My Top 3 Family Owned Restaurants in the Houston Area

It's no secret. I love to eat, like I absolutely love it. I especially love when I can support a smaller family run business rather than a huge chain. These are my top 3 favorite family owned restaurants in the Houston area. There's a chance that I may even run into you at one!

  1. El Dorado Mexican RestaurantI've been coming here since they first opened. They've never ceased to satisfy my Mexican cravings. The waitstaff is always friendly and accommodating, especially to special needs. I almost always get the Durango - a chile con queso puff, a guacamole taco, a cheese enchilada and a sour cream chicken enchilada with rice and beans. It can be quite a bit of food, but it's too delicious to deviate to another meal. One of my other favorite meals is the Also, their pina colada is absolutely phenomenal. This family has worked so hard. I'm so excited to say that they have opened a new location in League City. My family and I went right when it opened and we absolutely loved it. Well done, friends!

  2. Dumar's Mediterranean RestaurantI've said before that this I recommend the couples plate. I wholeheartedly still urge you to order that. It allows you to try all the things possible on the menu. I have officially tried all the chicken shawarma options and have to say that there's no way you can go wrong. There's something so delectable about their chicken shawarma that keeps me coming back for it. Rick loves the lamb kebab. Next time, we're trying the kenafeh!

  3. Marini's Empanada HouseI got to know the Marini's the summer after my senior year in high school when I first fell in love with Argentinean empanadas. My absolute favorite things on the menu are the Apple Gabriella (diced apples, dulce de leche, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and nuts), the Italian Marcello (Italian sausage, pizza sauce, mozzarella & provolone cheese) and the New Yorker (broccoli, cream sauce, mozzarella & provolone cheese). The best part is that each empanada is super customizable. I almost always add avocado to the New Yorker. It just makes it even better. Marini's has been growing increasingly famous which is awesome as they are such a sweet, sweet family. They have their restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives this Friday night.

Ashley

Ashley

I hope y'all spend the night out at one of these establishments. I have absolutely loved my time spent at all of them and hope you do too.Happy eating!