El Big Bad on Postcard

"This Downtown haunt is as popular for its city views as it is for its margaritas, made in-house with fresh-squeezed juice and tequila infusions. Steps from Market Square Park, guests can chill out on the second-floor wraparound patio overlooking all of the street activity below." - Brittany Britto Garley, Megha McSwain

Houston Rooftops for Dining and Drinking With a View

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@eater

"El Big Bad has a huge tequila menu and plenty of inventive infusions to make this classic cocktail a little more interesting. Try the churro tequila, or just stick with the classic “lime, tequila, salt” formula for a solid sip." - Courtney E. Smith, Megha McSwain

19 Supremely Refreshing Margaritas to Drink Right Now in Houston

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@afar

"El Big Bad Margarita Bar and Kitchen Like tequila? Then you’re going to love El Big Bad Margarita Bar and Kitchen. This “gastro-cantina” located in downtown Houston’s Market Square is a must-try spot thanks to its infused tequilas, fresh juice margaritas, and Mexican eats. The drink menu includes a pineappleandhibiscus margarita (tequila infused with pineapple and hibiscus, plus lemon, lime juice, and agave), the Champ #3 (cranberry- and churro-infused tequilas, agave, and fresh lemon and lime), and El Mule (ginger beer, fresh lime, and choice of infused tequila). On the food side, expect nachos, Gulf shrimp tacos, and stacked enchiladas. There’s also a booming happy hour and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m."

The Perfect Day in Houston

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@eater

"This massive Downtown favorite will be serving up its award-winning margaritas and inventive regional Mexican fare to the backdrop of the World Cup. See Facebook for its full game watch schedule — all games that fall during its normal operating hours will be aired in the bar, while it will “consider” opening early for some matches, so check its social site for updates." - Alaena Hostetter

Where to Watch the World Cup in Houston - Eater Houston

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Sergio Martinez

Google

Was in town for a brief business trip and stopped in for a quick bite. Although I was in a Tex-Mex restaurant and bar, I was in the mood for a burger. I was not disappointed! I ordered the cheeseburger medium and it was the perfect blend of juicy and savory. Chelsea Anna made an amazing Spicy Mezcal Margarita. Do yourself a favor and stop in.

Vivian Cheng

Google

My new favorite haunt 🥂. Stumbled in here after checking out a few other ‘highly rated’ bars and I like it so much I couldn’t leave. Highly recommend hitting up John on either Friday or Saturday nights to get some absolutely delicious infused cocktails. What I absolutely love: the cocktails aren’t sugary sweet, and ARE perfectly balanced. Other bars add a lot of sweetener and artificial flavors, but you can tell these guys don’t take shortcuts. Def ask them about their infusions! There’s an impressive collection and constantly rotation selections. The drink AND food menu are FIRE 🔥. The patio is perfect on a breezy late summer evening. A few things I didn’t love: their ambiance. The building is old and ventilation clearly struggles. The couches upstairs are beat up and dated. The sound system upstairs was loud in all the wrong ways and makes the patio space uncomfortably loud. Ordering via barcode feels disenchanting — I crave the interaction and banter. Overall, it’s my new favorite place for drinks and food. Can’t wait to try the Strawberry Basil Marg!

Brianna Deroche

Google

My partner and I stopped by Sunday night on a whim. I loved every minute of dining at El Big Bad! The food was amazing and it was evident everything was prepared fresh with quality ingredients. We got the chips and queso, burger with fries and pollo asado tacos with rice and beans. This place easily has the best queso I have ever had. We also got a few drinks starting with the strawberry infused tequila margaritas. They have a plethora of infused tequilas; something around 30+ if I remember correctly.. Naturally we tried the tequila flight which comes with 3 infused tequila shots to try. They were all great except the key lime which we both agreed was not our favorite. The REAL TREAT was the bartender John. His wittiness and attention to detail is unmatched! He had plenty of suggestions and constantly made sure everything met our expectations. Also compliments to the chef because he did his thing! I Can’t wait for us to visit again.

Sasha Swan

Google

I wanted Mexican so I went to this location. It was not busy. Most tables were empty. The upstairs was closed. To start, there was no waiters. You had to order via phone. I did not like this. In addition, there was hard core rap playing. If I had a kid, I would have turned around due to the curse words. This is not what I expect from a Mexican Restaurant; therefore I left.

Janet Lopez

Google

Amazing service from our bartender. She kept the vibe chill and funny. I think I found the bar I feel most comfortable going alone to and be ok with. P.S. they have hooks under the bar. How many bars do you see with hooks under the bar???

Eve T

Google

Not the best experience it seemed most the things on the menu were unavailable. The tequila flight shots were alright. There wasn’t a server really it was just random employees dropping off food as it was ordered through an app. By the time the food arrived we hadn’t been provided drinks or silverware. Then when it was time to pay for the tab they automatically charge gratuity and still ask for tip. I accidentally added tip and ended up paying more in addition to gratuity. Aside from that it was very well decorated but I won’t be returning.

Cha E

Google

We needed something to eat late night after 1 AM. Gratefully, we were able to catch this place still serving food. The music and vibe were good. My burrito was good. I only disliked how it was layered, and the steak didn't taste the way I'm used to for Mexican food, but the next day for lunch, that didn't even matter, lol. It tasted better 🤭🤷🏾‍♀️.

LaToya Davis

Google

Anastasia is a sweetheart 💕 she has a bubbly personality and great customer service. She knows how to work the room and absolutely amazing at her job. If you unsure of what to get she will get you right! My time at El Big Bad was one to remember thanks to her

Sergio Martinez

Google

Was in town for a brief business trip and stopped in for a quick bite. Although I was in a Tex-Mex restaurant and bar, I was in the mood for a burger. I was not disappointed! I ordered the cheeseburger medium and it was the perfect blend of juicy and savory. Chelsea Anna made an amazing Spicy Mezcal Margarita. Do yourself a favor and stop in.

Vivian Cheng

Google

My new favorite haunt 🥂. Stumbled in here after checking out a few other ‘highly rated’ bars and I like it so much I couldn’t leave. Highly recommend hitting up John on either Friday or Saturday nights to get some absolutely delicious infused cocktails. What I absolutely love: the cocktails aren’t sugary sweet, and ARE perfectly balanced. Other bars add a lot of sweetener and artificial flavors, but you can tell these guys don’t take shortcuts. Def ask them about their infusions! There’s an impressive collection and constantly rotation selections. The drink AND food menu are FIRE 🔥. The patio is perfect on a breezy late summer evening. A few things I didn’t love: their ambiance. The building is old and ventilation clearly struggles. The couches upstairs are beat up and dated. The sound system upstairs was loud in all the wrong ways and makes the patio space uncomfortably loud. Ordering via barcode feels disenchanting — I crave the interaction and banter. Overall, it’s my new favorite place for drinks and food. Can’t wait to try the Strawberry Basil Marg!

Brianna Deroche

Google

My partner and I stopped by Sunday night on a whim. I loved every minute of dining at El Big Bad! The food was amazing and it was evident everything was prepared fresh with quality ingredients. We got the chips and queso, burger with fries and pollo asado tacos with rice and beans. This place easily has the best queso I have ever had. We also got a few drinks starting with the strawberry infused tequila margaritas. They have a plethora of infused tequilas; something around 30+ if I remember correctly.. Naturally we tried the tequila flight which comes with 3 infused tequila shots to try. They were all great except the key lime which we both agreed was not our favorite. The REAL TREAT was the bartender John. His wittiness and attention to detail is unmatched! He had plenty of suggestions and constantly made sure everything met our expectations. Also compliments to the chef because he did his thing! I Can’t wait for us to visit again.

Sasha Swan

Google

I wanted Mexican so I went to this location. It was not busy. Most tables were empty. The upstairs was closed. To start, there was no waiters. You had to order via phone. I did not like this. In addition, there was hard core rap playing. If I had a kid, I would have turned around due to the curse words. This is not what I expect from a Mexican Restaurant; therefore I left.

Janet Lopez

Google

Amazing service from our bartender. She kept the vibe chill and funny. I think I found the bar I feel most comfortable going alone to and be ok with. P.S. they have hooks under the bar. How many bars do you see with hooks under the bar???

Eve T

Google

Not the best experience it seemed most the things on the menu were unavailable. The tequila flight shots were alright. There wasn’t a server really it was just random employees dropping off food as it was ordered through an app. By the time the food arrived we hadn’t been provided drinks or silverware. Then when it was time to pay for the tab they automatically charge gratuity and still ask for tip. I accidentally added tip and ended up paying more in addition to gratuity. Aside from that it was very well decorated but I won’t be returning.

Cha E

Google

We needed something to eat late night after 1 AM. Gratefully, we were able to catch this place still serving food. The music and vibe were good. My burrito was good. I only disliked how it was layered, and the steak didn't taste the way I'm used to for Mexican food, but the next day for lunch, that didn't even matter, lol. It tasted better 🤭🤷🏾‍♀️.

LaToya Davis

Google

Anastasia is a sweetheart 💕 she has a bubbly personality and great customer service. She knows how to work the room and absolutely amazing at her job. If you unsure of what to get she will get you right! My time at El Big Bad was one to remember thanks to her

El Big Bad

El Big Bad

Photos

Highlights

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