TILA'S

I'm not a fan of complimentary valet, so I park on the street between Tila's (1111 S. Shepherd, 713-522-7654) and a neighborhood "no pooping" sign. It's here that we see a terrier — smaller than his owner's engagement ring — fertilizing the sidewalk. Apparently she confuses my sarcastic query ("You need a bag?") with genuine concern for her manicure; either way, she avoids both my question and her civic responsibility with a thoughtful "No, I think he's done." Thankfully for me and my friends, Tila's is a turd-free zone with a killer bay window, swank bar and happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The complimentary homemade chips and crisp plantains are a delicious match with my Michelada — a spicy beer mixture whipped up by Tila herself. While we're waiting for our check, the personable owner entertains us with stories about ZZ Top praising her salsa in Texas Monthly, legal battles with rival Teala's on W. Dallas and Tila's "Jesus Eats Here" shirts. But though we wait long enough to witness a second coming, there's no sign of J-dizzle or our tab. After an hour of smooth jazz that'd send even the most hard-core Bolton fan screaming from his Geo, we finally leave the same way we arrived — on guard for tiny "mud puddles."

art credit

Location Info

Map

Tila's

1111 S. Shepherd
Houston, TX 77019

Category: Restaurant > Mexican

Region: River Oaks

Photos

1 user reviews	Write A Review
Save to foursquare	0

Related Content

• What Happened To That ZZ Top Show In The Woodlands?
  May 15, 2012
• ZZ Top Taps SUC Classic to Shill Dubious Malt Beverage
  May 8, 2012
• Happy Birthday Dusty Hill: ZZ Top's Bottom-End Boogie Man
  May 18, 2012
• ZZ Top & Their Gang Of Outlaws Hit The Woodlands June 23
  March 26, 2012
• Billy Gibbons Interviewed: New ZZ Top Album Sounds Like Tequila
  March 8, 2012

More About

• Bolton
• ZZ Top
• Tabasco Pepper Sauce

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Dining Newsletter: The week's top local food news and events, plus interviews with chefs and restaurant owners, dining tips, and a peek at our print review.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

1 Pacifico beer

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce Tila's homemade Bloody Mary mix

4 dashes Maggi seasoning

2–4 dashes Tabasco

Salt the rim of a chilled mug, fill with ice, add ingredients and pour your beer of choice (Tila recommends Pacifico).