Sylvia's Enchiladas, located at 12637 Westheimer Rd, Ste 140, Houston, TX, 77077, is located just west of the Westheimer and Dairy Ashford intersections in the bustling Westchase section of Houston. Tucked away in a strip mall, incongruously located next to a giant McDonald's, it's easy to miss this cozy eatery amid the convenience stores and fast food joints that clog the landscape.
Step inside, though, and the frenetic energy of the outside disappears. Inside the light is soft, and the hum of conversation is punctuated by the clink of silverware and the rattle of ice cubes. You'll be greeted warmly, perhaps by Sylvia herself. A trim, aristocratic woman, Sylvia practices hands-on management, personally querying diners as to their experience. Indeed, her presence is felt throughout the establishment, from the quaint collections of miniature tea sets artfully arranged in the nooks and crannies of the dining room to the framed portraits of the proprietress smiling down on diners from the surrounding walls.
Service is responsive and patrons are usually seated immediately. However, as Sylvia's becomes more and more popular, there are nominal wait times of ten-fifteen minutes at peak times, so plan to arrive early during these times.
Bottomless baskets of tortilla chips are served with bowls of salsa, which is a good thing because the smells wafting from the kitchen will soon have your stomach growling.
The menu boasts 18 varieties of enchiladas, from the classic enchilada entrée featuring cheese, chicken, or beef enchiladas with chili gravy, to the more exotic offerings such as Enchiladas Tampico, an enchilada loaded with tender, sautéed shrimp and topped with a Spanish-style sauce. My personal favorite are the Enchiladas Monterrey, stuffed with a succulent filling of melted Monterrey Jack cheese and smothered in Salsa Espanola, a red salsa with beefy chunks of tomatoes. (Beef and chicken are also available for carnivores.) The Crystal City enchiladas are just as tasty, bursting with fresh spinach and covered in a tomatilla sauce. Classic Mexican fare such as tacos, chalupas, and quesadillas aren't forgotten, either, cooked up with just as much care and flavor as their enchilada counterparts.
Be sure to save room for dessert. Sylvia's is known for its Tres Leches dessert and serves two varieties - pastel and chocolate. Creamy flan topped with a warm caramel sauce, sopapillas, and chocolate cake are also great ways to end your meal.
Dining is casual and the entrées are reasonably priced, with the average cost being around $10. There's a fully stocked bar with the requisite frosty margaritas, and an outdoor dining area as well.
For a complete menu and more information, visit Sylvia's on the web at http://www.sylviasenchiladakitchen.com/.
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