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Armandos

MY REVIEW: We tried this place for the first time this weekend because we had a Groupon. Wow, we loved the interior; it's very upscale and sophisticated for a Mexican spot - really charming with cozy booths, fresh flowers, and white linen tablecloths.

Loved the thick, fresh-from-the-oven, crispy tortilla chips. We ordered queso to go along with it, and it was good as well. This restaurant is very big on presentation; the chips were served in an elaborate cone rather than just being dumped into a plastic serving bowl. I had a margarita, and it was really delicious - and too big for me to finish, and it seemed pretty strong. Good fresh limey flavor, with a big lime wedge served on the side.

For our meals, we each had a combination plate. Mine had a cheese enchilada, taco, and beef fajita. The beef fajita was served without a tortilla which wasn't really what I was expecting, but the meat and grilled onions had a good flavor. The enchilada was fine, but it didn't wow me, and the taco was good - very crisp and not soggy. My husband had tacos al carbon that he really enjoyed along with an enchilada

The service was nice and very professional. Prices run a little high for Mexican food, but I feel like we got a good value because we had the Groupon. This place is right near C*huy's and Cafe A*dobe, so there's a lot of competition for Mexican food in this area. Armando's definitely caters more to those wanting a sophisticated evening in a cozy little place than to a party crowd, but to me the prices still run a little high. We'll definitely go back, but probably when we're wanting a nice evening out or celebrating something special.

NAME: newbride
SUBMITTED: 2/26/2011   LAST VISIT WAS: February 2011
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I LOVE Armandos! Great location, great food, great margaritas. Parking is an absolute pain because the rabid valet parking people stick those obnoxious cones in each and every available space and its so tedious when one simply wants to go park and go it to eat and drink.

However, going there for a Taco al carbon is well worth it and the ambiance is always really nice. Used to love the "old" Armando's on Shepherd and this is very different but a nice up-market crowd at all times.

I "vill" be back!!! Keep up the high standards, Armando, you have no competition!

NAME: Harrogatelass
SUBMITTED: 12/6/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2010

MY REVIEW: This was our first time to Armando's, but will definitely not be our last. We were there to celebrate my husband's birthday. Our waiter, Joe, was very friendly, attentive and made sure every need we had was met. The restaurant itself was tastefully decorated and quite inviting.

The food was incredible! Starting with the homemade chips and salsa. We ordered the steak fajitas and chicken enchiladas which were both the best we've ever had. Our waiter even surprised us with a piece of Tres Leche cake, which was moist and very tasty. We had such an incredible experience we asked to speak with the manager. Little did we know, Armando himself came to greet us, and he couldn't have been more gracious. He sat down, welcomed us as first time visitors and even offered us a birthday cocktail! We will definitely visit Armando and his staff again....we can't wait to go back!

NAME: Chris & Tammy
SUBMITTED: 12/3/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/02/2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: Great atmosphere but service was horrible. With prices on the higher side for Mexican, I was expecting much better service. Food was okay...nothing to warrant the high prices. Mexican food in Houston in abundant and this was a complete disappointment. Mind you, Armando, the owner, strutted about, but never once acknowledged that we waited 45 minutes for our drinks or that an appetizer of guacamole was served without chips. Irrelevant of our terrible service, the food was just mediocre. I was very excited to try a "fancy" Mexican restaurant and expected a lot more (service and food quality) from Armandos. It was a complete disappointment and I don't think I would give it a second chance when there are SO many Mexican restaurants in Houston.

NAME: Allison
SUBMITTED: 9/29/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We read some recent mixed reviews about this restaurant, but were heading in from the burbs to see the symphony and decided to give it a shot. IT WAS FANTASTIC!

Service was exceptional, decor and ambiance was beautiful and the food was amazing. My husband and I don't drink so we ordered a couple of lemonades and they came freshly squeezed. It was a perfect night out.

We don't make it into the city too often but we'll make a date to go back.

NAME: treearch
SUBMITTED: 9/26/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: Sept 26 2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: Have to agree with some other reviewers on the valet. They take up most of the parking lot and it is probably unnecessary here. However, we did find a non-valet spot at the other end of the parking lot. We only do valet where it is absolutely necessary and it makes sense.

We enjoyed the thick chips and housemade salsa to start with and while the margaritas are a little high we found both the frozen and rocks versions quite excellent. We started with the fried avocado appetizer and it was done perfectly and we really enjoyed the chipoltole sauce that went with it. The sauce had a nice kick without being too much. My wife had the crab enchiladas and she said that they were as good or better than any others she's ever had and was stuffed with a good portion of crab. My snapper was vey good but not quite as good as the version at El T**mp*. However, people do need to be warned that the prices are somewhat high although our cost was moderated by a restaurant.com certificate.

We found the service to be very good and efficient. While it may be somewhat upscale, we did see a number of people in nice shorts and people could feel comfortable here in casual clothes. Resrvations are best made through the restaurant as the times available on Open Table are not all that convenient.

NAME: edndeb
SUBMITTED: 9/5/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We have often passed by this restaurant and never stopped in. However, they recently were added to a restaurant gift certificate website so we got our $25 off $35 and decided to try it.

LOCATION: Westheimer and Kirby. Great location. Didn't like that that valet guy had reserved over half of the available parking spaces in the strip center. Fortunately, it was a slow night. We never waste our money of valet parking.

ATMOSPHERE: This is a River Oaks restaurant and the atmosphere was very upscale. We almost felt underdressed in jeans and shorts. However, once you plopped under the white table cloth, no one could tell.

SERVICE: Our waiter was very attentive. Waters and Iced Tea were refilled regularly.

FOOD: The food was great. We started with fresh and thick tortilla chips with some great salsa. This all had to be homemade. I had a cup of chicken tortilla soup. Very tasty. For my entre, I had tacos al carbon...served in fresh flour tortillas. The meat was very tasty and it came with beans and rice. My wife had 3 chicken enchiladas and substituted one with spinach. They were great. Very generous amount of cheese. She had the sauces on the side. I will be enjoying one for lunch today.

OVERALL: This is surely upscale Mexican. I am thankful we had the gift certificate which made the meal very affordable. Without it, I think the menu was too pricey. Overall, it was a great meal and we will go back.

NAME: RandS_dine_alot
SUBMITTED: 7/6/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We had not visited Armandos since it reopened from the old days and we won't be going back any time soon. The food was above-average both of us having the fish. The Margaritas however were very disappointing! After spending $48.00 on 4 of them we were wondering what time warp we had fallen into! If we were to return we would have the fish again and order the wine instead. You can tell the restaurant depends on the old money of River Oaks to survive.

NAME: mm6235
SUBMITTED: 9/17/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed our visits to Armando's. The service has been terrific with Carlos being a great bartender, and the food unlike anything we have experienced on this side of the border. The head chef, Alex, knows how to put out a quality product.

When people say nachos are nachos..I invite them to try Armando's chicken nachos. Done individually they are not in some messy stack or pile. The ceviche there is sublime, as are their twice refried beans and the fluffy spanish rice. And these are just the sides and appetizers! Every entree from the enchiladas to the twin filet kebobs have been outstanding.

Yes, I agree that their ritas are a little more expensive than most mexican joints, but a mexican joint this is not. It is more like fine dining ala Mexico City. Try it and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

NAME: pasurfguy
SUBMITTED: 9/5/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 8/2008
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: My wife and I went for dinner on a slow night (Sunday, Labor Day weekend). Therefore, I can't determine if the service is always as attentive as it was that evening. We were impressed by the decor and friendliness of the staff. Our house margaritas were very smooth although a bit sweet for my taste. The guacamole was also quite tasty.

We each ordered a combination plate. All of the items were very good but the beef fajitas were amazing. Better than P*appasito's or L*upe Tortilla. We will definitely be back.

NAME: New fan
SUBMITTED: 9/4/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: August, 2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I scheduled a dinner meeting in the private dining room, expecting to hold a quiet business meeting. Not so much. The room is more like a private balcony and has no sound protection from the incredibly loud main dining room. We had to yell to conduct our meeting. I take full blame for this - I assumed private meant quiet. I should have asked.

Beautiful room, the food was good as were the margaritas. The service was capable and discreet. Prices were very reasonable for the type of venue. One negative (for me), there were very few vegetarian selections - the beans are made with animal fat and the only vegan items were the guacamole and the salsa (which was good). Armando - you could score big points by including some veggie friendly items on your beautiful menu!

I will return here with a group of friends - but won't use the private room for business until they soundproof it!

NAME: optimist
SUBMITTED: 8/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: August 2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: Finally a wonderful restaurant in Clear Lake. Armando's is fresh, the food is great and the service was perfect. We will return!

NAME: SW
SUBMITTED: 5/14/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/8/08
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: Strongest point is the nice setting with white tablecloths(unusual for a Mexican Restaurant!). An upscale Mexican restaurant is a great idea, but the food was not good and the prices are high! Margaritas are $9/$12/and $18. The "homemade" chips tasted burned, and the sauces left much to be desired. Service was just OK. We eat out alot, and welcome new restaurants to the area, but this one needs some improvement to be on our "list".

NAME: nh
SUBMITTED: 5/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/07/2008
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: What a nice, refreshing and delicious restaurant to the CL area. We were greeted promptly. The service was perfect. The food was decedent. It is so good to see a "real" fine dining restaurant in this area of Nasa Parkway make their way. You have to check it out. The ambiance inside is top notch and very relaxing. Great breeze on the patio with partial sun and shade. Paris and Joseph both deliver superb service. We welcome you to our community and this is a must visit at least one night a week. The lump crabmeat enchiladas are to die for.

NAME: jm
SUBMITTED: 4/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/08
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We were promptly seated at our reservation time. The restaurant ambiance is very nice and our waiter was pleasant. The margaritas were wonderful as was the queso flamedo (even though it was a very small portion). The salsa was as if they had emptied a can of stewed tomatoes in bowl. One of the bowls had a whole tomato in it and it was flavorless. Their second salsa had a little more flavor, but was too watery. The chicken enchilada that I ordered had a bone in it and the black beans tasted like dishwater. I was surprised that the food was not very flavorful considering the prices. We ordered sopapillas and tres leches for dessert. The sopapillas were not puffed, but were flat, dried out dough. The tres leches was dry. Armando was there and only checked on the tables of patrons he knew...why not check with everyone? It was a Sat. night and there were empty tables, and now I know why. We waited a long time to go and try Armandos, and we should have waited longer. We will definitely not be going back.

NAME: bdug
SUBMITTED: 2/3/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/08
FREQUENCY: Visited once

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