I went for the first time on a Saturday. Seems to be just enough parking, and seating inside. I liked the atmosphere and decorations. The staff were friendly. Has a comfortable laid back feel. Love the cacti plants!

went again, it's been a while. ir can get crowded but the tacos and sauces are worth it. keep going back and try something new each time. my only complaint is that they use styrofoam cups for water.

Authentic tacos and other Mexican street foods are just as delicious here as the original location at Spring Branch! Service is just as friendly too, and the location benefits from a larger space and more updated interior with greater seating. The parking lot is also pretty big. For these reasons, we prefer this location for bigger groups. Our favorites are the barbacoa, carne asada, tripa, lengua, and birria tacos but don't sleep on the sopes, tostadas, and tortas.

Tacos Dona Lena had been on my list for quite some time. And for good reason. The taco joint has gotten hype not only locally, but also nationally. I tried to stop by their original location once on a weekday afternoon and there were cars outside of the door waiting to get in. You could tell that there was a long wait so I kept it moving. So I was excited to hear that they were opening up a second location. After getting a haircut, I made my way on a weekday afternoon for lunch (parking was easy in their complimentary lot). Eager to finally cross them off my list. Service (4/5): You place your order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. The staff was friendly but service isn't a big part of the experience. Ambiance (4.5/5): Tacos Dona Lena is a good-looking restaurant. Bright with plenty of Mexican decor. And family pictures adorning the walls. You definitely feel like you're getting a taste of Mexican culture when you spend time at this restaurant. Drinks (4.5/5): They have a bar but I was here for lunch so I went with an agua fresca. They have three flavors. I went with the cucumber pineapple. There's one size and it's a large one. The agua fresca was delicious, one of the best I've ever had. Not only was it flavorful but there are bits of cucumber and pineapple in it that makes this a next level beverage. Food (4/5): Did the food live up to the hype? Tacos Dona Lena is known for its birria tacos. I absolutely love birria tacos. So I went with the quesabirria that comes with your typical birria meat, cheese, consome, onions, and cilantro with a twist. There's also chorizo! I've never seen this before but I'm not complaining. While the dish doesn't come with a side, you get three large tacos so it makes for a filling meal. The cheese oozes out of the taco. It's super greasy. Everything you want in a solid birria taco. But is it legendary? I'd say it's the second best birria taco I've had in my life. Very, very good. If you're looking for some excellent tacos in a location with great ambiance, and you want to avoid their busier original location, their second location in The Heights is your cheat code. Every Houstonian should give it a try.

I went two days in a row for lunch. The first time, I had a soyrizo taco. It's well seasoned and tasty. My Dad didn't like his chicken taco so much. Sauces are placed on your table in order of spiciness. You order at the counter, given a number, and food is brought to your table. The place is colorful and fun. The music when one goes to the bathroom is too loud. Today, I returned. My soyrizo torta was too salty. I had the pineapple cucumber agua fresca. While I find it too sweet, it's delicious. I'm glad Doña Lena also caters to vegetarians. The place had a lot of diners both days.

I love the decor and vibe of this place. Everyone is friendly and the food is very authentic. This restaurant started as a way to bring a bit of Mexico back to Houston and it very much feels like that. Definitely coming back! Chips & Queso: 8/10 The chips were really good and not too salty and not too plain. The queso was pretty good although I wished it was a bit less thick and perhaps with some chorizo it would have been really good. Still solid though. El Taquero: 10/10 I loved loved this dish. It was delicious and such a good sized portion. The tortillas were fresh and the flavors of the dish were smoky and well seasoned. Quesabirria: 7/10 These were pretty good. I liked that the meat was tender and the tortilla wasn't oily. The only thing is that the cheese wasn't as soft as I would have liked and the consume sauce didn't have much spice in it. Still pretty yummy though. Parking: decent amount of spots!

First things first, I'm late to the Dona Lena's party! I went to another Dona restaurant hoping for the same experience, but it didn't compare! While I've still yet to visit the original location, this one is solid! I'm glad we arrived early because while we were enjoying our feast the line piled up! We ordered a handful of items to share between three people + I treated myself to a salsa flight with their 6? salsa options! I cannot visit any location without order my the queso, and I'm very happy I continued that tradition here. Silky smooth, this stuff is addictive. It impressed me almost as much as the birria! That being said, if you choose one item at this spot, choose the birria!

Not surprised they have opened a second location. I'm just glad it's on 18th street more close to me! If you're a taco lover like I am, you're aware of their success with their original Hammerly location which has been mentioned numerous times on local publicists' 'best of' lists in regards to tacos/mexican cuisine. With success leads to expansion as they have added a second location on W 18th Street in the Lazybrook/Timbergrove area. This location has a larger dining area with more seating including a bar area, stretched high-top seating, and numerous tables and booths. Much larger than their Hammerly location in terms of capacity with more parking. Food is always delivered timely and piping hot. As for their food, it's still amazing and always hits the sweet taco spot. Can't go wrong with any of their proteins (lengua, tripa, spicy de puerco, and chile con negro carne are my favorites) either in taco, gordita, quesadilla, sope, torta, or burrito form. And they also have Birria which they do quite well. First time I came here, their eats still had the same dynamite flavors/tastes as their original location and it's remained consistent every time I come here for dine-in or take-out. Maybe a third location down the road? With how Dona Lena performs, don't be surprised!