As close to authentic as you can get. Ordered at the counter, cashier is fluent bilingual, answered all of our questions to help us make our breakfast choices. Food was brought out very quickly, as it was ready, but not in a way that the first person was done eating by the time the last thing came out. The server was attentive but not chatty. Since I hadn't had coffee yet, that was fine by me. I felt the need to add salt to my food, but my husband thought it was perfect as is. It's definitely easier to add salt, so it's all good. The coffee is served with a big milk dispenser, but I considered the coffee good enough to drink black. Strong, but not bitter nor burnt tasting. The menudo was really good with lots of tripe. I was disappointed it didn't have hominy, but my daughter, who picks the hominy out, was thrilled. The breakfast tacos were tasty and just the right size. A dehebrada taco on corn was very flavorful.
The place has an assortment of different sized tables. It wasn't packed, and we easily found a table despite there being plenty of people. I would guess the majority of the people eating there were Hispanic, but I saw a couple of other ethnicities represented, and the pick-up counter was constantly busy. I'll definitely come back and try other things.
On our annual trips to Isla Mujeres (off Cancun in Mexico), we eat 60% of our meals at this food stand where Mayra sells memelas with fresh pressed masa. Another spot we frequent has literally the best beef burritos and birria tacos. You can imagine we miss them every time we leave.
So we embarked on our mission to find a comparable spot here in Houston. After all, we're the closest metropolis to Cancun.
There are quite a few taco spots in the geographical rectangle encased by Clay and West Little York, between Highway 6 and Gessner, and Tacos La Bala is one of them. There 3 other locations throughout Houston, and we tried out this spot.
The restaurant is clean, and while service isn't overly friendly, it's fine. The menu is in both English and Spanish. The hubby commented that he likes how they wash the outsides of the sauce bottles (no drips or grease). The ordering is counter service.
I was curious about the cecina plate but no one had posted a picture of it so I didn't want to risk it with a lower turnover item.
We also asked for tacos with homemade corn tortilla. The tortilla itself tasted more like a mix between masa (corn flour) and flour, and while that wasn't up to snuff, we reminded ourselves that we are not in Mexico, and it was plenty good.
Onto the tacos we got:
- Tripa crispy, 1/5 - got this per reviews but this was pretty much just fried fat. I couldn't finish it.
- Cochinita pibil, 4.5/5 - easytop choice! Best flavors and not as greasy
- Lengua, 3.5/5 - pretty good
- Barbacoa, 4/5 - good flavors but a bit too greasy for me
I just realized they didn’t give us any cotija cheese on our tacos. What the.
I was surprised that the sauces and meat tasted barely seasoned. It's the first time I added table salt at a restaurant, but this is not a bad thing. I'd much rather add salt than to get over-salted food.
The clear winner was the burrito that we got with two items (fajita and chicharrones, or pork skin) - off the menu but at $7.20 before tax and tip. The picture doesn't look great because I had already taken bites out of it, and the fluorescent light doesn't do anything for it, but it was yum. That said, we asked ourselves whether we would get this burrito at $9.25 or a Chipotle burrito at $14.50; the hubby says Chipotle (which is also nearly twice the size), and for me, I think it would depend on the mood.
I can't say this place is comparable to our spot in Mexico, but we are not in Mexico, and this is a pretty affordable option for solid food. An easy 4/5, and when we’re back, we’ll ask for cheese and maybe try the sopes.
Super excited that this place is by my area! Just found out it was here, decided to try this location. The place looks small from the outside but it has plenty of seating and parking space. They maintained it very clean both in the dining area and restroom. The orders came out crazy fast and they were good. The rice did kind of taste dry and old but everything else was delicious, the portions were good. Definitely coming back!
I loved the pastor, barbacoa and cochinta pibil. Stoked my coworker recommended it. Excellent value. The place was crowded with locals for lunch.
Try their tongue!! This is one of my favorite spots for Mexican food. I had the Gordita with Fajita, 1 tongue taco and a pork skin in green chili sauce. IT WAS YUMMY 😋
The clean dinning area and bathroom were a major plus!! Thank you to the taco guy and ladies in the kitchen making it all happen.
The tacos are legit! The Chicharron and the barbacoa are probably the best in Houston.
The place is very clean and the food is made fresh. The green sauce is spicy and the chorizo isn't dripping grease!
If there's a negative, I prefer my flour tortillas to be a little thicker... But the ingredients on the inside are excellent!
Just came from this location! My first time eating at tacos La Bala. They were the most delicious tacos! I had lengua, my husband had chicharon red&green. Fajita, and a tripa.
Came here on a Sunday after work to grab a quick bite to eat and meet up with a friend. When I walked in for some reason it smelled a little stinky, nevertheless, being that we were short on time we decided to take the chance and stay. Great service. We were waiting on immediately, got our drinks up on the completion of placing our order. We were able to find our own seats. We received our order in great time. Authentic Mexican tacos, delicious. Of course. Small spots are usually the best ones.
Tacos la bala is an authentic Mexican restaurant that serves all kinds of delicious meals. The service is outstanding. Food is delicious! During my visit I tried the carne asada burrito and i don't regret it one bit. It was well cooked and the perfect size for one person. If u like spicy food then the green or red salsa are a perfect addition to have an amazing flavor overload. ( red salsa is spicier) I would definitely come back to try more dishes.
Love the food. Delicious Pastor with cheese. However feel a bit uncomfortable after reading the poster at register: food may contain gut and stone. :)
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