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.
The most questionable history relates to the cafe and the house that once sat next door. For, a legend long told was that the house or cafe was at one time a bordello. The house, small in appearance though large in size actually hosted eight bedrooms though no kitchen when originally built over 100 years ago.
Mama Lopez opened the first restaurant in the location in 1949. The name of the business came about when Lopez suggested that it would be her last business endeavor. Still, at 62, the restaurant was a success with Mama Lopez operating it well into her 90s. After which, the cafe was purchased by others whom would preserve the past traditions while creating new ones along with turning into a live music venue.
Having survived what is believed to have been the largest marijuana busts in Houston in the 1950s, paying homage to the gay community in the 1960s, and having overcome construction of the I10E, it appears the cafe will remain in the current location for quite some time. While no longer specified as a gay bar, the restaurant and bar are open to all people. As for the marijuana bust in the 1950s, times were very different back then. At the same time, it is important that patrons understand possessing, distributing or smoking is still against local and national law.
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.
Another tradition is the lack of signage on the building. While there has been a sign posted down the street to assure new customers are on the right track, the owners still refuse to post a sign on the building in order to keep with these long standing traditions.
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.
Along with live music, there are other traditions which have been introduced by various owners and managers over time. These include, the annual Watermelon Festival in July, a Halloween celebration complete with costume contest on Halloween and what is no doubt one of the biggest and best New Year's Eve parties in Houston.
The most questionable history relates to the cafe and the house that once sat next door. For, a legend long told was that the house or cafe was at one time a bordello. The house, small in appearance though large in size actually hosted eight bedrooms though no kitchen when originally built over 100 years ago.
Mama Lopez opened the first restaurant in the location in 1949. The name of the business came about when Lopez suggested that it would be her last business endeavor. Still, at 62, the restaurant was a success with Mama Lopez operating it well into her 90s. After which, the cafe was purchased by others whom would preserve the past traditions while creating new ones along with turning into a live music venue.
Having survived what is believed to have been the largest marijuana busts in Houston in the 1950s, paying homage to the gay community in the 1960s, and having overcome construction of the I10E, it appears the cafe will remain in the current location for quite some time. While no longer specified as a gay bar, the restaurant and bar are open to all people. As for the marijuana bust in the 1950s, times were very different back then. At the same time, it is important that patrons understand possessing, distributing or smoking is still against local and national law.
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.
Another tradition is the lack of signage on the building. While there has been a sign posted down the street to assure new customers are on the right track, the owners still refuse to post a sign on the building in order to keep with these long standing traditions.
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.
Along with live music, there are other traditions which have been introduced by various owners and managers over time. These include, the annual Watermelon Festival in July, a Halloween celebration complete with costume contest on Halloween and what is no doubt one of the biggest and best New Year's Eve parties 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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