Raul Molina Sr. came up from Laredo, took over a West Gray restaurant called Old Monterrey in 1941 with his wife, Mary, and put the family name on Houston Tex-Mex for good. His grandsons Raul III, Ricardo and Roberto run it now, and long-tenured waiters still steer first-timers. The Bellaire Boulevard location is the easy pick for visitors: an unfussy, comfortable dining room near West University made for long family dinners and frozen margaritas, a drink the Molinas were pouring by the mid-1970s. Order the chili cheese enchiladas topped with a fried egg, which Raul Jr. calls his favorite, or the C.W. Special, a taco al carbon paired with a cheese enchilada. Several plates carry the names of the regulars who asked for them first.
What to expect
- Big booths and tables fill a dim, cave-like room that suits groups.
- Expect families and birthday tables; it is kid-friendly.
- It can get crowded at peak dinner hours.
What to order
- Chili cheese enchiladas with a fried egg
- C.W. Special (taco al carbon and cheese enchilada)
- Williams Special (carne asada, grilled onions, enchiladas)
- Frozen margarita
- 1941Since
- Raul Molina Sr.Founder
- 7901 Westheimer Rd; 6300 FM 1463, FulshearOther locations