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.
For those interested in living legacies, the cafe definitely fits this description. For, there has long been a legend that once upon a time either the building which houses the cafe, or the house next door served as a bordello. While the house which sat next door to the cafe has now been torn down, a number of patrons often wondered while a house would host eight bedrooms, one bath and no kitchen. As such, rumors spread that the house was most likely 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.
With the somewhat interesting yet tainted history of the business, there are also some rather fun traditions which have carried over from owner to owner. These include, knocking on the red door twice for entry and having no sign on the building with regards to name or service. In most cases, it is believed that both these traditions date back to the time the business was believed to have been an operating bordello.
While originally there was no door knob on the outside door, local authorities insisted the cafe needed to add one for safety reasons. Still, regular patrons and those in the know still knock twice to gain entry. While most find the cafe easily enough by street number, it should be noted that another tradition is that the cafe has no signage anywhere on the building.
The cafe has gone through several changes over the years. In one case, it is now a live music venue offering local and touring bands in the area. In the 1990s and 2000s, the Hightailers provided entertainment playing every Thursday for over 28 years. Whereas, Carolyn Wonderland whom now tours internationally would provide entertainment every Tuesday night through most of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Like knocking on the door or the absence of signage, there are newer traditions which have been added. Some of these include, the annual Watermelon Festival which occurs in July, the annual Halloween show and costume contest on Halloween and what is considered one of the best New Years Eve parties in the area.
For those interested in living legacies, the cafe definitely fits this description. For, there has long been a legend that once upon a time either the building which houses the cafe, or the house next door served as a bordello. While the house which sat next door to the cafe has now been torn down, a number of patrons often wondered while a house would host eight bedrooms, one bath and no kitchen. As such, rumors spread that the house was most likely 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.
With the somewhat interesting yet tainted history of the business, there are also some rather fun traditions which have carried over from owner to owner. These include, knocking on the red door twice for entry and having no sign on the building with regards to name or service. In most cases, it is believed that both these traditions date back to the time the business was believed to have been an operating bordello.
While originally there was no door knob on the outside door, local authorities insisted the cafe needed to add one for safety reasons. Still, regular patrons and those in the know still knock twice to gain entry. While most find the cafe easily enough by street number, it should be noted that another tradition is that the cafe has no signage anywhere on the building.
The cafe has gone through several changes over the years. In one case, it is now a live music venue offering local and touring bands in the area. In the 1990s and 2000s, the Hightailers provided entertainment playing every Thursday for over 28 years. Whereas, Carolyn Wonderland whom now tours internationally would provide entertainment every Tuesday night through most of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Like knocking on the door or the absence of signage, there are newer traditions which have been added. Some of these include, the annual Watermelon Festival which occurs in July, the annual Halloween show and costume contest on Halloween and what is considered one of the best New Years Eve parties in the area.
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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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