Though located on an out-of-the-way corner of downtown, homey and idiosyncratic Irma's has nonetheless been a weekday lunchtime mainstay, especially among politicos, for more than a generation. In June 2008 it won a James Beard Foundation America's Classic award, given to beloved local eateries across the country. Primarily a hectic lunch spot, it's also open for less crowded breakfasts and for an early dinner when the Astros are playing at home, just a few blocks away. Perhaps part of the appeal, there is no menu and Irma's only offers a handful of choices each day. The entrées might be pork ribs in tomatillo sauce, enchiladas, chile rellenos, or chicken breast in mole poblano. Lunches are prefaced with crisp chips and piquant, flavorful salsa, and most are accompanied by thick refried beans, moist Spanish rice and excellent freshly made flour tortillas. Their signature freshly squeezed lemonade is a requisite for most diners.
Full bar. Serving breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri, and dinner when the Astros play. Closed Sat–Sun.
Houston Press: Best Guacamole, 2010 critics' poll
"Savor the irrepressible Irma Galvan's burgeoning decor, politically wired clientele and enormously comforting mom-food: landmark cheese enchiladas, real mole, chiles rellenos, pork ribs in home-style tomatillo sauce."
— Houston Press
Though located on an out-of-the-way corner of downtown, homey and idiosyncratic Irma's has nonetheless been a weekday lunchtime mainstay, especially among politicos, for more than a generation. In June 2008 it won a James Beard Foundation America's Classic award, given to beloved local eateries across the country. Primarily a hectic lunch spot, it's also open for less crowded breakfasts and for an early dinner when the Astros are playing at home, just a few blocks away. Perhaps part of the appeal, there is no menu and Irma's only offers a handful of choices each day. The entrées might be pork ribs in tomatillo sauce, enchiladas, chile rellenos, or chicken breast in mole poblano. Lunches are prefaced with crisp chips and piquant, flavorful salsa, and most are accompanied by thick refried beans, moist Spanish rice and excellent freshly made flour tortillas. Their signature freshly squeezed lemonade is a requisite for most diners.
Full bar. Serving breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri, and dinner when the Astros play. Closed Sat–Sun.
Houston Press: Best Guacamole, 2010 critics' poll
"Savor the irrepressible Irma Galvan's burgeoning decor, politically wired clientele and enormously comforting mom-food: landmark cheese enchiladas, real mole, chiles rellenos, pork ribs in home-style tomatillo sauce."
— Houston Press