The Original Marini's Empanada House — Restaurant in Houston

A Culinary Journey to The Original Marini's Empanada House The Original Marini's Empanada House stands as a testament to the power of exceptional food to create lasting family traditions. Located about an hour's drive away, this establishment has become an annual pilgrimage for our family, a journey we've been making since before we had children. The anticipation builds as we approach, knowing that we're about to indulge in what we consider to be the best empanadas we've ever tasted.

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a charming exterior that hints at the culinary delights within. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, catering to various preferences and weather conditions. The interior is warm and inviting, with an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and current.

The ordering process at Marini's is straightforward yet part of the overall experience. Customers place their orders at the counter, where they're given a table number. The staff then brings the food directly to the table, adding a touch of service to the casual dining setup. This system allows for a smooth flow of patrons and contributes to the relaxed ambiance of the establishment.

What truly sets Marini's apart is their impressive array of empanadas. The menu boasts an extensive selection that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. From savory to sweet, traditional to innovative, the variety ensures that every member of the family can find something to enjoy. This diversity is particularly appealing for groups with varying palates or dietary restrictions.

The savory empanadas offer a range of fillings, potentially including meat, vegetable, and cheese options. Each empanada is crafted with care, featuring a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a flavorful, well-seasoned interior. The sweet empanadas, on the other hand, transform the familiar handheld format into delightful desserts, making Marini's an excellent option for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.

One unique aspect of dining at Marini's is the slight challenge in identifying specific empanadas once they're served. However, this minor inconvenience is easily overcome by referring to the receipt, which lists the empanadas in the same order they're arranged on the plate. This small detail adds an element of anticipation to each bite.

The decor at Marini's is as memorable as the food. The walls serve as a canvas for patrons, covered in writing and signatures accumulated over the years. Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark, contributing to the ever-evolving tapestry of the restaurant's history. This interactive element creates a sense of community and belonging among regular patrons.

Adding to the ambiance are photographs adorning the walls, some dating back several decades. These images showcase the restaurant's longevity and popularity, featuring past presidents and celebrities who have dined there. This visual history provides diners with a sense of the establishment's significance and adds an element of discovery to the dining experience.

The Original Marini's Empanada House is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination that combines excellent food with a unique atmosphere. Whether visiting for a full meal or simply stopping by for dessert, the quality and variety of empanadas ensure a satisfying experience. The combination of delicious food, family-friendly environment, and rich history makes each visit memorable, explaining why it has become a cherished tradition for our family and undoubtedly for...

We used to go to your location in Katy, however, it closed down over the last couple years. So now we've had the honour of attending your first location. Location. You have so many delicious options. Go wrong with any of them, we chose three empanadas and it comes with fries and a sweet little mini dessert. We added teas to the mix and it was the perfect amount of food. I can't remember what they were called unfortunately. What I would say is that everything is absolutely homemade in house, the chimichurri is phenomenal, the outside of the empanadas is perfectly crispy but, because they are homemade and made to order, they are very hot. Very hot. You may want to crack them open and let them sit on the plate for 2 to 3 minutes before you actually bite in. Or you may burn your mouth the same way I did on the first bite...... I'm a fast learner LOL so instead I indulged in their curly wedge whole fries which I thought were delicious. But the one thing I would say is if you're looking for crispy french fries, you may have to request that. I'm not sure if it's a normal thing, but they were a little less fried than the normal American style french fry. And being that there Argentina that might be the general style. I'm just not really sure. Next time I will ask them to double fry mine 😁 but I would highly recommend it, they also have sandwiches and solids along with a take-home bakery option which look Divine. Divine. Will actually be taking my father-in-law here sometime this week. That's how much we have enjoyed it. He's coming in from out of town and we know he'll enjoy it too. All of the service personnel were friendly, informational and quick which was also wonderful. I'm not sure if it's a family-ran business or not, but nonetheless, everyone seems to enjoy the atmosphere and make it a pleasant experience to come into. No rushing No Disingenuousness, and the atmosphere is cute, kind of funky, and if you want, you can even leave your own mark on...

I wanted to try out empanadas for the first time, and I went to this spot because of all the rave reviews despite it being far from where I live. I have no regrets. Everyone I've met here was very friendly especially the woman who serviced me at the counter. Also, the interior is really cute and cozy.

♡ Chicken Poblana. 9/10! Sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious. The filling was generous, and the chicken was saucy and tender. It tasted divine especially with the green sauce (I think it's chimichurri? Not sure. sorry!). This was honestly my favorite out of the three that I ordered.

♡ Okie-dokie-artichokie. 8.5/10! Okay, this was amazingly delicious, and when I got a first bite of the cheese, it felt like I died and went to paradise. The seasoning was perfect.

♡ Evita Peron. 7/10! I like sweet potatoes as a dessert, so this is why I chose Evita Peron for my dessert empanada. The filling was a little thick, but yummy. I also didn't think it was too sweet either. Pretty good!

♡Alfajores de Maizena. 7/10! For two of them, they were about $5, and they can be found displayed at the counter. The alfajores were melt-in-your-mouth soft, and it made for a delicious small treat with my cup of coffee. This was good, but it is a bit pricy though.

｡ ₊°༺❤︎༻°₊ ｡ FINAL VERDICT: I don't care how far it is. I would go back because I've loved everything that I've ordered. Their empanada selection is huge, and there's so many other flavors that I want to try out. Also, they had other flavors of alfajores that seem interesting. Next time I come back, I'd probably ask for more of the green sauce because it was...