Candente, 5101 Bellaire Boulevard, opened December 22. It’s the second location of the Tex-Mex concept from Sambrooks Hospitality and pit master Michael Sambrooks, right on the heels of being recognized for a second year in a row by the Michelin Guide. It’s the only Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston to earn a Michelin star as of yet.
It took over the space that formerly housed Mandito’s Tex-Mex, which shuttered this past September. It was immediately announced that Sambrooks would open Candente in its place. Its original location in Montrose has become a destination eatery, while the Bellaire spot puts it smack dab in the Bellaire neighborhood.
Candente first opened in 2019, next to Sambrooks’ The Pit Room, his highly acclaimed barbecue restaurant. Using much of the same live-fire techniques, Candente impressed diners with perfectly-grilled fajitas and the much-craved brisket nachos. And there are plenty of other Tex-Mex favorites such as its popular chile con queso and variety of enchiladas, but also ceviche and redfish on the half shell. Its Frito Pie is a particularly comforting bowl of Texas red during Houston’s rare chilly weather.
The bar program features classic Tex-Mex beverages like margaritas and aguas frescas, plus palomas, mojitos and a good selection of ice cold beer. There’s a 10-seat bar in the open concept dining room, which features a stunning mural from local artist Franky Cardona. There’s also an outdoor patio that can accommodate 24 guests.
Arriving just in time for the onslaught of holiday festivities, Candente also offers a catering menu and bulk to-go orders to show out-of-state relatives what good Tex-Mex really is.
Trader Joe’s, 9715 Towne Lake Parkway, opened December 19 in Cypress. When we previously reached out December 17, we were told there was no definitive date, but lo and behold it opened two days later. It’s part of an expansion plan that seems to be in full force with the recent opening of the Kingwood store earlier this month and another planned for Bellaire in the near future.
Taco Cabana began a double happy hour this month, available Sunday through Thursday. In the afternoon, it runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., then it offers a late-nite happy hour from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Diners will find deals like $3 bean & cheese nachos, $3 chicken flauta packs (3), and loaded carne asada fries for a sweet three bucks as well. Guests and drive-thru or delivery customers can also enjoy the happy hour tequila margaritas or non-alcoholic Cabana Refreshers for $2.50. Don’t forget a strawberry pie for a dollar.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.