There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in Texas, but there aren't a lot of ostionerías, or Mexican oyster bars, outside of Houston. And since seafood is what makes the food in Houston great, we figured it was about time to recognize our favorite ostionería, Tampico on Airline. Named after the seaside city on the Gulf Coast, this oyster bar and grill has brought the best of Mexico's seafood traditions to the North side. You never have to wonder what kind of fish you are eating here — you buy a whole fish from the bed of ice and pay for it by the pound. The cocteles are schooners full of shrimp, octopus and raw oysters mixed up with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, avocado pieces and cilantro in a ketchup-based cocktail sauce. To eat them Mexican style, add hot pepper sauce, then scoop some seafood onto a saltine cracker. Great with a michelada.
My wife an I ate there December 29th 2010....It was horrible, the shrimp was old, had fishy smell. The Ceviche had tomato sauce, should have old lime or lemon juice.I compare it to an old frozen diner, that had been re-heated several times.Beware, Houstonians!
Tampico on Airline is worth a visit just to get out of the gringo-hood. Visit the market, rub shoulders with real Mex's, not just the white-safety folk who go to El Tiempo or other dumb-such places after church.
I'm not sure about this choice, but debating about the best Mexican food in Houston is like debating religion.
I still believe La Guadalupana (cheap) or Hugo's (spensive) to be the best Mexican options in town, period.
I been searching for a good Marisco place since I moved from L.A. A friend recommended Tampico. All I can say is that you pay to much for such a flavorless meal. The search continues.
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