Irma's Original - Houston Texas

Irma Gonzalez Galvan, a widowed mother of 4, started a small sandwich shop in downtown Houston in 1982 to try to make ends meet during some hard times. Soon she changed the menu to Mexican food and not long after that had her children working with her. The result all these years later is a restaurant with personal touches that serves amazing and more authentic Mexican food than you find at many places.

I had perused their menu online and had an idea of what I wanted. When I got there my guy said they don't really use menus (the chef changes it daily) and so we sort of discussed what I was going to have. That's all well and good if money is no object (this is not a cheap taco stand). Anyway, I knew that I wanted a tamale so we started there.

I'm going to say right off the bat that this was the best tamale I have ever had. The masa was so moist as to melt in my mouth. There was a good amount of beef inside and lots of cheese, sauce and toppings but it is all about the tender masa. Picture me amazed!

Next up was a couple of Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos. These are now also on my best ever list at least among the totality of tacos that I remember!

There was a ton (OK not a literal ton) of perfectly grilled fish. It was nicely salty and rich and the taco came with all the fixings but it was hard to focus on anything but the fish. Best tacos ever?

Before all of this, I had been served chips and salsa. To my surprise, they weren't house-made but the salsa was great.

This was an exceptionally cool place, The staff were excellent and seemed to know everyone who came through the door. I arrived a little after 11 am and sat at the bar but by 11:20 or 11:45 on a Wednesday morning the place was already full.

My tab for a tamale and 2 tacos was $27.50. A little steep but not bad considering the quality and sheer delisiosity of the food! I knew it was coming because I had looked online but if you hadn't you might have a bit of a shock. I guess it's like a Rolls Royce dealership where if you have to ask, you can't afford it. 

For what it's worth, I give Irma's 4 1/2 out of 5. The food is amazing but the no menu thing is kind of bullshit. Use a chalkboard.