Hey, Hobby food lovers! We’re buzzing with excitement to announce the grand opening of Taqueria El Barbón, the first brick-and-mortar location for Karla and Erik Galvan, an inspiring couple who’ve turned their culinary dreams into a delicious reality. This vibrant new restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a testament to their journey as first-generation immigrants and their unwavering spirit!

The story behind El Barbon

Karla Galvan, originally from the beautiful city of Monterrey, Mexico, came to the U.S. as a 6th grader. After earning a degree in Business Administration and spending 15 years in education, she couldn’t shake the dream of owning her own business. Fueled by her love for cooking and her commitment to family, Karla took a leap of faith.

The idea for El Barbón sprouted during a trip to Mexico for her husband’s grandmother’s funeral. Amidst the sorrow, they contemplated their future, and the concept of opening a food truck emerged. With her husband’s entrepreneurial spirit, culinary enthusiasm, and iconic beard, they decided to name the business after his most notable physical trait—his beard. The name “El Barbón,” which translates to “The Beard,” was born.

Their food truck, parked at Monroe and Fuqua, quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Every Tuesday, they made a trip to the building where they are now located, steadily building a clientele within the establishment. Their success caught the attention of Hunter Yeagar, Special Projects and Operations Manager of the Hobby Area Management District, who saw the potential for a brick-and-mortar location in the vacant deli within the district’s office building.

After hearing Hunter’s proposal, deciding to occupy this Hobby deli was a no-brainer for Karla and Erik. “We wanted to stay close to our roots,” Karla says. “This area has always felt like home to us.”

On opening day, Hunter was their very first customer, and they couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off this exciting new chapter! “I’ll never forget, and I will always be thankful that he was our first customer,” Karla says. His support exemplifies the management district’s dedication to nurturing local entrepreneurs and ensuring their success.

Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. From navigating permits to the ups and downs of restaurant life, Karla’s business savvy shone through. “We learned the ropes through trial and error,” she shared. What inspires her to keep going is the initial motivation of owning her own business, building something her son can one day work in to learn the value of hard work and entrepreneurship, and the flexibility that allows her to spend more time with her family.

A Menu Inspired by Tradition and Quality

The menu at Taqueria El Barbón draws inspiration from the couple’s roots, blending traditional flavors from different regions of Mexico. Their top-selling Tacos Tamalipas are packed with fresh ingredients, including crumbled queso fresco, creamy avocado, cilantro, and onions. This dish, inspired by the flavors of Tamalipas, has become a signature favorite among their customers. Another standout is the Tacos Nuevo León, a more classic preparation with just cilantro and onions, offering a simpler yet equally flavorful option.

What Sets Taqueria El Barbón Apart

Quality is at the heart of Taqueria El Barbón’s mission. They go the extra mile by sourcing fresh, authentic ingredients, such as tortillas from local suppliers that remind customers of the flavors they’d find in Mexico. “When people taste our tacos, they often tell us it feels like they’re back in Mexico,” Karla shares. The couple takes pride in every detail, including the presentation. Unlike many taquerias, Taqueria El Barbón serves their food in branded boxes lined with signature paper, making every meal feel special. “It’s like a happy meal for adults,” Karla jokes. “We want every customer to feel like they’re getting something extraordinary.”

Customer Feedback

Taqueria El Barbón’s commitment to quality and service has earned them glowing feedback from customers. A visitor from Tennessee shared his surprise at finding such a gem near Hobby Airport. “I just Googled ‘Mexican food near me’ and stumbled upon Taqueria El Barbón. When I walked in, I didn’t expect much, but the neon taco sign drew me in. The food was amazing—authentic and flavorful. It reminded me of my time in Mexico.”

Karla and Erik have also received praise for their consistency and presentation. “People always comment on how beautiful our tacos look and how fresh everything is,” Karla says. “We’ve had customers tell us that our tacos remind them of home, and that’s the best feedback we could hope for.”

How to Experience Taqueria El Barbón

Eager to dig into the flavors of Taqueria El Barbón? Here’s how you can order:

  • In-Person: Swing by the deli located inside the Vibe TM building, 8866 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77075 and look for the vibrant neon taco sign—it’s practically calling your name!
  • Online: Visit www.taqueriaelbarbon.com to place your order ahead of time for a smooth pick-up.
  • Delivery: Craving tacos but want to stay in? Taqueria El Barbón partners with DoorDash and Uber Eats, with fun promotions like buy-one-get-one-free specials and discounts on larger orders.
  • Catering: Hosting an event? Taqueria El Barbón offers catering for schools, weddings, baby showers, and more. You can bring their signature flavors to your next special occasion.

Taqueria El Barbón isn’t just about great food; it’s a celebration of culture, flavor, and community spirit! Karla and Erik are building a legacy for their family while sharing the rich flavors of their Mexican heritage with Houston. With big dreams of expansion ahead, Karla says, “This is only the beginning!”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family, and head over to Taqueria El Barbón to experience the magic for yourself!