Velvet Taco Introduce
Here in Texas, we take our tacos seriously. But while we cherish the traditional, we also have an appreciation for innovation. Velvet Taco, located in the heart of Houston's vibrant scene, is a perfect example of this. It's not your typical taqueria; it's a destination for adventurous eaters and lovers of flavor, a place where the humble tortilla becomes a canvas for a diverse range of global ingredients. This establishment has made a name for itself by elevating the taco to a new art form, offering a fresh and unique take on a beloved classic. For Houston locals and visitors seeking something beyond the ordinary, Velvet Taco provides a culinary journey that is both exciting and delicious.
The concept behind Velvet Taco is simple yet brilliant: take a wide array of international cuisines and wrap them up in a tortilla. From Indian-inspired tikka chicken to Korean pork, and even a unique take on a classic bacon cheeseburger, the menu is a testament to culinary creativity. As one customer noted, while some dishes might be hits or misses depending on your personal taste, the experience is always worth it, with a "Queso with chips was tasty and definitely a highlight." This willingness to experiment with flavors is what sets Velvet Taco apart and what keeps patrons coming back to explore new combinations.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a crucial part of the experience. Velvet Taco is known for its casual and trendy vibe, making it a great spot for groups to gather or for solo diners to enjoy a quiet, quick bite. The service is often praised as "amazing," with staff who are "great" and welcoming. This combination of a fun, modern environment and attentive, friendly service ensures that even on a busy night, your visit is a positive one. The fact that the restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and even late-night food shows just how much it has integrated itself into the daily rhythm of Houston life.
Velvet Taco is conveniently situated at 2001 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008, USA, in the Heights neighborhood. This location is easily accessible from major roads and is a central hub for food and entertainment. The restaurant's presence in this area makes it a perfect stop for those exploring the Heights or for residents in the surrounding communities.
The accessibility of Velvet Taco is a major plus for any customer. It is well-equipped to accommodate all guests, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can enjoy a meal comfortably. For those driving, the availability of a free parking lot and free street parking makes the visit hassle-free, a significant advantage in a busy urban area. The location is also dog-friendly with outdoor seating, allowing for a delightful outing with your furry friends. These thoughtful amenities contribute to an overall excellent customer experience.
Velvet Taco offers a wide variety of service options to fit any lifestyle or dining preference.
- Outdoor seating: Enjoy your meal in the fresh Houston air.
- Curbside pickup: A convenient option for those on the go, allowing you to get your order without leaving your car.
- No-contact delivery: For ultimate convenience and safety, food can be delivered directly to your doorstep.
- Delivery: Partnering with various services, Velvet Taco ensures you can enjoy their food wherever you are.
- Drive-through: Offering a quick and efficient way to get your tacos.
- Takeout: A simple and reliable option for grabbing your food to go.
- Dine-in: Experience the casual and trendy atmosphere by dining inside.
- Catering: A great solution for parties, office events, or other large gatherings, bringing the unique flavors of Velvet Taco to your event.
These options demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to providing flexible and customer-centric service.
Velvet Taco is known for several unique features and highlights that make it a standout in the Houston food scene.
- Inventive, Globally Inspired Menu: The menu is a highlight in itself, offering a "taco-fied" version of international dishes. This includes options like Spicy Tikka Chicken, Korean Pork, and Fish n' Chips tacos, providing a culinary experience that is both familiar and new.
- Dietary-Friendly Options: The menu is thoughtfully designed with a variety of offerings. This includes a dedicated "VEG" section with vegan and vegetarian options like Nashville Hot Tofu and Fried Paneer, as well as gluten-free choices.
- Serves Local Specialty: The restaurant serves a local specialty, ensuring it connects with the regional food scene while maintaining its unique brand.
- Late-Night Food: For those with late-night cravings, Velvet Taco is a go-to spot, making it popular with a variety of crowds, including college students and those out late.
- Full Bar: The restaurant offers a selection of alcoholic beverages, including the popular "Kick Ass Margarita," beer, and other boozy libations, perfect for a social outing.
- Family-Friendly: With a dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, and a casual atmosphere, it is a great spot for families with children.
- Excellent Service: A consistent highlight in customer reviews is the fast and friendly service, which makes the dining experience even more enjoyable.
These features contribute to a well-rounded and appealing experience for a diverse customer base.
For those who want to visit or contact Velvet Taco, here is the essential information.
Address: 2001 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008, USA
Phone: (346) 895-8226
This contact information makes it easy to look up directions, call with questions, or place an order for pickup, ensuring a smooth and convenient visit.
Why should you choose Velvet Taco for your next meal in Houston? It’s an experience unlike any other. While some might argue that the food is a departure from traditional Mexican tacos, that is precisely its charm. It's a place where culinary rules are broken in the most delicious way possible. The menu is a journey around the world, one taco at a time. The variety is truly impressive, ensuring that no matter your craving, you will find something to excite your taste buds. From the comfort of a classic queso to the adventurous flavors of a Spicy Tikka Chicken taco, there is a discovery to be made with every visit.
Beyond the food, the sheer convenience and welcoming environment make it a top choice. The extensive list of service options—from drive-through and curbside pickup to delivery and dine-in—means that Velvet Taco fits seamlessly into any schedule. Whether you need a quick lunch break or a relaxed dinner with friends, they have an option that works for you. The casual atmosphere, along with amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms, makes it a comfortable and practical spot for a variety of occasions.
Finally, the restaurant's commitment to inclusivity, with its wide range of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensures that it can cater to a diverse community. The fact that they are consistently praised for their fast and friendly service adds to the overall positive experience. In a city brimming with food options, Velvet Taco distinguishes itself not only with its inventive menu but also with its dedication to customer satisfaction. It's a culinary adventure that is both delicious and welcoming, making it a must-try for any Houstonian or visitor.
Velvet Taco Menu
CHICK
- #1 Buffalo chicken
crisp tenders, house buffalo sauce, Danish bleu cheese, ranch crema, carrots, micro celery, flour tortilla
- #2 Rotisserie chicken (GF)
queso blanco, roasted corn pico, charred tomato poblano salsa, cilantro, corn tortilla
- #3 Spicy tikka chicken
crisp tenders, spicy tikka sauce, buttered cilantro basmati rice, raita crema, Thai basil, flour tortilla
- #3.5 Picnic chicken
rotisserie chicken, avocado crema, warm honey-dijon potato salad, crispy chicken skin, cilantro, flour tortilla.
VEG
- #4 Nashville hot tofu (V)
crispy tofu, napa slaw, ranch crema, house brined pickles, flour tortilla
- #5 Fried paneer (V)
tomato chutney, tikka sauce, raita crema, Thai basil, flour tortilla
- #6 Falafel (V)
tahini crema, arugula, tomato, pickled fresnos, avocado, pickled red onion, pea tendrils, lettuce wrap
- #6.5 Beer battered cauliflower (V)
queso blanco, Texas Pete® sabor sauce, avocado corn pico, Texas Pete® dust candied pepitas, flour tortilla
PORK
- #7 Cuban pig
gruyere cheese, slow-roasted pulled pork, honey ham, peppered bacon, grain mustard, house brined pickles, crisp flour tortilla
- #8.5 Green chile pork (GF)
tomatillo corn stewed pork, avocado, roasted poblano strips, mayo crema, queso fresco, pickled fresnos, cilantro rice, salsa verde, micro cilantro, corn tortilla
- #9 Korean pork
angry crema, kimchee slaw, pickled fresnos, cilantro, corn tortilla
BEEF
- #10 Kobe bacon burger*
peppered bacon, smoked cheddar, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, velvet sauce, flour tortilla
- #11 Grilled flank steak*
portobello, queso blanco, grilled red onion, Mexican oregano, corn tortilla
- #12 Slow-roasted angus brisket
barbacoa style, red chile mayo, avocado relish, queso blanco, micro cilantro, comté cheese encrusted flour tortilla
FISH
- #14 Shrimp & grits
creole remoulade, blackened shrimp, crispy pepper jack cheese grits, charred tomato salsa, micro cilantro, corn tortilla
- #15 Grilled salmon* (GF)
napa slaw, citrus lime crema, pickled fresnos, roasted corn pico, avocado crema, micro cilantro, corn tortilla
- #16 Fish n' chips
curry mayo, malted french fries, napa slaw, beer battered Atlantic cod, pea tendrils, flour tortilla
BRUNCH - SERVED ALL DAY
- #18 Chicken & waffle
crisp tenders, peppered bacon, peppercorn gravy, green apple slaw, maple syrup, red chile aioli, chives, waffle tortilla
- #19 Bacon & eggs
crisp tots, chile butter, smoked cheddar, charred tomato poblano salsa, micro greens, corn tortilla
- #20 Brisket & eggs (GF)
brisket & eggs, salsa verde, roasted corn pico, queso fresco, cilantro, corn tortilla
SIDES
- Queso blanco (GF)(V)
Velvet Taco heat sauce, salsa verde, charred tomato salsa, cilantro sprig, blue chips
- Red curry coconut queso (GF)
pickled onion, queso fresco, Thai basil, blue chips
- 'Elote' corn (GF) (V)
queso listo, Valentina, crema, queso fresco, lime
- Crisp tots & local egg (GF)
herb goat cheese, smoked cheddar, avocado crema, chile butter, peppered bacon, micro greens
- Barbacoa beef nachos
blue corn chips, queso blanco, roasted corn pico, lime crema, salsa verde, queso fresco, micro cilantro
BOOZY LIBATIONS
- Kick ass margarita
premium blanco tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, agave nectar. frozen or rocks.
- Ranch water
premium blanco tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, lime. SELECT YOUR FLAVOR: Topo Chico regular, lime or grapefruit
- Paloma
premium blanco tequila, Jarritos grapefruit soda, lime juice, agave nectar, grapefruit
- Beer available
KID’S MENU
- Kid's Chicken taco
Rotisserie chicken, smoked cheddar, flour tortilla
- Kid's Steak taco
Grilled flank steak, smoked cheddar, flour tortilla
- Kid's Cheese quesadilla (V)
Cheese quesadilla served with lime crema
- Kid's Ham quesadilla
Honey ham quesadilla served with lime crema
- Kid's Chicken quesadilla
Rotisserie chicken quesadilla served with lime crema
- Kid's Chicken tenders
Crisp tenders and tater tots served with ketchup and velvet sauce
- Kid's Tots (V)(GF)
Crisp tots served with ketchup
Velvet Taco Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Velvet Taco Photos










Velvet Taco Location
Velvet Taco
2001 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008, USA
Velvet Taco Reviews
chipsred velvet cakequesodrive thrushrimpsalmon tacochicken tikkacurrypatiofalafel
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I based my review mostly on their bowls, which were just okay. The meat was a bit on the dry side, but the queso with chips was tasty and definitely a highlight. Their tacos are much better than the bowls, with better flavor and texture. Overall, the food has some hits and misses, but it’s still worth checking out—and I’d still recommend giving it a try.
August 16 · HalfscreenFood was okay.. but service was amazing.. you guys were great..
June 29 · sonia glasterEverything I had was very unique. They have tacos combos that don't make sense but taste amazing!!! We sat outside on the patio. They have good music playing too.
August 19 · TX.Realtor. DawnLove this location, food is always delicious and the service is great. Definitely recommend you stop by!
March 30 · Josh RamirezAmazing food! It was all so fresh and the amount of options is great! Will for sure be coming back to try the different options. It's not your traditional style Taco but it's still excellent! The staff and manger was friendly as well. And the food comes out super quick!
June 27 · Chace Ellis
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