Molina’s Cantina lays claim to being the oldest Tex-Mex restaurant run by the same family in Houston. Through three generations, the eatery has provided Space City with a consistent supply of enchiladas.
It was a sunny and chilly weekday when my wife and I visited the Molina’s on Westheimer for a late lunch.
There are three Molina’s Cantinas around the Space City metro area. Today, the business is run by three grandsons of the original owners.
Next year the family business celebrates its 85th anniversary on June 12, 2026.
It all began in 1929 when Raul Molina left Laredo, Mexico, for a better life in Houston. After working at the Old Monterrey restaurant for a decade, he and his wife, Mary, bought the diner in 1941. It was one of only a handful of Mexican food restaurants in town at the time.
After college and serving in the military, Raul Jr. and his brother George returned to join their parents at the flourishing restaurant. The enterprise became Molina’s Cantina as the family opened outposts around town.
Eventually, Raul Jr.’s three sons – Raul III, Ricardo, and Roberto – took over management of the company.
As we ate our lunch of enchiladas and tacos, the manager, George, stopped by our table to ask if everything was satisfactory and if I liked the mole sauce. Being a big fan of mole sauces, I replied that it was among the best I’ve had.
Mole sauce is actually quite delicate, said George, who has worked at Molina’s for over a decade, despite its tough, chocolate appearance. The brown sauce is sensitive to fluctuations in heat. Too much and it is easily scorched; too cool and it becomes sluggish with muted flavors.
My chicken mole enchiladas were near perfect.
Molina’s Cantinas are at 7901 Westheimer Rd. and 3801 Bellaire Blvd. in Houston, and at 6300 FM 1463 in Fulshear.
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This article appears in March 21 • 2025.
