Dr. Owais Durrani

Review of Backstreet Cafe, Hugo's, Carac...

As the nation's fourth largest city, Houston has s...

As the nation's fourth largest city, Houston has some amazing restaurants. I can say, with a steadfast assurance, that Hugo's is one of my favorites. Mexican cuisine in nature, but a stronger focus on interior Mexican....not the cheesy (but still super duper delicious) Tex-Mex food that most of us think of (coughcough crave).

And it's going to run you a decent bill with apps and a couple of drinks per person - but it's more than worth it. Every time I go I have one of the best meals of my life.

Make reservations. But also consider sitting at the bar. Either way, you'll experience 5-star Texas hospitality.

Drink tequila. Sure, their margaritas are some of the best I've ever had. Margaritas aside--take the opportunity to leverage their tequila (and mezcal) expertise and try some bomb diggity tequilas (they have flights)--I'm speaking, of course, of tequila unobstructed, straight up like god intended it. But sip, don't shoot.

Go with a big group so you can try almost everything on the menu (and hope that someone is picking it up on their corporate card). The ceviches are simply outstanding--I haven't had a concoction so fresh and light in some time. They have an etremese (appetizer) platter that's not on the menu. You should get this. The grilled octopus, the chapulines (grasshoppers), and the various tamales were all to die for. The best version of each of these I've ever had. I can't go on with this review bc I'm too hungry. Suffice to say that you will not and cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.

I cannot wait to return time and time again.