Irma's Original image

Irma's Original

Restaurant Bar Mexican restaurant Tex mex restaurant Latin american restaurant

There's no menu at this kitschy joint doling out homemade Tex-Mex fare & fresh juices. People often mention Irma, restaurant, prices, Mexican, small, great, ordered, chicken, delicious,


Address

22 N Chenevert St, Houston, TX 77002

Website

irmasoriginal.com

Contact

(713) 222-0767

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

3.90 (1.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8 AM to 3 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 4 to 9 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 3 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Irma (16) restaurant (13) prices (11) Mexican (11) small (7) great (7) ordered (6) chicken (6) delicious (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Christina 1 year ago on Google
    Like everyone said, read the reviews. I did not and I’m sorry for it. The moment you arrive you feel something is off. It’s the waitresses loudly cussing at each other, the twin managers who are way too touchy-feely and calling you sweetie with their hands on your back, and the lack of menus when you sit down and try to order. Now reading everyone else’s reviews it makes sense why they kept trying to get me to agree to “free items” like queso, guacamole, and charro beans when I turned them down. The twin managers took turns serving me and they would not stop trying to get me to order a margarita. I was on my lunch break and I couldn’t believe how inappropriate and pushy they were trying to get me to drink alcohol, but again after reading the reviews it makes sense they were trying to upsell me. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and paid over $20 for two enchiladas, chips, salsa, and water. It was overpriced especially as you could taste the canned tin in the red sauce. I very clearly disappointed them as a customer because they couldn’t find a way to upcharge me for anything so they took their time in paying me any attention. It took me 15 minutes to get someone’s attention so I could get my check and make it back to work on time. I also did not receive an itemized receipt. I got a small piece of paper printed from a calculator. It’s really unfortunate this is what’s become of a once historic restaurant. It’s clear the business plan for Irma’s relies on favoritism, manipulation, and coercion because she offers no menu prices and allows her servers to charge and treat people however they please. The decor is charming with a mural inside featuring historical Houston landmarks and a plethora of plants outside with tables. It’s ADA accessible with a small, gated one-way entry parking lot next to the stadium.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brett H. 2 years ago on Google
    There’s no place like Irma’s! A traditional Mexican place with authentically rich and tasteful recipes. Very eclectic and unique space filled with memorabilia, antiques, heirlooms, and collectibles. Staff is very hospitable and bartenders know how to make a great marg! 10/10 recommend chicken mole if they are serving it the day you go. Highly recommend this place!!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Weeza F. 2 years ago on Google
    We ordered a small queso and guacamole as appetizers, it was a small portion for $9.50 each. I had an okay margarita for $15. For the main dish we had ordered the beef fajitas and Chile relleno. Everything tasted pretty average, not super amazing that I would say is worth the hype and price.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Thomas Z. 1 year ago on Google
    ***BUYER BEWARE*** This is NOT the hole in the wall restaurant with hole in the wall prices you might think it is. This restaurant is by the ballpark and has ballpark prices. In fact, ballpark figures may be more accurate when it comes to calculating your check. There are no menus and prices are not made available to patrons in writing. ASK for prices of each item and keep a tally of what you ordered. Double check with staff to ensure refills of lentil soup, extra tortillas, etc. are complimentary and don’t come at an added expense. We ordered 2 entrees, one queso, 2 beers, and one Mexican Coke. $97.97 was the total. A fair price for the meal would have been between $60-$70 and that’s generous considering the low cost of ingredients to make the food we ordered and the small portion sizes of everything. The food was delicious for the most part. I had the mole and it came with chicken breast which was on the dry side. Everything else was tasty and reminded me of some of the best Tex-Mex cooking the Rio Grande Valley has to offer. Mole chicken enchiladas were awesome. Irma did come by our table to ask how everything was and was kind enough to take a picture with us. I rated the restaurant based on quality of food which was a four and the way they choose to do business (shady) which is a one. I averaged out the two and rounded up. Very generous on my part. I talked to my wife about how good the food was but shared the other part of my experience and she said she wouldn’t visit because of that. I’m afraid I am in agreement. This place has too much going for it to not be transparent with its clientele in regards to prices.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nena R. 2 years ago on Google
    We had the privilege of coming to this well respected restaurant. Ms. Irma is very sweet and I had the pleasure of speaking with. She made sure we were well taken care of ❤️ The atmosphere was great and reminded me of Mexico or abuelitas house. Customer service was excellent and the food was fast and made to perfection! Food tasted just like my grandmother or my mom would make it. Definitely has a very authentic taste to it. We loved our experience here and will come back again when were in town.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 K W. 2 years ago on Google
    I purposely did not read the reviews and I'm glad I did not. Cause we would've missed out on some tasty food. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal! I can see how maybe the prices can throw you off, it really did make me think a bit after we left but would I still go back? Yes. We spent just over$50 for two meals, one iced tea and a plate of 2 tamales we decided to try at the end. Was it more than most places? Probably so but that alone isn't enough to take away stars. If you must ask in advance of the pricing do so so you're not caught off guard. And don't expect to have leftovers. It's definitely like a meal at home, no doggy bag there either so get over that part.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steve M. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice Mexican restaurant. They do not have a menu it what Irma is preparing for the day. It delicious freshly prepared foods. Excellent service and friendly staff. Beautiful location and building.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott P. 2 years ago on Google
    The food is absolutely delicious!!!! Highly recommend the chicken mole. Our waiter was Irma’s son. Super friendly and you could see his passion for this restaurant. If you read the reviews and decide not to go because of prices, you are seriously missing out on great food.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jack S. 6 months ago on Google
    Scam. When you don’t have menus, skimp on portions, serve average food, and your “margaritas” don’t have alcohol… you lose customers. This place used to be great, now it’s best feature is it’s parking. The restaurant is nothing more than a gotcha cash grab hiding behind a name that may soon be forgotten.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Joe S. 8 months ago on Google
    The lemonade was the best part. Was in for lunch today while waiting for my car to be worked on in Baytown. We’d seen this restaurant on YouTube, and our curiosity was peeked. The atmosphere seemed like walking into Sanford & Son. While clean, there is clutter everywhere. The owner came out and waited on us, the restaurant is actually much smaller in person than it looks on television. Without menus or prices, we only knew what we’d seen, which was just ask for something and they’ll make it. Well my wife asked for something, but they weren’t just out of it, it’s something they don’t even make at all. So she mentioned a dish and that’s what she got. I ended up with 2 micro tamales (while fresh & tasty), a micro beef fajita with mexican rice. My wife got some kind of chicken dish, with guacamole. Very small portions. For this I paid $98. Had I planned on $98? No. Was the food good? Yes. Will we be back? Only for the house watermelon lemonade.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Stephanie H. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing food and atmosphere! Margaritas were strong and very tasty. There is no printed menu so you have no idea what anything costs. Recommend eating before the drinks start to save your budget. Good luck!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 gtroxlar 11 months ago on Google
    My wife and I eat there regularly enough that Tony and Ray great us by name. The food is the best i have ever eaten. I have never had anything bad to eat at Irma's. This review got me hungry for more of Irma's food...think I'll go there tonight. 😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 malik r. 7 months ago on Google
    WOW! This place is an absolute must if you’re visiting or live in the Houston area. Me and my partner came all the way from Atlanta and let me tell you it was EVERYTHING! Irma is a national treasure. She came over several times to make sure everything was good! And let me tell you this was the best tamales I’ve ever had. You have to try Irma’s famous star berry lemonade! I will definitely be back to take some food home before I leave. I almost cried this food is so tasty. Everything is fresh and just melts in your mouth. Look for yourself. I wish you all the best thanks for taking care of us!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Enrique I. 1 year ago on Google
    Was introduced to this restaurant thanks to Raising Cane's founder doing a renovation TV show episode about it. No menu but the server gives you the options and they take it from there. On our first visit we had a cup of Lentil soup before the main course and on this visit a cup of Charro Beans, both were delicious. It is a bit pricey but the food is delicious and worth it. The service and smiles of the staff make you feel welcomed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chicano L. 8 months ago on Google
    A must for Mexican foodies! 5 across the board for authentic Mexican food that reminds me of visiting family. The entire staff welcome you and make sure to take care of you. The food is worth the money and there’s no other place like this in Houston. As a Mexican, I am super picky about food and this Irma’s never disappoints. Plenty of places to get cheap Mexican food throughout Houston, but it doesn’t measure up to the food at Irma’s. You pay for what you get and if you don’t know the difference of great authentic food or appreciate Mexican cuisine go to chipotle! All of the food is fresh and you can taste it in their dishes. The lentil soup starter prepares your taste buds for the goodness to come. Every dish I’ve had at this place has been delicious. I never like Chile rellenos at restaurants, but Irma left me with no complaints. The Chile was light, fluffy, and stuffed with picadillo. The mole is always a hit too. The decor of the restaurant gives me the sense of walking into my aunt’s or mom’s house with my cousins checking in on me while bringing me food. The owner walks around checking in on you - this very rarely happens in other restaurants. I am writing this long review because I read that people complain about the prices, but undervalue Mexican food and the significance of this being a family owned business. I always come to Irma’s for an experience like no other. Highly recommend to Mexican foodies!

  • 5/5 Ivana B. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely the best, hands down. I recommend coming here before the astros game. We got the quesadillas and can’t even lie, the best I’ve had!

  • 5/5 selina a. 7 months ago on Google
    such a great lunch at Irma’s! My family and I felt right at home with Irma’s family waiting on us and sharing stories and their food with us. Everything about the restaurant was great- the salsa, homemade food with love, tortillas, coffee, lemonade, and tres leches cake. You felt the love in every bite. I wish I would have met Irma herself to thank her for the experience of love we felt through her food and family. ❤️

  • 1/5 Angelle T. 7 months ago on Google
    It’s no longer the Irma’s of yesteryear, when prices were reasonable and authentic Mexican food was excellent & a good portion size! Now there is no menu & you’re told a few options verbally by her daughter Monica. Not only are you ordering blindly, but the food portions were very very small & not even good! And when we saw our bill, we couldn’t believe our eyes…a TOTAL RIP-OFF and NEVER EVER AGAIN will I be returning there! For the amount that we were charged, we would’ve gotten double the food & portions at Pappasitos. We left regretting that we ever went back there!


Call (713) 222-0767 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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