The Original Ninfa’s On Navigation Is Seriously Stepping Up Its Game

Change isn’t exactly something that happens often at Ninfa’s On Navigation. The classic Houston Tex-Mex establishment’s massive pack of dedicated diners don’t come to Ninfa’s for the latest in culinary trends, instead seeking a comforting plate of enchiladas and a Ninfarita. Now, you’ll be able to get the best of both worlds.

Announced via release, Ninfa’s has brought in an exciting new consultant to upgrade their bar program. Alba Huerta of famed cocktail bar Julep will help Ninfa’s streamline its bar operations and work with bartenders to improve the cocktails on the menu and the ingredients that make them. This week, Huerta’s new menu will roll out, featuring drinks like the nuanced Pedro Navaja Old Fashioned, mixed with tequila reposado, piloncillo bitters, and mezcal.

If you’re worried about those classic Ninfaritas, you can expect for those to stay largely the same. “While we do not plan to make any changes to our famous ‘Ninfaritas’ or other customer favorites like the ‘Navigation Margarita’, there are many operational areas where we can achieve improvements," said Legacy Restaurants CEO Jonathan Horowitz. “Alba’s experience and knowledge will help us take these important steps.”

Also new to Ninfa’s is a shiny (for now) new kitchen toy. Earlier this year, the restaurant completely overhauled its kitchen, and installed a swanky new Mugnaini wood-burning grill that will be used for new dishes like roasted whole red snapper, Mexican flat ribs, and Chef Alex Padilla’s family-inspired recipe for Dungeness crab.

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to head to Ninfa’s for a few cocktails, there’s really never been a better time.