Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1500318
C ontinuing their expanding restaurant empire, Armando Palacios and Cinda Murphy de Palacios (proprietors of Armandos in Houston, Lulu's in both Round Top and Houston and Popi Burger in Round Top) have introduced their casual cantina Mandito's Tex-Mex to Houston fans hungry for the authentic fare that's made Mandito's in Round Top a favorite destination. The Palacios team tasked New York-based architect Rocco DeLeo to help them design the bright and cheery eatery located in the heart of Bellaire. Hand- painted straw light fixtures from Mexico float at the ceiling above color-blocked booths. Anchoring the dining room is a 16-seat bar framed by repurposed v i n t a g e shutters. The temperature- c o n t r o l l e d patio offers y e a r- ro u n d o u t d o o r dining and m a r g a r i t a i m b i b i n g , and a state- o f - t h e - a r t tortilla press churns out 900 tortillas a n h o u r . And that's a good thing, considering the popularity of this lunch and early evening cafe. The menu rings familiar with Round Top regulars, who line up for the World Famous Burrito Bowl, loaded with chicken, beef, or shrimp plus lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, avocado, white rice, and black beans, or the famed chicken and beef fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos. Mandito's Tex-Mex, 5101 Bellaire Blvd., manditostexmex.com. A Round Top Favorite Lands in Bellaire By Shelby Hodge. Photography Mackenzie Smith Kelley. Mandito's Tex Mex Mandito's shrimp kale salad and grilled salmon Mandito's dessert sundae Blueberry frozen cocktail 12