Santos The Taste of Mexico

I used to go to a popular Mexican food stop here in Cypress until a local food critic friend took me to Santos. It was so good that I haven't been back to my local eatery since. I go EVERY week and have NEVER been disappointed in any way. Fajitas for 1 will easily feed 2 with food to spare. I have brought over 115 people there in the last year and all of them agree that it is the best. I have been a regular for 3 years and will continue until they throw me out. Pros: Margaritas to die for and large portions of great food Cons: being on Westheimer more

I was excited to find a good margarita, like the ones we used to get at Ninfa's years ago. This place has them. So far, I've tried the enchiladas (Verdes and Spinach), tostados and taco al carbon and the food has always been delectable. Chips are fresh, not greasy and the red and green sauces are good. The drinks and food are what keep me going back. However, on the last few visits the noise level from the LOUD piped in music is keeping me from regularly visiting this restaurant. On one weekday evening visit, the music was so loud that I could not even hold a dinner conversation with my dining guest. When I asked if it could be turned down some, the waitress informed me No and that I should hear how loud it is played on the weekends. Well my wife and I just returned from a Sunday lunch, and the previous waitress had been correct. With only a handful of people in the restaurant, the music was blaring, as if we were at a dance club. The folks at the larger round table next to us were shouting at the tops of their voices in order to be heard across their table. Also, know that the service is very inconsistent between waiters/waitresses. Go here knowing that you'll get good food, but find the service and ambiance lacking. Pros: Great magaritas Cons: Noise level way to HIGH more

I love Mexican food and like to try new places. My friend and I had passed this place on numerous occassions and kept saying that we would try it. We walked in and it was just about empty, which should have been our first clue, it was a Sunday afternoon. We did finally get seated, andeven after being seated it took some time for our orders to be taken . The chips and salsa were brought out and my friend pointed out that the red sauce was hot it was heated, I don't know what the green sauce was, but it was terrible. I love chips and salsa, this was the first time both were not refilled and barely touched.We both ordered the chicken soup, how could you go wrong with soup, well it was greasy and had no flavor, I added all my pico de gallo and it did nothing for it. Pros: parking Cons: price taste service more

I've been going to Santos weekly for the last year. It seems to be getting better and better. Richard Santos works his tail off keeping the quality at such a high level. The fajitas are to die for and the tortilla soup is great. Everyone I bring has raved about the food. Don't take my word for it, give it a try. more

Food was above average, but, then should be for the price is above average,also. Fajitas, 1/2 lb. $16.95, 5 butterflied shrimp..$21.95. Margaritas were above average. Biggest complaint,,,noise. When you are paying above average, you expect better that ""cafeteria"" atmosphere. WAY too noisy. Even though it was hot ,we sat outside as the noise was overwheming. Food was rushed, we felt hurried....like we were in a cafeteria, not a fine restaurant. So..Good food, prices would be totaly acceptable if atmosphere were more like fine dining. Pros: food very good , margaritas good Cons: too high prices for Cafeteria-like atmosphere more

Santos is just another tex-mex joint in Houston and not one of the best. It is not authentic mexican. The service was fine; drinks were refilled promptly. The overall food quality was poor. Carnitas were overcooked and dry. The salsas were also pretty weak. The best thing they have are they're corn tortillas; they are fresh and tasty. more

I was skeptical because the newspaper said it was great and these reviews were mixed. We went there at 6:45 and were seated almost immediately. It had a warm inviting atmosphere. Chips and sauces were great. Drinks were perfect and prompt. The appetizers and dinner were as ordered and great. I couldn't ask for better service or food. I met the owner as I was leaving and enjoyed a short conversation with him. I recommend it highly. Pros: Great food and service more

The service is horrible. My wife ordered soup. It came with an obsene amount of mushrooms in it. When she told the waiter that she didnt like the soup, he started arguing with her that the menu said it had mushroom in it. He then proceeded to shove a menu in my wife's face to prove she was wrong. I told the waiter to stop and that he made his point. After that i gave my wife the rest of my plate. She had lost her appitite by that time. When i complained to the Manager, who was some young guy, he seemed indifferent. He did take the soup off but never said sorry or anything. He sent the same rude waiter out to take care of the bill. Considering the quality of the food and the service, this place is way over priced. The margarita's were average at best. I WILL NEVER GO BACK AGAIN and you shouldn't either!!!!! Pros: Nothing Cons: Service Horrible Food and Margarita's average at best more

I went there for my Birthday Lunch because I had heard nothing but good things about it. The place was empty yet the service was slow. Slow to refill drinks, and never brought more tortillas even though we asked for them. Also, the margaritas were lacking flavor and were very sour/bitter. I tried the ""World Famous Lump Crab Quesadilla"" and not only were they expensive, they were VERY FISHY!!! I could not even finish one. I told the waiter about how bad they were and his only response was OK. Not worth the time and definitely not worth the money. My birthday celebration was dampened and I was embarrassed for picking such a poor restaurant. I will not recommend this place to anyone. Pros: Has outside seating Cons: Overpriced for quality of food and service more

I heard about this on a automotive radio program and I must say that I'm glad I did. I was an original Ninfa's lover and sure missed the food until I found out that Santos had Ninfa family member that brought the original recipes to them. I was in heaven!! Great food good service and large portions. It is a weekly event now. Pros: Great food Cons: Traffic more

I have been to Santos many times and they have always done a great job of handling customers regardless of how many people they had. I can also say that when a restaurant fills up very fast you should not be in a hurry. They have waiters with many years experience and on a regular basis they give great service. I don't understand why people complain about an automatic tip for parties of 8 or more as it is very plainly written on their menu. I eat out everyday being single and I am very observant about how people act and when someone complains about the service they just don't want to tip and when you order extra sides how can you possibly expect to not pay for it. I have also eaten the Grilled Shrimp at Santos and every time I ate them they had grill marks on them and tasted like Mesquite as that is how they prepare them. The food is fabulous and many of my friends who have gone there have unslocited called me to tell me what a great dining experience they had at Santos. Pros: Great food, great service, and great atmosphere! Cons: Can get crowded at lunch ,don't be in a hurry at lunch time if it is crowded! more

Poor sevice for group of people Pros: Ok food. Cons: Poor customer service, rude staff, unable to handle large crowds and do not listen to clients more

Wow, all I can say is that I will honestly never go to another mexican restaraunt in my life, cause this place is the best one around! The food was off the charts good I had the BIG Santos for 3 people and we had enough food for atleast 5 people. It has everything you would want all the meats all the seafood and it even came with a great lobster tail, and Im not a real big seafood fan but this was amazing. The margaritas were strong and cheap to during happy hour, trust me I had 2 of them and I was good. I would highly recommend this restaraunt to anyone that wants good authentic mexican food and great drinks! Pros: Great food, great service, and great atmosphere! Cons: Bathroom was to far from bar but not a problem more

I've had the cheese enchiladas two times, and both times they were delicious. They use red corn tortillas, which give the dish a unique flavor. As the commercial says ""salsa so good you can eat it with a spoon."" This is so true. And the strawberry margaritas are just the right balance of tequila and sweet stuff. Richard and Mary, the owners, have done a fabulous job building a devoted clientele. I only wish they had a location inside the loop. Pros: plenty of parking, spacious seating, friendly staff, variety of menu items Cons: no inner loop location more

This is not the best mexican restaurant you can go to!!! Cons: food quality more

Great trays with fajitas, lobster, shrimp and quail. A+ magaritas and good service made it a good night. more

I've been to Santos probably 5 or 6 times now, and each time its excellent all around. Their service has been perfect. I usually go for lunch and take clients and they always love it as well. The food comes out promptly and is always made to perfection. I haven't found anything bad on the menu yet. Only been for dinner once but the experience was just as great. Check it out if you are looking for someplace new to find great tex mex at very good prices. Pros: excellent shrimp, great fajitas, excellent atmosphere more

This is an exceptional restaurant and don't be afraid to try the seafood, it rocks! The crab quesidillas are exquisite. The fried shrimp topped with crabmeat ain't too bad either. Great menu, lots of choices and ALL great! I eat there about three times a weeks, slowly working my way through the entire menu and it's a great trip too! There just aren't enough superlatives to do them justice. Margaritas pack a bunch and taste like margaritas. more

If you haven't tried Santos yet, you need to!! Food is excellent. Great overall experience. more

The food was exceptional good. However, the noise level was a majpr distracting factor. I geve this place a ""not recommended"" due to the intense noise level. Pros: excellent food Cons: intense objectional n, not a good place to more