Restaurant Review: Berryhill Baja Grill

Houston's a great food city, and one of the things we're lucky enough to have that lots of cities don't is a plethora of yummy and cheap lunch places. We also have our own cuisine (TexMex, of course!), so what could be better than combining the two? If you're in the mood for Mexican (to eat there or take away), try Berryhill Baja Grill (eleven locations around town). Begun as a tamale stand downtown all the way back in 1928, Berryhill is a (small) franchise now but the commitment to quality and taste has remained.

Tamales are labor-intensive food, hard to make and harder still to make right on any large scale, but somehow Berryhill manages. They have lots of varieties, but of particular note are the spinach-and-corn tamales, which, like all of Berryhill's food, are avaliable to-go as well as to eat in their casual atmosphere, which features the work of Houston artist Ken Robertson at all locations. If you're not a tamale fan, the echilladas and quesadillas are fantastric, come in large portions, and are served with rice and fllavorful black beans. Make sure you try the chipotle shrip quesadilla, which contains leeks, poblano peppers, and Monterrey Jack as well as a surprisingly large number of flavorful, perfectly cooked shrimp. The Baja fish tacos are also famous (and a steal at $3.99).

Berryhill is a great place for those on a budget: free chips and salsa and daily drink specials (including $2 mojitos on Sundays) and an extensive list of appetizers (try the roasted ear of corn!) make it a great place to meet friends and chill out after work. They also serve Sunday brunch (the migas and breakfast tacos are particularly celebrated, at least by Houstonist's friend Julia.) The only down side? Service can be leisurely, so don't come in a rush.

Bottom Line: The price is right for drinks, appetizers, and authentic Tex Mex, especially the best tamales in town.