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.