The team behind Armandos has brought their family friendly Tex-Mex restaurant to Katy. Mandito’s Tex-Mex is now open in the former Jax Grill location at 9910 Gaston Rd.
Photo by Mackenzie Smith Kelley
Mandito's serves all the Tex-Mex favorites
Part of the Palacios Murphy Hospitality Group that also includes River Oaks favorite Armandos and Italian restaurant Lulu’s, Mandito’s is a more family-friendly establishment than its upscale siblings. The Katy location is the concept’s second Houston-area outpost, joining an outpost in Bellaire that opened last year. Mandito’s takes its name from the childhood nickname of co-owner Armando Palacios — “Mandito” means “little Armando.”
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. Other favorites include the Tex-Mex Kale Caesar, Tres Hombres Plate (three different enchiladas), and the Tex-Mex Banana Split. They’re paired with a robust range of frozen and shaken margaritas.
Palacios Murphy COO Alex Curley lives in Katy with his family. They volunteer at their children’s schools in Katy ISD and coach youth sports, according to a release.
“As a Katy resident, I am thrilled to bring Mandito’s Tex-Mex to a neighborhood I cherish,” Curley said in a statement. “I can’t wait to bring our authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, a best-in-class agave spirits program, and selfless hospitality to Katy. There is nothing more gratifying than doing what you love, while giving back to a community that has given my family so much. Our Mandito’s team is genuinely excited to provide an opportunity for our entire community to come together around great food, drink, and fun.”
The Palacios family collaborated with New York-based architect Rocco DiLeo on the restaurant’s interior design. At approximately 5,000-square-feet, it seats 208 people inside and another 50 on an outdoor patio. In addition, an expanded to-go area will have a dedicated entrance to expedite pick-ups.
The restaurant wants to give back to its neighborhood, too. Therefore it will host spirit nights for local schools and sports team and offer a 10-percent discount to Katy ISD employees and first responders.
