Mexican - Fiesta Loma Linda (NOW CLOSED) (Crispy and Puffy Tacos) (And Pecan Pralines)

Fiesta Loma Linda
2111 Telephone Road
http://www.fiestalomalinda.com

Our favorite because of the classic, Houston style puffy tacos that they continue to make and make well. Originally a classic diner, the owners friendship with the owners of the now long gone Loma Linda Restaurant by Palms Center, follow the original Loma Linda recipes. And they still make the classic praline on premises. You will get one when your check comes. 

This style of taco shell used to be more available at Houston restaurants. But, to my knowledge, now only Fiesta Loma Linda and Los Tios carry on the tradition. When these two are gone, there won't be anyone carrying on this tradition and it will be lost. 

Hence, I have set out to try to master the recipe myself in order to preserve it for historical purposes.


With journalist and barbecue aficionado, J.C. Reid.

A closer look at the taco shells which I hope to duplicate in my kitchen.

Mexican - Fiesta Loma Linda Mexican Restaurant

As of June 2018, after 60 plus years, the Fiesta Loma Linda has closed. When the Loma Linda group of restaurants went out of business in the 80's, the couple who owned this restaurant and were friends with the Loma Linda owners, brought in their recipes including the famous Houston style puffy and crispy taco which is a different thing from the thicker, chewier San Antonio style puffy taco one finds at venues such as Henry's Puffy Tacos.

Robb Walsh wrote about the very traditional pecan pralines they made in The Tex-Mex Cookbook.

Currently, Los Tios is the only Houston restaurant that makes these per this tradition. I am hoping to locate the owners and buy their tortilla maker if at all possible.

The Mexican Food Revolution - American History Museum

Here, to remember this wonderful restaurant is a collection of my photographs over the years.