El Gallo de Jalisco

ROACH PROBLEM
— breakfast this morning was interrupted by roaches emerging from the bottom edge of my pancake plate.
— why didn’t I read the Unilocal reviews before stopping here this morning!

As much as I wanted to like this place I just couldn’t find anything good other than the service. It is a great hole in the wall that we saw on Linen Nights and vowed to try the next day. We went at 10:30 a.m. and got stale chips, salsa (homemade by appearance) that underwhelmed, tacos for my wife and bistec a la Mexicana for me. They were out of shrimp so my wife substituted chicken and pork. She didn’t finish anything. The steak I was expecting to get was more like chopped beef with onions and jalapeños in it. With all of the great family owned restaurants in this area I won’t be back there.

HOUSTON — PLEASE READ!!!
Customers rave about the great tacos and breakfast at El Gallo de Jalisco in the 3200 block of White Oak Drive, but when health inspectors stopped by they saw a roach drop from the ceiling into a pot of pork on the stove below.
They closed the restaurant down until the owners could get the roach infestation under control. Employees let a KPRC 2 crew into the kitchen, and the photographer spotted a roach right inside the door.

In the few times that I have visited El Gallo, I was unimpressed but didn’t think it was at all bad tasting. After seeing that disgusting restaurant review on KPRC yesterday, I will avoid this restaurant like the plague. Insects falling from the roof during the health inspection itself this month? Unbelievable.

After reading the reviews, we popped in on a Saturday about 1:30. Run down, no A/​C. Two folks ordering to go. We were greeted quickly by a young woman who was eating her lunch. We ordered tacos and tostadas with beef. Meat was overlooked and full of fat. The chips were stale, overlooked and cold. Quick service, very inexpensive but not a repeat for me.

This place is so good! Total hole in the wall mom and pop joint that serves amazing food at a great price. I had the bacon and eggs a la Mexicana and a side of guacamole. I loved the meal and will certainly be back. The guac was so tasty and full of big chunks of fresh veggies. Yuuuuum.
Be sure to bring cash since it’s cash only!

Big fan of their tacos! It’s the perfect spot to stop for lunch and it’s right off the bike path. I appreciate the mom&pop shops because you can taste their compassion in every bite. I just wish they had longer hours so I could eat there more often.

I love searching out dives and this one meets the criteria. Small, no A/​C and a bit run down. The service was achingly slow even with few there and the salsa was near flavorless. The servings were sizeable and the prices low so I might give it another shot, but too many other places deliver to make this a destination.

No frills but genuine Mexican mom and pop taco shop. My husband raves about the authenticity of the food here. The family cooks the food while you wait and within view… just like your mom making dinner. The family that owns this spot is super nice and value their customers. When you first visit Jalisco you wonder how it’s made it over all the years of growth in the Heights. It’s very near Onion Creek and surrounded by new development, however, they have a niche and a following. Heights residents are typically very supportive of eclectic and small businesses so I know El Gallo de Jalisco will continue to thrive.

Great tacos. Home style — nothing flashy — but just great taste. Don’t expect atmosphere (unless you count a TV playing Tejano music videos and Bud Light posters «atmosphere») but you will get solid tacos. Your toppings options includes cilantro and onion. There’s no salsa bar. No yuppie names for each type of taco. Just good food. And very cheap.

I stopped here and had breakfast and it blew me away. I had the chorizo eggs, potatoes and beans. Everything was delicious especially when smothered in their tasty verde salsa. A little fresh squeezed lemonade to wash it all down and I was in heaven.

We love this place! Great food & excellent price. We ride our bikes here for breakfast almost every weekend! Friendly owners and staff. Very personable! I usually get the Migas.

Came here on a Sunday after record shopping. The steak tacos & milanesa torta were stupidly GOOD!!! Definitely worth a return trip.

I love this place. It’s walking distance to my house and the food is authentic and fairly cheap. The chips are made on site and are crispy and delicious. I love that I can get horchata (one of my favorite drinks ever) and lengua tacos here. These are things you can’t find at every taqueria or mexican place.
It is a cash only business so stop the ATM before swinging by for some great breakfast.

Absolutely my favorite spot for Mexican Breakfast! The staff is wonderful and the authentic mexican is out of this world. When my 3 kids come to visit they demand we come here! Try there Migas and Huevos Ranchero… both are amazing.

Don’t be scared-​go on in. I know it looks a little sketchy from the outside but you will be welcome there. No frills just cheap Mexican classics. They lean more toward tacos, tortas and goditos but do have some combo plates. Along with awesome breakfast tacos there are plates with eggs and pancakes as well. There is a no alcohol and the only method of payment is cash. No need to dress up-​you probably stay in your PJs

The food was sub-​par and not very friendly staff

Really good soups.

Perhaps one of the things I love about my beloved Heights neighborhood is the eclecticism that make it unique. Nestled amidst half a million dollar newly constructed monstrosities, bungalows, trinket stores, and neighborhood bars, El Gallo de Jalisco is a prime example of the diversity that makes the area distinguishable and a town all its own. This little place puts out some good Mexican comfort food favorites. El Gallo de Jalisco is in a peculiar asymmetrical lot off of White Oak and Columbia, against the once existing remains of the railroad track now walkway into downtown. The food is always fresh and cheap. It is an excellent place for la quick fresh bite for breakfast through dinner. Everyday there is a daily plate special such as Carne Asada, Bistec Melanese, or Plancha de Pollo. There is often an array of fresh juice and horchata available. Though all dishes sound and smell great, I always resort to my favorite taco there, the Pastor. By far it is the best I have ever tried and the price you cannot beat. If you are on the block I ask that you stop by for a try.

Great breakfast tacos plate! I prefer the chorizo and egg. Super cheap and good. Right on a Heights bike trail and bring cash.