A basket full of warm, salted tortilla chips and a bowl of melted chile con queso is a beautiful sight to many Southeast Texans. This classic pairing might as well be its own food group in Texas, having been introduced to most of us as early as we could chew. When venturing around Southeast Texas we want to make your quest for queso worth it!

Melted cheese is enough to get people excited. Add spices, meet and other tasty ingredients and it is no wonder queso is such a hit in Tex-Mex cuisine. Each restaurant in the area has their own spin on the delicious dip, which is why we encourage you to try as many as you can!

Southeast Texas gives locals and visitors alike, a variety of queso dips to choose from. If you eat out in Southeast Texas, we promise that you are in for a cheesy treat!

Here’s your go-to guide to satisfy your craving for queso!

 Monterrey House
1090 11th Street, Beaumont

Known as the oldest family owned Mexican restaurant in Beaumont, the Monterrey House has been serving Southeast Texans since 1951. With affordable options for both lunch and dinner, we understand why this Tex-Mex eatery has been around for so long.

“The sole surviving Monterey House (#21) is still running successfully in Beaumont, Texas on S. 11th St. Owned by the LeJeune family since July 1, 1963, it's the oldest operating restaurant in Beaumont,” said owner Connie LeJeune-Oien.

“With food made fresh from scratch every-day since the Monterey House corporation ceased to exist in the 80's. The food tastes the same as it did when the food was delivered from the commissary way back when. Folks are rediscovering the place after so many years of believing that all the stores were closed. Monterey House in Beaumont is alive and well and not planning to close anytime soon,” said LeJeune-Oien.

Come see the Monterrey House and taste the delicious queso that can take you down memory lane!

El Habanero Bar & Grill

6685 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont

Locally owned and operated by Neno Chavez, El Habanero Bar & Grill is not your average Tex-Mex restaurant.

Offering both authentic Mexican menu items along with Tex-Mex favorites, El Habanero has gained quite a loyal following. Southeast Texas is lucky to have owners like Chavez and his brother who incorporate their heritage with ours.

Any queso lover must try the El Habanero’s Queso Flameado. Not your average melted cheese, this version of chile con queso includes melted Oaxaca cheese for a thicker texture and spicy season chorizo served atop a piping hot skillet and paired with warm corn tortillas.

El Viejo Tony
4300 FM 365, Port Arthur

Right off Highway 365 in Port Arthur, the flavors at El Viejo Tony are waiting to satisfy you.

A large margarita menu is what brings most customers in, but the delicious food is what keeps them returning. El Viejo Tony is one of the few local Tex-Mex eateries that offer Queso Blanco. This all-white version of traditional queso is milder and equally as delicious and pairs best with one of El Viejo Tony’s fabulous margaritas.

Carmela’s
3925 Calder Ave, Beaumont

When you ask any West End resident in Beaumont, they’ll tell you that Carmela’s is the neighborhood joint for Tex-Mex cuisine. Open since 2000, Carmela’s has kept loyal customers coming back for more.

Known for having a family-friendly atmosphere, Carmela’s is also affordable and quick for those who don’t want to spend much and are in a hurry.

Their queso, named Top 10 queso in Texas by Wide Open Eats, is a must try whenever you are in Beaumont.

Even though Carmela’s queso is amazing with just chips and hot sauce, don’t miss out on pairing it with an order of scratch-made tamales, perfect for the holiday season!

Café del Rio
2830 Interstate 10 East, Beaumont

For those who enjoy the spicier side of life, don’t be shy and try the Queso Diablo. Giving a spicy kick to the traditional chile con queso dish, Café del Rio adds a handful of diced bell peppers for a unique flavor. Pair with a frozen 3G margarita and you’ll understand why It’s one of our favorites.

Guadalajara Bar & Grill
4414 Dowlen Road, Suite #101, Beaumont

Located near Parkdale Mall, Guadalajara is the only Tex-Mex restaurant in the area that offers buffet-style in addition to a full sit-down menu. Sizzling fajita plates and cheesy enchiladas are among the traditional Tex-Mex items served alongside—you guessed it—chile con queso!

Casa Tapatia
145 Interstate 10 Frontage Road, Beaumont

Since 2017, Casa Tapatia has been serving interstate passersby amazingly delicious Tex-Mex. Most customers mention the large portions and friendly service at this affordable Southeast Texas eatery.

Enjoy all the chili con queso you can eat across Southeast Texas and let us know which gooey bowl of cheese you choose by using #EATBMT on your foodie posts! 

Author: Lauren Bebeau

Lauren Bebeau is a freelance writer and food blogger based in Beaumont, Texas. For the past decade, Lauren has worked in the food industry. Lauren's interest in Southeast Texas cuisine began after graduating Lamar University when the opportunity of marketing a family owned frozen food product across Southeast Texas arose.  Since 2015, Lauren has  published features about local restaurants for The Beaumont Enterprise publications, Cat5 and VIP Magazines in addition to her personal blog, SETXfoodies. Lauren is dedicated to showcasing what our area has to offer residents and tourists. In her free time, Lauren enjoys dinner parties with friends, lounging around with her pet cat, and traveling.