Tila's Mexican Restaurante & Bar

a night(mare) out for dinner 5/20/2010

by time2shine at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

A group of friends and I (in total 11 people) visited Tila's yesterday (Thursday evening). It was a birthday celebration that had been arranged between the birthday girl and Tila on the phone. We had reservations and were promptly seated. Dinner was ordered and served correctly and the food was okay. It is nothing special that will have you leaving wanting more. Well, the portions were small so you may want more. My friend brought a birthday cake and her own plates that we picked up for a few bucks from the grocery store. We served the cake and ate it. Please keep in mind the waiter did see you serve the cake, sing happy birthday and everything. So, the staff of Tila's then brings out a HORRIBLE raspberry flavored cake for the birthday girl. We sat there and opened gifts...then the checks came. The bills ranged from $14-$25, which was expected. What we didn't expect was the shocking move that the restaurant manager and our waiter did next. They served the birthday girl two bills. One for her meal, the next for the birthday cake we brought. $15 DOLLARS!! This is not a joke. No where on their menu, website or during the dinner did it say anything about a fee for bringing your own cake. The manager compared us bringing the 5 dollar cake to bringing your own bottle of wine to a restaurant (mind you we are all under 20), or bringing your own food to a restaurant. First of all, we were never informed or even warned during dinner of the potential fee. I am just shocked. My friend and I began to question the manager and he was the absolute rudest man i have ever met!!!!! He treated us terribly. I believe it was because we were teenagers. I will never go back to this restaurant. They claim they base their restaurant on a family atmosphere. NO! I recommend finding a nice up scale restaurant where customer service comes first, then making money. We paid the $15, after the manager told me he would take it off. He failed to comply. Tila, the restaurant owner was not in, but she will be recieveing a phone call! I hate that my friend's birthday dinner had to end the way it did. DO NOT GO TO TILA'S! Pros: okay food, good chips and salsa Cons: terrible customer service, food portions small more

Reply | Report abuse |

Tila's is Best in Houston 4/16/2010

by WBSkidmore at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

What can I say? Every time I have been to Tila's it has been fantastic. The menu has a great authentic feel with a wide variety of flavors and foods for everyone. From the first time I have been over 8 years ago till now it has been amazing. Starting of from the time you arrive until the time you leave the service is great! You will enjoy the atmosphere outside on cool summer nights with the small chimeneas to the blankets and heaters available. Also, the tequila list is long and has a wide variety, which makes a great option for their margaritas. One thing that really captured me was the fried plantains tucked away in the bucket of thin, crispy chips cooked to perfection. The red and green sauces for dipping are mucho delicioso, but I prefer the red over the green because it is spicy. The owner is great as well! She will come by and talk to you, make some great recommendations for what you like and help match with a great margarita. The food is simply divine and as i said covers a wide variety, which I love. I have been there many weeks and I feel like I am becoming a regular to one of the best places in Houston. I cant wait to go back and have some of their tres leches, or Tila-Misu!!! Forget about the traditional Tex-Mex and take a break from the Houston hustle and bustle and escape with a nice Margarita to Tila's right off of Shepherd and Memorial! Pros: Great food, great atmosphere, great service, Cons: You have to leave...eventually more

Reply | Report abuse |

Tila's is Best in Houston 4/15/2010

by WBSkidmore at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

What can I say? Every time I have been to Tila's it has been fantastic. The menu has a great authentic feel with a wide variety of flavors and foods for everyone. From the first time I have been over 8 years ago till now it has been amazing. Starting of from the time you arrive until the time you leave the service is great! You will enjoy the atmosphere outside on cool summer nights with the small chimeneas to the blankets and heaters available. Also, the tequila list is long and has a wide variety, which makes a great option for their margaritas. One thing that really captured me was the fried plantains tucked away in the bucket of thin, crispy chips cooked to perfection. The red and green sauces for dipping are mucho delicioso, but I prefer the red over the green because it is spicy. The owner is great as well! She will come by and talk to you, make some great recommendations for what you like and help match with a great margarita. The food is simply divine and as i said covers a wide variety, which I love. I have been there many weeks and I feel like I am becoming a regular to one of the best places in Houston. I cant wait to go back and have some of their tres leches, or Tila-Misu!!! Forget about the traditional Tex-Mex and take a break from the Houston hustle and bustle and escape with a nice Margarita to Tila's right off of Shepherd and Memorial! Pros: Great food, great atmosphere, great service, Cons: You have to leave...eventually more

Reply | Report abuse |

Fantastic restaurant 2/11/2010

by WDallas at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

I frequently visit Tila's for lunch and dinner. This time, the day was late, and my date and I went just to try out several varieties of the restaurant's tequilas at the bar. Our bartender, Roberto, was very knowledgeable, attentive, friendly and offered great advice. Then, we had the privilege of spending some time with the owner, Tila. She was absolutely delightful and genuinely interested in our experience. I have never been disappointed when visiting Tila's and heartily recommend it without hesitation. Pros: Wonderfully friendly owner, great selection of tequilas more

Reply | Report abuse |

Fantastic restaurant 2/10/2010

by WDallas at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

I frequently visit Tila's for lunch and dinner. This time, the day was late, and my date and I went just to try out several varieties of the restaurant's tequilas at the bar. Our bartender, Roberto, was very knowledgeable, attentive, friendly and offered great advice. Then, we had the privilege of spending some time with the owner, Tila. She was absolutely delightful and genuinely interested in our experience. I have never been disappointed when visiting Tila's and heartily recommend it without hesitation. Pros: Wonderfully friendly owner, great selection of tequilas Cons: None more

Reply | Report abuse |

TILA - THE OWNER - needs Psychological HELP! 2/4/2010

by LainaC at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

My fiance and I went to dinner at Tila's 2/4/2010, and we had previously purchased a $25 coupon from restaurant dot com that we had planned to use that night. After we handed the coupon to the server with the check, he said that they had no longer done business w/ Restaurant dot com and he had to notify Tila (The owner) to see if she would accept it. Tila came over to our table, with a laminated sign (that she must have been keeping in the kitchen, rather than a place where customers could notice) and after rudely telling us that our coupon was no longer accepted at her restaurant (despite the fact that we had already paid for it online), she stooped to the level of asking my fiance if he knew how to read (she was pointing to her 12 pt. font sign that was posted nowhere near the entrance). My fiance then stated calmly ""Since we were not notified of the terminated business partnership between Restaurant dot com and Tila's, I can only agree to pay you in excess of the $25 coupon that I already paid for."" Tila then glared at him and stated SARCASTICALLY ""Wow. Well thanks for being so understanding!!!"" and stormed off. After she returned back with a $25 gift card (like we would EVER go back there after this) I asked her why she felt the need to insult and offend us IN FRONT OF OTHER CUSTOMERS as well! She then asked me ""What did I do??? I didn't mean to be sarcastic!!"" That must have been her 45th personality, that was a bit more empathetic than #44. Then as my fiance stated that he was not going to walk out on the bill, but rather leave a $20 to more than make up for difference - she then told us ""I don't need people like you! I don't care if you don't come back""! We are a bit more mature than she is by a long shot, so as not to disturb other fellow diners, we walked out quietly, leaving the looney bin behind us for good. Then as we neared the door Tila loudly yelled ""THIS IS EMBARRASSING!!!!!!"" To which I replied ""You SHOULD be embarrassed!"" So out of sheer principle, I refuse to spend my hard-earned money to benefit a person that CLEARLY doesn't appreciate the business. Pros: Good Food Cons: The Owner is UNBELIEVABLY RUDE more

Reply | Report abuse |

TILA - THE OWNER - needs Psychological HELP! 2/3/2010

by LainaC at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

My fiance and I went to dinner at Tila's 2/4/2010, and we had previously purchased a $25 coupon from restaurant dot com that we had planned to use that night. After we handed the coupon to the server with the check, he said that they had no longer done business w/ Restaurant dot com and he had to notify Tila (The owner) to see if she would accept it. Tila came over to our table, with a laminated sign (that she must have been keeping in the kitchen, rather than a place where customers could notice) and after rudely telling us that our coupon was no longer accepted at her restaurant (despite the fact that we had already paid for it online), she stooped to the level of asking my fiance if he knew how to read (she was pointing to her 12 pt. font sign that was posted nowhere near the entrance). My fiance then stated calmly "Since we were not notified of the terminated business partnership between Restaurant dot com and Tila's, I can only agree to pay you in excess of the $25 coupon that I already paid for." Tila then glared at him and stated SARCASTICALLY "Wow. Well thanks for being so understanding!!!" and stormed off. After she returned back with a $25 gift card (like we would EVER go back there after this) I asked her why she felt the need to insult and offend us IN FRONT OF OTHER CUSTOMERS as well! She then asked me "What did I do??? I didn't mean to be sarcastic!!" That must have been her 45th personality, that was a bit more empathetic than #44. Then as my fiance stated that he was not going to walk out on the bill, but rather leave a $20 to more than make up for difference - she then told us "I don't need people like you! I don't care if you don't come back"! We are a bit more mature than she is by a long shot, so as not to disturb other fellow diners, we walked out quietly, leaving the looney bin behind us for good. Then as we neared the door Tila loudly yelled "THIS IS EMBARRASSING!!!!!!" To which I replied "You SHOULD be embarrassed!" So out of sheer principle, I refuse to spend my hard-earned money to benefit a person that CLEARLY doesn't appreciate the business. Pros: Good Food Cons: The Owner is UNBELIEVABLY RUDE more

Reply | Report abuse |

Amazing Dining Experience - Food & Service FABULOUS!! 11/1/2009

by Victoria Schlesinger at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

My mom and I went to Tilas and had an amazing experience!! We brought the dog so we had to sit outside... Tilas brough me a blanket and a personal heater to keep warm...then brough doggy treats and water for the dog. And then recommended the BEST margaritas we have ever had! Delicious. My mom had the cheese souffle (yummy) and I had a Carne Asada which were both definite ""do overs!"" overall an exceptional dining experience!! Definitely a place you should try in Houston! Pros: Extra service, blanket, personal heater, recommendations... more

Reply | Report abuse |

Amazing Dining Experience - Food & Service FABULOUS!! 10/31/2009

by Victoria Schlesinger at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

My mom and I went to Tilas and had an amazing experience!! We brought the dog so we had to sit outside... Tilas brough me a blanket and a personal heater to keep warm...then brough doggy treats and water for the dog. And then recommended the BEST margaritas we have ever had! Delicious. My mom had the cheese souffle (yummy) and I had a Carne Asada which were both definite "do overs!" overall an exceptional dining experience!! Definitely a place you should try in Houston! Pros: Extra service, blanket, personal heater, recommendations... Cons: None more

Reply | Report abuse |

Great Food and Wine 4/6/2009

by springsteenfan2009 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

95% of Mexican Restaurants in Houston are Tex-Mex. This one is real authentic Mexican food and it is delicious. It is a great place to take a date. It has good atmosphere, and the service is outstanding. I had the rotiserre half chicken and I had to take some of it home because I got full. It is also reasonablly priced so you can be cheap without appearing to be cheap. I highly reccommed this restaurant. Pros: Best Real Mexican Food in Town more

Reply | Report abuse |

Great Food and Wine 4/5/2009

by springsteenfan2009 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

95% of Mexican Restaurants in Houston are Tex-Mex. This one is real authentic Mexican food and it is delicious. It is a great place to take a date. It has good atmosphere, and the service is outstanding. I had the rotiserre half chicken and I had to take some of it home because I got full. It is also reasonablly priced so you can be cheap without appearing to be cheap. I highly reccommed this restaurant. Pros: Best Real Mexican Food in Town Cons: None more

Reply | Report abuse |

bad reviews disappearing 4/2/2009

by noname2003 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

I find it interesting that the bad reviews I have seen on here have disappeared. Guess what DON'T GO HERE! The other reviews are FAKES! The service is usually very good, the food is really good. BUT THE INTRUSIVE OWNER IS RIDICULOUS! I read one review on here about a month ago that stated she kept jarring on person's chair and yelled at them to move their table over because she felt the other table was more ""VIP"" than theirs. The review a friend of mine wrote about our event there basically said this: She overcharged us, she didn't follow the contract we had with her and argued with me despite being presented with the contract we both signed, and was just rude. She yelled at her servers in front of us!!! DONT GO HERE. plus the parking is terrible too! The food may be good, but the atmosphere does not make up for it. It might as well be one of those Richard's Last Resort restaurants. (it is actually the other name for someone named richard but the website wouldn't let me post it) Pros: good service Cons: THE OWNER more

Reply | Report abuse |

bad reviews disappearing 4/1/2009

by noname2003 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

I find it interesting that the bad reviews I have seen on here have disappeared. Guess what DON'T GO HERE! The other reviews are FAKES! The service is usually very good, the food is really good. BUT THE INTRUSIVE OWNER IS RIDICULOUS! I read one review on here about a month ago that stated she kept jarring on person's chair and yelled at them to move their table over because she felt the other table was more "VIP" than theirs. The review a friend of mine wrote about our event there basically said this: She overcharged us, she didn't follow the contract we had with her and argued with me despite being presented with the contract we both signed, and was just rude. She yelled at her servers in front of us!!! DONT GO HERE. plus the parking is terrible too! The food may be good, but the atmosphere does not make up for it. It might as well be one of those Richard's Last Resort restaurants. (it is actually the other name for someone named richard but the website wouldn't let me post it) Pros: good service Cons: THE OWNER more

Reply | Report abuse |

Perfect for brunch on a nice day 3/25/2009

by vanillabean18 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

We sat outside on the patio for brunch, and it was a very nice atmosphere. I had chilequiles with scrambled egg which was delicious! My bf had the juevos rancheros and he was equally impressed. The margaritas were good as well. Bloody mary is too spicy though. Pros: Good food, nice waiters Cons: Restrooms. more

Reply | Report abuse |

Perfect for brunch on a nice day 3/24/2009

by vanillabean18 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

We sat outside on the patio for brunch, and it was a very nice atmosphere. I had chilequiles with scrambled egg which was delicious! My bf had the juevos rancheros and he was equally impressed. The margaritas were good as well. Bloody mary is too spicy though. Pros: Good food, nice waiters Cons: Restrooms. more

Reply | Report abuse |

Very boring cuisine 2/27/2009

by Anon8 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

Chips and salsa very stale and bland. No spice. El Tiempo is a much better value. Service can be erratic. Pros: Location Cons: Food more

Reply | Report abuse |

Very boring cuisine 2/26/2009

by Anon8 at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

Chips and salsa very stale and bland. No spice. El Tiempo is a much better value. Service can be erratic. Pros: Location Cons: Food more

Reply | Report abuse |

best waiter in a mexican restaurant 9/6/2008

by dollyhouston at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

i just recently went to a great mexican restaurant on the curve of south shepherd in the river oaks this weekend. my husband and our freinds were so impressed by the food and most important the waiter we had. His name was Frank and he remembered all of our names at the table. We ordered one of all the specials he mentioned to us. His tequila knowledge blew us away not being latino, we were wowed especially by his little jokes. Tila sure can cook! This food is no TexMex. If you want a real mole sauce, Tila has got it! Ask for Frank if you want to be treated like royalty! Dont forget the plates are hot, like Frank said to my wife, This plate is muy calliente, just like you! I can only say ask for Frank, eat here, and be ready to have good food great service and a good time..... Pros: staff is good if you have frank or roberto Cons: small portions more

Reply | Report abuse |

best waiter in a mexican restaurant 9/6/2008

by dollyhouston at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

i just recently went to a great mexican restaurant on the curve of south shepherd in the river oaks this weekend. my husband and our freinds were so impressed by the food and most important the waiter we had. His name was Frank and he remembered all of our names at the table. We ordered one of all the specials he mentioned to us. His tequila knowledge blew us away not being latino, we were wowed especially by his little jokes. Tila sure can cook! This food is no TexMex. If you want a real mole sauce, Tila has got it! Ask for Frank if you want to be treated like royalty! Dont forget the plates are hot, like Frank said to my wife, This plate is muy calliente, just like you! I can only say ask for Frank, eat here, and be ready to have good food great service and a good time..... Pros: staff is good if you have frank or roberto Cons: small portions more

Reply | Report abuse |

Great Food, Service and Tequila! 8/6/2008

by Tgiampaolo at Citysearch Provided by Citysearch

My husband and I were looking for a new place to meet some friends for dinner and tequila tasting when we found Tila's. We had the best time sampling tequilas and eating some great mexican food! We ordered several appetizers, carne asada and chicken enchilades, all of which were incredible. Then was the true test of a mexican restaurant......the margarita. Most places use sweet & sour and call it a ""margarita"". I was thrilled when I found out that Tila makes REAL margaritas, no sweet & sour to be found! If you're looking for great food, service and tequila then Tila's is for you! Frank took care of us all night and before we knew it, we had been there for almost 4 wonderful hours. I can't wait to go back for more! Thanks Tila's!! Pros: Great Selection of Tequilas & Authentic Margaritas Cons: None that we could find more

Reply | Report abuse |

Best	Delicious! I was delighted by going to this restaurant recently with my sister! We love it! Everything is outstanding! We are going to go for my birthday celebration, because we love it so m...
Worst	Unimpressed Being a Texan, I have eaten my fair share of Mexican, Tex-Mex, Latin Inspired, whatever you want to call it type food. Pros: Was not busy at lunch. Cons: Value

1111 S Shepherd Dr (at McDuffie Street) Houston, TX 77019

Best

Worst

a night(mare) out for dinner 5/20/2010

Tila's is Best in Houston 4/16/2010

Tila's is Best in Houston 4/15/2010

Fantastic restaurant 2/11/2010

Fantastic restaurant 2/10/2010

TILA - THE OWNER - needs Psychological HELP! 2/4/2010

TILA - THE OWNER - needs Psychological HELP! 2/3/2010

Amazing Dining Experience - Food & Service FABULOUS!! 11/1/2009

Amazing Dining Experience - Food & Service FABULOUS!! 10/31/2009

Great Food and Wine 4/6/2009

Great Food and Wine 4/5/2009

bad reviews disappearing 4/2/2009

bad reviews disappearing 4/1/2009

Perfect for brunch on a nice day 3/25/2009

Perfect for brunch on a nice day 3/24/2009

Very boring cuisine 2/27/2009

Very boring cuisine 2/26/2009

best waiter in a mexican restaurant 9/6/2008

best waiter in a mexican restaurant 9/6/2008

Great Food, Service and Tequila! 8/6/2008

ABOUT

OUR SERVICES

MY ACCOUNT

EXPLORE BY CATEGORY

ALL LOCATIONS

1111 S Shepherd Dr (at McDuffie Street)

Houston, TX 77019