While I agree with SocialistMD's rankings, I wouldn't say UT Houston and UTSA are 'close behind' UTSW and Baylor Houston.
UTSW is very impressive but brutal. Great academics, operative experience, but you pay for it. The residents can't even fake being happy for interview season. Irregardless, it's hard to see someone graduating from there who wouldn't be very compentent and confident. Note the recent lawsuit involving a former attending who flagged UTSW for allowing to much autonomy in the OR (i.e. attendings not present in the OR for crux of procedure). It may change the culture. Simulation/training facilities are nice. You'll need good numbers here.
Baylor has a good reputation with some big names (Chairman Dr. Brunicardi is editor of Schwartz, Dr. Mattox). Losing Methodist had to be a blow, but they're making their own hospital now. Their graduating residents average below 800 cases, but may due to some outliers (some get >1000). DeBakey really did hire and fire people at a whim, but he's gone, so the malignant stories aren't as applicable.
UT Houston has some good things, namely the Texas Medical Center. But it's a tough program. Not the best culture. If you can get into Baylor or UTSW, you should have no problems with UTH. You may sneek into a categorical spot by being a prelim here.
UT San Antonio is a mandatory 7 year program. The surgery department is running into financial difficulties. ABSITEs are a significant criteria for holding people back. Overall, low morale. Facilities/equipment/research are a step behind UTSW or Baylor (but they eventually take that step). Some good subspecialty services- transplant program performs around 100 liver transplants per year, urology dept. possesses a great chairman. Like UTSW, a 'whistleblower' called them for allowing too much autonomy as well a few years ago. If you apply, good research could make up for lack of numbers. Something to note: 3 residents come from the Air Force as it's a fully integrated program with Wilford Hall. This trims the number of NRMP slots to 3-4. The AF will move its people to Brooke Army at some point.
Baylor Dallas is competitive. They take everyone's board scores and grades, then make their rank list. Their transplant program is much bigger than UTSW (may be UTSW's only weak field). Has a rep for good resident lifestyle.
Texas A&M (Scott and White) has a pleasant atmosphere. Family friendly with above average home call. Drawbacks are you only work at two hospitals (maybe a plus) and you live in Temple, TX (good for families). Nobody has failed the boards in the past 5 or so years. This is a fairly competitive place if you've got average numbers, so I'd do an away rotation (they love people who show an interest).
Methodist Houston saved a weak St. Joseph's-Cristus program. You spend a year total in Austin. Their chairman is supposed to be very strong. Time will tell if the program lives up to its potential, but you'll need to be a decent candidate now.
Methodist Dallas takes 2 people a year and operates all the time (more bread and butter procedures). Might be one of those programs where doing an away rotation will really help.
Texas Tech Lubbock was on probation but recently got off. Don't know too much about it.
Texas Tech El Paso might be the worst. Board pass rates around 50%. I was told not even to apply there due to administrative issues. Speaking Spanish should be a prereq.
The American Board of Surgery provides an objective look at board pass rates
here. UTSW, Methodist Dallas, and Scott & White lead this list.