The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

The original Ninfa's in Houston Serving Authentic Mexican Cuisine

(713) 228-1175

2704 Navigation Blvd (Canal Street)
Houston, TX 77003 29.757213 -95.34266

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Neighborhoods: Second Ward, South Central

mamaninfas.com

Hours:

5pm to 1am daily

Email business»

Price:

$$

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant

What People Are Saying About The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

The Owner

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

Owner

Located on Navigation Boulevard just minutes from the heart of downtown Houston, the Original Ninfa's was all started with Mama Ninfa Laurenzo's creative TexMex recipes. These led to the introduction of fajitas & Mexican cuisine to North America which gained immediate success. If you're looking for a Houston Mexican restaurant, Ninfa's on Navigation is not only a local icon, having serviced politicians, celebrities & even visiting royalty, their Mexican food is unbeatable. Chef Alex Padilla uses only top quality ingredients, like Mama Ninfa herself did, & fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood like…

Read more from the owner

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

In Short – Ask anyone who's ever been to this original Ninfa's if it's better than the franchises around the city and you'll get a resounding "yes." Local socials know to flock here by 7pm Sunday nights for the high-energy scene. Tex-Mex purists delight in the kitschy decor and Tecate. Still, those looking for great fajitas and love to watch the women make the tortillas are content with the whole enchilada.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

08/26/09

Just average, but prices are WAY ABOVE average

by TheBestCritic at Citysearch

I've been a Ninfa's on Navigation customer since the 70's, and I've seen the food, the service, and attitudes go down hill over the past 10 years. The food is average TexMex at best, the prices are very high relative to similar dishes in other TexMex restaurants. The wait staff is HORRIBLE; slow, poor, inattentive, and arrogant. They always push the "high dollar" margaritas so you'd better make sure you tell them exactly what you want. The place is DIRTY, the floors are always greasy and slick. Restrooms are deplorable, stay out of them. We've been in small groups most of the time (a friend always picks Ninfa's) and they stick us with "gratuity" added to our bill because we're a party of 6 or 8. The service is NEVER to the level of the gratuity. I suggest you go to many of the other TexMex restaurants available in Houston for 25-30% less. Bring back Mama Ninfa!!!!

  • Pros: Parking, flour tortillas, Sauces
  • Cons: Prices, Cleanliness, Service
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/16/09

good food, good margaritas

by BarryS at Citysearch

We always go eat at ninfas and eat the special alavery (sp) and awesome margaritas each time before we go to the Astros games.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/26/09

Best Mexican food

by peachburrito at Citysearch

Aside from my abuela's cooking, this is my favorite place in Houston for Mexican food. I love, love, love it!

  • Pros: Excellent food and service
  • Cons: Neighborhood not the safest

The Details on The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

What to Drink:

The lime-laden Ninfaritas. But watch out, because they pack a punch.

Category:

Mexican, Restaurants, Catering

Payment Methods:

Check, American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Mexican

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

Message from The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

  • Houston Mexican Restaurant
  • Voted Best Margaritas
  • Weekend Brunch/Outdoor Dining

Located on Navigation Boulevard just minutes from the heart of downtown Houston, the Original Ninfa's was all started with Mama Ninfa Laurenzo's creative TexMex recipes. These led to the introduction of fajitas & Mexican cuisine to North America which gained immediate success.

If you're looking for a Houston Mexican restaurant, Ninfa's on Navigation is not only a local icon, having serviced politicians, celebrities & even visiting royalty, their Mexican food is unbeatable. Chef Alex Padilla uses only top quality ingredients, like Mama Ninfa herself did, & fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood like red snapper, jumbo shrimp & more.

Voted Best Margaritas, you can enjoy Ninfaritas on the outdoor deck, dine on the best Mexican dishes & fajitas around & truly enjoy the great restaurant experience.

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