Maybe Tacos Still Have a Few Tricks Left

I Thought I Had Seen Every Taco

To be honest, when I started this Tacos & Tequila journey, I thought I’d eventually run out of taco variations to write about. I wasn’t trying to be pessimistic, but think about it for a minute—how many different shades of tacos can there really be? And can al pastor tacos honestly get any better?

Well… sorry for doubting them.

The answer to both questions is a big hell yeah.

A Dude’s Date and an Empty Stomach

I recently had a dude’s date with a friend who wanted to take me to his favorite restaurant in Houston. We grabbed a couple of drinks before heading there, so by the time we arrived, I was already a little drunk and absolutely starving. Looking back, that might’ve been the perfect state to experience this meal.

Flora’s Was Worth Every Dollar

We ended up at Flora’s, a high-end Mexican restaurant near Buffalo Bayou Park. I’ll admit, the prices are on the higher side, but after that first bite, I stopped thinking about the bill.

I ordered a dirty Reposado tequila martini made with La Gritona. Every time I order this cocktail, the tequila completely changes the experience, and La Gritona might just be one of my favorites for it. The bartender nailed the balance, making it one of the best tequila martinis I’ve had in Houston.

The Taco That Thought It Was an Empanada

For food, we both ordered the tacos al pastor, but my friend insisted we also share an order of red snapper tacos because he swore they were top-notch.

He wasn’t exaggerating.

The best way I can describe them is that they felt like someone turned a taco into an empanada. Imagine taking a taco, sealing it, and frying it until the tortilla becomes golden and crispy while the red snapper stays tender inside. It immediately reminded me of the seafood empanadas from Piñones, Puerto Rico. It was such a simple idea, yet something I’d never experienced before in a taco.

The Best Al Pastor I’ve Ever Had

Then came the al pastor.

Without hesitation, these were the best al pastor tacos I’ve ever had.

It wasn’t just the marinade or the seasoning—it was the way the pork was cooked. The outside had an incredible caramelized crust with crispy edges, while the inside stayed unbelievably juicy. Every bite had that perfect contrast between crunch and tenderness. Too often, al pastor ends up dry from being overcooked, but these tacos were the complete opposite. They were cooked with intention, and you could taste it.

Why This Is Exactly Why I Started This Journey

I love discovering restaurants like this because they remind me that there’s always another level to explore. Just when I think I’ve seen every version of a taco, a place like Flora’s proves me wrong.

I’ll definitely be back to see what else they have hiding on that menu.