10 Best Places for Queso in Texas
Top Spots for the Ultimate Cheese Dip
Texas is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, and one dish that stands out is the beloved queso. This gooey, savory cheese dip has a special place in the hearts of many and is often considered a must-have when visiting the Lone Star State. From Tex-Mex restaurants to small-town eateries, there are countless spots where you can indulge in this delectable delight.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, discovering the best places for queso in Texas can elevate your dining experience. Each venue offers a unique twist on this classic dish, showcasing a blend of flavors and ingredients that make Texas queso truly exceptional. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore the top 10 places in Texas that serve up the finest queso.
1) Torchy's Tacos
Torchy's Tacos is a popular destination for queso lovers in Texas. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative menu, Torchy's offers a memorable queso experience.
At Torchy's, the green chile queso is a standout item. Made with perfectly melted cheese, green chiles, and a blend of spices, it delivers a rich and flavorful experience.
In addition to the classic option, you can add extras like guacamole, Diablo sauce, or chorizo to customize your queso.
The laid-back setting and friendly staff make it a perfect spot to enjoy with friends or family.
For contact details, visit the following:
Address: 1822 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 916-9025 Website: torchystacos.com
2) Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco, with its unique menu, stands out as a must-visit for queso lovers. Situated in a rustic-industrial setting, this restaurant offers an inventive take on classic flavors.
Their queso features a creamy blend of cheeses that pairs perfectly with their fresh, house-made tortillas. The addition of spices and unique ingredients makes it a memorable experience.
Velvet Taco is also well-known for its extensive taco menu. Be sure to try their "Picnic Chicken" taco, which complements the queso perfectly.
For those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal, Velvet Taco offers a selection of beers, sangrias, and margaritas. This makes it a great place for both casual lunches and evening gatherings.
To experience the queso at Velvet Taco, visit one of their locations. The Dallas outlet at 3012 N. Henderson Ave is one such spot, known for its lively atmosphere and top-tier food.
Contact Information:
Website: Velvet Taco
Address: 3012 N. Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
3) Curra's Grill
Curra's Grill, situated in Austin, Texas, is a cherished destination for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. Known for its diverse dining areas and a spacious patio, this restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
A standout dish at Curra's Grill is their queso flameado. This mouthwatering appetizer features melted jack cheese combined with peppers and chorizo, creating a flavorful and satisfying start to any meal.
The menu also boasts a variety of delectable main courses. Notable options include Punta de Filete, tenderloin chunks with mushrooms in chipotle sauce, and Camarones a la Margarita, shrimp cooked with chile pasilla and gold tequila.
Curra's Grill also prides itself on the freshness of its ingredients, with all their food made daily. The establishment has earned accolades such as "One of the Best Mexican Restaurants" by Texas Monthly and "Best Mexican Seafood" by the Austin-American Statesman.
Contact Details:
Address: 614 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 444-0012
Website: Curras Grill
4) Bob's Steak & Chop House
Bob's Steak & Chop House, renowned for its exceptional USDA Prime Midwestern corn-fed beef, offers a noteworthy dining experience.
This classic steakhouse atmosphere features crisp table linens, mahogany booths, and a polished bar that create a comfortable and refined setting.
While primarily known for its steaks, Bob's does not fall short when it comes to their queso.
Their queso is often paired with appetizers, offering a blend of creamy cheese, spices, and a satisfying texture that complements their savory dishes.
Personalized service and attention to detail are hallmarks of every visit to Bob's, ensuring that diners feel valued and satisfied.
Patrons not only rave about the steaks but also frequently mention the high quality of all their menu items, including their delicious queso.
Bob's Steak & Chop House locations can be found across Texas, with popular branches in cities like Dallas and San Antonio.
For those eager to taste their menu, the Dallas location has the following details:
Dallas Location:
Address: 4300 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 528-9446
Website: bobs-steakandchop.com
This makes it convenient for queso enthusiasts to find and enjoy some of the best offerings in a reputable and elegant setting.
5) The Original Ninfa's
The Original Ninfa's in Houston has been serving iconic Tex-Mex cuisine since 1973. Known for its grilled skirt steak and exceptional queso flameado, it has earned a place in Houston's culinary history.
Founded by "Mama" Ninfa Laurenzo, the restaurant is a staple for locals and visitors alike. It offers a menu with a mix of traditional and adventurous dishes.
The queso flameado is a must-try, featuring melted cheese and savory toppings. The pork carnitas are another popular choice, slow-cooked to perfection and served with green onions and avocado.
The Original Ninfa's has two locations in Houston. The historic Ninfa's on Navigation and a newer spot in Uptown. Both locations maintain the quality and charm that diners appreciate.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website or contact them directly.
Contact details:
Ninfa's on Navigation: 2704 Navigation Blvd., Houston, TX 77003
Ninfa's Uptown: 1700 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056
Website: ninfas.com
6) Matt's El Rancho
Matt's El Rancho has been a staple in Austin since the mid-1950s. It is widely recognized for its Tex-Mex offerings, particularly its famous Bob Armstrong Dip. This signature queso is a must-try for anyone visiting Austin.
The Bob Armstrong Dip is a unique blend of creamy queso, seasoned ground beef, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. This hearty, flavorful dip is perfect for sharing and showcases the rich culinary heritage of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Matt's El Rancho provides a welcoming ambiance with both indoor and outdoor dining options. The restaurant's longstanding history and consistent quality make it a reliable choice for queso lovers.
The restaurant is conveniently located at 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704. They are closed on Tuesdays but open the rest of the week with varying hours. For the latest updates and more details, you can visit their website.
Contact Details:
Phone: (512) 462-9333
Address: 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Website: Matt's El Rancho
7) Chuy's Restaurant
Chuy's Restaurant offers a delectable queso that stands out due to its rich blend of flavors.
Known for incorporating green chile and ranchero sauces, Chuy's queso is a delightful treat that packs a lot of taste.
Guests can enhance their queso experience by adding seasoned ground beef, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
This combination elevates the dish, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Chuy’s presence in Texas ensures easy access for queso lovers. It is loved for both dine-in and take-out options, allowing flexibility for different dining preferences.
Chuy's Restaurant
Address: Multiple locations across Texas
Website: Chuy’s
Contact Information: Varies by location, phone numbers provided on the website.
8) Uncle Julio's
Uncle Julio's is a renowned spot for enjoying some of the best queso in Texas. Known for its unique and rich blend, the queso at Uncle Julio's stands out with its creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors.
Customers often praise the tortilla chips that accompany the queso for being airy and crispy, making them the ideal match for the dip. The addition of fresh, hand-chopped vegetables enhances the overall dining experience.
Uncle Julio's locations across Texas, including Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth, consistently receive high reviews from patrons. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and taste has earned it accolades, further solidifying its reputation.
Uncle Julio’s also offers a vibrant dining atmosphere that caters to both casual diners and special events. Whether dining alone or with a group, the inviting ambiance and attentive service make every visit enjoyable.
Contact Details:
Website: Uncle Julio's
Address: 4125 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 520-6620
9) Meso Maya
Meso Maya is a celebrated spot for queso lovers in Dallas. Known for its authentic Mexican flavors, the restaurant offers a queso that has been praised for its exceptional taste and quality. The rich and creamy blend is perfect with their crispy tortilla chips, making it a must-try appetizer.
Chef-driven and committed to using fresh ingredients, Meso Maya's queso features a delightful mix of cheeses that melt smoothly into a uniformly delicious dip. This dish stands out in the competitive Dallas food scene, earning accolades from locals and visitors alike.
In addition to their famous queso, Meso Maya offers a variety of other Mexican dishes, each prepared with the same dedication to flavor and authenticity. This focus on quality extends to their entire menu, making Meso Maya a popular destination for those seeking genuine Mexican cuisine.
For those looking to taste this acclaimed queso or any other delicious offerings, Meso Maya is conveniently located in multiple spots around Dallas. The atmosphere complements the food, providing a comfortable and welcoming dining experience.
Contact Details:
Address: 11909 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX
Phone: (214) 748-7140
Website: Meso Maya
This restaurant remains a top choice for anyone craving high-quality queso in Dallas.
10) El Tiempo Cantina
El Tiempo Cantina has been a staple in Houston for over 55 years, known for its exceptional Tex-Mex offerings.
Their chile con queso stands out, featuring a rich blend of melted cheese, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes. This combination creates a smooth and flavorful dip that's hard to resist.
The atmosphere at El Tiempo Cantina is vibrant and welcoming, complementing the quality of their food perfectly.
The restaurant also offers a variety of other Tex-Mex dishes, but their queso remains a top choice among regulars and newcomers alike.
Contact Details:
Address: 3130 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: (713) 807-1600
Website: El Tiempo Cantina
History of Queso in Texas
Queso has long been a beloved staple in Texan cuisine, merging rich flavors with a unique cultural twist. This section explores its origins and highlights the regional variations within Texas.
Origins of Queso
Queso, short for chile con queso, originally made its way into American cuisine from Mexican roots. This creamy and cheesy delight likely began in the early 20th century, with San Antonio often cited as a significant starting point.
San Antonio restaurateur Otis Farnsworth is sometimes credited with popularizing a variant of queso. His silken cheese creation laid the foundation for what Texans now hold dear.
The fusion of Mexican culinary traditions and local Texan flavors is what makes queso such an iconic dish. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple cheese dip to a complex blend of various ingredients, including peppers, spices, and, sometimes, meats.
Regional Variations in Texas
Different areas in Texas bring their unique touch to queso. In San Antonio, for instance, Queso Flameado is popular at La Gloria, known for its rich, meaty flavor. This variation is similar to queso fundido and often flamed tableside for added flair.
Austin boasts places like Kerbey Lane Cafe, which serves a classic, straightforward queso with optional add-ins such as guacamole and pico de gallo.
In College Station, The G-Q at Mad Taco blends a wide array of spices and meats, offering a robust and hearty version. Additionally, chiles verdes con queso — featuring green chiles — adds a distinctive Tex-Mex touch in many local spots.
Thus, while queso remains a unifying dish across Texas, each region imparts its signature spin, contributing to its statewide love and versatility. Each bite tells a story of cultural fusion and local pride.
Queso Ingredients and Variations
When it comes to queso, the essentials lie in its traditional and innovative ingredients. Different regions and chefs add their unique touch to create diverse and delightful versions.
Traditional Ingredients
At its core, traditional queso uses melted cheese as the primary component. Common varieties include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and American cheese.
Basic chilies like green chilies or jalapeños add a mild to moderate heat level. Occasionally, diced tomatoes or Ro-tel bring added flavor and texture.
Spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and paprika elevate the flavor profile of this creamy, savory dip. Often, a roux made from butter and flour ensures proper consistency.
Innovative Twists and Additions
Modern renditions of queso often incorporate unexpected additions like meats (chorizo or ground beef). Some even add seafood such as crab or shrimp.
Diverse sauces like a tequila-infused chimichurri or salsa verde complement the cheese. Vegetarian options may include roasted peppers, corn, or black beans.
Alcohol-infused quesos, featuring beer or tequila, deliver a unique kick. Bold flavors from herbs and spices, such as cilantro or smoked paprika, diversify the traditional taste.
Some variations also experiment with non-traditional cheeses, like goat cheese or blue cheese, adding new textures and flavors to the mix.
Queso Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Queso is a versatile cheese dip that's perfect with various accompaniments. Here are some popular pairings and the best ways to serve this delicious dip.
Popular Pairings
Queso pairs excellently with tortilla chips. The crispy texture of the chips complements the creamy, melted cheese. Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and celery sticks also make great dippers, adding a fresh crunch.
For a more hearty option, queso is delicious with soft pretzels. The saltiness of the pretzels enhances the cheese flavor. In Texas, it's popular to pair queso with barbecued meats like brisket or sausage. The smoky flavors meld beautifully with the rich cheese.
For a unique twist, consider baguette slices, which can absorb the smoky, savory flavors of advanced queso recipes like queso fundido.
Best Ways to Serve Queso
Serving queso properly ensures it stays warm and melted. Chafing dishes or slow cookers are excellent for maintaining the ideal temperature. If serving a large crowd, consider using individual bowls to keep the cheese creamy for each serving.
Including a variety of dipping options can enhance the queso experience. Create a platter with different chips, pretzels, and vegetables to offer your guests a personalized dipping experience.
For garnishment, sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños. This adds fresh flavors and a pop of color. Always ensure you have enough dippers and serve with plenty of napkins, as queso can be delightfully messy.
