexasTbird
November 20, 2008
I spent the better part of the 90's living and working in Mexico. My wife is Mexican. I am very familiar with mexican food. This is the MOST AUTHENTIC Mexican food I have had on this side of the border. I have eaten in San Diego, Phoenix, San Antonio, and El Paso. Hugo does a great job of combining some of the regional favorites from around the country. This reminds me of leaving Mexico City to spend the weekend in Cuernavaca and being served this at a restaruant in town. The seafood "coctels" are jazzed-up versions of street food in Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. Some of the Gulf seafood can be traced to Vera Cruz and the Yucatan. No kidding here, folks. This is the real deal. Do yourself a favor and shell out the $25 for brunch and then don't eat all week. Then you'll REALLY get to try a little of everything. La Fonda San Miguel in Austin, TX is the only other place I've had real Mexican food in the US. What we are used to eating here is really a fusion of border food. You can find some of the dishes like a chimichanga (deep-fried burrito) in Monterrey or Nogales, but not much further south. "Fajitas" doesn't exist in Mexico. It's simply called flank steak or skirt steak and comes as one piece that you put into your own tortilla. Chile con Carne is cowboy/vaquero food and made it's way into the cheese and enchiladas between San Antonio and Laredo. Speaking of cheese, yellow cheese or "cheddar" cheese is sold in Mexican grocery stores but almost never makes it's way into smothering a whole plate of melted tortillas and sauce. I am not saying one is better or worse. I LOVE Tex-Mex. But if you eat at Hugo's be prepared that it not at all like you will expect if you come from that point of view. Chef Hugo has done an amazing job of procuring local growers to supply him with specialty items found primarily in Mexico. So be prepared. Some of the fare is "fine dining" in Mexico. Some is street food dressed up. ALL OF IT IS AMAZING.
read full reviewThe Details on Hugo's
What to Drink:
The cocoa beans for the addictive Mexican hot chocolate--served with churros--are roasted in-house.
The Extras:
Hugo's popular Sunday brunch is served from 11am until 3pm.
Look Good:
The restaurant's unique tequila flight offers a trio of tequila or mescal samples.
Fun Fact:
The restaurant serves sauteed grasshoppers (chapulines), served with guacamole, tortillas and chipotle tomatillo salsa.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, People Watching, Online Reservations, Date Spot, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
