Candente, a popular and Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant, is expanding into Bellaire. Sambrooks Hospitality has secured the lease at 5101 Bellaire Blvd. — the former site of Mandito’s Tex-Mex — and plans to open the new location before the end of 2025.
What We Know
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The new outpost will offer the same handcrafted, wood-fire-grilled menu as the original Montrose location: fajitas, carne asada, chicken, seafood, plus classics like tacos, queso, and shareable plates.
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Drinks will feature classic cocktails like margaritas, tequila flights, flavored sangrias, and ranch waters.
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The Bellaire site is essentially a rebrand of the former Mandito’s Tex-Mex, which recently closed.
Why This Matters to Bellaire
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Candente gains access to a community close to the core of its existing support base; Bellaire is nearby and its residents are likely familiar with Sambrooks Hospitality’s Montrose presence.
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For Bellaire locals, this brings a Tex-Mex option with elevated pedigree — especially given Candente’s reputation and its recognition in the Texas Michelin Guide.
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The location has high visibility and will be strategic for weekend crowds, families, and neighborhood diners.
What’s Next to Watch
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The opening timeline (before end of 2025) will be tight — fit-out, staffing, permits, and branding will all need to move quickly.
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How similar or different the Bellaire location will feel compared to Montrose: ambiance, size, layout, and possible tweaks for local preferences.
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Whether the restaurant will offer any promotions, soft openings, or preview events to introduce itself to Bellaire.
Conclusion
The arrival of Candente in Bellaire adds a new flavor to the local dining scene. It’s more than just another location — it brings a well-known restaurant with strong credentials closer to many folks who enjoy elevated Tex-Mex. For both the Candente brand and the Bellaire community, this expansion holds promise — for great food, neighborhood energy, and shared experiences around tacos, fajitas, and margaritas.
