Meaning "city," URBE is the fifth concept created by celebrated Restaurateur Tracy Vaught and James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Hugo Ortega of H Town Restaurant Group. It is so named to both honor the cities of Mexico where street food plays such an integral part and as a nod to the city Houston – or H Town – where the restaurant group was founded and operates.
We believe that true street food is actually "slow food." It is prepared with recipes passed down through generations, cooked with patience, and served with pride. Our menu is a curated map of Mexico's diverse states, featuring favorites from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Jalisco, and Puebla. Whether it's the perfect snap of Chicharrones or the sweetness of freshly baked Conchas and Churros, every dish at URBE is a tribute to the keepers of culinary tradition.
Chef Ivan Garduno's love of cooking began in his grandmother's kitchen. As a boy in Guerrero, Mexico, he lived with her for three years in a pueblo called Coatepec, watching her make pozole, quesadillas, mole and sopes for him and his brother Emmanuel. That's where he fell in love with Mexican home cooking.
He started cooking professionally at 18 at Artista & Churrascos, where he spent eight years working there with many chefs. He started from the bottom of the kitchen as a young dishwasher then became a kitchen manager. He then joined Chef Hugo Ortega's team at Caracol.
Like Chef Hugo, Ivan came to Houston from Mexico, and Chef Hugo's journey inspired him to keep learning and working his way up. He has been at URBE for four years.
His Chef Ivan Originals carry those memories. The Tacos de Cecina recall the Mercado de Iguala in Guerrero, where his father bought him cecina tacos from a street vendor. The Aguachile Negro grew out of weekends with his best friend, making aguachiles and ceviches for their families and dreaming up new ideas together.
"To me, street food is the heart of the Mexican culture," says Chef Ivan. "It represents the streets and mercados, the people, the traditions, and the flavors that make Mexico so unique and beautiful."
As the sun sets, URBE transforms into a full-service dining destination. Enjoy modern interpretations of street food classics in a lively atmosphere, paired with professional service and a menu designed for sharing.
Our robust coffee program features Houston-roasted beans and house-made syrups like café de olla. For those looking for something stronger, our bar serves fresh-shaken Margaritas, Micheladas, and our signature frozen cocktails.
In true street food fashion, we place a heavy emphasis on food to-go (¡para llevar!). Visit our Mesa Grande for a wide selection of Mexican breads, Berlinesas, and pastries, or pick up a full meal to enjoy at home.
