900 tortillas per hour

Armandos' family-friendly, Tex-Mex sister restaurant serves up highly anticipated opening date in Bellaire

The wait is almost over for Bellaire residents who have been craving fajitas, burrito bowls, and margaritas. Palacios Murphy hospitality group will open Mandito's Tex-Mex on Thursday, April 13 (5101 Bellaire Blvd.).

Part of the restaurant group behind Armandos, the 45-year-old, River Oaks Tex-Mex institution, and Italian restaurant Lulu’s, Mandito’s is a more family-friendly establishment than its upscale sibling. Joining an original location in Round Top, the restaurant takes its name from the childhood nickname of co-owner Armando Palacios — “Mandito” is “little Armando.”

While Armandos is known for its fine dining aspects such as white tablecloths and its signature Thursday night dance parties, Mandito's will be a more family friendly establishment with a more casual atmosphere. It will still offer a high level of service and utilize technology such as a digital waitlist that allows customers to put themselves in line for a table via smartphone.

The menu centers around burritos, enchiladas, flautas, and fajitas as well as the signature burrito bowl, a clever reimagining of a taco salad with ground beef, steak, or chicken topped with lettuce, corn, cheese, avocado, beans, and more. Mandito's will also offer plant-based options such as the Tex-Mex Kale Salad, kale and mushroom tacos, and crispy tacos made with vegan Beyond Beef.

Pair them with a range of margaritas and house original cocktails. Mezcal expert Courtenay Greenleaf Torren consulted on the restaurant’s agave spirit offerings that includes raicilla, bacanora, mezcal, tequila, and sotol. Mandito’s “Make it a Margarita” offering allows diners to utilize any of those spirits in a margarita that comes with a choice of five different salts. In addition, a rotating frozen margarita will spotlight seasonal ingredients.

Inside, a BE&SCO Press and Oven greets diners. It will supply the restaurant with up to 900 tortillas per hour. Other design details include handmade straw light fixtures and custom prints by artist Sarah Shoemake. The dining room includes a 16-seat bar and a 42-seat, climate-controlled patio.

“We are thrilled to have the pleasure of introducing Mandito’s Tex-Mex to Bellaire and equally delighted to be able to reach new guests in the surrounding neighborhoods and greater Houston area.” Palacious Murphy COO Alex Curley said in a statement. “Our growth is focused on creating unforgettable guest experiences through genuine hospitality, amazing spaces, quality Tex-Mex cuisine, and an incredible beverage program. Mandito’s Tex-Mex in Bellaire provides us the perfect opportunity to do that, and our team can’t wait to open the doors and welcome the community.”

Mandito’s opens daily for lunch and dinner at 11 am.

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Mandito's is known for its burrito bowl.

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress