We stumbled upon this place during a lunch break walk down the promenade of w. Houston. Initially, we were weary of the food quality but after we took a look at the price of the lunch specials, our uneasiness was put to rest. Thinking we were going to get a few text book enchiladas, we ordered off of the native Spaniard who was working, who I must say, provided excellent service. To our surprise, a huge basket of piping hot chippies and some delicious mole salsa was brought to the table. As our feasting began, the waiter brought out hot, buttery biscuits and a cup of the most delectable chicken noodle soup our eyes ever saw. All of these bonus dishes which were complimentary mind you were magnificent treats. We barely had enough room for our main course, which was smothered in cheesy goodness. I recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a taste of the old country. Great food. Great service. Great price.

First of all, anything with cheese in it is spectacular here. I don't know what they do to it but it is sooooo good. Try the enchiladas or the quesadilla. The seafood is a great value and is delicious...like the lobster special for $14, the paella, or the shrimp in garlic sauce. Do yourself a favor and get to know the friendly owner and staff. Pretty soon you will be a regular and you never saw it coming.

The Gaspacho is from heaven, best ever had. The Mariscada, Paella (Valenciana & Marinera) superb. Mexican bill of fare among the best in the city. Don't leave without a pitcher of the best Sangria you will ever taste. Pedro is probably the best host around.

This thoroughly unpretentious Spanish-Mexican restaurant has a small, crowded space and huge menu. The vibe is consistently casual and festive. Attentive waiters refill chips and salsa (and bread), a roving guitar player occasionally serenades tables, and a diverse crowd guzzles margaritas and Mexican beers with abandon. You'll find almost every imaginable permutation of chicken, shrimp, steak, veal and paella, largely differentiated by sauce (garlic, tomato, pepper, onion, chilies, Medeira). To sample a few in the same dish, try the "three enchiladas, three sauces," with red, green and semisweet chocolate-brown (mole) sauces.

Pedro Rama's brother is in the fish business. That's the only explanation El Paso's owner Don Pedro offers when you ask how he can afford to serve a chubby pound-and-a-quarter lobster (steamed or broiled) with a mound of flavorful saffron rice and potato slices, and a house salad, for $13.95. The same meal costs almost $25 at Red Lobster, and you won't find a Mariachi band or excellent margaritas there.