Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #3 - Armando's

Restaurant Ambiance

To say that we were not a fan of Armando’s vibe may just be the biggest understatement since some guy first uttered the phrase “Houston, we have a problem.” We commence with our airing of grievances by commenting on the restaurant’s lack of a web site. In the year 2008, with the Internet revolution having come and gone, how is it possible for any business to not have its own URL? Even more disgraceful is the fact that when we conducted a web search for the terms Armando’s and Houston, we were directed to the virtual home for the dining establishment that previously inhabited Armando’s physical location! That’s right, we were promptly provided with the menu for the River Oaks Grill.

Shameful to say the least.

The tribulations didn’t stop there for Armando’s. It took us quite a few minutes to locate the actual front door of the establishment. Why? Because for reasons that lack in any form of logic or justification, the restaurant has chosen not to adorn its exterior with any type of signage to assist potential patrons attempting to locate its setting. Thus, we were mandated to drive through every corner of the intersection and waste precious time seeking out the bistro. After a few minutes of this inane hunt, we stumbled across a finely dressed valet in front of a nondescript building within a strip mall. In a hurry to get our margarita on, we opted to gamble by pulling up our car and forking over our keys. Fortunately, we conjectured correctly and staggered into Armando’s, albeit in a very dreadful mood. Thinking back on the events that unfolded, we were lucky to have not fallen victim to an automobile theft operation by bestowing our car keys to a random stranger in front of a symbol-less edifice.

Immediately upon entering the eatery, a sense rushed through our spines indicating that we were not the typical patron that usually sets foot within the premises. Our primary concern was our appearance. While all other diners were dressed in sports coats and fanciful dresses, we looked like schleps in our jeans and sandals (but no socks). Secondly, we noticed that we were the youngest people in the restaurant by more than 20 years. Now we’re not discriminatory against the elderly by any means, but since we’re on the wrong side of 30 we found this observation to be telling of our impression of the establishment thus far into the evening. Furthermore, it was obvious that Armando’s catered to a quiet crowd in search of a hushed and romantic atmosphere. But unlike Las Alamedas, the combination of aforementioned faults caused us to sour on the establishment’s ambiance. Nonetheless, the succulent margaritas that we would soon consume helped us disregard all of the restaurant’s faults.

Restaurant Ambiance - Score: 6 of 15 points

Miscellaneous

For the first time in this investigation’s short-lived history, we actually jotted down a few notes regarding drink prices. At $12 per margarita, our beverages proved to be pricy. However because we were jubilated by the strength and taste of our drinks, we were willing to overlook the fact that our wallets were becoming lighter by the glass. In addition, we are proud to announce that there were no hangover effects, save for a minor bout of dehydration that a glass of cold water was able to cure.

Miscellaneous - Score: 10 of 15 points

Armando's earned a final score of 34 out of a possible 55 points.

Armando's
2630 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77098

The next stop on our journey is Canyon Cafe. Stay tuned!

As always, please use a designated driver or “cab it.” Stay safe and smart out there, Houston.

Houston's Best Margarita Archive
Houston's Best Margarita - Introduction
Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #1 - Las Alamedas (39 of 55 points)
Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #2 - Pico's Mex Mex (38 of 55 points)
Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #3 – Armando’s (34 of 55 points)
Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #4 – Canyon Cafe (21 of 55 points)
Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #5 – El Patio (41 of 55 points)
Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #6 – El Pueblito Place (37 of 55 points)
Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #7 – Kobain (22 out of 55 points)