When looking for good Tex Mex cuisine, one place not to miss is that of Last Concert Cafe. For, the location provides historic and affordable Mexican Food Houston. Now offering a full bar, along with Tex Mex and American options, it is one of the best though lesser known establishments in the area.
In most cases, patrons also find the history and traditions of the establishment quite interesting. In one case, legend tells that the cafe or house next door was once a busy bordello. While the house has now been torn down, the white picket fenced property originally hosted 8 bedrooms, one or two bathrooms and no kitchen. As such, most believe the house actually served as the bordello.
It was not until 1949 that Last Concert Cafe was opened as a restaurant. At that time, a 62 year old woman known as Mama Lopez purchased the business. The name came from a statement Lopez made stating that the restaurant would be her last endeavor. After which, Mama Lopez lived a long life and operated the business well into the 1980s.
In the late 1950's, the business survived the largest marijuana bust in Houston history. Whereas, the establishment was also one of Houston's first gay bars in the 1960s. It has also been said that Lopez had sway with local officials during the construction of the I10 East Interstate which was rerouted to avoid interfering with the business.
Along with the legends surrounding the business, there are also some well known traditions. One such tradition, is that patrons are to knock twice on the red door to gain admittance. It is said that this tradition came about when the cafe or house served as a bordello. For, there was a judge whom lived nearby whom liked to frequent the business. As such, those seeking entrance had to knock so the judge would have time to wrap up any business and head out the back door.
While there are still no signs identifying the cafe, the current owners have posted a sign to assure new comers know where to go. As for the knocking, while originally there was no door knob on the door, city officials have declared there has to be one for safety reasons. As such, while some people simply walk in, most regulars still continue the long standing practice of knocking twice on the red door.
In recent years, the cafe has gone through some other changes. For example, in the 1990s, it became not only a Tex-Mex cafe but also a live music venue. Having been rated the best music venue more than once by the Houston Press, it is also a favorite among locals and musicians alike. In fact, in the 1990s, there were house bands whom played every Tuesday and Thursday, one for over 28 years. While those musicians are now involved in new interests, there is still live music either on the indoor, garden or outdoor stage most every night of the week.
Beyond the live music, there are other long standing traditions which have been started over the last few decades. These include, an annual Watermelon Social, a costume contest on Halloween and a New Years Eve party that is often hard to beat when it comes to looking for a great time in Houston.
In most cases, patrons also find the history and traditions of the establishment quite interesting. In one case, legend tells that the cafe or house next door was once a busy bordello. While the house has now been torn down, the white picket fenced property originally hosted 8 bedrooms, one or two bathrooms and no kitchen. As such, most believe the house actually served as the bordello.
It was not until 1949 that Last Concert Cafe was opened as a restaurant. At that time, a 62 year old woman known as Mama Lopez purchased the business. The name came from a statement Lopez made stating that the restaurant would be her last endeavor. After which, Mama Lopez lived a long life and operated the business well into the 1980s.
In the late 1950's, the business survived the largest marijuana bust in Houston history. Whereas, the establishment was also one of Houston's first gay bars in the 1960s. It has also been said that Lopez had sway with local officials during the construction of the I10 East Interstate which was rerouted to avoid interfering with the business.
Along with the legends surrounding the business, there are also some well known traditions. One such tradition, is that patrons are to knock twice on the red door to gain admittance. It is said that this tradition came about when the cafe or house served as a bordello. For, there was a judge whom lived nearby whom liked to frequent the business. As such, those seeking entrance had to knock so the judge would have time to wrap up any business and head out the back door.
While there are still no signs identifying the cafe, the current owners have posted a sign to assure new comers know where to go. As for the knocking, while originally there was no door knob on the door, city officials have declared there has to be one for safety reasons. As such, while some people simply walk in, most regulars still continue the long standing practice of knocking twice on the red door.
In recent years, the cafe has gone through some other changes. For example, in the 1990s, it became not only a Tex-Mex cafe but also a live music venue. Having been rated the best music venue more than once by the Houston Press, it is also a favorite among locals and musicians alike. In fact, in the 1990s, there were house bands whom played every Tuesday and Thursday, one for over 28 years. While those musicians are now involved in new interests, there is still live music either on the indoor, garden or outdoor stage most every night of the week.
Beyond the live music, there are other long standing traditions which have been started over the last few decades. These include, an annual Watermelon Social, a costume contest on Halloween and a New Years Eve party that is often hard to beat when it comes to looking for a great time in Houston.
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Get an overview of the things to keep in mind when picking a restaurant and more information about an affordable Mexican food Houston restaurant at http://www.panchosmexicanbuffethouston.com now.
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