When visiting any restaurant in the Houston warehouse district, it is often easy to get lost. While this is the case, the historic and Affordable Mexican Food Houston at Last Concert Cafe is well worth the search. For, while there have been many different stories as to the past businesses in the location, there are some which have been proved over time.
For those interested in living legacies, the cafe definitely fits this description. For, there has long been a legend that once upon a time either the building which houses the cafe, or the house next door served as a bordello. While the house which sat next door to the cafe has now been torn down, a number of patrons often wondered while a house would host eight bedrooms, one bath and no kitchen. As such, rumors spread that the house was most likely the bordello.
It was not until 1949 that Last Concert Cafe was opened as a restaurant. At that time, a 62 year old woman known as Mama Lopez purchased the business. The name came from a statement Lopez made stating that the restaurant would be her last endeavor. After which, Mama Lopez lived a long life and operated the business well into the 1980s.
While controversial, the business survived the largest marijuana bust in Houston history in the 1950s. Then, in the 1960s, it provided a home to the Houston gay community. After which, the business was threatened by the construction of Interstate 10E, though it seems Mama Lopez had connections with local city and state officials, so the freeway now runs along side the busy warehouse district rather than through where Last Concert, artist galleries and other businesses sit today.
With the varied history of the business, there are also some long standing traditions which are still in effect today. One of the longest is that patrons have to knock on the front door in order to gain admittance, often thought carried over from the time it was a bordello. In fact, there was no door knob on the outside door. Although, due to safety concerns that changed over time. At the same time, long standing regulars and those aware of the tradition still often knock to gain admittance.
While there are still no signs identifying the cafe, the current owners have posted a sign to assure new comers know where to go. As for the knocking, while originally there was no door knob on the door, city officials have declared there has to be one for safety reasons. As such, while some people simply walk in, most regulars still continue the long standing practice of knocking twice on the red door.
In recent years, the cafe has gone through some other changes. For example, in the 1990s, it became not only a Tex-Mex cafe but also a live music venue. Having been rated the best music venue more than once by the Houston Press, it is also a favorite among locals and musicians alike. In fact, in the 1990s, there were house bands whom played every Tuesday and Thursday, one for over 28 years. While those musicians are now involved in new interests, there is still live music either on the indoor, garden or outdoor stage most every night of the week.
Like knocking on the door or the absence of signage, there are newer traditions which have been added. Some of these include, the annual Watermelon Festival which occurs in July, the annual Halloween show and costume contest on Halloween and what is considered one of the best New Years Eve parties in the area.
For those interested in living legacies, the cafe definitely fits this description. For, there has long been a legend that once upon a time either the building which houses the cafe, or the house next door served as a bordello. While the house which sat next door to the cafe has now been torn down, a number of patrons often wondered while a house would host eight bedrooms, one bath and no kitchen. As such, rumors spread that the house was most likely the bordello.
It was not until 1949 that Last Concert Cafe was opened as a restaurant. At that time, a 62 year old woman known as Mama Lopez purchased the business. The name came from a statement Lopez made stating that the restaurant would be her last endeavor. After which, Mama Lopez lived a long life and operated the business well into the 1980s.
While controversial, the business survived the largest marijuana bust in Houston history in the 1950s. Then, in the 1960s, it provided a home to the Houston gay community. After which, the business was threatened by the construction of Interstate 10E, though it seems Mama Lopez had connections with local city and state officials, so the freeway now runs along side the busy warehouse district rather than through where Last Concert, artist galleries and other businesses sit today.
With the varied history of the business, there are also some long standing traditions which are still in effect today. One of the longest is that patrons have to knock on the front door in order to gain admittance, often thought carried over from the time it was a bordello. In fact, there was no door knob on the outside door. Although, due to safety concerns that changed over time. At the same time, long standing regulars and those aware of the tradition still often knock to gain admittance.
While there are still no signs identifying the cafe, the current owners have posted a sign to assure new comers know where to go. As for the knocking, while originally there was no door knob on the door, city officials have declared there has to be one for safety reasons. As such, while some people simply walk in, most regulars still continue the long standing practice of knocking twice on the red door.
In recent years, the cafe has gone through some other changes. For example, in the 1990s, it became not only a Tex-Mex cafe but also a live music venue. Having been rated the best music venue more than once by the Houston Press, it is also a favorite among locals and musicians alike. In fact, in the 1990s, there were house bands whom played every Tuesday and Thursday, one for over 28 years. While those musicians are now involved in new interests, there is still live music either on the indoor, garden or outdoor stage most every night of the week.
Like knocking on the door or the absence of signage, there are newer traditions which have been added. Some of these include, the annual Watermelon Festival which occurs in July, the annual Halloween show and costume contest on Halloween and what is considered one of the best New Years Eve parties in the area.
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Get an overview of the things to keep in mind when picking a restaurant and more information about an affordable Mexican food Houston restaurant at http://www.panchosmexicanbuffethouston.com now.
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