Candente lovers rejoice, a second location is coming to Houston this year! According to the Houston Press, this addition is expected to open its doors at 5101 Bellaire Boulevard before the end of the year. The brains and brawn behind the establishments is none other than Sambrooks Hospitality. The restaurant group confirmed with What Now Houston via email that owner Michael Sambrooks will take over the lease at the Bellaire location, where Mandito’s Tex-Mex recently closed.
“We’re excited to bring Candente’s energy and authentic, handcrafted Tex-Mex menu to the Bellaire community,” Sambrooks said.
Sambrooks opened its flagship location in Montrose in 2019. Last year, the Tex-Mex eatery received a recommendation in the first-ever Texas Michelin Guide. The Sambrooks Hospitality team says Candente is now the only Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston on the Michelin Guide list.
But that’s not the only nod Sambrooks has received from the Michelin Guide. The restaurateurs’ barbecue spot, The Pit Room, received a Bib Gourmand from The Guide last year. The BBQ spot opened its doors in 2016; now it too has a second location. Sambrooks opened the second The Pit Room at 10301 Katy Fwy last year.
Beyond the awards and recognition, Sambrooks’ establishments have become beloved Houston treasures in the community. The notable hospitality group feeds the needs of its clientele. BBQ and Tex-Mex are staples in the Texas community.
For those who are well aware of the menu, don’t fret, we’ve been informed that Candente Bellaire will indeed serve the “same winning menu.” For those of you who haven’t heard of this widely popular, Tex-Mex eatery, feast your eyes on this menu, or should I say, menus.
Candente offers brunch, lunch, and dinner. With a host of Mexican-inspired dishes like elote salad, cheesy enchiladas, and tortilla soup, the menu covers the best of both worlds. Inspiration from The Pit Room can be seen, smelled, and tasted in dishes like the Brisket Nachos and the Prime Niman Ranch skirt steak fajitas, to name a few. Candente is also known for its Gulf shrimp, seafood over a wood-fire grill, and margaritas. The handcrafted Tex-Mex staples that Houstonians have come to know and love will all be on the menu.
“Just as we’ve forged strong ties with Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, we’re eager to build a lasting friendship with Bellaire residents, which is my backyard. We can’t wait to bond over nachos and margaritas,” Sambrooks said.
The new Candente addition is expected to open doors at 5101 Bellaire Boulevard by the end of 2025.
