Molina's Cantina

For members of the Molina’s family, mi familia, “my family,” embraces not only relatives, but employees and customers who walk through the door to come home to Molina’s. “My grandfather just wanted a little business where people could come in and feel like they were wanted,” says Raul Molina III. “I don’t think he expected Molina’s to play such an integral role in Houston’s culinary landscape.”

It was 1929 when Raul Molina left his hometown of Laredo, Mexico to seek a better life in Houston. He was 18 and, like many of his contemporaries, found work in a local restaurant as a dishwasher and busboy.

On June 12, 1941, Raul and wife Mary purchased the restaurant where Raul had been employed for 10 years, the Old Monterrey Restaurant, located at 1919 West Gray. Mary cooked. Raul waited tables. Sons Raul Jr. and George washed dishes. The family lived above the restaurant in one room. All of their meals were eaten at the restaurant. No doubt, it was love and determination that made the family business a success.

After enjoying two years as restaurateurs, the couple bought the Mexico City Restaurant at 3916 South Main. Both sons left for college, and later to serve in the United States Army. While Raul Jr. and George were serving their country, their father made them partners in the business. In 1952 the restaurant was renamed Molina’s Mexico City Restaurant and later to Molina’s Restaurant & Cantina.

Molina's Cantina 3 brothersThroughout the decades, father and sons ope