La Calle Tacos
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La Calle Tacos Menu

La Calle Tacos

Dinner, Lunch Specials
909 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002
(832) 735-8226
Menu About
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GROUP - *IN HOUSE - MENU MAIN / Lunch / Starters

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STREET Esquite (Elote in a Cup)

The ULTIMATE Mexican Street Snack in a "CUP", both with mayocrema, Chile "del que pica" and Queso Cotija

$5.99

STREET Elote (Cobb)

The ULTIMATE Mexican Street Snack on the "COBB", both with mayocrema, Chile "del que pica" and Queso Cotija

$5.99

CHIPS & CHICHARRON

Chose between Tasty, popping and crunchy "Chicharron" or Chip tortillas fried daily for maximum flavor. Choose 1, 2, 3 or all 4 if you're in the mood for sharing between- Guacamole Pico de Gallo Salsa Roja Chorizo Beans.

$1.99 +

CEVICHITO

Side of Chip tortillas fried daily for maximum flavor served with a Shrimp and Cucumber "Ceviche" made in our special serrano and lime "Aguachile". Made to order with Avocado and Pico de Gallo. Served chilled!

$7.99 +

BIRRIA

We make a soup out of all the goodness that comes out when we cook our 18 hour Barbacoa. Accompanied with chicharron seco, tortillas, cilantro, onions and lettuce. Even better with a hangover! This is

$6.99 +

GROUP - *IN HOUSE - MENU MAIN / Lunch / Tacos & Mas

Street TACOS @

5 small yellow corn tortillas served with your choice of meats. Accompanied with onion, cilantro, limes and your chioice of green or red salsa. Served with a little side of spicy Birria to dip in or sip!

$12.99

Gringos TACOS @

3 large handmade flour tortillas served with your choice of meats. Made with Chorizo Beans,Lettuce, Pico, Sour cream and Yellow cheddar cheese and your choice of green or red salsa.

$14.99

Quesa-Birria

Crunchy Tortillas with our 18 hour roasted Birria meat, melted queso chihuahua, onion, cilantro and of course a side of consomé to dip'em it and sip it.

$16.99

Tostadas

4 open hard shells, the original "taco shell". With your choice of meat and Chorizo beans, lettuce, sour cream, fresh "cotija" cheese, avocado and hot "Chipotle" sauce.

$14.99

BY THE Sampler

Not sure what to get? Try the Super Sampler which features our traditional Street tacos, Gringo tacos and our crunchy "Tostadas". 2 Street Tacos (1 Asada & 1 Pastor) 1 Gringo Taco (Chicken) 2 Tostadas (1 Shrimp Ceviche & 1 Chorizo con Papa)

$13.99

Platos

Pretty simple, The meat of your choice with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions and Pico on the side. Acompanied with Chorizo beans and 3 corn tortillas.

$12.99

Single Chilango

$2.59

TORTA-Birria

Telera bread Drenched in consome and toasted, with our 18 hour roasted Birria meat, melted queso chihuahua, chorizo beans, onion, cilantro and of course a side of consomé to dip it and sip it.

$13.99

GROUP - *IN HOUSE - MENU MAIN / Lunch / Drinks sin Alcohol

CHESCO Water Bottle

Are you feeling healthy?

$1.95

BREAKFAST Coffee

100% Single Origin. Medium Roast. Semi-Sweet, chocolate, cinnamon, sugar cane.

$2.99

BREAKFAST Coffee with Horchata

. Not only does the drink offer up a milky element, it balances out the bitter coffee flavor with its cinnamon and vanilla flavor.

$3.99

CHESCO Red Bull

Red Bull Energy Drink is appreciated worldwide by top athletes, busy professionals, college students and travelers on long journeys.

$4.99

GALON Aguas Frescas

$16.99 +

GALON Cafe

$11.99

GALON Horchata Ice Coffee

$12.99

MICHELADA Virgin

Soda water. Made with our exclusive spicy Michelada Mix, with a rim of chamoy and tajin.

$3.99

MICHELADA Mix

A Michelada is made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces , spices, and chile peppers.

$2.99

GROUP - *IN HOUSE - MENU MAIN / Lunch / Desserts

DESSERT Arroz con Leche

One of the most iconic deserts around.

$7.99

DESSERT Flan

Home made cream cheese flan with delicious caramel on top.

$7.99

GROUP - *IN HOUSE - MENU MAIN / Lunch / Packs

BY THE Taco (20 Street Taco)

Great shareable option for 2 or 3 people. 20 Street Tacos. A great variety of our traditional "chilango" tacos on yellow corn tortillas. Choose up to 4 meats.

$34.99

BY THE Taco (50 Street Tacos)

Package of 50 individually wrapped Tacos where you can choose 5 of your favorite meat, includes red and green salsas, limes, cilantro, onion and disposables for 10 people and 10 discount Coupons. 50 Tacos Individuales (Escoger 5 proteinas 10 tacos cada Proteina) 1 8 oz Salsa Verde 1 8 oz Salsa Roja 1 8 oz Cebolla 1 8 oz Cilantro 5 Limones 32oz. Birria Consome 10 Paper Boats 2 Cucharas 4 Tenedores 30 Servilletas 10 Cupones Free Tacos

$87.50

BY THE Pound (1lb Aprox 3 people)

1 pound of the meat of your choice, includes, red and green salsas, limes, cilantro, onions, Yellow Corn tortillas, Birria Consome, disposables for 3 people 3 discount coupons. 1 Pound of Meat 16 Tortillas 4 oz Salsa Verde 4 oz Salsa Roja 4 oz Cebolla 4 oz Cilantro 6 Limes 3 Paper Boats 2 Spoons 2 Forks 10 Napkins 3 Coupons Free Tacos

$26.99

BY THE Pound (5lb Aprox 15 People)

Package for 15 people that includes 5 pounds of the meat of your preference where you can choose 1 of your favorite flavor, includes, red and green sauces, lemons, cilantro onion, tortillas, disposable for 30 people and 30 discount Coupons. 10 Libras (Escoger 2 Proteinas 5 LB) 3 Paquetes de Tortillas 1 Bowl 32 oz Salsa Verde 1 Bowl 32 oz Salsa Roja 1 Bowl 32 oz Cebolla 1 Bowl 32 oz Cilantro 10 Limones 30 Paper Boats 2 Cucharas 4 Tenedores 1/3 Paquete de Servilletas 30 Cupones Free Tacos

$129.99

BY THE Sampler

Not sure what to get? Try the Super Sampler which features our traditional Street tacos, Gringo tacos and our crunchy "Tostadas". 2 Street Tacos (1 Asada & 1 Pastor) 1 Gringo Taco (Chicken) 2 Tostadas (1 Shrimp Ceviche & 1 Chorizo con Papa)

$13.99

MENU CANTINA / Beer & Micheladas / Bottle Chelas & Micheladas

BOTTLE Bohemia

Recommended for: The pilsner is great at balancing different flavors and cleansing the palate of spicy sensations, making it the perfect pairing for spicy or salty foods.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Carta Blanca

This is a crisp and refreshing Mexican lager with simple but balanced grain and hop elements. Serve cold with some any spicy foods, not just Mexican.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Corona

With a refreshing, smooth taste balanced between heavier European imports and lighter domestic beer, Corona is an even-keeled cerveza with fruity-honey aromas and a touch of malt. The flavor is crisp, clean and well balanced between hops and malt, a superior taste profile from superior ingredients.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Corona Light

Corona Light is a pilsner-style lager with a uniquely refreshing taste—brewed for outstanding light flavor with a crisp, clean finish. Its pleasant, fruity-honey aroma and distinctive hop flavor make it a favorite of those seeking a light beer that’s full of flavor. Corona Light’s naturally easy-drinking style makes it perfect for pairing with spicy and citrus-infused dishes.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Corona Familiar

Rooted in authentic, rich heritage, Corona Familiar Lager Beer is a bright, golden-colored pilsner that is balanced with moderate bitterness and a light finish. A Mexican lager style beer, Corona Familiar combines a full-flavored, light- to medium-body lager beer with the bright, crisp taste for which Corona beer is known. Smooth to drink, this Mexican beer's light carbonation and slight head make it the perfect complement to Mexican food.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Corona Premier

Corona Premier offers the premium low-carb, light beer experience you’ve been waiting for. Its refined, crisp taste and even-bodied feel makes it the smoothest and most drinkable Corona. With only 2.6g of carbs and 90 calories, Corona Premier is perfect for casual entertaining, sharing with guests, or rewarding yourself for a day well-lived.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Estrella

Estrella Jalisco is made with more than 100 years of tradition in each drop. It is brewed to create the most refreshing blend of aroma and taste using traditional ingredients that make it the pride of Jalisco. Meant to be enjoyed and shared with friends, come discover what makes Estrella Jalisco the true, authentic Mexican beer.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Indio

INDIO is a dark-colored beer with slight sweetness tones that reduce its bitterness level, since its unique flavor offers a very special combination; the characteristics of the vigor and intensity of the beers made for cold climates such as those in Europe, with the freshness and transparency of those used in essentially warm countries like ours.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Modelo Especial

Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. Modelo Especial contains Water, Barley Malt, Non-malted Cereals and Hops.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Negra Modelo

Brewed longer to enhance the flavors, this Munich Dunkel-style Lager gives way to a rich flavor and remarkably smooth taste. Modelo Negra contains Water, Barley Malt, Non-malted Cereals and Hops.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Pacifico

Pacifico Clara Mexican Beer is hearty and crisp with a touch of grass-citrus and ocean mist flavor.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Sol

Sol Cerveza is a refreshing Mexican beer with a 4.5% alcohol by volume. Light and easy going down, this import beer has a clean taste and smooth finish that's perfect for sessioning with friends on a sunny day.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Victoria

Brewed with water, barley malt, non-malted cereals, and hops, this Mexican beer offers aromas of orange blossom honey on toast with a smooth, frothy, light-to-medium body.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE XX Lager

Dos Equis Lager Especial is a crisp golden pilsner-style beer made from pure spring water and the choicest hops. With a balanced composition and a smooth, clean finish, it’s the party guest who is always invited and never overstays his welcome.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE XX Ambar

Dos Equis Ambar is a classic Vienna-style lager with hints of caramel malt, brown sugar and subtle notes of spices & fruits. A medium body and smooth finish.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Topo Chico Seltzer

Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is gluten-free and contains only 100 calories, 2g of sugar, and 4.7% alcohol by volume per 12oz. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer brings a unique twist to classic flavors with its Variety Pack, including Tangy Lemon Lime, Tropical Mango, Strawberry Guava, and Exotic Pineapple.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Tecate Light

$5.99 +

MENU CANTINA / Beer & Micheladas / Bottle Beers & Micheladas

BOTTLE Bud Light

Bud Light is a premium light lager with a superior drinkability that has made it the best- selling and most popular beer in the United States.

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Coors Light

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Miller Lite

Miller Lite Beer is the original light beer. Smooth, light and refreshing, this American style pilsner beer has a 4.2% alcohol by volume. Brewed for more taste, this light beer has a light to medium body with a hop forward flavor, solid malt character and a clean finish.

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is the superior light beer with no artificial colors or flavors. You can enjoy the crisp, clean taste of Michelob Ultra without compromising your active lifestyle

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Shiner Bock

Brewed with rich, roasted barley malt and German specialty hops this lightly hopped American- style dark lager always goes down smooth.

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Budweiser

$4.99 +

MENU CANTINA / Beer & Micheladas / Caguama & Micheladas

CAGUAMA Corona

This is how you do a beer! 32oz. of your favorite classic. Best price per ounce we have.

$12.99 +

CAGUAMA Victoria

This is how you do a beer! 32oz. of your favorite classic. Best price per ounce we have.

$12.99 +

CAGUAMA Modelo Especial

This is how you do a beer! 32oz. of your favorite classic. Best price per ounce we have.

$12.99 +

CAGUAMA Carta Blanca

$12.99 +

CAGUAMA Sol

This is how you do a beer! 32oz. of your favorite classic. Best price per ounce we have.

$12.99 +

CAGUAMA Tecate

This is how you do a beer! 32oz. of your favorite classic. Best price per ounce we have.

$12.99 +

CAGUAMA Tecate Light

This is how you do a beer! 32oz. of your favorite classic. Best price per ounce we have.

$12.99 +

CAGUAMA Pacifico

$12.99 +

MENU CANTINA / La Calle Classics / CLASSIC MARGARITAS Frozen

CLASSIC MARGARITA Frozen 16oz Medium

Made with 100% Agave Premium gold and Silver Tequilas, not the cheap stuff!

$12.99

CLASSIC MARGARITA Frozen 32oz Litro

Made with 100% Agave Premium gold and Silver Tequilas, not the cheap stuff! TO SHARE

$16.99

MENU CANTINA / La Calle Classics / CANTINA MOJITO Frozen

MOJITO Frozen 10oz Small

$9.99

MOJITO Frozen 16oz Medium

$12.99

MOJITO Frozen 32oz Litro

$15.99

MOJITO Frozen 128oz Galon

$64.99

MENU CANTINA / La Calle Classics / CANTINA MOJITO Rocks

MOJITO Rocks 10oz Small

$9.99

MOJITO Rocks 16oz Medium

$12.99

MOJITO Rocks 32oz Litro

$15.99

MOJITO Rocks 128oz Galon

$64.99

MENU CANTINA / La Calle Classics / CANTINA PINA COLADA Frozen

PINA COLADA Frozen 10oz Small

$9.99

PINA COLADA Frozen 16oz Medium

$12.99

PINA COLADA Frozen 32oz Litro

$15.99

PINA COLADA Frozen 128oz Galon

$64.99

MENU CANTINA / La Calle Classics / CANTINA PINA COLADA Rocks

PINA COLADA Rocks 10oz Small

$9.99

PINA COLADA Rocks 16oz Medium

$12.99

PINA COLADA Rocks 32oz Litro

$15.99

PINA COLADA Rocks 128oz Galon

$64.99

Valentines Special

Valentines Taco Heart

$29.99

Lunch / Packs

BY THE Taco (20 Street Taco)

Great shareable option for 2 or 3 people. 20 Street Tacos. A great variety of our traditional "chilango" tacos on yellow corn tortillas. Choose up to 4 meats.

$34.99

BY THE Taco (50 Street Tacos)

Package of 50 individually wrapped Tacos where you can choose 5 of your favorite meat, includes red and green salsas, limes, cilantro, onion and disposables for 10 people and 10 discount Coupons. 50 Tacos Individuales (Escoger 5 proteinas 10 tacos cada Proteina) 1 8 oz Salsa Verde 1 8 oz Salsa Roja 1 8 oz Cebolla 1 8 oz Cilantro 5 Limones 32oz. Birria Consome 10 Paper Boats 2 Cucharas 4 Tenedores 30 Servilletas 10 Cupones Free Tacos

$87.50

BY THE Pound (1lb Aprox 3 people)

1 pound of the meat of your choice, includes, red and green salsas, limes, cilantro, onions, Yellow Corn tortillas, Birria Consome, disposables for 3 people 3 discount coupons. 1 Pound of Meat 16 Tortillas 4 oz Salsa Verde 4 oz Salsa Roja 4 oz Cebolla 4 oz Cilantro 6 Limes 3 Paper Boats 2 Spoons 2 Forks 10 Napkins 3 Coupons Free Tacos

$26.99

BY THE Pound (5lb Aprox 15 People)

Package for 15 people that includes 5 pounds of the meat of your preference where you can choose 1 of your favorite flavor, includes, red and green sauces, lemons, cilantro onion, tortillas, disposable for 30 people and 30 discount Coupons. 10 Libras (Escoger 2 Proteinas 5 LB) 3 Paquetes de Tortillas 1 Bowl 32 oz Salsa Verde 1 Bowl 32 oz Salsa Roja 1 Bowl 32 oz Cebolla 1 Bowl 32 oz Cilantro 10 Limones 30 Paper Boats 2 Cucharas 4 Tenedores 1/3 Paquete de Servilletas 30 Cupones Free Tacos

$129.99

Lunch / Starters

STREET Esquite (Elote in a Cup)

The ULTIMATE Mexican Street Snack in a "CUP", both with mayocrema, Chile "del que pica" and Queso Cotija

$5.99

STREET Elote (Cobb)

The ULTIMATE Mexican Street Snack on the "COBB", both with mayocrema, Chile "del que pica" and Queso Cotija

$5.99

BIRRIA

We make a soup out of all the goodness that comes out when we cook our 18 hour Barbacoa. Accompanied with chicharron seco, tortillas, cilantro, onions and lettuce. Even better with a hangover! This is

$6.99 +

CHIPS & CHICHARRON

Chose between Tasty, popping and crunchy "Chicharron" or Chip tortillas fried daily for maximum flavor. Choose 1, 2, 3 or all 4 if you're in the mood for sharing between- Guacamole Pico de Gallo Salsa Roja Chorizo Beans.

$1.99 +

CEVICHITO

Side of Chip tortillas fried daily for maximum flavor served with a Shrimp and Cucumber "Ceviche" made in our special serrano and lime "Aguachile". Made to order with Avocado and Pico de Gallo. Served chilled!

$7.99 +

Lunch / Tacos & Mas

Street TACOS ( 5 CORN TORTILLA)

5 small yellow corn tortillas served with your choice of meats. Accompanied with onion, cilantro, limes and your chioice of green or red salsa. Served with a little side of spicy Birria to dip in or sip!

$12.99

Gringos ( 3 FLOUR TORTILLA)

3 large handmade flour tortillas served with your choice of meats. Made with Chorizo Beans,Lettuce, Pico, Sour cream and Yellow cheddar cheese and your choice of green or red salsa.

$14.99

Quesa-Birria

Crunchy Tortillas with our 18 hour roasted Birria meat, melted queso chihuahua, onion, cilantro and of course a side of consomé to dip'em it and sip it.

$16.99

Platos

Pretty simple, The meat of your choice with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions and Pico on the side. Acompanied with Chorizo beans and 3 corn tortillas.

$12.99

Lunch / Desserts

DESSERT Flan

Home made cream cheese flan with delicious caramel on top.

$7.99

DESSERT Arroz con Leche

One of the most iconic deserts around.

$7.99

Lunch / Drinks sin Alcohol

CHESCO Water Bottle

Are you feeling healthy?

$1.95

MICHELADA Virgin

Soda water. Made with our exclusive spicy Michelada Mix, with a rim of chamoy and tajin.

$3.99

BREAKFAST Coffee

100% Single Origin. Medium Roast. Semi-Sweet, chocolate, cinnamon, sugar cane.

$2.99

BREAKFAST Coffee with Horchata

. Not only does the drink offer up a milky element, it balances out the bitter coffee flavor with its cinnamon and vanilla flavor.

$3.99

CHESCO Red Bull

Red Bull Energy Drink is appreciated worldwide by top athletes, busy professionals, college students and travelers on long journeys.

$4.99

Cantina Drinks / La Calle Classics / CLASSIC MARGARITAS Frozen

CLASSIC MARGARITA Frozen 16oz Medium

Made with 100% Agave Premium gold and Silver Tequilas, not the cheap stuff!

$12.99

CLASSIC MARGARITA Frozen 32oz Litro

Made with 100% Agave Premium gold and Silver Tequilas, not the cheap stuff! TO SHARE

$15.99

Cantina Drinks / La Calle Classics / CLASSIC MARGARITA Rocks

CLASSIC MARGARITA Rocks 16oz Medium

Made with 100% Agave Premium gold and Silver Tequilas, not the cheap stuff!

$11.99

CLASSIC MARGARITA Rocks 32oz Litros

Made with 100% Agave Premium gold and Silver Tequilas, not the cheap stuff! TO SHARE

$15.99

Cantina Drinks / La Calle Classics / CLASSIC PINA COLADA Frozen

CLASSIC PINA COLADA Frozen 16oz Medium

Infused with coconut water combines fresh pineapple and sweet coconut water with Rum.

$11.99

CLASSIC PINA COLADA Frozen 32oz Litro

Infused with coconut water combines fresh pineapple and sweet coconut water with Rum. TO SHARE

$15.99

Cantina Drinks / La Calle Classics / CLASSIC MOJITO Frozen

CLASSIC MOJITO Frozen 16oz Medium

$11.99

CLASSIC MOJITO Frozen 32oz Litro

$15.99

Cantina Drinks / Beer & Michelada / Bottle Chelas & Micheladas

BOTTLE Corona

With a refreshing, smooth taste balanced between heavier European imports and lighter domestic beer, Corona is an even-keeled cerveza with fruity-honey aromas and a touch of malt. The flavor is crisp, clean and well balanced between hops and malt, a superior taste profile from superior ingredients.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Indio

INDIO is a dark-colored beer with slight sweetness tones that reduce its bitterness level, since its unique flavor offers a very special combination; the characteristics of the vigor and intensity of the beers made for cold climates such as those in Europe, with the freshness and transparency of those used in essentially warm countries like ours.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Modelo Especial

Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. Modelo Especial contains Water, Barley Malt, Non-malted Cereals and Hops.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Pacifico

Pacifico Clara Mexican Beer is hearty and crisp with a touch of grass-citrus and ocean mist flavor.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE XX Lager

Dos Equis Lager Especial is a crisp golden pilsner-style beer made from pure spring water and the choicest hops. With a balanced composition and a smooth, clean finish, it’s the party guest who is always invited and never overstays his welcome.

$5.99 +

BOTTLE Topo Chico Seltzer

Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is gluten-free and contains only 100 calories, 2g of sugar, and 4.7% alcohol by volume per 12oz. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer brings a unique twist to classic flavors with its Variety Pack, including Tangy Lemon Lime, Tropical Mango, Strawberry Guava, and Exotic Pineapple.

$5.99 +

Cantina Drinks / Beer & Michelada / Bottle Beers & Micheladas

BOTTLE Bud Light

Bud Light is a premium light lager with a superior drinkability that has made it the best- selling and most popular beer in the United States.

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Miller Lite

Miller Lite Beer is the original light beer. Smooth, light and refreshing, this American style pilsner beer has a 4.2% alcohol by volume. Brewed for more taste, this light beer has a light to medium body with a hop forward flavor, solid malt character and a clean finish.

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra is the superior light beer with no artificial colors or flavors. You can enjoy the crisp, clean taste of Michelob Ultra without compromising your active lifestyle

$4.99 +

BOTTLE Shiner Bock

Brewed with rich, roasted barley malt and German specialty hops this lightly hopped American- style dark lager always goes down smooth.

$4.99 +

Cantina Drinks / Beer & Michelada / Caguama & Micheladas

CAGUAMA Corona

This is how you do a beer! 32oz. of your favorite classic. Best price per ounce we have.

$12.99 +
Restaurant closed
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About La Calle Tacos

Info

By Eric Sandler, Culturemap

Houston may have a wealth of taco options — everything from high-profile imports like Torchy’s and Velvet Taco to homegrown taco trucks like Tierra Caliente and El Ultimo (to name two of hundreds of options) — but the dish’s popularity means new restaurants can always garner attention with a creative twist or two. A new restaurant in downtown Houston wants to bring authentic, Mexican-style tacos and gringo tacos together under one roof.

La Calle Tacos and Tortas is the first restaurant from Mexico City native Ramon Soriano Tomka, who brings a wealth of experience in the restaurant business from chains like Burger King, TGI Friday’s, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Tomka tells CultureMap that he hasn’t found a restaurant in Houston that faithfully recreates the tacos he eats at street stands when he’s in Mexico.

“You can find taco trucks which will serve authentic tacos, and that’s what I want to do in an establishment,” Tomka says. “I brought recipes from the best taco stands I know. I was born and raised over there, so I took the carnitas from one place, a marinade I really like from another.”

The one-time home of Hong Kong Diner on Franklin Street has been transformed to mimic the street stands that inspired La Calle. A stuffed dog hangs out over the dining room, and a wall of vintage TVs displays telenovelas. It's bright, kitschy, and fun.

Almost everything at La Calle is made in house. For example, the carnitas are made by combining roasted pork shoulder with rib meat. Aquas frescas are made from whole fruit and real sugar instead of fruit purees and cheaper corn syrup. Pillowy, fluffy flour tortillas are housemade, but the corn tortillas are not — Tomka says housemade corn tortillas don’t hold up well for to-go orders.

Those ingredients get utilized in the very straightforward menu. Choose a protein (carnitas, asada, chicken, pastor, barbarcoa, shrimp ceviche, or nopales) and a starch (corn or flour tortillas, torta, tostada, or a plate with rice and beans). Starters include elotes, ceviche, and chips with either guacamole or salsa.

Prices are reasonable: five corn tortillas that can be mix and matched with a different meats (say, two chicken and three barbacoa). Even the tortas can be half one meat and half another. Each style comes with recommended toppings, but diners can customize as they wish.

“We recommend people have the default ingredients. If someone wants something else, they just ask for it,” Tomka says. Each dish also comes with the option of “pilon.”

“Pilon is a word that we use a lot in Mexico. The translation would be ‘baker’s dozen,’” Tomka explains. “It’s a little extra. If you want some guac, some rice, beans, whatever, you just tell them. They add it. There’s no extra charge.”

That’s right. In a world where guacamole is always “a little extra,” La Calle serves it for free. Diners nursing a hangover can also ask for a cup of soup made with the braising liquid from the barbacoa for no charge.

Instead of eating at La Calle to recover, diners can also eat there to try to head off a bad morning. The restaurant stays open late Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, which makes it a perfect last stop after imbibing at the bars around Market Square and on Main Street.

Ultimately, Tomka says he'd like to have 10 or so La Calles scattered around the Houston-area, but he's starting small. So far, diners seem to be responding. Tomka says he had one customer come in five days in a row, which just goes to show that even though Houstonians have many high-quality taco options, there's always room for one more — if it's good.

Tags:

Review

Eric Sandler

  • 909 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002
  • Dinner, Lunch Specials, Mexican, Sandwiches, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • (832) 735-8226
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