El Tiempo Cantina   

3130 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77098
713-807-1600
www.eltiempocantina.com

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Step into Old Mexico when you walk into this cantina, previously located just off the Katy Freeway. El Tiempo is the creation of the Laurenzo family, which has been serving up tasty Mexican food to Houston diners since 1948. The late Mrs. Laurenzo was better known as Mama Ninfa, founder of Ninfa's Mexican Restaurants. Giant portraits of the Laurenzo family's Italian and Mexican immigrant ancestors line the walls. Waiters mill around in mariachi outfits offering up ceviche and tacos al carbon while a tiny woman churns out corn tortillas on a hand cranked machine. Ninfa's grandson, Domenic Laurenzo, is El Tiempo's head chef. Drawing on his mixed ethnic heritage Domenic has added a few Italian twists to the classic Mexican menu such as using olive oil and cream cheese instead of the usual lard in the tamales, and serving up Calamari Frito con Jalapenos -- one of the Tiempo's popular appetizers. Carne asada, chiles rellenos, caldo de pollo and, of course, those famous fajitas top the menu with entrees featuring grilled meats and fresh seafood. Desserts include freshly made orange flan, tres leches cake and apple empanadas a la mode. Most entrees and desserts are large enough to share but you might not feel so generous when it comes to the Cantina's drinks. The fully stocked bar offers up over three-dozen tequilas, each available as shots or in super-sized margaritas. And in case you enjoy those margaritas a little too much, you can nurse your hangover at the Tiempo's special breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.