Chapultepec might be easy to miss when one drives on Richmond Avenue. There’s one sign by a window, but despite its modest appearance, it’s well worth a visit.
One of the strengths of Chapultepec is its ambience. The courteous staff offers patrons the opportunity to sit in any area they please, and because the restaurant is quite large, there are plenty of areas from which to choose, including a bar area with several televisions.
If patrons want to hear some music from a jukebox†while eating, Chapultepec has one that features everything from artists such as Marc Anthony to vintage albums by The Isley Brothers.
The most important part of any restaurant is naturally the food. Chapultepec offers a large menu with Mexican dishes such as chicken and beef flautas, enchiladas and seafood dishes featuring Tilapia. Though Chapultepec specializes in Mexican food, they also serve a hamburguesa and fritos. The burger has a taste reminiscent of burgers sold at taco trucks in Los Angeles, and the orange-colored fries have a seasoning that gives them a unique flavor.
Chapultepec has been in Houston for more than 30 years, said Manager Raul Gonzalez, who has managed Chapultepec for five years. "It’s simply good Tex-Mex food, and we have many repeat customers, especially students from area universities – Rice, St. Thomas and UH," Gonzalez said.
One reason it is popular among students is it’s one of the few restaurants in Houston open 24 hours, with the exception of Tuesday and Wednesday, when it is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Any student is likely to make a late-night/early morning food run at some point during their college years.
Chapultepec also features a daily happy hour with popular tequilas, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Gonzalez said.
